Historic Pelham

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

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

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

----- Newspaper Description of Noisy Fourth of

July Celebration in the Town of Pelham in 1927.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Quaint Celebration in 1878

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Newspaper Advertisement for Electrical Store Burned and Destroyed

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

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

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

Text of Advertisement Transcribed Below to Facilitate Search.

Newspaper Advertisement for Sale of Fireworks at Fireworks

Stand Located, Ironically, Across the Street from the Pelham

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

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

Click on Image to Enlarge). Text of Advertisement Transcribed

Below to Facilitate Search.

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

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

Firework Stand Opposite Fire Headquarters Fifth Avenue, Pelham

SAFE AND SANE

SAFE AND SANE"

Advertisement for Sale of Fireworks in Pelham Manor for

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

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

Click on Image to Enlarge). Transcript of Text Appears

Immediately Below to Facilitate Search.

"FIREWORKS!

BIG STOCK OF ALL KINDS OF FIREWORKS TO CELEBRATE THE FOURTH

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

1927 Newspaper Advertisement for Subitsky's Firework Stand

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

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

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

Appears Immediately Below to Facilitate Search.

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

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

Assortments, $1.00 Upward

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

* * * * *

"City Island.

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

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

"City Island.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Pelham's Country Club Giants Defeated the Famed Knickerbocker Club of New York City in 1885

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One of the first sports teams organized by the members of The Country Club that operated in the Town of Pelham during much of the 1880s was the base ball club known as "The Country Club Giants." The team played a number of games during the first full year of The Country Club's operation and faced some of the same ball clubs during the 1885 season.

Research slowly has revealed much about The Country Club base ball team during the 1880s. Today's Historic Pelham Blog article documents yet more about the team.

On Wednesday, June 3, 1885, The Country Club base ball team faced one of the most storied 19th century base ball clubs of the region: The Knickerbockers based in New York City.

The Knickerbocker Base Ball Club of New York started play in 1842 and developed a formalized set of rules to govern the club and its play in 1845. Some consider the club to be the first "organized" baseball club created for regular play.

During the 1880s the Knickerbockers became regular visitors to the Polo Field of The Country Club at Pelham where they faced the Pelham nine that came to be known as The Country Club Giants. The polo grounds of The Country Club at Pelham were located on an area now within the Pelham Bay Golf Course roughly around the greens and portions of the fairways of the 10th and 17th holes of that course.

The Country Club team beat the Knickerbocker Club 37 to 34. A host of previously-described newspaper reports confirm that the previous season in 1884, The Country Club team played match games against The Knickerbocker Base Ball Club of New York and the Calumet Base Ball Club (often referenced as the "Calumeters").

The seasons of 1884 and 1885 were important and formative years in the evolving sport of "base ball." In 1884, all previous restrictions on the delivery by a pitcher were removed including the requirement that the pitcher had to face the hitter before pitching to him and had to deliver a pitch from below the shoulder. Six called balls signaled by the umpire merited a base on balls for the hitter. The following year, additional changes occurred. Chest protectors came into wider use by catchers and umpires. One portion of the bat could be flat (only one side). Home plate could be made either of marble or whitened rubber.

Pelham, it seems, played a role -- however small -- in the evolving sport of baseball in the 19th century. It is left to us, successors to 19th century Pelhamites, to try to document that role.

"THE WINNING RUN -- 'HOW IS IT UMPIRE?' -- DRAWN BY T. B.

de THULSTRUP," A Colored Engraving Showing Baseball Game

Played on August 6, 1885 Only Weeks After Members of the Country

Club Baseball Team Played the Knickerbockers on the Country Club

Polo Grounds in Pelham. Source: Harper's Weekly, Aug. 22, 1885.

NOTE: Click on Image to Enlarge.

* * * * *

"The Country Club, at Bartow-on-the-Sound, has daily the appearance of activity, and the members, who are nearly all New-York men are beginning to go out to it. Sunday is the great day of the week there, and many men prefer to spend the day at the Country Club with their male friends rather than to enjoy all the gayeties which Coney Island affords. On Wednesday a game of baseball was played on the polo grounds of the club between a nine composed of members of the Knickerbocker Club and one from the Country Club. The result of the game was the defeat of the Knickerbocker Club players by a score of 34 to 37. Last Summer the Country Club nine played a match game with the Knickerbockers and Calumeters. It is more than likely that a series of games will be played this Summer between the Country Club nine and nines formed from the members of the different clubs in this city. The wives and sisters of members can enjoy the same privileges of the club as members, and on fine mornings the tennis grounds are besieged by lady players. Miss Leavitt and Mrs. Fellowes Morgan have arranged a tennis tournament for Monday and Tuesday of this week, and a team from the ladies' club of Staten Island will contest for a series of games with the ladies of the Country Club. A large number of New-Yorkers live during the Summer in Westchester County, and they find the Country Club a source of much pleasure. On Decoration Day Mrs. Harry A Coster gave a luncheon to 40 ladies, and in the afternoon they played lawn tennis and other games. The polo matches which are held there are one of the features of the club, and there are stable accommodations for the horses of members."

Source: [Untitled], N. Y. Times, Jun. 7, 1885, p. 14, col. 3 (NOTE: Paid subscription required to access via this link).

*          *          *          *          *

I have written more than fifty articles regarding the history of baseball in Pelham and early baseball games played in the Town of Pelham during the 19th century. Below is a listing, with links, of some of the previous postings on the topic of early baseball in Pelham.

Wed., Feb. 07, 2018: Nineteenth Century Pelham Baseball Team Was Outsmarted by the New Rochelle Colored Giants Baseball Team.

Fri., Jan. 12, 2018:  More on Pelham's Shamrock Base Ball Club that Played on City Island in the 1880s.

Mon., Nov. 20, 2017:  More References to Baseball in 19th Century Pelham.

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

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

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

Mon., Feb. 13, 2017: Important Information About Early Baseball in Pelham Including a Game Against the Monitors of Brooklyn.

Wed., Jan. 11, 2017: Baseball Star Paddy Smith of Pelham.

Fri., Sep. 30, 2016: More on 19th Century Baseball in the Town of Pelham.

Thu., Jul. 21, 2016: "Base Ball" Match Played at Arcularius Hotel at Pelham Bridge in 1875.

Thu., Feb. 18, 2016: More on the Storied History of 19th Century Baseball in Pelham.

Tue., Dec. 15, 2015: The 1894 Baseball Season in Pelham, New York.

Tue., Sep. 22, 2015: Two Newly-Discovered 19th Century Accounts of Baseball Played in Pelham.

Thu., Jun. 18, 2015: More Early References to 19th Century and Early 20th Century Baseball in Pelham.

Mon., Apr. 06, 2015: Early Baseball Game Played by Pelham Team in 1866.

Mon., Dec. 22, 2014: Rare 1889 Photograph of Baseball Players Playing on Pelham Field.

Wed., Nov. 26, 2014: More Early References to Baseball Played in Pelham.

Thu., Nov. 13, 2014: Baseball Crowds in Pelham Got Out Of Hand in 1896.

Fri., Sep. 12, 2014: Reference to an 1884 Baseball Game Between the Country Club of Pelham and Calumet.

Thu., Jul. 31, 2014: Fascinating Account of Baseball Game Played at Pelham Bridge in 1878.

Mon., Jul. 28, 2014: Additional 19th Century References to Baseball Being Played in Pelham.

Tue., Apr. 08, 2014: More 19th Century References to Baseball in the Town of Pelham.

Fri., Mar. 28, 2014: Earliest Evidence Yet! Baseball Was Played in Pelham Only Months After the Civil War Ended.

Thu., Mar. 20, 2014: 19th Century Baseball in Pelham - Newly-Discovered References.

Tue., Feb. 16, 2010:  Photograph of Only Known 19th Century Women's Baseball Team in Pelham, New York.

Thu., Jan. 28, 2010:   News About Pelham Manor and Pelhamville in 1895 - Lighting Districts, Gas for the Village, Baseball and More.

Tue., Dec. 15, 2009:  Baseball Games Played by the City Island Beldenites and the City Island Rivals in 1884.

Mon., Dec. 14, 2009:  Baseball Games Played by the City Island Shamrocks in 1889.

Fri., Dec. 11, 2009:  Earliest Reference Yet to Baseball Played in Pelham.

Thu., Dec. 10, 2009:  More 19th Century Baseball and Firefighting References.

Wed., Dec. 9, 2009:  City Island Shamrocks Base Ball Club Changed its Name to the Minnefords in 1888.

Wed., Nov. 25, 2009:  Even More Early References to Baseball Played in Pelham.

Tue., Nov. 24, 2009:  Yet Another Reference to Early Baseball in Pelham.

Mon., Nov. 23, 2009:  Additional Brief Accounts of Baseball Played in Pelham in the 19th Century.

Fri., Nov. 20, 2009:  More Accounts of Early Baseball Played in Pelham.

Fri., Nov. 13, 2009:  1894 Account of Developments in Pelham Including a Reference to a Baseball Game Played that Year.

Thu., Nov. 12, 2009:  More Early References to Baseball Played in Pelham.

Wed., Sep. 30, 2009:   Score of June 1, 1887 Baseball Game Between the Country Club and The Knickerbocker Club.

Fri., Mar. 20, 2009:   Another Reference to 19th Century Baseball in Pelham.

Tue., Mar. 4, 2008:   Another Brief Reference to 19th Century Baseball in Pelham.

Mon., Nov. 26, 2007: Box Score of a Baseball Game Played on Travers Island in Pelham Manor in July 1896.

Wed., Nov. 21, 2007: Baseball on Travers Island During the Summer of 1897.

Fri., Jul. 20, 2007: Account of Early Baseball in Pelham: Pelham vs. the New York Athletic Club on Travers Island in 1897.

Fri., Nov. 10, 2006: The Location of Another Early Baseball Field in Pelham.

Mon., Oct. 9, 2006:   Reminiscences of Val Miller Shed Light on Late 19th Century Baseball in Pelham and the Early Development of the Village of North Pelham.

Thu., Mar. 23, 2006: Baseball Fields Opened on the Grounds of the Westchester Country Club in Pelham on April 4, 1884.

Tue., Jan. 31, 2006: Another Account of Baseball Played in Pelham in the 1880s Is Uncovered.

Thu., Oct. 6, 2005:   Does This Photograph Show Members of the "Pelham Manor Junior Base Ball Team"?

Thu., Sep. 15, 2005: Newspaper Item Published in 1942 Sheds Light on Baseball in 19th Century Pelham.

Thu., Feb. 10, 2005: New Discoveries Regarding Baseball in 19th Century Pelham.

Bell, Blake A., Baseball in Late 19th Century Pelham, The Pelham Weekly, Vol. XIII, No. 17, Apr. 23, 2004, p. 8, col. 2.

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Labels: 1885, base ball, Baseball, Baseball Team, Country, Country Club, Country Club Baseball Team, Country Club Giants, First Pelham Country Club, Recreation, Sports, The Country Club, The Country Club at Pelham

Nineteenth Century Pelham Baseball Team Was Outsmarted by the New Rochelle Colored Giants Baseball Team

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The New Rochelle Colored Giants was an African American baseball team that played throughout the region during the late 1890s and early 1900s. In 1897, the Colored Giants played two notable games against Pelham baseball teams that were talked about -- and written about -- for the next thirty years. Today's Historic Pelham details the two games and attempts to place them in historic context.

In 1897, the Colored Giants of New Rochelle (also known at the time as the "Ivanhoe Giants of New Rochelle" and the "Ivanhoes") were managed by a man named Bill Green. Green later was described as "the official village ash collector" in New Rochelle. Bill Green was gray haired with a mustache and "dressed his best" whenever his team played "usually with high hat and cane." Green later was described as one who "had money and was very liberal with his team."

As one might expect given the times, Bill Green and his team routinely were subjected to intolerant racism that would shock the conscience today. The team and its accomplishments were belittled. Spectators in the region, including Pelhamites, treated the team with disrespect and laughed at its members. According to J. Gardner Minard who wrote about the team condescendingly thirty years later during the late 1920s, "Their antics were a scream and convulsed the spectators who overlooked their playing ability." People in the region mocked the idioms, language, dialects, and accents of the various members of the team. Yet, Bill Green and his Colored Giants of New Rochelle persevered and played hard against many of the best teams in the area.

Two of the better teams in the area in 1897 were based in Pelham: the Pelham Manor Field Club, based in the Village of Pelham Manor, and the Pelham Athletic Club, based in the Village of North Pelham. Of the two, the North Pelham team was the stronger and, indeed, was a formidable baseball force in the region. The Pelham Manor Field Club, however, was no slouch. It could hold its own on the baseball diamond.

On Saturday, May 29, 1897, the Pelham Manor Field Club played the New Rochelle Colored Giants. The Ivanhoes beat the Pelham Manor team by a score of 23 to 20.

It was not unusual in the 19th century for baseball clubs in the region to place advertisements in local newspapers soliciting games with local teams. Bill Green and his team were so proud of the victory over the Pelham Manor Field Club, that when they placed such advertisements in local newspapers after the game, they reportedly boasted in the ads that they had beaten "The Pelhams."

Some in the region misapprehended the boast that Bill Green's Colored Giants had beaten The Pelhams. They thought it meant Green and his team had beaten the Pelham Athletic Club, one of the best teams in Westchester County at the time. Consequently, a group of "worthy teams" offered "some very liberal" terms to Bill Green for chances to play his team at a time when admission often was charged for such games and a percentage of the gate receipts was promised to the visiting team. Some local baseball games in Pelham in those years attracted as many as seven THOUSAND spectators. See Thu., Jun. 18, 2015: More Early References to 19th Century and Early 20th Century Baseball in Pelham.

With a tinge of racism, people in Pelham could not understand "how [the Giants] managed to beat the old Pelham Manors." As J. Gardner Minard later said, it was "a mystery" how the Giants won. Yet, won they had.

Members of the Pelham Athletic Club laughed with "scorn" at those who thought it was their team that had lost to the Giants. Yet, the Club's "rooters" urged the Club to dispel the misapprehension by playing the Giants with the objective of thrashing them soundly. Additionally, according to one account, "many out of town fans believed that where there is smoke there is fire" and, thus, began to believe the Giants might be a better team than the North Pelham Club. Consequently, the Pelham Athletic Club relented and challenged Bill Green's Colored Giants of New Rochelle to a game at the baseball diamond on the grounds of the old White Hotel.

Detail from 1899 Map by John F. Fairchild Showing Location of

White Hotel Grounds. Note That Even Two Years After the Baseball

Game Referenced Above, There Still Was Nothing on the Entire

Block Except the Hotel and Outbuildings. Source: Fairchild,

John F., Atlas of Mount Vernon and Pelham, Plate 21 (John F.

Fairchild, 1899) (Lionel Pincus and Princess Firyal Map Division,

The New York Public Library). NOTE: Click on Image to Enlarge.

Members of the Pelham Athletic Club came up with a game plan. They did not intend simply to thrash the African American baseball team from New Rochelle. Rather, they intended to humiliate Bill Green and his team by mocking them during the game, then beating them badly to the delight of a crowd of laughing local spectators.

On the appointed Sunday afternoon, a "large crowd" of spectators gathered at the baseball diamond on the grounds of the White Hotel. The members of the Pelham Athletic Club swaggered about knowingly, ready to follow their "secret" plan to humiliate their opponents. Indeed, in a peacock-like effort to display confidence in their own talents, the Pelham team "started the show" by urging Bill Green -- the manager of the opposing team -- to serve as the umpire during the game.

Bill Green, of course, was taken aback by the move. Green indicated he would umpire, but only if all players agreed that "there must be no disputing" his decisions. All agreed.

The visiting Ivanhoes, of course, batted first in the top of the first inning. To the hitters' surprise, the Pelham Athletic Club pitcher simply lobbed the baseball over the plate. Each of the Giants' batters crushed the ball driving it into deep into the outfield or as blistering line drives through the infield. Whenever the ball came anywhere near a Pelham player, the player would let it roll between his legs then chase it down, turn and fire a wild throw nowhere near the necessary target.

Soon the crowd was in on the "joke" and "roared with amusement" at the antics of their hometown Pelham boys. Once the Giants had scored eight runs, the Pelham team got down to business, retired three batters, and left the field to hit in the bottom of the first inning.

In the bottom of the first inning, three Pelham batters stepped to the plate and swung wildly at each pitch, missing intentionally. Once the first three batters whiffed, the Pelham team trotted back onto the field and continued their intentionally-bad play. They allowed seven runs in the top of the second inning before retiring three batters and taking their own turn at bat. The score stood 15 to 0 as Pelham came to the plate.

It was time to put an end to the farce.

Pelham batters began pounding the baseball at the plate and "soon had the Giant legs weary chasing long drives." Pelham runners rounded the bases like a spinning top as the runs began to add up.

Bill Green began chiding his players. Yet, he stayed on top of things. He "constantly held up the game" to ask the scorer how the game stood. Slowly the Pelham score crept up -- ten runs, eleven runs, twelve runs, thirteen runs, fourteen runs. . . . .

When the score reached Giants 15, Pelham 14, umpire Bill Green raised his cane and demanded silence. Looking into the crystal blue sky with its bright sparkling sun, the sly manager of the Giants reportedly declared solemnly "Gentlemen: owing to the obscurity of the prevailing darkness and the inclemency of the weather I hereby calls this game in favor of the Ivanhoes."

A near riot followed. Angry Pelham Athletic Club players surrounded the opposing manager, screaming that not even two innings had been completed, there remained men on base, and there were no outs yet in the bottom of the second inning -- not to mention that "it was a bright sunny day on a summer afternoon without a cloud in the sky."

Bill Green must have smiled knowingly. He reminded the Pelhamites that, in appointing him the umpire, they had agreed to abide by his decisions with "no disputing." Spectators "saw the humor of the situation and many rolled on the grassy slopes of the hill convulsed with laughter." This time, however, the laughter was at the expense of the angry Pelham baseball players.

The livid Pelham players were not ready to give up. According to an eyewitness account published in The Pelham Sun thirteen years later, sly Bill Green knew exactly what to do to maintain control of the touchy situation. He complimented the Pelham players. According to the eyewitness:

"I was at that game and must confess it was highly amusing. . . . It was the Pelham team's turn at the bat in the second half of the third inning when Umpire Green called the game. Immediately it began to look as if a riot was imminent when Green said: 'Gibbing de debil his due, you Pelham boys is sure good players but the Ivanhoes is better for they done beat you.'"

When it finally became apparent that the game was indeed over, the Pelham team demanded a rematch. According to J. Gardner Minard, "Bill was too foxy and gravely announced that the Ivanhoe schedule was filled up for the season and promised solemnly that should a vacant date develop, Pelham would get first chance. The chance never came nor did Bill and his giants ever intend it should. However, it taught the Pelhams a lesson to avoid vaudeville baseball in the future."

The final record of the Ivanhoes versus Pelham teams would forever be Won 2 - Lost 0. . . .

* * * * *

"PELHAM 30 YEARS AGO
(Pelham Press, June 4, 1897). . . .

The Ivanhoe Giants of New Rochelle defeated the Pelham Manor Field Club last Saturday to the tune of 23 to 20. . . ."

Source:  PELHAM 30 YEARS AGO (Pelham Press, June 4, 1897), The Pelham Sun, Jun. 10, 1927, p. 10, cols. 1-3.

"PELHAM 30 YEARS AGO
(Pelham Press, June 4, 1897)
-----

As a baseball team, the Ivanhoe colored giants of New Rochelle were a farce. Bill Green, the official village ash collector, a little old darkey with a generous sprinkling of gray wool on his head and through his moustache, was the manager. When his team was playing, he dressed in his best, usually with high hat and cane. He had money and was very liberal with his team. Their antics were a scream and convulsed the spectators who overlooked their playing ability. How they managed to beat the old Pelham Manors is a mystery, nevertheless they celebrated the victory and even advertised in the newspapers that they had beaten the 'Pelhams.' Many thought that this meant the Pelham A. C. which was considered one of the strongest in the county and, and brought Green some very liberal offers from other worthy teams.

In spite of the fact that the Pelham A. C. laughed the claim to scorn, many out of town fans believed that where there is smoke there is fire, so finally the North Pelham aggregation urged by its rooters, arranged a game at the White Hotel grounds. 'Give them a little rope and then hang them' was the secret advice. A large crowd gathered that Sunday to see the fun and Pelham started the show by appointing Bill Green umpire. Bill calmly asked to be informed as to any ground rules and impressed upon the players that there must be no disputing his decision. The Pelhams took the field and the pitcher lobbed the ball over and the giants hit. The fielders let the ball go through their legs and after recovering it would make a wild throw while the crowd roared with amusement and the antics of the colored coachers, three or four of which surrounded first and third bases. Even the umpire in his excitement, waved his hat and cane and urged his players on.

Finally the third man was retired after the Ivanhoes had scored 8 runs. Pelham took the bat and the first three batters fanned horribly while the giants went wild. The second inning was almost like the first in that 7 giants scored before the side was retired. Then Pelham took the reins and decided that there had been enough fun to satisfy the rooters. They began slugging the ball over the field and soon had the giant legs weary chasing long drives. The Ivanhoes were worried and the umpire constantly held up the game to ask the scorer how the game stood. Green chided his men but his brain was also busy. Again he asked the score and ascertained it was 15-14. 'In whose favor?' he asked and was told Ivanhoe's. Raising his cane for silence he said 'Gentlemen: owing to the obscurity of the prevailing darkness and the inclemency of the weather I hereby calls this game in favor of the Ivanhoes.'

He was immediately surrounded by the angry Pelhams who stated that the game had not progressed two innings, there were two men on bases and none out. Also that it was a bright sunny day on a summer afternoon without a cloud in the sky. 'Gentlemen' said Bill, 'you appointed me the official umpire and you must bide by my decision. The Ivanhoes won fair and square and if you is good sports, you will take your medicine.' The crowd saw the humor of the situation and many rolled on the grassy slopes of the hill convulsed with laughter. Pelham suggested a return game but Bill was too foxy and gravely announced that the Ivanhoe schedule was filled up for the season and promised solemnly that should a vacant date develop. Pelham would get first chance. The chance never came nor did Bill and his giants ever intend it should. However, it taught the Pelhams a lesson to avoid vaudeville baseball in the future."

Source:  PELHAM 30 YEARS AGO (Pelham Press, June 4, 1897), The Pelham Sun, Jun. 24, 1927, p. 14, cols. 2-3.

"'GIBBING DE DEBIL HIS DUE'
------

Editor Pelham Sun:

I read your article a week ago [no record of the article exists today] about a baseball game between the old Pelham A. C. and the Ivanhoe Colored Giants of New Rochelle at the old White House grounds in '96. I was at that game and must confess it was highly amusing. The writer of that article, however, omitted the best part of it. It was the Pelham team's turn at the bat in the second half of the third inning when Umpire Green called the game. Immediately it began to look as if a riot was imminent when Green said: 'Gibbing de debil his due, you Pelham boys is sure good players but the Ivanhoes is better for they done beat you.'

OLD ROOTER

Pelham Manor, April 26."

Source:  "GIBBING DE DEBIL HIS DUE", The Pelham Sun, Apr. 30, 1910, Vol. 1, No. 4, p. 2, col. 2.

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

Fri., Jan. 12, 2018: More on Pelham's Shamrock Base Ball Club that Played on City Island in the 1880s.

Mon., Nov. 20, 2017: More References to Baseball in 19th Century Pelham.

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

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

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