Historic Pelham

Presenting the rich history of Pelham, NY in Westchester County: current historical research, descriptions of how to research Pelham history online and genealogy discussions of Pelham families.

Tuesday, September 18, 2018

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


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

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

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

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

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


"HOUSE on STORER AVENUE, PELHAMWOOD THAT YOU MAY BUY"
Season to Meet Demand, New-York Tribune, Apr. 18, 1920, Part II, p. 12,
cols. 1-8 (Subscription Required0.  (NOTE:  Click on Image to Enlarge.)




"SPLENDID DWELLING ON WOLFE'S [SIC] LANE"
Season to Meet Demand, New-York Tribune, Apr. 18, 1920, Part II, p. 12,
cols. 1-8 (Subscription Required0.  (NOTE:  Click on Image to Enlarge.)




"ATTRACTIVE HOME ON WOLFE'S [SIC] LANE"
Season to Meet Demand, New-York Tribune, Apr. 18, 1920, Part II, p. 12,
cols. 1-8 (Subscription Required0.  (NOTE:  Click on Image to Enlarge.)




"ONE OF THE MANY DWELLINGS UNDERWAY ON ROOSEVELT HEIGHTS"
Season to Meet Demand, New-York Tribune, Apr. 18, 1920, Part II, p. 12,
cols. 1-8 (Subscription Required0.  (NOTE:  Click on Image to Enlarge.)


"HOMES OF THIS TYPE ARE GOING UP
ON HIGHLAND AVE. A FEW ARE STILL FOR SALE"
Season to Meet Demand, New-York Tribune, Apr. 18, 1920, Part II, p. 12,
cols. 1-8 (Subscription Required0.  (NOTE:  Click on Image to Enlarge.)


"HOUSE GOING UP ON HIGHBROOK AVENUE"
Season to Meet Demand, New-York Tribune, Apr. 18, 1920, Part II, p. 12,
cols. 1-8 (Subscription Required0.  (NOTE:  Click on Image to Enlarge.)

*          *          *          *          *

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

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

 Built His Home in Land of Beauty

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

 First Lord of the Manor

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

 New Rochelle at $1 an Acre

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

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

 Homes of Just a Few

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

 Can Accommodate Another Seventy-Five

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

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

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

 Many Pelhams in Pelham Township

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

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

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

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

 At Least 50 Homes in Pelham Manor

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

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

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

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

 What These Homes Contain

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

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

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

 Land of Sport and Sociability

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

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

Archive of the Historic Pelham Web Site.
Home Page of the Historic Pelham Blog.
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posted by Blake A. Bell @ 5:03 AM 0 comments

Friday, March 02, 2018

Construction of the Peldean Court Apartments on Fifth Avenue in 1922


Real estate prices were skyrocketing in Pelham in 1922.  According to reports, lots along Fifth Avenue that sold for about $2,000 in the previous twelve months were reselling for more than $8,000.  Pelham was in the beginnings of the real estate bubble of the Roaring Twenties as well as a major building boom.

 One of the most active and prolific builders of the era was Pelham resident John T. Brook.  Brook became a wealthy man as a real estate developer.  He eventually took over the Pelham National Bank.  During the Great Depression, the bank failed to reopen after the bank holiday of March, 1933, and went into the hands of a receiver four months later.  In December, 1934, Brook was convicted in Federal court of misapplying and misappropriating funds of the Pelham National Bank and received a five-year prison sentence.  For more about Pelhamite John T. Brook and the Pelham National Bank, see:

 Bell, Blake A., The Failure of The Pelham National Bank, The Pelham Weekly, Vol. XIII, No. 39, Oct. 1, 2004, p. 12, col. 1. 

 Wed., Nov. 30, 2005:  The Pelham National Bank Building in the Village of Pelham. 

 Thu., May 05, 2005:  John Thomas Brook, Real Estate Developer and Failed Bank President. 

 Wed., Feb. 19, 2014:  Dedication of the Post Office in the Pelham National Bank Building and More About Old Post Offices. 

 Mon., Mar. 23, 2015:  Pelham Residents Ravaged by the Great Depression: Record Sale of Tax Liens Advertised in 1932.

 Mon., Apr. 13, 2015:  Obituary of John T. Brook, Jailed After Failure of the Pelham National Bank.

 Fri., Jun. 05, 2015:  Another Pelham Mystery: Why Was the Planned Site of the Pelham National Bank Building Moved?

 Fri., Aug. 14, 2015:  The Massive Real Estate Boom of the Roaring Twenties in the Little Town of Pelham.

 Thu., Apr. 13, 2017:  Bronze Work at the Pelham National Bank Building.

 John T. Brook was such a prolific builder in the Town of Pelham during the 1920s that he was nicknamed "the town builder."  In 1922, he built two of the town's then-largest apartment buildings:  Pelbrook Hall and Peldean Court, located adjacent to each other on Fifth Avenue across the street from the Town Hall and today's Daronco Town House.

 The construction of Peldean Court began in about early May 1922.  The building was designed by architect George F. Pelham and was located at 15-19 Fifth Avenue.  (Pelbrook Hall, also designed by George F. Pelham, was located at 21-27 Fifth Avenue.)  The Pelham Sun reported on May 12, 1922 that "Peldean Court, the second of the new John T. Brook apartment houses, started its upward climb this week.  The plans of the new building point to an eclipse of the Pelbrook.  It will be a larger building, with larger apartments and more general accommodations."

 The derivation of the name of the apartment building is rather interesting.  Brook followed a pattern of using "Pel" in the names of buildings he constructed in Pelham in honor of the historic little town.  He combined "Pel" with his wife's maiden name (Dean) to create the moniker "Peldean" and, hence, "Peldean Court."

 From the outset, Brook planned that Peldean Court would contain five, six, and seven-room apartments.  Each of the six floors was divided into ten apartments.  The building was constructed with two passenger elevators and a freight elevator.

 Construction on the slightly smaller "Pelbrook Hall" next door began a little earlier.  The largest apartments in that adjacent structure were five rooms.  By July 1, 1922, the smaller Pelbrook Hall apartment building was nearing completion and was sufficiently finished to permit two families to take possession of apartments on the top floor of the building with others moving in shortly thereafter as the remainder of the interior work is finished.

 Both Peldean Court and Pelbrook Hall were designed in the old-English "Tudor Revival" style.  (Only a year later, in 1923, George F. Pelham designed and John T. Brook Built "Peldale," another Tudor Revival apartment building located at 125-127 Fifth Avenue.)  


"PELDEAN COURT AND PELBROOK HALL, PELHAM, N.Y."
Undated Postcard View of Peldean Court Apartment Building,
Ca. 1933.  NOTE:  Click on Image to Enlarge.


"1220  Pelham Court [sic] and Pelbrook Hall, Pelham, N. Y."
Same Postcard Image as Above on Differently-Titled Postcard
Postmarked on February 23, 1933 Showing Peldean Court on
the Left.  NOTE:  Click on Image to Enlarge.

 Although limited occupancy began at Pelbrook Hall on July 1, 1922, John T. Brook originally intended the roof of Peldean Court to be in place by July 10, 1922 with occupancy to begin by October 1, 1922.  That schedule was slightly delayed.

 The roof of Peldean Court was completed about the week of August 9.  By that time, J. T. Brook Construction Company had placed flags to fly on all corners of the top of the structure to demonstrate that the walls had been completed to the top of the building.  

 In late September, Brook told The Pelham Sun that he expected Peldean Court to be "ready for occupancy on November 1st."  As that date approached, however, work fell a little behind schedule.  Additionally, the region was experiencing a shortage of high quality coal for heating purposes.  Brook installed special heating units in the structure to permit the burning of lower quality coal to encourage renters to rent units in the building.  Additionally, he scoured the region for plasterers to complete interior plaster finishing work to try to get the building completed.  At one point he had 32 such plasterers working in the building, thought to be more than the number working in almost any other building under construction in the New York region at the time.  

 By September 29, according to the local newspaper, every apartment in the smaller Pelbrook Hall next door had been rented.  By that same date, according to the same report, "several applications for accommodations" in Peldean Court had been received.  It was hoped that when the two apartment buildings were complete and full, they would add "over one hundred families" to the population of the Village of North Pelham.  

 The scaffolding surrounding Peldean Court came down near the end of October.  According to the October 27, 1922 issue of The Pelham Sun, grading and planting of shrubbery in front of the building was planned for the first week of November.  Occupancy began shortly afterward.  The first advertisement for the new Peldean Court apartment complex (see below) seems to have been published on December 2, 1922.  The advertisement stated:

 "Peldean Court PELHAM, NEW YORK  32 Minutes from Grand Central Station  HIGH-CLASS ELEVATOR APARTMENTS -- 4 and 5 Rooms and 1 Bath; also 6 Rooms, 2 Baths and Fireplace; large rooms; large closets.  A few apartments in Peldean Court are still available and ready for occupancy.  Pelbrook Hall adjoining is fully occupied.  THE J. T. BROOK COMPANY, Owners.  Telephone 4755 Pelham."

Newspaper Advertisement for Peldean Court Apartments Published
Shortly After the Building Opened in 1922.  Source:  Peldean Court
[Advertisement], The Pelham Sun, Dec. 2, 1922, p. 19, cols. 3-4.
NOTE:  Click on Image to Enlarge.

John T. Brook in About 1925 When He Became President of
Pelham National Bank.  Source:  French, Alvah P., ed., History of
Westchester County New York, Vol. V, pp. 170-71 (NY, NY & Chicago,
IL: Lewis Historical Publishing Co. 1925). NOTE: Click on Image to Enlarge.

 *          *         *          *          *

 "Brook Starts Peldean Court New Apartments
-----
Will Also Construct Novel Two Story Garage At Fourth Street and First Avenue
-----
Same General Type of Architecture Continued In New Building As In Pelbrook Hall
-----

 John T. Brook, 'the town builder,' has announced plans for two more buildings in North Pelham.  One will be another apartment house of greater dimensions than the recently constructed Pelbrook Hall and a novel two story garage.  Both of them will be of the same general type of architecture as the Pelbrook Hall.

 Peldean Court, the second of the new John T. Brook apartment houses, started its upward climb this week.  The plans of the new building point to an eclipse of the Pelbrook.  It will be a larger building, with larger apartments and more general accommodations.

 Peldean Court will be named in honor of Mrs. John T. Brook.  The prefix 'Pell' is in accordance with the policy of all the Brook buildings, and the suffix 'Dean' was Mrs. Brook's maiden name.

 Peldean Court will have a [illegible] foot frontage on Fifth Avenue, fifty feet more than the frontage of Pelbrook Hall.  As is the case with the recently constructed building, the new one will be six stories high, and will be of the same type of Old English architecture.  There will be two wings and a center court.

 The apartments of Peldean Court will be five, six and seven rooms.  The largest in Pelbrook are five rooms.  Each floor will be divided into ten apartments.  Three automatic elevators will be installed in the new building.  Two of these will be for passengers and the other will be used for freight.

 It is believed that the roof of the new building will be in place by July 10th, and it will be ready for occupancy on the first of October.

 The new garage will be constructed on First Avenue at Fourth Street.  It will be a two-story affair, the dimensions of which will be 100 feet by 100 feet.  The site for the garage enables the parking of cars on either floor.  The ground is high enough at one end for an entrance for cars to the upper floors from the street by means of a slightly inclined ramp, and at the other end it is possible to enter the lower floor by means of another slightly inclined ramp.

 The general type of architecture of the Pelbrook and Peldean will be followed in the construction of the new garage.  Mr. Brook claims that after completion there will be very little outward appearance of a garage about the building.  

 The garage will especially cater to the tenants of the Pelbrook and Peldean.  Thus for a slight additional rent, apartments can be had with accommodations for automobiles in the new garage."

 Source:  Brook Starts Peldean Court New Apartments -- Will Also Construct Novel Two Story Garage At Fourth Street and First Avenue -- Same General Type of Architecture Continued In New Building As In Pelbrook Hall, The Pelham Sun, May 12, 1922, Vol. 13, No. 11, p. 1, col. 2.

 "Pelbrook Hall Will Be Occupied July 1st
-----

 Pelbrook Hall, the first of the two big apartment houses which John T. Brook is erecting on Fifth Avenue, will be ready for occupancy, in part at least, on July 1st.  Two families will take possession of apartments on the top floor, and others will move in as soon as the remainder of the interior work is finished.

 Work on Peldean Hall is being pushed along rapidly and it is expected that the entire building will be completed before snow flies."

 Source:  Pelbrook Hall Will Be Occupied July 1st, The Pelham Sun, Jun. 30, 1922, Vol. 13, Col. 18, p. 6, col. 3.

 "Complete Roof This Week.

 The roof will be completed on the new six-story Peldean Court apartment on Fifth avenue this week.  Flags are flying from all corners of the top showing that the walls have been completed to the top."

 Source:  Complete Roof This Week, The Daily Argus [Mount Vernon, NY], Aug. 9, 1922, p. 10, col. 4.  

 "Peldean Apartment Ready For Tenants By November First
-----
Completion of Huge Building Will Be Followed By Erection of Three-Story Building With Capacity For 300 Cars

 'The Peldean will be ready for occupancy on November 1st,' said John T. Brook yesterday, 'and we shall at once start work on the garage on First Street, and hurry the work along so that the tenants of the apartments will have a place for their cars.'

 The Pelbrook, the first of the two big apartment houses erected on Fifth Avenue through the enterprise of John T. Brook, has every apartment rented, and several applications for accommodations in the new building have been received.  The two apartments when full will mean an addition of over one hundred families to North Pelham, the beauty of the Pelbrook suites, their structure and completeness of detail and convenience making them extremely desirable.  

 The erection of the garage was first planned as a two-story structure, but the designs of Architect Louis Sigloch have now been changed to make the building three stories in height.  The natural slope of the street at Fourth Avenue and First Street renders the site eminently suitable, as a ramp drive can be obtained to say of the three floors.

 The ground floor will have accommodations for commercial cars and will have a ramp drive in from First Street at the westerly end of the building.  The second floor, for live storage, will have a drive in from the street level and a ramp extending the length of the building will give access to the third floor, where dead storage will be available.  The capacity of the garage will be between 250 and 300 cars.  Steel for the building is expected to arrive next week."

 Source:  Peldean Apartment Ready For Tenants By November First -- Completion of Huge Building Will Be Followed By Erection of Three-Story Building With Capacity For 300 Cars, The Pelham Sun, Sep. 29, 1922, Vol. 13, No. 31, p. 1, col. 6.

 "New Peldean Building Open First Of Month
-----
Despite Fact That Big Apartment Will Not Be Complete Tenants Will Take Possession
-----
Entire Work Will Be Finished December 1st -- Special Heating Equipment Installed
-----

 The exterior scaffolding of the new big apartment house on Fifth avenue -- The Peldean -- has been removed and the grading and planting of shrubbery in front of the building will be done next week.  Despite its unfinished condition, ten families will take possession of apartments in it the first of November.

 John T. Brook, the builder of Pelham's biggest building, has been rushing the work along during the last few weeks.  Scouts were sent through New England to corral plasterers, and thirty-two of this class of workers are now engaged in the Peldean -- more than most of the big contracting jobs in New York.  Extra inducements brought the men to Pelham.

 Soft coal will be used for heating the new building.  Mr. Brook would take no chances on a coal shortage, and has installed a special make of boilers and smoke consuming equipment which will allow of the use of bituminous coal without the generally resulting soot and smoke nuisance."

 Source:   New Peldean Building Open First Of Month -- Despite Fact That Big Apartment Will Not Be Complete Tenants Will Take Possession -- Entire Work Will Be Finished December 1st -- Special Heating Equipment Installed, The Pelham Sun, Oct. 27, 1922, Vol. 13, No. 35, p. 1, col. 7.

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posted by Blake A. Bell @ 5:07 AM 0 comments

Thursday, April 13, 2017

Bronze Work at the Pelham National Bank Building


One of the most visible signs of the tragedy of the Great Depression in Pelham was the failure of the Pelham National Bank.  Organized in 1921, the bank was a successful little community bank patronized by many Pelham residents.  On January 23, 1925, the bank's fortunes changed.  Its Board of Directors named a local real estate developer flush with cash from the real estate bubble of the Roaring Twenties, John T. Brook, President of the bank. 

 Brook began growing the bank and sold additional shares of stock in the institution.  He sold a plot of land he owned to the bank and built the Pelham National Bank Building that still stands at One Wolfs Lane (the former Post Office Building).  The building cost the bank an astounding $250,000.00 to build and opened on September 14, 1929, only six weeks before the Black Tuesday stock market crash of October 29, 1929. 

 The Pelham National Bank closed on the National Bank Holiday decreed by Franklin Delano Roosevelt in March, 1933 and never reopened.  It was discovered that Brook had invested bank assets in the stock market.  The bank was insolvent.  Following the bank's failure, Brook was jailed after his Federal conviction for misapplying and misappropriating bank funds.  He received a five-year sentence.  Eventually, banking regulators were only able to return to Pelham residents pennies on the dollar as reimbursement for their lost deposits.  Some depositors lost their life savings.  To read more about the failure, see the list of articles, with links, at the end of today's posting.  

 The failure of the Pelham National Bank meant that plans to expand the structure from its three stories, when built, to nine stories.  Indeed, the plans for expansion of the building were so serious that it was built to support the additional construction and an architectural rendering showing what it would look like once expanded was published locally.

Architect's Rendering for the Planned Pelham National Bank
Building. Many Pelham Residents Do Not Realize that the Building
Was Built with the Grandiose Plan to Enable it to Expand to Nine
Stories as the Bank Grew.  NOTE:  Click on Image to Enlarge.

 Construction of the Pelham National Bank Building, 1 Wolfs Lane, was completed in 1929.  The building was designed by Holmes & Winslow, Architects.  It is a three story corner bank building with painted limestone façades on two elevations and with brick on the south side and rear.  It has a flat roof with a dentillated parapet with carved stone frieze in bas relief.  There are four pilasters on the front façade, two of which flank a monumental two-story, arched center entrance with a massive bronze doorway with grilles. 

Pelham National Bank Building, 1 Wolfs Lane, in 2014.
NOTE:  Click on Image to Enlarge.

 When the Pelham National Bank Building opened on September 14, 1929, one of its most significant features was several tons worth of bronze castings used as architectural and decorative features including the monumental two-story arched center entrance.  The bronze work was cast by the Eagle Bronze Works of Mount Vernon, New York.

 The Eagle Bronze Works was established in 1919 by Pelham resident L. John Gulatsi who has had many years' experience as a bronze craftsman.  In 1924, the company took over the Henry Bonnar Bronze Company of Mount Vernon, a firm which had existed for fifty years.  The entire Bonnard organization of skilled bronze workers became associated with the Eagle Bronze Works.  The Eagle Bronze Works became widely-renowned for the craftsmanship and quality of its work.  

 In addition to its bronze work at the Pelham National Bank Building, the company crafted bronze pieces installed elsewhere in Pelham.  For example, it cast the memorial tablet in the foyer of Pelham Memorial High School, a tablet at Memorial Park, and the tablets installed on the First Fire District headquarters.  It also cast a bronze bust of Colonel Theodore Roosevelt that American Legion Post 50 presented to Pelham Memorial High School during the 1920s.  

 The company also cast significant works that were installed in locations throughout the United States.  For example, it cast elements of the Bronx War Memorial at the entrance to the Bronx Parkway, the Spanish-American War Memorial in Mount Vernon, and the Ledgard Flagpole at Yale University.  It cast the beautiful bronze ticket windows, rails, and other bronze features incorporated in Grand Central Terminal and the aluminum tower of the Standard Oil building in New York City.  

 At the Pelham National Bank Building, the company cast the bronze ornamental grillwork and features associated with the massive outer doors.  It crafted two bronze tablets on the outside of the building and a dedication tablet within the foyer.  It also crafted the bronze work on the tellers' cages, and the screen in front of the huge safe deposit vault.  Indeed, by the time of its work for the Pelham National Bank Building, the Eagle Bronze Works already had crafted similar bronze castings for a host of other banks including the Mount Vernon Trust Company, The American National Bank in Mt. Vernon, the Guarantee Trust Company in Atlantic City, and the South Norwalk Trust Company in South Norwalk, Connecticut.

 It is difficult to ignore the beauty of the bronze works that form an important part of the Pelham National Bank Building each time one passes the lovely structure.  The Eagle Bronze Works, formed by Pelhamites, is responsible for that beauty.

John T. Brook in About 1925 When He Became President of
Pelham National Bank. Source: French, Alvah P., ed., History
of Westchester County New York, Vol. V, pp. 170-71 (NY, NY
& Chicago, IL: Lewis Historical Publishing Co. 1925).  NOTE:
Click on Image to Enlarge.

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 "Bronze Work In New Bank Building Manufactured At Eagle Bronze Works
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Several Tons Of Metal Used In Casting Of Bronze Work For Pelham National Bank Building.  Two Prominent Pelhamites At Head Of Company

 Bronze plays an important part in the decoration and security scheme of the new Pelham National Bank Building.  All the bronze work in the new building was designed and manufactured at the plant of the Eagle Bronze Works, Inc., in Mount Vernon.  This firm has earned an enviable reputation for the production of bronze for banking houses, and its work has been used in construction of many of the outstanding banks and public buildings in the Eastern states.

 Pelham has a marked interest in the work of the Eagle Bronze Works, Inc.  Two of its chief executives made their homes in the Pelhams for many years, and are well known here.  L. John Gulatsi, president, and his son Richard L. Gulatsi, 1st vice-president and treasurer, until recently made their home on Eighth avenue.  The latter a veteran of the World War, was for two years commander of Pelham Post No. 50, American Legion.

 Inspecting the new bank building, one is first impressed by the ornamental grillwork in bronze at the outer doors.  Two bronze tablets outside, and the dedication tablet within the foyer are examples of the tablet work of the Eagle Bronze Works.

 Bronze work on the tellers' cages, and the screen in front of the huge Safe deposit vault afford another example of the widely diversified work of the company.  Similar work has been installed for the Mount Vernon Trust Co., The American National Bank, in Mt. Vernon; the Guarantee Trust Co., in Atlantic City and the South Norwalk Trust Co., in South Norwalk, Conn.

 The ticket windows, rails, etc. in the Grand Central Terminal in New York City, and the aluminum tower of the Standard Oil building in New York City were also produced by the Eagle Bronze Works.

 Here in the Pelhams there are several examples of the work of the Gulatsi's.  The memorial tablet in Pelham Memorial High School, the tablet at Memorial Park in North Pelham, the tablets on the First Fire District fire headquarters were cast at the company's plant.  

 Not alone is their work confined to bronze building construction.  The company has repeatedly received high commendation for its portrait and monument work.  The bronze bust of Col. Theodore Roosevelt which was presented to Pelham Memorial High School by the American Legion, is a striking example of the portrait work.  Then, too, there are innumerable monuments and statues which have been erected throughout the Eastern states which have been not only manufactured but many of them designated also by the craftsmen at the Eagle Bronze Works.

 Notable among these are the Bronx war memorial at the entrance to the Bronx Parkway, The Spanish-American War memorial in Mt. Vernon and the Ledgard flagpole at Yale University.

 The company was recently commissioned to design and cast a bronze tablet to be erected at the new Brazil bridge in South America.  Distant orders include the bronze work for the new sub-treasury building in San Francisco; the city hall building in Cleveland, the public library in Detroit and a new bank in Honolulu.

 In addition to its own staff of designers the Eagle Bronze Works does work for all the leading sculptors in the United States and many in foreign countries.  It is highly recommended by the country's greatest architects, and its officers are frequently called in to assist with the preliminary plans in designing the bronze work for construction of public buildings.

 Bronze work figures largely in the safety scheme of bank construction.  Its great strength and tenacity make it of great value for the construction of banking screens, and grills at tellers' cages, vaults in counting rooms, and silver and fur vaults.  Few other metals apply themselves so readily to architecture and design and have sufficient strength to assure security.

 The Eagle Bronze Works was established ten years ago, by L. John Gulatsi who has had many years' experience as a bronze craftsman.  Five years ago the company took over the Henry Bonnar Bronze Co. of Mount Vernon, a firm which had existed for fifty years previous.  The entire Bonnard organization of skilled bronze workers became associated with the Eagle Bronze Works.

 Recently a new plant was opened on Bleeker street, Mt. Vernon and it has been there that all the bronze for the new Pelham National Bank building was designed, cast and finished.

 The officers of the company are as follows:  L. John Gulatsi, president; first vice-president and treasurer, Richard L. Gulatsi; second vice-president, John R. Gould; third vice-president, Warren R. Fiske; secretary, John Fesler.  Jacob F. Arnold is plant manager."

 Source:  Bronze Work In New Bank Building Manufactured At Eagle Bronze Works -- Several Tons Of Metal Used In Casting Of Bronze Work For Pelham National Bank Building.  Two Prominent Pelhamites At Head Of Company, The Pelham Sun, Sep. 13, 1929, p. 26, cols. 1-3.  

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 I have written before about the Pelham National Bank, its failure during the Great Depression, and the Pelham National Bank Building.  For examples, see:

 Bell, Blake A., The Failure of The Pelham National Bank, The Pelham Weekly, Vol. XIII, No. 39, Oct. 1, 2004, p. 12, col. 1. 

 Wed., Nov. 30, 2005:  The Pelham National Bank Building in the Village of Pelham. 

 Thu., May 05, 2005:  John Thomas Brook, Real Estate Developer and Failed Bank President. 

 Wed., Feb. 19, 2014:  Dedication of the Post Office in the Pelham National Bank Building and More About Old Post Offices.

 Mon., Mar. 23, 2015:  Pelham Residents Ravaged by the Great Depression: Record Sale of Tax Liens Advertised in 1932.

 Mon., Apr. 13, 2015:  Obituary of John T. Brook, Jailed After Failure of the Pelham National Bank.

 Fri., Jun. 05, 2015:  Another Pelham Mystery: Why Was the Planned Site of the Pelham National Bank Building Moved?

 Fri., Aug. 14, 2015:  The Massive Real Estate Boom of the Roaring Twenties in the Little Town of Pelham.

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posted by Blake A. Bell @ 5:09 AM 1 comments