More on How Pelham Women Swung the Vote to Build a New Town Hall in 1909

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The history of the Town Hall of the Town of Pelham located at 34 Fifth Avenue is rich and fascinating.  I have written about that interesting history before.  See, e.g., Tue., Apr. 21, 2015:  The Early History of Pelham's Town Hall, Built in 1909.  Designed by architect Frederick Roosevelt Loney of Pelham Manor and built in 1909 to replace the previous wooden Town Hall building that burned down on the evening of October 23, 1908, Pelham Town Hall likely would be very different today were it not for the efforts and involvement of Pelham women in the special election in 1909 that authorized construction of the building. 

Recent Photograph of Pelham Town Hall. Note the Brick
Facade at the Front Entrance and the Slate Roof that Now
Adorns the Building.  NOTE:  Click on Image to Enlarge.

I have written about the involvement of Pelham women in authorizing the new Town Hall before (in addition to the article referenced above).  See Thu., Jan. 29, 2009:  Suffrage for Pelham Women.  Today's Historic Pelham article provides a little more background on the involvement of Pelham women in the important special election.

The Town of Pelham scheduled the special election on February 16, 1909 to authorize construction of a new Town Hall.  There were, however, two propositions on the ballot:  (1) a proposal to authorize the Town to issue $25,000 worth of bonds to fund construction of the new Town Hall to stand where the old one stood before it burned; and (2) a proposal to authorize the Town to issue an additional $5,000 worth of bonds to fund the acquisition of a large parcel adjacent to the location of the burned courthouse to enable the Town to build a larger structure and to create a fitting "park-like" approach to the new building. 

In the weeks prior to the special election, it seemed that both propositions would pass easily with low voter turnout expected.  Shortly before the special election, however, two groups opposed to the propositions gained momentum in their efforts to defeat the proposals.  Residents of the Village of Pelham Manor and the Village of Pelham (today's Pelham Heights), wanted the new Town Hall located in their respective villages and, thus, opposed any effort to fund any building to be located on the same site as the structure that burned (located in the Village of North Pelham).  A second group of Town residents opposed the propositions on the simple ground that they did not want any increase in their taxes, even though it was pointed out that "the interest annually on $25,000 at four per cent, would be only $1,000, which, spread over a a total assessed valuation of over four millions of dollars, would amount to less than one-quarter of a mill on each dollar of assessed valuation." 

On the day of the election, Town residents watched as voters streamed in and tallied the changing results as the day wore on.  By mid-morning it was apparent that the opposition groups had been more successful than thought.  The propositions looked like they might fail. 

The women of Pelham sprang into action.  Word spread throughout Pelham that all eligible voters who supported construction of the new Town Hall had better get to the voting booths to vote for the proposals.  Within a short time, as noted in many newspapers throughout the nation, automobiles, carriages, and other forms of transportation were dispatched throughout the Town to pick up women who favored construction of a new Town Hall and bring them back to the firehouse to vote.  One account claimed colorfully that women "clad in expensive gowns and furs rubbed elbows with those who had left their washtubs and household duties to cast their ballot."  As the day wore on the running vote tally suggested an exciting race.  It turned out that the race was one of the closest special elections ever, up to the time.  The proposition to build the new courthouse passed by only four votes, 86 to 82.  The second proposition to acquire a lot adjoining the Town Hall lot failed, resoundingly, by a vote of 66 in favor and 92 against.

Newspapers throughout the nation recounted the involvement of Pelham women in the decision to build a new Town Hall.  Headlines (such as those that can be seen below) included "WOMEN'S VOTES WIN PELHAM TOWN HALL" and "WOMEN AT POLLS -- Some Come in Autos, Others Desert Tubs, to Cast Ballots" appeared on the front pages of newspapers throughout the nation.  (See below.)

Pelham would have a new Town Hall.  Pelham women were among the most important players principally responsible for that decision.  

Undated Post Card View of the Town Hall Showing It Shortly

After It Was Built. Note the Stucco Surface and the Spanish Tile

Roof of the Original Structure.  NOTE:  Click on Image to Enlarge.

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"WOMEN'S VOTES WIN PELHAM TOWN HALL
-----

PELHAM, Feb. 16. -- There was a lively time here to-day when the women of this place, Pelham Heights, Pelham Manor and North Pelham voted on a proposition to erect a new town hall.  Women in automobiles and wearing expensive gowns and furs rubbed elbows with those who had left their washtubs and household duties to cast their ballots for or against the proposition, as they saw fit.

When the votes were counted, it was found that the first proposition to build a new town hall to cost $25,000, had been carried by a vote of 86 for as against 82 in opposition.  The second proposition, to purchase an additional piece of ground for $5,000, was lost, however, by a vote of 92 to 66, some of the women not voting on this at all."

Source:  WOMEN'S VOTES WIN PELHAM TOWN HALL, The Evening World [NY, NY], Feb. 16, 1909, Final Results Edition, p. 1, col. 4.  

"WOMEN AT POLLS
-----
Some Come in Autos, Others Desert Tubs, to Cast Ballots.

NEW YORK, February 17. -- There was the liveliest kind of a time to-day when the women of Pelham, Pelham Heights, Pelham Manor and North Pelham voted on a proposition to erect a new town hall.  

Women in automobiles and clad in expensive gowns and furs rubbed elbows with those who had left their washtubs and household duties to cast their ballot for or against the proposition as they saw fit.  

When the votes were counted it was found that the first proposition, to build a new town hall, to cost $125,000, had been carried by a vote of 86 to 83 [sic].  The second proposition to purchase an additional piece of ground for $5,000, was lost by a vote of 92 to 66.

Now the selection of a proper site for this new building will occupy the attention of the local authorities, and it is expected much opposition will be developed unless the new town hall is built on the site of the old one, burned by an incendiary last October."

Source:   WOMEN AT POLLS -- Some Come in Autos, Others Desert Tubs, to Cast Ballots, The Times Dispatch [Richmond, VA], Feb. 18, 1909, p. 1, col. 5.

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Allegations that Pelham Republicans Stole the Town's Democratic Primary in 1898

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"I reject the cynical view that politics is a dirty business."

-- U. S. President Richard Milhous Nixon . . . .

With the 2016 U.S. presidential election upon us, it seems a perfect time to revisit how entertaining Pelham's own local politics have been over the years.  The subject has been fodder for a host of Historic Pelham articles including, by way of merely a few examples, the following:

Wed., Jan. 25, 2006:  The Pelham Manor Protective Club Flexed its Muscles in the 1886 Town Elections.  

Fri., Feb. 27, 2009:  More on the 1906 Village of North Pelham Elections in Which the Village Blacksmith Surprised Republicans and Democrats Alike and Won. 

Tue., Feb. 26, 2008:  Disputed Pelham School Board Election of 1882 Led to Charges of Fraud.  

Fri., July 8, 2005:  How Did a Village Blacksmith Win the 1906 North Pelham Election by Cornering the Market on Sleighs? 

Tue., Oct. 14, 2014:  "There Is Endless Bitterness of Heart" -- Pelham Manor Women Pull a Fast One in 1882.

Mon., Jun. 08, 2015:  Was "Honest Jim Reilly" Really So Honest?  Blacksmith and, Later, Politician in the Village of North Pelham Died in 1937.

Wed., Aug. 17, 2005:  More on the Village Blacksmith Who Won the 1906 North Pelham Election by Cornering the Market on Sleighs.

Thu., Mar. 12, 2015:  Pelham Democrats Purportedly Stole the Supervisor Election in 1886 by Importing Paupers from Hart Island to Vote.

Wed., Mar. 23, 2016:  The Bitter Battle Over the Incorporation of the Village of North Pelham in 1896 Continued After The Vote to Incorporate.

Thu., May 12, 2016:  Forget Luck of the Irish! We Should All Have the Luck of the North Pelham Democrats (At Least in 1901).

Today's posting to the Historic Pelham Blog tells the story of how Pelham Republicans stole the Town Democratic Primary on Monday, March 14, 1898 to ensure that their Republican slate for Town officers would appear on the Democratic ticket during the general election as well.  The story is quite simple and revolves around the notice of the primary vote.

It seems that in advance of the highly-anticipated "Democratic Primary and Convention" in the Town of Pelham, notice of the vote stated that the vote would take place on March 14 from "8 to 9 o'clock."  Democrats were to vote for County Committeeman, Town Committee, and delegates to the Town Convention.  The notice, however, did not state whether the vote would be in the a.m. or the p.m.

No suspicions were raised among Democrats because the notice made clear that the Town Democratic Convention would be held the same day.  Such conventions previously had been held in the evening, immediately following the vote.  This time, however, things would be different. . . . 

There were a number of Pelhamites in on the scheme who were described in one account as the "knowing ones."  The knowing ones knew something unusual was afoot.  Additionally, "all arrangements [had been] made" in advance.

Promptly at 8:00 a.m. that Tuesday, the polls were declared open and voting began.  Promptly at 9:00 a.m., the polls were declared closed.  Only seven votes were cast.  It appears that the seven votes were cast by the "knowing ones" . . . . 

The Democratic Convention was held that evening as in previous years.  As one might expect, however, during the day word trickled out that the primary vote had been held that morning and that Frank Lyon had been elected County Committeeman while W. A. McGalliard, Charles A. Barker, and several others had been elected to the Town Democratic Committee.

The entire Town was abuzz throughout the day with the news that the "knowing ones" had pulled a fast one in an apparent effort to take control of the upcoming Town Democratic Convention scheduled for later that evening.  When the Convention opened, Pelham's rank and file Democrats packed the old Town Hall.  Indeed a crowd gathered for a little good old-fashioned entertainment.  What next happened to the rank and file Democrats reportedly "took their breath away."  

Frank Lyon acted as Chair of the convention.  Lincoln White acted as Secretary.  The Town Committee and the Convention promptly endorsed the entire Republican Ticket to run on the Democratic ticket for Town offices (except the candidate for Tax Collector and two Town Constables).  In the case of Tax Collector, the Committee and the Convention endorsed Charles A. Barker for the candidacy -- one of those who had participated in the shenanigans.  

The crowd was furious and let out a chorus of hisses.  As the crowd hissed, the Chair quickly declared the Convention closed.  Only then did the room settle enough for rank and file Democrats to demand another session.  With the Convention closed, however, "it was too late and the party must abide by the action of the convention."

It was, according to one local newspaper, "one of the most remarkable primaries ever held."  Only in Pelham, only in Pelham folks. . . . . . 

The Old Town Hall on Fifth Avenue Where Today's Town

Hall Stands.  Here the Democratic Convention Following

the Primary Vote on March 14, 1898 Took Place.

NOTE:  Click on Image to Enlarge. 

Please exercise your right today, dear Pelham, and vote!

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Immediately below is the text of a newspaper article about the events that form the basis of today's article.  It is followed by a citation and link to the source.

"PELHAM'S QUEER PRIMARY AND CONVENTION.
-----
A CONFUSING PRIMARY CALL RESPONSIBLE.
-----
The Republican Ticket Practically Endorsed.
-----

The Democrats of Pelham held their primary Monday.  It was in more than one sense of the term the most curious meeting ever held in that old town.  The call for the meeting read from '8 to 9 o'clock.'

It did not state whether this was to be a.m. or p.m. and a majority of the party took it for granted that it would be p.m. as the convention was advertised to be held on the same day.

However, a few of the knowing ones had all arrangements made, and at 8 o'clock in the morning the polls were declared open and voting for County Committeeman, Town Committee, and delegates to the Town Convention was begun and candidates for these offices chosen.

It is reported that when the polls closed at 9 o'clock there had been just seven votes cast.

Frank Lyon was elected to the County Committee, and the Town Committee was made up of W. A. McGalliard, Charles A. Barker, and several others.

The primary naturally formed the topic of conversation on the street of this quiet little town and when evening came a crowd gathered in the old Town Hall.  Frank Lyon acted as chairman of the convention and Lincoln White, Secretary.

What surprised the rank and file more than anything else, and almost took their breath away, was the endorsing of the entire Republican ticket with the exception of Tax collector and for this office Charles Barker was named.

The constables nominated were Democrats.

When the ticket was named a round of hisses went over the room.  Several Democrats protested after the convention adjourned and threatened to call another session but the time had gone by, it was too late and the party must abide by the action of the convention.

It was one of the most remarkable primaries ever held."

Source:  PELHAM'S QUEER PRIMARY AND CONVENTION -- A CONFUSING PRIMARY CALL RESPONSIBLE -- The Republican Ticket Practically Endorsed, Mount Vernon Daily Argus [Mount Vernon, NY], Mar. 15, 1898, Vol. XXIV, No. 1816, p. 1, col. 6.

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More on the Women's Suffrage Movement in Pelham During the Early 20th Century

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Tomorrow is Election Day 2016!  Pelhamites will join fellow Americans to line up at local polling places to vote in the 2016 presidential election as well as a host of additional state and local contests.  Thus, it seems timely to remember Pelham women who fought for their right to vote in such elections during the early 20th century.  I have written about the women's suffrage movement in Pelham before.  See Fri., Oct. 09, 2015:  The Woman's Suffrage Movement in Pelham During the Early 20th Century.

The 19th amendment to the United States Constitution, known as the woman's suffrage amendment, was ratified by Tennessee on August 18, 1920.  Tennessee was the 36th state to ratify the amendment, bringing the total number of ratifying states to the necessary three-fourths.  The presidential election of 1920 was the first presidential election during which women in all states were eligible to vote for president.

Though women had been battling for the right to vote since at least the 1840s, the movement gained even more momentum during the early years of the 20th century.  Pelham women were very active in that movement.  Today's posting to the Historic Pelham Blog, in celebration of Election Day, tells a little more of the story of the battle by the women of Pelham to secure their right to vote in presidential elections.

After years of comparatively modest successes and intense advocacy by the woman's suffrage movement, things kicked into high gear in 1913.  That year, famed suffragists Alice Paul and Lucy Burn formed the Congressional Union (later renamed the National Women's Party).  Its mission was to prompt the nation to enact an amendment to the Constitution to give women the vote.  The organization picketed the White House and practiced forms of civil disobedience to bring even more attention to the cause.

That same year, members of the Equal Franchise League of Pelham likewise ramped up their efforts in support of the cause.  For example, a contingent of Pelham women from the league joined fellow suffragists from New Rochelle and Larchmont to march in a huge parade of 10,000 suffrage activists, men and women, up Fifth Avenue in New York City.  Over half a million people turned out on the streets of the city to watch the massive march that reportedly was inspired by women who marched in protest during the inauguration of Woodrow Wilson as President about two months earlier in Washington, D.C.  During that inaugural day parade, the suffragists were spit upon and attacked by angry anti-suffragists in the crowd.  Despite fears that the same might occur in New York City, the Pelham suffragists joined the march.

Suffrage Parade in Which Pelham Women Marched

Heading North on Fifth Avenue at 26th Street on May

10, 1913.  Source:  H. H. Russell, "Ten Thousand Women

March for the Right to Vote" in New York Public Library

Digital Gallery.  NOTE:  Click on Image to Enlarge.

Mrs. Henry Dey of Pelham, the President of the Equal Franchise League of Pelham, was among the bearers of a banner paraded in front of the marchers from Pelham, New Rochelle, and Larchmont.  Among the many who marched from Pelham were Mrs. Henry Dey, Mrs. Remington Schuyler, Miss Gertrude Schuyler, Mrs. P. T. Talboys, Miss Eleanor Mills, as well as others.  The women wore white dresses and wore the "regulation white straw roll crown hats" trimmed with yellow ribbons and yellow cockades. 

The marchers did not suffer like their comrades in Washington, D.C.  The most difficult occurrence of the march witnessed by the Pelham women, according to a local newspaper, actually was quite comical.  Along the parade route, a group of women who were anti-suffragists had arranged for a large storefront to display an anti-woman's suffrage message.  The crowd along the street in that area, including the anti-suffragists who gathered there, was so large that the crowd blocked any view of the storefront window.  To make matters more comical, the suffragists fighting for women's right to vote arranged a display in a second story window directly above the storefront window (and the crowd of female anti-suffragists gathered there).  The second story display included a large image of a hand with its finger pointing downward at the crowd with the message "They say home is woman's place; then what are the antis doing here."

Also in 1913, local suffragists gathered for the first annual Suffrage Convention in the Second Assembly District of New York.  Local suffragists including Pelham suffragists participated not only in the first annual convention, but also each successive annual convention thereafter.  For example, in 1914 the second annual convention was held on Monday, April 21 and Tuesday, April 22 at the Woman's Club in Mount Vernon.

Members and leaders of the various suffragette "Campaign Districts" taught a "Suffrage School" in the morning of the first day of that second annual convention.  There were classes on such topics as plans for the upcoming summer campaign to support women's suffrage, dealing with members of the press, an overview of the work of the Political Equality League, another suffrage organization, and the use of suffrage propaganda in support of the cause at the district level.

A variety of speakers addressed the second annual convention during the remainder of the day and the evening of the first day as well as all day on the second day.  Several members of the Pelham Equal Franchise League spoke during the convention.  Mrs. Henry Day, president of the Pelham Equal Franchise League, spoke about the work and plans of the Pelham league.  Mrs. Joan Secor spoke on the evolution of the Tuesday Afternoon Club in Pelham Manor into an active women's club known as the Manor Club.  Mrs. Gilbert Roe of Pelham addressed the convention on "Woman and the Law."

At the close of the gathering, the convention re-elected Mrs. Leigh French, of New Rochelle, president; Mrs. Henry Dey, of Pelham, vice-president, and Miss Augusta Leyendecker, of New Rochelle, treasurer."

Throughout these years, woman's suffrage parades and banner hangings continued.  In Pelham, a local newspaper reported that in October, 1915, a suffrage banner was hung across Fifth Avenue at Fourth Street (today's Lincoln Avenue).  

That same month, on Saturday, October 23, 1915, Pelham suffragists joined 50,000 women and 2,500 men in New York City for the largest women's suffrage march up to that time.  Thirty Pelham women, members of the Pelham Equal Franchise League, marched in the parade including 70-year-old Mrs. Kate S. Hendricks of 109 Fourth Avenue in North Pelham.  According to one report, Kate Hendricks "was the oldest person in the Pelham division of the great suffrage parade in New York on Saturday.  Mrs. Hendericks walked the entire route of the parade, and afterwards said that she would gladly repeat the walk for the cause." 

Suffrage Parade in New York City on October 23, 1915.

Source:  "Suffrage Parade, NYC, Oct. 23, 1915," Library

of Congress Prints and Photographs Division, Digital ID

cph 3c32968.  NOTE:  Click on Image to Enlarge.

For the next several years, the suffrage movement in Pelham continued to grow.  Pelham women remained active on behalf of the cause.  Indeed, on Friday, February 23, 1917, members of the Pelham Equal Franchise League met at the residence of Mrs. Henry H. Myrick at 424 Pelham Manor Road.  The president of the league at that time was Mrs. Vernon Rogers.  She and the League accepted twenty-two new members at the meeting and raised pledges for $45 to support the work of the league.  

Members of the league met monthly, rotating the locations of the meetings in various members' homes.  About fifty women attended each meeting.  At most meetings there were guest speakers and a variety of lectures.  For example, on Friday, April 23, 1917, about fifty members of the league met in the home of Mrs. Harry B. Fream at 322 Sixth Avenue.  Mrs. Vernon Rogers delivered an address.  Other remarks were delivered by Mrs. Henry Dey and Mrs. Gilbert Rowe.  The league accepted eight new members.  The meeting was followed by a social session with tea served at 5:00 p.m.  The following week a "large number of women" from Pelham attended the annual convention of the Second Assembly District  suffrage organization at the Trinity Parish House in New Rochelle.

Pelham women remained active in the suffrage movement for the next few years.  With the ratification of the 19th amendment to the United States Constitution in 1920, the woman's suffrage movement had achieved its long-sought objective. Suddenly it was incumbent on women to vote in the upcoming presidential election. The League of Women Voters was created with the object of encouraging better citizenship and better government through non-partisan political education. The organization was started in 1920 and was the direct "lineal descendant of the National Woman's Suffrage Amendment Association." 

The League of Women Voters "took over the task of aiding the newly enfranchised 20 million, unpracticed in voting, to take part in the Presidential election of that year."  Within a short time, Mrs. Henry E. Dey (who had been active in the Pelham Woman's Suffrage movement and had served for a time as president of the Equal Franchise League of Pelham) established the Pelham Branch of the League of Women Voters. Mrs. Dey served in that role for many years, continuing to carry the banner for women voters in the Town of Pelham.

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"LOCAL WOMEN IN BIG PARADE
-----
MRS. LEIGH H. FRENCH HEADS EQUAL FRANCHISE LEAGUE OF THIS CITY.  --  9-YEAR-OLD MARGARET SMITH A MARCHER.
-----

Headed by Mrs. Leigh H. French, president, members of the Equal Franchise League of New Rochelle, Pelham and Larchmont, to the number of about thirty marched in the big suffrage parade in New York City on Saturday afternoon.

Other officers who headed the delegation from the League were Mrs. Walter R. Marvin, Second Vice-President, and Mrs. George Oppenheimer, First Vice-President.  Mrs. Arthur P. Kellogg, marched in the 'Magazine Section' and carried the banner.

The banner was in charge of Mrs. Arthur Garfield Hays, Mrs. Henry Dey and Mrs. George W. Tower.  Mrs. Cornelius J. Sullivan joined the parade at 34th street and other members dropped in at other points.

Little Miss Margaret Smith, aged nine, the daughter of Mrs. Walter Hutchings Smith, was the mascot of the local contingent and marched all the way.

Mrs. Kellogg represented Larchmont; Pelham was represented by Mrs. Henry Dey, Mrs. Remington Schuyler, Miss Gertrude Schuyler, Mrs. P. T. Talboys, Miss Eleanor Mills and others.

The ladies were all attired in white dresses and wore the regulation white straw roll crown hats.  The hats were trimmed by Mrs. Arthur Garfield Hays with yellow ribbons and yellow cockades.  Each representative from New Rochelle wore a yellow pennant with 'New Rochelle' in black letters.

The local suffragists were amused at the efforts made by the 'antis' to make a demonstration on Fifth avenue near 38th street, where they had engaged a large window for the occasion.  But the crowd was so great in that particular locality that the antis were not seen.  But the window directly over the antis place was occupied by suffragists and their literature while painted on the window was the representation of a large hand pointing downward and with the words in view so that the crowds could see them:  'They say home is woman's place; then what are the antis doing here.'"

Source:  LOCAL WOMEN IN BIG PARADE -- MRS. LEIGH H. FRENCH HEADS EQUAL FRANCHISE LEAGUE OF THIS CITY.  --  9-YEAR-OLD MARGARET SMITH A MARCHER, New Rochelle Pioneer, May 10, 1913, p. 1, col. 1.  

"Second Suffrage Convention
-----

The second annual suffrage convention for the Second Assembly District was held Monday and Tuesday of this week at the Westchester Woman's Club in Mount Vernon.

Mrs. Leigh French, leader of this Assembly District, provided a most interesting program.  The morning [was] occupied by the suffrage school conducted by Mrs. French, aided by Mrs. Carl Osterheld, chairman of the ninth campaign district, who spoke on 'The Summer's Work;' Mrs. W. D. Howe, of Mount Vernon, on 'The Press.'  Mrs. Arthur Stone, President of the Political Equality League, of Mount Vernon, on the work of the league, and Mrs. Jane Olcutt, organizer, on 'Suffrage Propaganda and District Organization.'

Other women of national and local prominence in the suffrage cause who spoke in the afternoon and evening were our own civic workers:  Mrs. Arthur Hays on the Junior Civic Leagues of New Rochelle, and Mrs. William Kershaw on the Spring Cleaning in New Rochelle.  They pointed out the close relation of suffrage to civic work.  Mrs. Kershaw declared that the annual clean up in New Rochelle had made converts to suffrage of anti-workers, office holders and citizens.  

Representing Larchmont, Mrs. Adams (owen Kildare) spoke on 'The Woman of the Future,' and Miss Lindsley, the President of the Equal Franchise League of Larchmont on the growth of the league.

Mrs. Henry Dey, President of the Pelham Equal Franchise League, spoke of the work and plans of this new league.  Other speakers from the Pelham League were Mrs. Secor, on the Evolution of the Literary Club Into the Woman's Club, and Mrs. Gilbert Roe on 'Woman and the Law.'

Mrs. Bjorkman, the popular suffrage speaker, discussed suffrage objections, and Miss Harriet May Mills, former State President, talked very informally and delightfully on campaign work.

Mrs. Leigh French, of New Rochelle, was re-elected President; Mrs. Henry Dey, of Pelham, Vice-President and Miss Augusta Leyendecker, of New Rochelle, Treasurer."

Source:  Second Suffrage Convention, New Rochelle Pioneer, Apr. 25, 1914, p. 6, col. 3.  

"NORTH PELHAM . . .
-----
Hang up Suffrage Banner.

A suffrage banner has been hung across Fifth avenue at Fourt street by the Pelham Equal Franchise league. . . . 

In Big Suffrage Parade.

Mrs. Kate S. Hendricks, of 109 Fourth avenue, this village, who celebrated her seventieth birthday anniversary yesterday, was the oldest person in the Pelham division of the great suffrage parade in New York on Saturday.  Mrs. Hendericks walked the entire route of the parade, and afterwards said that she would gladly repeat the walk for the cause.  The Pelhams were represented by about thirty suffragists who were led by the Pelham Equal Franchise league standard bearers; then came the officers and the members. . . ."

Source:  NORTH PELHAM, The Daily Argus [Mount Vernon, NY], Oct. 26, 1915, p. 11, col. 4.

"HAPPENINGS IN NORTH PELHAM . . . 
Suffrage Meeting.

An important meeting was held Friday afternoon by the members of the Pelham Equal Franchise League at the residence of Mrs. Henry M. Myrick, 424 Pelham Manor road, Pelham Manor.  The meeting, which was well attended, was presided over by Mrs. Vernon Rogers, president of the local league.  The members heard addresses by Mrs. Alice Duer Miller, a writer, and Mrs. Norman de R. Whithouse, chairman of the New York State Woman's Suffrage party, and Mrs. Rogers Reid, of New York.  Twenty-two new members  were admitted Friday to the Pelham league and $45 in pledges were made for the support of the work of the league.  Refreshments were served and a social time was had.  The next meeting of the league will be held on Thursday afternoon at 4:15 o'clock next week at the residence of Mrs. Rogers, 227 Corlies avenue."

Source:  HAPPENINGS IN NORTH PELHAM . . . Suffrage Meeting, The Daily Argus [Mount Vernon, NY], Feb. 26, 1917, p. 7, col. 2.  

"HAPPENINGS IN NORTH PELHAM . . . 
-----
Suffrage Meeting.

A large meeting was held last Friday afternoon at the residence of Mrs. Harry B. Fream, 322 Sixth avenue, by the members of the Equal Franchise league of the Pelhams.  The meeting was attended by about fifty women.  Addresses were given by Mrs. Vernon Rogers, of Pelham Manor, president of the league; Mrs. Gilbert Rowe, of Pelham Manor, and Mrs. Harry [sic] Dey, also of Pelham Manor.  Eight new members were enrolled and it was announced that a rare treat will be given the women of the Pelhams, on Monday afternoon, May 14, at 3 o'clock at Firemen's hall.  Miss Rose Livingston, of New York, 'Angel of Chinatown,' will speak of her work in rescuing girls in Chinatown.  A social session followed the meeting and at 5 o'clock tea was served.

Attend Meeting.

A large number of women from this village are attending the annual convention of the second assembly district suffrage organization this afternoon at the Trinity Parish house, New Rochelle."

Source:  HAPPENINGS IN NORTH PELHAM, The Daily Argus [Mount Vernon, NY], Apr. 17, 1917, p. 9, col. 4.  

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The Bitter Battle Over the Incorporation of the Village of North Pelham in 1896 Continued After The Vote to Incorporate

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One of the two or three most bitter political battles ever fought in the Town of Pelham was the "Bitter Fight" among competing factions over whether to incorporate the settlement of Pelhamville as the Village of North Pelham in 1896.  I have written before about this seminal political battle that left residents' feelings quite raw some fifty years later.  See, e.g.:

Tue., Mar. 17, 2015:  Recollections of the "Bitter Fight" To Incorporate the Village of North Pelham Published Fifty Years Later.

Mon., Oct. 27, 2014:  Pelhamville Votes to Incorporate as the Village of North Pelham in 1896.  

Tue., Jul. 01, 2014:  Why Do We Call It the Village of Pelham Instead of Pelhamville? Because We Were Duped!

Fri., Apr. 15, 2005:  How Pelhamville "Lost" Its Name! 

During the mid-1890s, many residents of Pelhamville looked longingly toward their neighbor to the south, the Village of Pelham Manor that had been incorporated in 1891.  Through taxes and issuance of bonds, the Village of Pelham Manor was engaged in a host of infrastructure improvements including road improvements, sidewalks, and even sewers.  

A large group of Pelhamville residents banded together and formed a "club" named the "Citizens' League."  The initial purpose of the Citizen's League was to support an initiative to incorporate the settlement of Pelhamville as another village within the Town of Pelham.  Almost immediately, a group of Pelhamville residents who opposed incorporation formed the "People's Party" to oppose incorporation.  Members of the People's Party were so upset with the notion of incorporation that they proposed, instead, that Pelhamville should be annexed by the City of Mount Vernon.  Members of the People's Party grew to hate members of the Citizens' League and vice versa.  

The Citizens' League, led by Otto E. Stroetzel, a local merchant and resident of Chester Park, argued that major infrastructure improvements could be funded with little or no increase in taxes by incorporating a village that then could issue bonds.  They argued that the sale of bonds would immediately fund major improvements while the combined repayment of the amortized principal with the annual interest service would lead to sufficiently-low taxes so that Pelhamville residents would feel little economic impact.  

In contrast, the People's Party, led by Pelhamville resident , argued that taxes would skyrocket and that excessive debt would choke growth of the little settlement.  They argued that if the area were annexed by Mount Vernon, the tax burden would be spread across a much larger tax base and, thus, would permit the funding of needed infrastructure improvements with much lower tax rates.

Pelhamville residents were bitterly divided.  On Saturday, August 29, 1896, a referendum on the proposal was held.  A total of 132 Pelhamville residents cast ballots.  Once counted, there were 67 ballots cast in favor of incorporation and 65 against.  Had only a single voter in favor of incorporation decided, instead, to vote against the measure, the vote would have resulted in a tie.  

An election to install village officers for the newly-incorporated Village of North Pelham was scheduled for about four weeks later.  Feelings remained so raw, however, that the Citizen's League and the People's Party continued to battle and ran two slates of candidates against each other in the election.  To make matters worse, there were initial allegations that changes in certain election laws implemented by New York State earlier in the year (1896) meant that the referendum should not have been held under an older law implemented in 1894.  According to members of the People's Party, the old law allowed any resident of majority age to vote in such a referendum but, under the new law, only taxpayers could vote.  That meant, according to the People's Party, that about fifty of the 132 ballots cast in the referendum were invalid.  The People's Party began consultations with a local lawyer to invalidate the results of the vote.  

On September 26, 1896, residents of the newly-incorporated Village of North Pelham gathered to cast ballots for officers of the new village.  The officers would serve for about six months until new elections could be held during the ordinary election cycle in March 1897.  The Citizen's League offered a slate of candidates led by Jacob Heisser for President of the new Village.  The People's party offered a slate of candidates led by Daniel Kennedy for President.  One hundred twenty five votes were cast.  What followed is nearly unbelievable.  According to one account:

"After the polls closed the tellers proceeded to count the ballots.  There were 125 votes cast.  On the first count the tellers elected Daniel J. Kennedy as President by one majority.  The tellers were requested to count the ballots again.  They did so, and found that Daniel Kennedy and Jacob Heiser [sic] were tied for President.  The ballots were counted again, and the tellers declared that Heiser was elected by one majority.  George H. McGalliard and Louis O. Young were elected trustees by one majority.  Baltis F. Crowell and Alexander Anderson, both seeking the treasureship, were tied.  The People's party will take the matter to the courts to try and have a new election held."  (See full text of article below.)

Citizen's League member and pro-incorporation Pelhamite Jacob Heisser was declared the victor and served as the first President of the new Village.  Though somewhat unclear, it appears that the People's Party filed no lawsuits, apparently because the new 1896 election law was deemed not to apply to a referendum of the sort conducted for Village incorporation.  Nevertheless, feelings continued to run high as the two opposing camps hurtled toward the new elections in the spring.    


In early March, 1897, the two opposing camps each held nominating conventions for the election.  It seems that by that time, passions had moderated and tempers had cooled somewhat.  There are indications that residents of North Pelham and members of the People's Party had settled into the notion that the decision to incorporate as a village would not be reversed.  Thus, the two opposing camps began to battle over other issues like which infrastructure improvements should be made first and whether the voters should be consulted before undertaking some of those improvements.  According to one account:


"The nominations of the Citizen's Party were made first, at a convention held Thursday evening at the Fourth avenue Parish House.  The nominees chosen are:  Jacob Heisser, president; Otto Stroetzel, trustee for two years; Thomas R. Schott, treasurer; William Edinger, collector.  Mr. Heisser and Mr. Edinger have served the village faithfully and conscientiously during their first term and this will probably secure for them a re-election.  Mr. Stroetzel, to whose indefatigabe efforts incorporation is largely due, possesses all the qualifications for an efficient trustee.  School Trustee Scott would make an excellent village treasurer.  Several resolutions were adopted at the meeting to the effect that the party favors the sewering and macadamizing of Fifth avenue and Fourth street from throughout their entire extent as the first step towards improvements and also such other improvements as the taxpayers desire.

The Peoples party held its convention on Saturday evening in the Town Hall.  The following were the candidates chosen:  Michael J. Lynch, president; Daniel J. Kennedy, trustee; Baltis F. Crewell, treasurer; John T. Logan, collector.  The chief points of the platform adopted are as follows:  That the party disapproves each resolution of the platform of the Citizens' party.  That the first improvement should be the establishing of a general grade in the village.  The next step should be to properly grade and repair each and every road in the village.  That laying of sidewalks is favored if the same are voted by a majority of the tax payers."  (See entire article quoted below.)


On Tuesday, March 16, 1897, voters gathered again to select from the candidates presented by the two opposing camps.  A total of 128 ballots were cast.  In contrast to the election held the previous September, this election resulted in a complete victory for the People's Party.  The results were described as follows:


"The following are the candidates and the number of votes received by each:  for president -- Michael J. Lynch 66, Jacob Heisser 55; for trustee -- Daniel J. Kennedy 70, Otto E. Stroetzel 51; for treasurer -- Baltis F. Crewell 67, Thomas R. Scott 54; for collector -- John T. Logan 62, William Edinger 61."  (See text of entire article included below).


The Citizen's League and the People's Party were becoming interwoven within the fabric of the politics of the newly-incorporated Village of North Pelham.  Incorporation, it turned out, was the right decision for the little settlement of Pelhamville.

Map of Pelhamville Published in 1868. Source: Beers, F.W.,

Atlas of New York and Vicinity from Actual Surveys By and

Under the Direction of F.W. Beers, Assisted By A.B. Prindle

& Others, pg. 36 (NY, NY: Beers, Ellis & Soule, 1868) (Detail

from Page 36 Map Entitled "Town of New Rochelle, Westchester

Co., N.Y. (With) Pelhamville").  NOTE:  Click on Image to Enlarge.

*          *          *          *          *

Transcribe below is the text of a host of additional articles touching on the topic of today's posting to the Historic Pelham Blog.  Each is followed by a citation and link to its source.

"PELHAM AND WOODLAWN.
-----
Pelham. . . . 
-----

THE PROPOSED INCORPORATION

CHESTER PARK, July 13th, 1896.

To the Editor of The Chronicle:

Dear Sir: -- Permit me to thank the people of Pelhamville and the Chronicle through the columns of your most estimable journal for the interest taken and the valuable support given me in my struggle to incorporate Pelhamville and that part of Chester Park belonging to the Town of Pelham.  There can be no doubt at all as to the result, now that every body has come to understand that there will be no assessments levied for improvements; that, after bonding the new village, the tax rate will be hardly any higher, and that there will be no expensive officials to pay.  The election for or against incorporation will take place on Saturday, August 29th, between 10 A.M. and three P.M., the election for village officers three weeks later, on Saturday September 19th.  Contrary to the belief of some of the taxpayers, the law provides that every voter shall take part in these elections, and not only taxpayers.

The survey and map have been ordered and will be ready for examination in about eight or ten days; the census has been taken, and according to law notices will be posted that this census, mmp and verbal description are open to public inspection at a place yet to be designated.

Permit me to say furthermore that, while our committee is sure of victory, it does not intend to go to sleep, knowing very well that we have a small but very determined minority to overcome.  While we respect the opposition of those whose opposition is based on honest conviction, and have no respect for those who oppose incorporation for selfish reasons, we intend to fight them all, tooth and nail, until the end is accomplished.

Very respectfully yours,

OTTO E. STROETZEL.

PELHAM, N.Y., July 13th, 1896.

Editor of The Chronicle:

It is to be hoped that the vigorous attempt now being made by Mr. Stroetzel and his colleagues to accomplish the incorporation of Pelhamville (as it is still familiarly called) will be staunchly backed up.  It was evident at the mass meeting, held last week, that there was an undercurrent of opposition, but after listening to the statements there made, it is difficult to see on what possible grounds this opposition is based.

Even supposing the improvements so badly needed had to be paid for by a small addition to the tax rate, the benefits reaped in an increased value of land for residential purposes, would make it a splendid business bargain.  But, on the contrary, it was clearly shown by reference to Pelham Manor, that a thoroughly general and efficient system of improvements in roads, sidewalks, lights, &c., could be had and paid for by a bond issue, the yearly interest charge for which would be less than is now paid for the spasmodically poor attempts of the past few years.

Surely, if the issue is studied fairly and thoughtfully, every resident, be he owner or renter, trademan or wage earner, must feel that the argument for incorporation is all one way.

With the village incorporated and improvements made, outsiders will be attracted and instead of being  kind of 'Sleepy Hollow' this place will take that position in the rank of suburban residential places, which its beautiful natural advantages fully entitle it to.  And the undoubted pecuniary gain to property owners accruing, should make them a solid unit in the endeavors now being made to bring it about.

Yours obediently, 

SUBURBAN."

Source:  PELHAM AND WOODLAWN -- Pelham, The Chronicle [Mount Vernon, NY], Jul. 17, 1896, p. 3, col. 3.  

"PELHAM AND WOODLAWN
-----
Pelham.
-----

The Incorporation Committee has issued  circular entitled 'Why should you vote for incorporation of North Pelham?'  It is an excellent treatise on the matter of incorporation and plainly foretells the benefits and advantages to be derived from such an incorporation.  In it the question of how to secure improvements, such as good roads, sidewalks, drainage, sanitation and lighting, is asked, and is answered in the following extract:

'First -- You can get greater improvements under present conditions by simply increasing your tax levy.  But the burden of immediate payment would make this course unjust and intolerable.

'Second -- You can get them by annexation to Mount Vernon.  But the system of assessments for improvements in vogue there would be as burdensome.  Undoubtedly, great advantages would follow annexation, but how about immediate benefit?  Would you not be somewhat in the position of the residents in the districts recently annexed to New York, who have immediate taxation with remote benefits?

'Third -- You can have village incorporation as now advocated.  After incorporation as now advocated.  After incorporation you can raise by the issue of bonds, sufficient funds to make all necessary improvements, such as roads, sidewalks, etc., at once, under your own direction, and therefore, exactly as you wish them done.  The yearly interest charge on bonds will be less than we now pay for repairs.  Therefore, you should vote for incorporation.'

The election is held next Saturday from 10 A.M. to 3 P.M."

Source:  PELHAM AND WOODLAWN -- Pelham, The Chronicle [Mt. Vernon, NY], Aug. 21, 1896, No. 1755, p. 3, col. 3.  

"PELHAM AND WOODLAWN
-----
Pelham.
-----
INCORPORATION VICTORIOUS.
-----
It Was a Close Vote, But It Means That North Pelham Will Soon be a Village.
-----

It is now North Pelham.  Saturday the question of local incorporation was decided in the affirmative by the small majority of two votes.  132 ballots were cast, 67 being for and 65 against.  The election was conducted by Supervisor Shinn and Town Clerk Caffrey, the polls being open from ten in the morning until three in the afternoon.

During that time both the incorporators and the anti-incorporators worked hard in bringing out the voters.  Many business men staid [sic] home all day in order to vote and help their side to win.  In the afternoon the contest became exceedingly interesting and the outcome was awaited with eagerness and ill forbodings.  When the votes were counted however there was a loud hurrah by the victors.

Mr. Otto E. Stroetzel, President of the Citizen's League, who instituted the movement, and the committee in charge, deserve special praise for their untiring and successful efforts.

The election of officers will be held sometime before the 18th inst.  The complement of officers consists of a president, three trustees, a treasurer and a clerk, the last of which is appointed.  For the office of president, the names of Mr. O. E. Stroetzel and Dr. Charles A. Barker have been mentioned, but no caucuses have been held yet to nominate tickets of which there will be at least two. . . . 

Since Saturday evening a beautiful American flag has been floating from the tower of MMr. Stroetzel's handsome home in Chester Park, to commemorate the incorporation victory."

Source:  PELHAM AND WOODLAWN -- Pelham -- INCORPORATION VICTORIOUS -- It Was a Close Vote, But It Means That North Pelham Will Soon be a Village, The Chronicle [Mount Vernon, NY], Sep. 4, 1896, p. 3, col. 3.  

"WESTCHESTER COUNTY.
-----
A Village Election.

To-day an election of officers for the newly incorporated village of North Pelham is being held in the town hall at that place.  There are two tickets in the field, one comprising those who favor incorporation, and known as the citizens' party candidates, and the other is called the People's ticket and was organized by the anti-incorporation voters.  As both parties have nominated prominent men an exciting contest is generally looked for."

Source:  WESTCHESTER COUNTY -- A Village Election, The Evening Post [NY, NY], Sep. 26, 1896, p. 20, col. 6.  

"THE COUNTY. . . . 

TO-DAY'S ELECTION IN NORTH PELHAM. -- The recently incorporated village of North Pelham will have its first election of officers, this afernoon.  There are two tickets in the field -- one supported by those who favored incorporation, and the other by those who were opposed to it."

Source:  THE COUNTY, The Statesman [Yonkers, NY], Sep. 26, 1896, Vol. XIII, No. 3945,  p. 4, col. 4.  

"COUNTING IN NORTH PELHAM.
-----
With 125 Ballots Cast the Tellers Can't Decide the Election.

MOUNT VERNON, N. Y., Sept. 26. -- The first election of village officers in the town [sic] of North Pelham ws held to-day in the Town Hall, and it created great excitement.

A month ago the citizens held an election and voted for incorporation of the town [sic] of North Pelham by two majority.  The citizens in favor of annexation formed a league which they called the People's party.  Those in favor of incorporation formed a club which they named the Citizens' League.  To-day both leagues had tickets in the field.  The polls opened at 9 A.M. and closed at 4 P.M.  After the polls closed the tellers proceeded to count the ballots.  There were 125 votes cast.  On the first count the tellers elected Daniel J. Kennedy as President by one majority.

The tellers were requested to count the ballots again.  They did so, and found that Daniel Kennedy and Jacob Heiser were tied for President.  The ballots were counted again, and the tellers declared that Heiser was elected by one majority.  George H. McGalliard and Louis O. Young were elected trustees by one majority.  Baltis F. Crowell and Alexander Anderson, both seeking the treasureship, were tied.  The People's party will take the matter to the courts to try and have a new election held."

Source:  COUNTING IN NORTH PELHAM -- With 125 Ballots Cast the Tellers Can't Decide the Election, The Sun [NY, NY], Sep. 27, 1896, Vol. LXIV, No. 27, p. 9, col. 2.

"PELHAM AND WOODLAWN.
-----
Pelham. . . . 

Those who were opposed to incorporation have engaged S. J. Stilwell as counsel to have the election declared void on the ground that it is illegal, having been conducted under the laws of 1894 instead of 1896.  The difference between these laws is that in the latter one, only taxpayers are qualified to vote while formerly all residents were entitled to cast a ballot.  The anti-incorporators were defeated in the first village election, they electing only one trustee and a treasurer.  They are therefore rather disgruntled and desire to upset the whole thing.  The prime movers in the matter are ex-Judge Vincent Barker, defeated candidate for village trustee, Justice F. M. Lyon, Town Clerk Caffrey and others.  Those who uphold incorporation claim upon legal advice that the election will stand."

Source:  PELHAM AND WOODLAWN -- Pelham, The Chronicle [Mt. Vernon, NY], Nov. 13, 1896, No. 1767, p. 3, col. 3.  

"NEW ROCHELLE. . . .

The faction which was opposed to the incorporation of the village of North Pelham is making arrangements to have the recent election of village trustees set aside.  It is alleged that over fifty persons voted who were not taxpayers.  The proposition for incorporation was carried by a plurality of one vote."

Source:  NEW ROCHELLE,   N.Y. Tribune, Jan. 23, 1897, Vol. LVI, No. 18332, p. 10, col. 6. 

"THE COUNTY. . . . 

NOT SETTLED YET. -- The North Pelham village incorporation election is not settled yet.  The faction which was opposed to the measure is taking steps to have the election set aside, on the ground that over 50 persons who cast votes were not taxpayers.  The measure was carried by a plurality of only one vote."

Source:  THE COUNTY, The Yonkers Statesman [Yonkers, NY], Jan. 23, 1897, Vol. XIV, No. 4044,  p. 4, col. 4.  

"PELHAM AND WOODLAWN.
-----
PELHAM. . . . 

The Approaching Election.

The second election of the Village of North Pelham will be held on Tuesday next at the Town Hall, the polls being open from 1 P. M. until sunset.  The candidates for the four offices which will be vacant were not nominated until the latter part of last week.  They are given below.

The nominations of the Citizen's Party were made first, at a convention held Thursday evening at the Fourth avenue Parish House.  The nominees chosen are:  Jacob Heisser, president; Otto Stroetzel, trustee for two years; Thomas R. Schott, treasurer; William Edinger, collector.  Mr. Heisser and Mr. Edinger have served the village faithfully and conscientiously during their first term and this will probably secure for them a re-election.  Mr. Stroetzel, to whose indefatigabe efforts incorporation is largely due, possesses all the qualifications for an efficient trustee.  School Trustee Scott would make an excellent village treasurer.  Several resolutions were adopted at the meeting to the effect that the party favors the sewering and macadamizing of Fifth avenue and Fourth street from throughout their entire extent as the first step towards improvements and also such other improvements as the taxpayers desire.

The Peoples party held its convention on Saturday evening in the Town Hall.  The following were the candidates chosen:  Michael J. Lynch, president; Daniel J. Kennedy, trustee; Baltis F. Crewell, treasurer; John T. Logan, collector.  The chief points of the platform adopted are as follows:  That the party disapproves each resolution of the platform of the Citizens' party.  That the first improvement should be the establishing of a general grade in the village.  The next step should be to properly grade and repair each and every road in the village.  That laying of sidewalks is favored if the same are voted by a majority of the tax payers.

Mr. Lynch is at present one of the Town Commissioners of Highways with which office he has been connected for a number of years.  Mr. Kennedy who was defeated for president last year by one vote, will undoubtedly make a strong run.  Mr. Crewell has very ably looked after the duties of the treasurer since his election.  Mr. Logan, who was defeated for collector last year, has been renominated."


Source:  PELHAM AND WOODLAWN . . . The Approaching Election, The Chronicle [Mount Vernon, NY]., Mar. 12, 1897, p. 3, col. 3.  


"PELHAM AND WOODLAWN.
-----
People's Ticket Victorious.


The election of the Village of North Pelham on Tuesday was a complete victory for the People's Party, its full ticket being chosen.


The polls opened at one o'clock and closed at 6:04 P.M.  The total vote cast was 128.  The election was conducted by Trustees McGalliard and Young and Village Clerk Case.  The balloting was done in a quiet and orderly manner.


The following are the candidates and the number of votes received by each:  for president -- Michael J. Lynch 66, Jacob Heisser 55; for trustee -- Daniel J. Kennedy 70, Otto E. Stroetzel 51; for treasurer -- Baltis F. Crewell 67, Thomas R. Scott 54; for collector -- John T. Logan 62, William Edinger 61.


The entire vote -- 128, exceeded that of last year by three."


Source:  PELHAM AND WOODLAWN -- People's Ticket Victorious, The Chronicle [Mount Vernon, NY], Mar. 19, 1897, p. 3, col. 3. 

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