The Celebration of Arbor Day in the Town of Pelham in the Nineteenth and Early Twentieth Centuries

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Happy Arbor Day Pelham!  In recent years, the State of New York has recognized the last Friday in April as Arbor Day.  The first Arbor Day celebration in the United States is generally believed to have been celebrated on April 10, 1872 in Nebraska City, Nebraska.  Some sources claim that on that day over one million trees were planted in Nebraska.  Because the Arbor Day holiday promotes a better future through tree planting and tree care, its celebration long has centered around young people including students, Boy Scouts, and Girls Scouts.  

According to one source (quoted in full below):

"The first observance of Arbor Day in this State [New York] under the law of 1888, took place May 3, 1889.  More than half of the school districts of the State . . . [celebrated] the day by planting trees about school grounds.  In nearly every case the planting was accompanied by interesting literary exercises."

Pelham has a long tradition of celebrating Arbor Day.  During the 1920s, 1930s, and 1940s, Arbor Day celebrations in Pelham were common and were widely reported in local newspapers.  Pelham schoolchildren planted trees.  Local Pelham Boy Scouts followed suit. Such plantings typically were accompanied by patriotic songs, presentation of the Colors, speeches, poem-readings, essay contests and essay-readings, and more.

Today's posting to the Historic Pelham Blog collects and transcribes a number of news stories about the celebration of Arbor Day in the little Town of Pelham.  Happy Arbor Day!  

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Below is the text of a number of news articles about Arbor Day celebrations in Pelham.  Each is followed by a citation and link to its source.

"OUR NEARBY NEIGHBORS. 
----- 
Pelhamville. . . .

Arbor day was observed with appropriate exercises on Friday last.  Following is the programme: 

Saluting the Flag..........................School 
Robin Red Breast........................Elmer Anderson 
Morning Call...............................Chorus 
Ginger Tree................................Harry Stone 
What to Plant.............................Fritz Ernst 
Song of Liberty..........................Chorus 
Historical Trees..........................By several 
Briar Rose.................................Evelyn Waugh 
Arbor Day March......................Chorus 
Surprise.....................................Susie Owens 
Sir Robin...................................Leonard Glover 
Violets.......................................Mary Whalen 
Brave Old Oak..........................Chorus 
Little Nut People........................Agnes Ernst 
Secret........................................Alice Miller 
Supposing..................................Bertie Glover 
Naughty Pussy...........................Gracie I. Wright 
America....................................Chorus 
Tree planting.............................John Campbell 
The Brave Rabbit......................John Marvel 
Star Spangled Banner................Chorus . . ."

Source:  Our Nearby Neighbors - Pelhamville, The Chronicle [Mount Vernon, NY], May 10, 1894, p. 4, col. 1.

"Arbor Day April 17th In Pelhams 
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Friday, April 17 has been designated as Arbor Day in the Pelhams, in a proclamation issued this week by Dr. Frank P. Graves, Commissioner of Education.

Public School children of the Pelhams, following the custom of previous years will plant trees on that day."  

Source:  Arbor Day April 17th In Pelhams, The Pelham Sun, Mar. 20, 1925, Vol. 16, No. 3, p. 1, col. 6.  

"Twenty Trees Planted.

As an Arbor Day observance, Pelham Scouts planted twenty trees about the Scout Cabin site on the old Polo Grounds Saturday April 18th.  Troops 1 and 4 tied in the contest and Scout T. Kasmer, Troop 3 received honorable mention for bringing in the specimen showing the best preparation and care for transplanting.  The planting was in charge of Vice-President Remington Schuyler and Deputy Commissioner Stacy Wood."  

Source:  Twenty Trees Planted, The Pelham Sun, May 1, 1925, Vol. 16, No. 9, p. 3, col. 1.  

"Pelham Girls Receive A. B. Degrees At Wells
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Miss Odelein Pearce President of Senior Class Delivers Arbor Day Address
-----

Three Pelham girls received their A. B. degrees on Tuesday from Wells College, Aurora, N. Y. They were Miss Odelein Pearce, of Roosevelt avenue, Miss Kathrine King, of the Esplanade and Miss Eloise White, of Nyac avenue.

Miss Pearce was president of the Senior Class and delivered the Arbor Day address on Monday before the entire college and the guests assembled for the Commencement Exercises.  Miss Pearce played the part of Orsino, Duke of Hyria, in the performance of 'Twelfth Night,' given as part of the Commencement activities.  Miss King and Miss White also took part in the performance for which Miss White was chairman of the costume committee.

Miss Pearce was graduated from Pelham Memorial High School in 1924 and Miss White in 1925.  Miss King was graduated from the Lenox School in New York."

Source:  Pelham Girls Receive A. B. Degrees At Wells -- Miss Odelein Pearce President of Senior Class Delivers Arbor Day Address, The Pelham Sun, Jun. 15, 1928, p. 7, col. 4.  

"TREES PLANTED ON ARBOR DAY AT HUTCHINSON
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Prize Money Won in Essay Contest Used to Purchase Two Trees for School Campus.
-----

In observance of Arbor Day, Friday, May 10, the children of the Hutchinson School planted two English Hawthorn trees on the school campus to replace two which were destroyed in the ice storm of March 4.  The trees were purchased with prize money received by the school as its award in the recent Gerard Swope Essay Contests.  The planting of the trees was timely in conjunction with the project selected by the school for the essay contest,, 'Nature in Our Own Back Yards.'

The tree-planting program was conducted by Mrs. Raymond S. Deck, director of the Naturalists' Club of the school; Mrs. Mary F. Canty, teacher of the 6A Grade and Miss Jane Grinker, teacher of music.

The American Flag and the School Flag were brought on the field by the Color Guard of Scouts of the 6A Class.  The program opened with the Salute to the Flag and the singing of 'America.'

Eleanor Gillooly told 'How We Won This Money.'  Stanley Jones told 'What to do With It.'  Betty Kelly recited 'The Story of the Hawthorn Tree.'  George Jones recited an 'Introduction to Tree Poems.'  Constance Coughlin recited, 'The Tree Stands Very Straight and Still.'  John Johnson recited, 'The Friendly Tree.'  Francis Vick recited 'The Beggar Trees.'  The program closed with the singing of 'Trees' by Joyce Kilmer."

 Source:  TREES PLANTED ON ARBOR DAY AT HUTCHINSON -- Prize Money Won in Essay Contest Used to Purchase Two Trees for School Campus, The Pelham Sun, May 17, 1940, p. 5, cols. 7-8.

"ARBOR DAY.
-----

In a letter sent out by A. S. Draper, superintendent of public instruction, dated April 1, 1890, he says:  The first observance of Arbor Day in this State under the law of 1888, took place May 3, 1889.  More than half of the school districts of the State . . . [celebrated] the day by planting trees about school grounds.  In nearly every case the planting was accompanied by interesting literary exercises.  

This result was very satisfactory.  It is hoped that all districts which observed the day in 1888, may observe the day in 1889, may observe the day with still greater enthusiasm this year, and that school districts which did not observe it may be induced to inaugurate the custom on May 2, next.

While the work performed on Arbor Day cannot counteract in a sensible degree the constant inroads upon our forests, made necessary by the unceasing demands of our rapidly increasing population, the children of the commonwealth may be taught to love nature and a reverence for trees.  Wanton destruction of our forests may be stayed, and something can certainly be done through this agency to make attractive the school grounds of the State, already too long neglected.

It is hardly necessary to repeat here the general observations on this subject published in the circular of 1889.  The purpose of the law in establishing Arbor Day is commendable in every way, and its general observance throughout the State is earnestly recommended.  With the hope that pleasure and satisfaction may come to all who observe the day, and that practical results may follow, the accompanying suggestions are offered.

In some sections of our state it may be impracticable to delay the planting of trees till May 2, the day fixed by law for Arbor Day.  In such cases it is recommended that trees be planted when this work can most successfully be done, and that all districts unite in observing the day by literary exercises on the day fixed by law."

Source:  ARBOR DAY, The Eastern State Journal [White Plains, NY], Apr. 12, 1890, Vol. XLVI, No. 2, p. 2, col. 2.  

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The Pelhamville Improvement Association

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During the early to mid-1880s, the residents of the tiny little hamlet known as Pelhamville created an organization named the "Pelhamville Improvement Association."   The organization seems to have been Pelhamville's answer to the community improvement efforts of the Pelham Manor Protective Club.  Both organizations contributed mightily to the improvement of our community and bettered the lives of those Pelham citizens who lived in our Town more than 130 years ago.  

I have written about the Pelhamville Improvement Association on a number of occasions.  For examples, see:  

Mon., Apr. 19, 2010:  Early Talk of Moving the Pelhamville Train Station from its Original Location.  

Fri., Jan. 29, 2010:  News of Pelham, City Island and Pelhamville Reported on September 5, 1884. 

Thu., Dec. 03, 2009:  Pelham News on May 30, 1884 Including Allegations of Oyster Larceny and Meeting of the Pelhamville Improvement Association.   

Since no records of the Pelhamville Improvement Association have yet been located (unlike the Pelham Manor Protective Club), its history is somewhat murky.  The Pelhamville Improvement Association existed as early as 1884 and, perhaps, earlier.  See Pelhamville, The Chronicle [Mount Vernon, NY], Sep. 5, 1884, Vol. XVI, No. 782, p. 3, col. 5. The organization existed until at least 1890 and may well have existed until the Village of North Pelham was incorporated in 1896 (or even later).  It seems to have raised money for its projects and activities through "entertainments" open to the community where it charged admissions and fees.  See Pelham and City Island, The Chronicle [Mount Vernon, NY], June 3, 1887, Vol. XVIII, No. 990, p. 3, col. 2.

During the mid-1880s, meetings of the Association were held in the homes of its members.  Additionally, the Pelhamville residents who served as officers of the Pelhamville Improvement Association read like a who's who of Pelhamville Founders and early settlers.  According to one newspaper account published in May of 1884:

"A regular meeting of the Pelhamville Improvement Association was held on Monday evening, May 26th, at the residence of Mr. C. H. Meritt. After the transaction of some routine business and the adoption of a constitution and by-laws, the following officers were unanimously elected for the ensuing year. Messrs E. H. Gurney, Pres; John Bos, Vice-pres.; C. H. Meritt, Treas., Lieut. Delcombie, Sec. All further elections and appointments were left over till next meeting. The next regular meeting of the association will be held on the last Wednesday of June."

Source:  Pelham And City Island, The Chronicle [Mount Vernon], May 30, 1884, Vol. XV, No. 767, p. 3, col. 4.  

Another newspaper account published in three years later in June of 1887 indicates that the officials of the organization had changed somewhat:

"The following are the officers elect of the Pelhamville Improvement Association: President, John Bos; Vice-President, W. T. Standen; Secretary, I.C. Hill; Treasurer, A. Anderson; Executive Committee, John Britton, C. W. Bolton, David Lyon, John T. Logan, W. H. Sparks."

Source:  Pelham and City Island, The Chronicle [Mount Vernon, NY], June 3, 1887, Vol. XVIII, No. 990, p. 3, col. 2.

As its name suggests, the Pelhamville Improvement Association was involved in a wide variety of projects intended to improve the lives of Pelhamville citizens.  For example, in 1884 it was involved in planting trees throughout the village donated by Colonel Richard Lathers who owned a large swath of land part of which eventually became today's Pelhamwood.  See Pelhamville, The Chronicle [Mount Vernon, NY], Sep. 5, 1884, Vol. XVI, No. 782, p. 3, col. 5.  A little earlier than that, the Association was involved in erecting street lamps that burned oil to light the roads and walkways of the tiny little village.  Id.  

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).

The remainder of today's Historic Pelham Blog posting transcribes several 19th century newspaper articles that mention the Pelhamville Improvement Association and the work it performed on behalf of the citizens of Pelhamville.

"PELHAMVILLE.

A special meeting of the Pelhamville Improvement Association, will be held on Saturday evening, Nov. 1st, at the residence of Mr. W.H. Penfield.

The Cleveland and Hendricks Club of Pelhamville, will parade on Friday night, in Mount Vernon, under the command of Capt. A.P. Delcambie, of the 8th Regt., New York, N.G.

The petition, of Mr. Delcambie, which has been in circulation some time, to obtain the signatures of the residents, of the town of Pelham, for the purpose of having the New Haven Railroad Co. place and maintain safety bars at the Pelhamville Railroad crossing, was presented to Supervisor Hyatt, on last Monday.  We hope before long to see them in operation, a thing long needed, this crossing being considered one of the most dangerous on the road.

The Pelhamville Improvement Association intend, during the coming month, to place six more lamps, around the village and also to finish the remainder of plank walk as soon as the obstructtions are removed."

Source:  PELHAMVILLE, The Chronicle [Mount Vernon, NY],Oct. 31, 1884, Vol. XVI, No. 789, p. 3, col. 4.  

"PELHAMVILLE.

Through the efforts of the Pelhamville Improvement Society, the State Board of Health have set to work draining all the low and marshy lands in and around the above place.

The residents of Pelhamville have not, this winter, to plow [sic] knee deep through the snow, as of yore, for arrangements have been made to have the snow cleaned from the sidewalks, as occasion requires.  A few live men can make a wonderful change in any place, not even excepting Pelhamville."

Source:  PELHAMVILLE, The Chronicle [Mount Vernon, NY], Jan. 2, 1885, Vol. XVI, No. 798, p. 3, cols. 3-4.

"PELHAMVILLE.

Lyman T. Morgan has been appointed gateman [for the manual train crossing gates across Fifth Avenue] at Pelhamville.

The Pelhamville Improvement Association will hold a meeting at the residence of Mr. Bos, this evening.  

The four year old child of Mr. James Murdock, which swallowed a kernal [sic] of corn one day last week is not expected to live.  The grain of corn lodged in the larynx and all efforts to remove it has [sic] proved unavailing.

A regular quarterly session of the County Lodge of Good Templars was held in the chapel at Pelhamville on Tuesday of this week.  The attendance of delegates was quite flattering, about sixty representatives being present.  The afternoon was occupied with the usual business of such sessions; reports of committees, discussions etc., after which refreshments were served to the visitors.  In the evening there was a puplic [sic] installation of officers of the Pelhamville Lodge, followed by an entertainment of music, recitations, readings, etc."

Source:  PELHAMVILLE, The Chronicle [Mount Vernon, NY], Aug. 14, 1885, Vol. XVI, No. 830, p. 3, col. 3.

"Pelhamville

Mr. and Mrs. I.C. Hill will give a children's concert at Association Hall in Mount Vernon on the 21st of February next at 8 p.m.  It will be an operetta, of the heroes of infancy, dressed in original fashion, and will be given under the auspices of the Universalist Society of Mount Vernon.

The Pelhamville Improvement Association will meet next Wednesday evening.  At the last meeting the Road Commissioners were requested to fill up an excavation at the corner of First avenue and First street.  The matter is now in a fair way of being attended to.  The nuisance has existed some two years.

It is rumored that Mr. Charles Barker has recovered $800 damages from the Western Union Telegraphy Company, for injuries sustained by driving into a telegraph pole in Pelham Manor.  It appears that the post had been planted in the road-bed, and the company had been notified to remove it.

We do not know what has become of the Pelhamville Brass Band.  Up to last November it had great vitality.  What has become of it?

Mr. F. W. Lambert has just returned from a trip to Europe.

Mr. J.T. Ford has taken possession of his new house.

Mr. B. F. Corlies has offered to donate a plot of land to the Railroad Company if they will build the new depot to the south side of the track.  Ground will be broken on his purchase, in the spring.

Col. Lathers is laying a sewer through Winyah Park, to connect with the New Rochelle sewers.

Mr. Gregor will break ground in the spring for a new house on Second avenue.  Mr. Madorn will also break ground for a new house at the same time.  

Messrs. Heron and Kuntz have bought the Buxton property.

Mr. Robert Penfield expects to start for Albuquerque, N.M. about the 20th inst.

Mr. J. Bos, artist, was recently married to Miss Smith, sister of Lieut. Col. Smith of the 7th Regiment of New York city."

Source:  Pelhamville, The Chronicle [Mount Vernon, NY], Feb. 4, 1890, Vol. XXI, No. 1,269, p. 3, col. 3.  

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