Historic Pelham

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

Wednesday, April 18, 2018

The Building Boom in Pelham in 1925 and 1926 at the Height of the Roaring Twenties


The Great Depression was still years to come.  The American economy was humming along.  New York City and the surrounding region including one of the city's closest neighbors, the little Town of Pelham, were in the midst of major real estate and construction booms.  The Roaring Twenties were underway.

Historic Pelham has published a number of articles about Pelham's building boom during the Roaring Twenties.  For a few of many, many examples, see:

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

Fri., Mar. 02, 2018:  Construction of the Peldean Court Apartments on Fifth Avenue in 1922.

Fri., Apr. 13, 2018:  Plans in 1922 For Massive "Olgalorna" Apartment Complex Preceded Construction of Witherbee Court on the Same Site Overlooking Pelham Country Club.

In 1925, more construction occurred on the Village of Pelham Manor than ever before in its history.  Planned construction of the Hutchinson River Parkway was well underway.  Developments along Boston Post Road and Split Rock Road were in the planning stages as well. Homes were being built along much of the Esplanade, including sections near the Hutchinson River and Mount Vernon border.  Large neighborhood developments like the Beech Tree Lane section were in the planning stages.  Most significantly, large open tracts of land were becoming scarce in Pelham Manor as groups of one-family homes were "being developed on on a large building scale."  Additionally, major construction of industrial complexes, warehouse complexes, and garages was completed in 1925 in that area of Pelham Manor southwest of today's Hutchinson River Parkway in the area of today's Fairway Market and the associated shopping plaza.

A local newspaper report published in 1926 provided an apt summary of the magnitude of the construction boom in Pelham Manor including the following:

"[I]n many places, there is the appearance of a boom in the growth of the village, but this growth is carefully guarded by village officials so that the future housing situation in the village will not be disturbed.  Zoning and building ordinances are fully enforced, and the houses erected appeal to one's artistic sense and to one's desire for individuality.  Even where a group of 15 or 20 small homes are being erected by one concern in a limited area, each house has its own characteristics, and repetition of color, design or location is studiously avoided.

During the past year, the number of permits for dwellings alone was 118, representing a total of $1,724,593 in this field.  The total garage permits aggregated $15,040, while $29,180 was spent in alterations which in many cases meant the complete remodelling of an older dwelling.  Business building permits were issued to a total amount of $53,990.  The latter include a $16,000 warehouse and garage built by the Sinclair Refining company off the Boston Post road; a $12,000 storage development by the Westchester Lighting company off the Boston Post road; a $12,000 storage development by the Westchester Lighting company; the Mullins building with stores on Pelhamdale avenue, and several small offices and other business buildings of a small type outside the residential districts and on the outward edges of the village.  The interior parts of the village have been religiously guarded against business invasion.

Among the large residential developments in this village is the creation of Pelham Gardens, with 45 small homes, by the Altieri company.  Building in Pelham Manor has been directed along substantial lines, with a view to continuing the prestige of the village as a residential place for the home-owner.  In other parts of the village, the Pelham Realty company is also constructing groups of small homes in artistic units."

The real estate boom of the mid-twenties was so substantial that a real estate section in The Daily Argus published in Mount Vernon included a two-page article with photographs and advertisements describing the huge building boom in Pelham.  The entire article and many of the photographs and advertisements are included below as part of today's Historic Pelham article.


"Construction has been started on Pelham Gables, above, at Sixth avenue
and Fourth street, North Pelham, and this newest apartment will cost about
$400,000.  Excavation for the structure was started last week."  Source:
The Daily Argus [Mount Vernon, NY], Feb. 27, 1926, 1926 Realty and
Building Edition, Pelham Page 2, cols. 1-8.  NOTE:  Click on Image to Enlarge.


"WITHERBEE COURT -- Pelham Manor, New York"
PELHAM HGTSThe Daily Argus [Mount Vernon, NY], Feb. 27, 1926,
1926 Realty and Building Edition, Pelham Page 2, cols. 1-8.  NOTE:
Click on Image to Enlarge.


"'Peldean Court,' one of the John T. Brook attractive dwellings on
Fifth avenue, North Pelham."  Source:  TREMENDOUS BUILDING
BOOM EXPERIENCED IN PELHAM HGTSThe Daily Argus [Mount
Vernon, NY], Feb. 27, 1926, 1926 Realty and Building Edition, Pelham
Page 2, cols. 1-8.  NOTE:  Click on Image to Enlarge.


"OWN YOUR OWN HOME --and be Happy-- 
IN PELHAM"  Source:  TREMENDOUS BUILDING
BOOM EXPERIENCED IN PELHAM HGTSThe Daily Argus [Mount
Vernon, NY], Feb. 27, 1926, 1926 Realty and Building Edition, Pelham
Page 2, cols. 1-8.  NOTE:  Click on Image to Enlarge.


"Among the handsomest school buildings in the state!  That is the
opinion of persons who have visited the enlarged Pelham Memorial
high school.  The new wing which doubles the former seating
capacity, was completed some months ago."  Source:
ISSUED IN PELHAM MANOR FOR 1925The Daily Argus [Mount
Vernon, NY], Feb. 27, 1926, 1926 Realty and Building Edition,
Pelham Page 1, cols. 1-8.  NOTE:  Click on Image to Enlarge.


"PELHAM The Most Beautiful of Suburban Towns."  Source:
ISSUED IN PELHAM MANOR FOR 1925The Daily Argus [Mount
Vernon, NY], Feb. 27, 1926, 1926 Realty and Building Edition,
Pelham Page 1, cols. 1-8.  NOTE:  Click on Image to Enlarge.


"This is 'Pelnord Court,' located on Fifth avenue, North Pelham."  Source:
ISSUED IN PELHAM MANOR FOR 1925The Daily Argus [Mount
Vernon, NY], Feb. 27, 1926, 1926 Realty and Building Edition,
Pelham Page 1, cols. 1-8.  NOTE:  Click on Image to Enlarge.


"Here Is YOUR Chance!"  Source:
ISSUED IN PELHAM MANOR FOR 1925The Daily Argus [Mount
Vernon, NY], Feb. 27, 1926, 1926 Realty and Building Edition,
Pelham Page 1, cols. 1-8.  NOTE:  Click on Image to Enlarge.


"'Pelbrook Hall,' another attractive type of apartment house in North
PERMITS ISSUED IN PELHAM MANOR FOR 1925The Daily Argus [Mount
Vernon, NY], Feb. 27, 1926, 1926 Realty and Building Edition,
Pelham Page 1, cols. 1-8.  NOTE:  Click on Image to Enlarge.

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"Great Progress Is Also Seen In The Pelhams
-----
BUILDING PERMITS ISSUED IN PELHAM MANOR FOR 1925
-----

Including the new Witherbee Court apartments at a probable estimated value of $350,000, building permits representing $2,172,803 in building operations were issued in Pelham Manor during the last yer, up to January 1, 1926.  A total of 161 permits were issued during this period by former Building Inspector William Templeton and by Arthur Telford, present building inspector, who has been holding thaat office during the greater part of the last year.

These permits represent various types of building construction, including apartments, private dwellings, private garage, and a few scattered business and small office structures.  The greatest trend of building construction has been in the erection of private residences, which is naturally in keeping with Pelham Manor's renown and an exclusively residential section.  The only large apartment development of the past year has been the Witherbee Court improvement.  

More building has been going on during the past year in this village than at any time in its history, and in view of the projected developments along the Boston Post road, and in the vicinity of Split Rock road, the coming year will probably seem an even greater increase of prosperity in this line.  The construction of the Hutchinson Parkway through the latter section is expected to be a great contributory factor for the future growth of this end of the village.

New buildings are being constantly erected along the Esplanade toward the Mount Vernon side, and along Pelhamdale avenue.  In fact in many parts of the village are groups of one-family houses being erected, and open tracts of land becoming fewer and fewer, are being developed on a large building scale.  The result is that in many places, there is the appearance of a boom in the growth of the village, but this growth is carefully guarded by village officials so that the future housing situation in the village will not be disturbed.  Zoning and building ordinances are fully enforced, and the houses erected appeal to one's artistic sense and to one's desire for individuality.  Even where a group of 15 or 20 small homes are being erected by one concern in a limited area, each house has its own characteristics, and repetition of color, design or location is studiously avoided.

During the past year, the number of permits for dwellings alone was 118, representing a total of $1,724,593 in this field.  The total garage permits aggregated $15,040, while $29,180 was spent in alterations which in many cases meant the complete remodelling of an older dwelling.  Business building permits were issued to a total amount of $53,990.  The latter include a $16,000 warehouse and garage built by the Sinclair Refining company off the Boston Post road; a $12,000 storage development by the Westchester Lighting company off the Boston Post road; a $12,000 storage development by the Westchester Lighting company; the Mullins building with stores on Pelhamdale avenue, and several small offices and other business buildings of a small type outside the residential districts and on the outward edges of the village.  The interior parts of the village have been religiously guarded against business invasion.

Among the large residential developments in this village is the creation of Pelham Gardens, with 45 small homes, by the Altieri company.  Building in Pelham Manor has been directed along substantial lines, with a view to continuing the prestige of the village as a residential place for the home-owner.  In other parts of the village, the Pelham Realty company is also constructing groups of small homes in artistic units.

A projected development of which more is expected to be heard during the coming year is the recent announcement that 150 homes may be constructed in a new realty project on land at Split Rock road and Boston Post road, overlooking the Hutchinson Parkway.

The proposed elimination of the Pelham sewage disposal plant in the Mount Tom section [sic] of Pelham Manor, through which the Hutchinson Parkway is to pass, will open up another tract of land for possible development in the near future.  The elimination of this plant along with the development of the parkway project, and the construction of a sewer through this section would open up a large tract of land for development in Pelham Manor at the westerly end of the Esplanade.

The present tendency, however, seems to be toward the development of unoccupied tracts of land in the more improved parts of the village, wherever such tracts or plots can be found.  Small one-family houses ranging from $10,000 to $25,000 seem to be the most popular form of building here.  Quite often a more pretentious home is put up at a considerably higher cost, but in general, the newest residences here are of the six and seven room type, generally in various forms of stucco or brick construction, artistically designed and executed.

The following are the building permits issued by Building Inspector Arthur Telford and former Inspector William Templeton in Pelham Manor during the past year, including some of those issued to date:

Robert Mullins, dwelling, Townsend avenue, $18,000, January 3; George S. Douglas and Walter E. Hall, dwelling, Boston Post road, $10,500, January 8; Florence Thomas, dwelling, Rochelle Terrace, $10,000, January 8; E. Henderson and C. Christensen, dwelling and garage, Iden avenue and Carol place, $9,000, January 17; Bonmar Development corporation, dwelling and garage, 14 Bonmar road, $20,000, February 2; William Templeton and Son, dwelling and garage, Siwanoy place, $12,000, February 16; William Templeton and son, dwelling and garage, Siwanoy place, $12,000, February 16; H. A. and H. R. Swift, dwelling and garage, Hunter avenue, $8,000, February 18; E. B. Horgan, garage, Monterey avenue and Pelhamdale avenue, $475, February 21; Wynnewood Gardens, Inc., dwelling and garage, Wynnewood road, $10,000, February 21; Morton R. Cross, alterations, 997 Edgewood avenue, $3,500, February 24; T. Nelson Word, dwelling, Mount Tom road, $18,000, February 25; Charles B. Bloemecke, dwelling, Edgemere street, $6,500, February 25; A. R. Schulze, dwelling, Townsend avenue, $9,000, February 25; Sinclair Refining company, warehouse and garage, off Boston Post road, $16,000, February 25.

Thomas L. McCready, dwelling and garage, corner Grant avenue and Terrace place, $16,000, March 3; Gunnar Windfors, dwelling and garage, Grant avenue, $8,000, March 7; James C. McGovern, dwelling and garage, corner Francis street and Suburban avenue, $13,000, March 7; W. E. Hall and G. E. Douglas, dwelling and garage, Boston road, $13,000, March 14; A. F. Harmett, garage, Clay avenue, $600, March 14; Thomas L. McCready, dwelling and garage, corner Grant and Union avenues, $10,000, March 18; R. M. Mullins, dwelling, Grant avenue, $18,000, March 25; Thomas H. Jensen, dwelling and garage Windsor place, $8,000, March 25; Paul Vione, dwelling and garage, Park Lane, $35,000, March 25; Mrs. L. F. Carillo, garage, 400 Pelhamdale avenue, $475, March 25; W. D. Strack, alterations, 1019 Esplanade, $5,500, March 25; Westchester Improvement corporation, dwelling and garage, Bowman road, $10,000, March 25; Herkier Inc., dwelling and garage, Esplanade and Wolf's lane, $15,000, March 25; L. H. Austin, dwelling, Esplanade, $45,000, March 30; Leo Sullivan, dwelling, Windsor place, $9,500, March 30.

Joseph P. Ryan, dwelling and garage, Timpson street and Esplanade, $9,500, April 6; Helen C. Salch, office, 4340 Boston Post road, $250, April 6; Lester D. Nott garage and alterations, 426 Rochelle Terrace, $2,500, April 6; E. G. Barrow, garage, Pelhamdale avenue and Mount Tom road, $500, April 7; Marcella C. Craven, dwelling and garage, Hudson street, $17,800, April 13; Emily Marshall, dwelling and garage, Hudson street, $17,800, April 13; Emily Marshall, dwelling and garage, Hudson street, $17,800 April 13; Guy C. Mariner, Inc., dwelling, Colonial and Highbrook avenues, $25,000, April 13; Gertrude Thomas, dwelling, James street and Sherwood avenues, $14,000, April 13; Harry S. Haupt, garage, Black street, $1,500, April 14; Harry S. Haupt, garage, Esplanade and Black street, $1,500, Apirl 14; Harry S. Haupt, garage, Pelhamdale avenue and Black street, $1,500, April 14; F. R. Selleck, garage, 4 Stellar avenue, $490, Apirl 21; Eliza Martucci, dwelling, Hunter avenue, $7,000, April 21; Livinston Leeds, dwelling, Townsen avenue, $22,000, April 21; J. F. Patten, garage, Esplanade, $1,800, April 21; August Ackerman, garage, 473 Wolf's lne, $400, April 23; Mr. Dawson, garage, 100 Pelham Manor road, $500, April 28; Coal and Transfer Co., coal screen, Pelham Parkway, $1,000, April 28; Jocelyn Realty Co. Inc., dwelling, Peace street, $17,000, April 28; Peter Rhynas, dwelling and garage, Wolf's lane, $14,000, April 28.

Boualt Realty Co. Inc., garage, Lawrence place, $100, May 6; Boualt Realty Co., 4 garages, James street, at $100 each, May 6; Thomas J. Good dwelling and garage, Highbrook and Townsend avenues, $17,000, May 6; Alfonso Faganni, dwelling, Jackson avenue, $18,000, May 6; Ubald Landry, dwelling and garage, Plymouth street, $13950, May 6; Pelham Country club, alterations, Boston Post road, $1,500, May 6; Charles Bloemecke, dwelling, Edgemere place, $6,500, May 9; Mrs. Mildred L. Hamblen, alterations, Fowler avenue, $1,600, May 9; Jocelyn Realty Co., dwelling, Peace street, $22,000, :May 12; Deborah E. Wagner, alterations, Iden avenue and Carol place, $3,500, May 12; J. Charles Albrecht, dwelling, Carol place, $14,700, May 12; John Butcher, garage, Washington avenue, $1,000, May 16; Guy C. Mariner, Inc., dwelling, Heywood road, $30,000, May 16; Charles B. Bloemecke, garage, Edgemere place, $400, May 16; Groll Riding school, garage, Rosedale avenue $400, May 16; Charles B. Bloemecke, garage, Townsend avenue, $12,500, May 21; Charles B. Bloemecke, dwelling, Townsend avenue, $12,500, May 21; Harold A. Swift, dwelling, Grant avenue and Edgemere place, $9,493, May 26; Felix T. Hughes, dwelling, Heywood road, $27,500, May 28.

Pelham Manor Realty Corp., four dwellings and garages, Washington avenue, at $10,000 each, June 1; John T. Snyder, dwelling, corner Witherbee avenue and Pelham Manor road, $75,000, June 2; Peter Rhynas, garage, Wolf's lane, $700, June 4; Pelham Manor Realty Co., dwelling corner Monroe and Clay avenues, $10,000, June 4; Harry Babock, dwelling, Grant avenue and Union street, $9,300, June 4; W. E. Reyer, dwelling and garage, Esplanade and Hogen street, $38,000, June 4.

T. Pierce, dwelling, Boston road, $22,000, July 8; H. J. C. Miller, dwelling, corner Monterey avenue and Mitchill place, $18,000, July 10; Acarfilm Corp., portable factory, Boston road, $340, July 6; Alfonzo Faganni, dweling, Esplanade, $16,000, July 11; Pelham Manor Realty corporation, four dwellings, Hunter avenue, at $10,000 each, July 10; Edward Hehre, dwelling, James street, $12,000; Lincoln Randall, dwelling, Colonial avenue, $10,000; Hugh J. Smallem, dwelling, Washington avenue, $12,000; Pelham Manor Realty company, six dwellings, Clay avenue, at $10,000 each; Westchester Lighting company, storage land, at the Lighting plant, $12,000; Witherbee Court corporation, apartment.  Wynnewood road; Gunnar Lindfors, dwelling, Union street, $8,000; Pelham Manor Realty company, seven dwellings, Pelham Manor gardens, at $10,000 each.

John Smith, dwelling, Rockledge drive, $45,000; L. Harreld, dwelling, Hunter avenue, $10,000; Pelham Manor Summer home, dwelling, Split Rock road, $1,600; Matteo Bortone, dwelling, Pelhamdale and Monterey avenues, $16,000; Edgewood Avenue Realty company, alterations, Edgewood avenue, $9,000; Charles B. Bloemecke, garage, Edgemere place, $250; Lawrence Wardrop, garage, Edgemere place, $450; Bradley Randall, dwelling, Park lane, $20,000; Norman E. Donnelly, dwelling, Iden and Pelhamdale avenues, $8,500; Charles B. Bloemecke, dwelling, Monroe street, $7,600; Mrs. Huittenberg, alterations, Split Rock road, $800; Angelina Nordone, two dwellings, Murray street, at $10,000 each; Guy C. Mariner, garage, Heywood road, $890; Elsie Nybern, dwelling, Terrace place, $12,000.

Pelham Manor Realty company, dwelling, Garden road and Garden place, $10,000; Pelham Manor Realty company, four dwellings, Garden place and Washington avenues, $10,000 each, September 15; William J. Bloemecke, dwelling, Monroe street, $5,000, September 17; J. George Costello, dwelling, Ely avenue, $2,000, September 25; Gertrude Thomas, dwelling, James street, $13,000, September 25; Max Block, dwelling, Wolf's lane, $18,000, September 26; Emily Marshall, dwelling, Hudson street, $14,450.

Pelham Manor Realty company, two dwellings, at $10,000 each; Pel-
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Continued on Other Pelham Page

GREAT PROGRESS IS ALSO SEEN IN THE PELHAMS
-----
BUILDING PERMITS ISSUED IN PELHAM MANOR FOR 1925
-----
Continued from First Pelham Page
-----

ham Manor Realty company, dwelling, Monroe street and Garden road, $10,000; Pelham Manor Realty company, dwelling, Garden Place, $10,000; Pelham Manor Realty company, dwelling, Monroe street, $10,000; Robert M. Mullins, stores, Pelhamdale avenue, $20,000; Ellen R. Cottrell, alterations, Highland avenue, $680; Samuel W. Bradley, dwelling, Monroe street, $8,000; C. O. Jackson, dwelling, Edgewood avenue, $22,000; Thomas Good, dwelling, Peace street, $11,000; E. W. Siedler, dwelling, Rochelle Terrace, $11,000; Guy C. Mariner, dwelling, Country Club lane, $12,500; Theodore M. Hill, garage, Highland avenue, $900; George Jeffers, dwelling, Mount Tom road, $65,000; J. A. Lehman, dwelling, Hunter avenue, $11,000; Lillian Bonothal, dwelling, Esplanade, $14,500; Lawrence Wardrop, dwelling, Grant avenue, $8,900; Clifford Wiehman, dwelling, Monterey avenue, $58,000; Antonio Longo, dwelling, Monterey avenue, $20,000; Coal, and Transfer Co., office, Secor lane, $4,4000.

The following are among the permits issued during the last month; Livingston Leeds, dwelling, Jackson avenue, $20,000; Fish and Marvin office, Boston road and Pelhamdale avenue, $4,000; Jocelyn Realty Co., two garages, Peace street, $480 each; W. B. Landay, dwelling, Plymouth street, $16,400; Gunnar Lindfors, dwelling, Union street, $7,000."

Source:  Great Progress Is Also Seen In The Pelhams -- BUILDING PERMITS ISSUED IN PELHAM MANOR FOR 1925, The Daily Argus [Mount Vernon, NY], Feb. 27, 1926, 1926 Realty and Building Edition, Pelham Page 1, cols. 1-8 & Pelham Page 2, cols. 1-2.  

"TREMENDOUS BUILDING BOOM EXPERIENCED IN PELHAM HGTS
-----

Although the village of Pelham Heights has become pretty well established, new homes are being constantly erected here, wherever there is an undeveloped plot.  In this village, there has been not rapid or 'mush-room' growth in late building development, but rather, Pelham has grown in a sensible, staple manner.  The village of Pelham is regarded as a section meant for residence only, and these residences re limited to better homes of the one-family type only.

Large apartments which are becoming a feature of almost every home community are zoned against in the residential sections of Pelham Heights.  Late building developments in Pelham have tended, as in North Pelham, Pelham Manor and other residential communities, toward a single-family structure, artistic in appearance and permanent in construction.  Some of the older residences have been constructed along more palatial lines, and even today, some of the newer homes are of a size and type indicative of wealth and stability.

During January alone, building permits representing more than $100,000 were issued by Building Inspector Harry B. Mulliken.  Most of the buildings in this group are to be erected by Frederick Jockell, whose investments will total $80,000, according to these permits.  These are among the newest developments in Pelham Heights, and consist of four 2 1/2 story dwellings to be erected in various parts of the village.

During this month and the last few days of January, however, no permits were issued for any other large developments in Pelham aside from permits for minor purposes.  Hence the amount of building during the early part of the year is not expected to be the same through every month of the year.  Building in the more developed parts of the village is bound to be sporadic and isolated, in view of the fact that Pelham Heights is pretty well built up.  

Other late developments include a group of small artists and attractive stucco homes on Ancon avenue, which add to the prestige of Pelham as a village of fine homes, 2 1/2 stories, bordering the new Hutchinson Parkway at Sparks avenue.  These were recently completed by the Twentieth Century Homes, Inc., this place being developed by Manning Stires as 'Manning Terrace.'  There are nine attractive homes in this group, a frame or stucco construction.

The construction of the Hutchinson Parkway through this section  will probably result in the construction of several more small homes at the end of the village, wherever there are undeveloped plots.

The future promises a great change along Wolf's lane, however.  The widening of this street has brought with it the forecast that Wolf's lane will one day be the main business center of this section, as a continuation of the business district along Fifth avenue in North Pelham.  An indication of what it promises to become is shown by the reconstruction of the old Orlando building by the John T. Brook company.  The remodeled building will be known as Pel Gables, and will be English in design, like Pelbrook Hall and Pelham apartments in North Pelham.  It will be a business and home building of an artistic type.  

The open ground along the westerly side of Wolf's lane will probably be open to business, rather than to residential development, and it is believed that within a few years, this part of Wolf's lane will see an unprecedented development along business lines, in continuation of the business places already established along this street near the New Haven station.

The largest single development in Pelham Heights during the coming year will be the new $290,000 school building to be erected on the present Colonial school will be one of the most modern in the town of Pelham, and will be in harmony with the residents in that section.  Starrett and Van Vleck architects, were last week commissioned to draw up plans and specifications for the new school, along Colonial lines of architecture.  Bids are to be advertised for this week to get a wrecking concern that will pay for taking down the present school building, and taking away the material in it."

Source:  TREMENDOUS BUILDING BOOM EXPERIENCED IN PELHAM HGTSThe Daily Argus [Mount Vernon, NY], Feb. 27, 1926, 1926 Realty and Building Edition, Pelham Page 2, cols. 1-8.

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Thursday, September 07, 2017

Patrick L. Rogers of Pelham and His Estate Along Shore Road in the 19th Century


During the Civil War, one of the largest tracts in the Town of Pelham that fronted Long Island Sound along what we know today as Shore Road belonged to Patrick L. Rogers.  The tract was immediately southwest of today's boundary between Pelham Manor and Pelham Bay Park.  It overlooked Hunter's Island, from the mainland.  

Patrick L. Rogers died in 1864.  His will (transcribed below) named his wife, Sarah, and a number of his friends as executors of his estate.  That estate included a massive 175-acre tract along today's Shore Road.  He left his real and personal property to his wife and children.

Upon Patrick's death, the executors began the work to administer the estate.  It took a number of years, but much of the tract finally was offered for sale by auction in 1869.  A number of advertisements for this important auction appeared in newspapers published throughout the region.  (An image of one such advertisement and a transcription of its text appear at the end of today's article.)  

I have written before about this important land auction.  See:

Mon., Jul. 31, 2006:  Sale at Auction of P. L. Rogers Estate on Mainland Across from Hunter's Island in Pelham in 1869.

Thu., Feb. 18, 2010:  1869 Advertisement for Auction of Portion of 175 Acres in Town of Pelham Owned by P.L. Rogers.

The auction of a portion of the Rogers estate in 1869 encompassed "a portion" of the 175-acre property owned by Patrick L. Rogers before his death.  The auction was held on Saturday, April 3, 1869 at the Mott Haven Railroad Depot.  Why was the auction held at Mott Haven rather than Pelham?  At the time, the Mott Haven Railroad Depot was the very first railroad station across the Harlem River from Manhattan -- likely an effort to select an accessible location between Manhattan and lower Westchester County to attract the most buyers.

Advertisements for the auction touted important features of this spectacular Pelham property.  First, it was situated in Pelham -- a major selling point at the time.  Second, it overlooked Hunter's Island and Long Island Sound.  Third, it was conveniently located only eight miles from Harlem Bridge.  Fourth, it was on the line of the Harlem and Portchester Railroad, an early transportation artery into and out of New York City.  Fifth, it was within "two minutes' walk of the new Pelham depot."  Sixth and, perhaps, most importantly (and, thus, printed in all capital letters in the advertisement) a critical roadway passed through the property.  It was described as "THE HARLEM AND NEW ROCHELLE BOULEVARD PASSES THROUGH THE PROPERTY."  This was an early reference to what we know today as Shore Road.  

The heirs of Patrick L. Rogers offered the land in plots of 1-1/2 acre to 7-acre plots.  While the auction clearly was intended to attract those who sought residential "villa plots," real estate speculators were not ignored.  Advertisements emphasized that "Buyers and capitalists will do well to invest in the above property, in view of the improvements being carried out in that neighborhood."  

Advertisements also indicated as follows:  "For maps and particulars inquire of CHARLES D. MOTT, 25 Pine street and at Fourth avenue, corner 125th st."  There are no known maps or other printed "particulars" now known that illustrate the auction offerings made available on April 3, 1869.  Perhaps, one day, some will surface.  


Detail From 1868 Beers Map Showing Location of the P. L. Rogers Estate
Along Today's Shore Road, A Portion of Which Was Offered for Sale at a
Peremptory Auction Held on Saturday, April 3, 1869.  Source:  Beers,
Town of Pelham Westchester Co. N.Y." in Atlas of New York and Vicinity from
Actual Surveys by and Under the Direction of F. W. Beers, Assisted by A.B.
Prindle & Others, p. 35 (NY, NY:  F. W. Beers, A.D. Ellis & G.G. Soule, 1868).
NOTE:  Click on Image to Enlarge.

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"SALES AT AUCTION.
-----
AT AUCTION.

Peremptory Sale.
Valuable Villa Plots of Westchester county Property, to be sold at Mott Haven railroad depot, first station across the Harlem river, Saturday, April 3, at 12 o'clock, by direction of Gerard M. Stevens, Esq., referee.  A portion of 175 acres of the Estate of P. L. Rogers, deceased.

This desirable property is situated at Pelham, adjoining Hunter's Island, and fronting the on [sic] Sound.  It is distant eight miles from Harlem bridge, on the line of the Harlem and Portchester Railroad.   Within two minutes' walk of the new Pelham depot.

THE HARLEM AND NEW ROCHELLE BOULEVARD PASSES THROUGH THE PROPERTY.

It is beautifully laid out in plots varying from 1 1/2 to 7 acres, fine soil, and lovely building sites on every plot.  Neighborhood first class, with fine scenery on the Sound.  Buyers and capitalists will do well to invest in the above property, in view of the improvements being carried out in that neighborhood.  For maps and particulars inquire of CHARLES D. MOTT, 25 Pine street and at Fourth avenue, corner 125th st."

Source:  SALES AT AUCTION -- AT AUCTION Peremptory Sale [Advertisement], N.Y. Herald, Apr. 2, 1869, p. 8, col. 3 (Note:  Paid subscription required to access via this link).  

"[Page] 127

Westchester County --
Surrogate's Court -- 
----------
In the matter of proving the last Will and testament of Patrick L. Rogers, Deceased.
----------

Be it remembered, that, heretofore, to-wit, on the thirteenth day of July, in the year one thousand eight hundred and sixty four, Sarah A. Rogers, one of the executors named in the last Will and testament of Patrick L. Rogers, late of the town of Pelham, County of Westchester, deceased, appeared in open Court before the Surrogate of the County of Westchester, and made application to have the said last Will and testament, which relates to both real and personal estate proved, and on such application the Surrogate did ascertain by satisfactory evidence who were the widow, heirs at law and next of kin of the said testator, and their residences, did issue a citation in due form of law, directed to the said widow, heirs and next of kin by their respective names, stating their respective places of residence, requiring them to appear before the said Surrogate at his office in the town of White Plains, in the said County of Westchester, on the twenty fifth day of July, in the year one thousand eight hundred and sixty four, to attend the probate of the said Will, and afterwards to-wit, on the said twenty fifth day of July, satisfactory evidence by affidavit was produced and presented to the said Surrogate of the due service of the said citation, in the mode prescribed by law, on all the parties named, therein, and the said Surrogate having ascertained that eight of the heirs and next of kin were minors having no general guardian within the State and that said citation had been duly served on the minors and also upon the person or persons having control of such as were under 

 [Page] 128

fourteen years of age, as prescribed by law, and having filed the written assent of John P. Jenkins, and by an order duly entered for that purpose, appoint him the special guardian for said minors to take care of their interests in the premises, and on that day the said executors and the said special guardian having attended in person, and no one appearing to oppose the probate of the said will, such proceedings were thereupon had afterwards that the Surrogate took the proofs of the said Will herein after set forth upon this twenty fifth day of July, in the year one thousand eight hundred and sixty four and he adjudged the said Will to be a valid will of real and personal estate and the proofs thereof, to be sufficient which said last will and testament and proofs are as follows, that is to say:  --  

In the name of GOD, Amen:  --  

I, Patrick L. Rogers, being at present in good health bodily and of sound mind memory and understanding, but mindful of the uncertainty of human life, do for the disposition after my decease of the property and effects of which I may die seized and possessed or entitled to make, publish and declare this my last Will and testament,

First:  --  It is my will and I do hereby direct my executor and executrix herein after named, as soon as conveniently may be after my decease, to pay off satisfy and discharge all my just debts and funeral expenses.

Second:  --  All the rest, residue and remainder of my estate property and effects of every nature or kind which may remain after the payment of my just debts and funeral expenses I give, devise and bequeath to my executrix and executors herein after named, or such of them as shall assume the execution of this my Will the survivors and survivor of them in trust, nevertheless, 

[Page] 129

to invest and keep the same invested in such a manner as they may see fit, until the distribution of my estate as herein after provided and to collect and receive the rents, income or profits thereof, and dispose of the same as follows  --  

First:  --  To pay to my beloved wife during her natural life, or until she shall marry again, or until the youngest of my living children shall attain the age of twenty one years -- which ever event shall first occur so much of the income and profit of my estate as may be necessary for the comfortable support and education of my said children, and in case the whole of said income shall be insufficient for the support of my wife and mother and the maintenance and education of my said children or such of them as may be minors then and it that case I authorize my executors and executrix to apply to that purpose so much of the principal and invested as may be necessary to make up the deficiency.

Second  --  Upon the youngest of my living children attaining the age of twenty one years I direct my executors and executrix in case my wife shall then be living, and unmarried, to invest so much of my estate as may be necessary to produce an annuity of one thousand dollars per year and pay the same to my said wife during her life time or until she shall marry again for the support and maintenance of herself and my mother and such of my children if any who may need assistance, 

And to divide all the rest residue and remainder of my estate equally among such of my children as shall then be living but in case any of my children shall have died leaving lawful issue him or her surviving, then to divide the same between such of my children as shall then be living and the issue of any so deceased in such manner that the child or children of the one so deceased shall take -- 

[Page] 130

the same share that his or her or their parent would have taken if living.

Third:  --  Upon the death or marriage of my said wife which ever event shall first occur, in case my youngest living child shall have then attained the age of twenty one years, I direct my executrix and executors after making a suitable provision for the support of my mother during her life time, to divide all the rest, residue and remainder of my estate which may then remain equally among such of my children as shall then be living, or in case either of my said children shall have died leaving lawful issue, him or her surviving, such child or children of mine as shall then be living or the issue then living of my deceased child in such manner that the child or children of one so deceased shall take the same share which his her or their parent would have taken if then living.

Fourth:  --  In case the youngest of my living children shall not have attained the age of twenty one years at the death or marriage of my said wife then and in that case I direct my executors and executrix to apply the said rents and income of my estate or so much thereof, as may be necessary for the purpose to the support and maintenance of my mother during her life time, and the maintenance and education of my minor children until the youngest of my living children shall attain the age of twenty one years, to divide the whole rest, residue and remainder of my estate except so much as may be necessary for the support of my mother between such of my children as shall then be living and the descendants of any who may then have died leaving issue in such manner that the child or children of any deceased children shall take the one share which his her or their parent would have taken if living.

[Page] 131

Lastly:  --  I hereby nominate, constitute and appoint my wife Sarah A. Rogers, executrix and my friends, Peter Murray, Samuel B. Bartow and Charles Griffith all of the City and County of New York, merchants, Daniel O'Connor of said City, Builder, executors of this my last will and testament, hereby revoking and annulling all other former Wills by me made and declaring this to be my last will and testamtent.

In witness whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal this thirty first day of March, one thousand eight hundred and fifty seven.

Patrick L. Rogers (LS)

Signed, sealed, published and declared by the said testator as and for his last will and testament, in the presence of us who at his request and in his presence and in the presence of each other have hereunto subscribed our names as witnesses.

Benj M. Stilwell, 11 Chambers St New York.

Thomas Wadling, 11 Chambers St New York.

-----

Westchester County -- 
Surrogate's Court -- 
----------
In the matter of proving the last Will and testament of Patrick L. Rogers, deceased.
----------
State of New York,
County of Westchester SS:  --  

[Page] 

Benjamin M. Stilwell, of the City of New York, being duly sworn and examined before the Surrogate of the County of Westchester, doth depose and say,

That he was well acquainted with Patrick L. Rogers late of the town of Pelham, in the said County, deceased.

That he was present as a witness and did see the said Patrick L. Rogers, deceased, subscribe his name to the instrument in writing now produced and shown to this deponent, bearing date the thirty first day of March in the year of our Lord, one thousand eight hundred and fifty seven, purporting to be the last will and testament of the said Patrick L. Rogers, deceased.

That the said Patrick L. Rogers at the time of making such subscription declared the said instrument so subscribed by him to be his last will and testament, and requested this deponent to sign his name as a witness thereto.

Thereupon this deponent did accordingly sign his name and witness at the end of the said instrument, in the presence of the said Patrick L. Rogers, deceased and in the presence of Thomas Wadley of the City of New York, the other subscribing witness to the said instrument.

This deponent further saith that the said Patrick L. Rogers, dec'd, at the time he so executed the said instrument was a citizen of the United States of full age sound mind and memory in all respects competent to devise real estate and not under any restraint, and that this deponent saw the said Thomas Wadley sign the said instrument at the end thereof, as a witness in the presence of the said Patrick L. Rogers dec'd and at his request -- 

[Page] 133

Sworn, examined and subscribed,
before me this 25th day of 
July A D. 1864.

Benj. M. Stilwell.
John W. Mills.
Surrogate -- 

Westchester County -- 
Surrogate's Court -- 
----------
In the matter of proving the last Will and testament, of Patrick L. Rogers, late of the town of Pelham, deceased.
----------
Westchester County -- to-wit:  --

Benjamin M. Stilwell, of the City of New York being duly sworn and examined before John W. Mills, Surrogate of the County of Westchester doth depose and say that he was well acquainted with Thomas Wadling formerly of the City of New York, and with his manner and style of handwriting having often seen him write, and that he verily believes that the signature Thomas Wadling signed as a witness to the instrument in writing now produced and shown to this deponent bearing date the date the 31st day of March, in the yeara one thousand eight hundred and fifty seven purporting to be the last will and testament of Patrick L. Rogers deceased, is the true and genuine hand writing and signature of the said Thomas Wadling and that the said Thomas Wadling since the execution of the said instrument has left the United States and had been since and is now residing in England.

Subscribed and sworn to before me this 25th day of July A. D. 1864

Benj M. Stilwell
John W. Mills, 
Surrogate.

[Page] 134

Westchester County -- 
Surrogate's Court -- 
----------
In the matter of proving the last Will and testament of Patrick L. Rogers, late of the town of Pelham, deceased.
----------
Westchester County SS:  --

Shubart E. Swaine, of the City of New York, being duly sworn and examined before John W. Mills, Surrogate of the County of Westchester doth depose and say that he was well acquainted with Thomas Wadling formerly of the City of New York, and with his manner and style of handwriting having often seen him write, and that he verily believes that the signature of Thomas Wadling signed as a witness to the said instrument, now produced and shown to this deponent bearing date the thirty first day of March, in the year one thousand eight hundred and fifty seven purporting to be the last will and testament of the said Patrick L. Rogers deceased in the true and genunie hand writing of the said Thomas Wadling and that the said Thomas Wadling since the execution of said instrument, has left the United States and is not [sic] residing in England.

Subscribed and sworn to before me
this 25th day of July, A. D. 1864.

S. E. Swaine.

John W. Mills,
Surrogate -- 

[Page] 135

Westchester County -- 
Surrogate's Court
-----------
In the matter of proving the last Will and testament of Patrick L. Rogers, deceased.
-----------

The executor, widow, heirs at law and next of kin having this day appeared in pursuance of the citation heretofore issued, and the proofs and examination of the subscribing witnesses to the said will, having been duly taken and heard, and upon such proof it appearing satisfactorily to this Court that the said will had been and duly executed according to law, and that the said testator at the time of executing the same was in all respects competent to dispose of the same.

It is therefore Ordered, decided and decreed, that the said will be and the same is hereby established as a will of real and personal estate and that the same be admitted to probate and recorded.

John W. Mills.
Surrogate -- 

Westchester County SS:  --

Recorded the preceding last will and testament of Patrick L. Rogers, deceased, as a valid will of real and personal estate together with the proofs and examinations taken in the Court of the Surrogate of the County of Westchester, relating to the said last will and testament, which record is hereby signed and certified by me pursuant to the Revised Statutes this 25th day of July, in the year one thousand eight hundred and sixty four.

John W. Mills.

Surrogate --"

*          *          *          *          *

Immediately below are images of the probate records transcribed immediately above.




in New York, Wills and Probate Records, Westchester County,
Volume 48, 1864-1865, Ancestry.com.  NOTE:  Click on Image
to Enlarge.


in New York, Wills and Probate Records, Westchester County,
Volume 48, 1864-1865, Ancestry.com.  NOTE:  Click on Image
to Enlarge.



in New York, Wills and Probate Records, Westchester County,
Volume 48, 1864-1865, Ancestry.com.  NOTE:  Click on Image
to Enlarge.



in New York, Wills and Probate Records, Westchester County,
Volume 48, 1864-1865, Ancestry.com.  NOTE:  Click on Image
to Enlarge.



in New York, Wills and Probate Records, Westchester County,
Volume 48, 1864-1865, Ancestry.com.  NOTE:  Click on Image
to Enlarge.



in New York, Wills and Probate Records, Westchester County,
Volume 48, 1864-1865, Ancestry.com.  NOTE:  Click on Image
to Enlarge.



in New York, Wills and Probate Records, Westchester County,
Volume 48, 1864-1865, Ancestry.com.  NOTE:  Click on Image
to Enlarge.



in New York, Wills and Probate Records, Westchester County,
Volume 48, 1864-1865, Ancestry.com.  NOTE:  Click on Image
to Enlarge.


in New York, Wills and Probate Records, Westchester County,
Volume 48, 1864-1865, Ancestry.com.  NOTE:  Click on Image
to Enlarge.

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