More on the Use of High Island as an "Actors' Paradise" by Famous New York Stage Legends in the 19th Century

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High Island is roughly an 18-acre island a few hundred feet off the northeastern tip of City Island.  It is one of the "Pelham Islands" that once were part of the Town of Pelham but since have been annexed by New York City. At low tide a sandbar links the island with City Island. A small private bridge wide enough for a single vehicle to pass also links the island to City Island. 

The island has a fascinating history about which I have written before.  See, e.g.:  Fri., Feb. 17, 2017:  More on the History of High Island in the Town of Pelham.  

For many years during the 19th and 20th centuries, the island was a popular tent and bungalow summer resort. In about 1962, the bungalows were removed and, in 1964, Columbia Broadcasting System purchased the island as a new location for its transmission tower for WCBS Radio. In 1967, a small plane crashed into the tower, knocking out radio transmissions the day before WCBS switched to an all-news format. Consequently, that switch-over was delayed by about a week. Today, the island is believed to be one of only two places in North America where "a single tower radiates not one but two non-directional 50,000 watt signals." See Tower Site of the Week from FYBush.com, High Island, New York (April 24 - May 1, 2003) (visited Sep. 28, 2019). Today the private island is home to two famous AM radio signals: WFAN (formerly WNBC) on 660 AM and WCBS on 880 AM."

One interesting aspect of the history of High Island is its use for many years beginning in 1869 as an annual encampment clubhouse and grounds of club known as "Multum in Parvo."  (The Latin phrase means "Much in Little.")  The Multum in Parvo club was a product of the imagination of an actor named Harry Cunningham.  He organized the club on September 12, 1869.  The club promptly leased High Island from its owner, a member of the King family of New York City fame, for a term that, according to differing accounts, was either for ten years or twenty years.  

The Multum in Parvo Club was an organization of well-known actors and entertainers principally from New York City. During summers in the early and mid-1870s, the organization installed a cook and an extensive bar in the clubhouse on the island and hosted over-the-top dinners for its members. The dinners became an odd spectacle because the actors often appeared in costume during the grand celebrations of the club. Heavy drinking was involved, even on Sundays when the bar in the clubhouse was closed but the members brought their own "bottles." 

Women were not allowed on the island. Thus, wives often accompanied club members, but remained on City Island where, according to one report, each day while on the island, "the married men have to go to the water's edge and say 'good morning' to their wives on City Island through a telescope." The Multum in Parvo Club had grand plans including a plan to construct a grand new clubhouse on High Island in 1872. The club, however, promptly faded into obscurity and, by 1878, reportedly was defunct though its ten-year lease of the island had not yet ended.

Harry Cunningham was a jovial and well-liked actor who graced the New York Stage for a few decades beginning in the early 1850s.  Though not a leading man, he is recorded as playing in Uncle Tom's Cabin as early as 1853 and, later that decade, in farces at Barnum's Museum in New York City during the summer season.  He played the Barnum's Museum house during summer and some regular seasons through the fall of 1864.  At various times in his career he played roles in shows at the Bowery Theatre, and the separate Bowery Amphitheatre.   

Today's Historic Pelham article transcribes the text of an article that appeared in the sporting magazine New York Clipper on August 31, 1872.  The article describes the club's third annual summer "encampment" on High Island.  The article is most notable, it seems, for conveying how outlandish and sophomoric the annual "encampments" of the club actually were -- strongly corroborating multiple sources that alcohol always was heavily involved in the gatherings.  

The encampment was held on High Island on August 4, 1872.  Visitors to the encampment traveled to City Island first.  From there, they were rowed to High Island for the festivities.  

A centerpiece of the encampment was a nice meal in the clubhouse.  The report makes clear that a man named "Brown" was hired by the club to act as a "chef."  The clubhouse -- the only structure on the island at the time -- had a small cellar that served as a dining hall.  Although the dining hall lacked niceties such as tablecloths and napkins, the food reportedly was excellent and centered around a clam chowder.  

After the meal, club members gathered near the water.  They placed two barrels and a wooden lounge near the water and lit a large bonfire.  During this particular encampment, members of the club dressed in witches costumes.  There was "quaint" live music.

New York City actor George Johnson, labeled the "life of the club" and referenced as "Governor Johnson," apparently served as the master of ceremonies.  Late in the evening, apparently after much enjoyment of hard liquor, Governor Johnson stood on the wooden lounge to stir the fire without realizing the bonfire had burned away the supports beneath the lounge on which he stood.  The lounge collapsed and he tumbled over a large rock into the "damp and darkness below."  His comrades found his misfortune hilarious and asked him what happened.  He replied that he merely thought it was his time to "exit" the stage.  

These men who trod the boards of New York stages around the time of the Civil War and afterward clearly enjoyed their time together -- and their time in the little Town of Pelham very summer!

Detail from 1872 Beers Map Showing the "Multum Inparvo

Club House" on High Island Just Off the Shores of City

Island.  Source:  "Town of New Rochelle, and Pelham,
Westchester County, New York [Insets] Pelhamville and

City Island" in Beers, J.B., County Atlas of Westchester New

York, pp. 53-54 (Washington, D.C., J. B. Beers & Co., 1872).

NOTE:  Click on Image to Enlarge.

High Island, Upper Right, With Sandbar and Bridge Linking

It to the Northeast Tip of City Island, on the Left.  Source:

Recent Google Maps Earth View.

*          *          *          *          *

"THE ACTOR'S PARADISE.
-----
HIGH ISLAND CORRESPONDENCE OF THE NEW YORK CLIPPER.
-----

The idea of forming an association of actors for the purposes of mutual enjoyment and sociability, was ventilated in Harry Cunningham's place one day in the fall of '69, and the projects and plans then proposed appearing feasible, a course of action was immediately entered upon, which resulted in the organization of on the 12th of September, 1869, of the 'Multum in Parvo' club.

They secured a twenty years' lease of High Island, a desirable spot in Long Island Sound, in the vicinity of City and Hart's Islands, upon which every summer they hold their 'annual encampment,' where, in freedom of the most comfortable kind, they while away the summer solstice, and obtain that much-needed rest and recreation which certainly, of all people, the actor stands in so much need of.  The rules of the club, the means of enjoyment, the actions of the members themselves -- in fact, everything surrounding the 'encampment' point unmistakably to the objects in view, to wit, an entire freedom in actions and dress, and an utter disregard of uncomfortable customs and stilted formalities.

Each and every member appears to make earnest endeavors to contribute to the general comfort, so that, in the words of their preamble, 'we may continue to enjoy our annual encampment sociably and agreeably to promote harmony and good feeling.'

It may be easily imagined that with the above objects in view, and with a determination on the part of the members to stand by them, a decidedly pleasant and enjoyable state of affairs has been arrived at.  And such is the case, as a visit to the 'Encampment' last week satisfactorily proved, every thing working in harmony, and the members thereof enjoying themselves to the top of their bent, undisturbed by those little bickerings and petty jealousies which so often retard the growth and welfare of clubs and associations of all kinds.  At the third annual meeting, held on the Island on the 4th Inst., the following officers were elected for 1872-3: -- 

Harry Cunningham, president; Isaac L. Street, vice-president; Dr. S. S. Fitch, jr., treasurer; Gilbert V. Ryder, secretary; and Richard Street, captain of the boats.

Among the members, on the occasion of our visit, were Harry Cunningham, the worthy president and originator of the club; the jovial Harry Macarthy, prize swimmist and story-teller; Charlie Parsloe, the lively, with his talented little 'un, Sniffen; the Streets -- sociable, pleasant Streets -- one and all; George Johnson, the life of the club; 'Across the Continent' O'Neil, whose champion oar practice increases instead of diminishes his 'heft,' and who can row as well as the next man, if the passengers would but please be costive [sic] with their orders and directions; 'Gid' Ryder, another jovial 'consumptive;' Frank Sanger, easy-going and sociable; 'Doc' Fitch, the courteous and efficient treasurer, whose professional services, to judge by the remarkably healthy look of the 'Multum' tribe, will not often be required; Ben. Porter; J. H. Mulligan, whose moustache requires almost as much waxing as the Napolenoic Heresford's Hen. Fisher; Chas. Norris, who was made in the Boothenian mould, and who looks enough like one of the Booths to be taken for a -- friend; Gen. Wright, an enthusiastic 'Multum;' Mike O'Brien, the quiet, etc.

In this connection we mustn't forget to make mention of Brown, the colored chef de cuisine, whose handiwork, it is needless to say, is well appreciated by the hungry High Islanders; in fact, Brown's work is always done Brown.  Among the High Island pets may be mentioned 'Beauty,' who is 'not poorly but good;' the Rock of Gibraltar Ram, who passes the time on an imitation Gibraltar near the house, meditatively musing, and wonderingly much no doubt how it ever came there; the hens 'Maggie Mitchell,' 'Janauschek,' etc., all of which it is needless to say are much petted by the boys, and are thriving wonderfully.

In company with a sociable crowd of 'Multums' we made the trip to the 'Encampment' last week.  After a pleasant run of about sixteen miles, we reached City Island, where we were met by another detachment of 'Multums' in costumes decidedly original and -- well, slightly out of style.  Top boots, whose appearance precluded the idea of their ever having fit anybody; pantaloons, which apparently wouldn't be much 'siled' if the wearers thereof should happen to brush against a dirty wall; hats 'fearfully and wonderfully made;' these were the principle articles of their costumes, which, as before remarked, although not entirely fashionable, were nevertheless decidedly comfortable and sensible withal, as all those can testify who have felt the entire 'out-of-placeness' -- if we can coin an expression -- of fine clothes, 'city' clothes, immaculate shirts and stiff collars, during a pleasant 'roughing' it in the country.

From City Island we were rowed over the THE 'Island' High Island -- and were received at the landing by still another detachment of 'Multums,' who, posted on 'Plymouth Rock,' welcomed our party with cheers and a salvo of firecrackers.  Passing over a bridge of primitive make, after our landing, we proceeded to the only house on the island, the 'Multum in Parvo Club' House, in the 'drawing room' of which our city costumes were laid aside and we were invested with the 'loose and happy' rig of the 'islanders.'  The curiosities and sights of the island were then inspected, viz., 'Whally's boots,' a pair of remarkably ferocious-looking top boots, in which Whally was won't to play his 'hefty' characters, and which were formerly used by the club as a mark of distinction for their visitors and guests, the putting on of which recognized the wearer as the guest of the club; 'Enoch Arden,' a tree overlooking the water, so called from its wonderful resemblance to a scene in 'Enoch Arden,' the illusion of which is heightened by the fact of there being a bush at the foot of it, which, at night, could be readily taken for a human figure peering over the waters, a la Enoch; the unique and original mantel ornament in the 'drawing room,' to which the attention of the visitor is at once called; the old well; the comfortable-looking old cellar (so pleasant to eat clams in -- real clams, too, manufactured  expressly for the Multums) -- all these, and many other sights and curiosities are the visitors called upon to examine.

The 'welcome cry of' -- not 'larboard watch' but 'dinner' caused all hands to inspect the attractions of the dining room, which may be summarized as follows:  --  An alarming absence of conventionalities, tablecloths, napkins, discomfort and bad food, and a corresponding increase and profusion of comfort, sociability and true politeness, topped off with a bill of fare which could not be improved upon.  Johnson's chowder was successful to the highest degree -- decidedly the chowderest chowder ever chowdered for hungry chowderists.  The meats, the 'puddins,' and last but not least, the 'A' High well water, together with the German mixture which ornamented the dining room were things of enjoyment indeed.  At night, two tar barrels and an antiquated lounge were placed on the rocks near the water, and the jovial 'Multums' having gathered around, the pyre was lighted with comical ceremonies, the Macbeth music being sung by the assembled 'witches,' Gov. Johnson officiating with a boat hook.  The scene at this juncture was decidedly picturesque -- the jovial 'Multums' in their outre costume, dispersed in various attitudes around the rocks, the quaint music (rendered in fine style) swelling on the night air, the ludicrous appearance of the 'party with the boat hook,' which a lively imagination would readily associate with the idea of old Neptune and his trident, as with exaggerated motions and comical antics he alternately stirred the fire and directed the assembled 'witches,' the whole picture made vividly distinct and striking by the blaze of the 'furniture,' was long to be remembered, and not to be equalled [sic] for effect by the most dazzling of 'transformation scenes.'

The climax was capped in the the [sic] above scene, when a sudden [illegible] had the effect of causing the 'witches' to roll over and over in paroxysms of laughter.  While attending the fire, Johnson was suddenly startled by the fall of the lounge, the supports of which had burnt away, and believing that he was to be damaged he jumped back with such 'emphaticness' [sic] that he was precipitated head and heels over the rock.  The sudden transition of Johnson in the blazing light on the rock to Johnson in the damp and darkness below, was as ludicrous as can well be imagined.  When, after a little appearance, in reply to a question as to why he had left the rock so suddenly, he gravely answered that, thinking the drop had come down, he had 'gone off, the hilarity was at its height.  Johnson's 'exit' from that rock was decidedly rich.  May all his comical 'exits' on the boards be provocative of as much mirth to his audience as was that.

Another Johnsonian adventure eventuated on the dock at City Island, fully as ludicrous as the above.  The boat, laden with passengers, was just about leaving, when Johnson espied an antiquated looking female of grotesque appearance passing near him.  Throwing up his hands, and giving a yell that attracted the attention of all on board, Johnson cried out, in fearfully pathetic tones, looking the antiquated  female straight in the eye: 'Ah! ha! ha! Yes, Tis me mother's face! Ah! ha!' and then 'swoonded' [sic] into the arms of a fellow 'Multum.'  The aged specimen on being thus 'come at,' uttered a yell of terror, and darted from the spot instanter, while the passengers were convulsed with laughter.  Among those who had been 'taking in' this scene were a number of countrymen on the dock, one of whom, with mouth open from 'here to here' with laughter, was approached by Charlie Parsloe with the question:  --  'Say, now, wasn't that funny, eh; wasn't that funny?'  The laughing countryman nodded assent.

'Wasn't it real good and funny, eh; wasn't it?' Again the countryman nodded.

'Did you see it?' continued Parsloe.  The countryman, still laughing, nodded negatively.

'Then what in thunder are you laughing at?' roared Parsloe, while a fresh burst of laughter from the spectators testified to the rib-tickling powers of the happy 'Multums,'  May they 'ever be happy.'"

Source:  THE ACTOR'S PARADISE -- HIGH ISLAND CORRESPONDENCE OF THE NEW YORK CLIPPER, N.Y. Clipper, Aug. 31, 1872, Vol. XX, No. 22, p. 1, cols. 5-6.  

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Dorman's Island at Pelham Bridge: What Do We Know About It?

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Dorman's Island?   

This tiny little island was important to Pelham history.  Yet, the repeated references to it encountered during decades of research provided little in the way of information about the island.  

That is no surprise.  This is "micro-history."  It is not "local history."  It is not "Village History" (or Town History, County History, Regional History, State History, or "more").  It is the history of a tiny plot -- perhaps an acre (or a few more) -- that played an important role locally.  Such a micro-history, when presented contextually, may shed light on broader and important historical issues.

Where was Dorman's Island?  Why was the tiny little island also known, at various times, as Dimans Island, Dormer Island, Dormont's Island, Hunt's Neck, Taylor's Island, and Tallapoosa Point?

Dorman's Island was part of the original Thomas Pell purchase from local Native Americans on June 27, 1654.  It stood at what we think of, today, as the southwestern end of Pelham Bridge, just off the Throggs Neck mainland.  It seems to have been separated from the mainland by a salt marsh.

According to The Minutes of the Court of Sessions (1657-1696) Westchester County, New York published in 1924 by the Westchester County Historical Society, the island (referenced as "Dimans Island") was purchased by Henry Gardner in 1686 "for Tenn shillings."  

One of the earliest maps to depict the "island" was a map prepared by British Engineer Charles Blaskowitz in support of British and Hessian forces in 1776.  The map, an enhanced detail of which appears immediately below, depicts the island as "Hunt's Neck" separated from the mainland by what appears to be a salt marsh.  The map clearly shows that the roadway from the Village of Westchester causeway extended all the way onto Hunt's Neck and, of course, ended there with no "Pelham Bridge" yet built across Eastchester Bay.

Detail from 1776 Map by Charles Blaskowitz Showing Hunt's Neck

(i.e., Dorman's Island).  Source:  Blaskowitz, Charles, A survey of Frog's

Neck and the rout[e] of the British Army to the 24th of October 1776,

under the command of His Excellency the Honorable William Howe,

General and Commander in Chief of His Majesty's forces, &ca, &ca, &ca.

(1776) (Library of Congress Geography and Map Division Washington,

D.C. 20540-4650 USA; Digital Id g3802t ar115200; Library of Congress

Catalog Number gm71000648).  NOTE:  Click to Enlarge Image.

Within only decades, on March 6, 1812, the New York State Legislature enacted a statute incorporating the "Eastchester Bridge Company" and authorizing it to build a bridge over the Hutchinson River where it empties into Eastchester Bay. The statute referenced the island as "Dormer's Island" and described it as a "point of Throg's Neck."  The statute (quoted in full below) stated in pertinent part:

"Be it enacted by the people of the state of New-York, represented in Senate and Assembly, That Herman Le Roy, James Harvey, William Bayard, John Bartow, Richard Ward, Elbert Roosevelt, Daniel Pelton, Joshua Heustice and John Hunter, and all such other persons as shall associate for the purpose of building a bridge across the mouth of Eastchester creek, from the farm of James Harvey, in the town of Pelham, to the point of Throg's Neck, called Dormer's Island, in the county of Westchester."

The first Pelham Bridge was built between June 4, 1814 and March 18, 1815.  A portion of it crossed the island.  So did portions of successive replacements of the bridge.  See, e.g., Morris, Fordham, The Borough Town of Westchester -- An Address Delivered By Fordham Morris, on the 28th Day of October, 1896, Before the Westchester County Historical Society, in the Court House, at White Plains, N. Y., p. 18 (White Plains, NY:  The Eastern State Journal, 1896) (Noting "The LeRoys, Rappelyeas and Edgars wishing to get from Pelham to Morrisania, about 1835 built the Pelham Bridge, famous resort for fishermen, and laid out the road across Dormer's Island passing by Stinnardtown and under the Spy Oak to the Causeway at Westchester.").

It appears, according to published legal notices, that Dorman's Island was the subject of a sheriff's sale at 12 Noon on Saturday, February 25, 1860.  The legal notices indicated the sale would be held at L. C. Fowler's Hotel at Pelham Bridge and described the property as follows:

"THE PROPERTY KNOWN AS DORMAN'S ISLAND, adjoining Pelham's Bridge, containing 5 1/2 acres of land, beautifully situated, with a water front protected by a stone sea wall, number of trees on the premises, making a first-rate place for a public house or gentleman's residence; distant 16 miles from City Hall.  Maps at the office."

Research regarding Dorman's Island now seems to have established that, for many years during the 19th and early 20th centuries, the famed "Lorillard Cottage" built by Pierre Lorillard II (also known as Pierre Lorillard Jr.) was the centerpiece of the "island" that according to at least one report was connected to the mainland by landfill at some point during "colonial times."  (However, maps as late as the 19th century continue to show the area as essentially an island separated from Throggs Neck by what appears to be a salt marsh.)   Previous research had led to speculation that the Lorillard Cottage of "Coaching to Pelham" fame was located in a nearby structure.  See Tue., May 17, 2016:  Rare Images of the Lorillard Cottage of "Coaching to Pelham" Fame.  

Research now suggests that the "Lorillard Cottage" of "Coaching to Pelham" fame actually was the centerpiece of Dorman's Island and, in the late 19th century, became the clubhouse of the Tallapoosa Club, a Tammany political organization in the so-called "annexed district" consisting of lands annexed by New York City when it formed Pelham Bay Park.  

An article published in the March 31, 1907 issue of the New-York Tribune detailed a little of the history of the structure and its use by the Tallapoosa Club as a headquarters.  Significantly, the article also included a photograph of the structure which, indeed, depicts the Pierre Lorillard Cottage that once served as the "Arcularius Hotel" and was the terminus, for a time, of Delancey Kane's famed "Tally-Ho" Coach to Pelham.

The 1907 article addressed the so-called "Honest Graft" of leasing Pelham Bay Park structures to favored persons and organizations for nominal rents.  In discussing the headquarters of the Tallapoosa Club, the article stated:

"On the same road [running across Pelham Bridge], between Bartow and Baychester, is the Pierre Lorillard house.  It stands at the foot of a tree bordered drive on the crest of a gentle slope running down to the edge of Pelham Bay.  It is a three story house with Grecian pillars and presents a stately appearance.  A feature of the interior is the carved black walnut staircase.  This twenty room house is leased by the year at $25 a month to the Tallapoosa Club, known as the club of Louis F. Haffen, the President of the Borough of The Bronx.  It is used as a road house."  MORE "HONEST" GRAFT -- Big Houses Leased from City for Small Rents -- Exposed by Metz, New-York Tribune, Mar. 31, 1907, p. 55, col. 1 (NOTE:  Paid subscription required to access via this link).  

In addition, the article included a photograph of the structure with a caption that stated, in pertinent part, as follows:  "No. 5.  The Pierre Lorillard house, in Pelham Bay Park; leased to Louis Haffen's Tallapoosa Club for $25 a month, and used as a hotel."  Id.  The image appears immediately below.  A transcription of the entire article appears at the end of this Historic Pelham Blog article.

The image, stated to be the structure leased by the Tallapoosa Club (which stood on Dorman's Island), clearly shows the Lorillard Cottage that also served as the Arcularis Hotel.  For example, see the three images that follow immediately below.  

Image of the "Lorillard Cottage" that Once Stood on Throgg's

Neck Near the Foot of the Old Pelham Bridge. Source: eBay.

NOTE: Click on Image to Enlarge.

"ARCULARIUS HOTEL"

This is a Tiny Detail, Difficult to Reproduce, From

Armstrong, W.A. & Pratt, Charles E., Coaching To Pelham

Song And Chorus [Music Sheets], Pg. 1 [Cover] (NY, NY: American

Music Publishing Co. 1876). NOTE: Click Image to Enlarge.

Image Depicting the Arcularius Hotel. This is a Tiny Detail,

Difficult to Reproduce, From Speck, Samuel H., New Rochelle

and Pelham Coach Galop [sic], [Music Sheets], Pg. 1 [Cover]

(Boston, MA: Oliver Ditson & Co., 1876). NOTE: Click Image to Enlarge.

It is somewhat difficult to discern with certainty, but it appears that, for at least a period of time, the Tallapoosa Club used the structure and the island as more than a mere "clubhouse," likely as a way to increase revenue.  During at least the 1890s, New York City provided the Club with a favorable rent for the island between $25 and $41 a month (at various times).  Additionally, and not insignificantly, the City reportedly awarded the Club a liquor license that allowed it to serve all comers -- not merely club members -- at the Clubhouse.  Thereafter, at least one news report described the clubhouse as being used as a "road house."  (See below.)  

What do we know of the clubhouse and the layout of Dorman's Island?  In addition to the images of the "Arcularius Hotel" that show the clubhouse (see above), we have information about the structure and the layout of the island.  

For example, as noted in the quote from the 1907 newspaper article above, we know that the stately three-story home with Grecian pillars had twenty rooms.  There was a significant interior feature:  a "carved black walnut staircase."  

We also know a little about the grounds of the island.  Although the Club reportedly paid for many improvements, the Parks Department performed work on the Club's grounds to improve the premises as well including rolling the island walkways and trimming the edges of those walkways.  A detail from a map of the area published in 1896 (see immediately below) shows an island separated from the Throggs Neck mainland by a salt marsh.

The roadway seems to end where the Throggs Neck mainland meets the salt marsh with what appears to be a small bridge or causeway crossing the marsh to the island where a roadway crosses the island to the western foot of Pelham Bridge that seems to start on the island.  

There seems to be a driveway that leads from the main roadway crossing the island up to a circular driveway in front of what likely is the main structure (i.e., the clubhouse).  There seem to be up to ten (or so) auxiliary structures or sheds scattered throughout the island with one (likely the stables or barn) with what appears to be its own circular driveway slightly to the west of the main house.  We know from a newspaper description that the clubhouse stood "at the foot of a tree bordered drive on the crest of a gentle slope running down to the edge" of the Bay.  

Detail from 1896 NOAA Nautical Chart of Long Island Sound Showing

Dorman's Island in Center.  Image Courtesy of Jorge Santiago of the East

Bronx History Forum, Used with Permission.  NOTE:  Click on Image to Enlarge.

In 1919, after reportedly more than forty years' service as the headquarters of the Tallapoosa Club, the clubhouse on Dorman's Island was raised.  The New Rochelle Pioneer reported:

"'The old club house, with its ancient wooden floor and inflammable walls, was a fire menace and was unsanitary,' said Park Commissioner Hennesey.  'It would cost $20,000 to repair the structure and for a year I have been unable to rent it as a road house or a hotel because of the unattractive outlook for that line of business.  The city was losing money on the place ,which had become a rendezvous for tramps and loafers, so I decided that the building should become a memory.'" 

The long service of Dorman's Island as a picnic ground, luxury summer "cottage" residence, hotel, clubhouse, and road house was coming to an end.

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Detail from 1853 Map Showing Dorman's Island as "Taylor's Island" (See

Red Arrow).  Source:  Dripps, Matthew & Conner, R.F.O., Southern Part of

West-Chester County N. Y. (1853) (Museum of the City of New York, No.

29.100.2628).  NOTE:  Click on Image to Enlarge.

1860 Newspaper Advertisement Announcing Sheriff's Sale of Dorman's Island.

Source:  SATURDAY, February 25 [Advertisement], New York Morning

Express, Feb. 18, 1860, p. 1, col. 1.  NOTE:  Text Transcribed Below to

Facilitate Search; Click on Image to Enlarge.

"SATURDAY, February 25. 
At 12 o'clock, at L. C. Fowler's Hotel, Pelham Bridge, Westchester County.

Will be sold under the direction of Wm. Bleakley, Jr., Sheriff:

THE PROPERTY KNOWN AS DORMAN'S ISLAND, adjoining Pelham's Bridge, containing 5 1/2 acres of land, beautifully situated, with a water front protected by a stone sea wall, number of trees on the premises, making a first-rate place for a public house or gentleman's residence; distant 16 miles from City Hall.  Maps at the office."

Source:  SATURDAY, February 25 [Advertisement], New York Morning Express, Feb. 18, 1860, p. 1, col. 1.  

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The will of Captain Richard Osborn of Westchester dated December 4, 1684 made his son, John Osborn of Fairfield, Connecticut, and John Pell of Westchester County (nephew of Pelham Founder Thomas Pell) executors.  Make over all his lands, etc., to Thomas Bedient of Woodbury, Conn, and Mordecay Bedient, deceased, and Mary his wife (afterwards called Mary Townsend) and Roger Townsend. Accepting "all my land and meadow at a place commonly called Dormans Island in Westchester," left to his grandson Richard, son of David Osburn of Eastchester. And he is to have a home and maintenance according to his Quality, and they are to keep for him a good horse, saddle and bridle, and he is to have two barrels of cider, yearly, and the use of one acre of land. They are today to Abigail, daughter of Thomas Bedient, and furnish 2 good cows to Elizabeth, daughter of said Richard Osburne. Leaves legacies to Bridget, wife of my neighbor, Justice John Palmer and her daughter Bridget. Leaves to Joseph Lee, Clerk of this County 20s. Witnesses: Thomas Bedient, Joseph Lee. Dated 4 Dec 1684.

Source:  Pelletreau, William, "Early Wills of Westchester Co. NY, 1664-1784," pp.380-381 (NY, NY: 1898).   

"Richard Osborn (or 'Captain,' as he was styled) sold all his possessions in Ridgefield in 1682, and removed to East Chester, Westchester County, N. Y., where he died in 1685.  There is on record at White Plains, N. Y., a curious tripartite agreement between Capt. Richard Osborn and a Mrs. Townsend, whom he married, and her sons by a former marriage, which provides for his comfort during his old age.  In his will, he made his son John of Fairfield County, Conn., and John Pell, executors, and leaves to his grandson Richard, son of David, Dorman's Island in Westchester County, N. Y."

Source:  THE "OLD NORTHWEST" GENEALOGICAL QUARTERLY 1906, Vol. IX, p. 151 (Columbus, OH:  The "Old Northwest" Genealogical Society, 1906).  

"DIMANS ISLAND.  It is mentioned in the 1686 Records of Westchester as being owned by a Richard Osbourne.  Once surrounded by marshy land, it is now part of Pelham Bay Park at the western end of the Pelham bridge.  It carried no less than six other names, the last one being the most familiar to Bronxites:  Tallapoosa Point.  See  Dorman's Island, Dormer Island, Dormont's Island, Hunt's Neck, Taylor's Island and Tallapoosa Point."

Source:  McNamara, John, History In Asphalt:  The Origin of Bronx Street and Place Names, Borough of the Bronx, New York City, p. 325 (Harrison, NY:  Harbor Hill Books, 1978).  See also id. at p. 327 (Dorman's Island and Dormer Island); id. at p. 484 ("TAYLOR'S ISLAND.  This small island near the mouth of the Hutchinson River at the southern end of the Pelham bridge had been known by many other names over the centuries.  An 1851 map lists T. Taylor as the owner.  See Diman's Island.  Tallapoosa Point.").

"Dimans Island for the yeare 1686 to Henry Gardner for Tenn shillings and the year 1687 for twenty five shillings and 10th of Tobacco."

Source:  Fox, Dixon Ryan & Harrington, Grove B., eds., The Minutes of the Court of Sessions (1657-1696) Westchester County, New York, p. 50 (Westchester County Historical Society, 1924).  

"CHAP. XXII.
An ACT to incorporate the Eastchester Bridge Company.  Passed March 6, 1812.

Preamble

WHEREAS Herman Le Roy and others have, by their petition to the Legislature, prayed to [Page 23 / Page 24] be incorporated for the purpose of erecting, by voluntary subscriptions, a bridge across Eastchester creek, and to be authorised to exact from all persons using such bridge, a toll merely adequate to the repairs thereof:  Therefore,

Eastchester bridge company incorporated

I.  Be it enacted by the people of the state of New-York, represented in Senate and Assembly, That Herman Le Roy, James Harvey, William Bayard, John Bartow, Richard Ward, Elbert Roosevelt, Daniel Pelton, Joshua Heustice and John Hunter, and all such other persons as shall associate for the purpose of building a bridge across the mouth of Eastchester creek, from the farm of James Harvey, in the town of Pelham, to the point of Throg's Neck, called Dormer's Island, in the county of Westchester, and shall subscribe and pay towards building the said bridge a sum not less than twenty-five dollars, their successors and assigns, shall be and hereby are created a body corporate and politic, by the name of 'the president and directors of the Eastchester bridge company,' and so to remain for the term of thirty years and no longer; 

Their style and corporate rights.

and they are hereby constituted and declared to be a body politic and corporate, in fact and in name, and by that name they and their successors may have continual succession, and shall be capable in law of suing and being sued, pleading and being impleaded, answering and being answered unto, defending and being defended, in all courts and places whatever; and that they and their successors may have a common seal, and may make, change and alter the same at their pleasure, and also that they and their successors, by the same name and style, shall be capable in law of purchasing, holding and conveying, any real or personal estate for the use of the said corporation:  

Proviso.

Provided, That the estates so to be holden shall be such only as shall be necessary to promote or attain the objects of this incorporation.

Capital stock

II.  And be it further enacted, That the capital stock of the said company shall consist of so many shares of twenty-five dollars each, as shall amount to a sum sufficient, for building the said bridge, and the toll house and gate thereunto belonging; and each stockholder shall be entitled to as many votes for directors of the [Page 24 / Page 25] said company as he may hold shares of the said stock; 

7 directors chosen annually.

and the affairs of the said company shall be managed by seven directors, who shall be chosen annually from among the stockholders of the said company, by a plurality of the votes of the said stockholders, at such times and in such manner as may be prescribed by the by-laws of the said company; and a majority of the said directors shall elect one of their number to be president, and the said president, with a majority of the said directors, shall be a quorum capable of transacting the business of the said corporation; 

Their powers.

and shall have power to make such by-laws, rules, orders and regulations, (not inconsistent with the constitution and laws of this state or of the United States,) as shall be necessary for the well governing the affairs of the said company.

The company may build a bridge over Eastchester creek.

III.  And be it further enacted, That it shall and may be lawful for the said company to erect and build at their own expense, a good and substantial bridge across Eastchester creek, at the place before mentioned:  

Proviso.

Provided, That the said bridge be built at least twenty-four feet wide in the clear between the sides or railings thereof, and be well covered with planks, not less than three inches thick, and the sides of the said bridge be well secured with good and substantial railings, not less than four feet, six inches height:  

Further proviso.  

And provided further, That the said bridge be constructed with a draw, to open at least twenty feet, so as to permit vessels with standing masts conveniently to pass and repass the said bridge, which passage shall be freely passed, repassed and used, by all persons whatever, without toll or reward.

The bridge to be kept in repair.

IV.  And be it further enacted, That it shall be the duty of the said company to keep and maintain the said bridge, and the floor, sides, railings and draw thereof, in good and sufficient repair from the time the said bridge shall be completed, during the continuance of this act; 

A person shall attend night & day to open the draw.

and when they have completed the said bridge, they shall at all times thereafter, as well by night as by day, provide and keep a sufficient person or persons at or near the said bridge, to open the draw thereof; and such person or persons so attending, on sufficient no- [Page 25 / Page 26] tice being given to him or them by the master or owner of any vessel having necessary business or occasion to pass the said bridge, by blowing a horn or otherwise, such person or persons so attending the said bridge shall immediately open or cause to be opened, the said draw, and shall permit every such vessel to pass through the said draw unmolested and freely as aforesaid; 

The company shall pay a fine of five dollars
for every 10 minutes neglect to open the draw.

and when any vessel shall be unnecessarily detained from passing through the said draw for more than ten minutes, by the refusal, neglect or delay of any person or persons so attending the said bridge, the said company shall pay to the owner or master of such vessel so unnecessarily detained, the sum of five dollars for every ten minutes such vessel shall be so unnecessarily detained beyond ten minutes before mentioned, which sum or sums shall be paid upon demand, to be made of the president of the said company; 

Masters and owners of vessels to pass with due diligence.

and the owner or master of any vessel at whose request the said draw shall be opened, shall use all due diligence and expedition in passing such vessel through the said draw, 

For every 10 minutes delay to forfeit 5 dollars to the company

and shall pay to the said company five dollars for every ten minutes of unnecessary delay in passing such vessel through the said draw, after the said draw shall have been opened to permit her to pass through it; which sum or sums shall be paid upon demand to be made of the master or owner of such vessel, by an authorised officer or agent of the said company.

The judges of Westchester county to give a certificate
that the bridge is sufficiently constructed.

V.  And be it further enacted, That as soon as the said bridge shall be finished, and the judges of the court of common pleas in and for the county of Westchester, or a majority of them, shall, upon inspection, have certified under their hands that the said bridge is well and sufficiently constructed and built, and will admit the passage of loaded teams and other carriages, and is in all things conformable to the true intent and meaning of this act, it shall and may be lawful for the said company to erect a gate at or near the said bridge, and to exact and demand of all persons passing the said bridge a toll to be received and taken for the use of the said company, to enable them to keep and maintain the said bridge in repair, which toll shall not exceed the following rates, to wit:  

Rates of toll.

For every stage-waggon, drawn by [Page 26 / Page 27] two or more horses or mules, twelve and an half cents; for every four wheel pleasure carriage, with two or more horses, twelve and an half cents; for every two wheel pleasure carriage or sleigh, and horses or mules, six cents; for every waggon and horses or mules, other than stage-waggons, four cents; for every man and horse or mule, two cents; for every ox-cart with oxen, four cents; for every market sleigh or sled and horses, or mules or oxen, four cents; for every cart with one horse or mule, three cents; for every ox, bull, cow, steer, mule or horse, led or driven loose over the said bridge, one cent; for every score of sheep or swine, two cents, and in that proportion for a greater or less number of them.

President and directors

VI.  And be it further enacted, That Herman Le Roy shall be president, and John Hunter, Richard Ward, John Bartow, Elbert Roosevelt, Daniel Pelton and Joshua Hustice, directors of the said company, until an election for directors of the said company shall be held according to the provisions of this act.

The company shall render to the

comptroller an account of the costs of the bridge.

VII.  And be it further enacted, That as soon as the said bridge shall be finished, the said company shall render to the Comptroller of this state an account of the costs thereof, 

And annually thereafter render an

account of monies received and expended.

and that they shall annually thereafter render him a full and just account of all monies received by them for tolls for passing the said bridge, and of all expenditures to be made by them in repairing and maintaining the said bridge, to the end that if it shall be found that the rates of toll hereby established shall be more than adequate to the repairs of the said bridge, the said rates of toll may be reduced in such manner as the Legislature may from time to time think proper and expedient.

The provision in the 7th section

of a certain act repealed.

VIII.  And be it further enacted, That the proviso contained in the seventh section of the act, entitled 'an act for improving the road from Eastchester to Byram,' be, and the same hereby is repealed:  

Proviso.

Provided, That it shall not be lawful to erect the most easterly gate therein mentioned to the eastward of the dwelling-house of Thomas Theall, in Rye.

IX.  And be it further enacted, That it shall be lawful for the company incorporated by the last mentioned [Page 27 / Page 28] act 

The draw in the bridge at
Fisher's Landing discontinued.

to discontinue the draw in the bridge across Eastchester creek, at Fisher's Landing, directed by the said act to be maintained in the said bridge.

This is a public act.

X.  And be it further enacted, That this act be, and the same is hereby declared to be a public act."

Source:  "CHAP. XXII. An ACT to Incorporate the Eastchester Bridge Company Passed March 6, 1812" in Laws of the State of New-York, Passed at the Thirty-Fifth Session of the Legislature Begun and held at the City of Albany, The Twenty-Eighth Day of January, 1912, pp. 23-28 (Albany, NY:  Printed for S. Southwick, Printer to the State, 1812). 

"The LeRoys, Rappelyeas and Edgars wishing to get from Pelham to Morrisania, about 1835 built the Pelham Bridge, famous resort for fishermen, and laid out the road across Dormer's Island passing by Stinnardtown and under the Spy Oak to the Causeway at Westchester."

Source:  Morris, Fordham, The Borough Town of Westchester -- An Address Delivered By Fordham Morris, on the 28th Day of October, 1896, Before the Westchester County Historical Society, in the Court House, at White Plains, N. Y., p. 18 (White Plains, NY:  The Eastern State Journal, 1896).

"The smaller section of the park south of Hutchinson's River is at the northern end of Throgg's Neck, and was called in colonial times 'Dorman's Island,' and later 'Taylor's Island.'  That there was some kind of a road leading to it from the borough-town of Westchester, the map of Sauthier, inaccurate as it is, plainly shows.  Where this Road comes into the Shore Road there are an athletic field for outdoor sports, and a parade ground of one hundred and twenty acres, opened September 10, 1904.  In March, 1812, the Legislature incorporated the East Chester Bridge Company, and the bridge over the Hutchinson River near its mouth was built soon after.  In 1817, the Westchester and Pelham Turnpike Company was incorporated for the purpose of building a turnpike from the causeway at Westchester to the above mentioned bridge, following probably the lane of Sauthier's map.  The first bridge was destroyed by a storm, and the company was authorized by the Legislature of a1816 to sell its property and franchises for a period of forty-five years."

Source:  Jenkins, Stephen, The Story of The Bronx From the Purchase Made by the Dutch from the Indians in 1639 to the Present Day, p. 317 (NY and London:  G. P. Putnam's Sons The Knickerbocker Press, 1912).  See also id. at p. 411 ("The name of Throgg's Neck is given to all that portion of the former town of Westchester lying between Westchester Creek, the East River, the Sound, and Eastchester Bay.  As early as 1704, the northern portion, now within Pelham Bay Park, was called 'Dorman's Island.'").  

"Upon 'Dorman's Island,' (so called prior to 1704), in the north-east corner of the town [i.e., Westchester], the Eastchester creek bridge communicates with the Westchester shore and Pelham neck."

Source:  Bolton, Robert, The History of the Several Towns, Manors, and Patents of the County of Westchester, From Its First Settlement to the Present Time Carefully Revised by its Author, Vol. II, p. 413 (NY, NY:  Chas. F. Roper, 1881).  See also id. at pp. 413-14 ("The estate of Rockfield, on the south, is the property of John M. Furman.  The views of the water from this place are of a beautiful description.  In the immediate vicinity are located the residences of Lawrence Waterbury and Lorillard Spencer.  In close vicinity is Bayside, the Harlem River Railroad depot for this section of Westchester.  This portion of Throckmorton's Neck, together with Dorman's Island formerly constituted the old Bayard estate, as noticed in the early part of this town.").
"Tallapoosa Point.  Name formerly used for a section of the northeastern Bronx lying south of Eastchester Bay in what is now Pelham Bay Park.  It was once a privately owned island that in colonial times became attached to the mainland through silting.  In the 1890s a German political group, the Tallapoosa Club, leased it as a summer headquarters.  Its rocky shores inclining toward Long Island Sound, made the area a favorite spot for boating and fishing until the 1960s, when it was buried by a refuse dump used by New York City.  Proposals in the 1970s that the new hill should be used as a ski slope were generally ignored."  

Source:  Jackson, Kenneth, et al., eds., "Tallapoosa Point" in The Encyclopedia of New York City:  Second Edition (New Haven & London:  Yale University Press, 2010).

"ABOVE THE HARLEM RIVER. . . .

The Tallapaloosa Club, of which many men well known in the upper wards are members, opened last week the clubhouse at Pelham Bay.  The president, John W. Falk; John Haffen, Emil Rollizek, Charles Jacobs, Thomas Farley, Thomas Jordan, John Young and other well-known members of the club were present. . . ."

Source:  ABOVE THE HARLEM RIVER, New-York Daily Tribune, Jun. 4, 1893, p. 20, col. 2.  

"RAZE TALLAPOOSA HOUSE.
-----

Laborers of Bronx Department are demolishing the 'House of the Tallapoosa Club.'  In Pelham Bay Park, at Pelham Parkway and Eastern Boulevard.  The structure was once the home of an exclusive country club, made up of a select colony that lived near Pelham Bay before that territory was annexed to the city.  Old timers in the Bronx say the structure was erected more than a hundred years ago.  For forty years the building was the home of the Tallapoosa Club, the president of which for years was John M. Haffen, a brother of Louis F. Haffen, a former borough president of the Bronx.

'The old club house, with its ancient wooden floor and inflammable walls, was a fire menace and was unsanitary,' said Park Commissioner Hennesey.  'It would cost $20,000 to repair the structure and for a year I have been unable to rent it as a road house or a hotel because of the unattractive outlook for that line of business.  The city was losing money on the place ,which had become a rendezvous for tramps and loafers, so I decided that the building should become a memory.'"

Source:  RAZE TALLAPOOSA HOUSE, New Rochelle Pioneer, Mar. 15, 1919, p. 4, col. 4.  

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