Was this the First Automobile Accident on Today's Pelham Bridge?

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For about the last two hundred years, some form of bridge has stood above the waters of Eastchester Bay where the Hutchinson River meets Long Island Sound.  The histories of the several bridges that have stood there over the years are fascinating.  Often referenced as Pelham Bridge and, occasionally, Eastchester Bridge, the current version was built more than a century ago and opened to the public on October 15, 1908.  The Department of Transportation has announced that it plans to replace the current Pelham Bridge entirely with construction scheduled to begin in 2022.

I have written about the histories of the various bridges at that location numerous times.  A number of such articles, with links, are listed at the end of today's Historic Pelham article.

An odd incident in the early history of the current Pelham Bridge occurred only a few weeks after the bridge opened in mid-October, 1908.  The dramatic incident involved a 17-year-old young person named Henry Goodsell.

Though accounts differ, Henry Goodsell lived on the Upper West Side of Manhattan.  Late in the day on Friday, November 6, 1908, he was in his large touring car on Shore Road after dropping friends off in the region.  He was on his way back to the Upper West Side as he approached Shore Road.

Ahead, in the darkness, the draw of Pelham Bridge was open to let a vessel pass on the waters below.  The bridge tender, a man named Michael Selig (or Seelig, depending on the account) stood on the roadway tending a rope stretched across the roadway with two red signal lanterns hanging from the rope to warn approaching motorists.

As the vessel in the waters below passed, the bridge engineer began lowering the two halves of the draw.  As the two giant halves of the draw closed slowly, young Henry Goodsell came burning down Shore Road at the then incredible speed of thirty miles per hour.  The bridge tender saw the touring car approaching too fast and grabbed one of the two lanterns hanging from the rope.  He began swinging the lantern frantically, to no avail.

Henry Goodsell's touring car blew through the rope, slicing it like a hot knife through butter.  Goodsell realized his circumstance at the last moment and slammed on the brakes.  The car climbed the inclined draw just as the two halves were about to close.

The touring car barely made it through the steel jaws of the closing draw and plunged over the edge.  The bridge tender hear Henry Goodsell's scream as the touring car made a complete "somersault" before plunging into the waters of Eastchester Bay below, sending a "geyser" of water into the night air.

The bridge tender began scrambling down from the bridge to get to a nearby rowboat.  A second bridge tender, Elijah Miller, and the bridge engineer, John Beyer, also witnessed the accident and likewise scrambled down from the bridge to try to save the young man.

Once again, accounts differ, but clearly the car sank immediately.  The young driver was unconscious, but reportedly -- according to one account -- was found floating face up before he was dragged into a rowboat and taken ashore.  The three men called an ambulance and tended to the young man until he was transported to the hospital.

Miraculously, Henry Goodsell survived.  He was badly hurt with broken ribs and was in serious condition when taken to the hospital.  Yet, the three men had saved the young lad's life.

The touring car was left at the bottom of Eastchester Bay, although its location was marked with a float.

"NEW PELHAM PARK BRIDGE OVER EAST CHESTER BAY.

Formally opened yesterday.  Source:  NEW BRIDGE OPENED,
New-York Daily Tribune, Oct. 16, 1908, p. 12, cols. 2-3.  NOTE:
Click on Image to Enlarge.

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"AUTOMOBILE LEAPS THROUGH DRAW INTO BAY
-----
With Driver at Wheel Plunges Into 60 Feet of Water While Going at Full Speed -- Driver, Floating Unconscious, Rescued and Revived.
-----

New York, Nov. 8. -- A big motor car traveling more than thirty miles an hour, driven by Henry Goodsell, 17 years old, of No. 324 West Seventy-second street, its sole occupant, went through the open counter-balance draw on the new Eastchester bridge over Pelham bay last night, and plunged down into sixty feet of water.

Young Goodsell, who said he was the owner of the car, had taken a party of friends to New Rochelle and was returning to his home alone and driving at high speed along the road when he came in sight of the bridge.  The structure was recently opened and is not completed.  Instead of iron gates to protect passengers a heavy rope was used.

Michael Selig, one of the bridge tenders, was standing at the rope barrier as the draw had been opened to permit a vessel to pass through.  He saw the lights of the approaching car and realized that it was travelling at a high rate of speed.  The red lanterns hanging to the rope had evidently failed to warn the driver of the car, and Selig picked up one of them and waved it frantically as a signal for the automobile to stop, shouting a warning at the same time.

Goodsell put on the brakes, but too late, and the car tore through the rope barrier, ran up the platform and with a loud splash disappeared beneath the water.  The car barely missed being caught between the ends of the platform as they came together.

Selig shouted for help and called over the rail of the bridge below in a vain attempt to get a response from the driver of the car.  Failing, he climbed down one of the piers and set out in a rowboat to try to find the man.

Engineer John Beyer and Bridge Tender Elijah Miller, stationed on the opposite side of the span, had witnessed the accident and heard Selig's call for aid.  They also set out in a small boat and joined in the search.  After a few minutes they came upon the body of Goodsell.  He was unconscious, but was floating face up on top of the water.

A call was sent to the Fordham hospital, three miles away, and the three men worked over Goodsell while waiting for the ambulance.  They succeeded in resuscitating him and bringing him back to consciousness just as the ambulance arrived.  He gave his name and address.  The surgeon found that several of his ribs had been fractured and removed him to the hospital.  No attempt was made to recover the automobile, but a float was set to mark the place where it had disappeared."

Source:  AUTOMOBILE LEAPS THROUGH DRAW INTO BAY -- With Driver at Wheel Plunges Into 60 Feet of Water While Going at Full Speed -- Driver, Floating Unconscious, Rescued and Revived, The Topeka Daily Capital [Topeka, KS], Nov. 9, 1908, Vol. XXXII, No. 264, p. 1, cols. 4-6 (Note:  Paid subscription required to access via this link).  

"AUTOMOBILE AND BOY DROP INTO BAY
-----
Large Touring Car, Driven by Henry Goodsell, Plunges Through Draw of East Chester Bridge.
-----
LAD'S LIFE IS SAVED
-----

Driving a large touring automobile at a high rate of speed, Henry Goodsell, seventeen years old, who lives at No. 234 West Seventy-second street, plunged through the open draw of the East Chester Bridge, over Pelham Bay, yesterday afternoon, and the boy and machine tumbled thirty-five feet into the stream below.  Young Goodsell was rescued just in time to save his life, but the automobile lies at the bottom of the bay.  The boy was taken to the Fordham Hospital, where it was found he was suffering from a fractured rib, possibly internal injuries and submersion.

Alone in the car, Goodsell was on his way home from City Island when he approached the bridge.  The structure has not been finished, and in lieu of a gate which could be closed against vehicles and pedestrians when the draw is open ropes are stretched across the roadway.

It was about half-past five o'clock when Michael Seelig, watchman on the bridge, saw the automobile coming along at a furious pace, and he ran out and waved his arms, at the same time shouting to John Byer, engineer in charge of the construction work, to close the draw.

Before Byer could reach the levers the car had cut through the ropes as if they were threads of silk, and as the boy uttered a scream of fright the machine turned a somersault in the air and, striking the water with a splash that sent up a geyser, sank to the bottom.  Seelig ran to the foot of one of the piers, jumped into a boat and rowed toward the spot where the machine and boy had gone down.  Byer and Elijah Miller, a bridge tender, also put out in another rowboat, but before they could pull far Goodsell had risen and sunk several times.

He had gone under the surface again when both boats reached the spot, and Byer, stripping off only his coat, plunged overboard.  He caught the lad in his arms and just managed to lift him into Seelig's boat.  When the shore was reached Goodsell was taken to Geck's Hotel and a call for an ambulance was sent to Fordham Hospital, three miles away.  Meantime, the three men worked over the unconscious boy, and when Dr. O'Reilly arrived he said that while his condition was serious it was likely that he would recover.

In the hospital Goodsell told the policemen that he as the owner of the automobile, but because of his youth this statement was doubted, and an investigation was begun.  It was promptly learned that the lad had told the truth.  He is the son of a lawyer now dead, and lives with his mother at the address he gave.  When an inquirer called there Mrs. Goodsell was at a front window, watching for her son, and she fainted when she learned of the accident.  When she had been revived sufficiently she started for Fordham Hospital to see the boy."

Source:  AUTOMOBILE AND BOY DROP INTO BAY -- Large Touring Car, Driven by Henry Goodsell, Plunges Through Draw of East Chester Bridge -- LAD'S LIFE IS SAVED, N.Y. Herald, Nov. 7, 1908, p. 1, col. 5.  

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Below are examples of previous postings that address the histories of the various Pelham Bridges that have spanned Eastchester Bay for the last two centuries.

Thu., Oct. 13, 2016:  The Eastchester Bridge Company Raised Tolls on Pelham Bridge Before It Was Even Built.

Wed., Oct. 12, 2016:  More on the Early History of Pelham Bridge Including Ownership of the Bridge Between 1834 and 1860.

Tue., Oct. 11, 2016:  Is It Possible The First Pelham Bridge Built in About 1815 Was Repaired After Near Destruction by a Storm?

Wed., Oct. 1, 2014:  Bridge Keepers of the Pelham Bridge from 1870 to 1872.

Mon., Jul. 21, 2014:  Image of the Second Pelham Bridge Built in 1834 From a Sketch Created in 1865.

Thu., Jul. 17, 2014:  Sabotage Brought Down the 70-Ton Draw Span of Pelham Bridge in 1908 and Delayed its Opening. 

Tue., Jun. 10, 2014: Construction of the Concrete Arch Pelham Bridge.

Mon., May 12, 2014: The March 6, 1812 New York Statute Authorizing Construction of the Pelham Bridge.

Tue., Sep. 22, 2009: Names of Early "Keepers of Pelham Bridge" Appointed by Westchester County.

Thu., Jan. 08, 2009: Another Brief History of The Pelham Bridge.

Thu., Jan. 1, 2009: A Brief History of Pelham Bridge.

Wed., Jan. 2, 2008: New York State Senate Report on Petition by Inhabitants of Westchester to Allow Construction of Toll Bridge Across Eastchester Creek in 1834.

Tue., Aug. 28, 2007: The Laying Out of Pelham Avenue From Fordham to Pelham Bridge in 1869.

Wed., Jul. 4, 2007: 1857 Real Estate Advertisement for Sale of the Pelham Bridge.

Fri., Jul. 22, 2007: 1857 Real Estate Advertisement for Sale of "Country Seat" at Pelham Bridge.

Fri., May 18, 2007: Celebration at Pelham Bridge in 1872.

Wed., May 16, 2007: Board of Supervisors of Westchester County Vote to Build New Iron Bridge to Replace Pelham Bridge in 1869.

Tue., May 15, 2007: The Owner of the Pelham Bridge Hotel Sold it for the Princely Sum of $22,000 in 1869.

Mon., May 14, 2007: Plans to Widen Shore Road in the Town of Pelham in 1869.

Fri., May 11, 2007: A Sad Attempted Suicide at Pelham Bridge in 1869.

Thu., Dec. 08, 2005: The First Stone Bridge Built Across Eastchester Creek in Pelham, 1814-1815.

Thu., Aug. 18, 2005: The Opening of the New Iron "Pelham Bridge" in 1871.

Tue., Aug. 9, 2005: Cock Fighting at Pelham Bridge in the 19th Century.

Thu., Jul. 21, 2005: Today's Remnants of the Bartow Station on the Branch Line Near City Island.

Tue., Jun. 28, 2005: The Hotel and Bar Room at Pelham Bridge.

Thu., Mar. 24, 2005: The Bartow Area of Pelham in the 19th Century: Where Was It?

Wed., Mar. 23, 2005: Prize Fighting at Pelham Bridge in 1884.

For more about the Pelham Bridge and its history, see Pelham Bridge, Wikipedia The Free Encyclopedia, available at http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pelham_Bridge (visited May 6, 2014).

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Home Page of the Historic Pelham Blog.
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The Formal Opening of the New Water Filtration System at Pelham Reservoir on August 1, 1894

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Until the late 19th century, citizens of the Town of Pelham and the Village (later City) of Mount Vernon obtained their water from wells and, in earlier days, streams.  As the population of the region grew, however, the quality of local well water degraded and concerns arose over the ability of subterranean water to satisfy the ever-expanding need for water in the ever-growing suburban region.

The Village of Mount Vernon was first supplied with water by the Mount Vernon Water Company, which was originally incorporated January 28, 1882, by "33 then leading and representative citizens of Mount Vernon."  Initially, the company sank an artesian well and pumped the water into a standpipe to supplement local water supplies.  Soon, it became apparent that such a system would not suffice.  Moreover, other nearby communities including the settlements known as Pelham Manor and Pelhamville were also beginning to look for a larger, more-reliable water source.  To make matters worse, in 1886 the area was in the midst of an extended, severe drought.

The Mount Vernon Water Company was succeeded by the New York and Mount Vernon Water Company, incorporated January 23, 1886.  The controlling interest of this company was in New York City.  The New York and Mount Vernon Water Company arranged for local property rights along the Hutchinson River and dammed the river to create what came to be known as Pelham Reservoir (sometimes referenced as the "Pelhamville Reservoir").  On Friday, August 6, 1886, water began flowing into the newly-constructed Pelham Reservoir.  From there, the water began flowing throughout Mount Vernon through two miles of new water mains sealed with tar.

Local residents were unhappy.  The water was yellowish.  It tasted "tarry."  Many believed that it did not match the quality or purity of the clear artesian well water to which they had become accustomed.  Complaints were loud and many.  Soon the Pelham Reservoir water system changed hands and became the property of the New York City Suburban Water Company.

Among the many ways the New York City Suburban Water Company addressed complaints over the quality of the water was the design and construction of a massive, state-of-the-art water filtration system by which water was cascaded over filter beds to be aerated and to have particulate matter removed.  

The filtration system was a modern marvel for its day.  Shortly before its formal unveiling, a local newspaper described it as follows:

"The lower section of the old reservoir has been dammed off with the exception of a narrow way along the bed of the creek on the eastern side.  The remainder of the lower section has been thoroughly cleaned and divided into three 'filter beds.'  Two of those are to the south, the other lying directly above.  They now present the appearance of three well-kept tennis courts, nicely evened off.  Each is divided from the other by a handsome dam of cobblestones, a walk having been constructed along the top.

These filters are about four feet deep.  They consist of eighteen inches of sand and under this four layers of gravel.  Below this gravel is a system of piping which carries the filtered water into a central 'well,' from which it is pumped into the city mains.  These filters are so arranged that they may be used separately or together.  Their combined capacity is estimated at 5,000,000 gallons daily.  The present city consumption is a little under 1,500,000 gallons in the same time.  The filtration desired is secured by the water, which is let in to a depth of two feet, flowing over and through the several stratas of sand and gravel.  The system is one similar to the one employed at Lawrence, Mass., which was established there by the State Board of Health.

The method by which these filters are to be fed is both novel and picturesque.  The southern one lies below a cascade over rocks and masonry, which form a basin at the bottom to break the fall of the water.  Over this a stream of water will be kept running continually, dashing over the rocks below with a beautiful effect and at the same time the water receiving the benefit of the resulting aeration.  The other filters are to be fed from pipes ending in a fountain."  [See full text of article with citation and link below.]

Once construction of the filter beds was complete, both the New York City Suburban Water Company and the communities surrounding the reservoir including Pelhamville and Pelham Manor were justifiably proud.  On the afternoon of Wednesday, August 1, 1894, the New York City Suburban Water Company hosted a formal opening of the new water filtration system.  

A crowd of a "large number" of local residents gathered at the Pelham Reservoir shortly before 4 p.m. that day.  Festivities began at 4:00.  A major stockholder of the company, a "Mr. Mahoney," delivered opening remarks and introduced Mayor Edward F. Brush of Mount Vernon.  The Mayor remarks were brief but pointed.  He pulled no punches and recognized the failings of earlier efforts to deliver pure potable water from Pelham Reservoir.  Yet, he focused optimistically of the future and made clear his hope that the future "would be free from all disputes between the citizens and the company."

At 4:20 p.m., the young daughter of notable New Rochelle resident Joseph Stephenson, named Agnes, stepped to a key and turned it to release water into the filtration system.  Once again, a local newspaper described the moment Agnes Stephenson turned the key:

"[She] turned the key, which released the water into the pool at the head of the beautiful cataract, which has been constructed.  Six minutes later the pool was filled and the first water trickled over the brim and started on its journey over the rocks.  Soon these were covered with the foaming sheet of water and the system was in full operation.  The effect is a very pretty one and this new pleasure spot should be visited by all.  The system and its workings were fully described in the last issue of The Chronicle."  [See full text and citation of the article below.]

Once the filtration system was in operation, the crowd retired to the pump-house where "refreshments were served" and the "entire affair ended as it commenced, a complete success."

The Town of Pelham, it seemed, would have drinkable water at least for the next two decades or so. . . . 

Undated Photograph of Pelham Reservoir, Ca. 1902, Showing Filter

Beds in the Distance on the Left as Well as the Pump House in Which

the Reception Was Held on August 1, 1894.  NOTE:  Click on Image

to Enlarge.

Detail of 1910 Map Showing Pelham Reservoir and Filter

Beds. Source: Bromley, George W. & Bromley, Walter S., Untitled

Map Bounded by Town of East Chester, City of New Rochelle, Pelham

Station, Clarefmont Avenue and Central Boulevard in Atlas Of Westchester

County, Vol. One, p. 17 (Philadelphia, PA: G. W. Bromley & Co., 1910).

NOTE:  Click on Image to Enlarge.

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I have written on a number of occasions regarding the history of the Pelham Reservoir and its use as a water supply for the surrounding region.  See, e.g.:  

Fri., Nov. 24, 2017:  Hutchinson River Parkway Detritus Was Used to Fill Much of the Pelham Reservoir in 1925.

Wed., Mar. 11, 2015:  Research Regarding the History of the Pelham Reservoir in Today's Willsons Woods Park.

Wed. May 27, 2015:  A Portion of the Pelham Reservoir Dam Was Destroyed in 1896 to Save the Filter Beds.

Tue., May 26, 2015:  1921 Report of Inspection of the Pelham Reservoir Water Supply System.

Mon., May 04, 2015;  Pelham Manor's Efforts to End Use of the Pelham Reservoir for Drinking Purposes.

Wed., Mar. 11, 2015:  Research Regarding the History of the Pelham Reservoir in Today's Willsons Woods Park.

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"Citizens Now Have Filtered Water.
-----
The New Filtration and Aeration System of Our Local Water Company Went Into Operation Yesterday Afternoon.
-----

Yesterday afternoon, the formal opening of the new filtration system of the New York City Suburban Water Company at the Pelhamville reservoir occurred.  A large number of the residents of Mount Vernon had accepted the invitation of the company to be present on this occasion and see the water flow over the new course.

It was a few minutes after four when Mr. Mahoney, a stockholder in the company, welcomed the guests in the name of his colleagues and that of the company.  In a few words he introduced Mayor Edward F. Brush, who responded in a happy vein.  His remarks were short but appropriate.  He did not cover over the faults of the company in the past, but spoke of the future, which he hoped would be free from all disputes between the citizens and the company.

It was twenty minutes after four when Miss Agnes Stephenson, daughter of Mr. Joseph Stephenson of New Rochelle turned the key, which released the water into the pool at the head of the beautiful cataract, which has been constructed.  Six minutes later the pool was filled and the first water trickled over the brim and started on its journey over the rocks.  Soon these were covered with the foaming sheet of water and the system was in full operation.  The effect is a very pretty one and this new pleasure spot should be visited by all.  The system and its workings were fully described in the last issue of The Chronicle.

Later, refreshments were served in the pump-house and the entire affair ended as it commenced, a complete success."

Source:  Citizens Now Have Filtered Water -- The New Filtration and Aeration System of Our Local Water Company Went Into Operation Yesterday Afternoon, The Chronicle [Mount Vernon, NY], Aug. 2, 1894, Vol. XXV, No.. 1648, p. 2, col. 5.

"Improvements to Our Water Supply.
-----
Three Filters That Will Purify the Water Before it will be Distributed.
-----
The Chronicle, Through Its Representative, Pays the Water Works a Visit of Inspection.
-----

A visit to the Pelhamville reservoir of the water company reveals many changes and improvements during the last few months.  What formerly looked to a large extent like a mud hole now bears a very attractive appearance and when the improvements are entirely completed, the place will partake largely of the aspect of a park.

The lower section of the old reservoir has been dammed off with the exception of a narrow way along the bed of the creek on the eastern side.  The remainder of the lower section has been thoroughly cleaned and divided into three 'filter beds.'  Two of those are to the south, the other lying directly above.  They now present the appearance of three well-kept tennis courts, nicely evened off.  Each is divided from the other by a handsome dam of cobblestones, a walk having been constructed along the top.

These filters are about four feet deep.  They consist of eighteen inches of sand and under this four layers of gravel.  Below this gravel is a system of piping which carries the filtered water into a central 'well,' from which it is pumped into the city mains.  These filters are so arranged that they may be used separately or together.  Their combined capacity is estimated at 5,000,000 gallons daily.  The present city consumption is a little under 1,500,000 gallons in the same time.  The filtration desired is secured by the water, which is let in to a depth of two feet, flowing over and through the several stratas of sand and gravel.  The system is one similar to the one employed at Lawrence, Mass., which was established there by the State Board of Health.

The method by which these filters are to be fed is both novel and picturesque.  The southern one lies below a cascade over rocks and masonry, which form a basin at the bottom to break the fall of the water.  Over this a stream of water will be kept running continually, dashing over the rocks below with a beautiful effect and at the same time the water receiving the benefit of the resulting aeration.  The other filters are to be fed from pipes ending in a fountain.  

The grounds around the dam and pump-house are all graded and seeded.  Walks are being laid out and the vicinity will soon be a pleasant park and an ornament to the city.

Within a short time formal opening ceremonies are to be held, when the water will be turned on for the first time."

Source:  Improvements to Our Water Supply -- Three Filters That Will Purify the Water Before it will be Distributed -- The Chronicle, Through Its Representative, Pays the Water Works a Visit of Inspection, The Chronicle [Mount Vernon, NY], Jul. 26, 1894, Vol. XXV, No. 1647, p. 1, col. 5.

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Hutchinson River Parkway Detritus Was Used to Fill Much of the Pelham Reservoir in 1925

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There is a lovely lake in Pelham.  Known as the "Pelham Reservoir," it long served as one of the principal sources of drinking water for our Villages.  By the mid-1920s, however, all of Pelham grew increasingly concerned with the quality of the water sourced from Pelham Reservoir.  As Pelham Manor, Pelham, and North Pelham worked on finding alternative water sources, construction began on the new Hutchinson River Parkway that cut through the small valley through which the Hutchinson River flowed.  

The New Rochelle Water Company had been working for years to bring Catskill Mountain water to Pelham Manor by connecting to the aqueduct system that carried that water through the Hudson Valley. Indeed, in November, 1928, the New Rochelle Water Company installed new pumping equipment that enabled it to draw Catskill water and deliver it to Pelham Manor. Barely a month later, the new pumping equipment began giving trouble and had to be repaired. 

During the repairs, Pelham Manor had to revert to consuming reservoir water during a prolonged drought. Once the pumping equipment was repaired, use of the reservoir water had drawn water levels to such a low that the repaired pumping equipment had to be deployed to refill the reservoir to ensure its availability during a water emergency rather than using it to move Catskill water to Pelham Manor.

To make matters worse, in late 1925 as construction crews excavated the landscape for the new Hutchinson River Parkway, they needed somewhere to deposit the dirt and debris.  In late November, for example, two steam shovels were stationed near today's Lincoln Avenue and were digging out about 1,000 cubic yards of material daily to get the river valley ready for the roadbed.  

According to a report in The Pelham Sun:

"The old Pelham reservoir north of the New Haven railroad tracks is now being slowly filled in with the material excavated north of East Lincoln avenue and although 100,000 cubic yards of material will be available in that way, it will be necessary to haul in from other places 96,000 cubic yards of dirt and gravel.  The reservoir extends from First street to Fourth street and is from 60 to 150 feet wide.  I has been cut in two by a dam and the filling is being done from the south end at present."

Detail of 1910 Map Showing Pelham Reservoir and Filter

Beds. Source: Bromley, George W. & Bromley, Walter S., Untitled

Map Bounded by Town of East Chester, City of New Rochelle, Pelham

Station, Clarefmont Avenue and Central Boulevard in Atlas Of Westchester

County, Vol. One, p. 17 (Philadelphia, PA: G. W. Bromley & Co., 1910).

NOTE:  Click on Image to Enlarge.

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Wed., Mar. 11, 2015:  Research Regarding the History of the Pelham Reservoir in Today's Willsons Woods Park.

Wed. May 27, 2015:  A Portion of the Pelham Reservoir Dam Was Destroyed in 1896 to Save the Filter Beds.

Tue., May 26, 2015:  1921 Report of Inspection of the Pelham Reservoir Water Supply System.

Mon., May 04, 2015;  Pelham Manor's Efforts to End Use of the Pelham Reservoir for Drinking Purposes.

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"Steam Shovels on Parkway Through By Next Summer
-----
Contract Calls for All Excavation Work to be Through by July, 1926
-----

The excavation work on the Hutchinson River Parkway will be completed by July 1, 1926 from New Rochelle Road to Boston Post Road, according to Superindent James O'Flannagan who is in charge of the work.  Two steam shovels are now stationed near East Lincoln avenue and First avenue and are digging out about 1000 cubic yards of material daily, in an effort to get the river valley ready for the roadbed of the boulevard.  The road will wind and thread its way along-side the channel of the Hutchinson River and will make an ideal drive on a crisp autumn day.

The old Pelham reservoir north of the New Haven railroad tracks is now being slowly filled in with the material excavated north of East Lincoln avenue and although 100,000 cubic yards of material will be available in that way, it will be necessary to haul in from other places 96,000 cubic yards of dirt and gravel.  The reservoir extends from First street to Fourth street and is from 60 to 150 feet wide.  I has been cut in two by a dam and the filling is being done from the south end at present.  

Superintendent O'Flanagan reports that the most serious difficulty has been encountered so far has beeen the 200 yards of solid rock found north of East Lincoln avenue.  It has also been difficult to relocate 500 feet of 10-inch water main, but an acetylene torch has been used to cut up the water main into lengths convenient for transference.

Besides steam shovels, compressed air drills and dynamite will be called into service and work will continue all winter on the Parkway.  There is 5000 cubic yards of rock to blast out, most of which is found near Boston Road and just north of East Lincoln avenue."

Source:  Steam Shovels on Parkway Through By Next Summer -- Contract Calls for All Excavation Work to be Through by July, 1926,The Pelham Sun, Nov.. 27, 1925, p. 3, col. 2.

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Decision in 1923 to Extend the As-Yet Unbuilt Hutchinson River Parkway

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During the early 1920s, the open rolling lands alongside the Hutchinson River in the Town of Pelham and the river itself were beauties to behold.  A string of reservoirs and lakes dotted the countryside throughout undeveloped lands between Pelham's border with New York City all the way north to Scarsdale.  The Hutchinson River and its watershed throughout the entire region was an important water supply system that provided drinking water to such communities as Pelham, Mount Vernon, New Rochelle, Eastchester, Bronxville, and Tuckahoe, among others.  

At the time, Westchester County wanted to protect the gorgeous countryside and the water supply system.  What better way than to purchase a lengthy tract along the Hutchinson River to create an undeveloped "Parkway."  The parkway would be the envy of the nation, much like the nearby Bronx River Parkway that was begun in 1907. 

The Hutchinson River Parkway was envisioned as a true park with a quiet winding road adjacent to bridle paths, pedestrian paths, reservoirs and lakes.  The roadway and its bridges and overpasses were intended to be modern but quaint-looking and aesthetically pleasing.  All expected the roadway to be a signature destination for Sunday drivers who wanted a jaunt in their fanciful early automobiles on a beautiful day through a beautiful countryside.

And then it began. . . . . . . 

Even before construction started on the new Parkway in 1924, local officials were pushing to expand the length of the roadway at both ends.  The Hutchinson River Parkway originally was envisioned to end at Lincoln Avenue, Mount Vernon (then connected to 4th Street in Pelham, now also known as Lincoln Avenue).  Their intentions were good -- at least at the outset.  They wanted to protect as much land and watershed as possible within a beautiful Parkway.  "Alea iacta est" as Julius Caesar supposedly said when he crossed the Rubicon with his legions to begin a civil war:  the die [was] cast.  There would be no return.

Thus, during the summer of 1923 while engineers were still trying to survey the expected route of the Parkway and at a time when the exact course of the Parkway had not even been determined, the Westchester County Board of Supervisors approved an extension of the planned Parkway from its planned terminus at Lincoln Avenue all the way to Pelham Bay Park at the New York City border.  

A Commission advising the Board of Supervisors recommended the extension.  The Board received the recommendation and immediately approved it for implementation.  The Commission reported to the Board of Supervisors, in part, as follows:

"While there is no question of the desirability of acquiring these lands for park use, it would not be feasible to interfere with the water supply at this time.  The important thing is to insure that this picturesque tract will eventually be available as a public park.  The Commission is, therefore, negotiating with the New Rochelle Water Company for the purchase of these lands on the basis of the Water Company's retaining the right to use the same for water supply purposes for a period of twelve to fifteen years, by which time it is assumed that the population will have so increased as to affect the purity of the water supply and at the same time the demand for park spaces will be more urgent.  Such an arrangement would operate to materially reduce the purchase price to the county and at the same time insure the county against the certain rise in value during the fifteen year period.  Negotiation[s] to this end are in progress and if satisfactory arrangements can be concluded with the Water Company, the Commission will recommend to your Board the acquisition of this tract."

The goal of preserving the additional lands to the south of Lincoln Avenue adjacent to the Hutchinson River to the New York City line seemed laudable at the time.  Indeed, construction of the Hutchinson River Parkway in the midst of a beautiful park setting began the following year in 1924 and continued for several years.

Soon, however, the automobile became king and the region throbbed with cars trying to get from one place to another using the tiny little Parkway.  As the years passed, the Parkway was expanded in sections (even as late as 1941) until it grew to become a major highway artery running north and south from New York City through Westchester County to the New York - Connecticut state line at Rye Brook.

Today the Hutchinson River Parkway is a nearly 19-mile mess of a thoroughfare that is so crowded with traffic day and night that, at times, it can be so congested that it nearly is impossible to navigate.  The narrow, winding lanes (long since expanded well beyond their original capacities) begin at the Bruckner Interchange in the Throggs Neck section of the Bronx and proceed north, having junctions with I-95 (the Cross-Bronx Expressway), I-295 (Cross Bronx Expressway Extension), I-678 (the Whitestone Expressway), and I-278 (the Bruckner Expressway).  Any time issues arise on any of these connected roadways, traffic piles onto "the Hutch," often bringing that roadway to a near standstill.  To make matters worse, anytime a truck wanders onto the Hutch (trucks are banned on all New York Parkways) and smashes into any of the low overpasses built in the 1920s to allow Model-T automobiles to pass beneath, traffic comes to an absolute standstill for hours and hours.  

Savvy Pelhamites long have known to avoid the Hutch most times of the day and night.  All Pelhamites long for the good old days when the Hutch was, in fact, a Sunday parkway set in a beautiful park. . . . . . 

"Photo 42. View of the parkway looking south from the East Third

Street Bridge, August 31, 1927. This view shows workmen preparing

the roadways for paving. (Westchester County Archives, Park

Commission Photograph Collection, PPC5389)"  Source: LoRusso,

Mark S., An Historic American Engineering Record Level II Documentation

of the East Third Street Bridge Spanning Hutchinson River Parkway

and Hutchinson River NYSDOT PIN 8BOW.01.101 City of Mount

Vernon and Village of Pelham Westchester County New York, p. 94

(2017: Sponsored by The Federal Highway Administration and the

New York State Department of Transportation, Part of the New York

State Museum Cultural Resource Survey Program). NOTE: Click on

Image to Enlarge.

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"River Parkway To Go Through Three Villages
-----
Board of Supervisors Also Want Glen Island Bought For Bathing Park
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Definite Course Of Road Through Pelham Not Yet Determined But Surveyors Are Now At Work
-----
River Parkway to Go Through

At a joint meeting held in White Plains on Monday, the County Board of Supervisors formally requested the Park Commission to extend the proposed Hutchinson River Boulevard from its termination at East Lincoln Avenue all the way to Pelham Bay Park in New York City.

The exact course of the parkway has not yet been determined, but engineers are now surveying and the Park Commission will soon begin to look over the property.  The cost of acquiring land in the various localities will determine the course.  Nine hundred thousand dollars is the estimated cost of acquiring the property for the Hutchinson River Parkway.

Glen Island, if the request of the Board of Supervisors is complied with, will be purchased and turned into a public park.  A large bathing beach will be constructed and in all probability a bridge will be built from the mainland to the island.

The report of the Commission to the Board of Supervisors met with such favor that the Board went further and requested that the Hutchinson Parkway be extended and that Glen Island be purchased.  Part of the report follows:

Another project of country-wide importance and of particular interest to the Pelhams, the cities of Mount Vernon and New Rochelle and the town of Eastchester, includes a protective strip along the Hutchinson River from Lincoln Avenue, Mount 

(Continued on page 3)

Hutchinson River Parkway Approved
-----
(Continued from page 1)

Vernon to Eastchester Road and from thence a considerable portion of the lands in the Hutchinson River Valley now used for water supply purposes, extending to Drake Road in the village of Scarsdale and connecting with the Bronx River Parkway at the New Rochelle Water Company's crossing between Crestwood and Scarsdale.

The Commission has no doubt of the desirability of acquiring between 800 and 900 acres in this section.  The lands are particularly beautiful and for the most part already developed as a park.  The three lakes or reservoirs are splendid park features.  However, these lands and lakes now constitute the greater part of an important water supply system, furnishing water to the city of New Rochelle, the town of Eastchester and the villages of Bronxville and Tuckahoe.

While there is no question of the desirability of acquiring these lands for park use, it would not be feasible to interfere with the water supply at this time.  The important thing is to insure that this picturesque tract will eventually be available as a public park.  The Commission is, therefore, negotiating with the New Rochelle Water Company for the purchase of these lands on the basis of the Water Company's retaining the right to use the same for water supply purposes for a period of twelve to fifteen years, by which time it is assumed that the population will have so increased as to affect the purity of the water supply and at the same time the demand for park spaces will be more urgent.  Such an arrangement would operate to materially reduce the purchase price to the county and at the same time insure the county against the certain rise in value during the fifteen year period.  Negotiation[s] to this end are in progress and if satisfactory arrangements can be concluded with the Water Company, the Commission will recommend to your Board the acquisition of this tract."

Source:  River Parkway To Go Through Three Villages -- Board of Supervisors Also Want Glen Island Bought For Bathing Park -- Definite Course Of Road Through Pelham Not Yet Determined But Surveyors Are Now At Work -- River Parkway to Go Through, The Pelham Sun, Jul. 6, 1923, p. 1, col. 6 & p. 3, col. 5.

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Replacement of the Old Wooden Bridge at Lockwood's on Boston Post Road Across the Hutchinson River Beginning in 1910

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During the 1870s and 1880s, the tiny wooden bridge over the Hutchinson River along today's Boston Post Road was known as "Lockwood's Bridge" and "the bridge at Lockwood's."  The tiny little bridge could swing open to allow vessels to pass.  However, it took thirty minutes to an hour to swing the bridge open.  Two images of the old wooden bridge appear immediately below.

Two Photographs of Lockwood's Bridge at Boston Post

Road Over the Hutchinson River, Taken on December

19, 1910.  NOTE:  Click on Images Above to Enlarge.

By 1910, traffic along Boston Post Road and boat and barge traffic in the Hutchinson River had increased to such an extent that a decision was made to replace the ancient wooden bridge.  On July 11, 1910, the City of New York awarded a contract for removal of the ancient bridge and for the construction of a "temporary" bridge immediately adjacent to it to handle traffic while a permanent replacement bridge was built.  Ominously, however, the then-deputy and acting commissioner of the Department of Bridges of the City of New York, William H. Sinnott, told the Mount Vernon Chamber of Commerce that the old bridge would be removed "as soon as funds are available."

It was quite some time before the old Lockwood's Bridge was removed and a temporary bridge was built.  Even worse, the temporary bridge stood until 1922 when a steel and concrete bridge which could be opened and closed in only 30 seconds was finally completed.  

New York City opened the new bridge on April 8 1922.  Nearly 10,000 people attended the grand ceremonies.  The bridge was decorated with flags.  Bands provided music all day.  A host of dignitaries attended.  The Mayor of New York City, John F. Hylan, spoke at the event.  Edward Riegelman, President of Brooklyn, and Henry C. Bruckner, President of the Bronx, also spoke, as did Grover A. Whalen, New York City Commissioner of Plant and Structures.

The replacement bridge cost about $478,000 to build.  

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"MOVE OLD BRIDGES OVER EASTCHESTER.
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The efforts of the Mount Vernon Chamber of Commerce to have the bridges over the Eastchester creek which are claimed a menace to navigation and to generally improve conditions there, has met with some success.

In a letter, William H. Sinnott, deputy and acting commissioner of the department of bridges of New York, has given out the information that the contract for the removal of the present Eastchester bridge at Boston Post road was awarded recently, as well as that for the building of a temporary bridge adjacent thereto.  A new and permanent bridge is to be built on the line of the Boston Post road, which will facilitate traffic both on the highway and through the creek. The old Pelham bridge will be removed as soon as funds are available.

The letter to the Chamber of Commerce follows:

'Acknowledging your communication of the 20th instant, I beg to advise you that the city on July 11th awarded the contract for the removal of the present Eastchester bridge at Boston Post road and the building of the temporary bridge adjacent thereto, for use during the period of construction of a new and permanent bridge on the line of the Boston Post road which will facilitate traffic both on the highway and through the creek.  Regarding the removal of the old Pelham bridge, this will be undertaken as soon as funds are available.'"

Source:  MOVE OLD BRIDGES OVER EASTCHESTER, The Daily Argus [Mount Vernon, NY], Jul. 26, 1910, p. 3, col. 1.  

"CITY OPENS EASTCHESTER BRIDGE ON APRIL 8
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Announcement is made that the new Eastchester bridge, at 233d street and Boston Post road, the Bronx, will be officially opened by Mayor Hylan on Saturday, April 8.  The time set for the opening of the ceremonies is 2 o'clock, and will be conducted under the direction of Grover A. Whalen, Commissioner of Plant and Structures."

Source:  CITY OPENS EASTCHESTER BRIDGE ON APRIL 8, The Brooklyn Standard Union, Mar. 30, 1922, p. 15. col. 1.  

"OFFICIALS TO AID IN DEDICATION OF NEW EASTCHESTER BRIDGE
-----
City Authorities Invited to Ceremony at Eastchester Bridge Saturday Afternoon -- Replaces Historic Lockwood's Bridge.
------

Officials of various towns and cities in the county have received invitations from Grover A. Whalen, commissioner of plant and structures, of New York city, to attend the official opening of the new Eastchester lift bridge on the Boston Post Road over Eastchester Creek.

The officials of Mount Vernon, New Rochelle and the Pelhams, as well as New York city, have been invited also.  

The ceremony is to take place at 2 o'clock Saturday afternoon April 8, and Mayor Hylan is expected to do the honors.  It is believed if the weather is fine that a large crowed will be there and those especially invited have been sent cards to admit them to the ceremonial enclosure.

The new bridge has replaced the historic structure known for a great many years as Lockwood's Bridge, and it is likely that the old name will stick to it for the present generation at least."

Source:   OFFICIALS TO AID IN DEDICATION OF NEW EASTCHESTER BRIDGE -- City Authorities Invited to Ceremony at Eastchester Bridge Saturday Afternoon -- Replaces Historic Lockwood's Bridge, The Daily Argus [Mount Vernon, NY], Apr. 4, 1922, p. 12, col. 2.  

"Hylan Fails to Brush Aside The Presidential Nomination
-----
Mayor Won't Run Again for His Present Office, but Maintains a Blushing Silence on the White House Job Suggested by Riegelmann
-----

Borough Presidents Henry C. Riegelmann, of Brooklyn, and Henry Bruckner, of the Bronx, hold different opinions concerning an appropriate career for Mayor John F. Hylan.  Both expressed them yesterday in speeches at the opening of the Eastchester Bridge across the Hutchinson River at the Boston Post Road.

'Mayor Hylan, our Mayor,' announced Mr. Riegelmann, 'ought to be made President of the United States.  Washington is the place for him and the people ought to send him there.'

The crowd cheered.

'What we want,' proclaimed Mr. Bruckner, 'is John F. Hylan for Mayor four years more and then four years after that.'

The crowd cheered.  It redoubled its efforts as the Mayor rose and blushed.  The Mayor didn't agree with Borough President Bruckner.

'There are lots of good borough presidents and other good men too,' said Mayor Hylan, 'who would make good mayors and I intend to give them a chance to try after my four years are up.'

The crowd cheered again and kept it up so long that it looked as though Mayor Fisk, of Mount Vernon, never would get a chance to speak.  He did, though, and so did Grover A. Whalen, Commissioner of Plant and Structures, under whose jurisdiction the new bridge is to be operated.  

The bridge connects Mount Vernon with the Bronx and is at Boston Post Road and 233d Street.  Traffic on Boston Post Road was diverted during the ceremony.  Then the barriers were removed and workmen began tearing down the old bridge which has been in use many years."

Source:  Hylan Fails to Brush Aside The Presidential Nomination -- Mayor Won't Run Again for His Present Office, but Maintains a Blushing Silence on the White House Job Suggested by Riegelmann, New-York Tribune, Apr. 9, 1922, p. 14, cols. 2-3.  

"EASTCHESTER BRIDGE TO MT. VERNON OPENED.
-----

The Eastchester bridge, spanning the Hutchinson river on the Boston Post road at 233d street, and connecting the Bronx with Mount Vernon, was opened yesterday with formal exercises attended by more than 10,000 persons.

Those who made addresses were Mayor Hylan, Edward Riegelman, president of Brooklyn; Henry C. Bruckner, President of the Bronx, and Grover A. Whalen, commissioner of plant and structures.

Commissioner Whalen emphasized that the new steel and concrete structure could be opened in thirty seconds, whereas it had required from thirty minutes to an hour to swing the old wooden bridge so boats could pass through.  The bridge cost about $478,000.

The Mayor said he intended making public improvements as rapidly as he could have appropriations made, not only because of the need of the improvements, but to give employment to the jobless.  The other speakers vied in lauding the Mayor.  Mr. Riegelmann got cheers on booming him for the Presidency."

Source:  EASTCHESTER BRIDGE TO MT. VERNON OPENED, Dobbs Ferry Register [Dobbs Ferry, NY], Apr. 14, 1922, Vol. XXXX, No. 16, p. 1, col. 2.

"Eastchester Bridge Opens As Thousands Watch
-- Looking Backward --
(From Files of The Daily Argus)
------
25 YEARS AGO. . . 

Thousands of persons, many Mount Vernonites and Pelham residents included, Saturday afternoon attended the ceremonies commemorating the opening of the new Eastchester Bridge across the Hutchinson River at Boston Post Road.

The bridge opened and closed in 78 seconds.

For a considerable area around the new bridge special decorations were in vogue and there was a carnival aspect.  Flags floating and bands playing.  Hundreds of automobiles were parked in the vicinity. . . ."

Source:  Eastchester Bridge Opens As Thousands Watch -- Looking Backward, The Daily Argus, Apr. 9, 1947, p. 8, col. 3. 

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