Pelham Resident Roy W. Howard was the Mastermind Behind the Scripps-Howard News Empire

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

Recently Lyons Press published a wonderful biography of Pelham resident Roy W. Howard by Patricia Beard:  "Newsmaker:  Roy W. Howard, The Mastermind Behind the Scripps-Howard News Empire from the Gilded Age to the Atomic Age (Lyons Press, 2016) (325 pages).  Roy Howard (b. January 1, 1883 - d. November 20, 1964) was a famous American newspaperman and business prodigy.

As a high school student in Indianapolis, Howard was a student correspondent for the Indianapolis News and also was a paperboy with a route for that same newspaper.  He became a reporter for the Indianapolis Star, then moved to St. Louis where he worked as telegraph editor for a St. Louis newspaper.  He next moved to Cincinnati in about 1907 where he joined the Scripps Newspapers organization as a reporter and a copy reader on the staff of the Cincinnati Post. 

Thereafter Roy W. Howard moved to New York and participated in the organization of the United Press Associations in 1907.  He was named the General News Manager of that organization in 1908.  In 1909, Howard married Margaret Rohe.  In 1912 Howard became President of the United Press Associations.  It was his work with United Press Associations that brought him his first national and international prominence.


In 1919, Roy and Margaret Howard moved with their two children, Jane and Jack, to Pelham.  The couple lived for a time in the lovely home at 244 Pelhamdale Avenue in Pelham Heights.  Roy Howard became an active member of the Pelham Men's Club and served on its Executive Committee for a number of years.

In 1920, Roy Howard became Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Scripps-McRae League founded by E. W. Scripps and Col. Milton A. McRae.  The League consisted at about this time of twenty-five daily newspapers and a group of allied newspaper service enterprises.  Then, on Saturday, November 11, 1922, the organization announced that Roy W. Howard and the son of E. W. Scripps, Robert P. Scripps, had succeeded to ownership of the organization which had been renamed "The Scripps-Howard Newspapers." 

The Pelham Sun included a front page story in its next issue published on November 17, 1922 that virtually boasted of Howard's succession to become leader and joint owner of The Scripps-Howard Newspapers.  The entire text of that article appears below, followed by a citation and link to its source.

244 Pelhamdale Avenue, Once the Home of Roy W. Howard

of Scripps-Howard Newspapers.  NOTE:  Click on Image to Enlarge.

*          *          *          *          *

"Pelham Man Now Business Head Of Great American Newspaper Group
-----
Roy W. Howard, of Pelham Manor, At 39, Is New Owner, with Robert P. Scripps, of Newspaper Syndicate Which Controls Twenty-Five Daily Newspapers and Numerous Allied Corporations -- Has Risen From Ranks.

An announcement of national importance in the newspaper world and particular interest to Pelham was made last Saturday when it became known that the ownership of twenty-five daily papers and several allied newspaper enterprises, formerly known as the Scripps-McRae League, had passed into the hands of Robert P. Scripps and Roy W. Howard, who will hereafter conduct them under the title of 'The Scripps-Howard Newspapers.'  They succeed E. W. Scripps and Col. Milton A. McRae.  Roy Howard lives at 244 Pelhamdale Avenue, Pelham Manor.

The announcement marks the final step in the change of ownership as the business control of the big chain of papers has practically been in Howard's hands, as chairman of the board of directors for the last two and a half years, Robert P. Scripps, son of E. W. Scripps, founder of the Scripps-McRae League having control of the editorial policies of the papers.

The leading article in the current number of The Editor and Publishers speaks of the story of Howard's success as one of 'surpassing and fascinating interest.'  It states that:

Howard, a native of Indianapolis, gained his first experience in his home city as a high school correspondent of the Indianapolis News.  He also carried a newspaper route for the News.  Recently he returned to the city of his early experience as the head of the great Scripps interests and purchased the Indianapolis Times at a sum said to have been close to half a million dollars.  From Indianapolis, Howard originally went to St. Louis where he worked as telegraph editor.  His next move was to Cincinnati, where he entered the Scripps ranks about fifteen years ago as a reporter and copy reader on the Cincinnati Post.  From Cincinnati he came to New York and participated in the organization of the United Press Associations in 1907, of which he was made general news manager in 1908 and president in 1912.  His work in the development of the United Press first brought him national and then international prominence.

(Continued on page 7)

Pelham Man Now Business Head Of Great American Newspaper Group
-----
(Continued from Page One)

In 1916 his interview with Lloyd George in which the Prime Minister of Great Britain urged a complete 'knock-out' of the enemy attracted a good deal of attention.  Later in the same year he introduced the United Press service to South American newspapers and opened bureaus of that organization in Rio de Janeiro and Buenos Aires.  On November 7, 1918, he sent the now famous armistice dispatch from Brest that occasioned premature national rejoicing -- a dispatch that has been more widely discussed perhaps than any press dispatch of our time.

And now, at the age of thirty-nine, after fifteen years of close, intelligent application and hard work, Howard sees his name at the head of the greatest newspaper organization of its kind in the world.  His life story is one unparalleled record of accomplishment, such as fiction writers vision to stimulate and inspirit and inspire the ambitious.  It is a true story of American advancement through the consistent and persistent application of ability and capacity, plus hard work.  For Howard is a partner of Scripps in more than name -- he is a partner now in fact.  His holdings in the various enterprises have not been made known, but it can be safely stated that they are large.

The Editor and Publisher goes on to state that during the last two years (while Howard has been chairman of the board of directors) new evening papers have been started as follows:

Birmingham Post, Norfolk Post, Fort Worth Press, Washington, D. C. News, Knoxville News, and El Paso Post.  A seventh new venture will be launched as an afternoon tabloid paper in Baltimore within the course of the next few days, installation of the plant being under way and editorial and business organizations having been selected.

Two established papers -- the Youngstown Telegram and the Indianapolis Times -- have been purchased, remanned and reorganized.  At the same time, there has been effected the reorganization of the Newspaper Enterprise Association Inc., the Newspaper Information Service, the Newspaper Supply Company and Allied Newspapers, Inc., a new foreign advertising special representative agency.

Roy W. Howard has been a resident of the Pelhams for the last three years.  He is a member of the Men's Club and is active on its executive committee.  His wife, formerly Miss Margaret Rohe, was a newspaper writer of some note, and still contributes articles to the magazines under the pen name of Margaret Mason.  Mr. and Mrs. Howard have two children, Jane and Jack, the latter with all the attributes of the born newspaper man.  There's never a 'story' breaks where Jack Howard is but what the Pelham Sun is on the wire a few minutes to be given the news.  At eleven years old, that's 'pretty guid.'"

Source:   Pelham Man Now Business Head Of Great American Newspaper Group -- Roy W. Howard, of Pelham Manor, At 39, Is New Owner, with Robert P. Scripps, of Newspaper Syndicate Which Controls Twenty-Five Daily Newspapers and Numerous Allied Corporations -- Has Risen From Ranks, The Pelham Sun, Nov. 10, 1922, Vol. 13, No. 37, p. 1, cols. 5-6 & p. 7, cols. 1-2.

Archive of the Historic Pelham Web Site.

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

One Pelham Audience Member REALLY Did Not Like the Act in 1925

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

In 1925, one Pelhamite tried his act "on the dog" -- literally.  

During the early years of the 20th century, and perhaps well before, theatrical parlance provided that a new act was "tried on the dog" when performed in front of preliminary audiences before the act opened to the general public.  Indeed, turn of the century newspaper stories are replete with references to acts that were "tried on the dog" -- something we would reference today as "in previews."  Pelhamites even tried their local acts "on the dog" as today's Historic Pelham article demonstrates.

One of the most important civic and philanthropic organizations in Pelham during the 1920s, 1930s, and years later was the Pelham "Men's Club" -- not unlike today's Pelham Civics.Association.  Each winter, the Pelham Men's Club held a major fundraiser.  It was an annual local talent show that was one of the most anticipated and successful charitable entertainments of the year.

The Men's Club Talent Show was so important that, like today's Huguenot Memorial Presbyterian Church "Huguenot Cabaret," prospective "acts" practiced months in advance for the grand event!  

Given the embarrassment involved, we don't know the name of our local ventriloquist.  We know only the name of his ventriloquist dummy as "Joe."  He and Joe, however, had spirit and the desire to win.

Months before the talent show, Joe's owner invested $100 (roughly $1,370 in today's dollars) in a spectacular ventriloquist's doll.  Joe's owner, however, was not a ventriloquist.  He had to learn the art and learn it for the Men's Club Talent Show fast.  He did.  

He practiced and practiced with his new dummy to prepare for the big night.  He worked alone for months to teach himself the art.  Finally he thought himself ready.  He developed a signature opening that some of us might recognize today as similiar to that of "Tony the Tiger" of "Frosted Flakes" fame who always said "Their G-R-R-R-E-A-T"  Dummy Joe, however, overemphasized "G-R-R-R. . . . . "  That seems to have been dummy Joe's downfall.

Shortly before Thanksgiving, 1925, our Pelham ventriloquist decided it was time to try his act "on the dog."  He decided to take his act with Joe the dummy into "previews" by inviting Pelham neighbors and friends to his home for a very special performance.

The big night arrived and a host of family, friends, and neighbors crowded into the new ventriloquist's home.  One friend arrived early, proudly, with a young and spirited bulldog that he had picked up as a new pet only the morning of that day.  The bulldog puppy became the center of attention, wagging and slobbering as everyone stroked, petted, and complimented the pup.  

Finally, the audience settled expectantly.  Our ventriloquist, owner of Joe, proudly plopped his new dummy on his knee.  He turned Joe's head toward the crowd.  Stalling his lips, the ventriloquist mumbled:  "Well, how are you tonight, Joe?"

Joe, the dummy, replied somewhat mechanically but "vividly":  "I'm G-R-R-EAT!  G-R-R-E-A-T!"

"G-R-R-R . . . . "

All Hell broke loose.  The bulldog puppy knew a threat with its wooden head, turning woodenly as it growled menacingly "G-R-R-R. . ."  The pup attacked.  

From the corner of the room came the rush of the bulldog.  The strange gutteral "G-R-R-R" had been too much.  

There was a "short struggle."  The bulldog puppy, however, had much the best of it.  The ventroliquist -- unnamed to this day -- and his dummy, Joe, had "much the worst of it."

Thankfully, the act was removed from the program of the Pelham's Men's Club Talent Show in 1925.  

Bulldog Puppy

*          *          *          *          *

"One of the members of the Men's Club is in favor of the everlasting muzzling of dogs, thusly:  Knowing that there is to be a local talent night at the club during the coming winter, our hero had invested over $100 in a ventriloquist dummy with which he has practiced assiduously in order to be ready to present a specialty at that particular time.  In theatrical parlance an act is 'tried on the dog' by being presented to a preliminary audience before authorized production.  Consequently our aforesaid hero gathered into his home some of his neighbors to listen to a production of his ventriloquial act.  One of the neighbors brought along a bulldog which had been presented to him that day and was the object of much admiration.  The show was ready and the emulator of Valentine Vox sat himself in a chair adjusted his grip of the dummy and started 'Well, how are you tonight, Joe?'  This to the dummy, who replied mechanically but very vividly, 'I'm g-r-r-eat, g-r-r-eat, g-r-r- ------' that was all.  From the corner of the room came the rush of the bulldog.  The strange gutteral 'g-r-r-' had been too much.  For a moment there was a short struggle, but the bulldog had much the best of it and the dummy and the ventriloquist much the worst of it.  So the act is off the Men's Club tentative programme."

Source:  [Untitled], The Pelham Sun, Nov. 27, 1925, Vol. 16, No. 39, p. 2, col. 2.

Archive of the Historic Pelham Web Site.

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

Fascinating Summary of Organizations and Clubs in the Pelhams on the Eve of the Great Depression

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

In 1927, the Roaring Twenties were well underway.  The Town of Pelham was in the midst of a massive real estate boom and a population boom.  Indeed, between 1920 and 1930 the population of the town more than doubled from 5,195 to 11,851.

As the town grew, so did the number of fraternal, social, civic, and patriotic organizations that served the town.  Thus, on the eve of the Great Depression, there were dozens and dozens of such organizations each with hundreds of members.  These organizations, of course, form an important part of the history of the little Town of Pelham.  

On January 19, 1927, a lengthy article entitled "PELHAM KNOWN AS ATTRACTIVE SOCIAL CENTER" listed dozens of such organizations and provided information and, at times, a little history on each.  The article, with no byline, most certainly was a real estate puff piece intended to attract attention to, and interest in, the growing town of Pelham, New York.  Nevertheless, the article provides a fascinating glimpse of a time in Pelham's history when Pelhamites had fewer demands on their time and fewer entertainment alternatives.  This may explain why the town had so many such organizations with so many members and why so few of those organizations have survived to the present day.

Among the organizations addressed in the article are:  the Men's Club (with 600 members), the Manor Club (with membership limited to 500 members), the Winyah Chapter of the Order of the Eastern Star, the Winyah Lodge of the Free and Accepted Masons, the Fellowcraft Club, the Comfort Society, the Degree of Pocahontas, the Iroquois Tribe 476 of the Independent Order of Redmen, the Parent-Teacher Association, the Pelham Chapter of the League of Women Voters, the Pelham Branch of the Red Cross, the Young Men's Republican Club, the Democratic Club, Post 50 of the American Legion (and its women's auxiliary), the Walsh-Marvel Post of Veterans of Foreign Wars, and a variety of Boy Scout and Girl Scout organizations.  The article did not even attempt to address church-related organizations and other small social and philanthropic groups throughout the Town.  

The article is a quick read and provides fascinating insight into a variety of Pelham organizations, what they did, who led them, and when they were founded.  It should be required reading for students of Pelham history.

*          *          *          *          *

"PELHAM KNOWN AS ATTRACTIVE SOCIAL CENTER
-----
Numerous Fraternal, Social, Civic and Patriotic Organizations In the Town Are Active
-----
WIN MUCH ATTENTION
-----
Manor Club's Work Gains Wide Recognition -- Has Interesting Groups
-----
600 IN MEN'S CLUB
-----
Political Associations Progress, Too -- Many Church Societies in Three Villages
-----

There are enough fraternal, social, political, or patriotic organizations in the Pelhams to appeal to everyone.  The mere enumeration of these -- the Men's club, the Manor club, Winyah chapter, O. E. S., Winyah lodge, F. and A.M.; Fellowcraft club, Comfort society, Degree of Pocohantas [sic]; Irokuois [sic] Tribe 476, Independent Order of Redmen; the Parent-Teacher association, league of Women Voters, Pelham branch of the Red Cross, Young Men's Republican club, the Democratic club, Post 50 American Legion and its auxiliary, Walsh-Marvel post, Veterans of Foreign Wars -- is sufficient to give one an idea of the wide range of activities covered by these groups.

No account is made here of the other small groups or church organizations, including young people's societies and women's organizations of various kinds which contribute much to the social and church life of the Pelhams.

600 in Men's Club

One of the largest and most representative men's organizations in this section is the Men's club of Pelham, which has a membership approaching 600.  Non-sectarian and non-political, this draws Pelhamites from virtually all walks of life into its membership.  Its only goal is neighborliness and co-operation, and at any of the monthly meetings of the organization, this spirit is as refreshing as are the arranged programs of diversion and entertainment.  Well known speakers address the monthly meetings, and there is usually an exceedingly meritorious program of music.  Once or twice a year, there is a ladies' night, such as was recently held when the Princeton musical clubs gave a concert under the auspices of the club.  The Men's club first started as a small group organized by the Rev. Herbert H. Brown, of the Church of the Redeemer, but it was later reorganized as a non-sectarian social club which because of its large membership and real spirit of camaraderie is unique.  The officers of the Men's club are:  Ralph C. Angell, president; Lockwood Barr, vice president; Kenneth C. Ogden, secretary; Thomas F. Diack, assistant secretary; Elliot C. House, treasurer; and George Kirch, jr., assistant treasurer.  Meetings are held in the Memorial High school auditorium on the evening of the second Tuesday of each month.

The executive committee includes the Rev. Herbert H. Brown, William L. Chenery, A. F. Decker, Col. Charles S. Haight, William W. Hawkins, Ralph Hess, Walter H. McIlroy, Frank Mann, Earl Newsom, J. H. Redding, Robert H. Shaw, Milton Towne, Stacy Wood, Arthur Van de Water, and Theodore C. Young.

Manor Club Widely Known.

The largest social organization of women in the Pelhams, and one of the most widely known in the county, is the Manor club, which includes in its membership, women of fine taste and talent in virtually every field of art.  The membership of the club is limited to 500.  Mrs. James F. Longley is president.

The clubhouse, a charming and most artistic structure, is located on the Esplanade, near Penfield Place, in Pelham Manor.  A theatre and a large reception hall are features of the building.

Art, music, drama, gardening, literature, and other activities are included in the doings of the members of the club.  Each of these subjects is taken up by a special section of the club, which conducts a regular program of activities during the club season.  The art section, of which Mrs. George N. Hersey is chairman, meets regularly at the club or at the residence of one of the members, and a discussion of art and the history of art is held.  Several noteworthy exhibitions of the arts and crafts are held at the Manor club for the public during the season.  

The music section, of which Mrs. Carroll B. Haff is chairman also meets regularly for a musica [sic] or for a study of classic or modern music.  A special feature of the musical activities at the club is the formal concert given by the choral.  While several informal recitals or musicales are given at the club on occasions, the big work of the choral consists in the regular rehearsal of the big concert which winds up the season.

Another activity which hundreds are interested in at the Manor club is that of the garden section, which makes a study of horticulture in its relation to the beauty of the home.  Planning of gardens, and the study of various forms of flower and shrub for home decoration are included in the business of the garden section.  There is also the annual flower show, in which many take part, and in which prizes are awarded.  Last fall, the garden section successfully staged its first fall flower show.  Mrs. J. E. Ackland is chairman of this section.  

One of the most active sections in the club is the drama section.  This group, in addition to making a study of drama in an academic way, stages several plays during the season, the most recent production being 'The Road to Yesterday,' which was staged at the Manor club two evenings.  A special afternoon performance was also given for the children of the community.  The drama group also takes part, with honors in the annual Little Theatre tournament held each year in Westchester county.  Histrionic talent of much merit is displayed by the members.  The chairman of the drama section is Mrs. G. Munro Hubbard.

Literature Section

Original poems and short stories comprise the most interesting feature of the work done by the literature section, the chairman of which is Mrs. H. G. K. Heath.  At regular meetings, conducted at the residence of the chairman or at the club, special literary programs are arranged for the afternoon.  A study is also made of modern writing and the classics, and book reviews are also made by members of the section.  One of the interesting events during the season is the gathering of original short stories or poems written by the members for what is called the 'Unpublished Magazine.'  These articles are read by the authors at a special gathering of the club.  During the latter part of the season, prior to the closing the club activities, a series of porch readings is conducted at the clubhouse.

Mrs. James F. Longley, the president of the club, is assisted by the following staff of officers in the management of the club activities:  Mrs. Edward C. King, vice-president; Mrs. Henry E. Day, second vice-president; Mrs. H. Washington Fairfax, treasurer; Mrs. Harry D. Wright, secretary; Mrs. William B. Shaw, corresponding secretary; Mrs. Robert C. Black, honorary chairman of the board of directors; Mrs. Edwin C. King, chairman of the house committee; Mrs. Walter B. Parsons, chairman of the program committee; Mrs. G. B. Davies, chairman of the press and printing committee; Mrs. Stanley D. Pearce, chairman of the junior committee; Mrs. Northrop Dawson, chairman of the social committee, and Mrs. William B. Randall, custodian of records.

The Manor club, of which Mrs. James F. Secor, honorary president, was for many years the leader, is the scene of many activities in addition to those enumerated.  One of these is the holding of a series of interesting lectures each season, on current world politics.  These are open to the membership at large and are a prominent feature of club activities.

Junior Committee

The junior committee of the club, under the chairmanship of Mrs. Stanley D. Pearce, has as its function the providing of a series of dances for the young people of the Pelhams.  These are most enjoyable functions and are attended by hundreds.  The largest event arranged by the junior committee is the Christmas dance staged at the clubhouse during the holiday season, this function drawing upon the hundreds of young people home from prep schools and colleges for the Christmas vacation.

Masonic organizations include Winyah chapter, F. and A. M.; the Fellowcraft club of Winyah lodge, and Winyah chapter, Order of Eastern Star, the latter having been lately granted a charter.

These organizations stage their social functions and meetings in the Masonic temple in Sixth avenue, North Pelham, and are among the most active groups in the Pelhams.  Meetings of Winyah lodge are held on the first, third and fifth Tuesdays.  The following new officers were just installed on the evening of January 4:  Uel R. Piersall, master; Benjamin W. Hobson, senior warden; Walter B. Robinson, junior warden; John M. Shinn, treasurer; Harry Hamilton, secretary.  The Fellowcraft club is composed of members of the Masonic order in Pelham, and was organized recently to take care of the recreational activities of the Masons.  Sidney C. Smith is president, and Benjamin W. Hobson, secretary, of the Fellowcraft club.

Winyah Chapter Active

An active organization in the social life of the Pelhams, is Winyah chapter, Order of Eastern Star, which was organized on March 10, 1925, and instituted on November 10 of that year.

Under the leadership of its founder and present matron, Mrs. Elfreda M. Schminke, the organization has grown from a membership of 32 to 68.  Dances, card parties, children's parties, and other activities occupy the season of the chapter.  During the past summer, the members of the chapter staged several delightful parties for the children of the Pelhams.  Among the most interesting of these being outdoor parties for the children at the North Pelham school playground.

The officers, installed on January 5 last, include the following:  Mrs. E. A. Schminke, worthy matron; John P. W. Ceder, worthy patron; Mrs. Grace L. Rice, associate matron; Mrs. S. Anna Lyon, treasurer; Mrs. Adella M. Wirth, secretary; Mrs. Reine M. Donzel, conductress; Mrs. Louisa M. Berle, associate conductress; Mrs. Luisa J. Weser, Mrs. Charlotte Payne, and George N. Rice, trustees.

Organized during the World War for the entertainment of wounded war veterans, the Pelham Comfort society has continued to be a source of happiness and cheer for hundreds of convalescent veterans who are still in government hospitals in this section.  The society was founded by Mrs. Edwin L. Adair, who remained its president for seven years.  Mrs. Minnie Godfrey Oden, now president, has been in office for two years.  While the organization was in the presentation of the 'Pelham Follies,' given at the High School during the presidency of Mrs. Adair.  Mrs. Oden has continued the activities of the society in a capable manner, and during her reign, many theatre parties and dinners have been held, the latest being the annual Christmas entertainment, which was held for 400 men at the Kingsbridge hospital last month.

The present officers of the Pelham Comfort society are:  Mrs. Minnie G. Oden, president; Mrs. Adam Berle, vice-president; Miss Charlotte Kurtze, recording secretary; Mrs. Grace Logan Lyon, corresponding secretary; Miss Dorothy Kurtze, treasurer; executive committee, Mrs. Godfrey Keller, Mrs. E. Schaefer, Mrs. Jennie Pickard, Mrs. Joseph Carraher, and Mrs. Mathew Herman; sick committee, Mrs. Frank Chaloux, Miss Lucia Mannberger, and Miss Margaret Merian.

Parent-Teacher Association

The Pelham Parent-Teacher association, of which Mrs. Charles H. Stewart is president, was organized several years ago to secure cooperation between parents and teachers, toward the full development of the child along educational, and healthful lines.  The staff of officers are now doing fine work in the Pelham school activities, sponsoring among other things, a school playground, and a study of the needs of the child in the school and at home.  Interesting and instructive talks are enjoyed by the members of the Parent-Teacher association at their meetings.  The association is also divided into several groups, which take up separately the study of health in the home and at school; child psychology and home economics.  

General meetings of the Parent-Teacher association are held at the public schools, mainly at the Pelham Memorial High school, on third Wednesday afternoon of each month.  Mrs. Stewart has as her staff of officers, Mrs. Clarence Campbell, first vice-president; Mrs. E. G. Clemenson, second vice-president; Mrs. Edwin Van Riper, treasurer; Miss Katherine Ensign, recording secretary.  The chairman of the various committees are:  Mrs. Ralph Towle, social; Mrs. Walter Parsons, program; Mrs. Robert Adams, membership; Mrs. Frederick B. Davies, publicity; Mrs. L. B. Louis, playgrounds; Mrs. T. P. Stevenson, study groups.  The sub-chairmen of the study groups are:  Mrs. J. A. Migel, psychology group 1; Mrs. Benjamin Robinson, psychology group 2 (sex); Mrs. D. H. Grant, health; Mrs. R. H. Smith, economics; Mrs. Roy Sterne, librarian.

Iroquois tribe, 476, Independent Order of Red Men, is one of the active fraternal organizations in the Pelhams.  Meetings are held regularly at the North Pelham fire hall.  The order is headed by Henry Velon, sachem; James L. Caffrey, jr., senior sagamore; William Timbers, junior sagamore; Robert Penfield, chief of records; Louis Kurtze, keeper of wampum; John Rogaveen, prophet; and Ezra Daggett, trustee.

A sister organization to this is Nyods council 207, Degree of Pocohantas, which meets at the fire hall in North Pelham on the evenings of the second and fourth Thursdays.  The following officers were installed last Thursday:  Miss Johanna Milck, Pocohantas; Mrs. William Hamilton, winonah; Miss Anna Booth, prophetess; Mrs. M. Herman, collector of wampam; Mrs. M. G. Oden, keeper of wampum; Miss Charlotte Kurtze, keeper of records; Henry Velon, Powhatan.

Three Political Bodies

There are three political organizations in the Pelhams, namely:  The Pelham branch of the League of Women Voters; the Young Men's Republican club, and the Democratic club.

The woman's organization, of which Mrs. Henry E. Dey of Pelham Manor has been the leading figure, has just concluded a successful campaign to double its membership, under the leadership of the following officers:  Mrs. Henry E. Dey, chairman; Mrs. Carl D. Jackson, vice chairman; Mrs. I. Balch Louis, secretary; Miss Eleanor Seed, treasurer; Mrs. Frank Chaloux, publicity chairman.  While classed here as political, the organization is not associated with any one party.

The present Democratic club is a recent organization, which is at present occupied in building up a strong body for the town political activities in the fall.  At a recent organization meeting, Morgan Mann was elected chairman; Charles J. O'Reilly, vice chairman; Edward F. Campbell, treasurer; James Connolly, secretary.  The town democratic committee includes J. T. Kallenberg, Remington Schuyler, Edgar J. MacGregor, F. H. Allen, John F. Larkin, Frederick T. Head, George Walsh, Harry E. Kuhlman, Charles J. O'Reilly, John T. Fenlon, Morgan M. Mann, John T. Brook, John F. Shields, Joseph Ryan, Stephen Ryan, Edward F. Campbell, Richard Orchard, James Carroll, Ed. Browne, William McBride, C. W. Gaylor, M. J. Murphy, Edmund Von Hasein, Joseph McCarthy, Harry Tierney, and George P. Breckenridge.  

In February, 1926, the sentiment in Pelham seemed to favor the organization of a Young Men's Republican club.  Sponsored by Elmer S. Davis and Harry C. Jackson, meetings were held in the town and an organization was perfected, known as 'The Young Men's Republican club.'  During the year 1926 monthly meetings were held at the town hall.  

The members elected Elmer S. Davis first president of the Young Men's Republican club, and elected Harry C. Jackson, Walter Burnell and Harry Mela vice-presidents; and Robert Mullins, secretary and treasurer of the club.  A constitution and by-laws were adopted and the club functioned efficiently during the entire year.  At the monthly meetings of the club, speakers of prominence were in attendance.  Among those were Judge David A. L'Esperance, Judge Charles E. Rice, jr., Judge Anthony M. Menkel, Honorable Charles M. Miller, David L. Gorfinkle and other notables.  The membership grew from a small body to a membership of one hundred in the short period of a year.  The club served the Republican committee at the fall elections by providing workers at each of the five districts and providing automobiles for getting out the voters in all of the five districts on Election Day.

At the election of officers to succeed the initial officers of the club, President Elmer S. Davis, refused to continue as president, and Charles A. Hollister was duly elected to succeed him as president for the year 1927.  Other officers are:  Vice presidents, Harry C. Jackson, Sylvester Powers, A. P. Walker, jr.; secretary, J. Fisher, jr.; treasurer, Robert Mullins; committeemen, Fred Herzberg, Elmer S. Davis, chairman, Max Stoller, James B. Lawrence and Burgess B. Fields.

Looking back over the year 1926 the officers and members of the Young Republicans club of Pelham feel satisfied with the formation of the organization and the work they accomplished during the year.  They feel that the work accomplished is an acknowledgment of a need of such an organization and a need of aid to the Republican men in the town.  The new president, Charles A. Hollister, is admirably suited for the office to succeed the retiring president, Elmer S. Davis, as he has been in close touch for some time with the local political association.

Military Organizations

Military organizations in the Pelhams include Walsh-Marvel post of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, and Pelham Post 50 of the American Legion, the latter being assisted in its activities by a women's auxiliary.

Walsh-Marvel post has in the past taken an active interest in the patriotic celebrations held in the town from time to time, and has cooperated in the setting up and care of suitable war memorials in the town.  Meetings are held at regular intervals, with county officers as the guests, at the North Pelham fire hall.  The officers include Gardner Minard, commander; Gorham B. Head, quartermaster; and A. M. Telford, adjutant.  

Pelham Post 50, American Legion, began the year 1926 with Commander Raymond C. Smith succeeding himself as commander of the post for the second consecutive year.  The legion post functioned monthly in the same manner that it functioned the previous year.  Monthly meetings were held at which increasing attendance of legionaires [sic] was noted and a spirit of co-operation shown, which spoke volumes in behalf of the legion.  The legion cooperated with the village and town officers during the year in the holding of patriotic and memorial services throughout the town.  Commander Smith and Adjutant Elmers Davis during the year 1926 were among the hardest working legion officers of the post, and to Commander Smith is due the credit of upholding the standards of the legion post during the year.  

In October, 1926, new officers of the Legion Post 50 were elected:  Commander, Richard L. Gulatsi; vice commander, Sidney C. Smith; vice commander, Maxwell Nesbit; vice commander, F. B. Fahrbach; adjutant, Russell Clegg; treasurer, Frederick Wirth.

Commander Gulatal appointed strong committees for the ensuing year and for the remainder of 1926 held exceptionally fine meetings.  Notables in the Legion world and business world and official worlds were obtained as speakers for the balance of the year, and meetings attended by over one hundred members.  Commander Gulatsi started the new year 1926-1927 with a vim that bespeaks a wonderful year for Pelham Post 50.

Post 50 was recognized in the county organization in the election of Elmer S. Davis, as second vice commander, which position, due to unforeseen circumstances, made him acting county commander for some time.  The Pelham post had much mention in the press and in the Pictorial Review for its three meetings for the end of 1926.  The outlook for 1927 for Pelham post 50 is brighter than ever before in its history and with Commander Gulatsi at its head, many meetings of interest are looked forward to.  

The post is assisted by the Ladies' auxiliary, which recently elected officers as follows:

Mrs. G. G. Fahrbach, president; Mrs. Richard Gulatsi, vice president; Mrs. Kneeland B. Durham, jr., treasurer; Mrs. Raymond Smith, secretary; Mrs. Jacob Wirth, chaplain; Mrs. George W. Rice, historian; Miss Anna Clegg, sergeant-at-arms; Mrs. J. W. Caffrey, Mrs. Clyde F. Howes, and Mrs. J. D. Kennedy, executive committee; Mrs. D. J. Kennedy and Mrs. J. W. Carey, county delegates.

Branch of Red Cross

Among other organizations is the Pelham branch of the Red Cross, which has served the community on many occasions.  Mrs. Edward H. Townsend is chairman, Mrs. Joseph C. Wilberding, honorary chairman; Mrs. Raymond H. Smith, vice chairman; Mrs. Morton R. Cross, treasurer; Mrs. Mary S. Sills, secretary; Miss Mills, chairman of the roll call division; Mrs. R. C. Smith chairman of the production committee.

Boy Scout organizations are one of the interesting features of life in the Pelhams for the younger generation.  Girl Scouts are also active in many fields of work in Pelham.  An interesting part of their work locally is to take care of children, when mothers attend meetings of the Parent-Teacher association, while of course the conduct other forms of scoutcraft."

Source:  PELHAM KNOWN AS ATTRACTIVE SOCIAL CENTER, The Daily Argus [Mount Vernon, NY], Jan. 19, 1927, p. 11, cols. 1-8.  

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

The Three Villages of Pelham Embraced the Notion of Consolidation in 1923 as a Defensive Measure

Archive of the Historic Pelham Web Site.

Home Page of the Historic Pelham Blog.

Order a Copy of "Thomas Pell and the Legend of the Pell Treaty Oak."

On Tuesday, April 10, citizens of the Town of Pelham gathered at a meeting of the Pelham Men's Club in the auditorium of the Pelham Memorial High School to discuss something the whole town was considering:  the benefits of consolidating the three villages that comprised The Pelhams.  

Learning of this, one might be tempted to glance at the calendar.  Might today be April Fools Day?  Have we slipped into an alternate universe where our consciousness and memories remain the same but our collective history is different than what we previously thought?  No. . . . .

In 1923, the three villages that comprised "The Pelhams" faced a common enemy and, thus, were contemplating a defensive maneuver of consolidation.  The gathering at the high school was simply an example of the common belief that there is "strength in numbers."  

In 1923, Pelhamites felt that they were under siege.  Pelhamites feared that the behemoth known as New York City that bordered the Town of Pelham on one side was looking to expand yet again, placing Pelham square within the crosshairs of another annexation.  The County of Westchester, at the same time, seemed fearful of the same thing and was contemplating the creation of a "City of Westchester" that would include the entire Town of Pelham (and other Westchester towns) with a Commission form of government to block annexation of parts of the County such as the Town of Pelham by the City of New York.  The three villages of Pelham, in short, feared loss of self-government and were at least open to the idea of consolidation as a defensive measure.  The three villages explored merging and converting to a city form of government.

With the subsequent cessation of New York City's desire to annex the area, the concept of a "City of Westchester" withered on the vine and the people of the Pelhams returned to their vision of three-village governance within the Town of Pelham.   

1950 Map of the Town of Pelham Showing the Town

Bounded by the City of New York, the City of Mount

Vernon and the City of New Rochelle.  NOTE:  Click

on Image to Enlarge.

Below are two articles about the discussion of consolidation in 1923.  The text of the second article is what can be transcribed of an item that appeared in the only extant -- though badly damaged -- copy of The Pelham Sun published on April 13, 1923.  Much of that article is illegible due to damage to the original newspaper.  Still, enough can be transcribed to provide a sense of what was going through the minds of Pelhamites in 1923 as they explored consolidation of the three villages as a way to defend against loss of self-government.  

The text of the two articles appears immediately below.  Each is followed by a citation and link to its source.

"Will Discuss Consolidation Of The Pelhams
-----
Members of Men's Club Will Meet at Memorial Auditorium Tuesday
-----
Believed That Consolidation Will Be Protective Measure Against Loss of Authority
-----

Must the Pelhams seek amalgamation of its three villages as a protective measure against the possible annexation by New York City or its loss of local governing authority by the consummation of the plan to create a commission government in the county?

The question is to receive close study by members of the Men's Club at the regular monthly meeting on Tuesday night at Memorial Auditorium.  President James Elliott in a circular letter to the members, has pointed out the element of danger confronting the Pelhams at the present time, and its possible loss of local powers of government unless preventive steps are taken, and urges that serious thought be given to this subject which vitally concerns every homeowner in the community.  

The executive committee of the Men's Club has prepared a short report in which is outlined the probabilities of future changes in village government and a free discussion of the problems presented will be sought.  If consolidation is deemed advisable, a committee of representative citizens will be appointed to further the matter.  This committee will consist of representatives from each of the three villages who will delve into every problem and angle presented to the proposed amalgamation and report on its possibilities and probable saving to the taxpayers.

Members are urged to attend."

Source:  Will Discuss Consolidation Of The Pelhams, The Pelham Sun, Apr. 6, 1923, Vol. 14, No. 6, p. 1, col. 1.  

"The report of the executive committeee of the Men's Club on the new County Commission Plan, following a motivating talk delivered by Judge William Cravath of Pelhamdale, resulted in action being taken at the Men's Club meeting Tuesday night, at Memorial Auditorium.  The action took the form of appointing a committee of fifteen representatives of all of the Pelhams, headed by Harry W. Nuckols, former president of Pelham Manor, which will at once take up complete investigation of the plans now being made for installing a new form of government in the county and take steps to oppose any plan by the Commission which will interfere with the present form of government.  This committee will also investigate and consider the consolidation of the three Pelham villages and the creation of a city form of charter, which, it is believed, will place the government out of the control of the Westchester County.  

The meeting was well attended and the reading of the report of the executives of the club [illegible] keen interest, a lively discussion following the conclusion of Judge White's remarks.  The report in full follows:

To the President and Members of the Men's Club of the Town of Pelham

Gentlemen

Your executive committee to which was referred the work of investigating and making a report on the plan for creating a City of Westchester out of the present County of Westchester hereby begs to report as follows.

Early in 1922 Surrogate Juge George A. Slater, in addressing a gathering of school teachers at Portchester declared his opinion in effecct that before two years had passed Westchester Count would adopt a form of government which would virtually make a city out of Westchester County.  This followed the support by the voters in the fall election in 1921 of a proposition to change the form of gorvernment in Westchester and Nassau Counties.  Judge Slater's speech was given a great deal more publicity than its casual utterance would seem to have warranted and coincident with it came a renewed activity on the part of the County Commissioners, a body which originally intended to formulate some plan for the improvement of Westchester County [illegible]

The City of Westchester plan as it was called, at once became a vital topic of discussion [illegible] in the Pelhams [illegible].

[Illegible] the Board of Supervisors introduced a motion to abolish the County Commission, and intense policitical activity was directed against this action so that it was lost and soon afterward an act of the legislature on February 6, 1922, empowered the Board of Supervisors to enlarge the membership of the commission to 32 and gave to the Commission powers to expend such amounts of money as was deemed necessary to pursue investigation toward improving the county form of government.

From out of their deliberations of almost a year has arisen one plan, definite, and with strong political backing, which will place the government of Westchester County in the hands of a county president, with almost despotic powers over the destinies of Westchester County.  At first this plan called for the creation of a commission of five, three of the members to be elected and two appointed by the County Commissioner, thus giving the chief commissioner control of the board by his appointive power of two members.  Lately, in the face of opposition, this plan has been altered [illegible] vice-president and a county commissioner of finance.  The other members of the board, a commissioner of public welfare, an engineer, a county attorney, a county sealer of weights and measures, are appointed by the president, ths again centering control in the hands of the President by his appointive powers.  This has not yet been officially approved.  The charter is [illegible].

The rest of the charter remains the same as that under [illegible] of the seond class operating [illegible], Yonkers for instance.  I [illegible] was to brake of the Bos [illegible] visors purely a legislative [illegible] student all [illegible] to the County Commissioner, but [illegible] plan now makes it possible for Supervisors to pass an ordinance over the president's veto by a three-fourths majority of all members of the Board of Supervisors.  If this plan, known as the Wallin plan, by reason of its sponsor being ex-Mayor William Wallin of Yonkers [illegible] Board of Estimate consisting of the president, vice-president and commissioner of finance, county attorney and county engineer, has control over all financial matters of the county.

An alternative plan has been submitted by Commissoner Morse, which provides for Board of Supervisors as the legislative control of the county.  The [illegible] of the county president is [illegible] in a county-wide vote, the board of supervisors is reduced from 41 to 17, this reduction being accomplished by grouping all townships of less than 10,000 population and naming them districts for the election of a single supervisor.  Under this plan Pelham would be grouped with Eastchester as one district.  The representation of the cities to be based on assessed valuation.  There would be no Board of Estimate and Apportionment.  

In connection with the Wallin plan it must be remembered that Mr. Wallin has gone on record publicly as stating the at the plan is elastic enough to take over the administration of village government if such a course is deemed necessary.

Wherein does the proposed County Commission plan of government hold anything at all of benefit to the Pelhams?  We are told in a large way that the centralization of authority also means a centralization of responsibility, but what assurance have we that we can find the right man to assume all this responsibility which will go with the office of county president, especially as the office is a political one and politics is today more a matter of popularity than of merit.  The centralization of so much authority in one man may be good in business but politics is not business and generally speaking political authority is used as a means of handing out patronage to a favored crowd who are looking for soft jobs at the taxpayers' expense.  

We would perhaps favor consolidation of government in Westchester County if the various cities, towns, and villages which lie within its [illegible]."

Source:  Will Discuss Consolidation Of The Pelhams -- Members of Men's Club Will Meet at Memorial Auditorium Tuesday -- Believed That Consolidation Will Be Protect
ive Measure Against Loss of Authority, The Pelham Sun, Apr. 13, 1923, p. 1, cols. 6-7.  

"Will Discuss Consolidation Of The Pelhams
-----
Members of Men's Club Will Meet at Memorial Auditorium Tuesday
-----
Believed That Consolidation Will Be Protective Measure Against Loss of Authority
-----

Must the Pelhams seek amalgamation of its three villages as a protective measure agaisnt the possible annexation by New York City or its loss of local governing authority by the consummation of the plan to create a commission government in the county?

The question is to receive close study by members of the Men's Club at the regular monthly meeting on Tuesday night at Memorial Auditorium.  President James Elliott in a circular letter to the members, has pointed out the element of danger confronting the Pelhams at the present time, and its possible loss of local powers of government unless preventive steps are taken, and urges that serious thought be given to this subject which vitally concerns every homeowner in the community.

The executive committee of the Men's Club has prepared a short report in which is outlined the probabilities of future changes in village government and a free discussion of the problems presented will be sought.  If consolidation is deemed advisable, a committee of representative citizens will be appointed to further the matter.  This committee will consist of representatives from each of the three villages who will delve into every problem and angle presented to the proposed amalgamation and report on its possibilities and probable saving to the taxpayers.

Members are urged to attend."

Source:  Will Discuss Consolidation Of The Pelhams -- Members of Men's Club Will Meet at Memorial Auditorium Tuesday -- Believed That Consolidation Will Be Protective Measure Aaginst Loss of Authority, The Pelham Sun, Apr. 6, 1923, p. 1, col. 1.

Archive of the Historic Pelham Web Site.

Home Page of the Historic Pelham Blog.

Order a Copy of "Thomas Pell and the Legend of the Pell Treaty Oak."