Laying of the Cornerstone of the First Manor Club Clubhouse on Thanksgiving Day in 1887

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The Manor Club, located at 1023 Esplanade in Pelham Manor, is a cultural, civic and social club for women. Although it had its beginnings in the 1870s, it was not organized formally until January 10, 1882. 

The precise origins of the club, unfortunately, are shrouded in the mist of time. Some believe that in 1878, only five years after the Pelham Manor and Huguenot Heights Association formed to develop the area, a few local residents began gathering socially in local homes. This group, with no organizational structure, is believed to have evolved into the Manor Club. See The Manor Club, THE HISTORY OF THE MANOR CLUB, p. 6 (Pelham Manor, NY: 1973).  See also Barr, Lockwood Anderson, A Brief, But Most Complete & True Account of the Settlement of the Ancient Town of Pelham Westchester County, State of New York Known One Time Well & Favourably as the Lordshipp & Manour of Pelham Also The Story of the Three Modern Villages Called The Pelhams, pp. 160-61 (The Dietz Press, Inc. 1946).

Despite such humble beginnings, what these early residents of Pelham Manor crafted has since become a social and cultural force in Pelham. 

The “Reorganization” of the Club in 1882 

On January 10, 1882, “the greater part of the residents” of Pelham Manor gathered at the home of Mr. E.E. Hitchcock.  See id.  Their purpose was to “reorganize” the Manor Club which, for some unknown reason, “had formally been disbanded at a meeting held December 9, 1881” according to the minutes of the January 10 meeting.  Id.  A history of the club published in 1973 says that during the “reorganizational” meeting: 

“a constitution and by-laws were drawn up and unanimously adopted. Mr. John H. Dey, temporary chairman of the meeting, appointed a committee to nominate the officers of the new club and said officers were elected by acclamation. This new constitution provided that the offices of vice president and treasurer must be filled by ladies.”  Id.  

Early meeting minutes suggest that the club held monthly meetings in various members’ homes. Entertainment included recitations, singing and – even as early as 1882 – simple plays such as “a serio-comic representation of Oscar Wilde’s Dream”.  Id.   

Efforts to Influence School Elections Prompted Creation of a Clubhouse 

There is a fascinating story about the origins of the Manor Club’s first clubhouse. According to William Barnett, a member of the original Club and an early Club historian, it seems that Pelham Manor residents were unhappy with their lack of influence in local school affairs.  They decided to acquire lands, erect a clubhouse and give all members a "freehold interest" in order to qualify all members (including women) to vote as property owners during school elections.  

It appears that residents of Pelhamville (the area north of the New Haven line) dominated school affairs. In the fall of 1882, residents of Pelham Manor supported one of their own, Mr. George H. Reynolds, as a candidate for the school board. At about this time, it was “suggested that lands be purchased under the auspices of the Club and freehold interest conveyed therein to each member, in this way qualifying all members (including the ladies) to vote at school elections.”  Id., p. 7.  

In effect, Pelham Manor residents had formed a plan to stuff the ballot box in school elections. To implement that plan, however, they needed a large number of landowners. Common ownership of land set aside for a new clubhouse seemed to be the perfect solution. According to a history of the Club prepared by Mrs. Earle E. Bradway: 

"In May 1883 the Club voted to purchase, for three hundred dollars, two lots of land on the Esplanade, numbers 161 and 162. In order to effectuate the object of the purchase, it was desirable that an incorporate institution should first take title to the land from Mrs. [Robert C.] Black and then convey undivided interests therein to the voters. Accordingly, Mr. Robert C. Black, Mr. John H. Dey, Mr. W.R. Lamberton, Mr. George H. Reynolds and Mr. G. Osmar Reynolds signed and filed articles of association under the provisions of an Act of the Legislature passed in 1875, and on the 28th day of May 1883 became incorporated under the name of the Manor Club. This incorporated club in June 1883 took title to the land referred to and carried out the intention of the purchase by conveying life interests to the several members of the old Manor Club.”  Id.

Example of One of Many Deeds Issued as Part of

the Manor Club's Scheme to Stuff the School Elections

Ballot Box.  (Page 01 of 02)  By This Deed the Manor

Club Conveyed to One of Its Members, Henry Dey,

"During the Term of his Natural Life, One Undivided

One-Hundredth Part" of Two Lots Owned by the Manor

Club.  Source:  Manor Club "Memory Book."

NOTE:  Click on Image to Enlarge.

Second Page of Deed Granted to Henry Dey as Part of

the Manor Club's Scheme to Stuff the School Elections

Ballot Box.  (Page 02 of 02)  Source:  Manor Club 

"Memory Book."  NOTE:  Click on Image to Enlarge. 

At a meeting of the club held on June 7, 1883, members voted to build a permanent clubhouse.  Mrs. Robert C. Black, whose family founded the settlement and owned large swaths of land in the area, donated a lot on the Esplanade as the site for the new clubhouse.  

During the summer of 1887, the Club raised $10,000 by subscription to fund construction of the new clubhouse.  Club members selected Pelham resident F. Charles Merry as the architect. He designed a lovely shingle-style building with a large auditorium in the center and a deep “piazza” (porch) that surrounded nearly the entire building. 

The Laying of the Cornerstone of the First Clubhouse in 1887

On Thanksgiving Day, November 24, 1887, a crowd gathered for the laying of the cornerstone of the Manor House, the new clubhouse. The Order of Exercises for the ceremony suggests that those who participated believed that they were shaping the history of their village – three of the speakers addressed the following topics: “History of Pelham Manor”, “The Early History of The Manor Club”, and “The Later History of The Manor Club”.  See Order of Exercises at the Laying of the Corner Stone of the Manor House at Pelham Manor, N.Y., on Thanksgiving Day, Nov. 24, 1887 At 10 o’clock, A.M. (Handbill in Memory Book of the Manor Club). Construction proceeded smoothly and the new clubhouse opened in June 1888.

A brief announcement of the cornerstone laying appeared in one New York City newspaper.  The reference read as follows:

"SUBURBAN NEWS. . . . 

New York.

A NEW CLUB-HOUSE AT PELHAM.

The Manor Club of Pelham Manor, in Westchester County, is erecting a very picturesque and substantial club-house to be called the Manor House, from plans furnished by Mr. F. Carles Merry.  The material is the rough stone found upon the place, and it has been treated in a simple but very effective manner.  The Club subscribed $10,000 for building purposes during the summer, and broke ground this fall.  Yesterday the corner-stone was laid by Mrs. Robert C. Black with appropriate ceremonies."

Source:  SUBURBAN NEWS. . . . New York.  A NEW CLUB-HOUSE AT PELHAM, The Evening Post [NY, NY], Nov. 25, 1887, p. 3, col. 5.  

Immediately below is the program entitled "ORDER OF EXERCISES" provided at the laying of the cornerstone of the Manor Club clubhouse on November 24, 1887.  Below the image I have transcribed the text of the program.

"ORDER OF EXERCISES AT THE LAYING OF THE

Corner-Stone of the Manor House, At PELHAM MANOR,

N.Y. ON THANKSGIVING DAY, NOV. 24, 1887, At

10 O'Clock, A.M."  Source:  Manor Club "Memory Book."

NOTE:  Click on Image to Enlarge.

"ORDER OF EXERCISES AT THE LAYING OF THE Corner-Stone of the Manor House, At PELHAM MANOR, N.Y. ON THANKSGIVING DAY, NOV. 24, 1887, At 10 O'Clock, A.M.
-----

1.  INVOCATION, by the Rev. Charles Higbee, Rector of Christ Church.
2.  CONGRATULATORY REMARKS,.....Mr. Henry W. Taft, President.
3.  SINGING,
4.  HISTORY OF PELHAM MANOR,.......Mr. David M. Johnson.
5.  THE EARLY HISTORY OF THE MANOR CLUB,.......Rev. Henry Randall Waite.
6.  SINGING,
7.  THE LATER HISTORY OF THE MANOR CLUB,.......Mr. Wm. E. Barnett.

[NOTE. -- Should the weather prove stormy or chilly, the proceedings up to this point will take place at the residence of Mr. Dey -- the procession thence proceeding to the site of the Manor House for the purpose of laying the corner-stone.  The architect, Mr. F. Carles Merry, will supervise any arrangements necessary at the building.)

LAYING OF THE CORNER-STONE.
-----

8.  ANNOUNCEMENT OF CONTENTS, WITH ANY PARTICULARS, Mr. Robert C. Black.
9.  LAYING OF THE CORNER-STONE,.......Mrs. Robert C. Black.
10.  POEM,............Mr. Wm. Allen Smith.
11.  SINGING,
12.  VOLUNTEER REMARKS, as may be invited by the President.
13.  THE LORD'S PRAYER, AND BENEDICTION, Rev. D. N. Freeland, Pastor of the Huguenot Memorial Church.

Mr. Charles F. Roper and Mr. Wm. Allen Smith have kindly consented to take charge of the singing.  

All former and present members of the Club, any residents of the Manor, and all to whom this Order of Exercises is addressed, are cordially invited to be present on this occasion.

By order of the Board of Directors,

ROBERT C. BLACK,   )
                                     }  Committee.
JOHN H. DEY              )

PELHAM MANOR, 
NEW YORK, Nov. 21st, 1887."

The new Manor House that opened in June 1888 was two stories in height plus a basement.  The building was eighty feet by sixty-five feet.  On the first floor was the "Main Room," 30 x 32 feet with a stage that was sixteen feet deep and with an inglenook (a fireplace corner) on the south side of the room, 7 x 16 feet.   The first floor also included a billiard room, 16 x 28 feet, a card room, 16 x 20 feet, and:  a gentleman's dressing room, a "green room," kitchen, and pantries.  The second floor included a ladies' dressing room, a stage dressing room and gallery.  In the basement there was a bowling alley.  See COUNTY NEWS, The Eastern State Journal [White Plains, NY], Jun. 23, 1888, Vol. XLIV, No. 12, p. 3, cols. 3-4.  

Conclusion

Though the original Manor House of the Manor Club was razed to make room for today's clubhouse opened in 1922, the original Manor House cornerstone laid by Mrs. Robert C. Black on November 24, 1887 with its time capsule contents remains part of the building today.

Image of the Manor Club's "Manor House" Taken as a Detail

from an Engraved Membership Certificate (No. 11) Issued to

Mr. Robert C. Black on February 24, 1888.  Source:  Manor

Club "Memory Book."  NOTE:  Click on Image to Enlarge.

Photograph of the Manor Club's "Manor House" Published

in 1892.  Source:  Manor Club "Memory Book."  NOTE:

Click on Image to Enlarge.

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I have written about the Manor Club and its history on a number of occasions.  See, e.g.:  

Bell, Blake A., Early History of the Manor Club, The Pelham Weekly, Vol. XIII, No. 20, May 14, 2004, p. 12, col. 2.

Tue., Dec. 13, 2005:  The Manor Club's First Clubhouse Built in 1887-1888. 

Wed., Dec. 28, 2005:  The Mystery of the "Manor Club Girl" That Set Pelham Tongues Wagging in 1913. 

Fri., Aug. 4, 2006:  Early Images of the Original and Current Clubhouse Structures of the Manor Club in the Village of Pelham Manor, New York.

Mon., Feb. 15, 2010:  Early History of the Manor Club in the Village of Pelham Manor.

Thu., Sep. 25, 2014:  The Manor Club's Celebration of its Golden Anniversary in 1932.

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John Henry Dey, Another Important Early Pelham Manor Resident

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John Henry Dey and his family were important early settlers of Pelham Manor.  Dey was born in Varick, a small community on Cayuga Lake in Seneca County, New York on June 28, 1826.  He was a son of Peter Light Dey and Rebecca Steele Dey.  

As a young man, John H. Dey met Emeline Matilda Cowles of Geneva, New York, a Finger Lakes community only twelve miles from Varick.  Emeline was a daughter of Alvah Cowles and Harriet Woodruff Cowles of Geneva.  (Some sources say her father was named Abraham Cowles.)  John and Emeline married in 1848 and became active in the community of Geneva.  John Dey became editor of the local newspaper, the Geneva Courier.  He also became active in the local temperance movement in Geneva and served on the Finance Committee of the local temperance organization.  See 4th OF JULY, Geneva Courier, June 1848 [undated and unnumbered page], col. 1 (describing Jun. 1, 1848 meeting held in the Washington Temperance House to plan for an alcohol-free Fourth of July celebration).

During the 1860s, John H. Dey found his calling as an associate editor of The New York Evangelist.  He served in that role for forty years and became a member of the Board of Directors of the weekly newspaper.  The Evangelist was founded in 1830 during the Second Great Awakening.  Originally founded to support and "defend" the many Revivals underway throughout the region, as "revival fever" waned by the 1850s the newspaper evolved into an anti-slavery publication published by the American Bible Tract Society.  See, generally, Dey, John H., "THE FIRST YEARS OF THE EVANGELIST" in The New York Evangelist, Dec. 28, 1899, Vol. LXX, No. 52, pp. 7-8 (NY, NY:  Dec. 28, 1899).  

By at least the mid-1870s, John and Emeline Dey were living in New York City and were active members of the University Place Presbyterian Church.  Dey served as an Elder of the church from 1873 until 1882.  See 1845-1895 Services Commemorative of The Fiftieth Anniversary of the University Place Presbyterian Church New York November 24-28, 1895, p. 243 (NY, NY:  The De Vinne Press, 1895).  He served as Superintendent of the Sunday School of the church at least as early as October, 1874.  Id. at p. 218.  

The couple had three children:  James A. Dey (born about 1850), Ella C. Dey (born Feb. 20, 1853; died May 31, 1937), and Henry Ellingwood Dey (born Dec. 16, 1864, according to his passport).

Although John H. Dey remained active with the University Place Presbyterian Church in New York City until 1882, he and his family moved to Pelham Manor in 1879.  They lived in the home that still stands at 1065 Prospect Avenue.  Within the first few months of living in Pelham Manor, the family suffered a tragedy.  Dey's daughter, Ella C. Dey, had married James A. Baird, the eldest son of John Baird (manager of the Metropolitan Elevated Railway).  The young married couple lived with John and Emeline Dey in their home on Prospect Avenue in Pelham Manor.  During the summer of 1879, James A. Baird died unexpectedly, leaving Ella C. Dey Baird a young widow who continued to live with her parents in Pelham Manor.  The 1880 U.S. Census for the Town of Pelham shows John and Emeline Dey living with their three children and a "servant" named Catherine Beatty.  

In 1882, John and Emeline Dey became members of the Huguenot Memorial Presbyterian Church in Pelham Manor.  It appears that at that time Dey ended his role as an Elder of the University Place Presbyterian Church in New York City.

John and Emeline Dey embraced Pelham Manor and became active members of the community.  John H. Dey became an Elder of the church and served in that capacity for 24 years.  He also served as the church's Clerk of Session from 1903 to 1906.  See Coss, Jonathan, John Henry Dey (Apr. 17, 2015) (biography and research regarding John Henry Dey; copy in files of the author).  Dey served on the committee in charge of the twenty-fifth anniverary celebration of Huguenot Memorial Presbyterian Church and was responsible for delivering the church history and the prayer and benediction at anniversary services on October 13, 1901.  See TWENTY-FIFTH ANNIVERSARY -- Huguenot Memorial Church, Pelham Manor, to Celebrate it To-Morrow, New Rochelle Pioneer, Oct. 12, 1901, p. 6, col. 2; ANNIVERSARY OF HUGUENOT MEMORIAL CHURCH, PELHAM MANOR, The New Rochelle Pioneer, Oct. 19, 1901, p. 8, col. 2.

John H. Dey also was one of the original incorporators of the Manor Club in 1883, together with Robert C. Black, George H. Reynolds, G. Osmar Reynolds, and W. R. Lamberton.  See THE FINE OLD MANOR CLUB -- Pelham Manor Social Organization Nearly Forty Years Old, New Rochelle Pioneer, Jul. 23, 1910, p. 6, col. 1.  He was an active member of the Manor Club during the late 19th century.  

John H. Dey served as Treasurer of the Village of Pelham Manor for fourteen years.  Before that, he was a charter member of the Pelham Manor Protective Club established to use dues paid by local residents to fund private security services and various municipal services such as lamp-lighting, snow clearance, and the like.  He is reflected in the minutes of the Club as attending most meetings and special meetings over the course of the decade beginning in 1882.  Although Dey often received votes to elect him to the Executive Committee of the Club, he never served in that capacity.   

1065 Prospect Avenue, Village of Pelham Manor.

Home of John Henry Dey and Emeline Matilda Cowles

Dey (and Family) for Many Years.  NOTE:  Click

on Image to Enlarge.

Detail From 1893 Map Showing Location of John Henry Dey's

Home in the Village of Pelham Manor.  Source:  "Towns of

Westchester and Pelham.  Villages of Westchester and

Unionport.  Village of Pelhamville." in Bien, Julius, Atlas of

Westchester County, New York.  Prepared Under the Direction

of Joseph R. Bien, E. M., Civil and Topographical Engineer

from Original Surveys and Official Records, p. 3 (NY, NY:  Julius

Bien & Co., 1893).  NOTE:  Click on Image to Enlarge.

Emeline Cowles Dey died in her home located at 1065 Prospect Avenue on December 30, 1903.  Her funeral was held two days later on New Year's Day and was conducted by the Rev. Charles E. Robinson, of White Plains, and the Rev. Harris Ely Adriance, of New York, both former pastors of the Huguenot Memorial Presbyterian Church.    

John Henry Dey died in his home located at 1065 Prospect Avenue on March 19, 1906.  He died after a brief bout of pneumonia that "resulted from a severe cold which he took while attending a farewell reception to Dr. Alexander, pastor of the New York University Church, who was leaving for a trip abroad."

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Below is the text of numerous articles about John Henry Dey, his wife, Emeline, and members of the Dey family.  Each is followed by a citation and link to its source.

"JOHN H. DEY DEAD.
-----
For Forty Years He Was Associate Editor of The New York Evangelist.

John H. Dey, for forty years association editor of The New York Evangelist, a National organ of the Presbyterian Church, died yesterday at his home in Pelham Manor in his eightieth year.  Mr. Dey had been ill only a few days of pneumonia.  The disease resulted from a severe cold which he took while attending a farewell reception to Dr. Alexander, pastor of the New York University Church, who was leaving for a trip abroad.

Mr. Dey was regarded as the dean of the religious editors of New York City and was widely known because of his contributions to Presbyterian publications.  He was a native of Varick, N.Y.  Twenty-seven years ago he went to Pelham Manor and was one of the founders of that village.  For fourteen years he served as Treasurer of the Manor.  He was an elder of the Presbyterian Church in Pelham Manor and also the New York University Church and a member of the Huguenot Society.  He leaves three children, J. R. S. Dey of Texas, Henry E. Dey of Pelham Manor, and Mrs. E. P. Bacon of Milwaukee."

Source:  JOHN H. DEY DEAD -- For Forty Years He Was Associate Editor of The New York Evangelist, N. Y. Times, Mar. 20, 1906, p. 9, col. 6 (access via link requires paid subscription).

"DIED. . . . DEY.--At Pelham Manor, N. Y., John Henry Dey, in the 80th year of his age.  

Funeral services at his late residence Wednesday, March 21st, at 2:30 P. M.  Trains leave Grand Central Depot for Pelham at 1:27 P. M."

Source:  DIED. . . . DEY, N. Y. Times, Mar. 20, 1906, p. 9, col. 7 (access via link requires paid subscription).

"John H. Dey.

John H. Dey, for forty years associate editor of 'The New York Evangelist,' a national organ of the Presbyterian church, died on Monday from pneumonia at his home in Pelham Manor, in his eightieth year.  He had been ill only a few days.  

Mr. Dey was a native of Varick, N. Y.  Twenty-seven years ago he went to Pelham Manor and was one of the first settlers of that village.  For fourteen years he served as treasurer of the Manor.  He was an elder of the Presbyterian Church in Pelham Manor and of the University Church, in New York city, and a member of the Huguenot Society.  He leaves three children -- J. R. S. Dey, of Texas; Henry E. Dey, of Pelham Manor, and Mrs. E. P. Bacon, of Milwaukee."

Source:  John H. Dey, New Rochelle Pioneer, Mar. 24, 1906, p. 8, col. 3.  

"PELHAM MANOR
-----
Funeral of John H. Dey.

The funeral of John H. Dey, who died at his residence on Prospect avenue Sunday night, was held this afternoon at his late residence at 3:00 o'clock.  There was a very large attendance, the mourners coming fro New York city and elsewhere.  Dr. Knox, Dr. Robinson and Rev. Adorance, of New York, officiated."

Source:  PELHAM MANOR -- Funeral of John H. Dey, The Daily Argus [Mount Vernon, NY], Mar. 31, 1906, p. 5, col. 3.  

"Mrs. John H. Dey died at her home in Pelham Manor, N.Y. on December 30 [1903] in her seventy-sixth year.  She was born in Geneva, N. Y., and married there in 1848 to Mr. Dey, formerly and for many years managing editor of The New York Evangelist.  The celebration of their golden wedding in 1898 interested a large circle.  Mrs. Dey was interested in charitable and church affairs, and her house was a frequent meeting place of the good ladies of the Manor.  Her funeral on New Year's Day was conducted by the Rev. Charles E. Robinson, of White Plains, and the Rev. Harris Ely Adriance, of New York, both former pastors of the Huguenot Memorial Church, Pelham Manor.  The Rev. A. W. Cowles, LL. D., of Elmira, is the only survivor of Mrs. Dey's immediate family.  Of her children, two sons and a daughter (Mrs. E. P. Bacon, of Milwaukee) survive her."

Source:  [Untitled], The Christian Work and Evangelist, Jan. 16, 1904, Vol. 76, No. 1926, p. 107, col. 3 (NY, NY:  Jan. 16, 1904).  

"NEWS CONDENSED . . . 
-----

Mrs. Emiline M. Dey, wife of the Rev. John H. Dey, formerly editor of The Evangelist, died at her home in Pelham Manor a few days ago.  Mrs. Dey was seventy-eight years old, and was a native of Geneva.  She was the daughter of Abraham and Harriet Cowles, and leaves two children."

Source:  NEWS CONDENSED, Geneva Daily Times [Geneva, NY], Jan. 16, 1904, p. 4, col. 3.  

"Funeral Rites Planned For Henry E. Dey

PELHAM MANOR -- Funeral services for Henry Ellinwood Dey, 100 Jackson Avenue, Pelham Manor, will be held at 3 P. M. tomorrow at 1065 Prospect Avenue, Pelham Manor.  

Mr. Dey, who died yesterday in New Rochelle Hospital, had long been a resident of Pelham Manor.  He was a former Town Clerk, Village Treasurer and Receiver of Taxes for the Town.

Born in New York City, he was the son of John H. Dey, associate editor of the New York Evangelist, and Eveline W. Cowles.  He was born Dec. 16, 1864.  He attended the Art Students' League in New York City and the Julien Academy in Paris.  Upon completion of his course there he painted abroad for several years.

He was connected with the art staffs of Puck, Life and Judge Magazines.  During the World War he was active with the Drama Section of the Manor Club, designing scenery for their productions.  

He was a member of Huguenot Memorial Church.  

His wife, Mrs. Sophie Schuyler Dey, and sister, Mrs. Edward D. Bacon, and a niece, Miss Juanita Dey Currie, all of Pelham, survive."

Source:  Funeral Rites For Henry E. Dey, The Daily Argus [Mount Vernon, NY], Oct. 30, 1942, p. 2, col. 1.

"PELHAM MANOR.

Improvement is still the order of the day in Pelham Manor.  Every house, with the exception of a handsome cottage on Pelhamdale aveune, just finished, is occupied, and the demand during the renting season was far in excess of supply.  The Pelham Manor and Huguenot Heights Association, whose financial embarrassment have greatly retarded the growth of the place, has yielded the field to new management.  Mr. Silas H. Witherbee, of New York, becomes the owner of the choicest portion of the property, and E. Marshall Pavey, an enterprising young lawyer of New York, is his representative in Pelham Manor.  The grading of the Esplanade has been completed as far as the Station, and arrangements are being made for the removal of the ledge of rocks opposite the Station.  Ground has been broken by Mr. W. H. Valentine and Prof. Shinn of the Union Free School.  A house is also to be build immediately for Mr. J. P. Marquand, Jr., the agent of the N.Y., N.H. & H.R.R., who proposes also to establish a store for the sale of general merchandise, at the railway depot, which is being enlarged and refitted for that purpose.  

The little son of Mr. Samuel Ward, who was dangerously injured while carelessly handling an unexploded 'flower pot' after the exhibition on the evening of the Fourth, is now out of danger.

Mr. and Mrs. Robert C. Black will spend the month of August at Newport.

Rev. Charles Higby [sic], Rector of Christ Church, with his family, is rusticating on Long Island.  

Dr. and Mrs. Waite will spend the month of August at their summer lodge, Calumet Island, one of the Thousand Isles of the St. Lawrence.

At the last meeting of the Trustees of the Huguenot Church, appropriate resolutions were adopted, regarding the death of James A. Baird, late one of their number.  Mr. Baird was the eldest son of John Baird, manager of the Metropolitan Elevated Railway, and with his wife, resided with his father-in-law, John H. Dey (of the N. Y. Evangelist), on Prospect avenue.  He was beloved wherever kinown, and his unexpected death has cast a gloom over the entire place. -- New Rochelle Press."

Source:  PELHAM MANOR, The Chronicle [Mount Vernon, NY], Jul. 25, 1879, Vol. X, No. 514, p. 1, col. 6.  

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Huguenot Memorial Presbyterian Church Celebrated its 25th Anniversary in 1901

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On October 13 and October 14, 1901, the congregants of Huguenot Memorial Presbyterian Church celebrated the silver anniversary of the "Little Red Church" located at today's Four Corners.  The celebration was lavish and festive with many notable addresses by speakers who described the history of the little church.

Today's posting to the Historic Pelham Blog transcribes the text of a brief article that appeared in The New Rochelle Pioneer and described the festivities.  It is followed by a citation to its source.  

A Glass Lantern Slide Created by Pelham Town Historian

William Montgomery Between December 10, 1916 and June 10, 1917.

It Depicts the "Little Red Church," the Predecessor Building to

Today's Huguenot Memorial Presbyterian Church Sanctuary.

The Little Red Church was a "Centenary Church" Opened in

July 1876 in Part to Commemorate the Centennial of the

Signing of the Declaration of Independence.

"ANNIVERSARY OF HUGUENOT MEMORIAL CHURCH, PELHAM MANOR.
-----

The congregation of the Huguenot Memorial Church, at Pelham Manor, celebrated the twenty-fifth anniversary of the church on Sunday and Monday last [Oct. 13-14, 1901].  The church and parlors were handsomely bedecked with branches of trees, the autumn coloring of which made a novel and entrancing effect.  

The religious services on Sunday morning and evening were well attended.  The Sunday school services at 10 a.m., consisted of choir and congregational singing, prayers, a historical narrative by Mr. A. L. Hammett; reminiscent addresses by Rev. Henry R. Waite, Ph.D., Wm. P. Stephenson, Miss H. M. Mitchell, and Mr. E. B. Dumond, of Fishkill.

The memorial services at 11.15 o'clock included anthems, scriptural reading, an anniversary hymn and the memorial sermon delivered by the pastor, Rev. Harris Adriance.  'The Church History,' ably presented by Mr. John H. Dey, was followed by prayer and benediction.  A memorial communion service was held at 4 o'clock in the afternoon.

The anniversary reception in the chapel on Monday evening was a scene which will not be forgotten by any one fortunate enough to face the severe storm to be present.  Festivity, gaiety and good nature went hand in hand,, every one feeling that they must be merry in honor of the joyous occasion.  The evening was one of general rejoicing, intermingled with able addresses, excellent music and bounteous refreshments.

The committees in charge of the affair consisted of the following:

Reception Committee -- Messrs. John H. Dey, Wm. K. Gillett and James Herbert Ferris.

Refreshment Committee -- The Woman's Association, of which Mrs. G. H. Ferris is the honored president."

Source:  ANNIVERSARY OF HUGUENOT MEMORIAL CHURCH, PELHAM MANOR, The New Rochelle Pioneer, Oct. 19, 1901, p. 8, col. 2.  

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Periodically I have posted items to the Historic Pelham Blog regarding the fascinating history of the church known today as Huguenot Memorial Presbyterian Church in Pelham Manor.  For a few of many such examples, see: 

Fri., Nov. 07, 2014:  Huguenot Memorial Presbyterian Church Migrated to a "Free Pew" Seating System in 1919.

Fri., Aug. 22, 2014:  Brief History of Huguenot Memorial Presbyterian Church in Pelham Manor Published in 1963.

Thu., Mar. 06, 2014:  An Account of the Dedication of the Little Red Church at Four Corners on July 9, 1876.

Fri., Feb. 28, 2014:  Brief History of the Role Churches Played in the Growth of the Pelhams Published in 1926. 

Tue., Sep. 18, 2007:  Installation of the First Full-Time Pastor ofHuguenot Memorial Presbyterian Church in Pelham Manor in 1877. 

Fri., Aug. 31, 2007:  Announcement of the First Services Held in the Little Red Church of the Huguenot Memorial Presbyterian Church on July 9, 1876. 

Thu., Aug. 16, 2007:  Biographical Data About Rev. Charles EliphaletLord Who Served as Acting Pastor of Huguenot Memorial Presbyterian Church,1874-79. 

Tue., Jun. 19, 2007:  A Brazen Burglary at The Little Red Church in 1904. 

Mon., Jan. 1, 2007:  Dating an Undated Glass Lantern Slide Showing the Little Red Church (Huguenot Memorial Presbyterian Church). 

Wed., Oct. 25, 2006:  A Biography of the Rev. Henry Randall Waite, Ph. D., a 19th Century Pastor of Huguenot Memorial Presbyterian Church. 

Thur., Jun. 29, 2006:  A Biography of Lewis Gaston Leary, Early 20th Century Pastor of Huguenot Memorial Presbyterian Church in Pelham. 

Thu., Mar. 2, 2006:  A Lecture in 1877 to Raise Money for the New Huguenot Memorial Church in Pelham Manor. 

Fri., Jan. 27, 2006:  Lectures to Raise Money to Build the"Huguenot Memorial Forest Church" Building in Pelham Manor. 

Mon., Jul. 25, 2005: The Columbarium at Huguenot Memorial Church in Pelham Manor.

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Early History of the Manor Club in the Village of Pelham Manor

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Today's Manor Club, located at 1023 Esplanade in the Village of Pelham Manor, is a cultural, civic and social club for women. Although it had its beginnings in the 1870s, it was not organized formally until January 10, 1882. The clubhouse that stands today is not the original clubhouse. Today's clubhouse opened in 1922. On July 23, 1910, the New Rochelle Pioneer reprinted from the Pelham Sun a brief sketch of the early history of the Manor Club located in the Village of Pelham Manor.
I have written before about the Manor Club.  See, e.g.:

Bell, Blake A., Early History of the Manor Club, The Pelham Weekly, Vol. XIII, No. 20, May 14, 2004, p. 12, col. 2.  

Tue., December 13, 2005:  The Manor Club's First Clubhouse Built in 1887-1888.

Wed., December 28, 2005:  The Mystery of the "Manor Club Girl" That Set Pelham Tongues Wagging in 1913.

Fri., August 4, 2006:  Early Images of the Original and Current Clubhouse Structures of the Manor Club in the Village of Pelham Manor, New York. 

Today's posting to the Historic Pelham Blog transcribes the above-referenced article describing the early history of the Club that appeared in the New Rochelle Pioneer.

Image of the Manor Club's First Clubhouse Published in 1892

"THE FINE OLD MANOR CLUB
-----
Pelham Manor Social Organization Nearly Forty Years Old.

The Manor Club, the subject of this sketch, is situated at the corner of Highland avenue and the Esplanade, Pelham Manor. 

The history of this successful Club dates back to the seventies, when a number of residents banded together and formed it.  Among the earliest workers were Thomas Dewitt and Henry W. Taft, brother of President Taft.  In these early days they met in the homes of the members, but so large became the membership that very few private residences could accommodate them all on festive occasions.

Hence the need for a building to be used exclusively as a club house.  Mrs. Robert C. Black donated the ground upon which the building stands, her condition being that no intoxicating liquors should ever be used at the club house.

In 1883 the Manor Club was duly incorporated by Messrs. Robert C. Black, George H. Reynolds, John H. Dey, G. Osmar Reynolds and W. R. Lamberton.  The objects for which the corporation was formed were as follows:  For social, musical, dramatic and literary purposes.

During Henry W. Taft's term as president of the club the club house was erected.  The membership totals about 150 at the present time, the annual fee being $12.  Once a month a ball is given and every Saturday night entertainments of music, dancing, etc. take place.

The club house has fine bowling alleys, billiard rooms, card room, and reading room.  Greatly enjoyed and much used are the four tennis courts erected upon the grounds. 

The present Board of Directors consists of:  W. K. Gillette (president), C. F. Roper (secretary), W. B. Randall (treasurer), Edgar C. Beecroft and J. F. Longley. 

The club is self-sustaining and is quite a factor in the social life of Pelham Manor.--Pelham Sun."

Source:  The Fine Old Manor Club, New Rochelle Pioneer, Jul. 23, 1910, p. 6, col. 1. 

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