More on the Early History of Chester Park in North Pelham

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In 1891, William T. Standen, an actuary with the United States Life Insurance Company, and his wife, Elizabeth G. Standen, owned much of the land we know today as Chester Park in the Village of Pelham.  At the time, the land was located just north of an unincorporated section of the Town of Pelham known as Pelhamville. 

Though Standen worked in the headquarters of United States Life Insurance Company located at 261 Broadway in New York City, he and his wife had a residence on the lands they owned in the Town of Pelham.  They called their residence "The Homestead."  The Homestead was located north of today’s Pine Avenue between Maple Avenue and upper Pelhamdale Avenue.  By May of 1891, the Standens had decided to subdivide their land and develop it as “Chester Park”.  In May and June of that year, the lands were surveyed for the purpose of creating a subdivision map for development purposes.

Standen worked hard to prepare the area for an initial auction of 85 lots to be held on August 11, 1891.  

The auction was deemed a failure.  I have written before about the failure to sell many lots during the auction.  See Mon., Feb. 27, 2017:  Why Did an Early Auction of Chester Park Lots Fail in 1891?  In short, the auction failed for a number of reasons including oppressive heat that day, the timing of the auction during the peak Summer vacation period, and sale restrictions requiring quick construction of an expensive home on any lot purchased that made it difficult for land speculators simply to buy and flip lots. Indeed, it took Elizabeth and William Standen quite some time to realize their dream of accumulating wealth from subdividing and selling their land.

Today's Historic Pelham Blog article reproduces the text of two brief newspaper articles.  One touts the upcoming sale on August 11, 1891.  The second published several months after the failed auction, is actually a real estate advertisement for the development that is styled as an "article" regarding the history of, and points of interest in, the area.  The first article is particularly interesting because it includes descriptions of the way the original native granite piers placed at entrances to the development and at the corners of the public green in the center of the development looked at the time and describes the views from the development.

The second article is interesting because it purports to tie Chester Park to local incidents during the American Revolutionary War and to historic White Plains Road which was nearly a half a mile away from the property.  To make matters more fascinating, the "article" appears in the real estate advertisement section of the newspaper and is an apparent effort to attract history lovers to consider purchasing Chester Park properties.

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

"CHESTER PARK N. Y.,
-----
TO BE SOLD IN LOTS UNDER JUDICIOUS RESTRICTION.
-----
Only Thirty Minutes from the Grand Central Depot -- Free Water Laid -- Some of the Advantages Pointed Out -- Inducements to Invest.

Do you know anything about Chester Park, on the line of the New Haven railroad, near Pelhamville station, thirty minutes from Grand Central depot?

By 'anything' is meant of course the advantages of Chester Park as a home 'for the highest enjoyment of country life.'  It has been designed for this express purpose and the park is probably the handsomest private residence centre in Westchester county.  Electric lighting, an ample water supply, magnificently macadamized roads and sidewalks are among the many advantages of this essentially charming spot.  The Park has three entrances from the public highway, viz:  Pine avenue to the north, Willow avenue to the south and Central avenue between them, at which is located the main entrance.  The entrance piers and receding walls are built of very handsome native granite and are imposing in size and of excellent workmanship. . . . They are surmounted by very large bronze vases, which in the proper season will be decorated by the best art of the florist.  In the largest piers are inserted terra cotta medallions with the name 'Chester Park,' while on the smaller piers are similar medallions with date of construction of the Park, 1890.

In the centre is a plot of about two acres, which is, and will be for all time, reserved as a place of recreation for all residents of the park.  There is a handsomely decorated green with ornamental piers, surmounted by vases at each of its eight corners.  At the eastern end, facing the main entrance, the whole width of the green forms a handsome terrace, with a flight of steps leading up to the green.

Chester Park location is exceptional.  Its westerly boundary is a strip of wood standing on a steep declivity leading to the Hutchinson river.  Looking south the Park gives a view of the village of Pelhamville and the railroad depot, while north and northeastward the country is diversified and very picturesque.  Then, too, there is an abundant supply of purest water, which is secured by an artesian well of enormous capacity.  The water pipes lead to every lot, and the use of the water is free to all who purchase lots.  It should be stated that the sale of lots is restricted in the interest of perfect home comfort and privacy, and with the desire of forming a choice community, with every surrounding of elegance and enjoyment.  Wm. T. Standen, the owner, desires it known that anyone visiting the park will be driven over and back from Pelhamville, free of charge, by an arrangement with John F. B. Smyth, auctioneer.  The building lots will be sold at the real estate auction room, No. 59 Liberty street, New York, on tuesday, Aug. 11 next."

Source:  CHESTER PARK N. Y. -- TO BE SOLD IN LOTS UNDER JUDICIOUS RESTRICTION -- Only Thirty Minutes from the Grand Central Depot -- Free Water Laid -- Some of the Advantages Pointed Out -- Inducements to Invest, The Brooklyn Citizen, Aug. 2, 1891, p. 2, col. 2 (Note:  Paid subscription required to access via this link).

"THE HISTORICAL WHITE PLAINS ROAD.
-----

One of the most historical roads in this section of the country is the old White Plains road, which is the backbone of the lower portion of Westchester county.  During the time of the American Revolution it was the scene of some of the most active and desperate military movements of that eventful period.

Along this road the Continental and the British forces marched, countermarched [sic], and contended in their persistent efforts for supremacy.  Less than half a mile east of this interesting road lies Chester Park, upon which both nature and art have been lavish in their gifts, and which thus lies in the very midst of a scene teeming with historical incidents of intense interest to the lovers of American freedom.

Standing upon the elevated Public Green, which is set aside for the recreation and amusement of residents of Chester Park, the eye takes in a wide range of hills and valleys to the north, to the south, and to the east.  From this picturesque spot it is not difficult for the imagination to call up the spectres of the past, while the eye takes in the walls and bushes beyond which rebels or Tories so long ago lay in ambush or sought concealment; and any movement on the brow of a hill may bring to the mind's eye the form of the immortal Washington deep in the study of some strategic plan surveying the military possibilities of the surrounding country or hastening to rejoin the patriotic forces whose labors were so soon to be crowned with victory.

The location of Chester Park is intensely picturesque, and is as near to the depot as is desirable, while it is sufficiently distant to escape the noise, dirt, and confusion usually inseparable from a railroad station.  Being only 30 minutes from Grand Central Depot, it has been laid out to suit the interests of New York merchants, manufacturers, business men, and men generally of fairly comfortable incomes who desire to be within easy reach of the city.  The building sites are quarter acre plots or larger.  Those who either desire 'summer residences' or 'all year country houses,' so near to the city and absolutely free from the annoyances that are generally incident to country life, cannot do better than make a visit to Chester Park.

Take either the 10:03 or 11:08 A. M., or the 12:08, 1:03, 2:03, or 3:06 P. M. train on the New Haven Railroad from the Grand Central Depot.  The station agent at Pelhamville will furnish carriages free of charge to those who desire to inspect this beautiful Park.  For maps, views, and further particulars address THOS. G. BROTHERTON, box 30, Pelhamville, N. Y."

Source:  THE HISTORICAL WHITE PLAINS ROAD, The Sun [New York, NY], Nov. 22, 1891, p. 11, col. 3 (Note:  Paid subscription required to access via this link).

Detail from 1893 Map Showing Layout of Chester Park.

Source:  Bien, Joseph R., "Towns of Westchester and Pelham

(With) Villages of Westchester and Unionport. (With) Village of

Pelhamville" in Atlas of Westchester County, New York

Prepared Under the Direction of Joseph R. Bien, E.M.,

p. 3 (NY, NY:  Julius Bien & Co., 1893).  NOTE:  Click

on Image to Enlarge.

*          *          *          *          *

I have written extensively about the history of Chester Park.  For more, see:

Bell, Blake A., History of Chester Park in the Village of Pelham, The Pelham Weekly, Vol. XIII, No. 46, Nov. 19, 2004, p. 10, col. 1.

Mon., Feb. 27, 2017:  Why Did an Early Auction of Chester Park Lots Fail in 1891?

Tue., Jun. 20, 2017:  Farm Versus Village: Gamber's Animal Menagerie on Maple Avenue in North Pelham During the 1930s.

Tue., Mar. 13, 2018:  House Fire in Chester Park Revealed Bootleg Still in 1935, Nearly Two Years After the End of Prohibition.

Wed., Jan. 17, 2018:  Sanborn Map Company Employees Began Working in Pelham Before the Company Map Factory Was Completed in 1906.

Thu., Sep. 29, 2016:  Famed Broadway and Silent Film Actress Elita Proctor Otis Lived In Chester Park, Pelham.

Wed., Jun. 08, 2016:  Attack on Son of Chester Park Founder William T. Standen in 1894.

Tue., Mar. 22, 2016:  Auction of Chester Park Lands in Pelhamville in 1892. 

Thu., Jul. 23, 2015:  The Home at 45 Maple in Chester Park Built to Serve as a Church. 

Tue., Mar. 24, 2015:  An Early Description of Efforts to Open Chester Park Published in 1891. 

Wed., Jul. 16, 2014:  Final Auction of Remaining Lands of the Pelhamville Land and Homestead Association in 1898. 

Mon., Jun. 19, 2006:  Court Decision Issued in 1894 Sheds Light on Finances Behind the Development of Chester Park in the Early 1890s.

Tue., Jun. 06, 2006:  More Early Photographs of Chester Park Recently Donated to The Office of The Historian of The Town of Pelham. 

Mon., Jun. 05, 2006:  More Early Photographs of Chester Park Recently Donated to The Office of The Historian of The Town of Pelham. 

Fri., Jun. 02, 2006:  Several of the Early Photographs of Chester Park Recently Donated to The Office of The Historian of The Town of Pelham. 

Thu., Jun. 01, 2006:  Early Photographs of Chester Park Among Materials Donated to The Office of The Historian of The Town of Pelham. 

Archive of the Historic Pelham Web Site.
Home Page of the Historic Pelham Blog.
Order a Copy of "The Haunted History of Pelham, New York"
Order a Copy of "Thomas Pell and the Legend of the Pell Treaty Oak."

Why Did an Early Auction of Chester Park Lots Fail in 1891?

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

In 1891, William T. Standen, an actuary with the United States Life Insurance Company, and his wife, Elizabeth G. Standen, owned much of the land we know today as Chester Park in the Village of Pelham.  At the time, the land was located just north of an unincorporated section of the Town of Pelham known as Pelhamville. 

Though Standen worked in the headquarters of United States Life Insurance Company located at 261 Broadway in New York City, he and his wife had a residence on the lands they owned in the Town of Pelham.  They called their residence "The Homestead."  The Homestead was located north of today’s Pine Avenue between Maple Avenue and Pelhamdale Avenue.  By May of 1891, the Standens had decided to subdivide their land and develop it as “Chester Park”.  In May and June of that year, the lands were surveyed for the purpose of creating a subdivision map for development purposes.

Standen worked hard to prepare the area for an initial auction of 85 lots to be held on August 11, 1891.  Today's posting to the Historic Pelham Blog tells the story of that first auction sale of Chester Park lands.

By July, 1891, Standen was ready to move forward.  He arranged an energetic New York City auctioneer to peddle eighty five lots.  The auctioneer was John B. F. Smyth who had an office at 69 Liberty Street in New York City, next to the "Real Estate Auction and Sales Room" located at 59 to 65 Liberty Street, usually referenced as "the Exchange."  The auction was scheduled to take place at the Exchange on Tuesday, August 11, 1891 at 12:00 noon.  

Beginning as early as July 21, 1891, a host of notices advertising the upcoming auction began to appear in nearly all New York City and nearby regional newspapers.  There were three basic forms of notices, examples of each appearing below.  

The advertisements touted the new development as the new location of "magnificent Villa Sites" in a new settlement with "[m]acadamized roads, streets lighted by electricity, water laid free on every lot, a splendidly ornamented Public Green of about two acres for the pleasure and recreation of residents of Chester Park."  The advertisements further emphasized that Chester Park was only "half an hour of the Grand Central Depot."  

The newspaper advertisements appeared repeatedly in many of the same newspapers for the next three weeks, with several published in New York City newspapers the day before the auction.

Prior to the auction, maps of the new development and "further particulars" were available either from the auctioneer or from the "Manager" of the new development, Thomas G. Brotherton, a brother of local Pelhamville grocer Loftus Brotherton.  Anyone who wished to visit the development prior to the auction was offered free stagecoach transportation from the Pelhamville station on the New Haven Main Line to Chester Park and back.

On the day of the auction, it was brutally hot in New York City.  The temperature reached 95 degrees.  Disappointingly, only a dozen or so prospective purchasers showed up for the auction at the Exchange.  At the appointed time, auctioneer John B. F. Smyth began his energetic efforts to sell 85 lots in Chester Park, each roughly a quarter-acre.  

Within a short time, the auction was ended, an abject failure.  After trying to sell about twenty of the eighty-five lots, the auction ended with only six of the lots actually sold.  The remaining 79 lots remained unsold.  Completion of the auction would have to wait until later.

New York City newspapers reported the failure.  One said:

"An effort that was made to force the sale of some very desirable property last week resulted in such a flat failure that it is not likely to be repeated at once.  The property -- known as the Chester Park -- near Pelhamville, would at any other time have been snapped up at prices which would at least have paid the advertising bills in addition to the cost of the plot.  It was offered in quarter-acre lots, and had been well advertised, but there were not above a dozen would-be purchasers present, and of about a score of lots knocked down under the hammer, only six or so were actual sales."

The same New York City newspapers conducted autopsies and analyses of precisely why such "desirable" properties failed to sell.  The newspapers, however, could not agree.  One argued that properties such as those in the new Chester Park development in Pelhamville typically were purchased by real estate investors who hoped to resell the properties at a profit.  However, during the hot month of August, many of those same investors were on their Summer vacations and, thus, unavailable.  As The New York Times noted:

"The cause was perfectly apparent.  There is no present demand for property for investment purposes.  The class of people who might with reason be relied upon to buy property of the kind offered last Thursday are now for the most part absent on their Summer vacations, and are paying precious little attention to real estate trading."

A rival newspaper, the New York Herald, had an entirely different explanation for the failure.  According to the Herald, the lots were sold pursuant to restrictions that required buyers to build a home or cottage on the land worth at least $4,000, considered an "expensive" home at the time (roughly $132,000 in today's dollars).  As the Herald put it:

"What really put a stop to that sale was the restrictions compelling wage earners and citizens to put on the plots they were asked to buy cottages and houses of no less value than $4,000 each."

The reasons for the failure of the first auction of Chester Park land, of course, may have been a combination of factors including the oppressive heat, the timing of the auction during the peak Summer vacation period, and restrictions that might make it difficult for land speculators simply to buy and flip lots.  Nevertheless, it quickly became clear to Elizabeth and William Standen that their dreams of accumulating wealth from subdividing and selling their land might take quite some time.

Detail from 1893 Map Showing Layout of Chester Park.

Source: Bien, Joseph R., "Towns of Westchester and Pelham

(With) Villages of Westchester and Unionport. (With) Village of

Pelhamville" in Atlas of Westchester County, New York

Prepared Under the Direction of Joseph R. Bien, E.M., p. 3

(NY, NY: Julius Bien & Co., 1893). NOTE: Click on Image to Enlarge.

*          *          *          *          *

July 31, 1891 Notice of August 11 Auction of Chester Park Lots.

Source:  CHESTER PARK [Auction Notice], The Chronicle

[Mount Vernon, NY], Jul. 31, 1891, p. 2, col. 6 (Note:  Text transcribed

immediately below to facilitate search).  NOTE:  Click on Image to Enlarge.

"Chester Park.
On line of New Haven Railroad, near Pelhamville Station, within half an hour of the Grand Central Depot.
-----
AUCTION SALE of magnificent Villa Sites in this Park will be held at The Real Estate Auction and Sales Room,
59 to 65 Liberty Street, New York City,
--ON--
Tuesday, August 11th, 1891,
AT NOON, BY JOHN B. F. SMYTH, Auctioneer.

Visitors purposing to inspect this Park will be supplied with a vehicle free of charge to them by the Station Agent at Pelhamville.  Macadamized roads, streets lighted by electricity, water laid free on every lot, a splendidly ornamented Public Green of about two acres for the pleasure and recreation of residents of Chester Park, are among its many special attractions which can only be thoroughly appreciated by a personal inspection, which is earnestly invited.

For maps and further particulars, address John B. F. Smyth, Auctioneer, 69 Liberty street, New York city, or Thomas G. Brotherton, Manager, Chester Park, Pelhamville, Westchester County, N. Y."

August 7, 1891 Notice of August 11 Auction of Chester Park Lots.

Source:  CHESTER PARK [Auction Notice], The Evening Post

[NY, NY], Aug. 7, 1891, p. 6, col. 5 (Note:  Text transcribed immediately

below to facilitate search).  NOTE:  Click on Image to Enlarge.

"JOHN F. B. SMYTH, Auctioneer,
Will sell at the Real-Estate Exchange, 50 Liberty Street, at 12 o'clock noon,
TUESDAY, Aug. 11, 1891,
'CHESTER PARK,'
The handsomest residence park in Westchester Co.
-----
85 magnificent villa sites, situated on beautiful wide avenues and streets in
CHESTER PARK, N.Y.,
In the towns of
PELHAMVILLE AND NEW ROCHELLE.
-----
Only 30 minutes from Grand Central Depot via the New Haven Railroad.
-----
SPECIAL COMMUTATION RATES,
-----
VERY LIBERAL TERMS.
-----
TITLES GUARANTEED TO PURCHASERS.
-----
Stages will convey visitors from Pelhamville station over the Park free of charge.
-----

Send for maps and particulars to 
JOHN F. B. SMYTH, 69 Liberty St., New York."

August 9, 1891 Notice of August 11 Auction of Chester Park Lots.

Source:  CHESTER PARK [Advertisement], New York Herald

[NY, NY], Aug. 9, 1891, p. 3, col. 1 (Note:  Text transcribed immediately

below to facilitate search).  NOTE:  Click on Image to Enlarge.

"A. -- A. -- A. -- 
CHESTER PARK.
-----
THE HANDSOMEST RESIDENCE PARK IN WESTCHESTER COUNTY, N. Y.
-----
JOHN F. B. SMYTH, Auctioneer,
-----
WILL SELL AT THE REAL ESTATE EXCHANGE,
50 Liberty st., at 12 o'clock noon.
-----
TUESDAY, August 11, 1891,
-----
85 magnificent VILLA SITES, beautifully located on fine wide avenues and streets, at
-----
CHESTER PARK, N. Y.,
-----
In the towns of Pelhamville and New Rochelle, only 30 minutes from Grand Central Depot, via New Haven Railroad.
-----
Special commutation rates.
Very liberal terms.
Titles guaranteed to purchasers.
-----
Commodious stages will meet visitors at Pelhamville Station and convey them over and around the Park free of charge.
-----
Send for maps and particulars to
-----
JOHN F. B. SMYTH, 69 Liberty st., New York."

"VERY BRISK FOR SUMMER IS THE REALTY MARKET. . . .

Chester Park will be offered for sale to-morrow by John F. B. Smyth at the Exchange.  This sale will determine the status of the suburban realty market, now so attractive to investors.  Over eighty villa sites in large avenues are to be sold in the towns of Pelhamville and New Rochelle.  According to announcement in yesterday's HERALD the terms of sale will be liberal. . . ."

Source:  VERY BRISK FOR SUMMER IS THE REALTY MARKET, New York Herald, Aug. 10, 1891, p. 7, col. 5.  

"LYING ON THEIR OARS.
-----
REAL ESTATE MEN WAITING FOR THE DULL PERIOD TO CHASE.

A significant feature of the real estate market for more than two months past is that nearly all the foreclosure sales have resulted in the property being bought in by the mortgagee, where the sale was not postponed for want of a purchaser or because the mortgagee did not feel like taking his chances in such a desperate market.  Owners and operators alike seem to be lying on their oars, waiting for the advent of a long-expected break in the period of dullness.  Owners who are able to hold their property -- and there appear to be but few in the city now who are unable to hold on -- have given up looking for purchasers in the prevailing condition of the market.

An effort that was made to force the sale of some very desirable property last week resulted in such a flat failure that it is not likely to be repeated at once.  The property -- known as the Chester Park -- near Pelhamville, would at any other time have been snapped up at prices which would at least have paid the advertising bills in addition to the cost of the plot.  It was offered in quarter-acre lots, and had been well advertised, but there were not above a dozen would-be purchasers present, and of about a score of lots knocked down under the hammer, only six or so were actual sales.

The cause was perfectly apparent.  There is no present demand for property for investment purposes.  The class of people who might with reason be relied upon to buy property of the kind offered last Thursday are now for the most part absent on their Summer vacations, and are paying precious little attention to real estate trading.  The sale is postponed for three weeks, when it is proposed to try it again. . . ."

Source:  LYING ON THEIR OARS -- REAL ESTATE MEN WAITING FOR THE DULL PERIOD TO CHASE, N.Y. Times, Aug. 16, 1891, p. 20, col. 2 (Note:  Paid subscription required to access via this link).  

"REAL ESTATE SALES DULL IN HOT WEATHER.
-----
Few People Are Buying Property as an Investment Unless They Actually Need It.
-----
SUBURBAN RESTRICTIONS.
-----
Wage Earners Reluctant to Make Purchases Which Bind Them to Build Costly Houses.
-----

A commodity like real estate, which is not subject to daily fluctuations like commodities on other markets, cannot be active in a season like the present.  Hence last week's operations in the real estate market were of little account.  A few sales were made up town to those eager to take advantage of the prevailing dull season, but the market in general showed no animation whatever.

The absence of activity was most noticeable on the Exchange throughout the week.  Some excellent parcels were offered under decrees of foreclosure, when a shrewd speculator could have found a chance to make a good turn; yet in almost every instance property of this kind went to the plaintiff in the action.  At this season of the year no one desires to purchase property unless he actually needs it.

Another very instructive lesson was given during the past week.  Auctioneers generally will take note of it.  In fact, some have already done so.  Aside from the fact that the thermometer on the Real Estate Exchange marked 95 degrees when the Chester Park lots were being sold energetically by Auctioneer John F. B. Smyth, nevertheless there was another reason that led to the withdrawal of over fifty plots from Chester Park, near Pelhamville.

What really put a stop to that sale was the restrictions compelling wage earners and citizens to put on the plots they were asked to buy cottages and houses of no less value than $4,000 each.

RESTRICTIONS IN SUBURBAN SALES.

The experiences of the Dobbs' Ferry sale a month ago, which was a pronounced failure and where sharp restrictions were the conditions of sales, ought to have been of value to the managers of the Chester Park property.  

The fact of the matter is that in selling suburban properties there should be no restrictions.  The leading buyers at such sales are wage earners anxious to secure good lots at auction prices.  They will not buy when they are told that they must build an expensive cottage or home.

It is right that in settled localities on Manhattan Island proper such restrictions should be imposed, but no suburban property, however eligible, can as yet claim that prerogative and expect even market values for its plots and lots. . . ."

Source:  REAL ESTATE SALES DULL IN HOT WEATHER -- Few People Are Buying Property as an Investment Uness They Actually Need It -- SUBURBAN RESTRICTIONS -- Wage Earners Reluctant to Make Purchases Which Bind Them to Build Costly Houses, New York Herald, Aug. 17, 1891,  p. 9, col. 2.  

*          *          *          *          *

I have written about the history of Chester Park on numerous occasions.  For more, see:

Bell, Blake A., History of Chester Park in the Village of Pelham, The Pelham Weekly, Vol. XIII, No. 46, Nov. 19, 2004, p. 10, col. 1.

Thu., Sep. 29, 2016:  Famed Broadway and Silent Film Actress Elita Proctor Otis Lived In Chester Park, Pelham.

Wed., Jun. 08, 2016:  Attack on Son of Chester Park Founder William T. Standen in 1894.

Tue., Mar. 22, 2016:  Auction of Chester Park Lands in Pelhamville in 1892. 

Thu., Jul. 23, 2015:  The Home at 45 Maple in Chester Park Built to Serve as a Church. 

Tue., Mar. 24, 2015:  An Early Description of Efforts to Open Chester Park Published in 1891. 

Wed., Jul. 16, 2014:  Final Auction of Remaining Lands of the Pelhamville Land and Homestead Association in 1898. 

Mon., Jun. 19, 2006:  Court Decision Issued in 1894 Sheds Light on Finances Behind the Development of Chester Park in the Early 1890s.

Tue., Jun. 6, 2006:  More Early Photographs of Chester Park Recently Donated to The Office of The Historian of The Town of Pelham. 

Mon., Jun. 5, 2006:  More Early Photographs of Chester Park Recently Donated to The Office of The Historian of The Town of Pelham. 

Fri., Jun. 2, 2006:  Several of the Early Photographs of Chester Park Recently Donated to The Office of The Historian of The Town of Pelham. 

Thu., Jun. 01, 2006:  Early Photographs of Chester Park Among Materials Donated to The Office of The Historian of The Town of Pelham. 

Archive of the Historic Pelham Web Site.

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

Attack on Son of Chester Park Founder William T. Standen in 1894

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

In 1891, William T. Standen, an actuary with the United States Life Insurance Company, and his wife, Elizabeth G. Standen, owned much of the land we know today as Chester Park in the Village of Pelham.  At the time, the land was located just north of an unincorporated section of the Town of Pelham known as Pelhamville.  

Though Standen worked in the headquarters of United States Life Insurance Company located at 261 Broadway in New York City, he and his wife had a residence on the lands they owned in the Town of Pelham.  They called their residence "The Homestead."  

The Homestead was located near the extreme northern end of today's Chester Park.  By May of 1891, the Standens had decided to subdivide their land and develop it as “Chester Park”.  In May and June of that year, the lands were surveyed for the purpose of creating a subdivision map for development purposes.

"The Homestead," Residence of William T. Standen,

The Founder of Chester Park, Ca. 1890s. Source:

Courtesy of The Office of The Historian of The Town of

Pelham from a Mildewed Board of Photos Donated in
that Condition to the Town of Pelham.

NOTE:  Click on Image to Enlarge.

There was an odd and sad incident in the early history of Chester Park in the Town of Pelhm in 1894.  It involved 16-year-old George Standen, a son of the founders of Chester Park, William T. Standen and his wife, Elizabeth.  The incident sheds light on the rough, risky, and rural nature of the area shortly after the founding of Chester Park. 

Within view of The Homestead was a large, undeveloped, and cultivated field where the family grew fruits and berries.  The detail from a map published in 1899 immediately below shows the location of The Homestead and the field.

Detail from 1893 Map Showing Layout of Chester Park. Source:

Bien, Joseph R., "Towns of Westchester and Pelham (With) Villages

of Westchester and Unionport. (With) Village of Pelhamville" in Atlas

of Westchester County, New York Prepared Under the Direction of

Joseph R. Bien, E.M., p. 3 (NY, NY: Julius Bien & Co., 1893).

NOTE: Click on Image to Enlarge.

On the afternoon of Thursday, August 9, 1894, Elizabeth Standen was seated on the veranda of The Homestead in view of the field where she grew berries and other fruits.  She noticed a man carrying a pail walk into her field and begin to pick her berries.  While Mrs. Standen did not stop the children of Pelhamville from entering the field and eating her berries, she was unhappy with a strange man harvesting her berries without her permission.

Elizabeth Standen shouted to her sixteen-year-old son, George, to go to the field and ask the man to stop picking her berries.  George was in the house with one of his young companions named Jimmy.  George and Jimmy walked toward the field to ask the man to leave.

As the pair neared the man, Jimmy recognized the intruder as Vincent Barker and warned George Standen "You'd better not say anything to him or he'll half kill you.  Nobody das'n't say anything to the Barkers here."  

Vincent Barker was a long-time, early resident of the little settlement of Pelhamville.  At various times he served as a high-ranking official of the local Fire Department.  Apparently, however, he and members of his family were known as difficult and intimidating people.  

While his friend, Jimmy, stayed back, sixteen-year-old George Standen approached the man and asked him to stop picking the berries, saying:  "This is our field, and my mother sent me here to ask you not to pick our berries.  We need them all ourselves."

Without saying a word, Vincent Barker turned and smashed young George in the face with his fist.  George fell to the ground "like a log," his jaw badly smashed and dislocated.  Barker grabbed a heavy stick from the ground, stood over the injured boy and cursed and threatened him.  Little Jimmy took off running for his life.  Barker noticed him and threw the stick at Jimmy, then began chasing him.  Jimmy was too fast and escaped.

Barker returned to George Standen who had struggled to his feet and was holding his face while moaning and stumbling toward his house.  Barker trailed the injured boy, cursing and threatening him, "threatening him with worse if he ever interfered with any of the Barker family again."  Finally, Barker stormed off, "leaving the boy to get home as best he could."

Elizabeth Standen had seen the attack and rushed to her son, helping into the house and summoning a doctor.  The physician said the blow could have killed the boy.  Elizabeth summoned her husband, an actuary in New York City.  William T. Standen swore out a criminal complaint and lodged it with nearby Eastchester authorities who issued a warrant for Barker's arrest.  Standen further announced he would file a civil suit against Barker.

Neighbors warned William Standen that if he pursued the matter, Vincent Barker would seek revenge.  Standen was not afraid.  He said:  "I will take chances with the Barkers, . . . and if I meet Vincent Barker I won't be the one to get out of the way.  They have terrorized respectable people long enough, and while I am not a fighting man, I don't propose to be terrorized or intimidated."

Diligent research so far has not revealed how the story ended.  No record yet has been found of the criminal proceeding, the civil lawsuit (if it was filed), or any further developments.  

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Below is the text of the article on which today's posting to the Historic Pelham Blog is based.  It is followed by a citation and link to its source.

"VINCENT BARKER'S BLOW.
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HE NEARLY KILLS THE SON OF ACTUARY STANDEN.
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The Lad Was Assaulted for Remonstrating with Barker for Picking His Father's Berries -- A Warrant Out for Barker.

A common complaint made by the residents in the vicinity of New Rochelle is that there is insufficient protection afforded to them in their property rights.  A certain class of residents that have lived there a long time have come to regard themselves as privileged to trespass and even to steal, and any attempt to convince them to the contrary is likely to result in physical harm to the would-be convincers.  In Pelhamville, near New Rochelle, there has been a great deal of trouble lately.

Now the village has become aroused over an alleged assault by Vincent Barker on a son of William T. Standen, the actuary of the United States Life Insurance Company, and it is probable that the matter will end disastrously for Barker, as nearly all the other residents of the place are backing up Mr. Standen in his efforts to bring the assailant to account.  

That part of Pelhamville known as Chester Pakr is owned by Mr. Standen, whose house is near its edge.  Within view of the house is a large cultivated field belonging to Mrs. Standen, in which grow fruits and berries.  So popular is this with the children of the village that the owners have been able to get very little fruit from it for their own use.

On Thursday afternoon, as Mrs. Standen was sitting on the veranda, she saw a man with a large tin pail go down the road and turn in at the field where the berries were.  While Mrs. Standen does not grudge the children of the village any fruit they may want to pick and eat, she does draw the line at having people go to her property with pails which they intend to fill from her berry patch.  Calling her 16-year-old son George she said to him:

'Some strange man has just gone into our berry patch with a pail, George.  I wish you would go down and tell hi we want those berries for ourselves.'

George set out for the field, and with him went an 11-year-old boy called Jimmy.  The Standens do not know his last name.  The two boys on nearing the field recognized the man as Vincent Barker, and Jimmy said to his companion:

'You'd better not say anything to him or he'll half kill you.  Nobody das'n't say anything to the Barkers here.'

'Well, he's got no right in our field,' said young Standen, sturdily.  'I'll ask him to go out, any way, and if he won't go then we'll go back.'

While Jimmy kept at a respectful distance, George walked up to the man who was picking berries and said:

'This is our field, and my mother sent me here to ask you not to pick our berries.  We need them all ourselves.'

Without saying a word Barker, it is said, turned on the boy and hit him a terrific blow in the face with his fist.  Then he seized a heavy stick from the ground and stood over the boy, who had fallen like a log, cursing and threatening him.  Young Standen lay quiet where he had fallen, stunned by the blow.  The other boy, with an exclamation of fright, started to run, and thus attracted the attention of Barker, who hurled the stick at him and started in pursuit.  But Jimmy was too swift for the man, who soon gave up the chase and returned to his victim.

By this time Standen had recovered sufficiently to get to his feet, and with his hands to his face, moaning with pain, was staggering toward the house.  Barker followed him for a distance, threatening him with worse if he ever interfered with any of the Barker family again.  Finally he went away, leaving the boy to get home as best he could.  Mrs. Standen, who had seen part of the occurrence, had run to meet her son, and took him into the house.  She was greatly alarmed, and sent immediately for a physician, who, after an examination, found that the boy's jaw had been dislocated by Barker's blow.  The physician said that the blow must have been a terrible one, and might have resulted in death had it landed a few inches away, on the temple.  Mr. Standen was sent for, and, on learning from Jimmy, his son's companion, of what had taken place, he sent to East Chester and swore out a warrant for Barker.  When the details of the assault became known in the village a great many people called on Mr. Standen and urged him to push the case, all having some story to tell of the reign of terror established by the Barkers.  They warned Mr. Standen, however, that he was likely to be assaulted at any time by the Barkers.  Mr. Standen is built like a man who is able to take care of himself.

'I will take chances with the Barkers,' he told his neighbors, 'and if I meet Vincent Barker I won't be the one to get out of the way.  They have terrorized respectable people long enough, and while I am not a fighting man, I don't propose to be terrorized or intimidated.'

He will bring a civil suit, as well as criminal action, against his son's assailant.  Young Standen is still suffering greatly, and cannot speak or eat any solid food.  Up to yesterday noon, Barker had not been found."

Source:  VINCENT BARKER'S BLOW -- HE NEARLY KILLS THE SON OF ACTUARY STANDEN -- The Lad Was Assaulted for Remonstrating with Barker for Picking His Father's Berries -- A Warrant Out for Barker, The Sun [NY, NY], Aug. 11, 1894, p. 8, col. 3 (NOTE:  Paid subscription required to access via this link.).  

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I have written about the history of Chester Park on numerous occasions. For more, see:

Bell, Blake A., History of Chester Park in the Village of Pelham, The Pelham Weekly, Vol. XIII, No. 46, Nov. 19, 2004, p. 10, col. 1. 

Tue., Mar. 22, 2016:  Auction of Chester Park Lands in Pelhamville in 1892.

Thu., Jul. 23, 2015:  The Home at 45 Maple in Chester Park Built to Serve as a Church.

Tue., Mar. 24, 2015:  An Early Description of Efforts to Open Chester Park Published in 1891.

Wed., Jul. 16, 2014:  Final Auction of Remaining Lands of the Pelhamville Land and Homestead Association in 1898. 

Thu., Jun. 01, 2006:  Early Photographs of Chester Park Among Materials Donated to The Office of The Historian of The Town of Pelham. 

Fri., Jun. 2, 2006:  Several of the Early Photographs of Chester Park Recently Donated to The Office of The Historian of The Town of Pelham. 

Mon., Jun. 5, 2006:  More Early Photographs of Chester Park Recently Donated to The Office of The Historian of The Town of Pelham. 

Tue., Jun. 6, 2006:  More Early Photographs of Chester Park Recently Donated to The Office of The Historian of The Town of Pelham. 

Mon., Jun. 19, 2006:  Court Decision Issued in 1894 Sheds Light on Finances Behind the Development of Chester Park in the Early 1890s.

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