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, May 23, 2017

Pelham Post No. 50, American Legion, Had Option to Buy Pelhamdale in 1945


Only two pre-Revolutinary War structures remain standing in Pelham.  The first is the so-called Kemble House located at 145 Shore Road.  The wing on the left of the home (when seen from Shore Road) is the original part of the home built between about 1750 and 1760.  The other pre-Revolutionary War home is known as "Pelhamdale."  Located at 45 Iden Avenue, it is on the National Register of Historic Places.  The lower level of the home on what is now the rear of the structure is the original part of the home that also was built between about 1750 and 1760.  Today's Historic Pelham article describes efforts by Pelham Post 50, American Legion to purchase Pelhamdale for use as a clubhouse in 1945 and 1946.  

Rumors began to swirl in the little Town of Pelham in the spring of 1945 that the local American Legion post wanted to buy the home known as Pelhamdale on Iden Avenue.  The home was on the market after the death of W.W. Taylor.  It was for sale by his estate.

At the time, Pelhamdale was somewhat run-down.  Knowing that the structure was on the market, all of Pelham feared the historic home might be demolished and replaced with several smaller homes on the same property.  Pelham Post 50, American Legion stepped up to do its patriotic duty.  

On May 17, 1945, the Chairman of the post's Building Committee, Frederick C. Genz, announced to members of the post recommended that the post purchase Pelhamdale and remodel it for use as an American Legion clubhouse.  With so many young men of Pelham returning from the war (and expected to return from the war), members of the post felt that something patriotic should be done to support such returning veterans.  They wanted to provide them with a lovely clubhouse for entertainment and gathering purposes.  There even was talk about permitting its use as a USO canteen for a period of time.

It was as if the Pelham veterans had exploded a massive bomb in the midst of Town.  

Pelhamdale sat in a quiet residential enclave zoned only for single family residences.  Zoning ordinances would either have to be changed or a waiver would have to be provided by the Zoning Board of Appeals.  Within days nearby residents mobilized to do battle with Pelham Post 50.

A group of eighty nearby residents organized a protest against use of the historic home as a clubhouse.  A petition was circulated as part of the protest and the eighty residents signed it.  On Monday, June 18, 1945, Pelham Manor resident Percy J. Gaynor who lived on Carol Place near the historic home appeared before the Board of Trustees of the Village of Pelham Manor.  Representing the protesters, he presented the petition to the Board and demanded that the Board make no changes to the zoning laws that would allow any use of the structure other than as a private residence.  The Board demurred, saying that it had nothing before it related to the matter and that the issue would be addressed by the Zoning Board of Appeals rather than the Board.  Gaynor announced that his group immediately would file its petition with the Zoning Board of Appeals.

Pelham's battle-tested veterans appeared quickly to retreat.  In a matter of days, post Commander Daniel E. Brown told a reporter for The Pelham Sun that the post planned to abandon its plans to purchase Pelhamdale.  He said "Post 50 does not want to arouse antagonism in its plans."

Commander Brown's comments may have been a tactical feint.  It seems that the true reason for the comments may have been that the estate of W. W. Taylor had raised the price for the home by $20,000.  Commander Brown also told the reporter that the Building Committee was looking at three other possibilities:  (1) two floors in The Pelham Sun building at 89 Wolfs Lane; (2) a home on Pelhamdale Avenue; and (3) a home on Shore Road.

Far from abandoning their plans, for the next few months, members of Post 50 worked quietly behind the scenes to dampen opposition to those very plans.  First, the post acquired an option to purchase the property with an intent to use it for "patriotic purposes."  Next, the veterans met with owners of properties within 1,000 feet of the property (whose support would be required to obtain a zoning change or a variance).  The veterans provided nearby homeowners assurances that there would be no noise problems and that on street parking would be adequate.  

Neighbors would not be swayed.  Within days of the veterans' meetings with local landowners, an even bigger protest than the first one erupted.  This time, nearby homeowners prepared a petition signed by more than ninety of the 177 property owners who lived within 1,000 feet of the Pelhamdale property objecting to use of the home as a clubhouse and demanding that no change to, or variance from, the residential zoning ordinance be permitted.  The homeowners again appeared at a meeting of the Board of Trustees of the Village of Pelham Manor on Monday, December 17, 1945.  According to one report, the homeowners  "demanded that any request for a variation of the zoning restrictions with regard to the Pell House property at Carol Place and Iden Avenue be rejected, and that they be notified if and when application for a change be made."

The very next day, the Commander of Pelham Post 50, Daniel E. Brown, was defiant.  He told a local reporter that "Post 50 was going right ahead with its plans, that it possessed a contract of sale for the Pell House property and that when the proper time arrived a petition for a variant use of the Pell House would be presented and it would then have sufficient signatures to ensure its approval.  He indicated that he was optimistic about the result."

The protests, however, continued as nearby neighbors battled the plan.  Only one month later, the battle-weary veterans of Pelham Post 50 surrendered and raised the white flag.  On January 21, 1946, Commander Daniel E. Brown announced that the post had "abandoned its efforts to secure Pell House in Pelham Manor as a clubhouse and is seeking another place."

The nearby neighbors, however, could not let down their guard.  Pelham residents throughout the town still feared the historic home known as Pelhamdale would be demolished to make room for several new houses on the lot.  A subscription initiative was begun to raise funds to purchase Pelhamdale and make it a public library for the Town of Pelham.  The neighbors renewed their vigorous fight.  Eventually, however, the initiative "fell through from lack of public interest."

It took two more years to resolve the uncertainty over the future of Pelhamdale.  Finally, in August, 1948 local newspapers reported that the estate of W. W. Taylor had sold Pelhamdale to Joseph Boucher, 2534 Woodhull Avenue, the Bronx.  Boucher intended to preserve the structure as a private residence.

The historic home known as Pelhamdale located in Historic Pelham would live to see another day.



Pelhamdale

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"14-Room Mansion To Become New Home Of Legion Post 50


PELHAM -- The long-cherished dream of a clubhouse for Pelham Post 50, American Legion, was brought nearer realization last night when the post instructed the building committee to complete arrangements for the purchase of a 14-room stone mansion, the Pell House, at Iden and Carol Avenues.

Frederick C. Genz, chairman of the Building Committee, last night gave a detailed description of the house and its advantages as a clubhouse following an inspection by the committee recently.  The house is one of the historic landmarks of Westchester, having been built before the Revolutionary War.

Plans for remodeling and decorating the mansion were discussed.  It was brought out that purchase of a clubhouse is particularly propitious at this time, when returning servicemen will wish to make use of its facilities.  The purchase is expected to be completed within the next few days.

Arrangements were furthered for a block party to take place Friday and Saturday, June 1 and 2, on Harmon Place, to raise money for the building fund.  It was pointed out that the block party will be held in the afternoon as well as the evening of Saturday, June 2.

Commander Daniel E. Brown presided."

Source:  14-Room Mansion To Become New Home Of Legion Post 50, The Daily Argus [Mount Vernon, NY], May 18, 1945, p. 9, cols. 3-4.  

"Eighty Protest Proposal To Change 'Pell House' Site of Legion Post Club
-----

Percy J. Gaynor of Carol Place Pelham Manor headed a small delegation which presented a petition signed by 80 residents within the immediate neighborhood of the old Pell House to the Pelham Manor village trustees on Monday.  The signers registered objection to any contemplated change in the zoning laws to make the district one other than for private residences, as at present.

Mr. Gaynor said he had read in a daily newspaper that the negotiations for the purchase of the Pell House and its use as a clubhouse were in progress.  He made it clear that such use of the premises by any organization would change the character of the neighborhood from its present strictly residential character.

Mr. Gaynor asked the Board to receive the signed petition as an official recognition of the feelings of the residents in the vicinity of the Pell House.

Mayor C. Furnald Smith said that he understood that Pelham Post No. 50, American Legion, had thought of purchasing the Pell House and transforming it into a permanent headquarters for the war veterans, but nothing had yet come before the Board in its official capacity.  Any proposed change in the zoning of the district would have to go to the Zoning Board of Appeals.

Mayor Smith said that Daniel Brown, Commander of Pelham Post, had told him it was the plan of Pelham Post 50 to improve the physical surroundings of the building and that there would not be a bar in the club.

'From any angle, it would be an improvement,' said Mayor Smith.  'The Pell House has an historical background and value and this seems to be the only way it can be preserved.  If a formal appeal to change the zoning laws is made, there will be an opportunity to be heard afforded to those who do not approve of a change.'  He suggested that the petition be given to Matthew G. Ely, chairman of the zoning board of appeals.

Another member of the delegation said that he did not see how a club could do without a bar.  'When the boys come back we don't want them to go to a clubhouse where there are many restrictions.  They will not want to have good times and enjoy themselves.'

Before withdrawing, Mr. Gaynor asked whether it was true that zoning laws of the village could not be changed with reference to Pell House unless the consent of 60 per cent. of the property owners within 1,000 feet of the building were obtained.  Mayor Smith said he believed it was so.

The delegation promised to file its petition with Matthew G. Ely, chairman of the zoning board of appeals."

Source:  Eighty Protest Proposal To Change 'Pell House' Site of Legion Post Club, The Pelham Sun, Jun. 14, 1945, No. 9, Vol. 36, p. 1, cols. 4-5.  

"Legion Abandons Plan to Remodel Pell House for Club; New Site Is Sought
-----

After a week-end conference with several persons who had promised to give major financial support to the efforts of Pelham Post No. 50, American Legion to obtain a permanent home for its activities, Daniel E. Brown, commander of the Post, on Monday evening told a Pelham Sun reporter that the plan to remodel the Old Pell House on Carol Place, Pelham Manor, had been definitely abandoned.

'The opposition of eighty nearby residents indicates that it would be difficult to obtain a change in the zoning.  Post 50 does not want to arouse antagonism in its plans.  Furthermore we have received notice that the price of the building has been advanced to $20,000 and that is another and more important reason why it has been decided to discuss other indications for the purchase or erection of a Legion building.'

Commander Brown mentioned several prospective sites.  The building at 89 Wolf's Lane, now owned by The Pelham Sun Publishing Company, was mentioned.  On the two floors above the street there are at present thirty unoccupied rooms.  The property is opposite the Memorial Park on which is erected the Honor Roll.  At the rear of Wolf's Lane is a large parking spot owned by the village to which access could be obtained from the rear of the building.  The lack of outdoor area is a handicap that must be considered.  

Among other proposals is a Shore Road location and one on Pelhamdale Avenue, as well as a more favored plan to build an entirely new and modern building properly equipped for a club for war veterans.

Commander Brown expressed a wish that the Legion clubhouse might be erected and be free from debt when it is opened for use, rather than erect a building which would be encumbered with a mortgage.

The definite abandonment of the Pell House plan will settle the controversy which has arisen among residents near to the site of the proposed Legion club.  At the monthly meeting of Pelham Manor trustees last week a petition signed by eighty nearby residents was presented.  It protested against any change of zoning laws in that locality.  It would be necessary to obtain a variance in the zoning laws in order to use the Pell House for any purpose other than a private residence.  

Source:  Legion Abandons Plan to Remodel Pell House for Club; New Site Is Sought, The Pelham Sun, Jun. 21, 1945, Vol. 36, No. 10, p. 1, cols. 3-4.  


"VETERANS WORKING TO STOP OPPOSITION TO PELL HOUSE SITE
-----
Have Secured Option on Historic Premises on Carol Place and Iden Avenue; Will Use It as Patriotic Center, If Consent to Variance of Zoning Restrictions Can Be Obtained.
-----

With opposition diminishing, Pelham Post No. 50, American Legion, hopes that it may soon be able to announce that the acquisition of the historic Pell House and plans for its transformation into a headquarters for patriotic effort in the Pelhams, has been carried out and the title to the property secured.

When negotiations for the purchase of the building were first announced, there was opposition from owners of nearby properties who professed to see in the new use of the big stone house, the probability of large crowds gathering there, with dances and concerts, almost nightly and the usual late-at-night hub-bub.

Rumors were circulated that it was intended to provide a U.S.O. Center, with hotel accommodations for returning veterans and that the probability of a noisy centre in the midst of a residential neighborhood would destroy value of nearby properties, because of a large number of parked cars in the vicinity.  

Before asking the Board of Trustees of Pelham Manor to issue the necessary permits for alteration of the premises and a hearing on the proposed change of zoning restrictions, delegates from Pelham Post 50, American Legion have been interviewing owners of properties within 1,000 feet of the building, it being necessary to obtain approval from sixty per cent. of them before submitting the proposal for a zoning change to the village trustees.

The Legion Post 50 has an option that can be exercised based on securing approval to the contemplated use of it by the new occupant from the neighboring taxpayers.  

The Pell House was once the residence of John Pell, a member of the family which founded Pelham.  It was used by General Lord Howe in 1776 as his headquarters when he commanded a British invading force during the Battle of Pell's Neck.  Some parts of the original building remain.  The Legion intends to remodel its interior and provide large parking space within the grounds, which overlook the Hutchinson River Parkway at Iden avenue and Carol Place.  A janitor will be the only permanent resident.

While signing the Legion's petition, a resident of Manor Lane said:  'It was because of our men who fought so well, that we are able to enjoy our homes in this community.  We were not attacked.  We did not know what destruction war can bring about.  Because of this and in a sense of appreciation of their service, I am in favor of signing this as a mark of appreciation.  I hope they will appreciate this privilege."

Source:  VETERANS WORKING TO STOP OPPOSITION TO PELL HOUSE SITE -Have Secured Option on Historic Premises on Carol Place and Iden Avenue; Will Use It as Patriotic Center, If Consent to Variance of Zoning Restrictions Can Be Obtained, The Pelham Sun, Nov. 29, 1945, Vol. 36, No. 33, p. 1, cols. 1-2.  

"Protest Against Legion Plan to Invade Residential Area by Club at Pell House
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Proposed Remodeling of Historic Building Into Headquarters for Pelham Post No. 50, American Legion Brings Strong Objection from Neighboring Residents; Legionnaires Will Continue Plans for Acquiring Building and Seeking Approval from Required Majority of Neighborhood Property Owners.
-----

Armed with a petition purporting to bear the signatures of more than 90 of the 177 property owners within the zone of protest, a delegation of taxpayers appeared at the monthly meeting of the Village Trustees of Pelham Manor on Monday night and demanded that any request for a variation of the zoning restrictions with regard to the Pell House property at Carol Place and Iden Avenue be rejected, and that they be notified if and when application for a change be made.  To obtain sanction to the use of a building for other than residential purposes, the approval of two-thirds of the property owners within 1,000 feet from any part of the property must be obtained.

Pelham Post No. 50, American Legion has obtained a conditional sales agreement on the Pell House property and wish to use it as headquarters for Legion activities in the Pelhams.

To obtain the necessary signatures representatives of Pelham Post 50 have been interviewing property owners within the zone.

Donald Phillips of No. 479 Wolf's Lane, was spokesman for the delegation on Monday night.  He referred to the petition which was signed by taxpayers living adjacent to the Pell House property last summer when it first was rumored that the American Legion wishes to buy the property and transform it into a clubhouse.  When attempt was made to file the petition with the zoning board it was discovered that Post 50 had not made an application for a variance of zoning restrictions.  Now that the Legion activities have been resumed, and he had read in the Pelham Sun that Pelham Post 50 had obtained a contract for purchase of Pell House he wished to file the protest.

Mr. Phillips made himself clear that the delegation was protesting against the use of building for any other than residential purposes.  There was no objection to the Amerian Legion or to that organization having a clubhouse in the town somewhere else, but there was a feeling that the activities of any clubhouse in that location would be detrimental to the value of property and not serve the best interests of those living in the vicinity.  He claimed that the Board of Trustees of the Christian Science Churches had registered objection to the clubhouse which would be in the vicinity of the church.

Acting-Mayor Bieber told the delegation that the Zoning Board of Appeals had jurisdiction over such matters and whenever a change of zoning is requested due notice is given fifteen days before action is taken and zoning hearing takes place [illegible] But those interested may have an opportunity to be heard.

Village Clerk Clyde Howes - No petition for a variance at Pell House has been filed.

Mr. Phillips -- I would like a ruling on which part of the property the 1,000 foot ruling begins, the center or the boundary lines.

Village Clerk Howes -- It is 1,000 feet from any part of the property.

The Board instructed the Village Clerk to prepare a zoning map on which the boundary lines of the 1,000 foot area are clearly shown so that the eligibility of the signers of the petitions for and against the change may be determined.

Daniel Brown, Commander of Pelham Post 50, was not present at Monday night's meeting.  One Tuesday he told a Pelham Sun representative that Legion Post 50 was going right ahead with its plans, that it possessed a contract of sale for the Pell House property and that when the proper time arrived a petition for a variant use of the Pell House would be presented and it would then have sufficient signatures to ensure its approval.  He indicated that he was optimistic about the result."

Source:  Protest Against Legion Plan to Invade Residential Area by Club at Pell House, The Pelham Sun, Dec. 20, 1945, Vol. 36, No. 36, p. 1, cols. 7-8.

"No Action In Zoning Dispute
-----

Inquiry of Clyde Howes, village clerk of Pelham Manor, showed that no application for a variance of zoning laws has been yet filed by Pelham Post 50, American Legion, in order to obtain the use of the historic old Pell House as headquarters for the activities of the Legion post.  

Similar inactivity is reported in the case of the reopening of the service station of Burgess B. Field, on Washington avenue.  The owner is in Florida and further action will be delayed until his return."

Source:  No Action In Zoning Dispute, The Pelham Sun, Dec. 27, 1945, Vol. 36, No. 37, p. 1, col. 6.  

"Post 50 Seeking New Clubhouse

PELHAM -- Pelham Post 50, American Legion, has abandoned its efforts to secure Pell House in Pelham Manor as a clubhouse and is seeking another place, Commander Daniel E. Brown announced today.  The Post seeks a building which can be used as a clubhouse after renovation, but if this is unobtainable it will purchase property and erect a building, Mr. Brown said.

The post will send a boy to represent it at the Boys' State encampment to be held in June at Manlius Military Academy near Syracuse, N. Y.  The boy will be selected by the high school faculty."

Source:  Post 50 Seeking New Clubhouse, The Daily Argus [Mount Vernon, NY], Jan. 21, 1946, p. 5, col. 3.  

"Historic Old Pell House Sold, Built Before Revolutionary War

PELHAM MANOR -- Pell House, almost 200 years old and one of Westchester's historic landmarks, Carol Place and Iden Avenue, has been sold by the estate of W. W. Taylor to Joseph Boucher, 2534 Woodhull Avenue, the Bronx.

John K. Miller, Mount Vernon real estate broker, who handled the transaction, and who has been managing agent of the property for 16 years, said the new owner will occupy the house and plans extensive alterations.  The old stone house, which stands on a plot of an acre-and-a-half, has 13 rooms.

Dates From 1750

The house, the only pre-Revolutionary mansion still standing in Pelham Manor [incorrect], was erected around 1750-1760, according to Lockwood Barr, town historian.  Mr. Barr, in his book, 'Ancient Town of Pelham,' relates that the house originally was called Pelham Dale, from which Pelhamdale Avenue derives its name.  It was built by Philip Pell, II, grandson of the third Lord of the Manor of Pelham.

According to Mr. Barr, the house, on a small triangular tract bounded by Carol Place, Iden Avenue and the Hutchinson Parkway, is all that remains of the original large farm.  After the Revolution, Colonel David Pell, a son of Philip Pell II, lived in the old homestead until hs death in 1823.  His widow sold the tract to James Hay who named the place Pelham Dale.

In the North wall of the house is imbedded [sic] a large piece of red sandstone on which is cut in relief the coat-of-arms of the Hay family.

Sought as Historic Shrine

'Pelham Dale was one of the magnificent country estates of Westchester,' Mr. Barr writes 'It has passed through many ownerships; yet today, in spite of its use and abuse, it still is a fine example of the mansions of its day.  Numerous unsuccessful attempts have been made to interest some patriotic society in purchasing this old Pell place and restoring it as a historic museum for the Pelhams.'

Last year Pelham Post 50, American Legion, was considering buying the property for a clubhouse but Pelham Manor residents objected.  Last January a proposal by the Pelham Realty Board that the mansion be purchased by popular subscription as a town public library for a World War II memorial fell through from lack of public interest."

Source:  Historic Old Pell House Sold, Built Before Revolutionary War, The Daily Argus [Mount Vernon, NY], Aug. 4, 1948, p. 5, cols. 4-6.  

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I have written about the lovely historic home known as "Pelhamdale" (and "Pelham Dale") on numerous occasions.  For a few of many examples, see:

Wed., Feb. 01, 2017:  Pelham Historic Marker Placed on Hutchinson River Parkway in 1927.

Wed., Nov. 30, 2016:  Article on the History of Pelhamdale Published in 1925 After Tragic Fire.

Thu., Nov. 03, 2016:  1860 Auction Offering Pelhamdale Lots from the Estate of James Hay.

Thu., Oct. 20, 2016:  Fears in 1934 and 1935 that the Historic Home Known as Pelhamdale Would Be Razed

Fri, May 13, 2016:  1851 Advertisement Offering Farm and Mansion Known as Pelhamdale for Lease.

Wed., Sep. 23, 2015:  Yet Another Tale of Buried Treasure in the Town of Pelham

Thu., Sep. 17, 2015:  An Account of the February 28, 1925 Fire at Pelhamdale, A Home on the National Register of Historic Places.

Fri., Sep. 04, 2015:  Sale of the Pre-Revolutionary War Home Known as Pelhamdale in 1948.

Tue., Sep. 09, 2014:  The October 18, 1927 Unveiling of the Historic Marker at Pelhamdale, the Historic Home at 45 Iden Avenue.

Tue., Jun. 24, 2014:  Story of Pelhamdale, the Old Stone House by the Bridge, Once Owned by David J. Pell.

Thu., Jan. 03, 2008:  Charges in 1808 Against Lieutenant-Colonel David J. Pell of Pelham that He "Indulges in Inebriety and Habitual Drunkeness." 

Mon., Oct 15, 2007:  Town Proclamation Recognizes Celebration of the 250th Anniversary of Pelhamdale at 45 Iden Avenue

Thu., Oct. 26, 2006:  Genealogical Data Regarding David Jones Pell of the Manor of Pelham, Revolutionary War Officer

Wed., Nov. 02, 2005:  Engraving by P.M. Pirnie Showing Pelhamdale in 1861

Thu., Oct. 13, 2005:  Two More Pelham Ghost Stories

Mon., Sep. 19, 2005:  The Long-Hidden Pastoral Mural Uncovered in Pelhamdale, a Pre-Revolutionary War Home

Mon., Apr. 11, 2005:  More From the William R. Montgomery Glass Negative Collection (includes photograph of fire at Pelhamdale on February 28, 1925)

Tue., Mar. 22, 2005:  The 1790 U.S. Census Information for the Township of Pelham.

Archive of the Historic Pelham Web Site.
Home Page of the Historic Pelham Blog
Order a Copy of "Thomas Pell and the Legend of the Pell Treaty Oak."

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Wednesday, February 01, 2017

Pelham Historic Marker Placed on Hutchinson River Parkway in 1927



On Tuesday, October 18, 1927, the local chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution unveiled a New York State historic marker on the Hutchinson River Parkway near the home known as "Pelhamdale," located at 45 Iden Avenue in Pelham Manor.  The home is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. 

During the ceremony for placement of the marker, Town Historian William R. Montgomery delivered remarks on the history of the home and the life of David J. Pell, a patriot who served during the Revolutionary War.  Ogden Philip Pell, a grandson of David J. Pell, and Isabelle Pell Lawrence, a great-granddaughter of David J. Pell, attended the ceremony.

I previously have transcribed and published the remarks on the history of Pelhamdale delivered by Town Historian William R. Montgomery that day.  See Tue., Jun. 24, 2014:  Story of Pelhamdale, the Old Stone House by the Bridge, Once Owned by David J. Pell.  

Today's posting to the Historic Pelham Blog recounts the program for the event during which the historic marker was unveiled.  The marker was placed on the roadside property of the Westchester County Parks Commission along the newly-constructed Hutchinson River Parkway where Iden Avenue then entered the parkway.



Detail from Map Published in 1929 Showing Both Pelhamdale
and the Iden Avenue Entrance Onto the Newly-Constructed
Hutchinson River Parkway Where the State Historic Marker Was
Placed on October 21, 1927.  Source:  Atlas of Westchester
County, Vol. I, p. 1 (Philadelphia, PA:  G.M. Hopkins Co.,
1929).  NOTE:  Click on Image to Enlarge.

On October 18, 1927, members of the Bronx Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution gathered with Pell family members, and Pelham officials at the beautiful home of Mr. and Mrs. Howard E. Wagner known as "Pelhamdale" to unveil and dedicate a New York State historic marker regarding Pelhamdale on land adjacent to the Hutchinson River Parkway.  It was the first historic marker erected on the Hutchinson River Parkway.  The date selected for the event was not a coincidence.  It was 151 years to the day that the home was witness to the nearby Battle of Pelham.  For more than 100 years thereafter, musket balls and other detritus of the battle had been found lodged in the walls of the home and on its grounds.

The weather did not cooperate that day.  Thus, the ceremonies were moved inside to the parlor of the historic mansion.

Among those in attendance that day was Ogden Phillips Pell, of New York, 94 years old.  He was a grandson of Revolutionary War Patriot David Jones Pell who once owned the home.  Ogden Phillips Pell was born at Pelhamdale.  He came to Pelham that day especially for the ceremonies.  He had not seen the home in 75 years. 

The State historic marker dedicated that day read as follows:  "Pelham Dale Built before 1776.  Oldest house in Pelham.  Home of Col. David J. Pell; American Patriot, New York Historical Marker."

The program for the event was as follows:

Mrs. T. L. Peck, regent of the Bronx Chapter, welcomed the guests and introduced the speakers.  

The Rev. Charles R. Seymour, pastor of the Vernon Heights Congregational Church, pronounced the invocation.  

Mrs. Felice Chandler and Mr. Bruce De Lette, of Pelham Manor presented a musical program.

Mrs. Peck called the D.A.R. meeting to order.

Town Historian William R. Montgomery, of Pelham Manor, presented a talk on the history of the mansion and the Pell family.  

After the ceremony, tea was served in Pelhamdale, as it had been on countless occasions during the previous 150 years.  After the Iden Avenue entrance to the Hutchinson River Parkway was closed off, the State historic marker was moved to the grounds of Pelhamdale where it remains.



View of Pelhamdale from Iden Avenue on September 3, 2014.
Source: "Pelhamdale" in Wikipedia -- The Free Encyclopedia
(visited May 7, 2016).  What is Believed to be the State Historic
Marker Placed on Tuesday, October 18, 1927 May Be Seen,
Partially Obscured, in the Lower Left.  NOTE:  Click on Image
to Enlarge.

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Below is the text of the article on which today's posting to the Historic Pelham Blog is based.  It is followed by a citation and link to its source. 

"D.A.R. PAYS TRIBUTE TO HISTORIC 'PELHAM DALE,' OLD PELL RESIDENCE
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State Marker Erected On Hutchinson River Parkway at Site of Oldest Residence In Town of Pelham.  Building Was Erected Prior To Revolutionary War
-----

Turning the page of Pelham's history back over more than a century and one half, the Bronx Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution dedicated a marker at 'Pelham Dale,' the old Pell residence at Iden avenue and the Hutchinson River Parkway, Tuesday afternoon.  Mr. and Mrs. Howard E. Wagner, owners of the property were hosts to many members of the Pell family, members of the D.A.R. and celebrities who took part in paying tribute to Pelham Dale the oldest house in the town of Pelham.  Due to the inclement weather the ceremonies were held in the parlor of the historic old mansion instead of at the site of the marker on the property of the Westchester County Park Commission.

The marker is one of a series to be erected by the State at points of historic interest.  It is the first to be erected on the Hutchinson River Parkway.  It reads 'Pelham Dale built before 1776.  Oldest house in Pelham.  Home of Col. David J. Pell; American Patriot, New York Historical Marker.'  Mrs. Elsie Pell Guion, of New Rochelle, descendant of Col. Pell, appeared in the costume of a Colonial Dame and read the inscription on the marker.

Mrs. T. L. Peck, regent of the Bronx Chapter, welcomed the guests and introduced the speakers of the afternoon.  The Rev. Charles R. Seymour, pastor of the Vernon Heights Congregational Church, pronounced the invocation.  Mrs. Felice Chandler and Mr. Bruce De Lette, of Pelham Manor presented a musical program.

Mrs. Peck called the meeting to order with a dinner bell which was found in the Pell mansion and is believed to have been used in the early days of the house.

William R. Montgomery, of Pelham Manor, presented an interesting talk on the history of the mansion and the Pell family.  His address will be found printed elsewhere in this issue of The Pelham Sun.  Few Pelhamites are acquainted with the remarkable history of Pelham Dale.  Mr. Montgomery is an authority on local tradition.

Among the guests were Ogden Phillips Pell, of New York, 94 years old, grandson of Col. David Jones Pell.  Ogden Phillips Pell was born at Pelhamdale.  He came to Pelham especially for the ceremonies after an absence of 75 years.  

Other members of the Pell family who were present were as follows:  Mr. and Mrs. Stephen H. Pell, of Fort Ticonderoga; Mr. and Mrs. Howland Pell, William S. Pell, Miss Muriel Pell, Miss Martha Pell, Howard Kissan Pell, Mrs. Abijah S. Pell, Mrs. Elsie Pell Guion, Philip Pell, Miss Adeline M. Trumbull.

After the ceremonies tea was served.  Mrs. Arthur M. Smith was hostess.  She was assisted by Mrs. John F. Armquist, Mrs. Arthur G. Bailler, Mrs. W. H. Doyle, Mrs. C. J. Hunt, Mrs. G. E. Hancock, Mrs. G. A. Kuhner, Miss Florence D. Leonard, Mrs. W. E. Mangerin, Mrs. Nelson W. McCombs, Mrs. S. C. McKoewn, Miss Jessie E. Parkhurst, Mrs. C. A. Speakman and Mrs. Charles A. Tier."

Source:  D.A.R. PAYS TRIBUTE TO HISTORIC 'PELHAM DALE,' OLD PELL RESIDENCE -- State Marker Erected On Hutchinson River Parkway at Site of Oldest Residence In Town of Pelham.  Building Was Erected Prior To Revolutionary War, The Pelham Sun, Oct. 21, 1927, p. 16, cols. 3-4.

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I have written about the lovely historic home known as "Pelhamdale" (and "Pelham Dale") on numerous occasions.  For a few of many examples, see:

Wed., Nov. 30, 2016:  Article on the History of Pelhamdale Published in 1925 After Tragic Fire.

Thu., Nov. 03, 2016:  1860 Auction Offering Pelhamdale Lots from the Estate of James Hay.

Thu., Oct. 20, 2016:  Fears in 1934 and 1935 that the Historic Home Known as Pelhamdale Would Be Razed

Fri, May 13, 2016:  1851 Advertisement Offering Farm and Mansion Known as Pelhamdale for Lease.

Wed., Sep. 23, 2015:  Yet Another Tale of Buried Treasure in the Town of Pelham

Thu., Sep. 17, 2015:  An Account of the February 28, 1925 Fire at Pelhamdale, A Home on the National Register of Historic Places.

Fri., Sep. 04, 2015:  Sale of the Pre-Revolutionary War Home Known as Pelhamdale in 1948.

Tue., Sep. 09, 2014:  The October 18, 1927 Unveiling of the Historic Marker at Pelhamdale, the Historic Home at 45 Iden Avenue.

Tue., Jun. 24, 2014:  Story of Pelhamdale, the Old Stone House by the Bridge, Once Owned by David J. Pell.

Thu., Jan. 03, 2008:  Charges in 1808 Against Lieutenant-Colonel David J. Pell of Pelham that He "Indulges in Inebriety and Habitual Drunkeness." 

Mon., Oct 15, 2007:  Town Proclamation Recognizes Celebration of the 250th Anniversary of Pelhamdale at 45 Iden Avenue

Thu., Oct. 26, 2006:  Genealogical Data Regarding David Jones Pell of the Manor of Pelham, Revolutionary War Officer

Wed., Nov. 02, 2005:  Engraving by P.M. Pirnie Showing Pelhamdale in 1861

Thu., Oct. 13, 2005:  Two More Pelham Ghost Stories

Mon., Sep. 19, 2005:  The Long-Hidden Pastoral Mural Uncovered in Pelhamdale, a Pre-Revolutionary War Home

Mon., Apr. 11, 2005:  More From the William R. Montgomery Glass Negative Collection (includes photograph of fire at Pelhamdale on February 28, 1925)

Tue., Mar. 22, 2005:  The 1790 U.S. Census Information for the Township of Pelham.

Archive of the Historic Pelham Web Site.
Home Page of the Historic Pelham Blog
Order a Copy of "Thomas Pell and the Legend of the Pell Treaty Oak."

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Monday, December 05, 2016

Program for Laying the Cornerstone of Today's Manor Club in 1921


Late in the afternoon on June 28 1921, hundreds gathered to lay the cornerstone of today's Manor Club located at the intersection of Esplanade and Black Street.  The clubhouse was the club's second.  The cornerstone of the first clubhouse was laid on Thanksgiving Day, November 24, 1887.  See Mon., Feb. 08, 2016:  Laying of the Cornerstone of the First Manor Club Clubhouse on Thanksgiving Day in 1887.  



Photograph of the Manor Club's "Manor House" Published
in 1892.  Source:  Manor Club "Memory Book."  NOTE:
Click on Image to Enlarge.

By 1921, the Manor Club had 433 members and had outgrown its beautiful clubhouse designed by Pelham Manor architect F. Carles Merry.  On that early summer evening in 1921, members of the club gathered at the site to lay the cornerstone for the clubhouse that replaced the first one designed by Merry.  As with the cornerstone laying ceremony for the first clubhouse in 1887, we know much about the cornerstone laying ceremony for today's clubhouse in 1921.  

Significantly, Henry Waters Taft of Pelham Manor delivered the keynote address at the laying of both cornerstones in 1887 and in 1921.  Taft served as the first President of the Manor Club before the organization evolved into a women's club.  

Henry Waters Taft was a brother of William Howard Taft who served as 27th President of the United States.  Henry was an attorney who began his career in 1884 as a “salaried” associate with the New York City law firm of Simpson Thacher & Barnum, now known as Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP.  In 1889 he joined the law firm of Strong & Cadwalader, known today as Cadwalader Wickersham & Taft LLP.  Although late in life Taft had a residence in New York City, he lived for many years in Pelham Manor and even served on the Executive Committee of the Pelham Manor Protective Club during the 1880’s before the Village of Pelham Manor was incorporated.



Henry Waters Taft in 1908.  Source: Wikimedia Commons,
from the U.S. Library of Congress Division of Prints and
Photographs Under the Digital ID ggbain.03468.
NOTE:  Click on Image to Enlarge.

Famed Pelham Manor resident and Manor Club stalwart, Mrs. Robert C. Black, used the same silver trowel from the first cornerstone laying in 1887 to lay the cornerstone in 1921.

The program scheduled for the cornerstone laying on June 28, 1921 was as follows:

  • Mrs. James F. ("Joan") Secor, president of the club, presided  
  • The Gloria Trumpeters furnished some music
  • Invocation by the Rev. Lewis Gaston Leary, minister of Huguenot Memorial Presbyterian Church
  • Hymn:  "O Lord of Hosts" (Duke Street version) 
  • Address, Henry W. Taft, first president of the Manor Club
  • Vocal solo, Miss Rose Wirthlin 
  • Laying of the cornerstone by Mrs. Robert C. Black
  • Short salute by the Gloria Trumpeters and a moment of silence observed in memory of the departed members of the Manor Club listed as Robert C. Black, John H. Dey, James F. Secor, Sr., William K. Gillette, James M. Townsend, Mr. and Mrs. Charles F. Roper, William Allen Smith, Mr. and Mrs. G. Osmar Reynolds, Ezra T. Gililland, Charles H. Coffin, George Barnett and Charlotte Cowles
  • Song:  Should Auld Acquaintance be Forgot  
  • Address by Joseph C. Wilberding
  • Benediction by the Rev. Herbert H. Haight, Rector of the Church of the Redeemer
  • More music by the Gloria Trumpeters 

As one might expect, the program of the cornerstone laying ceremony in 1921 was very similar to the first ceremony in 1887.  The clubhouse built on the site following the 1921 ceremony stands today and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.



"THE MANOR CLUB," an Architectural Rendering Prepared by
William H. Orchard, Architect, in 1921.  Source:  Manor Club National
Register of Historic Places File (Reference No. 14000207), Enhanced
with Adobe Photoshop.

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Below is the text of a brief article published in 1921 that describes the planned program for the laying of the cornerstone of the new Manor Club building later the same day.  It is followed by a citation and link to its source.  

"Pelham Manor
-----

Miss Helen Walker was the guest of Miss Cockle of the manor last week.

Witherbee Black was president of his class at the reunion held at Princeton University.  

Mr. and Mrs. J. Frank Duffy have returned from Asheville, N.C. where they spent one week.

Mr. and Mrs. Edgar H. Laing have as their guest Miss Emily Goldthwait, of Hanover, N.H.

Harris B. Fisher, Jr. has returned to his home on the Shore road for the summer vacation period.  

Dr. and Mrs. Percy Norman Williams have closed their home in Siwanoy place for the summer and gone to their summer home at Lake Cayuga.

Mrs. Robert C. Black and Mrs. James F. Secor attended the lecture given yesterday at Rye by Mrs. Morrill Hamlin on 'The Japanese Monroe Doctrine.'

Miss Marie Fenlon, of 167 Secor lane, sailed Saturday on the steamship Calamards to visit Miss Mercita Hornsby, whose father is the president of a trust company in Cuba.  Miss Fenlon will probably be away about six weeks.

Village president H. W. Nuckols attended the installation of Rowland Angell as President of Yale Universtiy last week in New Haven.  Mr. Nuckols was designated as the representative of Indiana State University, his alma mater, at the exercises.

Prior to her departure for Allenhurst, N.J., Mrs. George W. Grote gave a bridge party at her residence 554 Fowler avenue last Wednesday afternoon.  The friends present were Mrs. John Heck and Mrs. Edwin Romaine of Jersey City, Miss Hastings and Mrs. H. C. Dornhelm of Bronxville, Mrs. G. Hirsch, Miss Mirriam Harris and Mrs. Edna Horton, of Pelham Manor.

The corner stone of the new Manor club will be laid at 5:30 o'clock this afternoon with appropriate ceremonies.  The program will include an address by Henry W. Taft, brother of ex-President William Howard Taft, who was the first president of the Manor club.  The corner stone will be laid by Mrs. Robert C. Black, using the same silver trowel used by her at the laying of the corner stone of the old building on Thanksgiving Day, November 24, 1887.  There is also an unusual coincidence in connection with the ceremony.  At the first corner stone laying ceremony, it was intended originally to hold the program outdoors, but after the laying, the party repaired to the residence of one of the members, John H. Dey, and had them there.  The date of this year's ceremony, June 28, is the birthday anniversary of Mr. Dey.  The program will start promptly at the hour set and will begin with Mrs. James F. Secor, president of the club presiding.  The Gloria Trumpeters will first furnish some music, then will come the invocation by the Rev. Lewis Gaston Leary, minister of Huguenot Memorial church; Hymn, O Lord of Hosts (Duke street); address, Henry W. Taft, first president of the Manor club; vocal solo, Miss Rose Wirthlin; Laying of the Corner Stone by Mrs. Robert C. Black; song, Should Auld Acquaintance be Forgot; address, by Joseph C. Wilberding; benediction by the Rev. Herbert H. Haight, rector of the church of the Redeemer; music, by the Gloria Trumpeters.  Immediately after the laying of the corner stone, the Gloria Trumpeters will give a short salute and a moment of silence observed in respect to the memory of the departed members of the Manor club.  These are Robert C. Black, John H. Dey, James F. Secor, Sr., William K. Gillette, James M. Townsend, Mr. and Mrs. Charles F. Roper, William Allen Smith, Mr. and Mrs. G. Osmar Reynolds, Ezra T. Gililland, Charles H. Coffin, George Barnett and Charlotte Cowles.  The membership of the Manor club is at the present time composed of 433 women, the men joining the Pelham Country club."

Source:  Pelham Manor, The Daily Argus [Mount Vernon, NY], Jun. 28, 1921, p. 11, col. 3.

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I have written about the Manor Club and its history on a number of occasions.  Seee.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.

Mon., Feb. 08, 2016:  Laying of the Cornerstone of the First Manor Club Clubhouse on Thanksgiving Day in 1887.

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