MILLWOOD – NOT JUST A RURAL CROSSROAD EXHIBITION TO RUN THROUGH THE FALL  By Gray Williams

A new exhibition has just opened at the Horace Greeley House – Millwood – Not Just a Rural Crossroad.  The exhibition explores the hamlet, which has stood for two centuries as a main hub for the Town of New Castle.

 This community, with its thoroughfare of days-gone- by and with its rich history, is displayed on twenty-three panels at the Horace Greeley House.  Begun as notes to a file and worked on over several years, the exhibition took shape this winter.  Betsy Towl, with the invaluable assistance of local resident Richard Pogact, researched the history of the community, compiled the information and photographed many aspects of this hamlet.

 

 Did you know that Millwood was a major stop for stagecoaches?  Did you know that Millwood was a major stop for the Putnam Division of the New York Central Railroad, later converted to one of the largest bike and foot trail ways in America? 

 Did you know that Millwood was the home of famous suffragette pioneer Carrie Chapman Catt, who was one of the founders of the League of Women Voters?  Did you know that one of the first elephants to come to America was exhibited in Millwood?

Did you know that Millwood was a major site for construction of the Catskill Aqueduct carrying pure drinking water to New York City?  

To find out more about Millwood, drop in at the Horace Greeley House.  Millwood – Not Just a Rural Crossroad will be on view through the fall.

 

FOURTH ANNUAL “CASTLES OF NEW CASTLE” HOUSE TOUR SCHEDULED FOR MAY 18^TH   
by Jane Lindau

This year’s House Tour will take place on Thursday, May 18, 2006. In this fourth year we will again have six beautiful homes from different styles and periods. This year’s tour will be especially notable because for the first time we will have one of "The Hilltoppers" on the tour. As you may know if you visited the 2004 exhibition on these homes at the Greeley House, The Hilltoppers are a group of great turn-of-the-century houses that were built on top of various hills in New Castle. They are noted for excellent views and gardens, as well as for unique architecture and scale.
Tickets will be $70 for members and $80 for non-members. Members will be allotted tickets before non-members. Docents will once again be able to purchase tickets at a reduced price in exchange for working half the day at the tour. No more than 325 tickets will be sold, so look for your invitation in the mail in mid to late March. Please check your membership status and send in your reservation early; we expect the tour to sell out once again. An optional buffet luncheon will be available at the Kittle House. There will also be a raffle with several great prizes, and raffle tickets will be enclosed with the invitation. 
            

 THE PRESIDENT SAYS by Suzanne Keay

This issue of the Newsletter will introduce a new feature.  Please be sure and read the “Kudos Korner.”  Without the tireless effort of so many of our members, the Society would not exist, not to mention being such a driving force in the Town of New Castle.  We will be acknowledging three individuals who have given of their time and talent to make a real difference.  That’s just a drop in the old proverbial bucket, of course.  There are hundreds of dedicated people who make us tick so smoothly. 

Remember, professionals built the Titanic, but VOLUNTEERS built the Ark!
Thank you to ALL of our volunteers.  You make us “unsinkable!” 


KUDOS KORNER

Al Hutin for being our Jack of all trades!  Former Prez, handyman extraordinaire, you name it, Al’s done it!

Phebe Washburn for caning the chairs.

Audrey Buttolph for handling the mailings and chairing the Spring Luncheon.

“I am only one,
But still I am one.
I cannot do everything,
But still I can do something;
And because I cannot do everything
I will not refuse to do the something that I can do.”
(Edward Everett Hall)

  

HOURS AT THE

HORACE GREELEY HOUSE

Tuesdays – Thursdays & Saturdays 1:00-4:00.

Appointments for other times may be made by calling the Society at 238-4666.

 

THE WAY WE WERE   by Al Hutin

 WINTER CLOTHES: WHY I DISLIKE WINTER

 I’m not too fond of winter. It may be due to the fact that I’m over forty and don’t indulge in snow sports (unless snow blowing the driveway has become an Olympic event). But I think it has more to do with the heavy clothing I have to wear to stay warm. And that aversion to winter clothes dates back to my elementary school years in the ‘30’s and ‘40’s, before polar fleece and Ugg boots were invented, and before geese gave up their down.

 I don’t know if winters were colder then, but our bedrooms certainly were. We had coalfired steam heat, and we slept with the windows open. If Dad didn’t stoke the fire early, before I had to get dressed for school, my clothes were as cold as the outside air. If the heat was coming up and the radiators were getting hot, I’d put my clothes on the radiator to get the chill off.  Now, that could be hazardous, because I had to wear one-piece long underwear with metal snaps up the front and a flap in the back for obvious purposes. If the snaps came in contact with the radiator, the effect when they touched my skin certainly woke me in a hurry. Yow! How I hated those long johns, especially when the day came to disrobe in front of my classmates for the annual school physical. And they were always in winter!

 Next came the “uniform” for boys in the lower grades…knickers, high socks, flannel shirts, and sweaters. Knickers…there’s a new word for those of you under fifty. These pants were made of corduroy and had elastic bands around the lower calves so that they would tuck into long cotton stockings, usually in an argyle pattern. When one walked in knickers, they produced a “zip, zip” sound as the corduroy legs rubbed together. Next came the heavy cotton-flannel plaid shirt and a wool sweater, both tucked into the knickers. I was ready to go downstairs for breakfast… and Mom’s inspection.

 Outerwear was the next hurdle. Most boys wore mackinaws…heavy wool felt jackets, again with a plaid design, and an attached hood. Under the hood I wore a wool knit hat or a wool felt cap with earmuffs that folded under the cap or up on the outside. Hand knit mittens with a ribbon attached and running through the jacket sleeves (so they wouldn’t get lost) kept my hands warm…until I threw a few snowballs,  and the mittens became sodden and cold.

 Finally came the galoshes…now there’s an onomatopoetic word for you. A galosh was a high, rubber-coated canvas overshoe that buckled up the front. When one walked in galoshes, that’s the sound they made …“galosh, galosh”… as one slogged through the snow and slush. Oh, I almost forgot the wool scarf wrapped around my neck as many times as possible. Ready for school…and only ten pounds heavier than when my feet hit the freezing floor. No wonder each classroom had to have a cloakroom for all the outer clothing we kids wore.

 Junior high school brought some relief…no more long johns and knickers, mackinaws and galoshes, or mittens with ribbons. Now I could wear jockey shorts, T-shirts, and long pants (but they were still corduroy), and rubbers over my shoes on snowy days. Only the outer jacket gave me some angst. The other boys wore short ski-type jackets. But Mom insisted my coat keep my kidneys warm, and she had the mistaken idea that my kidneys were located somewhere in my buttocks. Therefore, my coat came halfway down my thighs. It definitely didn’t make a fashion statement. But with its sheepskin lining it was warm…and heavy.

 Finally in high school, I was allowed to buy my own clothes…within reason. Ski caps and wool Eisenhower jackets from the Army-Navy store replaced the knit caps and “kidney warmers,” leather gloves instead of mittens, and ski boots on snowy days replaced galoshes. Ski boots then were not what skiers wear today. They were leather lace-ups with heavy soles that didn’t flex, so one clomped around like Frankenstein’s monster. I’m sure they drove the teachers mad, but we thought they were “nitzy.”

 Well, today my winter clothes are lighter and warmer – fleeces, polypropylene, and down. But they’re still too bulky and get in the way when I drive. 

No wonder I look forward to spring…and golf shirts, shorts, and boat shoes.

 

COME AND JOIN US!

 Start the New Year off by giving back to your community.  The New Castle Historical Society is currently looking for volunteers to assist in a number of ways.  We host many activities and events for children, adults, and our community and additional help is always welcome.  The Society also has ongoing projects at the Horace Greeley House that keep us busy year round.  From archives to exhibits and guides to gardening, we invite you to join us.  We are flexible as to whatever time you might have to help us out.  Help your community and volunteer at the Horace Greeley House.  Call us,  or come into town and join us today.

 

IMPORTANT DATES TO REMEMBER 

April 2 – Annual Meeting – “The French in

  Westchester” with Col. James M. Johnson –

  Town Hall Court Room – 4 pm

April 28 & 29  – Tag Sale – Horace Greeley House

               10:00-4:00 pm

May 18 – 4^th Annual “Castles of New Castle” House

   Tour (Invitations to be mailed to members)

May 29 – Memorial Day Parade – 11:00 am - Join us

    to watch the parade from the front porch

June 1 –   Spring Luncheon –12 noon

June 21 – Trip to Drumthwacket and Morven in

                 Princeton, NJ – See enclosed flier

 

SECOND ANTIQUES LECTURE AND APPRAISAL SERIES A BIG SUCCESS

By Betsy Towl

 The New Castle Historical Society and the Chappaqua Library joined together to present a three-part series on antiques in January and February. Featured were experts in carpets, silver flatware and jewelry, and furniture restoration.

 The series started off with Michael McRee, a specialist in antique carpets, and owner of Caravan Connection in Bedford Hills.  Using examples that he brought with him, Mr. McRee discussed how to identify and care for many different types of carpets. 

 The second part of the series brought us Rachel Marks, a local antique silver specialist, who showed wonderful examples of period silver items ranging from jewelry to napkin rings.  She also talked about items that members of the audience had selected to have appraised.

 Scott Nightingale, of Nightingale Restorations in Chappaqua, was the featured speaker on the final day. He wowed the audience with his knowledge of what to look for in antique furniture and how to tell if the piece is wood veneer or solid wood.  Scott also showed the audience how to clean furniture and discussed restoration methods.

 The series was such a success that the Society and the Chappaqua Library are already planning to have the 3^rd Annual Antiques Lecture and Appraisal Series in 2007!

 

MANY THANKS TO:
Christine Yeres & Robert Coulombe for delighting us 
with the wonderful musical selections at the 
Society’s party for our volunteers earlier this month.

 

CONDOLENCES

 The Society mourns the recent passing of long-time members Dusty Davies, Arthur Merrill, Louvera Raymond, Rita Sweeney, Melvin Williams, and Milton Williams. We extend our heartfelt condolences to their families

 

VOLUNTEERS’ HOLIDAY PARTY

 

DONATIONS TO THE SOCIETY’S COLLECTIONS IN 2005   by Nancy O’Neil

 During 2005 a large number of items were generously donated to the Society.  The Trustees wish to thank the donors for their wonderful contributions.  Please visit the Museum in the near future to view many of these items:

 - Map of New Castle Election District, June 1949 & April 1951- From Bill Stewart, Jr.

- Harper’s Monthly Magazine, April 1873 - From Paul Bourquin

- New York Tribune, May 24, 1864; J.I.D. Bristol Fire Company Badge, Chappaqua Independent Fire Company Badge; Postcard of The Church of St. Mary the Virgin Episcopal Church, Chappaqua, 1910; Postcard taken on grounds of Chappaqua Convalescent Home, September, 1913; Postcard of Novitiate Helpers of the Holy Souls; Small Portrait of Horace Greeley, engraved by J.C. Buttre, New York; photo Horace Greeley by C.D. Fredericks & Co. - From John Beach

- Greeley on Lincoln; Horace Greeley & Other Pioneers of Socialism; Political Textbook – 1860; Speeches, Letters & Acts of Congress re: Slavery; The Life of Horace Greeley; two copies of Recollections of a Busy Life; The American Conflict Vol. I & Vol. II” - From The Chappaqua Library

- The Salt River Guide for Disappointed Politicians - From Bert Sugar

- Ashtray – Horace K. Curtis Real Estate Agent, Telephone Number 4 - From Linda Beane

- An audiotape of Mary Ellen Thrasher’s experiences in teaching in Chappaqua Schools - From Mary Ellen Thrasher

- Books that belonged to Gabrielle Greeley. Autograph album given to Gabrielle Greeley by her cousin Cecilia Cleveland in 1872; Prospectus for the Publication of Selections of Philosopher Herbert Spencer, inscribed to Horace Greeley, Sequel to the English Reader; 

Open Air Grape Culture, inscribed to Horace Greeley by author; The Life & Public Career of Horace Greeley; Dante’s Inferno, with illustrations by Gustave Dore;  Socialism, Pike Country and Horace Greeley; Life & Times of Horace Greeley by L.D. Ingersoll; Biography of Henry Clay, edited by Horace Greeley -  From Barbara Stahl Edwards

- Beer glass - From Nancy O’Neil

- Suite of parlor furniture consisting of a loveseat, 1 marbletop table, a slipper chair, two music chairs - From Sue Maltz

- Framed lithograph by Ruth Guinzberg – a wedding gift to the Smiths in 1955 - From Shirley Smith

- Ivory silk wedding dress of Helen Jayne Hobson Page; White cotton dress; Photo of Mrs. Page’s great-granddaughter, Virginia Anne Perkins, wearing wedding dress; Photo of dedication of railroad station, June, 1902, printed on back “C. Page”; Photo of Rehoboth, mounted on cardboard, printed on back

“C. Page;” Souvenir mail card containing a panoramic view of Chappaqua from the West; Taped manuscript of memoir, speaker unidentified, 1954 - From Rachel Quinby Perkins

- Four Bromley maps of New Castle 1911; Bien map of New Castle 1893, Hyde Map of Millwood  1908; Map of Westchester County prepared by Westchester County Planning Board, 1972 - From Westchester Historical Society

- Black & white photo of Travelers Rest, Yorktown

- History of the Town of New Castle – 1899 by E. Clarence Hyatt

- Photo of Memorial Day parade featuring students from Robert E. Bell School with Senator Hillary Clinton

- Holmes and Kennedy 25^th Anniversary Cookbook

- History of St. Marks Episcopal Church, 1967

- Postcard of Chappaqua Hotel, Greeley Ave.

- How Plants Grow

- Ad with rates for overnight accommodations and information on entertainment at Chappaqua Mountain House

- Bible owned by Gabrielle Greeley

- Metal Bottle Opener/Corkscrew, 1875

- Map (on linen) of property of Edward S. Quimby, surveyed in May, 1875

 A GREELEY EXHIBITION AT PACE UNIVERSITY IN PLEASANTVILLE  by Gray Williams

 On November 30, 1872, Horace Greeley died at the sanitarium of Dr. George Choate in Pleasantville. Both Dr. Choate’s home and its sanitarium wing still exist, as separate buildings, on what is now the Pleasantville campus of Pace University. Moreover, the original Pace building in downtown Manhattan occupies the site of Greeley’s newspaper, the New-York Tribune. A current exhibition at the Pleasantville campus, Horace Greeley: Advocate For Social Justice - The Pace University Connection, uses photographs, prints, documents, and memorabilia to illustrate Greeley’s life and achievements, and shows the parallels between his progressive values and ideals and those of the university’s founder, educator Homer Pace.

 The exhibition, organized by Professor Marilyn Weigold and Instructional Services Librarian Brian Jennings, is taking place at the library and will continue until March 17. The Pace Library is open all day every day of the week. The Pleasantville campus is at 861 Bedford Road (Route 117). For directions, call the library reference desk, 773-3505.

 

THE CHURCH OF SAINT MARY THE VIRGIN TO CELEBRATE ITS CENTENNIAL ON JUNE 25, 2006   by Kenneth White

 On Sunday, June 25, 2006, the Church of Saint Mary the Virgin, located between the Bell School and the Chappaqua Library on South Greeley Avenue in Chappaqua, will celebrate the Centennial of its consecration in 1906 as a private chapel. 

 The chapel was built by Episcopal clergyman the Reverend Doctor Frank M. Clendenin and his wife Gabrielle, Horace Greeley’s daughter, as a memorial to their youngest daughter Muriel.  Muriel was born on October 9, 1898 and died of polio on October 23, 1903. All of the Clendenin family is buried in an enclosed family plot behind the church. 

 The chapel was designed by Morgan M. O’Brien, a Manhattan architect, from photographs of the ancient Church of Saint Mary the Virgin, in Monken Hadley, Middlesex, England, north of London.  The English church had been chartered between 1162 and 1188 and rebuilt about 1494.

 Of special historic interest within the church is a small window, now incorporated with the large stained glass window of the north transept.  This window was given to Saint Mary’s in Chappaqua by the church in Monken Hadley and was dedicated on The Feast of Saint Michael’s and All Angel’s, September 29, 1906.  The inscription on the window reads:

 

 For more information about the festivities that are planned, please contact The Church of St. Mary the Virgin at 238-8751.