Brief Biography of Pelhamite John Routh Ogden, Sr. Whose Family Used Oakshade as a Summer Residence

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There once stood along Shore Road in the Town of Pelham a beautiful mansion known as "Oakshade."  Built in about 1846 by James Augustus Suydam, an architect, lawyer, and Hudson River School artist, on land that Suydam and his sister purchased from Robert Bartow and his wife, Maria R. Bartow, Oakshade was a grand mansion built in the "Italian villa style" that commanded a lovely view of Pelham Neck and Long Island Sound.  The mansion later became the home of Dr. Richard Lewis Morris, a grandson of General Lewis Morris of Morrisania, one of the signers of the Declaration of Independence.  After the death of Dr. Morris, the home became the clubhouse of the Country Club of Pelham until the club departed for a new site on Throgg's Neck in 1889. During at least a portion of the 1890s, John Routh Ogden, Sr. and his family members including a son, John Routh Ogden, Jr., used Oakshade as their "country residence" principally during summers.  

Oakshade eventually was altered and leased by New York City (owner of the mansion after creation of Pelham Bay Park) to serve as a roadhouse known as the Pell Tree Inn then, later, Shanley's Pell Tree Inn and, even later, as the California Ramblers Inn. Near the end of its life, the mansion became the Hollywood Gardens until it was destroyed by fire on October 15, 1932.

Members of the Ogden family owned and leased a number of homes in the Town of Pelham very near the estate known as Hawkswood, built by Levin R. Marshall including one on the easterly island of the Twin Islands and another at Pelham Bridge on the easterly island of the Twin Islands and another at Pelham Bridge on the Pelham side of Pelham Bay.  One of Levin R. Marshall's daughters, Josephine E. Marshall (a daughter by his second wife), married John Routh Ogden, Sr. -- the father of John Routh Ogden, Jr.  It appears that the entire Ogden family including the families of John Routh Ogden, Sr. and John Routh Ogden, Jr. used Oakshade as a summer residence during at least the late 1890s.

To read more about the Ogden Family and the mansion known as Oakshade, see, e.g.:

Mon., Mar. 03, 2014:  The Suydam Estate known as “Oakshade” on Shore Road in the Town of Pelham, built by James Augustus Suydam.

Mon., Apr. 11, 2016:  A Hasty Wedding at the Oakshade Mansion Near Bartow-on-the-Sound in 1898 Sheds Light on the History of the Mansion.

Mon., Feb. 10, 2014:  Hawkswood, Also Known as the Marshall Mansion, Colonial Hotel and Colonial Inn, Once Stood in Pelham Near City Island.

John Routh Ogden, Sr. was born in Natchez, Mississippi on January 8, 1837.  He was a son of Elias Ogden, M.D. and Ann M. (Routh) Lane, a widow when she married Elias Ogden.  He married Josephine E. Marshall, a daughter of Levin R. Marshall and Sarah Elliot Marshall.  The couple had four daughters and a son:  John Routh Ogden, Jr., Charlotte Surget Ogden (b. Jan. 12, 1868; married Edward N. Dickerson); Sara Devereaux Ogden (b. Nov. 26, 1872); Mary Marshall Ogden (b. Sep. 2, 1874); and Josephine Ella Ogden (b. Oct. 28, 1880).  

John Routh Ogden, Sr. resided in Natchez, Mississippi until all but the youngest of his children were born, when he removed north and settled at Bartow-on-the-Sound in the Town of Pelham, New York.  He was a banker in New York City, being a member of the firm of Morehead & Ogden, 48 Exchange Place.

His son, John Routh Ogden, Jr., was born in Natchez, Mississippi on February 26, 1866.  The son married Adelaide (Wattson) Porter, a daughter of Thomas Brown Wattson and a widow of Horace Marshall Porter (who, in turn, was a son of General Horace Porter who was a one time Ambassador to France).  

Today's Historic Pelham article transcribes a brief biography of John Routh Ogden, Sr., a rather fascinating man and Confederate veteran of the American Civil War.  The biography, which appears immediately below (followed by a citation and link to its source) should be considered carefully as it includes quite a number of errors.  

1920s Postcard View of "Shanley's Pell Tree Inn," Once the

Mansion Known as Oakshade with Modifications to Serve as

a Roadhouse Inn, Restaurant, and Speakeasy.  NOTE:  Click

on Image to Enlarge. 

*          *          *          *          *

"JOHN R. OGDEN.

John R. Ogden, one of Westchester county's honored and highly respected citizens, occupies the beautiful home on Pelham road [today's Shore Road], known as Oak Shade.  It is located in a most lovely and picturesque spot overlooking Long Island sound, and is surrounded by tall elms, their majestic branches affording a most pleasant and agreeable shade during the summer months.  The house was built in 1808 [sic; built about 1846] by a Mr. Lugdam [sic; built by James Augustus Suydam], and thus for almost a century [sic] it has looked forth upon the surrounding district and the wonderful changes which have occurred in that long period.

Its present owner [sic; likely leased], John R. Ogden, is a native of Mississippi, his birth having occurred in Natchez-on-the-Hill, January 8, 1837, his parents being Dr. Charles [sic; Elias] and Ann S. (Routh) Ogden.  The paternal grandfather, Nathan Ogden, was a native of New Jersey and belonged to an old and prominent English family.  The father was born in Morristown, New Jersey, where he was reared to manhood, and then went to Natchez, Mississippi, where he successfully engaged in the practice of medicine for several years, securing a large patronage which brought to him excellent financial returns.  As a citizen he was also held in high esteem and became widely and favorably known throughout his section of the state.  He married Miss Ann S. Routh, a daughter of John Routh, a prominent citizen and extensive cotton-planter.  Dr. Ogden died in Natchez, in 1848, but his wife, long surviving him, passed away in 1873.

John R. Ogden spent the days of his boyhood and youth in his native city and acquired his preliminary education in a private school there, after which he went to Scotland and entered the University of Edinburg, in which institution he pursued his studies for six years.  Thus, by superior educational advantages, he was well fitted for the practical and responsible duties of life.  Returning to the sunny south, Mr. Ogden located upon his plantation and turned his attention to planting cotton, employing five hundred slaves in the care of his extensive crops.  He continued to successfully engage in that business until 1860, but at the outbreak of the civil war he entered the Confederate army, being true to his loved southland and the institution amid which he was reared.  He was commissioned a captain on General W. W. Loring's staff, and served in that capacity until hostilities ceased in 1865, being a most brave and fearless officer and manifesting marked loyalty to the cause he espoused.  He was always found at his post of duty, faithfully following the flag under which he enlisted, and was thus true to his honest convictions.  

At the close of the war Mr. Ogden returned to his southern home and resumed the management of his cotton plantation, his time being thus occupied until 1877, when with his family he came north and took up his abode in Westchester county, New York, at Oak Shade, which has since been his place of residence.  He still, however, conducts his large cotton plantation which is not far from the city of Vicksburg, Mississippi, and is now under the immediate supervision of his manager.  This yields to him an excellent income, and is a very valuable realty interest.

In 1863 was celebrated the marriage of Mr. Ogden and Miss Josephine Marshall, of Natchez, a daughter of Colonel L. R. Marshall, who was a distant relative of Chief Justice John Marshall.  To Mr. and Mrs. Ogden have been born five children, one son and four daughters, namely:  John R., who is engaged in business in New York city; Charlotte S., wife of Edward N. Dickerson, a prominent attorney of New York city; Sarah D., Mary M. and Josephine E., all at home.  The family is one of prominence in the community, holding an enviable position in social circles.  Mr. Ogden's genial, pleasant manner has made him quite popular among his acquaintances in Westchester county, where he is also recognized as a valued and public-spirited citizen, who takes an active interest in the general progress and lends his support and cooperation to every movement for the public good."

Source:  Biographical History of Westchester County, New York -- Illustrated, Vol. I, pp. 68-69 (Chicago, IL:  The Lewis Publishing Company, 1899).

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Example of a So-Called "Back Bar Bottle" from the Famed Pell Tree Inn on Shore Road

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The Pell Tree Inn was a roadhouse that once stood on Shore Road.  The roadhouse was in a famous Shore Road structure that had a variety of names including "Oakshade," the "Morris Estate," the headquarters of the Country Club at Westchester, the "Ramblers Inn," the "California Ramblers Inn," the "Hollywood Gardens Inn," and more.  Indeed, given the history of the roadhouse, I have written about it extensively.  See, e.g.:

Mon., Mar. 03, 2014:  The Suydam Estate known as “Oakshade” on Shore Road in the Town of Pelham, built by James Augustus Suydam.

Fri., Oct. 16, 2009:  The Famed "California Ramblers" and the "Ramblers Inn" that Once Stood on Shore Road. 

Given the fame of the structure and its many notable occupants, there are many images of its exterior and its interior, particularly during the early decades of the 20th century.  For a few examples, see immediately below.

"Oakshade," the Mansion Built by David Lydig Suydam on Shore Road

and Used as the Clubhouse of the Country Club at Pelham During the

1880s. Photograph Taken on May 17, 1924. Source: William R. Montgomery

Glass Negative and Lantern Slide Collection, Courtesy of the Office of the

Historian of the Town of Pelham. NOTE: Click on Image to Enlarge.

Undated Post Card View of "SHANLEY'S PELL TREE INN, Pelham Shore

Road, N. Y." Circa 1920s.  NOTE:  Click on Image to Enlarge.

Undated Post Card View of "PELL TREE INN.  Pelham Bay Park,

N. Y. City, Tonjes and Tappin."  NOTE:  Click on Image to Enlarge.

Undated Post Card View of the "PELL TREE INN.  Shore Road, Pelham

Park, N. Y. C." Circa 1915.  NOTE:  Click on Image to Enlarge.

Undated Post Card View of the Interior of "SHANLEY'S PELL TREE INN,

Pelham Shore Road, N. Y."  NOTE:  Click on Image to Enlarge.

Undated Post Card View of the Interior of "PELL TREE INN.  Shore

Road, Pelham Park, N. Y. C."  NOTE:  Click on Image To Enlarge.

Undated Post Card View of the Interior of the "PELL TREE INN,

Pelham Bay Park, N. Y. City. Tonjes and Tappin."  NOTE:  Click

on Image to Enlarge.

The map detail immediately below shows where the Pell Tree Inn was located on Shore Road.  For context, note its location in relation to the nearby Bartow-Pell Mansion and, specifically, the Bartow-Pell Mansion Carriage House.

Detail from 1918 Insurance Map Reflecting "SHANLEY'S PELL TREE INN."

Source: Sanborn Map Company, Atlases of New York City / Insurance

Maps of New York / Bronx, Atlas 55, Vol. 18, Plate 97 (1918).  NOTE:

Click on Image to Enlarge.

Recently I was able to purchase a so-called "Back Bar Bottle" (i.e., a display decanter for behind a bar) from the old Pell Tree Inn that once stood on Shore Road.  A photograph appears immediately below.

"Pell Tree Inn EQUATOR" Decanter from the Collection

of the Author.  Photograph by the Author.  Six and One-Half Inches

Tall.  NOTE:  Click on Image to Enlarge.

The painted lettering on the decanter is cryptic and intriguing.  The reference to "EQUATOR" is likely a brand of alcoholic drink, though research has not yet revealed the precise brand likely referenced.  Many such Back Bar Bottles had a painted or embossed reference to the brand of whiskey or liquor kept in the decanter.

This Pell Tree Inn Back Bar Bottle provides a tiny glimpse of the old Pell Tree Inn and its role as a famous roadhouse on Shore Road.

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Lovely Work by 19th Century Pelham Painter Offered by Manhattan Gallery

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Pelham has been the home of many important American painters over the course of its history.  Such artists have included Edward Penfield, Schuyler Remington, and William Oberhardt to name merely a few.

Another important American painter who lived, painted, and built a home in Pelham was James Augustus Suydam.  He was one of the premier Luminism painters of his day and, today, is widely-known as an American landscape painter and an important member of the Hudson River School of Artists.

 Watercolor on Ivory Portrait of James Augustus Suydam;

Date:  1822 - 4.4 Inches x 3.6 Inches; Smithsonian American

Art Museum, Accession Number 1974.13.1.

Suydam built a beautiful home between about 1846 and 1848 just north of, and not far from, the Carriage House of the Bartow-Pell Mansion on Shore Road on property adjacent to the Bartow-Pell property.  I have written extensively about James Augustus Suydam and the home he built once known as "Oakshade."  See Mon., Mar. 03, 2014:  The Suydam Estate known as “Oakshade” on Shore Road in the Town of Pelham, built by James Augustus Suydam.  James Augustus Suydam lived at Oakshade for nearly the next two decades before his death on September 15, 1865.  

James Augustus Suydam began painting seriously during the 1850s while he owned and lived at Oakshade.  Although he painted scenes of Long Island Sound and the surrounding region, he also traveled extensively, throughout New England, including New Hampshire, where he also painted coastal and water scenes.

One of Suydam's coastal scenes is currently being offered for sale by a premier Manhattan gallery:  Questroyal Fine Art, LLC.  The stunning oval painting, oil on board, plainly demonstrates why Suydam is known today as such a talented American Luminist.  The painting is 8-1/8" by 10-1/8" and is entitled "Moonlit Coast."  Pictured below, it shows a bright full moon shining through wispy clouds that glow from the moonlight with rippled water below reflecting the moon.  The moonlight brightens the white sails of a passing ship and lights an inviting sandy beach at the foot of the painting.

 

"Moonlit Coast" by James Augustus Suydam and Now Offered

for Sale by Questroyal Fine Art, LLC, a Purveyor of Fine

American Art.  Oil on Board; 8-1/8" x 10-1/8" (Oval);

Initialed Lower Left "JAS."  NOTE:  Click on Image to Enlarge.

The first question to come to mind is whether "Moonlit Coast" depicts a Pelham shore scene.  At first blush, the painting might seem to be a view from Tallapoosa Point looking across Eastchester Bay with the tip of Pelham Neck (today's Rodman's Neck on the Left, a portion of City Island on the right with a sailing ship passing in front of it, and the Long Island Shoreline in the distance.  Such a first impression, however, would seem to be wrong.

There is what appears to be a small lighthouse standing on the point of what would, under such a scenario, be the northeastern point of City Island.  No such lighthouse stood there during Suydam's life.  While it certainly is possible that Suydam may have been inspired by a view across Eastchester Bay but added the lighthouse, it seems more likely that "Moonlit Coast" does not depict a Pelham Shore.  Rather, perhaps, it depicts another shore in the northeast.

Regardless of subject, the work is a tour de force of Suydam's Luminism and remains, nearly 150 years after it was created, a powerful example of the work of one of Pelham's most notable resident artists of the 19th century.

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A Hasty Wedding at the Oakshade Mansion Near Bartow-on-the-Sound in 1898 Sheds Light on the History of the Mansion

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An interesting account of a hastily-arranged wedding at Bartow-on-the-Sound in early 1898 has shed some interesting light on the history of the mansion known as "Oakshade" that once stood along today's Shore Road not far from the carriage house of the Bartow-Pell Mansion.  I have written extensively about the history of Oakshade.  See Mon., Mar. 03, 2014:  The Suydam Estate known as “Oakshade” on Shore Road in the Town of Pelham, built by James Augustus Suydam.

Built in about 1846 by James Augustus Suydam, an architect, lawyer, and artist, on land that Suydam and his sister purchased from Robert Bartow and his wife, Maria R. Bartow, Oakshade was a grand mansion built in the "Italian villa style" that commanded a lovely view of Pelham Neck and Long Island Sound.  The mansion later became the home of Dr. Richard Lewis Morris, a grandson of General Lewis Morris of Morrisania, one of the signers of the Declaration of Independence.  After the death of Dr. Morris, the home became the clubhouse of the Country Club of Pelham until the club departed for a new site on Throgg's Neck in 1889.  After the creation of Pelham Bay Park and the annexation of the area by New York City, Oakshade was altered and leased by the City to serve as a roadhouse known as the Pell Tree Inn then, later, Shanley's Pell Tree Inn and, even later, as the California Ramblers Inn.  Near the end of its life, the mansion became the Hollywood Gardens until it was destroyed by fire on October 15, 1932.

Undated Post Card view of the Suydam Mansion Known as

"Oakshade" After its Conversion to a Roadhouse; Post Card

Ca. 1918-1923; Notation on Card Says: "SHANLEY'S PELL

TREE INN. Pelham Shore Road, N.Y."  NOTE:  Click on Image

to Enlarge.

In detailing the history of Oakshade, I previously noted that "Like other mansions within the boundaries of the new Pelham Bay Park, Oakshade seems to have languished for a number of years after the lands on which it stood were annexed by New York City in the mid-1890's. No records reflecting any meaningful use of the Oakshade mansion have yet been found by this author for a number of years after the departure of the Country Club of Westchester."

It turns out that a society column published in early January, 1898, sheds light on how Oakshade was used during a least a portion of the 1890s.  It served as the "country place at Bartow-on-the-Sound" of the famed Ogden family, likely leased by that family from the City of New York.

In early 1898, New York Society awaited the wedding of two well-connected young people:  Miss Charlotte Ogden and Mr. Edward N. Dickerson schedule for early February of that year.  Charlotte Ogden was a daughter of John R. Odgen, Sr.

The Ogden family owned and leased a number of homes in the Town of Pelham very near Hawkswood built by Levin R. Marshall including one on the easterly island of the Twin Islands and another at Pelham Bridge on the Pelham side of Pelham Bay.  One of Levin R. Marshall's daughters, Josephine E. Marshall, by his second wife, married a member of the Ogden family of Pelham:  John Routh Ogden, Sr., Charlotte's father.  

With New York Society eagerly anticipating the upcoming wedding of Charlotte and Edward, Charlotte's brother, John R. Ogden, Jr., became seriously ill with appendicitis.  A decision was made to hold Charlotte's and Edward's wedding as soon as possible -- before Charlotte's brother underwent the dangerous and life-threatening surgery he needed.  Though neither the bride's wedding gown nor the groom's suit were ready, the family contacted only the closest friends and relatives who promptly gathered at Oakshade for a hastily-arranged ceremony.  According to an account of the wedding:

"notes and telegrams were quickly despatched to the most intimate friends of the Ogdens and Dickersons, asking them to gather at Oakshade, the Ogden country place, at Bartow on Sound, at half-past twelve o'clock yesterday afternoon, to witness the marriage ceremony. . . . The bride was given away by her father, in the prettiest costume available, for of course the wedding garments were not prepared.  There was a breakfast after the ceremony, and although many of those invited at the unavoidably eleventh hour had previous engagements, quite a brave showing of New York society journeyed out to Bartow.  Among those present were Mrs. Dickerson, Mr. and Mrs. Newbold Edgar, Mr. and Mrs. Kiliaen Van Rensselaer, the Misses Van Rensselaer, Mr. and Mrs. S. Duncan Marshall, Dr. and Mrs. William M. Polk, Miss Edith Wetmore, Miss Keteltas, Mr. Henry W. Bibby, Mr. and Mrs. Frederick Jackson, Miss Nevins, Miss Turnbull, the Messrs. Turnbull, Miss Schuyler, Mr. and Mrs. William H. Russell, Mrs. Henry D. Phelps, Mrs. Robert Temple Emmet, the Misses Emmet, Mrs. C. D. Halsey, Mr. and Mrs. Frank K. Hunter and a few others."

Oakshade, it seems, was leased and used as an Ogden family country estate during at least some portion of 1890s during which it was used for Charlotte Ogden's and Edward N. Dickerson's wedding in early January, 1898.

*          *          *          *          *

Below is an image of Charlotte Ogden and the text of an article that appeared with that image.  Both are followed by a citation and link to the source.

"MRS. EDWARD N. DICKERSON (nee Ogden)."

Source:  HASTY WEDDING DUE TO ILLNESS -- J.R.

Odgen, Jr., To Be Operated Upon and His Sister

and Edward Dickerson Suddenly Marry -- AT BARTOW

ON THE SOUND -- Only a Few Intimate Friends Were

Present, Hurriedly Collected for the Unexpected Ceremony

-- DATE WAS SET FOR FEBRUARY, N.Y. Herald, Jan. 6,

1898, p. 11, col. 4.  NOTE:  Click on Image to Enlarge.

"HASTY WEDDING DUE TO ILLNESS.
-----
J.R. Odgen, Jr., To Be Operated Upon and His Sister and Edward Dickerson Suddenly Marry.
-----
AT BARTOW ON THE SOUND.
-----
Only a Few Intimate Friends Were Present, Hurriedly Collected for the Unexpected Ceremony.
-----
DATE WAS SET FOR FEBRUARY.
-----

A wedding to which society looked forward with great interest was that of Miss Charlotte Ogden, and Mr. Edward N. Dickerson.  The date was fixed for early in February, and such great favorites are the young couple and so wide their circle of acquaintances that one of the largest and most fashionable marriages of the season was assured.

Preparations were being busily made for the ceremony.  The bride to be had chosen her bridesmaids, had decided upon their costumes, while her own confection of white satin and lace was already in the modiste's hands.  The groom to be had likewise selected his best man and ushers and was generally making those pre-nuptial preparations which every young man of fashion finds inevitable.

PLANS HURRIEDLY CHANGED.

All this was not to be, however.  A few days ago Mr. John R. Ogden, Jr., the bride's brother, an only son, showed unmistakable symptoms of appendicitis.  His condition was such the day before yesterday that the physicians declared an operation could be delayed for only a day or two.  A hurried family council was called, and taking into consideration the danger of the operation and the possible results, it was decided to have the marriage take place at once.  

The wedding, though, must by no means be a sad one, even if it were contrived over night.  So notes and telegrams were quickly despatched to the most intimate friends of the Ogdens and Dickersons, asking them to gather at Oakshade, the Ogden country place, at Bartow on Sound, at half-past twelve o'clock yesterday afternoon, to witness the marriage ceremony.

BRAVE SHOW OF FRIENDS.

The bride was given away by her father, in the prettiest costume available, for of course the wedding garments were not prepared.  There was a breakfast after the ceremony, and although many of those invited at the unavoidably eleventh hour had previous engagements, quite a brave showing of New York society journeyed out to Bartow.

Among those present were Mrs. Dickerson, Mr. and Mrs. Newbold Edgar, Mr. and Mrs. Kiliaen Van Rensselaer, the Misses Van Rensselaer, Mr. and Mrs. S. Duncan Marshall, Dr. and Mrs. William M. Polk, Miss Edith Wetmore, Miss Keteltas, Mr. Henry W. Bibby, Mr. and Mrs. Frederick Jackson, Miss Nevins, Miss Turnbull, the Messrs. Turnbull, Miss Schuyler, Mr. and Mrs. William H. Russell, Mrs. Henry D. Phelps, Mrs. Robert Temple Emmet, the Misses Emmet, Mrs. C. D. Halsey, Mr. and Mrs. Frank K. Hunter and a few others."

Source:  HASTY WEDDING DUE TO ILLNESS -- J.R. Odgen, Jr., To Be Operated Upon and His Sister and Edward Dickerson Suddenly Marry -- AT BARTOW ON THE SOUND -- Only a Few Intimate Friends Were Present, Hurriedly Collected for the Unexpected Ceremony -- DATE WAS SET FOR FEBRUARY, N.Y. Herald, Jan. 6, 1898, p. 11, col. 4. 

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Brief History of the 19th Century "Country Club at Pelham" Published in 1889

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In the Autumn of 1883, a group of Pelham Manor residents led by James M. Waterbury joined with a group of New York City “club men” and organized a new “Country Club” dedicated to the enjoyment of all “legitimate sports.”  By 1884, the Club commenced operations in the nearly-34-acre area encompassed by the Suydam / Morris Estate adjacent to the Bartow property (the site of today's Bartow-Pell Mansion Museum and carriage house.

The group converted a mansion on the property known as “Oakshade” built by artist James Augustus Suydam between 1846 and 1848 and later owned by Richard Lewis Morris into a clubhouse.  The group was unable to buy the property, so it leased the property for five years.  The property was adjacent to and just northeast of today's Bartow-Pell Mansion Museum property, but straddled today's Shore Road with most of the property on the Long Island Sound side and about one-third of the acreage on the opposite side of Shore Road.  

The map immediately below shows the property leased by the club in 1883.  The roadway that bisects the property is today's Shore Road.  The smaller portion of the property "above" the roadway in this map is where the club located its steeplechase course.  Adjacent and to the "left" of the property as shown on the survey was the property of Robert Bartow (the site of today's Bartow-Pell Mansion Museum).

"Map of Land Sold by R. Bartow Esq To James

A. Suydam Esq. & Letitia J. Suydam Situated in

the Township of Pelham W. C. County N. Y.

D. B. Taylor, Surveyor May 1st 1846."  Sourc:

Westchester County Archives.

NOTE:  Click to Enlarge.

Diagram of the Pelham Steeplechase Course for the Race Run on

October 18, 1884. Note the Reference to "Pelham Road"

(Today's Shore Road) at the Bottom of the Map. Source:

Pelham's Gay Pastime - A Day of Glorious Steeplechasing

Provided by the Country Club, N.Y. Herald, Oct. 17, 1884, p. 6, cols. 3-4.

NOTE:  Click to Enlarge.

The Club was not a predecessor to today's Pelham Country Club.  To make matters more confusing, the Club was known by many different names including the Pelham Country Club, the Country Club at Pelham, the Country Club, the Country Club at Westchester, and more.  

Members of the Country Club at Pelham rode to the hounds, sponsored and competed in steeplechase races, held grand polo matches, played baseball, tennis, billiards and more at their Club.  The Club's great steeplechase races became nationally-renowned and attracted gamblers and spectators from all over the northeast.  As the Club grew in fame and stature, it contributed to the cachet of "Pelham Manor" and the notion that the area was a country playground for the wealthy of New York City and the surrounding region.  I have written extensively about the Pelham Country Club and, particularly, the baseball games and steeplechase races that the Country Club at Pelham sponsored. (See the lengthy list of links at the end of this posting.)

Grand balls were held inside Oakshade, the Club's headquarters.  During the country club years it was the scene of many dances, parties and celebrations.  The grounds of the estate were particularly busy during the summer months when the weather was fair.  For nearly five years the Club entertained 250-300 members, their families, and guests. Many of the links at the end of this posting describe the grand scenes of steeplechase races and the pageantry of early “base-ball” games held at the Country Club. 

Undated Post Card View (Ca. 1918-1923) of "Oakshade"

Once Used as the Clubhouse of the Country Club

at Pelham After Conversion of the Structure to a Roadhouse.

As New York City intensified its efforts to purchase the entire area for inclusion within the new Pelham Bay Park, however, the Club was forced to search for a new site. In early 1889, the Club settled on a new site on Throgg’s Neck (about two and a half miles away) and arranged to move to a new clubhouse and grounds in the fall of that year.  

Early in 1889, however, the Club began its preparations to move.  An article appeared in the January 26, 1889 issue of The Evening Post published in New York City.  It described the early history of the Club, its plans to move, and the construction of its new clubhouse on Throgg's Neck.  The article is transcribed in its entirety below, followed by a citation to its source.

"THE COUNTRY CLUB.
-----
ITS NEW HOUSE AND GROUNDS ON PELHAM BAY.
-----
A Description of the Building as It Will Be -- The Club's Origin and Growth -- Why the Old House is to be Abandoned.
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Pleasantly situated in Pelham township, amid grounds which slope gently down to the waters of Long Island Sound, is the old Morris homestead, or, as it has been known during the last six years, the house of the Country Club of Westchester County.  This Club, although not so old as some of the similar organizations in the neighborhood of New York, ranks among the first in the wealth and social position of its members, and is about to begin a new and important era in its history.  The old club-house is to be torn down, as the grounds upon which it stands are almost in the centre of the tract recently purchased by the city for park purposes.  The necessity of removal, known for some time to the members of the Club, led them to take measures for the purchase of a new site upon which to erect a more commodious house.  Resulting from this was the formation of the Country Club Association, an incorporated body, and the purchase of a desirable tract of land on Pelham Bay, upon which a large and beautiful club-house is now in process of erection.  Before a description of this house or of the property recently acquired by the Association is given, a brief account of the steps leading to the formation of the Country Club may be of interest.

In the autumn of 1883 it occurred to Mr. James M. Waterbury, whose country residence is at Pelham, that a club of this description would be an excellent thing.  The more he thought the matter over, the more favorably impressed he was with the idea.  Then he discussed it with some of his friends in the neighborhood, and finally invited fourteen gentlemen to a supper, after which the subject was broached.  Every one present received the suggestion enthusiastically, and the Country Club was then and there started.  The names of the gentlemen who thus became the founders of the organization were:  H. A. Coster, J. M. Waterbury, J. S. Ellis, J. C. Furman, Edward Haight, jr., C. O. Iselin, F. W. Jackson, Delancey A. Kane, William Kent, Alfred Seton, jr., Alexander Taylor, jr., F. A. Watson, W. S. Hoyt, Pierre Lorillard, jr., and Lorillard Spencer, jr.  J. M. Waterbury was chosen President; W. S. Hoyt, Vice-President; H. A. Coster, Treasurer; and William Kent, Secretary.  Mr. Waterbury immediately proceeded to look for desirable quarters for the new club, and finally decided that the Morris house and grounds, formerly known as the Suydam property, were best suited for the purpose.  An effort was made to buy this property, but was unsuccessful, and accordingly a lease of it for five years was secured.  From the start the Club was successful, and its membership is now filled to the limit.

A reporter of THE EVENING POST recently called upon J. C. Furman, Chairman of the Building Committee which has in charge the erection of the new club-house, to obtain from him a description of the structure and its surroundings.  'When the necessity of seeking new quarters was forced upon us,' said Mr. Furman, 'by the acquisition by the city of the 1,750 acres now known as Pelham Bay Park, in which our old club-house stood, it was decided, as the original club was not an incorporated body, to form an organization to be known as the Country Club Association.  This was done, and there were purchased by the Association about 120 acres of beautifully wooded and rolling land on Pelham Bay, two miles nearer the city than our former site.  The tract purchased is known as the Van Antwerp property, and is situated on Throgg's Neck, in the township of West Chester, Westchester County.  It is bounded on the north by the Lorillard Spencer estate and on the south by the William Laytin estate.  The Eastern Boulevard forms the western boundary, and on the east the land is washed by the waters of Pelham Bay.  Naturally,' continued Mr. Furman, '120 acres have been reserved for its purposes, the remainder being divided into villa sites, many of which have already been sold.  Among those who have purchased sites are:  J. M. Waterbury, John S. Ellis, C. H. Leland, C. P. Marsh, F. Pearson, Howard Gallup, George B. French, Paul Thebaud, Moses Taylor Campbell, S. A. Read, Renwick Aspinwall Russell, and Edward Clarkson Potter.  Mr. Potter has already begun the erection of a beautiful stone and brick villa near the new club-house.  The association has issued bonds, and from the money accruing from the sale of these has advanced to the Club a certain sum for the erection of the new house, the purchase of grounds, and the laying out of the same.  These bonds the club has the privilege of redeeming.  The site for the club-house is on a natural terrace, or elevation, seventeen feet above the waters of the bay, and we think can scarcely be excelled.  Digging for the foundation was begun in September, and the contract calls for the completion of the house by the first of next May.  The building is to be of the colonial style of architecture and will have a length of about 300 feet, with an average depth of 50.  The foundation will be of pressed brick, and the sides will be shingled.  The roof will be shingled and painted red, and all of the trimmings are to be plain white.  The idea is to combine beauty of general effect with extreme simplicity and convenience.  

'As you enter the house you pass into a wide hall extending across the entire width, at the further extremity of which will be a billiard table more especially devoted to the use of the ladies who may wish to play.  Branching off on each side of the main entrance which is on the side of the house away from the bay, are corridors, leading on the right to the large club-room, in which there are to be three billiard tables.  The corridor on the left leads directly to the servants' room, and on the sides of this corridor are the large dining room and a small private dining-room.  At the rear of the house, facing the bay, the hall opens on a broad veranda, which extends the full length of the building, and is seventeen feet broad.  From the veranda a magnificent view may be obtained, four miles across the water to Long Island, through the uninterrupted space between Throggs Neck and City Island Point.  The two upper stories are to be devoted to the members of the Club and their wives (no children), who are permitted to occupy rooms for two weeks at a time only, providing the rooms are called for at the expiration of that period.  If occupied rooms are not called for, they may be retained indefinitely.

'The initerior will be finished very simply.  The colors of the Club are red and white, and they will be made, so far as possible, predominant.  The servants will wear black liveries trimmed with red and white cord.  The wood principally to be used for the interior finish will be pine, painted white, the whole idea being to carry out, so far as it may be done, the effect of the colonial style.  The whole house -- two stories and attic -- will contain in the neighborhood of fity rooms, and the estimated cost of the building alone is $35,000.

'As I have said already, the house will stand on a sort of natural terrace seventeen feet above the water level.  From the upper terrace the descent to the water will be broken by two other terraces, the lower one of which will be occupied as the shooting-ground.  Mr. Oliver Iselin, during a recent trip abroad, has visited the principal pigeon-shooting grounds of the Continent, and will have charge of the construction of these.  Above the shooting ground on the second terrace are to be four tennis courts.  A little to the rear and right of the house are to be the baseball grounds, and still further to the right the polo grounds.  These latter, when completed, will, I believe, be the finest of their kind in the country, as they are to be laid out after the most approved plans, and will be absolutely level.  The dimensions of the polo grounds will be 750x500 feet.  Surrounding them is to be a twenty-foot roadway, which in turn will be flanked on each side by grass walks each fifteen feet in width.  The roadway will be macadamized and dressed down with blue stone.  The steeplechase course will be flagged out when needed, starting with the polo grounds, which will form a part of it.  The stables, the site for which has not as yet been definitely determined, will be enclosed in a courtyard.

'Below the house, a little to the left, there is to be a dock 250 feet in length.  It is proposed to build a fast steamer, which would be used, should the arrangement be made, in connection with the other clubs further up,, the New York Athletic and the American Yacht Club, for instance.  We think an arrangement of that kind can be made, in which case the boat will make regular trips to and from the city, stopping at the several docks at stated intervals.  Even should the proposed arrangement with the other clubs fall through, a boat will probably be provided by some of our members.  The distance by water to the city is about ten miles, though of course it depends in what part of the city the landing is made, and the trip would be a very pleasant one.'

'What are the condition and prospects of the Club to-day?' was inquired.

'The Club is in an excellent condition every way, and its prospects are very bright.  Three hundred and fifty is the limit of our membership, and the limit is now reached, a number of new members having recently been elected.  There are, besides, a number of names of proposed members on the list for admission.  While nothing has been decided in regard to an increase of membership, I think it quite probable that we may increase the present limit somewhat when we move into our new house.  At a recent meeting, the governors of the Club decided to raise the initiation fee from $50 to $100, to go into effect the first of March next, the yearly dues remaining the same as now, namely, $50.  This new rule will not affect those whose names are proposed for membership before March 1.  

'In speaking of the house there were a few things I forgot to mention.  One is that it will be lighted by gas, and there will be running water on the first floor.  Heat will be supplied by three furnaces, and there will also be fireplaces in nearly all the rooms.  We propose to have an impressive entrance to the grounds from the avenue, probably a large gateway, with high and elaborately carved stone posts.  The walks will be covered with the white, pebbly Long Island gravel.'"

Source:  THE COUNTRY CLUB -- ITS NEW HOUSE AND GROUNDS ON PELHAM BAY, The Evening Post [NY, NY], Jan. 26, 1889, p. 12, cols. 1-2.  

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I have written extensively about the Country Club of Pelham and events that were held on its grounds in the 1880s.  Below are a few examples of such postings.

Bell, Blake A., The Pelham Steeplechase Races of the 1880s, The Pelham Weekly, Vol. XIV, Issue 12, March 25, 2005, p. 10, col. 2.

Thu., Mar. 23, 2006:  Baseball Fields Opened on the Grounds of the Westchester Country Club in Pelham on April 4, 1884.

Tue., Apr. 14, 2009:  1889 Account of the Sport of Riding to Hounds by Members of the Country Club Located in Pelham.

Wed., Apr. 15, 2009:  More About the Country Club Sport of "Riding to Hounds" During the 1880s in Pelham.

Thu., Apr. 16, 2009:  A Serious Carriage Accident and Many Tumbles During the Country Club of Pelham's Riding to Hounds Event in November 1889.

Fri., Apr. 17, 2009:  A Brief History of the Early Years of "Riding to Hounds" by Members of the Country Club at Pelham.

Wed., Sep. 09, 2009:  1884 Engraving of Winner of the Great Pelham Steeplechase, Barometer, and His Owner and Rider, J. D. Cheever.

Wed., Sep. 16, 2009:  September 1884 Advertisement for The Country Club Steeplechase.

Thu., Sep. 17, 2009:  Controversy in 1887 When The Country Club Tries to Dedicate a Large Area of Pelham as a Game Preserve.

Wed., Sep. 30, 2009:  Score of June 1, 1887 Baseball Game Between The Country Club and The Knickerbocker Club.Mon., Oct. 19, 2009:  Polo at the Country Club in Pelham in 1887.

Fri., Oct. 30, 2009:  Preparations for Annual Country Club Race Ball Held in Pelham in 1887.

Thu., Apr. 15, 2010:  Account of Baseball Game Played in Pelham on June 9, 1884: The Country Club Beat the Knickerbockers, 42 to 22.

Tue., February 25, 2014:  An Interesting Description of the Country Club at Pelham Published in 1884. 

Mon., Mar. 03, 2014:  The Suydam Estate known as “Oakshade” on Shore Road in the Town of Pelham, built by James Augustus Suydam.

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