Historic Pelham

Thursday, July 04, 2019

Pelham's Grand Traditions of Celebrating the Fourth of July During the 19th and Early 20th Centuries

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"From early morning hours when the first fire cracker proclaimed the
dawn of the nation's greatest holiday, until well into the night

when the last skyrocket traveled its course across the sky, the
din of explosions and smell of powder brought recollections
of actual warfare."

----- Newspaper Description of Noisy Fourth of

July Celebration in the Town of Pelham in 1927.

The little Town of Pelham has a longstanding grand tradition of celebrating the Fourth of July in quintessentially-American ways. Indeed, I have written on a number of occasions regarding grand Fourth of July celebrations in Pelham. See, e.g.:

Wed., Jul. 04, 2018: The Village of North Pelham's Grand Fourth of July Celebration in 1907.

Tue., Jul. 04, 2017: Pelham's Fourth of July Celebration in 1877.

Mon., Jul. 04, 2016: 19th Century Fourth of July Celebrations in the Town of Pelham.

Fri., Jul. 04, 2014: A History of Grand "Small-Town" Fourth of July Celebrations in Pelham.

Fri., Aug. 21, 2009: Pelhamville's Independence Day Celebration in 1894.

Today's Historic Pelham Blog article continues a tradition of describing fascinating Fourth of July celebrations over the years in the Town of Pelham. Below are descriptions of celebrations that range between 1878 and 1927. At the close of today's article is the text of each newspaper article on which the descriptions below are based. The text of each article is followed by a citation and link to its source.

Quaint Celebration in 1878

Today's Pelhamites certainly would recognize the Fourth of July celebration held in their little town by our predecessors 141 years ago in 1878. In those days, most of Pelham's population lived on City Island, so the island was ablaze in celebration for much of the day.

Of course, what would an All-American Fourth be without the National Pastime? For a week prior to the holiday, City Island's two baseball teams had been preparing for a big baseball game. The Clam Diggers was the weaker local team. Yet, for nearly a week its members talked trash to the members of the rival Vails. According to one account, the Clam Diggers told "the Vails at every opportunity how they were going to beat them." On the Fourth of July, however, the Vails crushed their trash-talking rivals 23 to 3. Following the game, the vanquished Clam Diggers relented and told all who would listen that the game was the last they would play against the Vails.

Two local brewers, Diehl's and Loeser's, paraded wagons of their wares. According to one account, the horses and wagons "presented quite a fine appearance on Monday last, as they drew up in front of the City Island Hotel, with horses and wagons decked with plumes and gay-colored ribbons."

The ladies of the local Methodist Episcopal Church of City Island had grand plans for the day intended to help fund construction of a new church building. They announced the week before the holiday that they would host "a citizens' picnic and clam-bake, in the Scofield Orchard, near the church parsonage." The event featured ice cream as well as dinner and refreshments, all in an effort to raise the $6,000 needed to fund and furnish their planned new church building.

As the day waned and darkness fell, financier William Belden hosted a grand fireworks display for all of Pelham on his grand estate on Belden Point at the tip of City Island. The display cost $500 (roughly $19,000 in today's dollars). As one would expect a "large number of people assembled on the Point to witness the display" which was accompanied by the City Island Cornet Band.

Pelham Had to Ban Revolvers for the Fourth of July Celebration in 1909

During the 19th century and even well into the early 20th century, it was common for Pelhamites to carry revolvers. On the Fourth of July each year, such revolvers were used as part of the celebration, particularly by young boys and men.

By the early years of the 20th century, however, the Village of North Pelham had enacted local legislation that barred the carrying of revolvers or other such weapons in the village. Nevertheless, in prior years young men and boys ignored the ban on the Fourth of July and fired revolvers into the air as part of the holiday celebration.

By 1909, the leaders of the Village of North Pelham were fed up with the practice.  Two days before the holiday that year, the Trustees of the village announced that the village would enforce the ban and that "any person caught, having a revolver in his possession, will be arrested." The Trustees emphasized that they had "taken this action because many boys have used revolvers loaded with ball cartridges in past years and the dangers that have ensued."

1927 May Have Been the Worst of all Pelham Fourth of July Celebrations

By 1927, the availability of fireworks had become so widespread that the Fourth of July celebration seems to have spun out of control. The holiday was unacceptably noisy due to local fireworks and one of the local fireworks stands set up in the town to sell explosives caught fire and burned. The fire spread to, and completely destroyed, the adjacent De Feo & Donati Electrical Shop on Fifth Avenue. Other nearby stores were damaged by water and smoke.

Pelhamites, of course, grew increasingly unhappy with the nature of the celebration.

The Town of Pelham no longer followed a tradition of a grand Fourth of July parade in 1927. The problem, according to the local newspaper, was that the week of the Fourth of July holiday was among the most popular vacation weeks of the year. The Town reportedly was a shadow of itself during the week as many thousands of Pelhamites left for "vacation resorts."

Lack of crowds, however, did not stop those left behind from celebrating. Indeed, fireworks were easy to procure. Local fireworks stands sprang up within the town and sold fireworks to virtually all comers. The stands seem to have been located everywhere. Ironically, there was one located directly across the street from the Pelham Fire Department.

Fireworks advertisements filled the local newspaper. Stands such as Subitsky's Fireworks Stand (located opposite the Pelham Post Office on Fifth Avenue) carried a vast assortment of items including:  Salutes, Roman Candles, Cap Canes, Skyrockets From 1 oz. to 4 pounds, Sparklers, Jumping Jacks, Essex Tanks, Pin Wheels, Flashlight Crackers, Giant Crackers, Cock O' the Walk, Torpedoes, Fire Balloons, Devils-on-the-Walk, Ten Minute Torches, Five Minute Torches, Thunderbolts, Radio Candles, Fountains, Mines, Bingoes, Golden Shower, Serpent Hats, Flower Pots, Triangle Pin Wheels, Snakes, Aerial Flash Salutes, Railroad Torches, and Red and Green Fire.

Today, of course, on the evening of July 4th, many Pelhamites head to the grounds of the New York Athletic Club or to Shore Park next door to watch the NYAC fireworks set off from Travers Island.

Newspaper Advertisement for Electrical Store Burned and Destroyed

When Fireworks Stand Outside the Store Ignited on July 4, 1927.

Source: WE WERE BURNED OUT!, The Pelham Sun, Jul. 8, 1927,

Vol. 18, No. 20, p. 1, cols. 6-7. NOTE: Click on Image to Enlarge.

Text of Advertisement Transcribed Below to Facilitate Search.

Newspaper Advertisement for Sale of Fireworks at Fireworks

Stand Located, Ironically, Across the Street from the Pelham

Firehouse. Source: FIREWORKS! for the 4th, The Pelham

Sun, July 1, 1927, Vol. 18, No. 19, p. 12, cols. 1-7 (NOTE:

Click on Image to Enlarge). Text of Advertisement Transcribed

Below to Facilitate Search.

"FIREWORKS! FIREWORKS! FIREWORKS! for the 4th FIREWORKS! FIREWORKS! FIREWORKS! GREAT BIG STOCK ALL READY FOR YOU TO SELECT FROM

You Get Your Fireworks For Less at Pelham Paint & Hardware Company

Firework Stand Opposite Fire Headquarters Fifth Avenue, Pelham

SAFE AND SANE

SAFE AND SANE"

Advertisement for Sale of Fireworks in Pelham Manor for

July 4, 1927. Source: FIREWORKS!, The Pelham Sun,

Jul. 1, 1927, Vol. 18, No. 19, p. 10, cols. 4-5 (NOTE:

Click on Image to Enlarge). Transcript of Text Appears

Immediately Below to Facilitate Search.

"FIREWORKS!

BIG STOCK OF ALL KINDS OF FIREWORKS TO CELEBRATE THE FOURTH

Get Your Fireworks In Pelham Manor AT BURGESS B. FIELD SERVICE STATION
BOSTON ROAD and PELHAM PARKWAY
(Foot of Secor Hill, Boston Rd., Pelham Manor)"

1927 Newspaper Advertisement for Subitsky's Firework Stand

Opposite the Pelham Post Office. Source: Hooray July 4th,

The Pelham Sun, Jul. 1, 1927, Vol. 18, No. 19, p. 16, col. 1

(NOTE: Click on Image to Enlarge). Transcript of Text

Appears Immediately Below to Facilitate Search.

"Hooray July 4th A GREAT BIG STOCK OF FIREWORKS!
Lots of Noise Makers But No Trouble Makers
-----
FINEST ASSORTMENT IN WESTCHESTER COUNTY
-----
Living Up to Subitsky's Motto of Leading the Way

Salutes, Roman Candles, Cap Canes, Skyrockets From 1 oz. to 4 pounds, Sparklers, Jumping Jacks, Essex Tanks, Pin Wheels, Flashlight Crackers, Giant Crackers, Cock O' the Walk, Torpedoes, Fire Balloons, Devils-on-the-Walk, Ten Minute Torches, Five Minute Torches, Thunderbolts, Radio Candles, Fountains, Mines

Assortments, $1.00 Upward

Bingoes, Golden Shower, Serpent Hats, Flower Pots, Triangle Pin Wheels, Snakes, Aerial Flash Salutes, Railroad Torches, Red and Green Fire
-----
DON'T WAIT -- GET YOUR ASSORTMENT EARLY
-----
SUBITSKY'S FIREWORK STAND
(Opposite the Post Office)
Fifth Avenue Pelham"

"WE WERE BURNED OUT!
But We Are Not Quitting Business!

De Feo & Donati, proprietors of the electrical store at 149 Fifth Avenue which was burned in Monday's fire wish to announce that they have secured temporary premises immediately opposite the Post Office on Fifth Avenue.

Estimates on electrical work or radio installations and our general business will be conducted from that address for a time. Our telephone number is Pelham 2753. Only our stock was burned. The skill of our workmen is still at your service.

We Thank Our Patrons for the Many Kindly Messages We Have Received During the Last Few Days"

Cover of the Program for the July 4, 1907 Celebration. Source: Original

Held in Private Collection, But Image Provided to The Office of The

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

* * * * *

"City Island.

On Thursday, July 4th, the ladies of the M. E. Church of City Island propose holding a citizens' picnic and clam-bake, in the Scofield Orchard, near the church parsonage. Proceeds for the benefit of the crew church in contemplation. Dinner, ice cream and other refreshments can be procured on the grounds. If the day should prove stormy, the picnic will be held the next fair day. It is to be hoped that the ladies will reap a large sum from this enterprise, thereby helping to forward the new church movement. The old church is entirely too small for the congregations that meet in it from time to time. The people of City Island have done nobly. Thus far over $2,000 have been pledged, and it only remains for a few of the wealthy men on and near City Island to swell the amount so that the work can go on. The lot is clear, or the balance due on it otherwise provided for, and when $5,000 has been pledged work will be begun and pushed forward to a rapid completion. The congregation want to build a church that will cost, furnished comple[te], about $6,000. The plans have been prepared and from the description given us, the building will be not only sufficiently commodious, but an ornament to the island. . . ."

Source: City Island, The Chronicle [Mount Vernon, NY], Jun. 28, 1878, Vol. IX, No. 458, p. 2, col. 5.

"City Island.

On Tuesday, July 2nd, the schooner Illinois, while at anchor about three miles south of Captain's Island, was run into by the steamer Massachusetts. At the time of the disaster the captain was rigging the fog-bell and the mate was blowing the horn. The schooner was struck amidship and almost immediately sank. A boat was lowered from the steamer and the schooner's crew was picked up. The schooner, Kate Kallahan, Captain E. J. Horton, went to the assistance of the wrecked schooner and made fast until the wrecking steamer, James McMahony, arrived, when the sunken vessel was raised and towed to City Island, where she was beached. She is now on the ways at Hawkins's ship yard for repairs. The schooner was badly damaged. It will cost about $1,500 for her repairs.

The two brewers, Diehl's and Loeser's, turnouts, presented quite a fine appearance on Monday last, as they drew up in front of the City Island Hotel, with horses and wagons decked with plumes and gay-colored ribbons.

A game of base ball was played on the Fourth of July, between the Vails and Clam Diggers, both of City Island, which resulted in an overwhelming victory for the Vails. Score, 23 to 3. The Clam Diggers declare this is the last game with the Vails. Mr. Editor, we would say nothing about this if it were not for the fact that, for a week before the game came off the diggers were telling the Vails at every opportunity how they were going to beat them. But we are all liable to mistakes, and such was the case with the Clam Diggers on July 4th. Umpire, Mr. Geo. Bell.

Mr. Wm. Belden gave the citizens of City Island a grand treat by the display of about $500 worth of Fireworks on the night of the fourth. A large number of people assembled on the Point to witness the display and the City Island Cornet Band discoursed some good music.

At Carll's ship yard the sloop G. J. Demarest is on the ways for recaulking and painting. The sloop Long Island has been hauled out for cleaning and repainting. The steam yacht, just completed, was launched on Saturday last, and left for Key West on Sunday. The Minnie Griffin is having a new spar put in and is being recaulked. The schooner Ella Cooper is hauled out for cleaning, caulking and painting."

Source: CITY ISLAND, The Chronicle [Mount Vernon, NY], Jul. 12, 1878, Vol. IX, No. 460, p. 3, col. 1.

"FOR A SANE FOURTH.
-----
Pelham Trustees Put Up the Ban on Revolvers for Next Monday.
-----

North-Pelham, July 2. -- The village trustees are going to keep the young patriots in bounds who may wish to celebrate to an unlawful extend next Monday.

Trustee Lyon said this morning that the board would enforce the law about carrying weapons and that any person caught, having a revolver in his possession, will be arrested.

The village trustees have taken this action because many boys have used revolvers loaded with ball cartridges in past years and the dangers that have ensued."

Source:  FOR A SANE FOURTH -- Pelham Trustees Put Up the Ban on Revolvers for Next Monday, The Daily Argus [Mount Vernon, NY], Jul. 2, 1909, Whole No. 5971, p. 1, col. 6.

"FIREWORKS POP ALL OVER STREET WHEN STAND BLAZES UP ON NIGHT OF FOURTH; FIRE DESTROYS STORE
-----
De Feo & Donati Electrical Shop on Fifth Avenue Total Loss -- Other Stores Nearby Damaged by Water and Smoke -- Origin of Fire Unknown -- Fire Loss Estimated at $5,000
-----

While Pelham was celebrating the Fourth in great style on Monday evening, about 7:30, the firework stand outside the electrical store of De Feo & Donati at 145 Fifth avenue became ignited. Five hundred dollars' worth of fireworks exploded within the next few minutes. The electrical store and its contents valued at $5,000, were destroyed. Damage to surrounding stores and apartments by smoke and water is estimated at $15,000.

Fire Chief Dominick Amato and the firemen of the first fire district fought the blaze amid a series of explosions and shooting fireworks. Four lines of hose were laid and the fire was in hand half an hour after the blaze started.

The De Feo & Donati store is the center of a block of five one-story structures near the Westchester & Boston R. R. station. To the north is the Astarita fruit store and the Marion Dress Shop. To the south the Tybee Tea Room and the Betty Hat Shop. In the rear of the stores are five apartments, occupied by Mrs. Marion Held, proprietress of the dress shop; J. W. Bradshaw, Mr. and Mrs. F. L. Adair, and Mr. and Mrs. Charles Singer. All the stores and apartments were damaged by smoke and water.

The fire spread with amazing rapidity. A few seconds after the start the front windows of the De Feo store were broken by the exploding fireworks and the blaze had spread to the electrical store. When the firemen arrived flames were roaring through the skylight and had mushroomed under the room setting fire to the Astarita store and threatening the entire row of buildings. Fire Chief Amato, who operates a garage a few doors away, was talking with De Feo when the fire started. He grabbed a fire extinguisher from his stock nearby and waded through the mass of exploding fireworks into the store in an effort to prevent the spread of the flames. Several autos which were parked at the curb were removed to safety under the supervision of Police Chief Fitzpatrick.

Proprietor De Feo, remembering that there was a considerable sum of money in a desk and cash register inside the store, made a spectacular dash into the store. Armed with an axe he smashed the desk and obtained a sum reported at over $200.

To fight the spreading of the flames, firemen tore holes through the ceiling of the Astarita store. Household furniture was removed from the Bradshaw home in the rear of the store. The work of the firemen was effective. The recall was sounded at 9:45.

The building is the property of Dr. Wm. I. Wallach, 141 Center avenue, New Rochelle. It is protected by insurance. Dr. Wallach said that he had had no opportunity to estimate his loss but would at once proceed to repair the building. The following loss is being reported:

De Feo & Donati, electrical store, total loss, $5,000. Insurance carried, $3,000.

Tybee Tea Room, damage by water to foodstuff stored in basement, together with tapestry and hangings in restaurant, $1,000.

Astarita Fruit and Vegetable Store, damage to the stock in store and basement, $1,500.

T. S. Hughes, sewing machine agent, damage to stock of machines in basement of De Feo store, $1,500.

Betty Hat Shop and Marion Dress Shop, stock damaged by smoke, $1,000.

Various conjectures are made as to the origin of the fire, but no one has any authentic story. The Tybee Tea Room resumed business on Tuesday, but the other stores in the block were forced to shut down."

Source:  FIREWORKS POP ALL OVER STREET WHEN STAND BLAZES UP ON NIGHT OF FOURTH; FIRE DESTROYS STORE -- De Feo & Donati Electrical Shop on Fifth Avenue Total Loss -- Other Stores Nearby Damaged by Water and Smoke -- Origin of Fire Unknown -- Fire Loss Estimated at $5,000, The Pelham Sun, Jul. 8, 1927, Vol. 18, No. 20, p. 8, cols. 4-5.

"No Injuries In Noisiest Fourth Of July Program
-----
Firecrackers and Fireworks Proclaim Anniversary of Signing of Declaration of Independence
-----

Although it is estimated that fully one-third of the residents of the Pelhams took advantage of the week end holiday and spent the Fourth of July at vacation resorts, those who remained, gave Pelham the noisiest Fourth of July celebration that can be remembered by even the oldest of the residents of the town. From early morning hours when the first fire cracker proclaimed the dawn of the nation's greatest holiday, until well into the night when the last skyrocket traveled its course across the sky, the din of explosions and smell of powder brought recollections of actual warfare.

Although all manner of noisemaker and fireworks was utilized in the celebration there were no injuries reported by the local physicians. Pelham luckily escaped the toll of burned fingers, and other injury that ordinarily accompanies the noisy and unsafe program of Fourth of July celebrating.

No organized program has been prepared for the observance of the day. The early days of July see the exodus of vacationists to summer resorts and the custom of a town celebration has been abandoned. Vacant houses were kept under the vigilant supervision of the police departments and though this service vacationing Pelhamites were assured of home protection during their absence.

Traffic was heavy on all through highways. On the Boston road long traffic lines were managed without mishap. Police officers kept the cars moving at a fair rate of speed despite the heavy traffic."

Source:  No Injuries In Noisiest Fourth Of July Program -- Firecrackers and Fireworks Proclaim Anniversary of Signing of Declaration of Independence, The Pelham Sun, Jul. 8, 1927, Vol. 18, No. 20, p. 7, col. 2.

Labels: 1878, 1909, 1927, 4th of July, base ball, Baseball, Celebration, Celebrations, Clam Diggers, Fireworks, Fourth of July, The Clam Diggers Club of City Island, The Vails, Vails

Monday, November 20, 2017

More References to Baseball in 19th Century Pelham

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In 1884, the Town of Pelham had no newspaper. Thus, newspapers of surrounding communities included sections with news from "City Island and Pelham."

During the summer of that year, nearby newspapers were replete with descriptions of the exploits of Pelham baseball teams including the Country Club Giants, the Vails of City Island, the Beldens of City Island, and the Pelhamville baseball team, among others. The exploits of such teams, of course, are part of the history and lore of Historic Pelham.

The Country Club of Pelham on Shore Road was in the midst of its first season in 1884. It had a baseball team known as the "Country Club Giants." The beginning of the first season of the Country Club Giants, however, does not seem to have been too successful. According to a report published on August 8, 1884, the Country Club Giants recently had been defeated by the nearby Calumet Club. The defeat seems to have been so humbling that the news report noted that the Country Club Giants thereafter had "been resting, but are looking forward to several matches in the autumn, in which they expect to be more victorious."

The following week, The Chronicle of Mount Vernon included numerous reports of local baseball in Pelham. The paper reported that on August 16, 1884, the Vails of City Island would play the Pelhamville baseball team. It also reported that the Vails recently had reorganized and had played a game against the Willet's Point baseball club on Saturday, August 9, 1884. After three innings the game was called due to rain with the Vails leading 8 to 6. The remainder of the game was scheduled to be finished the following Saturday, August 16. The same day (Saturday, August 16, 1884), the Beldens of City Island were scheduled to play the New Rochelle baseball club.

In short, the National Pastime was so popular in Pelham in 1884, that multiple games were held at times on the same day. Indeed, the Town supported many baseball clubs at the time.

19th Century Baseball Game Like Those Played in Pelham.

* * * * *

"CITY ISLAND AND PELHAM.

The excursion of the Merry Ten, to Roton Point by steamer Meyers and barge Geraldine, will take place next Wednesday.

Another of Mount Vernon's citizens, with his family, moved down this week to enjoy the cool, salt air, until September 1st.

Some of the principal streets of the town of Pelham are sadly in need of repairs. One would hardly expect this to be the case with such an efficient Board of Commissioners, as the town of Pelham has a right to feel proud of. -- Pioneer.

Until the 20th inst. the assessment roll of the town of Pelham, will be open for inspection. One noticeable feature of this assessment roll is the almost entire absence of assessments for personal property. The real estate owners of the town have just grounds for complaint against the high rate of taxation. If the personal property in the town, liable to taxation, were assessed and the taxes collected it would materially lighten the burden of the poor man with his little house and half or quarter acre of ground.

The Country Club, at Bartow, has been wonderfully successful and is constantly crowded with members and guests. The membership of 250 is within four or five of being filled, and its future seems assured. The bathing beach, the tennis courts and polo field connected with the club add greatly to its attractions and are well patronized. Since its recent defeat by the Calumet Club nine, the baseball team of the club have been resting, but are looking forward to several matches in the autumn, in which they expect to be more victorious. The large reading room in the club house has been found an especially agreeable feature and the restaurant has greatly improved and is now in good running order. The experiment of allowing ladies the privileges of the club has proved very successful, and many of the wives, sisters, and cousins of the members have visited the club and enjoyed its hospitality. -- Pioneer."

Source: CITY ISLAND AND PELHAM, The Chronicle [Mount Vernon, NY], Aug. 8, 1884, Vol. XV, No. 777, p. 3, col. 4.

"CITY ISLAND AND PELHAM.

The Vails will handle the ash with a Pelhamville nine a week from to-morrow.

Some extensive repairs and alterations are in progress at the Pelham Priory.

Police Justice, C. E. Kene, of New Rochelle, is stopping at the Bay View Hotel.

The Belden baseball club will play a match game with the New Rochelles, tomorrow.

About 350 friends of the Merry Ten accompanied them on their excursion last Wednesday to Roton Point.

Mr. Wm. Belden's residence is ready for occupancy after having undergone extensive alterations. He will move in, in a few days.

Last Thursday, Mr. George H. Cameron sold the propellor Joshua Leviness, for $1,400. The vessel was bought in by Mr. A. Leviness.

The Rev. Mr. Pray, of the M.E. Church is absent from his charge on a six weeks' vacation. His place is filled every Sunday by clergymen from abroad.

We think it unnecessary to publish the communication from R. B. As he states the facts they are substantially the same as published in the Chronicle of August 1st, the result being precisely the same.

It begins to look as though the dull season at the ship yards was to be brought to a close. The Sandy Hook light ship, No. 16, is hauled out at Carll's for extensive repairs, and is also to have an automatic whistle put in. The lighter jobbing at the yard is picking up.

The steamer Joshua Leviness, is now on the ways for a general overhauling. When launched she will be taken to New York and offered for sale, but if a purchaser cannot be obtained, she will be put in commission as a freight boat.

The old Vail baseball nine have reorganized. They went to Willet's Point last Saturday to play a game with the club of that place, but after three innings, game was called on account of the rain, the score standing 8 to 6 in favor of the Vails. The game will be finished to-morrow.

The Country Club engage in practice games of polo every Friday and Monday afternoon. They also enjoy a game of base ball occasionally. The club and their grounds are becoming very popular although this is their first season. It is proposed to lay out a race course on their grounds so as to have racing there this fall. The work of preparing the course is progressing finely, and will be ready for use by September 1st.

It is an offense against the health code of Pelham for dogs to run at large, on City Island, unmuzzled. Well the dogs, like the more intelligent two legged animals, their owners, violate the law, but the dogs are not arrested, they are allowed to go scott free and their owners, poor innocent creatures, are arrested, hauled up before Justice Martin, or some other justince and fined five dollars, unless the dog is able to show it unbuckled the strap and took the muzzle off, in order to get a better hold on a bone or somebody's legs."

Source: CITY ISLAND AND PELHAM, The Chronicle [Mount Vernon, NY], Aug. 15, 1884, Vol. XV, No. 778, p. 3, col. 3.

* * * * *

I have written nearly fifty articles regarding the history of baseball in Pelham and early baseball games played in the Town of Pelham. Below is a listing, with links, of previous postings on the topic of early baseball in Pelham.

Tue., Aug. 01, 2017: More on 19th Century Baseball in the Town of Pelham.

Wed., Jul. 12, 2017: The Nonpareils Base Ball Association of City Island During the 1860s.

Wed., Apr. 19, 2017: Pelham Manor Club Defeated Gramatan Country Club in Baseball Game in August, 1902.