James Francis Secor, Builder of Union Monitors, Ironclads, and Drydocks During Civil War, Lived in Pelham

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James Francis Secor was a son of Francis Secor (b. May 22, 1776, d. Aug. 23, 1863).  Francis Secor was a merchant, shipwright, and ship chandler who reportedly was associated with Robert Fulton in the construction of the first successful steam vessel.  Francis Secor was a son of Eli Secor (b. 1743, d. 1830) and Ann Gedney. He bought a 150-acre estate in Pelham Manor and built a grand summer home on the grounds.  The family first alternated between their fashionable Murray Hill residence and their grand summer home in Pelham Manor until they suffered a major financial setback and lost a large portion of the family fortune. At that time, they gave up their New York City residence and moved to the Pelham Manor home where they lived thereafter.

I have written about the notable Secor family and the Secor estate on a number of occasions.  For examples, see:

Mon., Mar. 27, 2017:  More on Francis Secor of Pelham, Father of James Francis Secor and Grandfather of James Frances Secor, Jr.

Tue., Aug. 25, 2015:  Joan Elizabeth Klink Secor, Known as Annie, Was a Notable Pelham Manor Resident and Town Historian.

Wed., Apr. 15, 2015:  The Secor Estate in the Village of Pelham Manor.

James Francis Secor was born in New York City in about 1814.  He and several of his brothers followed in the footsteps of their father, Francis Secor.  James and three of his brothers, Zeno, Henry, and Charles, formed the shipbuilding firm of Secor Brothers that operated out of Jersey City.  During the Civil War, Secor Brothers constructed at least five ironclads to the United States Government, including the Mahopac.  

The Monitor Mahopac on the Appomattox River, 1864.

Source:  U.S. National Archives Photograph, No.

NWDNS-111-B-409. NOTE: Click on Image to Enlarge.

According to obituaries published after his death, James Francis Secor's most notable accomplishments included the construction of the Mare Island Navy Yard in San Francisco, the Pensacola Navy Yard and "many of the monitors, ironclads and dry docks which contributed so largely toward putting an end to the civil war."  

The father of James Francis Secor, Francis Secor, died on August 23, 1864.  James Francis Secor succeeded to the Secor home on Secor Hill after his father's death.  Like Francis Secor, James Francis Secor and his son James Francis Secor, Jr. (and his daughter, Anna M. Secor,) became notable Pelham residents who shaped the early Village of Pelham Manor and various of its important institutions including the Manor Club.

James Francis Secor died at about the age of 90 on Tuesday, December 27, 1904.  According to an obituary, "until a few hours of his death retained the mental clearness and physical vigor which had been the marvel of his friends for many years."

Today's Historic Pelham posting transcribes the text of several obituaries of James F. Secor below and provides citations and links to their sources.

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"FAMED NAVAL BUILDER, JAMES F. SECOR, IS DEAD
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Family at Bedside in Beautiful Pelham Manor Home
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HAD PASSED HIS 90TH YEAR
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He Built Navy Yards at Mare Island and Pensacola, Besides Monitors for Civil War.
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After a long and eventful business and social career, which had brought him into close relations with Daniel Webster, Admiral Farragut and hundreds of other men who a half century ago were prominent in shaping the destinies of the Nation.  James F. Secor, builder of the Mare Island Navy Yard in San Francisco, the Pensacola Navy Yard and many of the monitors, ironclads and dry docks which contributed so largely toward putting an end to the civil war, died suddenly in his handsome country home in Pelham Manor last evening.  He was 90 years old and until within a few hours of his death he retained the mental clearness and physical vigor which had been the marvel of hundreds of friends for many years.  

Mr. Secor complained yesterday morning of being ill and went to bed.  That was such an unusual thing physicians were summoned.  At first they did not think his condition serious, but when he continued to grow weaker they advised the family to summon his daughter, Mrs. Frank Dickerson of this city, at one time commander of the New York Yacht Club.

FAMILY AT BEDSIDE.

Mr. Secor's other children, James F. Secor, Jr., a New York business man; Mrs. Washington Cockle and Miss Anna Secor, were with their father when he was stricken, the handsome old manor house, which in Colonial days belonged to Lord Pelham [sic], being their home, too.  All day long they remained at the bedside watching the life that had been such a strong link between the past and the present slowly and peacefully come to an end.

When it became known in Pelham Manor that Mr. Secor was dead the expression of regret was general.  He not only was one of the wealthiest and most prominent men in that section, but his remarkable vitality, mental vigor, uniform good nature and acute interest in the development of the Pelham Manor district had served to make for him thousands of friends who never failed to grasp an opportunity to show their warm regard.

Only a few weeks ago Mr. Secor celebrated the ninetieth anniversary of his birth.  Hundreds called at the manor house to congratulate him upon having joined the ranks of the nonogenarians [sic], and many others sent flowers and other tokens of friendship.

LOVED OLD MANOR HOUSE.

One of the strong traits of Mr. Secor was affection for the old Colonial manor house in which he died.  It came into the possession of the Secor family several generations ago, and then passed from it.  After Mr. Secor had won wealth as a builder of navy yards, dry docks and warships he decided to dedicate part of his fortune to regaining possession of Lord Pelham's manor [sic].

About twenty years ago the opportunity presented itself and Mr. Secor seized it.  He converted the estate into one of the handsomest country places in Westchester County and went there to live.  Having more land than he needed, he decided to develop it, and it is upon land he sold that a large part of the town [sic] of Pelham Manor now stands.

Mr. Secor was born in New York city.  His father was a famous shipbuilder here in the early part of the last century.  Mr. Secor succeeded to this business and enlarged it to such an extent that before the civil war began his name had become known widely.  When the Federal Government wanted navy yards and dry docks on the Atlantic and Pacific coasts Mr. Secor built them, and when monitors and other armored craft were needed to assist in putting down the secession movement Mr. Secor received many of the construction contracts.  

It was when engaged in this work that he became known so well to Admiral Farragut and other men prominent in the struggle to preserve the Union.  Being an ardent supporter of the Union movement and an uncompromising Republican, Mr. Secor was in hearty accord with the purposes of these men and did everything possible to forward them.  His home became a social and political centre, although Mr. Secor never aspired to or held office.

INTERESTED IN RAILWAYS.

Several years after the close of the civil war he retired from active business life, although he retained large holdings in several of the big railroads in the country.  He devoted himself to the development of his handsome estate in Westchester, and it was one of the sights in Pelham Manor in recent years to see Mr. Secor, who was nearing his century mark, out in the grounds and gardens, engaged actively in supervising the work.

His accurate reminiscence of events in the last seventy years, his knowledge of the motives underlying many important historical movements and his facility in the recital of stories bearing on the political and social lives of men of national and international prominence with whom he had been intimate and whom he had outlived, made Mr. Secor the delight of hundreds of friends."

Source:  FAMED NAVAL BUILDER, JAMES F. SECOR, IS DEAD -- Family at Bedside in Beautiful Pelham Manor Home -- HAD PASSED HIS 90TH YEAR -- He Built Navy Yards at Mare Island and Pensacola, Besides Monitors for Civil War, The New York Press, Dec. 28, 1904, Vol. XVIII, No. 6,237, p. 2, col. 5.  

"AGED WARSHIP BUILDER DEAD.

New York, Dec. 28. -- James F. Secor, builder of the Mare Island navy yard in San Francisco, the Pensacola navy yard and many of the monitors, ironclads and dry docks which contributed so largely toward putting an end to the civil war, is dead at his country home in Pelham Manor.  He was 90 years old."

Source:  AGED WARSHIP BUILDER DEAD, The Minneapolis Journal, Dec. 28, 1904, p. 1, col. 7.  

"JAMES F. SECOR DEAD.
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Built Monitors, Ironclads and Drydocks During Civil War.

New York, Dec. 29. -- James F. Secor, builder of the Mare Island navy yard in San Francisco, the Pensacola navy yard and many of the monitors, ironclads and drydocks which contributed so largely toward putting an end to the Civil War, is dead at his country home in Pelham Manor.  He was ninety years old and until a few hours of his death retained the mental clearness and physical vigor which had been the marvel of his friends for many years."

Source:  JAMES F. SECOR DEAD -- Built Monitors, Ironclads and Drydocks During Civil War, The Bemidji Daily Pioneer, Dec. 29, 1904, Vol. 2, No. 205, p. 1, col. 5. 

"James Francis Secor.

James Francis Secor, a well known  resident of Pelham Manor, died Tuesday night aged 90 years.  The funeral services will be held from the residence on Friday morning at 11 o'clock, and the interment will be made in Woodlawn cemetery."

Source:  James Francis Secor, The Daily Argus [Mount Vernon, NY], Dec. 28, 1904, p. 5, col. 6.  

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Joan Elizabeth Klink Secor, Known as Annie, Was a Notable Pelham Manor Resident and Town Historian

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Joan Elizabeth Klink Secor, known by family and close friends as "Annie," was one of the most beloved residents to have lived in the Village of Pelham Manor.  She was born in Vallejo, California in 1858.  She met James F. Secor, Jr. in 1880 while he was in Vallejo to inspect dry docks that had been built there by his father.  After a brief courtship, the couple married and moved to Pelham Manor where James Secor's father, James F. Secor, Sr., had built a large summer estate.  (I have written about the Secor estate before.  See Wed., Apr. 15, 2015:  The Secor Estate in the Village of Pelham Manor.)   

Joan Secor quickly became a social and cultural force in Pelham Manor.  She became president of the Tuesday Afternoon Club in 1900 and, when that Club merged into the Manor Club (which became a women's club) in 1914, she served as president of the newly-merged institution as well.  She stablized the finances of the Manor Club, presided over the fund-raising for, and the construction of, the new Manor Club building that is now listed on the National Register of Historic Places.  She retired from service as president of the club after 26 years in May 1925 when she departed for California to live with family members there.  A beautiful oil portrait of her, painted by George Brehm, still hangs in the assembly room of the Manor Club.

Mrs. Secor served as the second Town Historian for the Town of Pelham.  She served in this capacity for five years before she removed to San Francisco upon her retirement.  While serving as Town Historian, she wrote a pamphlet detailing the Town's historic landmarks published in 1924.  For the electronic text, see Secor, Joan Elizabeth, Landmarks In and Near Pelham (Pelham, NY:  The Town of Pelham, 1924) (published by the Town of Pelham on the occasion of the dedication of Pelham Memorial Park on May 30, 1924).

On Saturday, July 23, 1932, Joan Secor died suddenly at her home in San Francisco.  Once word reached Pelham, tributes poured in.  Her obituary, a series of tributes, and a number of photographs of her appeared in the local newspaper, The Pelham Sun.  Those materials are presented below.  Each is followed by a citation and link to its source.

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"Mrs. Joan E. Secor Dies In San Francisco; Manor Club President 26 Years
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One of Pelham Manor's Most Revered Citizens; Was First President of Tuesday Afternoon Club Founded in 1900; Later Merged With Manor Club; Town Historian for Five Years.
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Mrs. Joan Elizabeth Secor, who for twenty-six years was president of the Manor Club and the guiding spirit in the growth of the club, died suddenly on Saturday at San Francisco, where she has made her home since May, 1925.  Funeral services were held at San Francisco on Monday.  The remains will be brought east for interment.  Plans for interment have not been arranged yet.

She was the widow of James F. Secor, old resident and at one time school trustee.

Mrs. Secor was the aunt of Miss Anna Cockle and Isla V. Cockle of Pelham Manor.  She is also survived by four sisters, Mrs. Vincent Cottman and Miss Jane Klink of San Francisco, Mrs. Emil Theiss and Mrs. Franklin Huntington of Norfolk, Va., and two brothers, George T. Klink and William M. Klink, of San Francisco..

Mrs. Secor was born at Vallejo, Calif., in 1858.  In 1880 Mr. Secor while inspecting the dry docks at Vallejo, which were constructed by his father, met Miss Joan Elizabeth Klink, and after a short courtship the couple were married at Vallejo.  They came to the Secor home in Pelham Manor to live shortly after.  The dynamic personality of the young bride soon established her as a leader.

In 1900 the need for a women's club in Pelham Manor was recognized and Mrs. Secor was instrumental in establishing the Tuesday Afternoon Club whose meetings soon became the culture center of the village.  Mrs. Secor was elected president of the club.  Other officers were Mrs. Charles B. Hull, vice-president; Mrs. William B. Randall, secretary; Mrs. Charlotte E. Cowles, treasurer.

The Tuesday Afternoon Club used to meet in one of the alcoves of the Manor Club building.  The Manor Club had been established as a men's club in 1887, and for years it has been successful.  However, at the time of the organization of the Tuesday Afternoon Club, the Manor Club was experiencing difficulties, and the organization was glad to encourage the use, at a nominal fee, of the building by the women's club.

(Continued on Page Four)

MRS. JOAN E. SECOR DIES SUDDENLY
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(Continued from Page One)

In 1914 the Manor Club joined with the Tuesday Afternoon Club, and the women replaced the men as officers.  Mrs. Secor was elected president of the new Manor Club and she remained in the chair until her departure from Pelham in 1925.  After that she was honorary president.

It was under the guidance of Mrs. Secor that the Manor Club extended its membership from a handful of women to more than 500.  It was also under her direction that the present clubhouse of the Manor Club was financed and constructed.  She officiated at the laying of the cornerstone in 1921 and at the dedication of the building in 1922.

Mrs. Secor retired as president of the club in May, 1925, at which time she left Pelham to take up her residence in San Francisco.  Glowing tribute to her 26 years as president of the club was paid by the members of the Manor Club at the annual banquet.  An engrossed resolution was presented to the retiring president as well as handsome gifts in token on the esteem in which Mrs. Secor was held.  

Mrs. Secor was unanimously elected Honorary President and in recent years acted in an advisory capacity.  

Annually at the final meeting of the Manor Club a telegram of love and congratulation was forwarded to the honorary president of the club.  A similar greeting was received from Mrs. Secor.  At the last annual meeting she sent the following message:

'Greetings from the far away California coast, where I lived until I was in my 23rd year and then upon occasion of my marriage to Mr. Secor in 1880, I came to New York and shortly afterward to Pelham Manor.  I can truly say that I have lived my life in Pelham Manor, that is, in its working years, and they are the years that count.

'It was the Manor Club which gave me my first experience in the art of managing public affairs, and I learned during the years I was its president.  It is not the length of time one is in office, but what one accomplished while there which counts.  I now see that the whole-hearted cooperation in things that are uplifting, the generous willingness to do something to make the club better, more stimulating to what is highest and best in our daily lives, had made the Pelhams a finer place in which to live.  This was the great aim of our young years, and it has been accomplished as I see and feel although so many miles away.

'Life in the Pelhams is a finer thing by reason of the influence of a group of women who worked and still do, to bring out the best qualities of those about them through the study of literature, music, art, the drama and the various sections.

'Therefore, I say to you who thus labor, 'go forward, be not weary of well-doing.'  To my dear friends Mrs. Longley, who is to retire from the office of president, I send my warm love and congratulations upon her successful presidency, and now will close, my dear Sophie (Mrs. H. E. Dey) with kind remembrances to my many friends in the Manor Club, among whom you are surely included.

'JOAN E. SECOR,

'Honorary President.'

Mrs. Secor was for many years a contributor to The Pelham Sun.  Her historical articles were widely read and her history of Pelham, which she compiled as Town Historian, is very interesting.

Mrs. Secor's love for Pelham is shown in the tribute, 'A Toast to Pelham' which is printed in this issue of The Pelham Sun.  A framed copy of this tribute was presented to The Pelham Sun by Mrs. E. T. Gilliland, old resident who was a dear friend of Mrs. Secor.

As a tribute to the memory of the late Mrs. Secor the flag on the clubhouse grounds will be flown at half mast staff for a month.

The portrait of Mrs. Secor, painted by George Brehm and hanging in the assembly room of the club is draped in black.

A large spray of flowers to entirely cover the coffin was sent by the Manor Club to San Francisco."

Source:  Mrs. Joan E. Secor Dies In San Francisco; Manor Club President 26 Years -- One of Pelham Manor's Most Revered Citizens; Was First President of Tuesday Afternoon Club Founded in 1900; Later Merged With Manor Club; Town Historian for Five Years, The Pelham Sun, Jul. 29, 1932, Vol. 23, No. 19, p. 1, cols. 1-2 & p. 4, cols. 4-7.  

"PELHAM MOURNS LOSS AT DEATH OF MRS. SECOR
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Officials of Manor Club and Old Residents of Pelham Express Sorrow
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Pelhamites grieved at the news of the death of Mrs. Joan E. Secor.  The Pelham Sun has received many expressions of tribute from old residents and those who were associated with Mrs. Secor in her 26 years as president of the Manor Club.

Mrs. Walter B. Parsons, who recently was elected president of the Manor Club, was deeply moved at the news of the death of Mrs. Secor.  In an interview with The Pelham Sun she said as follows:

'To those of us who had the privilege of working under Mrs. Secor's guidance, she will always stand out preeminently as a dominant personality, because of executive ability and force of mind and character.  She had an unusual appreciation of all things beautiful, especially beautiful literature.  She was tolerant, patient, sympathetic and understanding; added to this, the endearing faculty of remember-

(Continued on Page Four)

PELHAM MOURNS LOSS AT DEATH OF MRS. SECOR
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(Continued from Page 1) 

ing people's names.  She was peculiarly fitted for her position as president of the Manor Club because she loved people, and in return, they all loved her.  The fullness of her life will always be an inspiration.'

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Mrs. William B. Randall of Pelham Manor, historian of the Manor Club, said as follows:

'Although Mrs. James F. Secor removed from Pelham in 1926 her death will bring to her many friends and neighbors here, a renewed sense of loss.  For she was a woman of distinguished talent and education, a leading spirit in the village activities for many years and the beloved friend of everyone who knew her.  Blessed by nature with a brilliant mind as well as a heart particularly warm and sympathetic, she enthusiastically gave herself to her friends, the church, philanthropies and especially to club work.  

'At the time of her death she was honorary President of the Manor Club of which she had been president for thirteen years.  Previous to that she had been president of the Tuesday Afternoon Club for as long a period.  She was an Honorary Director of the Pelham Home for Children of which she had also been President.

'The nobility of her nature and her ardent love for the higher things of life will always remain an inspiration to everyone who knew her.'

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'News of the sudden death of Mrs. James F. Secor has come as a great shock to her many friends of twenty years or more.  Her love and devotion to the finer things of life set a standard of high thinking and purposeful living.  She was an inspiring leader of the Manor Club in its various activities and with a genuine love of womankind was able to harmonize and appreciate the efforts of each and every group engaged in club work.  In passing, she has left a heritage of understanding and sympathy which has enriched the lives of all who knew and loved her.'  -- Mrs. James L. Gerry.

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'Mrs. Secor's death brings a feeling of deep loss to all who knew her.  She was a friend of thirty-four years standing, a woman whom I admired as one of the most talented in the community.  In her death I feel a keen sense of personal loss.'  -- Mrs. Edward Penfield.

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'To me the passing of Joan E. Secor, a deep friend of forty-two years, is an irreparable loss.  As a citizen of this community she manifested a splendid kind of civic pride and love for everything that was fine and beautiful.  Her memory will remain with us many years.' -- Mrs. E. T. Gilliland, old resident of Pelham Manor.

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'We were grievously shocked when the news reached us, that Mrs. Secor had died at her home in California.  We had known the Secors as friends and near neighbors for upwards of thirty years.  Mrs. Secor was indeed a faithful friend, a tender hearted sympathizer in times of trial, a consistent Christian and a loyal citizen whose loss was deeply felt when she decided to make her home in California among the friends of her youth, after her husband's death.  We are all glad that those friends have graciously permitted her to rest beside her husband.

'The people of Pelham will not soon forget Mrs. Secor who for many years did so much toward making our town such an attractive place in which to live.'

-John M. Shinn,
Former Town Historian.

'I can think of no woman in Pelham Manor who will be more sincerely mourned than dear Mrs. Secor.  Her name is closely associated with the upbuilding of the Manor Club which will stand as a memorial to her efforts and devotion to its members and to her numerous friends.' -- Mrs. H. G. K. Heath.

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'I have known Mrs. Secor since I came to Pelham almost thirty-two years ago.  As a friend she was always loyal, sympathetic and inspiring.  She was a natural leader and her leadership was never disputed from the beginning of the Tuesday Afternoon Club and the formation of the present Manor Club, until she resigned in 1925 when she went to live in San Francisco.  She was generous, liberal-minded and forward-looking, always eager to adopt the good ideas of the younger generation.  She held a unique position, not only in the Manor Club but in the whole community.  No woman was more loved, admired and respected or will be more sincerely mourned.'

-- Mrs. Henry E. Dey.

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'The death of Mrs. Joan Secor marks the passing of one of the loveliest characters for whom we are all so sincerely grieving.  It has been my greatest privilege to have known and loved her truly.  And she was kind.'

Mrs. Danforth Brown."

Source:  PELHAM MOURNS LOSS AT DEATH OF MRS. SECOR -- Officials of Manor Club and Old Residents of Pelham Express Sorrow, The Pelham Sun, Jul. 29, 1932, Vol. 23, No. 19, p. 1, col. 2 & p. 4, cols. 5-7.

"A TOAST TO PELHAM
By the Late Joan E. Secor
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Pelham!  Wherein three great racial strains were mingled in the early settlement of the locality -- English, Dutch and French -- a glittering triad through which glows Britain's brain and Holland's soul and the undaunted spirit of France!  Stand at attention, citizens of the Pelhams and briefly review our glorious inheritance.

Borne from afar on the breeze, hear Chaucer's lay and Milton's strain, and Shakespeare's song blending with the majestic rhythms of the 'King James Vision!' Catch the gleams of Rembrandt's brush; the stern notes proclaiming the 'Revocation of the Edict of Nantes,' of the mighty voices of statesmen, philosophers, poets, as the battalions of France step to the music of the 'Marsellaise,' or answer the call from early America to the great Lafayette!  From leaf-strewn lane and quiet wood catch echoes of the marching feet of Revolutionary soldiers!  The rattle of wheels along the 'Old Boston Post Road,' mingling with the whir of wings and the soft calls of linnet and lark!

Headquarters of Washington!  Site of the Battle of White Plains!  Site of the Battle of Pelham!

Cottage of Anne Hutchinson!

Cottage of Aaron Burr!

Scenes of the exploits of Cooper's Indian crowd upon the vision -- an ancient house; a giant tree!

A mouldering headstone here and there along the King's Highway or the old Indian trails and paths leading to the waters of Long Island Sound recall the early picture.

Pelham!  Founded upon the principles of civil and religious liberty; vitalized by the toil of Puritan, patroon and Huguenot; consecrated by their sacrifices; dedicated to the service of God and country, we the inheritors of this region offer 'Salutation' to our favored township!

Pelham!  Fairest community with[in] Westchester County's boundaries!  Lilac-crowned!  Lupin-wreathed!  Clover-scented!  Tall trees of glistening dogwood fuard her walks and lanes where merry children shout and play, where church bells ring and school bells call, and homes are altars raised to God our King!"

Source:  Secor, Joan E., A TOAST TO PELHAM By the Late Joan E. Secor, The Pelham Sun, Jul. 29, 1932, Vol. 23, No. 19, p. 4, cols. 4-5.  

Also:  http://fultonhistory.com/Newspaper%2018/Pelham%20NY%20Sun/Pelham%20NY%20Sun%201932/Pelham%20NY%20Sun%201932%20-%200449.pdf

Joan E. Secor in an Undated Photograph.

Image Courtesy of The Manor Club, Pelham

Manor, NY.  NOTE:  Click on Image to Enlarge.

"MRS. SECOR when she became president of the

Manor Club.  Source:  The Pelham Sun, Jul. 29, 1932,

Vol. 23, No. 19, p. 4, col. 6.  NOTE:  Click Image to Enlarge.

"THE LATE MRS. JAMES F. SECOR
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It was with deepest regret that the members of the Manor Club and residents of Pelham in general received news of the passing of Mrs. James F. Secor in California on Saturday.  She had passed the allotted span of three-score-and-ten and her life was full of accomplishments that engraved their deeds deep in the history of the Pelhams.

And as a chapter of Pelham's history is ended.  It was a very complete chapter, the many leaves of which it consisted being richly embellished with the virtues of cultural leadership, wisdom, wise counsel and judgment and an inspiring idealism, and all centering on the courageous command given to Mrs. Secor and followed so loyally by members of the Manor Cllub for more than a quarter century.  Mrs. Secor was idolized and her memory will always be revered.  

Turning back those few short years since she left Pelham in 1925, we remember the lines written during a week in which Pelham in its entirety was paying homage to Mrs. Secor and her accomplishments as she retired from public life.  It will bear reprinting:

'A Beloved Woman

'Never before has it been our privilege to witness such a deep tribute of love paid to any woman as that tendered on Tuesday afternoon to Mrs. James F. Secor, retiring president of the Manor Club.

'For twenty-six years she has held that one office and filled it with dignity, remarkable diplomacy, and an unswerving loyalty to the ideals on which it was founded and by which it has grown.

'It was an afternoon of deep emotions for Mrs. Secor is to leave Pelham for California this month, there to make her future home, and as speaker after speaker told of their love for her, of her great service to the club and to the community, of their sadness at the parting they bravely but unsuccessfully strove to master their emotions.  Handkerchiefs were busy, too, in among the members of the audience for whether it be those of the older members or those recently become members, to all, their president is a beloved friend.

'There was never any quation about the power exercised by Mrs. Secor, never any doubt as to the correctness of her judgment, nor of her leadership, never any complaint at the arduous duties which her office entailed, just an inpiring service to the community of all those talents and charms of which she is possessed.  Pelham loses much by her going.

'For the last two weeks social activities in Pelham Manor have centered themselves on individual tributes given at receptions at which Mrs. Secor was the honored guest.  No one in the Pelhams and few outside have been paid greater homage -- sincere, prompted from hearts of those who gave them.

'It is a wonderful thing for any woman to enshrine herself in the hearts of the women of her community as Mrs. Secor has in the hearts of members of the Manor Club, and for the recipient the memories of it all will be pleasant pondering on the sunny slopes of California -- we hope for many years, for Joan Elizabeth Secor has richly earned long life, health and all the blessings which a Great Creator can bestow.

'Our farewell is tempereed in its sadness by the hope of a welcoming return against some day.'"

Source:  THE LATE MRS. JAMES F. SECOR, The Pelham Sun, Jul. 29, 1932, Vol. 23, No. 19, p. 2, col. 1.  

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The Secor Estate in the Village of Pelham Manor

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James Francis Secor was born on July 13, 1816.  He was a son of Francis Secor (b. 1776, d. 1863) and Hannah Carpenter (b. 1782, d. 1861).  In 1846 he married Anna Maria Ely who was born May 12, 1819 and was a daughter of Moses Benjamin Ely and Anna Lawrence.  James Francis Secor and Anna Maria Ely Secor lived for many years in a home in the fashionable Murray Hill section of Manhattan located at 5 West 38th Street.  Anna Maria Ely Secor died in the couple's residence in Pelham Manor, New York, on October 5, 1898.  James Francis Secor died in his residence at Pelham Manor on December 27, 1904.  

The couple had five children:

1.  James Francis Secor, Jr., born 1847, married Joan Elizabeth Klink in 1880.
2.  Thomas Ely, born 1848.
3.  Anna Amelia, born 1851.
4.  Clara Gonzalez, born 1853, married Frank Dickerson in 1877.
5.  Isla Virginia, born 1855.

See Vanderpel, George B., ed., The Ely Ancestry, p. 336 (NY, NY:  The Calumet Press, 1902).

The father of the elder James Francis Secor, Francis Secor (b. 1776, d. 1863), was a shipbuilder who reportedly was associated with Robert Fulton in the construction of the first steam vessel.  James Francis Secor followed in the footsteps of his father, Francis Secor, and became a prominent shipbuilder during the Civil War who built several naval vessels.

According to tradition, the Secors bought a 150-acre estate in Pelham Manor and built a grand summer home on the grounds.  The family alternated between their fashionable Murray Hill residence and their grand summer home in Pelham Manor until they suffered a major financial setback and lost a large portion of the family fortune.  At that time, they gave up their New York City residence and moved to the Pelham Manor home where they lived thereafter.

Detail from Photograph Showing the Main Secor

Residence in 1915.  NOTE:  Click Image to Enlarge.

Photograph Showing an Interior View of the Main House

on the Secor Estate in 1915.  NOTE:  Click Image to Enlarge.

Detail from 1867 Map Showing Location of the Home

of "F. Seacor," the Secor Home Near the Intersection

of Wolf's Lane and the Boston Post Road.  Source:

"Plan of East Chester, Pelham and New Rochelle,

Westchester Co., N. Y." in Beers, Frederick W., Atlas

of New York and Vicinity From Actual Surveys by and

Under the Direction of F. W. Beers, p. 7 (Philadelphia, PA:

1867).  NOTE:  Click Image to Enlarge.

Detail from 1868 Map Showing Location of

"F. Secor Est." Near Intersection of Wolfs

Lane and Boston Post Road.  Source:  Beers,

Frederick W., "City Island, Pelham Township,

Westchester Co., N.Y. (with) Town of Pelham,

Westchester Co., N. Y." in Atlas of New York and

Vicinity from Actual Surveys by and Under the

Direction of F. W. Beers, Assisted by A. B.

Prindle & Others, p. 35 (Philadelphia, PA:  1868).

NOTE:  Click Image to Enlarge.

Detail from 1881 Map Showing the "F. Secor Est."

Source:  Bromley, George W., "Town of Pelham,

(with) Pelhham-Manor.  (From Actual Surveys and Official

Records)" in Atlas of Westchester County, New York.  From

Actual Surveys and Official Records by G. W. Bromley &

Co., Civil Engineers, pp. 56-57 (Washington, D.C.:

G. W. Bromley & Co., 1881).  NOTE:  Click Image to Enlarge.

Detail from 1914 Map Showing "Anna M. Secor Est." and

Location of Main House and Service Buildings and Also

Showing Beginning of Development of Portions of the Estate.

Source:  Bromley, George W., "Pelham Manor" in Atlas of

Westchester County, N. Y. Pocket, Desk and Automobile

Edition, Vol. 1, pp. 128-29 (NY, NY:  G.W. Bromley & Co., 1914).

NOTE:  Click Image To Enlarge.

During the 1930s, the Secor family intensified efforts to sell off portions of the Secor estate for development.  With the death of Secor matriarch Anna M. Secor in 1939, the end of an era was at hand.  The Secor family that once had controlled 150 acres of lovely rural land in the Village of Pelham Manor had ended its reign. 

*          *          *          *         *
"OBITUARY. . . . 

James Francis Secor.

James Francis Secor, a well known resident of Pelham Manor, died Tuesday night aged 90 years.  The funeral services will be held from the residence on Friday morning at 11 o'clock, and the interment will be made in Woodlawn cemetery."

Source:  OBITUARY. . . . James Francis Secor, The Daily Argus [Mount Vernon, NY], Dec. 28, 1904, p. 5, col. 6. 

"MISS ANNA SECOR, OLD RESIDENT, DIED ON FRIDAY
-----

Miss Anna A. Secor, 87, member of one of Pelham Manor's oldest families died at her home No. 4577 Boston Post Road, on Friday afternoon after a short illness.  Miss Secor was one of the founder members of the Manor Club and was for many years actively associated with the Pelham Home for Children.  Miss Secor was born in the Eastchester section of Mount Vernon in the neighborhood of the old St. Paul's Church.  She was a descendant of Jacques Francois Sicquard, one of the original Huguenot settlers of Westchester County.  Her father was the fourth to carry the name of the early settler, which was changed to the English James Francis Secor.  Her mother was Anna M. Ely Secor.

James F. Secor Sr. was a prominent shipbuilder during the Civil War period and built several naval vessels.  Sixty years ago the family undertook the development of its extensive property in Pelham Manor in which is now known as Secor Hill.  The Secor homestead was at Wolf's Lane near the Boston Post Road, and is now the residence of Mrs. Julius Manager.  The family was prominent in the early affairs of the village.

Miss Secor was a member of the Huguenot Memorial Church and in its early days was prominent in its women's organization work.  In recent years Miss Secor made her home with her nieces, Miss Isla Cockle and Mrs. Enos Booth.

The funeral service was conducted at the Burr Davis Mortuary in Mount Vernon on Monday morning.  The Rev. Lewis Gaston Leary, former pastor of the Huguenot Memorial Churcch officiating.  Interment will be at Woodlawn.

Surviving are her sister, Mrs. Frank Dickerson, of Long Island, and several nieces and nephews."

Source:  MISS ANNA SECOR, OLD RESIDENT, DIED ON FRIDAY, The Pelham Sun, Apr. 14, 1939, Vol. 29, No. 2, p. 3, col. 6.

"THE LAST OF THE LINE.
-----

The death of Miss Anna Secor at the age of 83 marks the passing from Pelham Manor of a family inseparably bound up with the formative years of the growth and development of this village.  Descendants of Jacques Francois Sicquard, one of the original Huguenot settlers, who achieved fortune as a shipbuilder in the early days of American history, the Secors came to Pelham Manor and purchased a tract of 150 acres upon which they built a summer home, as apart from their New York establishment.  Subsequently a large part of the family fortune was lost during the period of Civil War and the Secors removed from the fashionable Murray Hill section of New York in which lived the merchant prince, Arnold Constable, and came to Pelham Manor.  When the Secor estate came into possession of the father of Miss Anna Secor its financial strength was ample to gain social leadership.  Then James F. Secor Jr. invested largely in the McAdoo tunnel, the first to pierce the terrain beneath the Hudson River.  An English contractor, Westman Pearson, afterward Lord Cowdray, who had successfully constructed the Blackwall Tunnel under the Thames River, was engaged for the larger operation under the Hudson River.  The capital of the construction company proved inadequate and the company failed.  It was successful after reorganization, but the Secor fortune was washed out during the process.  James Secor was a member of the Pelham Board of Education and a very familiar figure in the Pelhams until the late 1920's but it was to his wife, Mrs. Joan Secor, that Pelham owes much of its cultural development.  She was president of the Manor Club for 25 years.  A charming personality, she possessed excellent judgment and infinite tact.  She was a leader of great resourcefulness, amazing energy, and was beloved of every member of the Manor Club.  Subsequently she removed to California and passed away there.  On the walls of the Manor Club hangs her picture, a grand painting by George Brehm, but in the history of the Manor Club her name will forever be associated with its ideals of culture and her accomplishments will ever be inseparable with its success.  Joan Secor was beloved and wore her many honors with the dignity of a queen.

History turns it pages as time passes on, and the Secor name changes from an active, vital, living force for idealism among Pelham women to a gravure on a tombstone, a memory to be revered, a force for culture and integrity to be remembered well and truly.  To them all, requiescat in pace."

Source:  THE LAST OF THE LINE, The Pelham Sun, Apr. 14, 1939, Vol. 29, No. 2, p. 2, col. 2.  

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Dedication of Pelham's New High School in 1911, Now Known as Siwanoy Elementary School

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Not long after the turn of the Twentieth Century, the population of the Town of Pelham began to explode.  In 1900, the population of the Town was 1,571.  In 1905, the population had reached 1,841.  By 1910, the population had grown to 2,998 -- nearly doubling over a ten-year period.  With the expanded population came expanded needs for young scholars in the Town.

Pelham, however, did not have its own high school.  The Pelham public school system offered only eight grades of study.  It sent its young scholars who wished to continue their education to the high schools of other communities such as Mount Vernon and New Rochelle.  The time was ripe.  The need was great.  The citizens of Pelham and their Board of Education stepped up and created the "Pelham High School, and Siwanoy Grammar School."  The school building they built we know today as Siwanoy Elementary School located at 489 Siwanoy Place in the Village of Pelham Manor.  

Today's posting to the Historic Pelham Blog sets forth a brief history of the efforts to develop, design and open the new high school.  I have included as "research notes" at the end of this posting transcriptions of various articles used as sources in preparing this posting.  

Undated Post Card View of Pelham High School

with Notation:  "Pelham High School, Pelham, N.Y."

As the population of the Town of Pelham burgeoned in the first decade of the Twentieth Century, the Board of Education realized that an additional public school facility capable of housing high school classes was needed.  On August 11, 1908, the Board of Education passed a resolution calling for a November 13 vote by taxpayers on a proposition to purchase one of three possible sites and to issue bonds to pay for the land and erection of a high school building.

Pelham taxpayers approved the proposition and authorized their Board of Education to purchase the site on which the school no stands and to issue $70,000.00 in bonds ($20,000.00 to pay for the land and $50,000.00 for the building).  The Board promptly acquired the land and began working toward construction of the building overseen principally by Board member James F. Secor who served as chairman of the Board's "Building Committee."

With the guidance of Mr. Secor and his committee, the Board engaged the architectural firm of York & Sawyer to design the structure.  Edward York (1863-1928) and Philip Sawyer (1868-1949) both trained with the architectural firm of McKim, Mead & White and established their own firm in 1898.  They were known as specialists in the design of banks and hospitals.  

Among the many structures they designed were the New-York Historical Society, the Federal Reserve Bank of New York (33 Liberty Street in the Financial District), the U.S. Department of Commerce in Federal Triangle (Washington, D.C.), the Brick Presbyterian Church in Manhattan, the Pershing Square Building, 860 Park Avenue, Rockefeller Hall of Vassar College, American Security and Trust Building in Washington, D.C., the Law Quadrangle at the University of Michigan, the U.S. Assay Office Building in the Manhattan Financial District, the Bowery Savings Bank on E. 42nd Street in Manhattan, and many, many other well-known buildings.  

By the summer of 1909, the School Board chose, and contracted with, general contractors.  The Board chose Smith Brothers, the lowest bidders.  Smith Brothers was located in the Village of North Pelham.  Yet, at the time, the firm was widely-respected and certainly a very experienced firm, quite capable of handling a project of this size, much less one far larger.   

The site chosen for the new school building was centrally located to serve young scholars from all three villages:  the Village of Pelham Manor, the Village of Pelham and the Village of North Pelham.  Only a few homes were situated near the site at the time of construction.

The initial work proceeded quickly.  The School Board became so confident of success that, only weeks later, on October 23, 1909, the Board of Education celebrated with the entire Town of Pelham and laid the cornerstone of the building "with appropriate exercises."  Officials left a time capsule for future Pelhamites.  According to one report:

"[i]n a copper box which rests, securely cemented, in a massive stone in the foundation of this building are placed records concerning this school house and the other interests of our town which will show to our descendants unto as many generations as this structure shall stand that they have reason for pride in their forbears and that the fathers and mothers of this time made wise provision for the teeming thousands who shall follow us."

"Pelham High School and Siwanoy Grammar School (Pelham Manor)"

Source:  Interesting Articles on the Schools in Pelham Town,

The Pelham Sun, Dec. 20, 1913, p. 5, col. 2.

Undated Photograph Showing Pelham High School

in About 1916.

One year later, in October, 1910, the School District was feeling the pain of growing school population.  It decided that the building was so near completion that it could be "opened informally" in an effort to ease apparent (to this author) over crowding.  Raised wooden sidewalks extended to the streets surrounding the school.   When opened, the new high school building, known as "Pelham High School and Siwanoy Grammar School," consisted of only the current central portion of the structure that stands today.   

According to a brief history of the school:

"Accounts of the first term's enrollment for the high school varies from one or two students up to 28.  They were assigned to desks in the assembly hall and were taught by the new principal, Mr. Carmichael, who was later aided by new teachers.  In planning for the new high school, a space to teach domestic science was highly anticipated.  ' . . . One would be rash to deny the importance of this study in food values and food preparation being given to every girl aboe the 7th grade,' said Supervising Principal Harry w. Rockwell."

Source:  Siwanoy School, available at http://siwanoy.pelhamschools.org/www/siwanoy_pelhamschools/site/hosting/angela/History%20of%20Siwanoy.pdf (visited Mar. 10, 2014).

York & Sawyer received professional fees for their architectural work of $2,762.03.  That would, very roughly, be the equivalent of $65,000.00 in today's dollars.  

The general contractor, Smith Brothers, received $42,062.70.  That would be the massive amount of nearly $994,000 in today's dollars.  

The HVAC experts were Osborn, Ray & Company.  They were paid $7,069.00 for "heating and ventilating" work.  That would, very roughly, be the equivalent of $167,000 in today's dollars.  

The total cost of the land and the completion of the building was calculated as $74,893.73.  That would, very roughly, be the equivalent of $1,800,000.00 in today's dollars.  The final cost of the construction of the building, however, was about $1,900.00 over the original $50,000.00 authorized by taxpayers.  (That would, very roughly, be the equivalent of being about $45,000.00 over the original $1,181,000 authorized by taxpayers, in today's dollars -- about a 3.8% cost overrun.)  

On Friday, February 17, 1911, the community unveiled its new high school in dedication exercises led by the chairman of the Board of Education, Robert A. Holmes.  Despite poor weather, a large crowd showed up for the ceremonies.  

By 1918, it was apparent that the explosive growth of the local population required an even larger central high school.  Indeed: 

"[b]y 1918, combined enrollment in all of the grammar schools was up to 1,000 students and 167 were enrolled in the high school.  A separate high school building became necessary.  In the next ten years, two wings were added to Siwanoy to accommodate the further increase in grammar school students."

Source:  Siwanoy School, available at http://siwanoy.pelhamschools.org/www/siwanoy_pelhamschools/site/hosting/angela/History%20of%20Siwanoy.pdf (visited Mar. 10, 2014).

Once again, the Board of Education as well as the Town of Pelham and her citizens rose to the occasion.  After years of work, on May 6, 1922, "Memorial High School" opened a short distance away from Siwanoy.  The building commemorated those who fought and died during World War I and the ideals for which they fought.  The new high school was described as "the last word in school buildings" and was the biggest high school with the largest recreational field in Westchester County.  The original Pelham Memorial High School structure, since updated and expanded on numerous occasions, cost $373,000.00 to build (the equivalent of roughly  $5.2 million in today's dollars).

*     *     *     *

Research Notes Regarding Opening of New High school in 1911

"DEDICATION OF NEW SCHOOL
-----
ON FRIDAY BEAUTIFUL AND IMPRESSIVE CEREMONIES ARE SCHEDULED TO TAKE PLACE AT NEW HIGH SCHOOL BUILDING.
-----

The dedication exercises of the new school in the town will take place at 8 o'clock on Friday evening, February 17.  A large attendance is expected and the ceremonies as scheduled promise to be of the greatest interest to all interested in educational matters.

The chairman of the Board of Education, Mr. Robert A. Holmes, will be in command of the proceedings and the celebrated tenor singer, Willis E. Bacheller, formerly a member of the local School Board, is expected to add to the enjoyment of the occasion by rendering several appropriate songs.  

The Rev. Dr. Leary, of Pelham Manor, will deliver the address of the evening, while the Revs. Francis McNichol and H.H. Brown are expected to be present and take an active part in the ceremonies.  

Mr. James F. Secor, who is chairman of the Building Committee of the Board of Education, and upon whom has devolved the actual work of supervising the construction of the magnificent new school building, will render a report on behalf of the committee.  

The Grand Army of the Republic is to be represented by Mr. John T. Logan, who will present a flag to the school on behalf of the Grand Army.  

Of course, the school children from all the schools of the town will be in attendance and the occasion will doubtless bring out a very large number of the parents and citizens generally of the town.

The Board of Education is looking forward to Friday night with a great deal of pleasure, anticipating one of the most enjoyable and profitable educational meetings ever held in our town."  

Source:  Dedication of New School, The Pelham Sun, Vol. 1, No. 45, Feb. 11, 1911, p. 1, col. 1.  

"DEDICATION OF HIGH SCHOOL
-----
TAKES PLACE WITH IMPRESSIVE CEREMONIES-A LARGE CROWD ADMIRES THE NEW BUILDING. - INTERESTING ADDRESSES MADE.
-----

Although the weather was uninviting, the townspeople betook themselves in large numbers to the new High School building in Pelham last night to witness the dedication of the same.  

The main assembly room was beautifully decorated.  After a prayer by Rev. H.H. Brown, the school children sang a song with praise worthy precision and earnestness.  

The chairman of the building committee, Mr. James F. Secor, then read the report of that committee as follows:

Your Committee have to report that on August 11, 1908, a resolution was passed by the Board calling a special meeting of the District to be held on November 13th, 1908, to vote on a proposition to purchase one of three sites to be submitted and to issue bonds to pay for the land and erection of a High School building.  

At that meeting the present site was decided upon and the Board was instructed to purchase the same and to issue $70,000 in bonds, $20,000 to pay for the land and $50,000 for the building.  

These instructions the Board carried out by purchasing the land at a cost of $20,000 and issuing and selling the $70,000 of bonds.  They then proceeded to arrange for the construction of the building. . . .

The problem of moving the Pelham school to the new site was seriously considered, and the Committee and Board taking into account the cost to remedy, and repair and adopt to the new part, concluded it would be to the best interest of the District to leave the building at its present site, as in a few years it will probably be required as an additional school.  It is now being used as a gymnasium for the scholars of the District.  By this action, the District has a property that would cost at least $25,000 to replace, that can be utilized at any time it may seem necessary.  

The contracts were let in the early summer of 1909 to Messrs. Smith Brothers after competitive bids had been received, they being the lowest bidders for the general work, and to Messrs. Osborn, Ray & Company for the heating and ventilating work, they being the lowest bidders.

On October 23rd, 1909, the work had advanced so far that the cornerstone was laid with appropriate exercises.  In October, 1910, the building being so near completion, the school was opened informally.  

The cost of the building and land is as follows:

Purchase of present site $20,000.00
General contract Messrs Smith Bros $42,062.70
Heating and ventilating, Osborn, Ray & Company 7,069.00
Architects fees, Messrs York & Sawyer 2,762.03

Total cost of building 54,893.73

Total cost of land and building . . . . $74,893.73

You will see that the cost of the building is some $1,900 over the $50,000 originally authorized, but by the subsequent action of a District meeting, the Board was authorized to complete this building and build an addition to the North Pelham school.  The details of this will appear in the yearly report in August next.

In the death of one of our members, Mr. Walter A. Seymour, the committee suffered a great loss.  Mr. Seymour was a conscientious worker and a most valued associate and the Committee deeply regrets that he could not have been spared to see with them the completion of the building.  

With this brief report of our work, Mr. President, the Building Committee takes great pleasure in stating to the Board that the Pelham High School is now completed and we hereby place in your hands the key to the building.  

President Holmes' Acceptance.

The President of the Board of Education, Mr. Robert A. Holmes, in his address of acceptance said:

In the name of the Board of Education, representing the people of Union Free School District Number One, Town of Pelham.  I accept this building and dedicate it to the cause of learning, to the advancement of civilization and to the furtherance of the best interests of this community.  I accept it as a splendid evidence of the enlightened public spirit of this town whose citizens, in providing for it have cheerfully laid upon themselves an obligation which cannot but require some measure of self sacrifice.  In a copper box which rests, securely cemented, in a massive stone in the foundation of this building are placed records concerning this school house and the other interests of our town which will show to our descendants 

(Continued on third page)

DEDICATION OF HIGH SCHOOL 
-----
(Continued from first page)

unto as many generations as this structure shall stand that they have reason for pride in their forbears and that the fathers and mothers of this time made wise provision for the teeming thousands who shall follow us.  

The chairman of the Building Committee has told you something of the more obvious features concerning the physical structure of this school, but the building of a schoolhouse was not all that was involved in this enterprise.  The consolidation of the two grammar schools in this portion of the town and the providing of high school facilities for our more advanced pupils assured for this district an institution where its children could be carried from earliest Kindergarten days through the primary and grammar grades into and through the high school classes and turned out prepared to enter college or university.  

I have said, advisedly, "carried through" [sic] and "turned out" because that seems to represent to an unfortunate extent the idea which prevails regarding the province of our public school system.  I sincerely trust that the policy of this institution may be to lead rather than to carry, to inspire rather than to force.  If our children could be so led and so inspired that there would be awakened in them a wise curiosity and a trained desire for knowledge the results, in my opinion, would vastly exceed those accomplished by packing the child's head full of undigested facts and figures and more or less unrelated and practically useless information.  The greatest question in the world is 'Why?' and we can require our children to ask this question and then train them that they may know where to seek for themselves the answer, we have solved the problem of the intellectual preparation for the battle of life.  Our duty, either as private citizens or as a Board of Education, must [illegible] to the intellectual welfare of the little ones whom God has placed in our charge.  One thought must surely extend to the physical and mental well being of the bodies and souls of these children and, if we would, we cannot do our whole duty of developing the intellectual side [illegible] we wholly neglect [illegible] the physical or mental.  

The problem [illegible] of the state law in providing for the safety [illegible] and health of those who shall [illegible] Not a single hitch has marred the progress of this building.  I [leave it to those of you who have had experience with lawyers to [illegible] 

May this building with its sturdy foundation, its firm walls, its honest construction, its safety and convenience of arrangement and its and its graces of architecture be typical of the manhood and womanhood which shall be built, strengthened, equipped and ornamented within its confines and sent forth from its doors to bear a worthy part in the great world, a part which shall reflect credit upon faithful work of faculty, Board of Education and the citizens of the town of Pelham.

Next in order on the program came a solo rendered by Mr. Freeman Wright, who was heartily applauded.  

Rev. L.G. Leary spoke upon the usefulness of school tuition and dwelt upon the idea that the object of the children in going to school was to learn to learn.

Flag Presented.

Mr. John T. Logan now arose and introduced Capt. England, Commander of W.S. Hancock, G.A.R.  The Captain in a speech full of humorous allusions as well as of serious patriotism, presented a flag to the school on behalf of his Post, but actually a present from Mr. Logan.

Principal J. F. Carmichael explained the classes in the High School and said that next year they hoped to have thirty scholars in the High School classes.

The children sang 'America,' whereupon Rev. Frances McNichol offered benediction and the ceremonies came to a close.  

The people hungered, however, for some time and made an inspection of the classrooms, halls, library, etc.

The consensus of opinion seemed to be that for a town of its size, Pelham certainly has fine and up to date schools."

Source:  Dedication of New High School, The Pelham Sun, Vol. 1, No. 46, Feb. 18, 1911, p. 1, col. 4 & p. 3, cols. 4-5. 

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