Real Estate Boom Began the Roaring Twenties in the Town of Pelham

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As early as mid-April, 1920, the "Roaring Twenties" were well underway in the growing Town of Pelham.  Indeed, the local economy was humming.  Real estate was hot.  Local builders and real estate speculators already were buying up land and building new homes on spec.  The bulls and their run up to Black Friday and the Great Stock Market Crash of 1929, followed by the Great Depression, already were stampeding.  

A nearly full-page real estate "puff piece" on "The Pelhams" appeared in the New-York Tribune published in New York City on April 18, 1920.  The breathless article highlighted the incredible history of the little town, like nearly all such articles.  (And, like nearly all such articles, much of the local history it recounted was incorrect.)  

Significantly, the article noted that four hundred new homes were planned for construction in The Pelhams that year with 325 of them already sold.  There were, of course, 75 homes remaining to be sold; hence, the purpose of the article that provides a wonderful glimpse of the little Town of Pelham at a time when its number of homes and its population were exploding.

The cost of the homes ranged from $7,500 to $47,500 (about $94,000 to about $600,000 in today's dollars).  The article featured homes (and their photographs) on Storer Avenue in Pelhamwood, Wolfs Lane, Roosevelt Heights, Highland Avenue, and Highbrook Avenue.  Many of the homes were built by some of Pelham's most storied builders of the Roaring Twenties including John T. Brook, Harry S. Houpt, and the Van Ness Brothers.

The photographs that appeared with the article are included below, followed by the text of the article as well as a citation and link to its source.  The article provides an enjoyable snapshot of the Town of Pelham at a seminal moment in its history at the outset of the Roaring Twenties.

"HOUSE on STORER AVENUE, PELHAMWOOD THAT YOU MAY BUY"

Source:  The Pelhams Will Solve Home Problems For 400 Families --

Seventy-five New Houses Awaiting Folks Who Cannot Find Places in

the Crowded City; Cost From $7,500 to $47,500 -- Historic Westchester

Community Has Many Charming Sections Where Builders Plan Big

Season to Meet Demand, New-York Tribune, Apr. 18, 1920, Part II, p. 12,

cols. 1-8 (Subscription Required0.  (NOTE:  Click on Image to Enlarge.)

"SPLENDID DWELLING ON WOLFE'S [SIC] LANE"

Source:  The Pelhams Will Solve Home Problems For 400 Families --

Seventy-five New Houses Awaiting Folks Who Cannot Find Places in

the Crowded City; Cost From $7,500 to $47,500 -- Historic Westchester

Community Has Many Charming Sections Where Builders Plan Big

Season to Meet Demand, New-York Tribune, Apr. 18, 1920, Part II, p. 12,

cols. 1-8 (Subscription Required0.  (NOTE:  Click on Image to Enlarge.)

"ATTRACTIVE HOME ON WOLFE'S [SIC] LANE"

Source:  The Pelhams Will Solve Home Problems For 400 Families --

Seventy-five New Houses Awaiting Folks Who Cannot Find Places in

the Crowded City; Cost From $7,500 to $47,500 -- Historic Westchester

Community Has Many Charming Sections Where Builders Plan Big

Season to Meet Demand, New-York Tribune, Apr. 18, 1920, Part II, p. 12,

cols. 1-8 (Subscription Required0.  (NOTE:  Click on Image to Enlarge.)

"ONE OF THE MANY DWELLINGS UNDERWAY ON ROOSEVELT HEIGHTS"

Source:  The Pelhams Will Solve Home Problems For 400 Families --

Seventy-five New Houses Awaiting Folks Who Cannot Find Places in

the Crowded City; Cost From $7,500 to $47,500 -- Historic Westchester

Community Has Many Charming Sections Where Builders Plan Big

Season to Meet Demand, New-York Tribune, Apr. 18, 1920, Part II, p. 12,

cols. 1-8 (Subscription Required0.  (NOTE:  Click on Image to Enlarge.)

"HOMES OF THIS TYPE ARE GOING UP

ON HIGHLAND AVE. A FEW ARE STILL FOR SALE"

Source:  The Pelhams Will Solve Home Problems For 400 Families --

Seventy-five New Houses Awaiting Folks Who Cannot Find Places in

the Crowded City; Cost From $7,500 to $47,500 -- Historic Westchester

Community Has Many Charming Sections Where Builders Plan Big

Season to Meet Demand, New-York Tribune, Apr. 18, 1920, Part II, p. 12,

cols. 1-8 (Subscription Required0.  (NOTE:  Click on Image to Enlarge.)

"HOUSE GOING UP ON HIGHBROOK AVENUE"

Source:  The Pelhams Will Solve Home Problems For 400 Families --

Seventy-five New Houses Awaiting Folks Who Cannot Find Places in

the Crowded City; Cost From $7,500 to $47,500 -- Historic Westchester

Community Has Many Charming Sections Where Builders Plan Big

Season to Meet Demand, New-York Tribune, Apr. 18, 1920, Part II, p. 12,

cols. 1-8 (Subscription Required0.  (NOTE:  Click on Image to Enlarge.)

*          *          *          *          *

"The Pelhams Will Solve Home Problems For 400 Families
-----
Seventy-five New Houses Awaiting Folks Who Cannot Find Places in the Crowded City; Cost From $7,500 to $47,500
-----
Historic Westchester Community Has Many Charming Sections Where Builders Plan Big Season to Meet Demand
------

The Pelhams are practically the same as to physical formation and natural beauty as when Thomas Pell gave some rum, trinkets and other things, then of small value, to the Indians previous to 1666 for this land and extensive lands to the east along Long Island Sound.  The oaks under which the crafty Englishman, refugee from Kent in England because of his unqualified support of Oliver Cromwell, meet the original owners are still there.  The highway up from Pell's Point now is the same followed by the 4,000 British and German soldiers under General Howe who came there in 200 boats from Throg's Neck at 1 o'clock in the morning of October 18, 1776, in a campaign against White Plains.  The same boulders and hillocks and some of the stone walls behind which the 600 hardy Marblehead fisherman-soldiers waited for the advancing foreigners are still there.

Built His Home in Land of Beauty

Thomas Pell lived in Fairfax [sic] County, Conn., when he acquired the land now known as the Pelhams and New Rochelle.  So fascinating was the beauty of the country that he decided to establish his home there.  He called it Pelham, which is a coinage of the first three letters of the family name and 'ham,' which means residence.  He was a loyal Britisher, and, what is more, a good business man.  Pell thought that it would not be amiss to have his ownership confirmed by the Crown, so he petitioned Governor General Dongan, his majesty's representative in New York.  By promising sovereignty to the Crown and that he would defend the faith of the King, in addition to paying over a lamb every May 1 to the Governor General in New York, his deal with the Indians was given royal sanction.

First Lord of the Manor

John Pell, gentleman by profession, son of Dr. Pell, Cromwell's ambassador to the Swiss Canton and nephew of Thomas Pell, got the Pelham hills and dales, craigs and swamps, islands and water front on his uncle's death in 1680 [sic].  His inherited estate included also the land now the township of New Rochelle.  That the Pelhams have not lost their natural beauty in these many years may be credited to the care and the measures of protection taken by this young man.  Coming from Kent said to be the prettiest countryside in all England, nature's handiwork in the Pelhams impressed him so much that he decided to hedge it with restrictions that would retain for all time that which his eyes beheld.  The great area had been made a township by agreement with Governor Dongan, but that was not absolute enough.  Having a desire, perhaps, to be officially one of the great gentry on this side of the ocean, he petitioned Governor Nicolls to make him Lord of Pelham Manor which would give him feudal rights [sic] -- make him ruler, magistrate and owner of the entire country.  On the vow of allegiance and on the payment of 20 shillings at New York once a year he was clothed with these great powers which he used wisely so far as the preservation of the country was concerned.

New Rochelle at $1 an Acre

He gave the Huguenots from La Rochelle 200-odd acres near the shore to settle and later sold the remainder of the 6,000 acres in the township of New Rochelle at $1 an acre to his French neighbors.  After the Revolutionary War 300 acres along the Sound front were sold for $5.20 an acre by the government to a man named Bailey.

This was the start of the partition and upbuilding of the Pelhams.  Albert [sic] Roosevelt bought 250 of the confiscated acres in 1800 at $25 an acre.  In 1850 acres there brought as high as $300.  To-day these acres are not to be had for love nor money.

Homes of Just a Few

The Pelhams, as we know them, the living place of prosperous professional and business men, date back not more than a quarter of a century.  R. C. Black, of the firm of Black, Starr & Frost, former Congressman B. L. Fairchild and B. F. Corlies and their families owned practically all of this land.  It had been their summer places.  They decided to surrender part of these great estates to folks who would appreciate the park-like country.  Since the newcomers were to be their neighbors, they saw to it that there would be no reason for regretting inviting folks to Pelham to live.  Restrictive covenants were placed on the land, which will continue forever.  No crowding has been permitted and the social life is the best.

Can Accommodate Another Seventy-Five

There is room now for about seventy-five new families in the Pelhams, due to the activities of builders and the various developers.  These houses will be found in Pelham Heights, Pelhamwood, Pelham Manor and Pelham Knolls.  The man who can afford to pay $130 a month or more toward the ownership of a home can very likely be accommodated in Pelham.  The lowest-priced house is $7,500.  Prices range up from that figure to $47,500, which is asked by Harry S. Houpt, automobile dealer, who is erecting twelve houses on Pelham Heights, the cheapest of which is $35,000.

Real estate men estimate that the building program in the Pelhams has added, or will add, close to 400 homes to the town before the close of the year.  All but seventy-five have been sold.

Because of the constant pressure for homes in this ideal section it would be well for those who have the home idea in mind to lose no time in looking over the dwellings at Pelham.  You will find the real estate dealers courteous.  They know the country and much about construction details.

Many Pelhams in Pelham Township

There are three Pelhams in the town of Pelham -- namely, Pelham Manor, Pelham and North Pelham.  Pelham Manor is the section nearest to the Sound.  It extends from the water north to Colonial Avenue and is the oldest settlement, it being in that section that Thomas Pell built Pelham Manor.

Then comes Pelham, which extends north to the main line of the New Haven road.  North Pelham, of course, is beyond Pelham.  These sections are localized -- that is, they are sub-divided into small local communities.  For instance, in the Manor are Manor Heights, Pelham Manor Park, Roosevelt Heights, Chestnut Grove, Pelham Knolls, Glen Mitchell and others.

Pelham has no subdivisions.  It is said to be the smallest village in the state, yet one of the most attractive.  It is estimated that there are not more than a few hundred acres in Pelham village, which flanks the Pelham station to the south.  On the north side of the station is Pelhamwood, which is a subdivision of North Pelham.  Every locality and every section is protected and safe from nuisances and obnoxious looking homes.

In Pelham Knolls there are twenty-five houses under construction and twenty additional homes are planned.  Those under way are in varied stages of completion.  The builders have placed prices on them ranging from $18,500 to $28,000.  The latter riced homes are of eight and nine rooms with baths, and the lower priced dwellings contain seven rooms.  They are buildings of attractive design and well planned.  They are of stucco and known locally as the Herkimer houses.

At Least 50 Homes in Pelham Manor

In the community known as Pelham Manor, which is the oldest of the Pelham settlements, there are now available about fifty dwellings.  They are for the most part, still under construction.  Those which have been completed have largely been taken out of the market by folks from the city.  It is estimated that the building program for Pelham Manor launched last spring will add about two hundred homes to this comfortable home section.

The lowest priced homes that can be had in the Manor will cost you about $15,000.  It will have six or seven rooms with baths.  Most of the homes are held at $20,000 to $23,000, these being the popular prices.

Of course there are homes of greater cost, being larger and in locations which represent high land cost.  On Highland Avenue there are five houses completed of a row of nine which the John T. Brooks Company is building there.  They are for sale at $22,000 to $33,000.  Of stucco construction in very taking designs, adaptations of Colonial and old-time architecture, they make a very attractive home group.  Some of them have eight rooms, others nine rooms and some more have ten rooms.  The builders are preparing to erect sixteen additional dwellings on Wolfe's [sic] Lane.  They will likely sell at prices being asked for the Highland Avenue dwellings.

On Roosevelt Heights, which also is in Pelham Manor and up over the hill from the entrance to the New York Athletic Club's grounds, thirty [dwellings with] every known feature installed.  There are perhaps twelve other homes at Pelham Heights which may be purchased at about $22,000.

What These Homes Contain

Hardwood floors are in all these [dwell]ings are [sic] being erected by Van Ness Bros.  Twenty thousand dollars is the lowest price that will take any of these homes.  The highest price is $30,000.  They range in size from seven to nine rooms.

Harry Houpt has several dwellings on Pelham Heights.  You must be prepared to pay at least $35,000 for these homes.  One of the Houpt houses is held at $47,500.  It is a stucco building of ten rooms and baths and with houses; some of oak, some of maple and others of fine comb yellow pine; open fireplaces; electric fixtures for extensive use in household work as well as for lighting purposes; closets for the storage of clothing and other things; sun parlors; breakfast porch or alcove, with permanent table, benches and scores of other things which will appeal strongly to the womenfolks.

The conditions on which these homes may be purchased vary.  Some builders are asking 50 per cent in cash, while others will take less.  Talks with real estate folks there leave the impression that there is no need trying to do better than 30 per cent cash and that it is doubtful if there are very many houses which can be had on these terms.

Land of Sport and Sociability

There are ample facilities in the section for engaging in every kind of sport.  The Sound is not more than a few miles from any section which may be reached by machine or trolley car.  There folks may swim, row and motor boat to their hearts' content.  There are a number of boat clubs in the section.  The country club in Pelham indeed is a fine institution.  A new golf links has been added to the club, and there are several other golf links in the immediate vicinity, among them being Wykagyl, Gedney Farms, and the public links at Pelham Bay Park just to the west of the Pelhams.  It costs about eleven cents a trip on monthly commutation to get to or come from this attractive gathering of homes."

Source:  The Pelhams Will Solve Home Problems For 400 Families -- Seventy-five New Houses Awaiting Folks Who Cannot Find Places in the Crowded City; Cost From $7,500 to $47,500 -- Historic Westchester Community Has Many Charming Sections Where Builders Plan Big Season to Meet Demand, New-York Tribune, Apr. 18, 1920, Part II, p. 12, cols. 1-8.

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

Archive of the Historic Pelham Web Site.

Home Page of the Historic Pelham Blog.
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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:

TREMENDOUS BUILDING BOOM EXPERIENCED IN PELHAM HGTS,

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"

Source:  TREMENDOUS BUILDING BOOM EXPERIENCED IN

PELHAM HGTS, 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.

"'Peldean Court,' one of the John T. Brook attractive dwellings on

Fifth avenue, North Pelham."  Source:  TREMENDOUS BUILDING

BOOM EXPERIENCED IN PELHAM HGTS, 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.

"OWN YOUR OWN HOME --and be Happy-- 

IN PELHAM"  Source:  TREMENDOUS BUILDING

BOOM EXPERIENCED IN PELHAM HGTS, 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.

"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:

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.  NOTE:  Click on Image to Enlarge.

"PELHAM The Most Beautiful of Suburban Towns."  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.  NOTE:  Click on Image to Enlarge.

"This is 'Pelnord Court,' located on Fifth avenue, North Pelham."  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.  NOTE:  Click on Image to Enlarge.

"Here Is YOUR Chance!"  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.  NOTE:  Click on Image to Enlarge.

"'Pelbrook Hall,' another attractive type of apartment house in North

Pelham."  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.  NOTE:  Click on Image to Enlarge.

*          *          *          *          *

"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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GREAT PROGRESS IS ALSO SEEN IN THE PELHAMS
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BUILDING PERMITS ISSUED IN PELHAM MANOR FOR 1925
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Continued from First Pelham Page
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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
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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 HGTS, The Daily Argus [Mount Vernon, NY], Feb. 27, 1926, 1926 Realty and Building Edition, Pelham Page 2, cols. 1-8.

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