| (1)
Train Station and Trolley |
|
Although
the New York, @New Haven & Hartford RR began operating through
Pelham in 1848 trains only stopped when signaled by a flag.
The first regularly scheduled service began in 1873 when
a ticket agent was assigned to the station that was then
on the site of the present post office. The present station
was built in 1893. At the beginning of this century, local
trolley service ran from the railroad station to Shore Road.
The trolley carrying 20 passengers, often jumped the tracks
and crashed into the rocks at the end of Pelhamdale Avenue.
The skipper performed a number of services for local residents,
not the least of which was supplying the latest news and
gossip about the community. The trolley was the inspiration
for the nationally distributed cartoon series, "Toonerville
Trolley", created by Fontaine Fox, a Pelham visitor from
Louisville, KY who rode the trolley. The comic strip ran
for nearly half a century - from 1907 to 1956. In 1937 the
trolley was replaced by a bus. On the last day of trolley
service, Pelham became "Toonerville" and residents played
the parts of the cartoon characters. Trolley rails from
a different line can still be seen on East Third Street
in Mount Vernon on the bridge over the Hutchinson River
Parkway. They are deliberately left exposed in memory of
the Toonerville Trolley.
|
| (2)
The Clocktower |
 |
| A Pelhamwood
landmark, at the comer of Harmon Avenue and Harmon Place,
was built by Clifford B. Harmon to aid in selling lots. The
clocktower was rededicated in 1975 to "honor the memory of
past, present and future Pelhamwood residents'. Extensive
restoration, including remote control units for the clock
mechanism, was donated by longtime Pelhamwood resident Helen
Leale Harper, Jr., as a 1976 Bicentennial gift to the community. |
| (3)
Railroad Overpass |
| The
overpass on Highbrook Avenue between Harinon and Lincoln Avenues,
actually located in Pelville, is a relic of the now defunct
Boston and Westchester Railroad (B&W) which incorporated in
1910. Controlled by the New York, New Haven & Hartford RR,
the B&W was intended to take over several projected electric
rail systems serving Westchester and lower New England. There
were B&W stations in the Village - at the edge of the New
Rochelle city line and on Fifth Avenue at Third Street. The
B&W ceased operating in 1937. |
| (4)
68 Young Avenue |
|
Built
in 1918, this lovely brick Normandy residence is typical
of the work of architect Julius Gregory.
|
| (5)
58 Young Avenue |
| Constructed
in 1910, the chimney seen at the front of the house was typical
of home design at the turn of this century. |
| (6)
Corner of Washington & Storer Avenues |
| When
Pelhamwood was being developed, a large billboard was located
here that faced the railroad tracks, announcing: " nis is
Pelhamwood /Homes of Distinctionl CliffordB. Harmon Real Estate".
When it was torn down, the lumber was used by a local resident
to build his garage. |
| (7)
Swimming Hole (Washington & Young Avenues) |
| At the
start of this century, local youngsters would create a "swimniing
hole" by danuffing up the brook that drained from New Rochelle.
The "pond" held water to a depth of five feet. |
| (8)
Congregational Church (Washington & FEghbrook Avenues)
|
|
In
1919, Trinity Congregational Church of NYC sold its property
there and moved to Pelhamwood, at the same time changing
its name to "Congregational Church of the Pelhams", (now
called "Community Church of the Pelhams"). The cornerstone
was laid in 1922. The house directly across Highbrook Avenue
served as the rectory.
|
| (9)
Pelhamwood Markers Wood & Stone Gates (Comer Washington
& Highbrook Avenues) |
| The
wood and stone "gates" over the sidewalks at this location
mark the entrance to Pethamwood. Stone Street Pillars Pelhamwood
streets were designated by stone pillars, with flower-xontainers
on top, leading from Washington Avenue. The original pillars
at Washington and Highbrook Avenues were later removed as
they obstructed vision for drivers. |
| (10)
Pelhamwood Avenue |
|
In
return for acquiring the right-of-way, the New York, New
Haven & Hartford RR deeded land to the Village in order
that a street, Pelhamwood Avenue could be put in place so
residents might walk to the shopping area on Fifth Avenue
and Wolf s Lane without having to walk along the railroad
tracks.
The
Stone Wall along the north side of Pelhamwood Avenue, consisting
of native rock, gathered from the large amount of excavation
in the area, is consideredto be an outstanding example of
expert masonary. This was completed in 1930 - the same year
that Pelhamwood Avenue was paved. Several other locations
in Pelhamwood made use of the local rock to create walls
and foundations.
|
| (11)Stairs
Leading from Benedict Place |
|
|
| Developer
Clifford B. Harmon had his sales office at the head of the
stairs on Benedict Place. Initially, the stairs extended much
further - to the present median strip on Pelharnwood Avenue.
A fountain and a small pool containing live goldfish were
situated at the bottom of the stairs. A sign that could be
read from passing trains read: "If you lived in Pelhanmood,
you would be home now" |
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