More on Pelham's Shamrock Base Ball Club that Played on City Island in the 1880s

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As devoted followers of Pelham history know, the Town of Pelham has a rich history of supporting the sport of "base ball" that goes back, at least as documents, to the first months after the end of the Civil War in 1865.  "Base Ball Clubs" once populated our town as social and recreational outlets for much of the population of the town.

An important example was the Shamrock Base Ball Club of City Island about which I have written before.  See, e.g.:

Mon., Dec. 14, 2009:  Baseball Games Played by the City Island Shamrocks in 1889.

Wed., Dec. 09, 2009:  City Island Shamrocks Base Ball Club Changed its Name to the Minnefords in 1888.

As is the case with virtually all such casual social organizations of the 19th century in Pelham, there are no known records of the Shamrock Base Ball Club.  Thus, we are left to piece together what can be learned of the histories of such organizations, often from newspaper clippings.  Such an incomplete record can be confusing and apparently contradictory as seems to be the case with the extant record regarding the Shamrocks. For example, though the record remains unclear, there may well have been two Base Ball Clubs at about the same time -- one based in Pelham and another in the adjacent municipality of New Rochelle.

Nevertheless, it is possible to tease from such newspaper clippings much about the history of the Shamrock Base Ball Club of City Island in the Town of Pelham.  Today's Historic Pelham article attempts to tease from such clippings precisely such information.

The Shamrock Base Ball Club seems to have been formed in about 1887.  The earliest reference located so far is one indicating that "The Shamrock Base Ball Club will hold their first annual ball at the TOWN HALL Thanksgiving Eve, Wednesday, November 23, 1887."  The Club seems to have been one for affluent local residents as its members were described as "yacht men."

An early manager of the Club (if not the first manager) was John F. Ahmuty.  Before moving to City Island where he eventually became a writer for, and local representative of, the New York Herald, Ahmuty was the manager of the Jersey City Monitors where, according to one local news report, "he . . . guided the old monitors of Jersey City to what they are to-day."

Clearly the Club included talented players as it was very successful.  For example, Jacob Smith was a pitcher with the Club and became locally famous for his successes on the field.  By June of 1889, the Club had "crossed bats with several out of town clubs, and without losing a game."  According to one report "Mr. Ahmuty is so confident of his boy's that he will be compelled to cancel a good many dates made early in the season, in order to accommodate several league games for which he is offered large guarantee, as the famous 'Shamrock's' are the only club representing water now in existence."  

The above-reference to "guarantee" is important in several respects.  It confirms that, at least at times, the Shamrocks played in front of an audience of paying fans.  It also confirms that the local team was talented enough to be challenged to competitions with local league teams that, most likely, routinely played before audiences of paying fans.  (A "guarantee" involved arrangements for a team to receive a portion of the gate receipts from paying fans.)

Few if any records of actual baseball games involving the Shamrocks exist.  From brief newspaper references, a few games can be listed:

June 8, 1889 - Game at Willet's Point against unidentified team; won 15 to 0.
June 19, 1889 - Return game in Brooklyn vs. Y.M.A. of Bushwick Avenue (results unknown)
July 4, 1889 - Doubleheader against the "Confidence" of New Rochelle (results unknown).

By December 18, 1889, the won-loss record of the Shamrocks was quite impressive:  29 wins and 4 losses.

Clearly the "yacht men" who were members of the Shamrock Base Ball Club knew how to celebrate.  Indeed, the club clearly was an important social club in addition to being a baseball club.  There are nearly as many descriptions of the club's grand "balls" as there are descriptions of their on-field exploits.  Members of the club seem to have hosted an annual "ball" in December of each year.  Newspaper references make clear that the club sold tickets to the ball to non-members and that such tickets were available at various retailers on City Island, in Mount Vernon, and in New Rochelle.  For example, tickets to the ball held on December 11, 1889 were sold in at least three retail establishments including "Bonn's segar store" (i.e., cigar store).

The ball held on the evening of Wednesday, December 11, 1889 was a truly grandiose affair.  It was held at the Bay View Hotel, a magnificent resort hotel on City Island.  (See Mon., Jan. 23, 2017:  Pelham's Bay View Hotel In 1885.)  A local newspaper described the grand ball as "one of the most successful and enjoyable affairs of the season."  

Bay View Hotel on City Island.  Detail from Postcard View.

NOTE:  Click on Image to Enlarge.

The description of the grand ball that evening suggests that it was quite magnificent.  An article that is more like a society column than a news article appeared in a local newspaper (see below).  It described each gown worn by each woman, all silk with lace and in a rainbow of colors.  It described diamond jewelry and "ornaments" as well as hairstyles in the newest "Parisian" fashion.  The list of attendees included a Who's Who of City Island and the surrounding region.  Clearly, the grand ball was a serious social affair.  "Professor Bonn" and his orchestra, from Mount Vernon, provided music for the affair.

Significantly, attendees voted to select the most "prominent" young lady of the evening to be awarded a "beautiful silk plush patent rocker."  All ladies in attendance were eligible for the honor.  "At the given hour the silk plush rocker which was voted to the most prominent young lady was presented to Miss Josie Price, she receiving 79 votes."  After the presentation of the rocker, the music and dance continued until the "early morn" before the grand ball ended.

No further records of the Shamrocks have yet been found and its history after the grand ball of December 11, 1889 is unknown.

19th Century Baseball Game Like Those Played in Pelham.

*          *          *          *          *

"LOCAL NEWS. . . .

-- The Shamrock Base Ball Club will hold their first annual ball at the TOWN HALL, Thanksgiving Eve, Wednesday, November 23, 1887.  They anticipate making a 'home run.' . . . ."

Source:  LOCAL NEWS, New Rochelle Pioneer, Oct. 29, 1887, Vol. XXVIII, No. 31, p. 3, col. 1.

"Bartow and City Island. . . . 

The Shamrock Baseball Club held a meeting last Friday night and voted unanimously to change the name of the organization to Minneford Baseball Club, the name by which City Island was originally known. They decided to have a ball as soon as DeVaugh's new building is ready for occupancy. . . ."

Source:  Bartow and City Island, The Chronicle [Mount Vernon, NY], Dec. 7, 1888, Vol. XX, No. 1,148, p. 3, col. 2.

"Baseball Notes. . . .

It is with great pride we can justly say that there is another strong baseball team in the field this year, and who are playing great ball. The club we refer to, is the 'Shamrock's' of City Island, composed of yacht men, under the management of John F. Ahmuty, whose experience in that capacity is allready [sic] too well known to need comment, (he having guided the old monitors of Jersey City to what they are to-day), these young men have crossed bats with several out of town clubs, and without losing a game as yet. Mr. Ahmuty is so confident of his boy's that he will be compelled to cancel a good many dates made early in the season, in order to accommodate several league games for which he is offered large guarantee, as the famous 'Shamrock's' are the only club representing water now in existence. 

On July 4th the 'Shamrock's' will play the Confidence of New Rochelle, 2 games, morning and afternoon. Due notice will be given. . . . . 

Source:  Baseball Notes, The Chronicle [Mount Vernon, NY], June 18, 1889, Vol. XX, No. 1,203, p. 3, col. 2.

"City Island

(The following items were received too late for Friday's issue). . .  

Last Saturday [June 8, 1889] the 'Shamrocks' went to Willet's Point to score another victory -- 'a complete whitewash,' as one of the boys expressed it. Score 15 to 0. To-morrow (Saturday) they go to Brooklyn to play the return-game of the Y.M.A. of Bushwick avenue."

Source:  City Island, The Chronicle [Mount Vernon, NY], June 18, 1889, Vol. XX, No. 1,203, p. 3, col. 2.

"CITY ISLAND TATTLER. . . . 

Look out for the greatest event of the season, the ball of the Shamrock Base Ball club on December 11th on which occasion we will not kill our umpire, but we will present to the young lady who receives the largest number of votes on that evening, a beautiful silk plush patent rocker.  This is open to all comers.  Full particulars in our next. . . ."

Source:  CITY ISLAND TATTLER, The Chronicle [Mount Vernon, NY], Nov. 26, 1889, Vol. XXI, No. 1,249, p. 3, col. 3.  

"City Island Tattler. . . .

The manager of the Shamrock Base Ball Club is happy to announce that all the arrangements for their ball is [sic] completed, and a first-class time is guaranteed to all who choose to attend.  Tickets for sale at Bonn's segar store, Joseph Weber, Jr., Peter Magee, Mount Vernon.

Zoo Zoo."

Source:  City Island Tattler, The Chronicle [Mount Vernon, NY], Dec. 3, 1889, Vol. XXI., No. 1,251, p. 3, col. 3.

"LOCAL NEWS. . . . 

-- The first [sic] annual ball of the Shamrock B. B. C., of City Island, will be held at the Bay View Hotel, on Wednesday evening December 11, 1889.  The music will be furnished by Prof. Bonn, of Mt. Vernon. . . ."

Source:  LOCAL NEWS, New Rochelle Pioneer, Dec. 7, 1889, p. 3, cols. 1-3.  

"CITY ISLAND TATTLER.

One of the most sociable and successful balls ever held on City Island was the first [sic] annual of the Shamrock Base Ball Club on Wednesday evening last, at Bay View Hotel.  The ball room was decorated handsomely with ensign of this well-known club showing their winnings and their record, playing 29 games and losing only 4.  The floor was under the charge of Mr. Edward Leviness, assisted by an able Floor Committee.  Among those present was the Hon. Judge Henry D. Carey, President of the club, accompanied by his wife and lady friends; Mr. Thomas Coulter accompanied by Miss VeronicaHallett, dressed in blue silk trimmed with point lace, diamond ornaments; Mr. Jacob Smith, the well-known pitcher of the famous Shamrock's accompanied by Lucy Kirchoff, attired in pale blue silk trimmed with cream colored lace, diamond earrings; Mr. Henry Weaver accompanied by Miss Florence Baxter, dressed in brown silk and diamonds; Mr. G. Gander accompanied by Miss Phoebe Smith, dressed in pearl colored satin with handsome pearls as ornaents; Mr. F. Wolz accompanied by Miss Ella Billar dressed in fawn colored silk, ornaments, diamonds; Mr. and Mrs. Alfred Turner, Mrs. Turner looking charming in pink satin; Mr. Daniel Piepgrass accompanied by Miss Clara Richards, dressed in white satin, diamonds as ornaments; Mr. and Mrs. Ellmer Pickney, the latter being dressed in lavender silk; Mr. William Pell accompanied by Miss Irene Forkel, dressed in black silk with diamonds in ears; Mr. and Mrs. Percy Pell, Mrs. Pell was tastefully dressed in steel colored silk with a handsome diamond crescent holding a rare old lace collar; Mr. William Price accompanied by his charming sister Lydia, dressed in black lace and satin and diamonds; Mr. Edward Cochran accopanied by Miss Florence Pell, dressed in black silk and lace, with diamonds as ornaments; Mr. William Byles accompanied by his daughter Ida, dressed in brown silk and ruby and pearls as ornaments, also accompanied by a lady friend; Mr. and Mrs. Fred Glazier, the latter was neatly dressed in black silk and diamonds; Mr. Charles Johnson accompanied by his sisters Julia and Etta, both dressed in white satin and lace, ornaments, diamonds and pearls; Mr. Eugene Hallett accompanied by Miss Gormerly, dressed in brown silk, ornaments, diamonds; Mr. Joseph Ketcham accompanied by Miss Josie Price, dressed in navy blue silk with white lace front and diamond necklace; Mr. James Fitzgerald and sister of New Rochelle, dressed in brown silk and diamonds; Mr. William Hallett accompanied by Miss Schube dressed in white silk with diamonds in hair, set in the latest Parisian fashion -- a beautiful dancer; Mr. Fred Schube accompanied by Miss Lorms, dressed in pale blue silk cut a la princess Eugenie with diamonds in ears, and several others too numerous to mention.  It was one of the richest and best dressed affairs of this county.  Among the gentlemen present were Mr. Thomas Coulter, Harry Booth, Isaac Van Allen, Terry Ferguson, Wesley Leviness, Hugh Ryan, Thomas Mulligan, John P. Hawkins, Jr., James Prout, Wesley Beattie, Samuel Graham, Jr., Stanley Bergan, John Brady, Messrs. Donlin Brothers, Charles Stringham, Ale. Ferguson, James Anderson, Cyrus Pell, Wal. Carson, Thad. Rolfe, William Stringham, Jacob Smith, Sr., Frank Collins and several others.  At the given hour the silk plush rocker which was voted to the most prominent young lady was presented to Miss Josie Price, she receiving 79 votes.  After the presentation the dance was kept up until early morn, which brought to a close one of the most successful and enjoyable affairs of the season. . . ."

Source:  CITY ISLAND TATTLER, The Chronicle [Mount Vernon, NY], Dec. 17, 1889, Vol. XXI, No. 1,255, p. 3, col. 3.  

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Brief History of City Island Including the Legend of the Macedonia Hotel with Photographs Published in 1906

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Today's posting to the Historic Pelham Blog transcribes a lovely, brief history of City Island published as a chapter in a book released in 1906.  The fascinating history conveys, among other things, the legend of the Macedonia Hotel and demonstrates the perils of oral traditions and local history.  

City Island legend once claimed that parts of the Macedonia Hotel that stood at the east end of Ditmars Street was constructed from part of the famed English frigate Macedonian.  United States Commodore Stephen Decatur (at the time, a Captain) captured that frigate during the War of 1812 to wide acclaim.  

A 19th century City Island boatyard owner named Charles McClennan salvaged old timbers and the captain's cabin from a decommissioned frigate named the U.S.S. Macedonian at Cow Bay across Long Island Sound from City Island.  City Islander Jacob Smith bought the timbers and cabin and used them to build a small hotel on City Island.  Smith told all who would listen that the hotel was built from the remains of the famous English Frigate captured by Stephen Decatur during the War of 1812.  

This legend attracted curious visitors from far and near to the little hotel on City Island. However, the information turned out to be entirely wrong. It turns out that the structure included material that is not from the original remains of the Macedonian captured during the War of 1812.  It was constructed in part from the remains of a second ship (a United States frigate) also named "Macedonian" that launched at Gosport, Virginia, in 1836, was rebuilt in Brooklyn in 1852 and was broken up in 1874 at Cow Bay, Long Island.

By 1922, the Macedonia Hotel had been re-purposed as the City Island Casino.  It was destroyed in a fire that year.  

The article below includes a number of wonderful photographs of City Island including a lovely photograph of the Macedonia Hotel before the legend painted on its side was over-painted in the early 20th century.  

"CITY ISLAND
-----
Ancient Horse Cars - Marshall Mansion - City Island Bridge - General History of the Island - Macedonia Hotel
-----

'A gem of the Ocean.'  Thus is City Island described by the same person who goes on to state his experiences on a trip to the island from Bartow Station.  

'All aboard!'  The cry struck my car, and looking at what there was to board, I spied what I took to be a pet plaything left by Noah on Mt. Ararat after the Flood -- sort of box on wheels with tin geegees to pull it.  This then was the car, and I swung aboard.  We made magnificent progress, at the rate of at least sixteen miles in seventeen hours.  About half way to the bridge, I was astonished to see the driver leave his horses to jog along by themselves and walk into the car.  I thought he was sick and needed a rest, but no.  He sang out:  'Fares, please,' and proceeded to collect them.'

If the same man had seen the older cars, with their single horse, that jogged painfully at a snail's pace, he would have been more than ever surprised.  

"Old City Island Bridge"

Source:  "Chapter XX:  City Island" in History of Bronx Borough City Of New York

Compiled for The North Side News By Randall Comfort, p. 59 (NY, NY:  North Side

News Press:  1906).  NOTE:  Click on Image to Enlarge.

But City Island ought indeed to be thankful.  It has now a bridge to connect it with the main land.  In early days there was only a ferry, nay, even so recently as 1868.  Close to the bridge stands the immense 'Colonial Inn,' the fine old Marshall Mansion, surrounded by beautifully graded lawns and shade trees.  The old bridge, which was so narrow that even one of the tiny bob-tailed horsecars could scarcely pass a team, has been removed to make way for the much more roomy structure that now spans the waters.  A lingering remnant of the old creation still remains, as if loath to leave the spot to which it was brought after serving as the original Harlem Bridge.

Go down City Island's 'Main Street,' and you will find yourself transported as if to an isle in the midst of the ocean.  Yachting and fishing are the main, indeed we might say the only, pursuits.  Boats of every kind are drawn up on all sides.  Almost every one you meet wears the same nautical air.  You imagine you are miles away from the great City of New York instead of being practically in its northernmost corner.

It is said that City Island was so named because a colony was settled there intended to rival the present City of New York, then a tiny group of houses.  Now what a wonderful difference there is!

If we try to seek the first inhabitants of this 'Peal of the Sound' we have to turn to the Sewanoe tribe of Indians, who occupied the shore from Hell Gate on the south as far as Norwalk on the north.  They are also quoted as dwelling in the whole country, now the eastern part of old Westchester County, from the source of the Croton down to the Bronx.

Even to-day the seafaring inhabitants support themselves partly on what they find in the countless shells that line the coast.  In the very same manner the Indians of old made their living, thus giving to the spot the name of the 'Islands of Shells.'  Before the name city Island was given to this place, it was styled Minneford's or Minnefor's Island, a title supposed to have been derived from an old Indian Sachem who once held sway there.

When witchcraft was ranked among the list of crimes, two unfortunate persons  had sought City Island's shores as a supposedly safe refuge.  But, as we are told, the wave of fanaticism which had swept through New England, reached this spot and on October 2, 1665, Ralph Hall and Mary, his wife, were arraigned for trial at the Court of Assizes in New York, upon suspicion of witchcraft.'  We learn that they were brought to trial for 'murder by means of witchcraft.'  As a result both pleaded not guilty, but the jury found that there was something 'suspicious by the evidence of what the woman is charged with, but nothing considerable of value to take away her life.  But in reference to the man we find nothing considerable to charge him with.'

For three dreary years the two lived in a little hut on the lonely shores of 'Minneford's Island.'  Then, finally they were acquitted, 'there having been no direct proof of witchcraft.'  According to the records, this was the first case of witchcraft to come before the authorities in the Province of New York.

Then gradually developed the idea of founding a city on these shores to equal the far distant City of New York.  This latter place seemed all very well in its way, but its location was far down on the lower end of Manhattan Island.  Such were the dreams of Philip and Benjamin Palmer, who had spent their life from childhood's days on Throgg's Neck, opposite the island.  Here was a spot that would completely solve the perplexing problem.  No more risks to run in passing through the whirling maelstrom and dangerous rocks of Hell Gate.  There was plenty of safe anchorage and refuge from storms.  Even a plan, or map, was gooten out and an advertisement prepared, showing forth in glowing terms the advantages of the place.  Real estate began to boom.  A broad avenue -- now Main Street -- was laid out and about four thousand lots were planned.  Mr. Palmer himself was offered as high as 300 and even 1,000 pounds for the most desirable portions.

"Macedonian Hotel"

Source:  "Chapter XX:  City Island" in History of Bronx Borough City Of New York

Compiled for The North Side News By Randall Comfort, p. 61 (NY, NY:  North Side

News Press:  1906).  NOTE:  Click on Image to Enlarge.

Then the sky darkened.  In 1776 the British fleet had arrived in New York harbor, and the island residents realized their extreme danger, so far away from the rest of the world.  As for Palmer and his wife, they waited there a few days too long, and were all taken prisoners by the enemy, where he was 'badly treated and continually refused permission to leave.'  Finally he obtained this permission, going to New York, where he remained until the close of the war.  

During the Revolution, although the place was closely guarded by British warships, we learn with pride that the American whaleboats did not hesitate for a moment to dart out and attack the enemy, no matter what size their ships were.  

After the war, Palmer's troubles were by no means over.  Because he had obeyed orders from some one in the King's service, he discovered that his land had been seized and his petitions for the return of his possessions proved unsuccessful.  

The money for building a bridge to the mainland could not be raised and at last the project for building a city to rival New York was abandoned.  As for Palmer, his circumstances became so reduced that Aaron Burr started a subscription which resulted in keeping him from abject poverty until his death.

After the completion of the iron Harlem Bridge, the original structure was removed to City Island, about 1873, and the old-fashioned ferry was at last abandoned.

Minneford Avenue is one of the most prominent thoroughfares of this little island kingdom.  On a side street, fronting the waters of the Sound, is a quaint relic of one of the prizes of the gallant Stephen Decatur.  When I visited the spot last, the house had been newly painted, thus obliterating a sign which proclaimed in large letters the unique history of the spot.

In the first place are the large characters 'MACEDONIA HOTEL.'  On the north side is, or perhaps we had better say, was, this inscription:

'This house is the remains of the English Frigate Macedonia, captured on Sunday, October 25, by the United States Frigate United States Commanded by Cap't Stephen Decatur, U.S.N.  The action was fought in Lat. 24' N., Long. 29' 30" W.  That is About 600 Miles N. W. of the Cape de Verde Islands, Off the West Coast of Africa, and Towed to Cow Bay in 1874.'

Thus we have a striking example of a ship on dry land.  Nay, it is not only a ship, but half ship and half house.  Ninety odd years ago, when the old 'Macedonia' was in the full glory of its youth as a frigate-of-war in the English Navy, sailing near the Canary Islands, it became a prize of war of the daring and intrepid Decatur.  In this way one of the finest warships of the British Navy became the property of the United States, in more senses than one.

Without even a change of name, this almost new frigate began a most remarkable career under the stars and stripes.  She did splendid work in battling with the Algerian pirates in the far distant Mediterranean.  In the Mexican War she helped capture the stronghold of Vera Cruz, and in 1847 she aided to carry a most welcome cargo of food to the starving people of Ireland.  When the Civil War broke out, the Macedonia performed noble service as a transport of troops.  

Finally in 1874 she was condemned by the government and towed to Cow Bay, Long Island, where an enterprising City Islander bought her, took her across the Sound on her last cruise, and erected the best part of her where she now stands.  The inscription on her sides is said to have been obtained from the War Department, so it may be taken as authentic.

A visit to the old ship is full of interest.  On all sides can be seen the immense stanchions, bristling with the massive iron rings to which the ancient cannon were once fastened.  The roof, being the old cabin, is curved, and opening from the sides, like tiny cubby-holes, are the officers' staterooms.  These are neatly furnished with beds, giving the place a most homelike and occupied air.  The hooks from which the British tars and their American successors hung their hammocks are plainly in evidence, while in the roof can be seen the great round opening through which the giant mast once passed.

Around the corner from the 'Macdeonia Hotel' is City Island's burying ground.  This is said to have given the hotel the name of the 'Dead Quiet.'"

"City Island Car"

Source:  "Chapter XX:  City Island" in History of Bronx Borough City Of New York

Compiled for The North Side News By Randall Comfort, p. 62 (NY, NY:  North Side

News Press:  1906).  NOTE:  Click on Image to Enlarge.

Source:  "Chapter XX:  City Island" in History of Bronx Borough City of New York Compiled for The North Side News by Randall Comfort, pp. 59-62 (NY, NY:  North Side News Press:  1906).  

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I have written about various aspects of the history of City Island, once part of the Town of Pelham.  For merely a few such examples, see:

Fri., Jan. 23, 2009:  Biography of Jacob Smith of City Island, Proprietor of the Macedonia Hotel.  

Thu., Dec. 04, 2014:  Park Department Commissioners Condemned -- But Didn't Close -- the "Dilapidated" City Island Bridge in 1894.

Tue., Oct. 07, 2014:  Legislative History of the 1775 Statute Authorizing Construction of City Island Bridge.

Tue., Jul. 22, 2014:  Stories of City Island Bridge Published in 1892.

Wed., May 28, 2014:  Description of City Island in the Town of Pelham Published in 1868.

Wed., Mar. 10, 2010:  1899 Article About City Island's New Bridge Describes History of Area and Includes Wonderful Images.

Wed., Dec. 05, 2007:  Photograph of the Old Wooden City Island Bridge.

Tue., Dec. 26, 2006:  1775 Statute Authorizing Samuel Rodman and Benjamin Palmer to Build City Island Drawbridge.  

Tue., Nov. 07, 2006:  Tour of City Island and Portions of Pelham Published in 1909.

Wed., Jul. 12, 2006:  A Brief History of City Island Published in a Book by Stephen Jenkins in 1912.

Tue., May 02, 2006:  Benjamin Palmer's Advertisement in 1756 To Raise Subscriptions To Fund a Free Bridge From Manhattan.

Wed., May 17, 2006:  More About Benjamin Palmer's Involvement With Raising Funds for a Free Bridge from Manhattan. 

Fri., May 05, 2006:  1763 Announcement That City Island in the Manor of Pelham Has Been Laid Out in Lots for Sale.

Mon., May 15, 2006:  Resales of Lots in the 1760s on the Island Known Today as City Island.

Thu., Apr. 19, 2007:  An Account of How Soldiers Were "Recruited" in Pelham in 1758 for the French and Indian War.  

Mon., Jan. 29, 2007:  Palmer Family Offers One Thirtieth of City Island for Sale in 1785.

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Reorganization of the Minneford Engine Company on City Island in February, 1891

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I continue my efforts to document some of the earliest efforts to develop organized fire fighting units in the Town of Pelham.  I recently ran across one of the earliest references yet involving the "re-organization" of the Minneford Engine Company on City Island in the Town of Pelham in 1891.  The brief reference is quoted immediately below, followed by a citation to its source.

"--The Minneford Engine Co. last Friday evening [apparently Feb. 20, 1891] re-organized as an independent company, with the following officers:  Jerome Bell, President; C. W. Bell, Secretary; Geo. W. Guest, Foreman; Thomas Keller, 1st Assistant; Anderson Wilson, 2nd Assistant; Jacob Smith, Engineer; Daniel Piepgras, 1st Assistant.--Mt. Vernon Record."

Source:  The Minneford Engine Co., New Rochelle Pioneer, Feb. 28, 1891, p. 3, col. 2.

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Biography of Jacob Smith of City Island, Proprietor of the Macedonian Hotel

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City Island once was part of the Town of Pelham. New York City annexed much of the Town of Pelham including City Island in the 1890s. For much of the 19th century, however, a large segment of the population of the Town of Pelham resided on City Island.


One of those who lived there was Jacob Smith. For years he served as the proprietor of the Macedonian Hotel. Portions of that hotel supposedly were constructed from part of the English frigate Macedonian. Commodore Stephen Decatur (at the time, a Captain) captured that frigate during the War of 1812 to wide acclaim.


Within the hotel (now a restaurant on today's City Island) there is a plaque with an inscription that reads:


"This house is the remains of the English Frigate 'Macedonian,' captured on Sunday, October 25th, 1812, by the United States Frigate 'United States' Capt. Stephen Decatur, U.S.N. The action was fought in Lat. 24° N., Long 29°30' W., that is about 600 miles N.W. of the Cape of Verde Islands off the W. coast of Africa and towed to Cowbay in 1874."


This legend attracted curious visitors from far and near to the little hotel on City Island. However, the information turned out to be entirely wrong. It turns out that the structure includes material that is not from the original remains of the Macedonian captured during the War of 1812. It is constructed in part from the remains of a second ship also named "Macedonian" that launched at Gosport, Virginia, in 1836, rebuilt in Brooklyn in 1852 and broken up in 1874 at Cow Bay, Long Island.

See Jenkins, Stephen, The Story of The Bronx From the Purchase Made by the Dutch from the Indians in 1639 to the Present Day, pp. 431-32 (NY and London: The Knickerbocker Press 1912). See also Cook, Harry T., The Borough of The Bronx 1639-1913 Its Marvelous Development and Historical Surroundings, pp. 133-35 (NY, NY: Published by the Author, 1913).

Source of Photograph: Pelletreau, William S., Historic Homes and Institutions and Genealogical and Family History of New York, Vol. IV, Between pp. 242-43 (NY and Chicago: The Lewis Publishing Company 1907).

The Pelletreau book cited immediately above contains biographical data for Jacob Smith as well as a photograph of him with his extended family. The text and photograph appear below.

"JACOB SMITH.

Jacob Smith, a patriotic and enterprising German-American citizen of City Island, borough of the Bronx, where he has become well and favorably known as the preserver of the old frigate sloop 'Macedonia,' which has become a matter of considerable local historic interest. The English frigate 'Macedonia,' captured on Friday, October 25, 1812, by the United States frigate, 'United States,' was commanded by Captain Stephen Decatur. The action was fought in latitude 24 north and longitude 29' 30" west; that is about six hundred miles northwest of the Cape De Verde Islands, on west coast of Africa; was towed into Cow Bay, 1874.

Jacob Smith was born at Kaisers Lautern, in the Rhine Pfalz district, kingdom of Bavaria, Germany, February 11, 1841, son of Frederick William and Rosanna (Wail) Schmitt, [Page 240 / Page 241] and was one of a family of eight children, six of whom emigrated to the United States and took up their residence in New York city, and two of whom died in the Fatherland. The six children who emigrated to the United States were as follows: 1. Wilhelmina, married William Seltzer. 2. William, died in New York city at the age of sixteen years. 3. Jacob, of this review. 4. Annie, who married Charles Steger. 5. Nicholas, married Sarah Frank. 6. Peter, married Margaret -------. The mother of the aforementioned children came to the United States in 1850 and died in New Rochelle, Westchester county, New York, in 1868. Her husband, Frederick William Schmitt, passed away in the Fatherland in 1847.

Jacob Smith, of this review, came to the United States in 1850 and with the family took up his abode in New York city, where he received his elementary training. Upon attaining to manhood years he learned the machinist trade, which line of occupation he followed for some time. In 1872 he came to City Island and there continued to follow his trade until 1888. That year, after having received permission from the United States government to undertake the task of restoring the old frigate sloop 'Macedonia,' he did so and added an annex to the same, using it for living purposes and also as a family and picnic resort, which has become popularly known as the Macedonia Hotel. During his residence at City Island, Mr. Smith has at all times taken an active interest in the material welfare of the neighborhood. He is an active member of the Mt. Vernon Singing Verein and such other organizations as have for their object the advancement of the social interests of the community.

He married, in New York city, December 6, 1864, Sarah Ann Hyde, born May 28, 1840, daughter of James K. and Clara (Jennings) Hyde. Of this marriage were born the following children: 1. Jacob P., born March 14, 1866, married Louise [Page 241 / Page 242] Lockyer. 2. Sarah L., horn November 5, 1868, married John P. Hawkins, Jr., of City Island. 3. Phoebe E., born November 19, 1870, married Captain John Crawford. 4. Elizabeth J., born November 17, 1872, married John Stradinger, of Van Ness, borough of the Bronx. 5. Joseph, born December 12, 1874, married Decie Mayer. 6. Mary H., born September 26, 1876, married Thomas Coltart, of City Island. 7. Isaac, died at the age of five years. 8. Frank Harrison, who lost his life by drowning at the age of nineteen. 9. Martha, died at the early age of one year. The mother of the aforementioned children died December 2, 1894; she was a consistent christian lady and a member of the Episcopal church."

Source: Pelletreau, William S., Historic Homes and Institutions and Genealogical and Family History of New York, Vol. IV, pp. 240-42 (NY and Chicago: The Lewis Publishing Company 1907).

Source of Photograph: Pelletreau, William S., Historic Homes and Institutions and Genealogical and Family History of New York, Vol. IV, Between pp. 240-41 (NY and Chicago: The Lewis Publishing Company 1907).

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