Real Estate Boom Began the Roaring Twenties in the Town of Pelham

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As early as mid-April, 1920, the "Roaring Twenties" were well underway in the growing Town of Pelham.  Indeed, the local economy was humming.  Real estate was hot.  Local builders and real estate speculators already were buying up land and building new homes on spec.  The bulls and their run up to Black Friday and the Great Stock Market Crash of 1929, followed by the Great Depression, already were stampeding.  

A nearly full-page real estate "puff piece" on "The Pelhams" appeared in the New-York Tribune published in New York City on April 18, 1920.  The breathless article highlighted the incredible history of the little town, like nearly all such articles.  (And, like nearly all such articles, much of the local history it recounted was incorrect.)  

Significantly, the article noted that four hundred new homes were planned for construction in The Pelhams that year with 325 of them already sold.  There were, of course, 75 homes remaining to be sold; hence, the purpose of the article that provides a wonderful glimpse of the little Town of Pelham at a time when its number of homes and its population were exploding.

The cost of the homes ranged from $7,500 to $47,500 (about $94,000 to about $600,000 in today's dollars).  The article featured homes (and their photographs) on Storer Avenue in Pelhamwood, Wolfs Lane, Roosevelt Heights, Highland Avenue, and Highbrook Avenue.  Many of the homes were built by some of Pelham's most storied builders of the Roaring Twenties including John T. Brook, Harry S. Houpt, and the Van Ness Brothers.

The photographs that appeared with the article are included below, followed by the text of the article as well as a citation and link to its source.  The article provides an enjoyable snapshot of the Town of Pelham at a seminal moment in its history at the outset of the Roaring Twenties.

"HOUSE on STORER AVENUE, PELHAMWOOD THAT YOU MAY BUY"

Source:  The Pelhams Will Solve Home Problems For 400 Families --

Seventy-five New Houses Awaiting Folks Who Cannot Find Places in

the Crowded City; Cost From $7,500 to $47,500 -- Historic Westchester

Community Has Many Charming Sections Where Builders Plan Big

Season to Meet Demand, New-York Tribune, Apr. 18, 1920, Part II, p. 12,

cols. 1-8 (Subscription Required0.  (NOTE:  Click on Image to Enlarge.)

"SPLENDID DWELLING ON WOLFE'S [SIC] LANE"

Source:  The Pelhams Will Solve Home Problems For 400 Families --

Seventy-five New Houses Awaiting Folks Who Cannot Find Places in

the Crowded City; Cost From $7,500 to $47,500 -- Historic Westchester

Community Has Many Charming Sections Where Builders Plan Big

Season to Meet Demand, New-York Tribune, Apr. 18, 1920, Part II, p. 12,

cols. 1-8 (Subscription Required0.  (NOTE:  Click on Image to Enlarge.)

"ATTRACTIVE HOME ON WOLFE'S [SIC] LANE"

Source:  The Pelhams Will Solve Home Problems For 400 Families --

Seventy-five New Houses Awaiting Folks Who Cannot Find Places in

the Crowded City; Cost From $7,500 to $47,500 -- Historic Westchester

Community Has Many Charming Sections Where Builders Plan Big

Season to Meet Demand, New-York Tribune, Apr. 18, 1920, Part II, p. 12,

cols. 1-8 (Subscription Required0.  (NOTE:  Click on Image to Enlarge.)

"ONE OF THE MANY DWELLINGS UNDERWAY ON ROOSEVELT HEIGHTS"

Source:  The Pelhams Will Solve Home Problems For 400 Families --

Seventy-five New Houses Awaiting Folks Who Cannot Find Places in

the Crowded City; Cost From $7,500 to $47,500 -- Historic Westchester

Community Has Many Charming Sections Where Builders Plan Big

Season to Meet Demand, New-York Tribune, Apr. 18, 1920, Part II, p. 12,

cols. 1-8 (Subscription Required0.  (NOTE:  Click on Image to Enlarge.)

"HOMES OF THIS TYPE ARE GOING UP

ON HIGHLAND AVE. A FEW ARE STILL FOR SALE"

Source:  The Pelhams Will Solve Home Problems For 400 Families --

Seventy-five New Houses Awaiting Folks Who Cannot Find Places in

the Crowded City; Cost From $7,500 to $47,500 -- Historic Westchester

Community Has Many Charming Sections Where Builders Plan Big

Season to Meet Demand, New-York Tribune, Apr. 18, 1920, Part II, p. 12,

cols. 1-8 (Subscription Required0.  (NOTE:  Click on Image to Enlarge.)

"HOUSE GOING UP ON HIGHBROOK AVENUE"

Source:  The Pelhams Will Solve Home Problems For 400 Families --

Seventy-five New Houses Awaiting Folks Who Cannot Find Places in

the Crowded City; Cost From $7,500 to $47,500 -- Historic Westchester

Community Has Many Charming Sections Where Builders Plan Big

Season to Meet Demand, New-York Tribune, Apr. 18, 1920, Part II, p. 12,

cols. 1-8 (Subscription Required0.  (NOTE:  Click on Image to Enlarge.)

*          *          *          *          *

"The Pelhams Will Solve Home Problems For 400 Families
-----
Seventy-five New Houses Awaiting Folks Who Cannot Find Places in the Crowded City; Cost From $7,500 to $47,500
-----
Historic Westchester Community Has Many Charming Sections Where Builders Plan Big Season to Meet Demand
------

The Pelhams are practically the same as to physical formation and natural beauty as when Thomas Pell gave some rum, trinkets and other things, then of small value, to the Indians previous to 1666 for this land and extensive lands to the east along Long Island Sound.  The oaks under which the crafty Englishman, refugee from Kent in England because of his unqualified support of Oliver Cromwell, meet the original owners are still there.  The highway up from Pell's Point now is the same followed by the 4,000 British and German soldiers under General Howe who came there in 200 boats from Throg's Neck at 1 o'clock in the morning of October 18, 1776, in a campaign against White Plains.  The same boulders and hillocks and some of the stone walls behind which the 600 hardy Marblehead fisherman-soldiers waited for the advancing foreigners are still there.

Built His Home in Land of Beauty

Thomas Pell lived in Fairfax [sic] County, Conn., when he acquired the land now known as the Pelhams and New Rochelle.  So fascinating was the beauty of the country that he decided to establish his home there.  He called it Pelham, which is a coinage of the first three letters of the family name and 'ham,' which means residence.  He was a loyal Britisher, and, what is more, a good business man.  Pell thought that it would not be amiss to have his ownership confirmed by the Crown, so he petitioned Governor General Dongan, his majesty's representative in New York.  By promising sovereignty to the Crown and that he would defend the faith of the King, in addition to paying over a lamb every May 1 to the Governor General in New York, his deal with the Indians was given royal sanction.

First Lord of the Manor

John Pell, gentleman by profession, son of Dr. Pell, Cromwell's ambassador to the Swiss Canton and nephew of Thomas Pell, got the Pelham hills and dales, craigs and swamps, islands and water front on his uncle's death in 1680 [sic].  His inherited estate included also the land now the township of New Rochelle.  That the Pelhams have not lost their natural beauty in these many years may be credited to the care and the measures of protection taken by this young man.  Coming from Kent said to be the prettiest countryside in all England, nature's handiwork in the Pelhams impressed him so much that he decided to hedge it with restrictions that would retain for all time that which his eyes beheld.  The great area had been made a township by agreement with Governor Dongan, but that was not absolute enough.  Having a desire, perhaps, to be officially one of the great gentry on this side of the ocean, he petitioned Governor Nicolls to make him Lord of Pelham Manor which would give him feudal rights [sic] -- make him ruler, magistrate and owner of the entire country.  On the vow of allegiance and on the payment of 20 shillings at New York once a year he was clothed with these great powers which he used wisely so far as the preservation of the country was concerned.

New Rochelle at $1 an Acre

He gave the Huguenots from La Rochelle 200-odd acres near the shore to settle and later sold the remainder of the 6,000 acres in the township of New Rochelle at $1 an acre to his French neighbors.  After the Revolutionary War 300 acres along the Sound front were sold for $5.20 an acre by the government to a man named Bailey.

This was the start of the partition and upbuilding of the Pelhams.  Albert [sic] Roosevelt bought 250 of the confiscated acres in 1800 at $25 an acre.  In 1850 acres there brought as high as $300.  To-day these acres are not to be had for love nor money.

Homes of Just a Few

The Pelhams, as we know them, the living place of prosperous professional and business men, date back not more than a quarter of a century.  R. C. Black, of the firm of Black, Starr & Frost, former Congressman B. L. Fairchild and B. F. Corlies and their families owned practically all of this land.  It had been their summer places.  They decided to surrender part of these great estates to folks who would appreciate the park-like country.  Since the newcomers were to be their neighbors, they saw to it that there would be no reason for regretting inviting folks to Pelham to live.  Restrictive covenants were placed on the land, which will continue forever.  No crowding has been permitted and the social life is the best.

Can Accommodate Another Seventy-Five

There is room now for about seventy-five new families in the Pelhams, due to the activities of builders and the various developers.  These houses will be found in Pelham Heights, Pelhamwood, Pelham Manor and Pelham Knolls.  The man who can afford to pay $130 a month or more toward the ownership of a home can very likely be accommodated in Pelham.  The lowest-priced house is $7,500.  Prices range up from that figure to $47,500, which is asked by Harry S. Houpt, automobile dealer, who is erecting twelve houses on Pelham Heights, the cheapest of which is $35,000.

Real estate men estimate that the building program in the Pelhams has added, or will add, close to 400 homes to the town before the close of the year.  All but seventy-five have been sold.

Because of the constant pressure for homes in this ideal section it would be well for those who have the home idea in mind to lose no time in looking over the dwellings at Pelham.  You will find the real estate dealers courteous.  They know the country and much about construction details.

Many Pelhams in Pelham Township

There are three Pelhams in the town of Pelham -- namely, Pelham Manor, Pelham and North Pelham.  Pelham Manor is the section nearest to the Sound.  It extends from the water north to Colonial Avenue and is the oldest settlement, it being in that section that Thomas Pell built Pelham Manor.

Then comes Pelham, which extends north to the main line of the New Haven road.  North Pelham, of course, is beyond Pelham.  These sections are localized -- that is, they are sub-divided into small local communities.  For instance, in the Manor are Manor Heights, Pelham Manor Park, Roosevelt Heights, Chestnut Grove, Pelham Knolls, Glen Mitchell and others.

Pelham has no subdivisions.  It is said to be the smallest village in the state, yet one of the most attractive.  It is estimated that there are not more than a few hundred acres in Pelham village, which flanks the Pelham station to the south.  On the north side of the station is Pelhamwood, which is a subdivision of North Pelham.  Every locality and every section is protected and safe from nuisances and obnoxious looking homes.

In Pelham Knolls there are twenty-five houses under construction and twenty additional homes are planned.  Those under way are in varied stages of completion.  The builders have placed prices on them ranging from $18,500 to $28,000.  The latter riced homes are of eight and nine rooms with baths, and the lower priced dwellings contain seven rooms.  They are buildings of attractive design and well planned.  They are of stucco and known locally as the Herkimer houses.

At Least 50 Homes in Pelham Manor

In the community known as Pelham Manor, which is the oldest of the Pelham settlements, there are now available about fifty dwellings.  They are for the most part, still under construction.  Those which have been completed have largely been taken out of the market by folks from the city.  It is estimated that the building program for Pelham Manor launched last spring will add about two hundred homes to this comfortable home section.

The lowest priced homes that can be had in the Manor will cost you about $15,000.  It will have six or seven rooms with baths.  Most of the homes are held at $20,000 to $23,000, these being the popular prices.

Of course there are homes of greater cost, being larger and in locations which represent high land cost.  On Highland Avenue there are five houses completed of a row of nine which the John T. Brooks Company is building there.  They are for sale at $22,000 to $33,000.  Of stucco construction in very taking designs, adaptations of Colonial and old-time architecture, they make a very attractive home group.  Some of them have eight rooms, others nine rooms and some more have ten rooms.  The builders are preparing to erect sixteen additional dwellings on Wolfe's [sic] Lane.  They will likely sell at prices being asked for the Highland Avenue dwellings.

On Roosevelt Heights, which also is in Pelham Manor and up over the hill from the entrance to the New York Athletic Club's grounds, thirty [dwellings with] every known feature installed.  There are perhaps twelve other homes at Pelham Heights which may be purchased at about $22,000.

What These Homes Contain

Hardwood floors are in all these [dwell]ings are [sic] being erected by Van Ness Bros.  Twenty thousand dollars is the lowest price that will take any of these homes.  The highest price is $30,000.  They range in size from seven to nine rooms.

Harry Houpt has several dwellings on Pelham Heights.  You must be prepared to pay at least $35,000 for these homes.  One of the Houpt houses is held at $47,500.  It is a stucco building of ten rooms and baths and with houses; some of oak, some of maple and others of fine comb yellow pine; open fireplaces; electric fixtures for extensive use in household work as well as for lighting purposes; closets for the storage of clothing and other things; sun parlors; breakfast porch or alcove, with permanent table, benches and scores of other things which will appeal strongly to the womenfolks.

The conditions on which these homes may be purchased vary.  Some builders are asking 50 per cent in cash, while others will take less.  Talks with real estate folks there leave the impression that there is no need trying to do better than 30 per cent cash and that it is doubtful if there are very many houses which can be had on these terms.

Land of Sport and Sociability

There are ample facilities in the section for engaging in every kind of sport.  The Sound is not more than a few miles from any section which may be reached by machine or trolley car.  There folks may swim, row and motor boat to their hearts' content.  There are a number of boat clubs in the section.  The country club in Pelham indeed is a fine institution.  A new golf links has been added to the club, and there are several other golf links in the immediate vicinity, among them being Wykagyl, Gedney Farms, and the public links at Pelham Bay Park just to the west of the Pelhams.  It costs about eleven cents a trip on monthly commutation to get to or come from this attractive gathering of homes."

Source:  The Pelhams Will Solve Home Problems For 400 Families -- Seventy-five New Houses Awaiting Folks Who Cannot Find Places in the Crowded City; Cost From $7,500 to $47,500 -- Historic Westchester Community Has Many Charming Sections Where Builders Plan Big Season to Meet Demand, New-York Tribune, Apr. 18, 1920, Part II, p. 12, cols. 1-8.

Archive of the Historic Pelham Web Site.
Home Page of the Historic Pelham Blog.
Order a Copy of "The Haunted History of Pelham, New York"
Order a Copy of "Thomas Pell and the Legend of the Pell Treaty Oak."