Centennial Celebration, July 2, 3, 4, 1916

Centennial Celebration

July 2-3-4 1916

Commemorative of the one hundredth anniversary of the granting of the first charter, April 17th. 1816, to the village of

PeekskiU

Compiled and Edited by GEO. E. BRIGGS.

Assisted by LEVERETT F. CRUMB and KARL M. SHERMAN.

Published by the HIGHLAND DEMOCRAT COMPANY

by resolution of the Centennial Committee

Chester De Witt Pu^sley Chairman of the General Committee . P37IS 8

The IJinlsall House, One Hun dred Years Ago, on Main Street

Eagle Hotel, wlure .>l(»ii(l;iy's and I iiesdivj's lunclieons were served. Re- viewing stand for the parade Monday. The oldest hotel in the villiige, town and county. PEEKSKILL CENTENNIAL CELEBRATION

JULY 2, 3, 4, 1916

WHERE AIM) WHEN IT STARTED. ence J. Lent, Richard W. McGlnty, Dr. H. E. The celebration of the one hundredth Monroe Mace, Charles Tweedy, anniversary of the granting of a char- Thomas Timmons, Oscar V. Barger, Lanning G. ter to the Village of Peekskill on April Roake, H. Alban Anderson, A. Ellsworth Garrison, William W. 17, 1816, originated in a regular meet- Dr. ing of the Peekskill Board of Trade, Hoyt, E. de Mott Lyon, George E. McCoy, Dr. Perley H. Mason, Dr. January 12, 1915, when during the dis- Albert E. Phin, A. D. Dunbar, J. cussion of some project to boom the Fred Bohlmann, J. village, Karl M. Sherman, a member, Fred Jones, Dr. Willard announced that the next year, 1916, H. Sweet, John W. Balluffi, William B. Baxter, w^ould mark the one hundredth anni- George A. Creed, Clifton E. Forbush, Jewell, J. versary of the granting of the first George H. John Heleker, Jr., E. E. charter to the village. Why not cele- Elmer Seymour, R. brate the Russell, C. W. Horton, Jr., E. Ervin event? , After a short debate the president Gardner, Jr., James J. Finnigan. Thos. Dasey, was instructed to appoint a committee S. J. McCord, George A. Cass- on the matter. He named Chester De cles, J. Coleridge Darrow, Robt. Cross, Franklin Witt Pugsley, chairman; Joseph F. Montross, James Dimond, Harold H. Durrin, Isaac M. Beatty, Raymond, vice-chairman ; Edward F. Moses M. Hill, Edward E. Young, Jacob Fish, Scucclmarra, Walter Homan, Charles Melvin R. Horton, William B. Baxter, LeClair, Joseph Sparrow, Geo. Naylor, Jr., Andrew B. Buchanan, Pe- Karl M. Sherman, Samuel J. McCord, Dr. H. Monroe Mace and the president, ter Valente, Allen Elkins, Charles Weller, William H. H. MacKellar, and the sec- Antonio S. Renza, William F. Hoehn, retary, Geo. E. Briggs, as ex-officio Melvin R. Horton, Fred A. members. Smith, Robert McCord, John B. Hal- sted, Jas. Dempsey, They met together and at the next Sanford R. Knapp, William J. J. session of the Board of Trade reported Charlton, Wesley Barker, favorably upon the matter and sug- Dr. George C. Colyer, Nathan P. Bush- nell, E. gested an outline for the proposed cel- Edward Young, James F. Mar- ebration. tin, A. Wesley Wyatt, William H. Clin- ton, George The report was approved and a res- Winters, Max Saloman, William G. olution passed requesting the presi- Preston, John S. Baker, Theodore P. Birdsall, Frank N. dent of the village to appoint a com- McCoy, Rev. Everitt, mittee of one hundred citizens to take Benjamin H. Charles E. Clinton, the matter In hand. William H. Stevens, Jay R. Decatur, Charles J. Donohue, Edward THE COMMITTEE APPOINTED. G. Halsey, Clarence W. Stetson, S. On June 11, 1915, President Leverett Fletcher Allen, Edward McDermott, F. Crumb announced at a meeting of the John N. Tllden, S. Allen Mead, Otto Board of Trustees the following gene- Graninger, Robert Johns, James A. r;U committee: Chester De Witt Pugs- Sloat, William C. Hoffman, James F. ley, chairman: William H. H. MacKel- Thompson, Nathan Posey, Dr. Edward lar, Hon. Cornelius A. Pugsley, Albert C. Duryee, Joseph S. Austin, Rev. E. Cruger, Karl M. Sherman, William Henri de Vries, Clifford M. Lent, Alonzo Lawson, James W. Husted, Thomas Seymour, George W. Buchanan, Ed- Nelson, Jr.. Geo. E. Bri ggs, Cassius M. mund Jordan, William H. Croft, Har- Gardner, Isaac'H. Smith, James K. Ap- old D. E. Hyatt, Elbert H. Bagley, Geo. gar, Edward F. Hill, Fred F. Roe, Fred A. Timmons, Geo. B. Joseph, Edward T. Pugsley, William H. Glsh, Angelo J. Wilson, Dr. Charles A. Robinson, Bleakley, Milton W. Lounsbury, Clar- I B. B. Nostrand, Jr., Charles W. Old-

^ /iUU Id —

1816—PEEKSKILL CENTENNIAL CELEBRATION—1916

field, Frank H. Whitney, George D. chairman of Parade Committee; L. F. McCutchen, Frost Horton, Allan L. Crumb, chairman Historical Commit- Sutton, David S. Murden, Isadore 01- tee; A. S. Renza, chairman Illumina- stein, John J. Slattery, Joseph Ives, tion and Decoration Committee; Eli R. George Goetchius, Leon Heady, Chas. Russell, chairman Athletic Events H. Nelson, Edward J. Lockwood, Wm. Committee; Clifford Couch, chairman E. Lane, Jr., William J. Wiberley, Publicity Committee; Wm. F. Hoehn, Clifford Couch, Thomas Snowden, Ed- chairman Carnival Committee, and ward Burger, David Hartstein, Clifford Thomas Nelson, Jr., Edward F. Hill, Denike, Herbert Griffin, John Mabie, George Naylor, Jr., Martin Nilsson, 2d, Fred T. Slack, Harry Stevenson, William E. Lane, Jr., Richard H. Rixon, Rev. Clarence P. McClelland, Jacob Edward E. Young, John S. Baker, Hon. Fish, Louis Ettlinger, Daniel Odell, James W. Husted, James K. Apgar, Rev. Richard H. Tobin, John Towart, Geo. E. McCoy, William Lawson, Geo. Jr., James J. Manning, Thos. C. Gard- E. Briggs, Melvin R. Horton, Clifton ner, Geo. P. Wygant, James A. Barker, E. Forbush, James V. Clune, Harry W. George W. Robertson, Clinton S. Bird, Cortiss, Jacob Fish, Frank M. Dain, Harry W. Cortiss, Frank M. Dain, Rob- Daniel Odell and Cassius M. Gardner. ert Valentine, George F. Canfield, Ed- These committees met from time to ward Balluffi, Samuel Levy, Enoch J. time in the Municipal Building and Tompkins, J. Homer Wright, A. J. formulated the plans which carried out Mason, Douglas Macduff, Dr. P. W. resulted in the largest and most ex- O'Brien, John E. Holden, Louis Lau- tensive celebration ever held in Peeks- dati. Rev. F. G. Illsley, E. C. Alsop, kill which in the following pages is Robert F. Barrett, Joseph M. Fox, described in detail and which is placed Charles N. Wells, Coleridge A. Hart, in this permanent form as a result of Fred W. Otte, Jr., Isadore Wolff, D. a resolution passed at the final meet- Levinson, Louis Keller; A. E. Linder ing of the committee held July 6, 1916, and F. J. Welton (Mohegan Lake). which provided that the book should Their first meeting was held Tues- be compiled by Geo. E. Briggs, editor day evening, June 29, 1915. By reso- of the Highland Democrat, aided by a lution Leverett F. Criimb, president of committee, Messrs. Leverett F. Crumb the village, was added to the commit- and Karl M. Sherman, appointed by the tee. The following other officers were chairman of the general committee. H. elected: Vice-chairman, William H. MR, DEPEW OPEIVS CELEBRATION. MacKellar; secretary, Albert E. Cru- ger; assistant secretary, Karl M. Sher- The first important event of the cen- man; treasurer, Hon. Cornelius A. tennial celebration took place on Fri- Pugsley. day evening, June 30, 1916, when ex- The chairman of the general com- Senator Chauncey M. Depew addressed mittee, Chester De Witt Pugsley, his fellow townsmen in the auditorium named a number of sub-committees of the Guardian. with chairmen as follows: The auditorium, brilliantly illumi- Finance—Hon. Isaac H. Smith. nated, was well filled with Peekskill Executive—Chester De Witt Pugsley, people, women and young ladies pre- ex-officio. dominating. Parade—Fred A. Smith. On the stage, in addition to ex-Sen- Illumination and Decoration—A. S. ator Depew was Congressman Husted, Renza. the chairman of the evening and the Publicity—Clifford Couch. president of the Cortlandtown Soldiers' Historical and Public Exercises Monument Association, under whose Hon. I.,everett F. Crumb. auspices the meeting was held, and Carnival—William F. Hoehn. also John Halsted, John Smith, Jr., Athletic Events—Eli R. Russell. Rev. Father Richard H. Tobin, San- The Executive Committee comprised ford R. Knapp, Henry S. Free, Homer the officers; Isaac H. Smith, chairman Anderson, George L. Hughson, Frank- of Finance Committee; Fred A. Smith, lin Couch and William J. Charlton; 1816—PEEKSKILL CENTENNIAL CELEBRATION—1916

Sanford R. Knapp, John Halsted and tesy in coming to his old town and Chauncey M. Depew, all three born in speaking to its people. The vote was Peekskill, are each over eighty-two given with a chorus of ayes. The years of age. speaker of the evening waved a fare- The exercises of the evening were well and said a few words of good-bye opened with an overture, "Cumber- and left. land March," by Mrs. Grippen's or- Another selection by the orchestra chestra of seven pieces. concluded the program of the evening. Congressman Husted, in a few felici- As the people passed out the orches- tous remarks, presented Rev. Father tra played "Grand American Fantasie." Tobin, who made a brief but very 3Ir. Depew's Address. charming address of welcome to the Ladies and Gentlemen, and I think I audience and to the guest and speaker may add, My Fellow Townsmen: of the evening. To be in Peekskill has been a pleasure for me all my life. It is a great j pleasure to participate in cere- 1 the mony which celebrates the hundredth anniversary of the formation of our village government. For

eighty-two years of that hundred I have been either a resident or a frequent visitor, and always deeply interested in the affairs, the welfare and the prosperity of the town. Historj' moves in cycles, each century has its characteristic and its contribution to the advancement of the world. We have had many of them within the last thirty years. I had the honor to be the orator at the four hundredth celebration of the discovery of Amer- ica by Columbus, and shared it with that distinguished citizen, veteran journalist and original thinker. Colo- nel Watterson, of Kentucky. I was also the orator on the occasion of the centenary of the inauguration of our first President, and the centenary of the formation of the Legislature in our State. There is no period in recorded times during which so much was ac- complished for liberty and enfran- Hon. Chauncey M. DepeAv. chisement, humanity, invention, dis- Congressman Husted then in a few covery and the progress and develop- more extended remarks presented ment of the world. This century, which covers the life of our village, Peekskill's "most distinguished son began with the close of the war of and America's greatest orator." 1812, and ends when civilization and Ex-Senator in Depew was good form. Christianity, and all the precious vic- He looked well and spoke with old tories of peace of this century are at time vigor. Few would suspect that stake upon the bloodiest battlefields, he was born in this village over four and in the most frightful and destruc- score years ago. He began speaking tive war of all time. at 8.20 and concluded his address at 1916 marked a cleavage in the in- 9.40 p.m. dustrial policy of our country between the past and the future. Up to the be- After he had finished, Chairman Hus- ginning of the war of 1812 we had ted said that Senator Depew must leave been almost purely an agricultural at once to take his special train back people. Our manufactures were few to New York City and moved a vote and very weak. The one industry in of thanks to the Senator for his cour- which we excelled was the carrying ' .

1816—PEEK3KILL CEXTEXXIAL CELEBRATION—1916

trade upon the ocean. Our ships were ! without them during the war. Our de- the best in the merchant marines of pendence upon Europe for most of the the world, and our sailors the most necessities of life made an impression skillful and enterprising. The war of upon the people which they never had before. An agitation was started 1812 was entered upon with hilarity without regard to party, at first, to and hailed with the wildest enthus- I iasm. Peace, three years afterwards, protect the cotton and wool manufac- was hailed with equal hilarity and en- ture, and next to relieve us by home production of this thusiasm. Blockade and embargo, i dependence upon during that period, closed our ports. Europe, which might at any time be There was the greatest distress in our shut off by war It may be safely asserted that the policies, which lead in seaport cities and along our coast; j our ships lay idle at the wharfs, and time to our manufacturing at home the large number of men engaged in every necessity, and to our indepen- this industry were out of employ- ; dence of the rest of the world, was ment, as were the merchants and due to this rude awakening of three those who were dependent upon them years of increasing privation and the and their enterprises. But a condi- ' grasp of the necessities of the situation was produced, which is nearly du tion which became so universal in plicated at the present time. We were 1816. dependent upon Europe for our cot- Another great era opened in our Na- ton, woolen and silk goods, and for tional development because of the ex-

I nearly all the manufactures in iron. I reriences of the war. While agricul- Necessity lead to the utilization of ture was fairly prosperous, the dis- the water power and the building of tress, unemployment and difficulties numerous factories for the manufac- of earning a living was very great in

ture of cotton and woolen goods and ! other departments. Soup houses first some iron. When the war closed, ! appeared during this period. The what happened may occur again after more energetic, both men and women, a hundred years. Napoleon had been among the people who could find no defeated at Waterloo and a employment moved West, where lands was ; prisoner at St. Helena. The vast were free. This emigration assumed armies which had crushed I such a large proportion as to frighten him were j disbanded and the troops left to shift the old States. In seeking methods to for themselves and earn their own protect themselves there arose a won- living. They rushed to the factories derful and widespread movement for for employment. The surplus of la- internal improvements. Canals were bor lead to lower wages and cheaper projected and highways and public cost of production. To help their own roads laid out and opened. The effort industries, the Continental Nations ^ of the States was to settle these fly- raised barriers against English impor- ing people, who were among the best [ tations. The result was that this vast of their citizens, within their own I and constantly increasing product of borders where there was plenty of i the English factories was dumped in land but inaccessible, instead of hav- to our ports. The ordinary agencies ing them go along the Great Lakes of purchase and distribution were un- and to the West and Northwest. In equal to the task of marketing, so auc- our own State, that far-sighted States- tions were held in every port with the man DeWitt Clinton conceived the result of flooding the country and idea of the Erie and Champlain Canals closing American mills. Among the and uniting the Great Lakes with the articles of which vast quantities were Hudson. In 1816. he had overcome all sold and distributed were Yorkshire political opposition and the great work cloth, Scotch muslins, blankets, flush- was fairly inaugurated. We must re- ings, plushes, taffetas, silks, jackette member that water was the only muslins, bombasettes, kerseys, soap, 1 means of transportation for consider- nails, salt, bed covers, tacks, pencil able distances a hundred years ago cases, matches, tooth brushes, pins, 1 The Erie Canal gave to New York its grind stones, cast iron pots, tea ket cities of I^tica, Syracuse, Rochester ties, iron bolts, axes, hose, spades, I and Buffalo: it settled the Valleys of plough shafts, lightning rods, zinc, the Mohawk and the Genesee; it was stoves, wool and iron and pipes. As largely contributory to the building

j most of these things were not pro- of all the States bordering upon the duced here the country had been I Great Lakes; it made New York the 1816—PEEKSKILL CENTENNIAL CELEBRATION—1916

Empire State and its city the me- Richard Abramsen, Abramsen having tropolis of the Western World. changed his name to Lent from the In 1816 the seas were free as a result town in Holland from which he came. of the war. Our shipping in the por*3, ' Kronkhyte married Lent's daughter for the preservation of the masts and and one of his heirs. In the division rigging during the w^ar had tar bar- of the Ryck Patent, the Kronkhyte rels on top of the spars which were property extended from the Mc- called after President Madison, and in Gregory's brook which runs down derision of his war, "Madison's Night- Center street and ran southward be- cap". With wuld jubilation "Madison's yond the present limits of the village Nightcaps" were universally removed, and included what is now known as the ships refitted and the movement Depew Park. Kronkhyte was my an- became so great that our exports rose cestor and through him I am very in a short time from five millions to proud of being among the first settlers forty-five millions a year. The impet- ' of Peekskill. The Indians of this us thus given to American shipping neighborhood were of the Mohegan

gave us in time 80 per cent of the car- ; Tribe; they were divided into small- rying trade of the ocean. Our clipper er tribes but confederated together ships outdistanced all others in speed Mith a federal relationship with the and the American flag was on every six nations on the Mohawk. Chief ocean and in the majority in all the Sarhus was the Chief governing all ports of the world. It is our misfor- the land from Verplancks Point to An- tune and our disgrace that the Amer- thony's Nose. His chief village and ican merchant marine has fallen to 8 residence were here and named per cent; that the American flag is Sarhus. His neighbor and relative to unknown in foreign ports, practically the south was Chief Knoton who gov- and the continuing very recent and ; ; erned the territory covering the legislation, hostile to American ship- mouth of the Croton and joining Chief ping, has handed the Pacific Oqean Sachus' territory at Verplanck's Point. over to the Japanese and Chinese, and corruption of into ji The Knoton Croton when normal conditions are restored by the English gives us the present and the world is at peace will prevent name of the water supply of New any resurrection of the American York. The 1,800 acres purchased by

I merchant marine. these men, whom I have mentioned, I It was while these startling changes v/as known as Ryck's Patent, the j and and revolutions, along the seacoast title was confirmed subsequently af- and in the interior, were making ter the English conquered New York such brave beginnings that the citi- by Governor Dongan zens of Peekskill had the instinct and There was not much progress made ambition for organization. About In the development of our village 1683 a masterful man, a merchant of prior to 1816. The people were farm- the City of New York, Stephanus Van ers with some home industries carried Cortlandt, bought from different In- on in their own houses for the con- dian Chiefs and Tribes all the land venience of the neighborhood. They between Croton Rivpr and Garrison, early, however, appreciated the value and eastward to the Connecticut line, of being the center of the transporta- with the exception of 1,800 acres in tion or the country roimd about. They what is now Peekskill and vicinity, extended what is now the Crompond and 300 acres where the State camp Road to the Connecticut line and up is located. Van Courtlandt's grant to Danbury; they ran what afterwards amounted to 86,203 acres. The other became known on the north as Peeks- land was bought by a combination, kill Turnpike far out into the country, Richard Abramsen, Jacob Abramsen, the Albany postroad, which was the Tennis De Kay, Seba Jacob and John main highway and had been before Harxse. It was customary among the the Revolution between New York early Dutch settlers to change their and Albany, ran through the center names by taking the names of the of the village and so on through places in Holland with which their highlands. Our enterprising ancestors families were connected. So the put sloops upon the river until at one Abranisens became Lents and John time there was a fleet of about a Harxse became Kronkhyte. The major dozen. This made Peekskill the part of this became the property of market town of a territory which in- Hercules Lent, who was the son of cluded all the settlements far intp 1S16—PEEKSKILL CEXTEXXIAL CELEBRATION—1916

Connecticut. I can remember as ingston, built the first steamboat, He boy when these great Arks, some named her the Clermont after Mr. T^iyingston's home on _the ^Hudson times with two horses and some times ^ When she started from for with four attached, would gather up New York Albany in 1808 an immense crowd the produce of the farmers along the gathered on the wharf. They were all highways; bring it to the down sceptics. Fulton and Livingston had sloops; purchase and carry back with them on the boat about twenty either purchases from New York, or friends. At first the engines did not from the village stores, the groceries, work well, and then the boat hesi- cloths and farm implements needed tated, whereupon the crowd began to by the farmers. The early captains, shout, "A fool and his money is soon who ran these sloops, were important , ^^^^^ B^bbv Try 'something 'else," personages the village. They m look out you'll blow up". Suddenly, brought back from their trips to New with an immense volume of smoke York all the news of the day. They from the wood fires bursting out of were the most prosperous of the peo- ^^^^j, 1 ^j^^ ^^^^^,^ ^^^ paddles began to pie. The farmers nearer by sent turn and the boat shot out into the their own produce to New York by I river with Robert Fulton at the helm these sloops; the sloop captains, not and started on her trial trip for Al- only carried the produce and cattle, I bany. Those on the boat threw their but marketed them in New York, so in ; hats the air and cheered until they that they were both navigators and were hoarse. The thousand sceptics commission merchants. One of the

i on the shore were instantly converted captains told me that a young farmer ! —the day of pentecost had come for came to his sloop with one calf and navigation by steam. In time the also insisted upon being a passenger steamboat competed with, and then to sell that calf himself in New York.

! destroyed the sloops. It was another The one calf grew to droves of cattle instance of which the world is full and then to larger herds, too numer- where an invention wipes out existing ous for the sloops, which were driven ^^-t.^, „„ , ;v,„^^+v>,^r,+ „^^ „.-fi, u . -r, It, TT J • It -tr 1 J ^1 capital and investment, and with it to Bull's Head m New York and there ^, *; the employment„„,,,i^„^„„t of„* thousands.t\. ^^^ac sold. This young man became the Cattle King and then he became the That remarkable genius, Com. Van- largest speculator in Wall Street; at derbilt, soon demonstrated that no individual, firm or corporation. coulJ one time he practically owned and ; dominated the Erie Railroad; his ac- successfully compete with him. He cumulations at the height of his for- P"* ^ boat on to Peekskill and com- tune amounted to twentv millions of Pelled the existing line to surrender rapidly traf- dollars; he died poor; he was Daniel ; He was monopolizing the Drew. He founded Academies and ^^ of the Hudson when the discovery of California drew his attention to the Seminaries, but instead of endowing 1 them with the monev which he could enormous profits m the steamship well have done, he gave his notes and business between New York and Cal- ifornia. In credit for their maintenance. I knew a short time he had com- him verv well and was told bv one of ' Polled all the old lines to surrender his intimates that the reason for his ' «nd was sole master of the traffic situ building these educational and theo ^.tion. { logical institutions and then leaving | When the larger and faster steam- them in this peril was an idea that if boats had been completed, and were their existence depended upon his racing with each other, their perform- solvency and wealth God would pro- ances were the romances of the river. tect both. The result showed that the Their names were household words. Lord disapproved of the transaction. The "Armenia", "The Alida", "The In 1816 navigation of the river by Francis Sciddy", "The Hendrdck Hud- steam had become a success, newer son", and "The Chauncey Vibbard" and larger boats were being put on. all had their enthusiastic partisans The first boat, the Clermont made When I was a boy the entire popula- four miles an hour; the speed was in- tion would gather on the river bank creased with the years until the Mary to see the boats enter Peekskill bay Powell made twenty miles an hour. and disappear through the highlands. Robert Fulton, the Inventor of steam It was usually late in the afternoon. as applied to navigation, had, with the They ran on an accurate schedule financial assistance of Robert R. Liv- They were so near alike in speed ; ' 1

1816—PEEKSKILL CENTENNIAL CELEBRATION—1916 that, in 1849 the "Hendrick Hudson" built forts Clinton and Montgomery

| and "The Alida" raced from New opposite Anthony's Nose, ran an iron York to Albany, one hundred and for- j chain across the river from Anthony's miles, there only fifteen min- ty was Nose to Fort Montgomery and made utes difference in their arrival. The West Point the strongest of their for- excitement and the wagering on their tifications with always the strongest favorite boat became so great among lesident garrison commanded by one our people that, if the Legislature haJ

j of the ablest and most reliable of the not passed an act prohibiting racing Revolutionary Generals. After the on the river, our people might have battle of Long Island and the retreat become a population of gamblers. of the American Army to White The steamboat never took the place Plains, and after the battle of White of the sloops in drawing traffic to the Plains, and the retreat of the Ameri- village, but a worse blow to that traf- can army further north to the hills fic than the steamboat was the com- near the village, Westchester County, pletion of the Harlem Railroad. It cut as far north as Dobbs Ferry, was in off entirely the Connecticut contribu- possession of of the British and this tion and also took to itself a large sec- Island tion on the Westchester and Putnam included New York and Long until close of the war. While side. It ran on an average within the fifteen miles of the village and fur- from Dobbs Ferry north to the town nished facilities for reaching New- of Cortlandt line was the neutral York, with which the river could not ground raided by both parties, and compete. only temporarily held by either. Peeks- | kill its impregnable passes north That remarkable automobile man- with to West Point, became and continued ufacturer and pacificist, Mr. Ford, was until the end of the war the camping quoted in an interview the other day ground of large sections of the Ameri- as saying "History is more or less can Army, and the headquarters of bunk, it is tradition. We don't want Washington, Putnam, McDougal, La- tradition—we want to live in the pres- fayette others. Through our ent, and the only history that is and streets and the worth a tinker's damn is the history passed Rochambeau French on their way South to we live to-day". I differ entirely from Army Mr. Ford. It is the history of the the final battle which closed the war past which makes possible the history at Yorktown, and again on their way we make to-day. The American Rev- north for Newport, and re-embark- olution made us a free people, and ation for home. On the way home created our Republic. The Civil War the French army encamped for , cemented the union of the States and a while on the Crompont Road just village. made the Declaration of Independence i above the As Rochambeau, true in spirit as well as letter by en- surrounded by his brilliant staff, was franchising the slave. We, here to-day about to start, he was interrupted by can rejoice in traditions as glorious ' a Peekskill constable informing him,

and inspiring as belong to any othei 1 while waving a writ of attachment, part of our country. This was that he could not leave without pay- the key to the highlands and a ing $3,000 in gold to a neighboring recent writer has said that Peeks- farmer because the farmer's orchard kill was the heart of the Revolu- had been cut down for firewood. tion. The plan of campaign agreed With Continental currency, the only upon by the British Military Staff was currency we had, at a discount where to divide the coimtry by the Hudson $10 in gold would buy $100 in Con- River. It was to seize and fortify tinental money, this made the farm- the passes of the Highlands and pre- er's orchard worth $30,000. Probably vent communication between New for cash the whole township might England, New York and the South. have been bought for that amount. It was to accomplish this purpose that Rochambeau paid that deference of when Sir Henry Clinton had failed to the military to the civil authority break through and pass West Point which lies at the foundation of our on the south that Burgoyne came American institution, by leaving $1,- down with his army from the north 000 in gold and the case to be settled and met his fate at Saratoga in one by arbitration among the farmer's of the few decisive battles of the neighbors. The neighbors awarded world. The Americans on their side him $400. 1816—PEEKSKILL CEXTEXXIAL CELEBRATION—1916

King's Ferry of row boats and bat- yond the General's means—they fell teaus ran from Verplanck Point to deeply in debt and were ever surround- Stony Point and was the only com- ed by the flattery of his fashionable munication across the river for the guests and their suggestions of the Americans, so there was always a hopelessness of the cause, and the fort and garrison at Verplanck's Point. brilliant future that so fine a soldier The Marquis Castellaux, who was in would have if he deserted the Ameri- Rochambeau's army, and wrote a gos- cans and joined the British Army. sipy account of his American experi- Arnold met General Washington at ences, says that coming from the Verplanck's Point, when Washington South he crossed over to Verplanck's was on his way to meet the French. Point and was at once entertained by I Washington received him with great General Washington. He says that j oordality and offered him the com- the tents of the American Army, for mand of the left wing of his army, a shade purposes, were artistically fes- post of honor. Arnold said that on tooned with branches of. trees making account of his leg not yet healed, he it the most picturesque encampment j could not take the field and asked he had ever seen. When he informed for the command of West Point. Ar- General Washington of his sufferings nold was smarting under a decision from fever and ague the General of a Court Marshall before which he advised him to take two glasses of had recently been tried on account madeira before dinner and a glass of of his indiscretions and extravagances claret after dinner, and then a long in Philadelphia. Arnold expected an ride on horse-back. The General fur- i acquittal but the court decided upon nished him with a horse and all the a reprimand, though old General Van General's horses had been broken by I Cortlandt, who presided said after- himself. The Marquis says it was wards, "If the other members of the the finest horse, the best fitted and court had known Arnold as well as I, the surest footed he ever rode. With they would have voted for his dismiss- the General they took ditches and al from the army" Washington on ac- fences as if sailing over the prairies count of his confidence in Arnold, and and the next morning his fever and his admiration for him administered ague were gone. According to our the reprimand in such a way that a modern standards and beliefs what generous nature would have been eter- cured him was the horse. nally grateful. When Washington re- Benedict Arnold was always a favor- turned from meeting with the French ite officer with General Washington. Generals he stopped at the Birdsall On account of being invalided because House in Peekskill, and here one word of losing his leg at Saratoga, Wash- for the present generation. In Revo- ington gave him command at Phila- lutionary times hotels were called delphia. Arnold lived there a life of inns. They were the stopping places, wild extravagance and brilliant en- and in a way the residences for the tertainment. Peggy Shippen the was time being, of Statesmen, Soldiers, belle of the city. Like most of the Diplomats and Merchants. The hotel- aristocracy she and her family were keeper was an important personage Tory sympathizers. She captured Ma- I I and a leader in every community. All jor Andre when he was the master political caucuses, all conferences of all social gaieties and festivities among statesmen and politicians were while the British held the city. Ar- held at these inns. Immediately oppo- nold, about forty years old, and a site the Eagle on Main Street was widower, fell madly in love with Peg- the Mandeville House. Down Main gy Shippen. His letter, making to her Street, about a quarter of a mile and the proposal of marriage, proves him jutting half way across the highway to have been a man of culture and was the Birdsall House. Mandeville refinement, and to have possessed and Birdsall were brothers-inlaw. The many literary graces. It is one of Birdsall House had the greatest social the most fervid, beautifully phrased reputation. Washington and his ofii- and ardent appeals to the heart of a cers always stopped there. In fact, maiden in the literature of love. Peg- I think that Washington passed more gy surrendered. In celebrating the time at the Birdsall House than at event the married couple in town any other of the many inns where he bouse and country place lived far be- was entertained. At the Birdsall '!1: 1

1816—PEEKSKILL CEXTENNIAL CELEBRATION—1916

House were held Councils of War, at sent the note to Arnold, which Arnold which plans were perfected affecting received while at breakfast, announc- not only the defences of the Hisjhlands ing the capture of Andre, included the and West Point, but campaigns papers, description of West Point, dis-

j against New York and in the South. I position to be made by Arnold of the Arnold met Washington at the Bird- troops and all things necessary for sail House, renewed his request for its easy capture, Arnold could have

j West Point and received the commis- destroyed this incriminating evidence,

j sion, departing the next day to his but happily Major Jameson sent the command. papers by a subsequent messenger and, after Arnold had fled, they fell I will not recite the whole story | of his of the treason. It was a Peekskill into the hands Aide Alexander boy, John Paulding, who had just es- Hamilton. But, says the critic, if these caped from the military prison in v/ere special Providence to save the New York, who with two other West- American cause from this betrayal chester men, Williams and Van Wart, • why was Arnold permitted to escape. effected the capture of Andre near It is not for me to interpret the ways Dobbs Frry. There are few incidents of Providence, but it is a solution connected with Arnold's treason and both plausible and probable that Ar- its failure which seem to indicate a nold's punishment was to be worse special Providence watching over the than death.- He lived for twenty-one liberties of America and frustrating years after his treason execrated by the ingenuity, skill and machinations his countrymen and treated with irri-

| of Its enemies. tating and ill-concealed contempt by

j First had Major Andre obeyed the the British. He lost the $30,000, which instructions of Sir Henry Clinton, he was given him as the price of his would not have come within the Amer- treachery and suffered not only social ican lines. Two farmers hid in the ostracism but bankruptcy and want. bushes and fired at a boat from the He appears last in the dramatic in- Vulture, which was coming toward terview with Talleyrand. Talleyrand, about to take the ship for New York, shore and killed one of the sailors, I was told that an American was a compelling the boat to row back to the I sloop of war Vulture which had guest in the hotel. Talleyrand sent brought Andre up to the meeting with his card and called He of course Arnold, and was to take him back. knew that Talleyrand, then a refugee, These shots called the attention of was one of the most famous states- Col. Livingston, who commanded at men in Europe. Arnold said, "Sir, I Verplanck's Point, to the possibility am the only American who cannot of driving the Vulture down stream give you a letter of introduction to or crippling her, by placing a gun a friend in America. I am Benedict on Teller's Point. The gun so placed Arnold". Benedict Arnold was a was so skillfully handled by the gun- genius as a soldier, a man of extraor- ners that the Vulture was compelled dinary ability. Exaggerated vanity to raise anchor and drop so far down easily offended and the fearful temp- the river that it was impossible for tations of debt and bankruptcy to a Andre, who was conferring with Ar- man who had acquired incurable hab- nold, and completing the bargain for its of extravagance and luxury, who the betrayal of West Point at Smith's j wished to surround a wife, whom he House, near Haverstraw, to regain adored, with the things which only wealth can procure, and who had a the warship. He had to make his way ! to New York through the American morality so low that it sapped the

| lines with the plans and papers hid- foundations of patriotism, made Bene- den in his boot. Had Smith accom- dict Arnold the only traitor in Ameri- panied him. with Arnold's pass, until can history. within the British lines Andre would ' At the Birdsall House Washington have undoubtedly escaped. Paulding commissioned as members of his staff had succeeded in pris- two of the most remarkable' young escaping as a i oner from New York in a British uni- men of that period, Alexander Hamil- j ton Burr. Aaron Burr pre- form loaned him by a friend. It was ! and Aaron this uniform which deceived Andre sents a study in heredity. His father in revealing himself to what he sup- was the most noted preacher and edu- posed was a friendly patrol. Had cator in the country and though the the blundering Major Jameson, who j second president, the real founder of 1

10 1S16—PEEKSKILL CE\TEx\XIAL CELEBRATION—1916

Princeton University. His mother was Enoch Crosby in life. To understand | thie daughter of the Reverend Jona- Enoch Crosby one must know the con- than Edwards, the most eminent di- ditions in our county during the war. vine preacher and theologian of his There was always at Peekskill a large century. She possessed the intellect- body of American troops, sometimes ual force and vigor of her distinguish- including the main body of the Amer- ed father. His father and mother dy- ican Army, while thirty miles below ing Aaron Burr was brought up in i were the British outposts and forty the family of his Uncle, also a distin- miles below in New York were tho guished divine. Early in life he repu- headquarters of the British Army. dialed all his early teachings and be- The inhabitants of Westchester were came an Atheist. He became a great i about equally divided between those lawyer and Vice President of the whose sympathy was with the patriot United States, but his moral charac- cause, and those whose sympathy was ter was bad, he formed a conspiracy with a continuance of relations with to create an empire of the Western the Mother country. Two regiments

States and of Mexico, was tried for 1 for the Continental and three of treason and narrowly escaped convic- loyalists for the British Army tion. He killed Hamilton in a duel ' were raised in the county. In ad- which he had forced and was exe- dition to that nearly every male crated and shunned the rest of his life. was an irregular belonging to one side or the other. Under such conditions Alexander Hamilton was an origi- i spies were invaluable and received nal constructive genius. Talleyrand no mercy on either side. All the declared him to have the greatest wonderful mind he had ever met. Before he was accomplishments, the the high position and brilliant twenty, he wrote painphlets in favor charm, future of Major Andre could not save of the Revolution and stating the rea- him, nor, on the other hand, could the son why the Americans should rebel, considerations save Nathan which were ascribed to the ablest men same Hale. in the Colony. He was the confiden- tial advisor of Washington until the In 1777 that stirring patriot and close of the war and afterwards, as stern old fighter, General Israel Put- a member of his cabinet, until Wash- nam, commanded at Peekskill. He ington retired from the Presidency. had arrested a spy named Edmund He was largely the author of the Con- Palmer He was of such consideration stitution of the United States and he that Sir Henry Clinton sent a letter, created our revenue system so wisely with a flag of truce, insisting on his that it has been little changed as it release. In reply was sent this famous came from his creative mind. After j I answer, "Headquarters, seventh Au- seeing the a few months Washington, gust, 1777, Sir: Edmund Palmer, an Burr, discontinued him character of officer in the enemy's service, was ta- from his staff. ken as a spy, lurking within the Amer- One of the most famous sayings of ican lines. He had been tried as a j the French poet Beranger is, "As long spy, condemned as a spy and shall t as I write the songs of the people, be executed as a spy, and the flag is I do not care who makes their laws". ordered to depart immediately. Is-

I New England has been fortunate in rael Putnam". "P. S.- He has accord- ] — men of genius, who, in prose and ingly been executed". Callow's Hill, poetry, in oratory and narrative, have just north of where we are, has re-

[ proclaimed every incident of their his- mained ever since a memorial of this tory and made famous every field and event. A spy named Strang was also hill and rock from Plymouth Rock to hanged on the old oak on Academy [

Bunker Hill. The Dutch, and those 1 Hill. To emphasize the execution, who settled with them in New York, and terrorize the spies, General Mc- did not have these chroniclers. Hap- I Dougal paraded the whole army pily however for Westchester, Wash- around the tree. Enoch Crosby was ington Irving and James Fenimore an apprentice to a shoemaker in I

Cooper lived for many years within i Peekskill until he was twenty-one. our borders. are indebted to He had fought as a boy in the French We ] Cooper for the story of The Spy, the and Indian War. He returned to Con- best of his many novels. The Spy necticut and was working at his trade

was Harvey Birch in the book and 1 when he thought it his duty to join 1;

1816—PEEKSKILL CEXTEXXIAL CELEBRATION—1916

Army. started to ment of Colonel Kitching as Lieuten- the American He j walk to Peekskill and, stopping at ant Colonel of the Westchester regi- farmers' houses on the the way, learn- ment, commanded by Colonel Morris. ed from his hosts that there were When Morris was made a Brigadier secret meetings of the Tories and re- General, Colonel Kitching became cruiting stations for the enemy. He commander of the regiment After decided that he could perform better winning honors and distinction in service to his country by taking the 1 many battles he was mortally wound- risks of the spy, and exposing these ' ed at Cedar Creek. Another officer secret enemies. He unfolded his plan : of that regiment was Major Edmon B. to the Committee of Safety, of whom Travis. I have three recollections as ; the leading members were Col. Van vivid today as in the past. It was a Cortlandt and John Jay, afterwards beautiful Sunday morning when the Chief Justice. He made but one re- churches closed their morning ser- quest which was, that if taken and vices, and all the people were on their executed justice should be done to way home. They were met by boys his memory. He was in more danger shouting the New York papers which from his own side than the other, had just arrived, and which contained because, in order to have the confi- an account of the firing on Sumter. dence of the Tories, learn their plans, Every one grasped the terrible mean- disclose their places of meeting, and ing and the frightful consequences of sometimes be captured with them, he this bombardment. In answer to the had to appear to his own people as the first call of the President, a company j enemy's spy. He was rescued from was raised in the village and, attend- death after condemnation several ed by the whole population to the times by the Committee of Safety, or depot, started for the war. It is sin- by General Washington. Of course, gular how soon we become dulled and this had to be done secretly and dra- indifferent to tragedies. We feel it matically by providing means of es- now in this world war, when horrors cape always attended with great peril. of battle and of starving people, of His services were of incalculable val- unequal magnitude in the past, are ue. After the war, he purchased a occurring every day and scarce re- farm of 230 acres in the western part ceive any attention or consideration. of the county, became a supervisor j So frequent had been the enlistments and a justice of the peace and lived and departures for the front that when until past 85 years of age His story Major Travis, who had enrolled a com- was told to Fenimore Cooper by Chief i pany from our village boys, marched

Justice Jay, who, as a member of the ; through the streets on Saturday our Committee of Safety, knew everj^ de- market day to the depot, the crowds tail When I was a boy the place engaged in marketing and buying and where Harvey Birch hid, in the hill selling neither stopped their merchan- overlooking the village on the north, dising, nor turned to gaze at the de- was a place of great interest and fre- parting soldiers, nor raised a cheer. quent visitation, and inspiration in It was an ordinary event of the times. of history. the study American I was adjutant of the 18th regiment of We are here tonight under the aus- the National Guard and received an pices of Abraham Vosburgh Post of order one evening from the Adjutant the Grand Army of the Republic, and General of the State to have the regi- this brings us to the service rendered ment mustered in at Yonkers to pro- by our town in the Civil War. When ceed to the front in three days to as- I was a boy there were still surviving sist in repelling the invasion which in the village a number of veterans was stopped at Gettysburgh. That of the Revolutionary War. They were regiment was composed almost en- always in evidence on the Fourth of tirely of business men and farmers July and other patriotic occasions. approaching middle life and having So, we have with us today many sur- families. In that way, it excited far vivors of the war for the preserva- more local interest than did the hero- tion of the Union. We furnished two ic departure of young volunteers. remarkable soldiers. Col. Garrett General Sherman, one of the most gal- Dyckman and Gen. J. Howard Hitch- lant of soldiers, fascinating compan- ing. Colonel Dyckman received re- ions, and brilliant of men, said to me peated commendations for gallantry banteringly at a banquet years after- in the field. I secured the appoint ward, "Tell us what the 18th Regiment 12 1816—PEEKSKILL CEXTEXXIAL CELEBRATION—1916

of the National Guard did". "Well", upon my mother, I am a living and I said, "General Lee and his officers happy witness were graduates of Point. They West We glory in the Hudson. I have knew from that association the his- celebrated it, and incidentally Peeks- tory of the Highlands, and the quality kill, all over the world. In order to of the men who lived there. It has give local color, I used to locate ail never been ascertained why Lee so my stories used to illustrate points suddenly decided to cross Harper's in speeches in our village. In Lon- Ferry and return into Virginia with don the newspapers have booths in his army, but it is a historical fact the streets and charcoal on white that this event, which ended the north- paper are the contents of each. Walk- ern campaign of the Confederates, was ing one day down Piccadilly my eye coincident with the arrival of the 18th caught the sign on one of these ad- Regiment at Baltimore". This town vertisements, "What happens up in contributed to the Union Army, dur- Peekskill". I bought the paper and ing the Civil War 1,180 men out of a found several columns with this head-

, . population of 11,074. The same per „^, „ i "Chauncey Depew a well^^ known centage applied to the population of^^^.; "^' k^" the United States todav would put : ^°™ Pf ^Îf/^^^^™^"^ ^f .f ^/o™ into the field an American Army of "^^7' , ^^1^«, ^^^^-^^'^^têw \ork. Peekskill.f^^^^.is inhabited by over ten millions of men. ! original „, , 1 a singular and people of \\ e turn from the stirring scenes ^y^^^^ ^r. Depew is fond of telling. of war to a brief reference to our town The following are some of the things in peace. ruin The which would have which he says happened up in Peeks- from the diversion come of our trade kill". was more than made up by our en- When I first sailed down the Rhine, terprising citizens entering the field of manufactures. While our popula- I heard so much and read so much tion was long ago sufficient under that I expected to discover the most the law for us to incorporate as a wonderful of rivers. I do not think city, we are proud to remain as the it was local pride or partisanship largest village in the United States, i which lead me to conclude that in Co-incident with material progress beauty, picturesqueness and grandeur our people early turned their atten- it did not equal our Hudson. Its tion to education. The Academy, great charms were in the legends built eighty years ago, without for- which invested with a story generally eign assistance, has for four-score tragic every turn and crag and castle. years prepared boys for college and Happily the genius of Washington Irv- usefulness in every department of act- ing has done much to make classic ive life. There has also come within our own Hudson. "The Legend of our limits successful institutions for Sleepy Hollow" endures and will en- learning, both for young men and dure, though the old bridge has dis- young women which are known all appeared, as long as literature lives. over the country. Churches of all "The Phantom Ship" will forever fly denominations built in wild storms up the river. were and success- [ and down fully continued. I recall the first The Little Bulbous Bottomed Dutch minister I remember, the Rev. Wil- Goblin" in trunk hose and sugar-loaf liam Marshall of the First Presbyte- hat with speaking trumpet in his hand, rian Church. He was born in Scot- who keeps the Dunderburg opposite land and his accent was so broad that us, still reigns there supreme. In it was a liberal education to under- stormy weather he increases the rat- stand him, but he Mâs a very learned tling of the thunder and the fierceness man and a wonderful doctrinal theo- of the gale Anthony's Nose rises to logian When my mother, who was a the north of us, and, as we pass devoted member of his church, as through it on the railroad, or around was her mother, told him of her ap- it on the steamboat, there is recalled proaching marriage and asked him to to us Irving's graphic description of perform the ceremony he said, "Mar- how Anthony Van Corlcar, the trum- tha, marriage is a rabble and a rout, peter of the New Netherlands, whose those who are out wish they were in, nose is the largest and most highly and those who are in wish they were colored/ in the Province, looked over out" That this warning of the ven- the side of the boat and the rays of erable pastor made no impression the rising sun striking his nose glan- 1S16—PEEKSKILL CEXTEXXIAL CELEBRATION—1916 ces off into the water and killed a mighty sturgeon. When Governor Stuyvesant, who was on board, heard the story and enjoyed the sturgeon, he said, hereafter this prom- ontory shall be known as "Anthony's Nose". So the tale of Rip Van Win- kle has made the Catskills classic ground. My friends, we stand on holy ground, it has been made sacred by the presence of Washington and La- fayette, of Rochambeau, Greene and Putnam. Within our borders were ma- tured the plans which made possible the victorious issue of the Revolution and the founding of the American Re- public. Our soil has been hallowed by the blood of patriots who gave their lives for their country The stu- dent of the early struggles for liberty and independence must come constantly back to the pages which recount what was done here, and who were the actors here in the great drama of the creation of a free nation. It is a rare privilege for us and a grand lesson for every one, in all succeeding generations, that we can here receive and our posterity always )Viii. H. H. MacKellar be blessed by new baptisms of liberty. Vice-chairman of Committee

S' 14 1S16—PEEKSKILL CENTENNIAL CELEBRATION—191(

THE RELIGIOUS FEATURES to help defray the expenses of meetings in Depew Park. The religious phase of the centennial During the taking of the offering week was represented in services in I Mrs. Grippen's orchestra assisted the the various churches on Sunday, July 2. organ. Rev. Mr. Tetley received the Church of the Assumptiou. collection.

In connection with the centennial ! Rev. Thomas C. Straus offered prayer services at 11 a. m. a solemn high mass and Mrs. Bowman-Neely sang "Abide was celebrated at the Guardian Audi- with Me."

torium with full ceremonial and full ! Hymn 415, "Faith of Our Fathers," choir. Rev. William J. Melia was the was sung, and Rev. Mr. McClelland celebrant. The feast of Sts. Peter and spoke of the unity of the churches Paul falls this year on June 29, and in Peekskill of the fact that the Pres- the service of that feast was on Sunday. ident has kept us out of war, and pre- Rev. Father Melia used that service sented Rev. Dr. Allan MacRossie, who as a basis for the sermon which he was to preach on the "Contribution of preached. It was one of thanksgiving the Church to the Community Life." for the development of the church and Dr. MacRossie went back to the days its activties, and was listened to by of old, and describing the ancient cities a large congregation with close at- showed how though they were great in tention. many ways they had contributed no The Union Serrices. great men. He came down the years to the cities which had contributed great union service was held in St. A men and then showed how the church Paul's M. E. Church on Sunday eve- had helped the big cities and the small ning at 7.45 o'clock. The two Meth- through the centuries. Finally he odist, the two Presbyterian and the reached Peekskill and the church's in- Baptist and Reformed churches com- this ; fluence on community. He spoke bined for the occasion. The church very rapidly for forty-five minutes, was filled to its capacity. j

i holding his audience every minute. Above the pulpit was draped an

! Hymn 420, "True-hearted, Whole American flag. The decorations about hearted," was sung in closing and the the pulpit and choir loft were roses ' benediction was by Rev. Mr. Tetley. and ferns. i The service closed at 9.25. On the pulpit platform from west to east were Rev. B. H. Everitt, of the At the First Presbyterian. I First Presbyterian; Rev. Francis Ste- ' One of the most interesting and ap- ver, of the First Baptist; Rev. Clar- propriate of all the exercises attend- ence P. McClelland, of the First M. E.; ing the Peekskill Centennial was the Rev. Dr. Allan MacRossie, the speaker anniversary service held in the First of the evening; Rev. Thomas C. Straus, Presbyterian Church on Sunday morn- of the Second Presbyterian, and Rev. ing. This church was ninety years old J. Wilbur Tetley, of St. Paul's. Rev. the Sunday previous and the birthday James Mulder, of Van Nest Church, celebration was postponed one week was away on his vacation. St. Paul's so as to coincide with the Centennial choir was augmented by singers from Sunday. A large audience filled the the other churches. church at the morning service at 11 Following the organ prelude by Miss o'clock when the service was held. The Katherine Anderson the doxology was church appropriately [ was decorated sung and the invocation was offered by with the large church flag draped be- Rev. Mr. Everitt. hind the pulpit desk and another flag Hymn 207, "The Church's One Foun- upon the desk itself. dation," was sung and Rev. Mr. Stever This church was organized on Sun- read sixteen verses of the fifth chap- day, June 25, 1826, with sixteen mem- ter of Matthew, the Beatitudes. bers, one of them coming from the Rev. Mr. Everitt, announcing the of- Yorktown Church and the others com- fering, said the money would be used ing from the old "church on the hill,'" 1S16—PEEKSKILL CENTENNIAL CELEBRATION—1916 15 which stood just north of the present blacksmith shop on South street. The Diven street and which was later frame of this First Presbyterian Church merged into the Van Nest Reformed is still standing, having been moved Church. This church was Congrega- and transformed into the dwellings at it 1025 and 1027 Brown street. The origi- tional in faith and government, and [ was largely over the question of gov- ; nal building was torn down in 1846 to ernment that the fifteen members sec- i make way for the new church, which ceded and formed the First Presby- still stands on the site. It was en- terian Church. larged by an addition of thirty feet in But Presbyterianism in Peekskill and 1858, since which time the audience vicinity was much older than that, for room of the church has been little dis- turbed, and the church stands to-day as a beautiful example of the old New England type of church architecture. The manse of the church was built in 1870.

The church is remarkable among other things for this fact, that it be- lieves long terms of service. , in Dur- ing all the ninety years it has had but seven pastors, including the present

First Presbyterian Church the celebrated William Tennent, from New Jersey, had in all probability preached here, and in 1742, Rev. Will- iam Sackett was sent by the Presby- tery of New Brunswick, N. J., to the "Highlands, Crompond and White Plains." He labored in this region for forty-two years, largely at Yorktcwn and Bedford, the mother churches of this region. Thus it will be seen that Peekskill Presbyterianism came to us by way of Yorktown, and the records Rev. Beiij. ir. Everltt of the Yorktown Church show that Pastor, First Presbyterian Church payments were made "at Peekskill by their trustees" for the support of the one. They were: John H. Leggett, gospel in that church from the year 1826-29; William Marshall, 1831-43; 1787 until 1814. David M. Halliday, D. D., 1843-67; John There was a church building erected M. Freeman, D. D., 1868-76; J. Ritchie on the site now occupied by the First Smith, D. D., 1876-S 8 ; Alvah Grant Fes- Church in 1799, which Dr. Halliday senden, 1898-1903; Benjamin H. Ever- said was "undoubtedly the first sanc- itt, 1903 to the present time. Two of tuary that ever opened its doors in these pastorates exceeded twenty years Peekskill." The First M. E. Church in length, and the church has within had been organized some time before, the past few years celebrated the fifty but was worshipping in a remodelled years of service of two of its elders. I

16 1816—PEEKSKILL CENTENNIAL CELEBRATION—1916

Messrs. Uriah Hill, Jr., and Sanford assigned to Sixth Division, Destroyer R. Knapp. Force, Atlantic Fleet. These were some of the facts brought Displacement, 1,060 tons. out in the anniversary sermon prea,ched Length, 305 ft.; beam, 31 ft.; draft, on Sunday by the pastor. His text was 11 ft. from 2 Thess. 2:15: "Therefore, breth- Armament, four 4-inch rapid fire ren, stand fast and hold the traditions guns and eight torpedo tubes. which you have been taught,"' and the Complement—Five officers and 96 sermon was a most interesting combi- men. nation of history and exhortation from Speed—31 knots. the facts of that history. During the Built by Bath Iron Works in 1913. sermon the pastor brought out the good Engines—Turbine. side of tradition as bringing to us Boilers—Four Normand. asserted Officers Commanding, Lieut. Com- the momentum of the past and i — that a church as an individual in the mander G. F. Neal; executive, Lieut. first years of its life got a "bent" or (Junior) F. M. Knox; engineer, Lieut. | En- tradition which ever followed it. Mr. i (Junior) M. W. Larimer; gunnery. Everitt mentioned four traditions of sign H. B. Briggs; division, Ensign the church illustrating each by some Maxwell Cole. facts from its history and pleading! U. S. S. Worden; coast torpedo boat. with the people to hold fast these Assigned to duty with submarines, At- j

same traditions in the future. They I lantic fleet.

to the i were: (1) Loyalty Fundamentals Displacement, 420 tons. Length, 248 of the Gospel; (2) World-wide Benevo- feet. Beam, 23 feet. Draft, 10 feet. been lence, the church having always Armament, eight three-inch and six- church, having known as a missionary pounders and two torpedo tubes. given one-half as much to mission Complement—Two officers and fifty causes as it has spent upon itself; (3) men. Christian Unity with other Spirit of Speed—29 knots. Service for Churches; (4) Community Built in 1901. the Public Good. Officers: Commanding, Lieutenant, Many of the facts mentioned were 'Junior Grade, J. M. Smith; executive, exceedingly interesting, especially to Lieutenant, Junior Grade, R. H. Booth. the older members of the congregation. The Cummings dropped anchor in During the service. Rev. Arthur Requa, I the channel about 10.30 p. m. Saturday. one of the sons of the church, offered F. Neal sent a prayer and the choir sang beautifully Lieut. Commander G. Ensign Maxwell Cole ashore, who got "The God of Abraham Praise." in touch with President Crumb about The hymns sung by the congregation , m. arranged for a formal call with a great deal of enthusiasm were 11 p. and "The Church's One Foundation," "For ' at 10 a. m. Sunday. Just before that Neal came All the Saints who from Their Labors hour Lieutenant Commander ashore in his launch. He was taken to

Rest" and "Faith of Our Fathers." I President Crumb's home,- 129 High T>VO NAVY CRAFT WERE HERE. I street, by Grand Marshal Fred A. Smith One of the interesting features of the In the latter's automobile. There he centennial program was the presence was received by President Crumb, ex- j of two naval vessels in Peekskill Bay, A. Pugsley, ! Congressman Cornelius assigned to Peekskill by Secretary of Fred A. Smith, Chester De Witt Pugs- j the Navy Josephus Daniels at the re- ley and Albert E. Cruger, chairman, j quest of Chester De Witt Pugsley, secretary of the Centennial Com- i and chairman of the Centennial Committee. mittee, Register Isaac H. Smith, Chief The two boats were the Cummings of Police Richard W. McGinty, Chief of and the Worden. I E. Forbush 1 Fire Department Clifton They are described and officered as and Park Commissioners Dr. Albert E. follows: Phin and Geo. E. Briggs. in- U. S. S. Cummings; type, destroyer; 1 After a pleasant chat following ;!!

1S16—PEEKSKILL CENTENNIAL CELEBRATION—1916 17

troductions on the veranda from which cartridges did not go off. A torpedo the Cummings was plainly visible in was then launched and the mechanism

j the bay, the gentlemen gathered in the explained. The $7,000 torpedo was ^ brought back by parlor. There President Crumb made i a boat crew and one of his ever-ready addresses of wel- hauled aboard and replaced amid the come, spoke of the centennial and em- wonder and admiration of the spec- blematically presented the keys of the tators. village to Lieutenant Commander Neal. A visit was made to the officers' | The latter responded in a delightfully headquarters, where light refresh- sincere and charming speech of thanks, ments were served and the gentlemen

| invited the president, village officers; regaled with Corona cigars. and committeemen to call on the Cum- Good-byes were said, and at 3.22 p.m. mings in the afternoon and so on and the delighted party were again landed so on. Mrs. Crumb was then presented. at the centre dock. Light refreshments were served and The Worden came in Monday after- the naval officer departed, followed by| noon late, and their officers participated in the committee of reception. . : the exercises, luncheon and In the afternoon the call was re- events of Tuesday. turned. Captain Willis Delemater's By day the boats were decorated with handsome new boat, the Bear Moun- flags, and at night with electric lights. tain, had been secured. At 2.10, at the On Tuesday evening Lieutenant Com- centre dock, the lines were cast off mander Neal and the officers of the and the prow of the commodious and flotilla entertained at dinner a party

| trim electric launch pointed toward of Peekskill young ladies on board the the big "44" which loomed out in large Cummings. The occasion was a very figures on the bow (both sides) of the pleasant one. The fireworks were wit- Cummings. nessed from the ship. On the Bear Mountain were Presi- Both boats left during the night dent and Mrs. Leverett F. Crumb, Hon. Tuesday. Cornelius A. Pugsley, Chester De Witt The officers were all fine fellows and Pugsley, were given a warm and cordial greet- Trustees Robert Johns, Will- I iam H. Gish, Angelo Bleakley, Robert ing by the committee. While here they Valentine and Mrs. Valentine, Charles were introduced to scores of our citi- W. Oldfield and Mrs. Oldfield, Village zens and made a lasting impression. Clerk Albert E. Cruger, Chief of Police They will always be remembered in and Mrs. Richard W. McGinty, Mr. and Peekskill. Mrs. Clifford Couch. Mr. and Mrs. Fred i A. Smith, Dr. and Mrs. John Archibald Smith, Fire Department Chief and Mrs. Clifton E. Forbush, Hon. Isaac H. Smith, Miss Geraldi'^e Valentine, Miss yO' Marion Valentine, Dr. and Mrs. Albert E. Phin, Mr. and Mrs. Fred Morgan, of New York, the Misses Helen Scott and Roberta Scott, of New York, C. Hasket Forbush and Geo. E. Briggs. Arriving at the Cummings the official party were met at the deck by Lieutenant Commander Neal. They were escorted about the boat, fore and aft and into the bridge. Lieutenant Commander Neal and Ensigns Cole and Briggs explained the ship's parts, the rigging, the guns, the torpedoes and so on. Then there was a drill with the four-inch guns and the firing of them was exhibited, though, of course, the 18 1816—PEEKSKILL CENTENNIAL CELEBRATION—1916

THE LUNCHEOX 0> 3I0NDAT. en route to Orchard street. It was scheduled to start at 1.30 p. m. from Before the parade on Monday a few Orchard street. This parade was un- distinguished visitors were entertained der the auspices of the Automobile at luncheon at the Eagle Hotel by the Club of Peekskill. committee. David B. Seymour was the marshal It was served at 12.45 p. m. in the of the auto parade, and his aides were Eagle dining room. Proprietor Win- M. R. Loftus and Benj. S. Hancock, ters served the following tempting D. H. Teague was the aide of the road- menu: ster division, Charles J. Donohue of the Grape Fruit au Marachino Soup touring cars, and H. D. Levino of the Cream of Pullet a la Rltz Commercial cars. Considerable man- Lamb Broth with Vegetables euvering was necessary to get all the Relish cars in position on Orchard street, and Pickles, Lettuce. Sliced Cucumbers Fish it was 1.45 when the bugle was sounded Fried Lake Perch, Cream Potatoes by the official bugler starting the line. Boiled Just previous to this A. S. Renza's Leg of Canadian Mutton, Caper Sauce Entrees men set off a number of bombs from Crab a la Newburgh on Toast the old fort on Nelson Hill which made Chinese Fritters, Sauce au Rum the welkin ring with their reports. Golden Fricassee of Cliicken The line moved as follows: Grand (Southern Style) Roast Marshal Seymour, Aides Loftus and Prime Ribs of Beef au Jus Hancock each in a runabout, Geo. E. Roast Long Island Duck McCoy, president of the Auto Club, Stewed Apples Combination Salad, Mayonnaise Dressing with Frank M. Brucus, of the New York Vegetables State Automobile Association; H. Field Spinach with Eggs, Mashed Potatoes Home and W. R. Stoner, vice-presi- Boiled Potatoes, Butter Beets dents; Wright Horton, treasurer. Then Dessert Apple, Blueberry, Pumpkin, Custard Pies came the armored motor battery from Fruit Jelly with Cake the State Camp, Captain Montgomery, j Strawberry Short Cake the motorcycle detachment in the lead, Iced Watermelon followed by two of the armored cars. Chocolate. Sundae, Fruit, Nuts I Iced Tea, Coffee, Milk Then came Aide Daniel H. Teague [ Those present were Rear Admiral and Dr. A. D. Dunbar and several run- French E. Chadwick, Senator George abouts; Charles J. Donohue, aide of A. Slater, of Port Chester, Lieutenant the touring car division; Raymond Commander G. F. Neal, Ensigns Max- Moore, Charles Miller, George Foster, well Cole and H. M. Briggs, of the de- Lester Perry, Dr. A. E. Anderson, Mrs. stroyer Cummings; Captain Charles W. W. B. Roberts, Andrew B. Buchanan, I Brown, of Company A, Forty-seventh Franklin Montross, Enos Lee, Byron Regiment, N. G. N. Y.; President Lev- Travis, Geo. Haight, Wm. F. Chambers, erett F. Crumb, Grand Marshal Fred A. W. Stuke, P. Irving Fisher, Howard A. Smith, Congressman James W. Gilberts, George W. MacCashin, John Husted, Chairman Chester De Witt F. Conklin, Clarence W. Tompkins, George Clark, Mrs. Walker, Mrs. R. W. Pugsley, ex-President Thomas Nelson, \ Jr., ex-Assemblyman Isaac H. Smith, Shertzinger, William J. Wiberley, D. D. Harry W. Corliss, ex-Trustee Cassius Donovan, George A. Timmons and sev- M. Gardner and Park Commissioner eral others; N. L. Ely, aide of suffrage Geo. E. Briggs. division; runabout in suffrage colors; Equal Franchise Club of Tarrytown; AUTOMOBILE PABADE, JULY 3. Miss Natalie Mason, Frank N. McCoy, Preceding the regular parade of Mon- Capt. Henriques; automobile occupied day afternoon there was an automobile by John Halsted, A. G. Odell, James pageant similar to the one during the W. McCoy, William E. Lane, Sr., sur- Hudson-Fulton celebration of 1909. vivors of the old Jefferson Guards, By one o'clock gaily decked auto- and other out-of-town machines; H. mobiles which were to take part were D. Levino, aide of the commercial car IS16—PEEKSKILL CEXTEXXIAL CELEBRATIOX— 191G 19

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20 1S16—PEEKSKILL CENTENNIAL CELEBRATION-

division; William J. Donovan, Peeks- Many of the cars had more or less kill Lighting & Railroad Co., Edward flag decorations and some red, white Griffiths, James F. Martin, Finnigan and blue streamers, while many had Bros. no decorations except small flags. The line of March was as follows: Ben S. Hancock's runabout was From Orchard street to Nelson avenue, beautifully trimmed, and a big star was to Main, to North Division, to South the prominent feature, with his little Division, to First, to Union, to Elm, to girl dressed as an angel to keep up the Ringgold, to Frost, to Dyckman, to simile. Franklin, to Washington, to South, to South Division, to Park, to Broad, to Main, to Southard, to Park, to Grant, to Main street, passing in review at the Eagle Hotel, to Division street, t South, to Washington street, west sidi of which was reserved for the auto mobile parade, giving those taking par an opportunity to see the larger an> later parade. Mrs. W. B. Roberts' Overland ca; was covered with Rambler roses t< completely as to hide it entirely. J was so unique and beautiful that it won the first prize. Mrs. Roberts drove the car. With her were her daughter, little Miss Helen Davis Roberts, her sister, Miss Grace Davis, and Miss Helen Wessells. Charles J. Donohue on his car had a bell of roses which made it appear very attractive. John F. Donohue had his commercial completely hidden with ludicrous covering and a bunch of tin cans on either end kept hitting the pavement as the car moved and on the rear were the words, "Mexico the Next Stop." The driver and partner were made up to represent tramps. Captain Henriques' car was made up Karl M. Sherman to represent a battleship, and it was The original Centennial man, who realistic to a degree. first proposed the celebration at a meet- P. Irving Fisher had a big sign over ing of the Peekskill Board of Trade, his car reading "Preparedness." It January 12, 1915. was decorated with flags. On the seat with Mr. Fisher was Miss Evelyn Ten- Charles Weller's touring car was nant as Miss Liberty. In the rear were beautifully decorated with red, white Althea Lamos and Elsie Tenant as and blue. It was entitled "America nurses. Willis Van Wart was stand- First." Mr. and Mrs. Weller occu- ing on the rear seat dressed as "Uncle pied the front seat, and on the back Sam." seat were Charles Jr. (4i^ years old) The suffrage cars were all decorated dressed as "Uncle Sam"; Marguerite with the suffrage colors, and the occu- (aged 6) as "Miss Columbia," and Ro- pants were also. salind (aged 2) as "Cupid." Miss Natalie Mason's car was cov- The cars were judged from the Eagle ered with a blanket of green and yel- Hotel balcony by Col. William H. low roses. Chapin, of the State Camp, Jacob Blu- 1816—PEEKSKILL CENTENNIAL CELEBRATION— 1916 mer, of Peekskill, and B. W. Bedell, about town, all bound for the form- of Lincolndale. ing line. The various organizations part in the big They made this report: taking parade were arriving during the arrangement of the First — Automobile covered with autos for the automobile parade, and green blanket and decorated with red at 2.20 all were in their places on the roses Mrs. W. B. Roberts. — streets crossing Highland avenue ex- with Second—Automobile covered cept the Franciscan Convent division. with yel- green blanket and decorated They were in some way delayed and low flowers—Miss Natalie Mason. Third — Descendants of Paulding family—Frank N. McCoy. Honorable mention—Charles Weller and family in costume; Navy Car, Capt. Henriques.

THE PARADE, MONDAY, JULY 3. Fred A. Smith Without a question of a doubt the parade of Monday was the feature of Grand Marshal of Parade and Chair- the three days' celebration. It was the man of Parade Committee biggest, largest, longest and "bestest" parade that ever marched Peekskill did not reach the starting point, but streets. Unstinted credit is due to fell in their place at Nelson avenue. the grand marshal and chairman of The Forty-seventh Regiment with 1,000 the parade committee, Frederick Allen men were on hand on Highland ave- Smith, who conceived, planned and car- nue, having marched from the State ried out the affair, ably assisted by Camp. his executive aide, Douglas Macduff. Promptly at 2.30 o'clock on a signal There was but one drawback, to wit, from the fire bell, "1-1-1," the chief's the half hour's rain that came just be- call, and one long blast of the fire fore four o'clock. But the marchers, whistle. Grand Marshal Fred A. Smith, old and young, trod bravely on be- gave the order to march. His aides neath the downpour which soon ceased. were Douglass Macduff, Dr. Geo. C. The sun came out as bright and warm Colyer, Harrison Barnes, Fred R. Field, as it had been previous to the shower C. W. Horton, Jr., John E. Holden, and the pageant passed in review at J. R. Lancaster, Wm. H. H. MacKel- the Eagle Hotel balcony at the con- lar, Amos Barger, Eben Utter and Earl clusion of the long march beneath an Barger. almost cloudless sky. Following him were the village offi- Soon after 12 o'clock Monday com- cials and guests in autos, as follows: panies of marchers began to appear Car No. 1—Village President Lever- 22 1816—PEEKSKILL CENTENNIAL CELEBRATION—1916 ett F. Crumb, County Judge Frank L. this point. William H. Briggs, the cel- Young, Lieutenant Commander G. F. ebrated "Uncle Sam" from Bingham- Neal, representing tlie Navy; State ton, was the man who took the part. Senator George A. Slater, of Port Clies- Melvin R. Horton, as marshal of the ter; Corporation Counsel Robert F. first division, followed. Then came the Barrett at the wheel. Sixth Heavy Artillery Band, Amos Gal- Car No. 2—Trustees Wm. H. Gish lager, leader, with 30 pieces. They and Angelo Bleakley and Town Clerk were followed by the Forty-seventh S. Allen Mead; William H. Ash at the Regiment Drum Corps. Then came the wheel. Marines from lona Island under First Car No. 3—Chester De Witt Pugsley, Sergeant John F. Duffy, followed by the Trustee Robert Johns, ex-Village Pres- sailors from the Destroyer Cummings ident Isaac H. Smith, Village Clerk Al- in the harbor under Chief Gunners bert E. Cruger, Rear Admiral French Mate Froberg. The Eighth Division, E. Chadwick; Milton Cliston Smith at First Naval Militia, followed. the wheel. The Forty-seventh Regiment, N. G., Car No. 4—Ensigns Maxwell Cole marching company front, were next.

St. Joseph's Home Float, "Art awd Religion," Won First Prize and H. B. Briggs, U. S. N., and Park There were one thousand men in the

Commissioners Henry L. Armstrong ! line, exclusive of officers, and were (president), Geo. E. Briggs (secretary), commanded by Col. Ernest Jennicky. Nathan Posey (treasurer) and James The soldier boys were in service uni-

W. Husted (congressman) ; Commis- form and carried their rifles. The of- sioner Phin at the wheel. ficers wore their pistols only. Car No. 5—Trustees Clarence J. Lent, The Spanish War Veterans were next

I Robert Valentine and Charles W. Old- in line and in the rear was a surrey j field, Water Commissioners Oscar V. and two horses driven by Isaiah Hughes Barger and William B. Baxter; Trustee in Continental uniform and on the rear Oldfield at the wheel. seat sat William Langstine, an excel- Car No. 6—Health Officer E. de M. lent representation of Abraham Lin- Lyon, M.D., Public Health Nurse Eliz- coln. Following was a carriage, in abeth F. Piatt, Village Treasurer Will- which rode Homer Anderson and John iam J. Charlton, Assessor James A. Smith, Jr., representing the Lincoln Barker; Mr. Barker at the wheel. Society. Aides Lanning G. Roake, Gor- "Uncle Sam," on a white horse, was don P. Ewing and Albert B. Seymour one of the attractions of the line at in an auto followed. ],

1S16—PEEKSKILL CEXTEXXIAL CELEBRATION—1916 23

Peekskill's float, "Progress," drawn his assistants were Thomas Dasey and by six horses, followed. The length of James J. Finnigan. the float was 16 feet and the width 7 The patriotic Order, Sons of Amer- feet. The front emblem, "Music," rep- ica, float followed. It was entitled, resented harmony. On the right side "The Spirit of 76." On a throne at the was a 16-ft. painting of Peekskill Har- rear of the float sat George Blake as bor in 1816, taken from a painting by "Uncle Sam"; Miss Lillian Odell as an artist named Dane, who lived in "Miss Columbia"; two minute men, O. Peekskill at that time. On the left side Muller and R. Miller, with muskets, a 16-ft. painting of State Camp from a stood guard. Then came thirteen photograph by the late H. H. Pierce. young ladies in white representing On the back, Peekskill's official seal, the Thirteen Colonial States: Connecti- showing plow and stove, the first in- cut, Miss Cooley; Pennsylvania, Miss dustries of the town. The float proper Barger; Georgia, Miss Davis; Dela- was a reproduction of the old Wire ware, Miss Cummins; Maryland, Miss Mill wheel now standing in Annsville, Townsend; Rhode Island, Miss Van 10 feet high, surrounded by trees and Scoy; New York, Miss Schofield; New

Junior Sons and Daug-hters of the Kevolution Float Won Second Prize natural foliage. Four American flags Hampshire, Miss Bartley; Virginia, graced the middle center back, front Miss Muller; Massachusetts, Miss and sides, while in each of the four Hughson; North Carolina, Miss Queen; corners were urns of special design South Carolina, Miss Hiland; New Jer- containing scarlet geraniums. Sus- sey, Miss Collins. W. Cooley, in a pended from the tips of the flag staffs Zouave uniform, was colorbearer. Geo. hung wreaths of laurel indicating vic- Davis was grandfather, Henry Ferris tory, festoons of flags and drapings of as son and Joseph Davis as grandson laurel roping completed the decora- with flfe and drum. The horses were tions. A hand-made grill railing of led by two members of the order. The wood painted white enclosed the scenic trimming was in white and on either portion of the float. The float was de- side hung a sheet on which the name

signed and built by Charles F. Whitson. ! of the order appeared. Following this was a coach drawn by The fire chief's auto followed, and

| two horses representing Lincoln's time. Anscheutz's Band, of Beacon, led the small leather firemen. Strapped on the rear was a \

trunk. This was the Lincoln Society's I First came Columbian Engine Com-

contribution to the parade. ! pany in their new uniforms, 45 men The second division marshal was and officers, and the auto engine.

| Clifton E. Forbush, and The Stony Point Drum Corps led Chief Engineer 1 24 1S16—PEEKSKILL CENTENNIAL CELEBRATION— 1916

Columbian Hose Company, who also Messrs. Rothera and Southard; Indian, appeared in new uniforms, and 45 men Mr. Trousdell; cowboys, Sid Dicker- with the department flags and auto man and Warrie Rothera, Jr. engine. Then followed the Royal Arcanum The Twentj^-first Regiment Band of float, a car trimmed with blue, white Poughkeepsie led Cortlandt Hook & and purple. Sitting on the float were Ladder Company with 47 men and offi- Miss Dorothy Hagan dressed in pur- cers and the handsome auto truck. ple, representing "Charity"; Miss The Wappingers Falls Drum Corps Edna Ogden, dressed in blue, repre- led Washington Engine Company, who senting "Mercy"; Miss Dorothy D. Fer- turned out 44 men and officers and guson, dressed in white, representing their auto engine. "Virtue." The letters "V. M. C." on a The Y. M. C. A. Drum Corps headed banner stood for the motto of the or- Centennial Hose Company with 38 offi- der. Four little girls in white also cers and men and their horse drawn were seated on the float. They were chemical engine. :\Iargaret Palmer, Dorothy Ahrens, Four Exempts led the old hand en- Helen Albert and Hazel Baker.

Susan B. Anthony, Pioneer Suffragist Float, Won Tliird Prize gine, which was drawn by horses. John They were followed by the St. D. Foster wore a fire hat which was Joseph's Home contingent with Rev. worn by James Brown, the first fire John Cavanagh mounted. Rev. Remy warden of Peekskill, and carried his Laforte and Rev. John McCollough baton. rode in a carriage. Charles E. Tweedy, driving his auto, Then came the St. Joseph's Home had for his passengers four nurses floats. from the hospital. The first fioat was entitled "The Dig- The third division came next, with nity of Labor." The bridge of the float George P. Wygant as marshal; Lee represented the solidity of labor. The Earl and Charles Lent, Jr., as aides. highest point of the bridge was crowned Eighteen mounted men and Miss Mary with a stove and plough—the stove and McCord, Miss Marguerite Tompkins, plough being the first two products of Miss Helen Foster, Miss Catherine the village foundry, and they also rep- Barnes, also mounted. resent our village seal. On the front Then came the Nagawicka Riding terraces from the platform upward was Club, represented by Mesdames Baker, a mason, shoemaker, plumber and Rothera, Southard and Southard, and steamfitter, blacksmith; on the rear 1S16—PEEKSKILL CENTENNIAL CELEBRATION—1916 25

terraces a motorman, carpenter, type- groups representing Music, Drawing writer, painter, tinsmith and baker. and Dramatic Art, the whole being Under the bridge a farmer was seen crowned by Faith, Hope and Charity. on his field surrounded by his happy The St. Joseph's Band of 30 boys, family. As space will not permit rep- with M. Thornell, leader, was followed resenting all the honored trades a stal- by the cadets of the home 100 strong. wart man at the right of rear made They were followed by the sailor boys up for the deficit. of the home. They carried long strips At the right corner front Uncle Sam of bunting and at intervals along the stood guiding the great mass of toil- march the bunting was raised above ers who have helped by their untiring their heads it , and formed an immense and unselfish energy to build up our American fiag. prosperous Village, our Empire State The fourth Division was in charge of and our Country which we all look up I. Olstein as marshal, with Louis Kel- to with pride. ler, Edward Burger, Isadore Wolff, General Israel Putnam, who during Jacob Fish, D. Levinson and S. Levy as the Revolutionary period had his head- aides.

'Progress''—Tlio Peekskiil Float Funiislied by the Cominittee quarters at Peekskiil was represented Then came into view the blue and

I on the left front. gold of the Daughters of the Revolu- I The second float represented Art and tion. It covered the float of the Junior Religion. It was an enormous artist's Sons and Daughters. A big auto truck palette poised ready for an invisible had been covered with a canopy of blue master. The figures were an idealiza- and gold with tassels and on the sides tion of the colors as they appear from were banners giving the name. The

the artist's tubes preparatory to blend- ! driver was in Continental uniform. ing for his work. They were ready to The title was "Colonial Days." Mrs. I do his bidding and perform the task E. W. Colloque was "Priscilla"; three he had planned. Their approach is little boys, Robert Snowden, Richard announced by two heralds. In the Home, Will Lawson, also Nell Lawson,

foreground stood Wisdom in cap and I were dressed as Indian boys; four gown, with Peace on her right and girls, Susan Seymour, Ruth Beale, El- Prosperity on her left. Next in order sie Jaycox, Winifred Snowden, were came Preparedness attended by two also Indians. Four little girls, Sarah Red Cross nurses. Then followed Oakley, Muriel Clinton, Lucy Clinton, 26 1S16—PEEKSKILL CEXTExNNIAL CELEBRATION—191«

Sarah Taylor, were dressed as "Pris- it were the descendants of John Paul- cillas," and three boys, Lawrence ding, of Revolutionary fame; Mrs. Mar- Wood, George Doty, Frederick Snow- tha McCoy and Miss Harriet B. Inger- den, also Blanche Naylor, as the Pil- soll, grandchildren; Frank N. McCoy, grim fathers. An old time spinning Sr., Miss Florence I. Todd, great-grand- wheel represented the occupation of children; George I. McCoy, Eleanor R. the females. McCoy, great-great-grandchildren. Out of seven pictures of the parade The fifth division marshal was Rev. furnished it the photo of this float was Richard H. Tobin, who rode in a car- chosen by the New York Herald to riage with Father Melia and Father head its story of Peekskill's Centennial Walsh, of Mohegan. on Tuesday. Rev. D. M. Coda was chief of staff, Behind the float, on a pony, rode with James V. Clune, Charles Weysser, Jr., little Josephine Halsey as an Indian Lester Baxter, James F. Martin, boy. Edward Finnigan, Joseph Doyle and P. The Brooklyn Hebrew Orphan Asy- Clarkin as aides. lum Band headed the United Hebrews The float, "Progress of Peekskill's

r ^#

The Cluircli of tlie Assumption and the GuJirdian Float

of Peekskill, who all wore white hats. Fashions," by the Daughters of Isa- They carried an American flag, 30x70 bella, came next. This was a big car, feet, on their shoulders, and when it on which were young ladies dressed was wet by the shower near the end of in the fashion of various times in the the march it became a heavy load. It history of the village. First came the was probably the largest flag ever seen Indian maiden, Olive Burke; then the in Peekskill. Dutch maid, Mrs. Dehn, and the Dutch Autos and wagons with Hebrew jboy, William Marshall; then the Qua- women followed the men. Then came keress, Emily Mahon. The fashion of girls with red, white and blue para- 1776 was represented by Bessie Kelly, sols and boys with Uncle Sam hats. of 1816 by Gertrude Riley, of 1830 by Then came an automobile completely Helena Lillis, of 1860 by Annie Clarkin, [ granddaughter, covered with American flags and a big 1 1871 by Anna Shea and eagle perched upon the radiator. In Loretta Anderson, 1885 by Annie Mc- 1816—PEEKSKILL CENTENNIAL CELEBRATION—1916 27

Cormick, 1895 by Katherine Finnigan, frage Party banner, assisted by Miss 1916 by Mary Ryan, and the girls of Jane MacKellar and Miss Estelle to-day, the nurse, Katherine Dolan; Tompkins. suffragette, Catherine Flanagan; tennis The suffragist float was drawn by girl, Mrs. Dolan; Miss Columbia, Mary two white horses. It was tastefully Martin. decorated with suffrage colors, yellow The Catholic Protectory Band headed and white. On it were seated thirteen the A. 0. H., the Knights of Colum- fairies representing the thirteen States bus and the Holy Name Society. Then where women can vote. They were came the Guardian float. It was the Agnes Tompkins, Catherine Wright, Guardian Building and the Church of Lillian Reeves, the Misses Cowles, the Assumption in miniature on a big Elizabeth Henriques, Miss Miller, auto truck. The likeness was very Emily Turner, Alice Kelly, Marion real, and it created much favorable Hudson, Erma Hudson, Claire Rear- comment along the line. The purpose don and Miss Alsop. Mrs. Elizabeth of the float apparently was to show Smith was dressed to represent Mrs. that the church, though small, was Susan B. Anthony, the first suffragist. pulling the big, cumbersome Guardian. On the driver's seat were Misses Dor- The Guardian Drum Corps headed the othy Ellis and Mina Snowden. The Guardian Cadets. color bearer was Beatrice Crawford. Then came a number of children Others were Ruth Ulm and Winifred from the Assumption School carrying Acker. flags. The decorations were all furnished Then followed Aides Louis Laudati by Mrs. Frank Vanderlip, and the work and Carlo Monleoni and Moroni's Band was done under the direction of Mrs. of New York. They led the Italian- E. E. Fink. American Society with a hundred men The seventh division was led by J. in line, all wearing white hats. Coleridge Darrow as marshal, with The Oakside School float completed Joseph Kuhn, Martin Nilsson and R. P. the fifth division. It represented the Stone as aides. activities of Oakside. A big auto truck Peabody's Band, of Poughkeepsie, led had been covered with blue and yel- the Fleischmann Company's employ- low bunting and oak leaves, and on ees, 225 strong. The men wore a kahki each side two boys were swinging from uniform with campaign hats, and each the float. At each corner a boy held a had a yellow sash with the word streamer stretching across the full "Fleischmann" on it. There were four width of the street. On it boys and banners in line reading, "Peekskill, the girls represented football, basketball, Home of the Largest Yeast Factory," baseball, kindergarten, geography and "Preparedness for Baking: Fleisch- Palmer writing. mann's Yeast," "Fleischmann's Yeast David Hartstein was marshal of the Made in Peekskill," "Eat Bread Made sixth division. His aides were J. Verag, in Peekskill." M. Snyder, T. Augusky, F. Radock, A. A gaily painted gypsy wagon with Strasser. a small pony tied behind caused much Southard & Robertson Company's comment. float was next. It was the old foundry The P. O. S. of A. Drum Corps of bell, rescued from the recent fire, Yonkers headed the Standard Oil Cloth placed on a platform atop of the foun- Company employees and members of dry truck, tastefully covered with the Buchanan Sick Benefit Association bunting, with George W. Robertson rid- women. ing beside the driver. Next in line was John Hutchinson, Collins' Band, of Newburgh, headed mounted, leading the Jenkins Orphan the United Hungarians, Slavs, Poles Brass Band (colored boys) from and Greek Catholics. Charleston, N. C, and the M^n's Social Then came the Woman's Suffrage Union of Mt. Olivet Baptist Church, contingent, on foot and in autos. Mrs. 35 men and a number of Boy Scouts Wm. H. H. MacKellar carried the Suf- in charge of Scoutmaster L. W. 28 1S16—PEEKSKILL CENTENNIAL CELEBRATION—1916

Hughes. William H. Singleton was in After passing in review of the vil- charge of the men. lage officials and guests on the Eagle Three teams of horses drew a float Hotel balcony and the grand marshal which represented a field hospital un- and his aides, who were drawn up in der a tent, in memory of the soldiers line west of the hotel, the parade was of the Tenth U. S. Cavalry who fell in dismissed. Mexico. The nurses were Sereta Wor- The judges of the floats were: B. W. tham. Alberta Brown, Vera Lipscomb; Bedell, Lincolndale; Col. W. H. Chapin, doctor, Wm. Graves; guards, George New York National Guard; Jacob Blu- Hutchinson, Stanley Peterson, Warren mer, Peekskill. Boatwright and Douglas Peterson, Jr. They reported: First prize, St. Jo- One of the most interesting of all seph's Home float, "Religion and Art"; the divisions in the line was that of second prize. Junior Sons and Daugh- the Peekskill Highway Department, ters of Revolution; third prize, Susan which brought up the rear. B. Anthony suffrage float; honorable Two men on horseback led the line, mention. Patriotic Order Sons of Amer- followed by Commissioner Thompson, ica; "Fashions," Daughters of Isabella; with Mrs. Thompson, in his auto. It St. Joseph's Home Industrial. had been beautifully and tastefully The prizes were a gold medal for trimmed, and "Uncle Sam" and "Miss the winner, a silver medal for second Columbia," in the persons of Mr. and a bronze medal for third. The Thompson's two children, occupied the medals were a counterpart of the offi- rear. A seal bearing the words, "E cial badge as to style. On the bar Pluribus Unum" was hung from either above the ribbon was engraved, "First side of the machine. Prize," "Second Prize," "Third Prize," Next came Foreman Gilleo and his as the case might be. On the reverse brigade of street sweepers in their of the medallion were the words, "Best white uniforms and carrying brushes. Decorated Auto," "Best Decorated The auto sweeper, gaily decked, came Float," "Best Decorated Truck." As next, followed by a team and wagon, there were no trucks in the contest, neatly trimmed, its sides bearing the no medals were awarded in that class. inscription, "We can't keep your streets clean if you won't help." The village carts, with their wheels wound with red, white and blue, and the body also followed. The first one bore the sign, "We do our best. Do you do yours?" Another one bore the words, "Put your paper and fruit skins in the red cans," and "Our Work is for your good health." Then came the tree sprayer with its sides reading, "Keep the grass green from sidewalk to curb. Make your town beautiful." The three sprinkling carts with their trimmings of red white and blue completed the great centennial parade lineup. The line of march was as follows: South on Highland avenue, to Orchard, to Nelson, to Main, to Division, to First, to Union, to Elm, to Ringgold, to Frost, to Dyckman, to Franklin, to Washing- ton, to South, to Division, to Park, to Broad, to Main, to Grant avenue, coun- termarching, pass in review in front Conielhts A. I'lig-siey of the Eagle Hotel, to Division street. Treasurer of Committee —

1S16—PEEK3KILL CENTENNIAL CELEBRATION—1916 29

There were nine motorcycles of the First Armored Battery Battalion, two armored cars and sixty-two other automobiles. There were, however, four times as many automobiles watching along the line of the parade as there were cars in the procession. One of the most interesting floats in the parade was the Southard-Robert- son foundry bell, a relic from the recent fire, mounted on a decorated foundry truck drawn by the foundry horses. George W. Robertson showed the proper spirit and grit. He also had what was left of the foundry buildings decorated. A small flag was stuck out of every one of the many windows. The parade occupied fifty-five minutes in passing the Eagle Hotel. It was 4.20 p. m. when Grand Marshal Smith was abreast the reviewing stand. It was 4.38 when the last of the second division of firemen marched by. Then there was quite a long interval before the third division came in sight. Albert E, Cruger In the usual close order it would prob- Secretary of Committee ably have taken three-quarters of an PARADE PARAGRAPHS hour to pass a given point, and that means a big parade for a place like John Smith, Jr., and Homer Ander- Peekskill. son, who rode in a carriage in the The Oakside School float characters parade, represented the Lincoln Soci- were: Kindergarten—Bella Keller and ety, one of the strong and popular or- Geo. Denike; Primary—Marion Quitt- ganizations brought forth in Peekskill meyer, Madeline Boylan, Helen Man- during the century. I deville, Helen Maxwell; Grammar i The Yorktown Riding Club was rep- Mildred Golden, Velma Pugsley; High Barnes, Edwin P. resented by Lucille School—Oakside quartet, William Hunt, Helen Strang, William A. Barnes and Orrin Conklin, Milton Lockwood, Otto Irish. two former were aides to The Graninger, Jr. The Oakside float was Dr. P. Wygant. They were in George one of the prettiest in the line. It was the fourth division. upon. Many thought ! much commented One of the features of the parade it should have won a prize. The young- was the company of little Hebrew girls. sters swinging on the side were "all Every one of them went over the en- to the good." tire line of march, through rain and 1 One idea of the length of Peekskill's sunshine. of them were under Two biggest parade is obtained by the five years of age, and they never fal- i ! knowledge that when Grand Marshal tered. Smith and his staff coming up South The flag carried by the Hebrew or- street reached the corner of South and ganizations was 30x70 feet. It was the Division street the last division of the largest flag ever seen in Peekskill. It parade was still passing through Divi- was made to order. It was so wide sion street toward First street, its end that several feet had to be hemmed at the Westchester County National in so it could pass through narrow Bank. When the head of the parade

J streets. I was allowed to pass into Division street, the procession stretched through The auto parade started at 1.45 p. m. I •30 1816—PEEKSKILL CENTENNIAL CELEBRATION—1916

Division from South to First, to Union wore a crown on his head, and was at- avenue, to Elm street, to Ringgold, to tired in a gorgeous robe of red, Frost, to Dyckman, to Franklin, to trimmed with white fur. Washington, to South and up to Divi- Upon the brow of the Queen also sion. And the organizations and bands rested a crown. She and her maids had been pretty well crowded together were dressed in white. They carried by that time, too, as the various divi- bouquets of flowers, Presi- sions had caught up while the head of large but dent after a few felicitous re- the procession halted. Crumb, marks, presented to the three ladies As it has been said, there was glory each a very handsome basket of flow- enough in the Centennial Celebration ers on behalf of the committee. These for everybody, committeemen, chair- brief exercises took place about eight men and everybody. But still we sub- o'clock. mit that Fred A. Smith, chairman of the parade committee and the grand Shortly afterward a procession was Tnarshal of the parade, is entitled to formed, headed by the Sixth Heavy Ar- "wonderful credit for the work he did tillery Band. Then came the village and the largest and best parade ever seen in Peekskill. It will be a long time before Peekskill will see its equal. Many other details he handled with consummate skill. Chester De Witt Pugsley, the chairman of the general committee, also did yeoman work. He secured the three speakers, Bryan, Padgett and Chadwick, without any cost to the committee except entertain- ment and transportation for Congress- man Padgett. It is doubtful if any one else than Mr. Pugsley could have secured Mr. Bryan's presence here. CARMTAL A>D CONCERT, JULY 3 The carnival and concert on Monday evening were, like all other features of the centennial, a success to a dot. At a meeting of the Centennial Car- nival Committee on Tuesday evening, June 27, William J. Tice was declared elected King of the Carnival and Miss Rose Burger Queen. Mr. Tice had 2,383 votes and Miss Burger had 2,116. About 12,000 votes were cast in all and twelve candidates were voted for. Miss ^Villiam J. Tice Katherine Linknor received 985 votes, King of the Carnival and Hazel La Fountain 570. The exercises of this portion of the officials, "Uncle Sam," committeemen program, Monday night, really began numbering over a score. Next were at the Municipal Building, when in the two automobiles. In the first was presence of members of the Carnival President Crumb, His Royal Highness and General Centennial Committee and the King and Her Majesty the Queen. the village officials. Village President In the second car were the two maids Crumb welcomed the King and Queen, of honor, Miss Linknor and Miss La William Tice and Rose Burger, and the Fountain, with Chester De Witt Pugs- latter's two attendants or maids of ley and William H. H. MacKellar as honor, Miss Hazel La Fountain and escorts. A company of Boy Scouts Miss Katherine Linknor. The King brought up the rear. 1816—PEEKSKILL CENTENNIAL CELEBRATION—1916 31

In this formation the night pageant rived a concert was given by the Brook- marched to the corner of Park and lyn Hebrew Orphan Asylum Band,

Division streets. I Joseph J. Dickman, leader. They were Each man in line carried a burning relieved at 7.45 by Moroni's Band, stick of red fire. The procession passed which previously had marched up Divi- all the way between solid walls of sion street to Paulding street playing. people on the walks and lines of auto- The concert was over at 10 p. m.

j mobiles at the curb. At the aforemen- and the dancing at 11 p. m. Even considerably before that time the people had begun to wend their way home- ward, tired after the busy day. Park street had been roped off at the Highland Democrat Building line oi» the west and at a point nearly to James street on the east. This made a vast enclosure of street. The asphalt block pavement had been swept and scoured immediately after the parade had passed it in the afternoon. "When it had been well covered with corn meal it made an unusually good dance floor. The festoons of lights across the street, from Division street east, gave an ample illumination.

MEETIJfG IX DEPEW PARK, JILT 4.

The Fourth of July exercises in De- pew Park were largely attended and extremely enjoyable. The band stand and the green amphitheatre beyond with the background of the fountain and flowers, made a picturesque setting. As early as 10.30 a. m. the people be- Miss Rose Burger gan to gather in the park. When the exercises were begun shortly after 11 Queen of the Carnival a. m. nearly two thousand people were tioned corner the King and Queen and sitting, standing or in automobiles their suite alighted. Then the march around the gailey decorated grand was continued, Mr. Crumb escorting stand. At the east four tiers of seats the Queen, Mr. Pugsley, Miss Link- with a capacity for fifty people had nor and Mr. MacKellar and Miss La been erected for the high school chorus Fountain. but as they failed to materialize the Thus they continued to the band seats were soon occupied by the gen- stand east of the Colonial Theatre. eral public. Ascending thereon, President Crumb The Sixth Heavy Artillery Band were introduced the King and Queen in a seated near the chorus stand. delightful little talk and placed the On the band stand were the speak- carnival in their hands and the vast ers, guests, orchestra, park commis- audience in their charge. sioners, clergy and others, about thirty The Sixth Heavy Artillery Band fur- people in all. nished the dance music, alternating The orchestra was made up of Miss with the selections played by Alberto Geraldine Valentine, leader, violin; Moroni's Band, which gave a concert in Myrtle Tuttle, cello; Helen Tuttle, first the band stand erected about the clus- violin; Helen Conklin, first violin; ter light pole in the plaza. From 7 Mary McCord, second violin; David until 7.45 when the Italian band ar- Conklin, flute. 1816—PEEKSKILL CENTENNIAL CELEBRATION—1916

First on the program was a selec- course. tion, "American Airs," by the Sixth Mr. Bryan in his speech said he had Heavy Artillery Band. never been more impressed than now Rev. William Fisher Lewis, of St. with the unity he had seen throughout Peter's Protestant Episcopal Church, this country. He saw it as far back offered the invocation. Two verses of as the Spanish War, when he served "America" were sung by the audience led by the orchestra and directed by Dr. A. D. Dunbar. Leverett F. Crumb, president of the village, then delivered the opening and welcoming address. William J. Charlton read the historical address. He began talking at 11.38 and occupied a little over ten minutes. The band played a selection, "Auf Weidersehn." The next speaker was Hon. Lemuel P. Padgett, chairman of the Committee ] on Naval Affairs of the House of Rep-

j resentatives. Congressman Padgett is from Tennessee. He is a delightful speaker and interested the great crowd of people for a half hour, holding their close attention with what was one of the best patriotic addresses ever given in Peekskill. He was frequently ap- plauded. Admiral French E. Chadwick was the next speaker. He only said a few words explaining that a bronchial trou- ble which had come on within a few days had completely spoiled his voice. Therefore he had asked Lieutenant Commander G. F. Neal to read the paper which he had prepared. This the WILLIAM JENNINGS BRYAN. naval officer did in excellent style. He received the closest attention. as Colonel of a regiment from his State. During this part of the program He recalled that the last war of the William J. Bryan arrived in the park United States followed soon after the and was escorted to the platform. His Presidential campaign of 1896, which appearance was the signal for great he characteriezd as the bitterest in the applause. past fifty years. It happened that Next on the program was the sing- Mr. Bryan in that crisis desired to ing of "The Star-Spangled Banner" by offer his, services to the country, and Madame Charlotte Lund. She was in consequently when he asked permis- good voice and was heard by all of sion to raise a regiment of volunteers the great assemblage. Every one stood his request went to his victorious po- while she sang. litical opponent. Mr. Crumb then presented William In his regiment, he said, were men Jennings Bryan. The great Commoner of many creeds and political convic- received a magnificent ovation. He tions. The majority of its officers had spoke for fifty-four minutes. It was voted against him, and the majority of Interesting, patriotic and eloquent at the enlisted men had voted for him, all times, with a vein of humor run- he said. The division to which his ning here and there. His favorite organization was assigned was com- theme of peace permeated the dis- manded by a former Republican Gov- 1816—PEEKSKILL CEXTEXXIAL. CELEBRATION—1916 33 ernor and a Union soldier. His brigade pressed in national terms." Mr. Bryan was commanded by a Virginia Demo- did not see how the position of this crat and a Confederate veteran. North- country could be misconstrued whea ern and Southern regiments when they it offered its friendly services to the came together vied with each other in warring countries of Europe. paying compliments. A Mississippi "We are kin to all of them," said he, regiment band played "Yankee Doodle," "and we cannot be enemies to any of to which a Nebraskan responded with them," whereupon he was greeted with, "Dixie," and then both bauds joined in enthusiastic applause. "My Country 'Tis of Thee." Taking hold of an illustration he "I feel that it is like this to-day," made use of when he retired as Sec- said Mr. Bryan. "We have our differ- retary of State, Mr. Bryan said one ences in politics, we are attached to need not underestimate the value of a our parties and churches, and we re- soldier at the same time he worked for

William J. Bryan, Speaking in Band Stand, Depew Park, July 4

joice that we live in a land where a : the prevention of war any more than man has the right to vote and worship he need undervalue the ability of a as he pleases. fireman while he built a structure of "I do not know just what blood pre- concrete. dominates in me. As near as I know "There is no more reason why a good I am badly mixed, just as I am in re- soldier should be bloodthirsty than for ligion. And if I take my children and a good fireman to be firethirsty," said my children's children, I am in a worse : Mr. Bryan, who caused amusement still fix. But, my friends, I believe when i when he carried the illustration the test comes, and the men are drawn further, and said a good undertaker

up in line, they will be ready to die I did not necessarily await with impa- for their country just as they ought to tience for deaths to occur. be ready to live for it." "I have passed through a number of Mr. Bryan was cheered when he as- States in the last few days," said Mr. serted that the greatest service was Bryan, "and have seen the National not necessarily that which was ren- Guard organizations departing for the dered on the battlefield. His defini- border, all ready to give everything in tion of patriotism was, "service ex- the service of country, and none know- Zi 1816—PBEKSKILL CENTENNIAL CELEBRATION—1916

ing where that service would lead him When Peekskill was incorporated in or whether he ever would return. I 1816, many of those who had passed saw parents and loved ones weeping through tie Revolutionary struggle and sobbing, knowing not when the were still living, but Washington, Franklin, Hamilton and many of the boys would return. I do not consider strong characters who had been the it unpatriotic to have said to those left leaders in shaping the wonderful behind: 'These boys are doing their events that surrounded the freeing of duty, I'll but join you in praying they the Colonies, and the organizing of may not be killed or be called on to this government of free, had passed kill'." to the Great Beyond. Our Constitu- It was one of Mr. Bryan's best ef- tion was still a piece of new machin- forts, punctuated throughout by tre- ery, the like of which had never be- mendous applause. fore been seen in the world, and its In the course of his talk a long efficiency to give to the people good string became unraveled from a flag government and as a bulwark to protect their liberties, was still being draped above the speakers' stand, and tested, and as to its ultimate success, the end of it blown by the wind con- all doubt had not yet been dispelled. tinually fell upon the bald head of the So many of those who had fought, speaker. Apparently he did not notice suffered and sacrificed that we might it, but the crowd tittered as it waited obtain self-government, were still liv- in vain for him to brush away an im- ing ,that it was not necessary to pro- aginary fly. Finally President Crumb duce representations of the "Spirit of saved the situation by using a crooked Seventy-six" to impress them with the cane and breaking the thread. patriotism of those early days, that Following Mr. Bryan, the band patriotism was not yet dulled, nor did played "America," while the crowd it lay dormant. dispersed. At this time the second war with England had but recently been ter- The arrangements in the park made minated, and its scars were yet plen- by the park commissioners were per- tiful. James Monroe was shortly to fect. The band stand was beautifully take the oath of office as President, decorated. Extra police and the Boy which would lead to his laying down Scouts in charge of Rev. Mr. Illsley doctrines, that were ever to be ad- were present, though their services hered to by our government, and were not needed. which were to lead us thereafter, to At one point in the program the mov- be reckoned as a world power, and a ing picture men were given an inning nation that must be reckoned with in and took reals of the audience and then solving the problems of the world. Our incorporation was but an indi- the people in the band stand. cation of the progressive spirit with The gathering voted its thanks to which the people were becoming im- Mr. Bryan and the other speakers, on bued; it was an era of renewed life motion of Chairman Crumb. and inspiration, when hamlets were ADDRESS OF PRESIDENT CRUMB. taking on the garb and responsibili- ties of municipal government. Ours Ladies and Gentlemen: was the thirty-eighth village to be It becomes my duty as President of incorporated in the State of New York the Village of Peekskill, to open this and the first in Westchester County. feature of the celebration of the One Of the thirty-eight, fourteen have be- Hundredth Anniversary of the Incor- come cities, including the largest poration of the Village. present cities in the State; eleven In the history of the world, one never exercised any municipal life; hundred years is a comparatively and thirteen still exist with a great- short period, yet that one hundred er or less degree of municipal activ- years of the existence of Peekskill as ity. a municipal corporation has been one Steadily, year by year, Peekskill has hundred years filled with events that improved and grown, and long since have made more for the benefit of our population and importance war- mankind, than any one hundred years ranted our becoming a city, but we since the beginning of time. have preferred to be known as the 181(3—PEEKSKILL CEXTEXXIAL CELEBRATION— 1916 35

Leverett F. Crninb President of the Village of Peekskill 36 1816—PEEKSKILL CENTENNIAL CELEBRATION—1916 largest village in the United States, were in control of Peekskill, and these and have gloried in being classed as woods in which we are now assem- a village. bled (which through the generosity of The whole country in 181B was be- our fellow-townsman, Chauncey M. ing flooded with foreign-made goods, Depew, have become a pleasure cheaply manufactured by those who ground for the people) and every hill had been released from military ser- within our sight and every road over vice by the termination of the world which we must travel, in, about and wars, and which were thrown upon around Peekskill, have resounded our markets at any price that could with the tread of Continental troops. be obtained. The impossibility of ob- So much were these grounds occupied taining manufactured goods during that nearly every hill surrounding us the war had also impressed our peo- is still crowned by the remains of ple with the necessity of manufac- earthworks thrown up by our patriot- turing for our own necessitits, so that ic ancestors. What wonder then at with the advent of Peekskill as a this early period in the development municipal government, a new fiscal of municipal government, that our system, which should encourage and people resolved that it was time that foster American manufactories be- Peekskill should no longer be a ham-

I came our governmental policy. There- let but should take upon itself the tofore we had been largely an agri- I advantage of a real municipal govern- cultural people, and manufacturing ment. i had not been fostered. Nor were our people idle after the When our municipal garb was put incorporation, for in only a few years I on, the Clermont had sailed up the on yon hill appeared the Peekskill i Hudson, but the practical results of Academy, a world famous institution, Fulton's invention as an aid to com- built by the generosity of our citi- merce, and the development of the zens and dedicated by them to the country was yet hardly realized. cause of education. Long before any DeWitt Clinton was winning his semblance of a school system was fight, but the immense benefits to New adopted throughout the State, educa- York which was to make her the tion was furnished for the rising gen- Empire State from the completion of eration, not only from this institution the Erie Canal, was not fully com- (which gave the village a cultured at- prehended. The railroad, the telegraph mosphere), but from locally support- and the telephone were yet to come, ed common schools on either side of as were the thousand and one inven- the village. tions that were to make us the most Our churches had preceded incor- progressive people on earth. poration, but immediately thereafter Peekskill was then but a small ham- took new life and substantial organ- let of a few hundred population, but ization, and from that day to this no place had been better known dur- day they have been generously sup- ing the Revolutionary War than this ported and conducted by able, God- locality. Here was the key to the fearing men and in all Peekskill's pro- communication between the eastern gress they have been the cornerstone. and southern states that was neces Here the first banking institution sary to be kept open if the cause in Westchester County was early of liberty was to succeed. Here Put- chartered by General Pierre Van Cort- nam, Greene, McDougal, Heath and landt, as the Westchester County Alexander Hamilton counseled with Bank later to have the word "National" Washington. Washington's Headquar- added to its name, which was to be- ters in Peekskill was not simply a come and still is a tower of financial place where he happened to dwell strength, under the management of over night, but at the Birdsall House some of the ablest financiers of the and the Manor House at Cortlandt- State. ville, more of his time was spent in To the National Halls of -Congress planning for military movements than we have sent Chauncey M. Depew, in any other locality, and here he was William Nelson, the friend of Abra- always welcome. ham Lincoln; Cornelius A. Pugsley, Situated at the north end of the and the younger James W. Husted; to neutral ground with the exception of the Legislature, we have sent General an occasional incursion, the patriots James W. Husted, the greatest parlia- 1

1816—PEEKSKILL CENTENNIAL CELEBRATION—1916 37

mentarian that ever graced the Speak- for the past. er's chair. If this celebration is to mean any- Early the enterprising character of thing to Peekskill, it is that drawing our population made itself felt in the lessons from the past, we must press establishment of foundries, machine on, and make in our every effort for shops and other industries, which the betterment of our beloved village. made the name of Peekskill known the Send the pessimist and reactionary to world over. the rear. Let the enterprising men As time progressed and as each of our community be heard, let them decade demanded new and improved be followed. We should not fear conditions we have advanced our when men who had so little did so school system, our churches, our wa- much. Let us follow their example, ter works, our fire department, our then will Peekskill blossom as the police department, our street pave- rose: then will our people be happy, ment and every feature of our muni- contented and prosperous, then will cipal life, until and I speak without good men and good women desire to fear of successful contradiction, we dwell among us, where they and their have the most efficient municipal gov- children can enjoy life, surrounded ernment of any village in the State with comforts and a prosperous peo- of New York. ! ple. Our people have ever been patriotic HISTORICAL SKETCH OF PEEKS- and willing to assist, not only in the

' KILL BY IVM. J. CHARLTOX. cause of school, church and mankind in general, but willing to sacrifice life, On September 14, 1609, a group of

j position advantages for the wei- Mohican Indians stood on the emi- and j fare of the nation. Though our popu- nence now known as Mt Saint Gabriel. lation was then small, when the call Suddenly one of their number espied came from Abraham Lincoln for vol- a winged object coming up the river unteers, the first enlistment came rounding Verplanck's Point. We now from Peekskill, until five hundred of know that this strange vessel was "Half our best citizens were in the ser- none other than the good ship Hudson at vice, of whom nearly one hundred Moon". Capt. Hendrick chronicler men never returned, sacrificing their prow and that veracious at the helm, the first lives for their country. Robert Juet, white to sail over the beautiful Peekskill is peculiarly situated, and men Bay. Stephanus during the past one hundred years, waters of Peekskill Cortlandt was born in New Am- many prosperous conditions have Van sterdam 7, 1643, and became the been swept away by the march of May first Lord of the Manor of Cortlandt progress and inventions and changed June 17, 1697. His first purchase conditions. The advent of the steam- August 24, 1673, was Verplanck'9 boat destroyed our commerce by sloop Point, and a tract below including to New York; the advent of the Hud- Croton Point. These together with son River Railroad again destroyed other holdings secured later extended the monopoly of our transportation from the Dutchess County line south by water, and the building of the to Croton River and easterly some Harlem Railroad to be followed by the twenty miles to the Connecticut bor- Northern Railroad, cut us off as a der, excepting two parcels lying on vast farming territory. center of a the river above Verplanck's Point. Our people, however, have never been The first of these was called Ryck's taken a step back- discouraged, never Patent and contained 1,800 acres upon the progress of our village ward, and which a large part of the present vil- sure. one has been steady and When lage of Peekskill is built. The second line of trading or profitable employ- parcel, not included in the Van Cort- ment was stopped, another was dis- landt estate, was one of 300 acres covered; the grass has never been al- fronting on the upper part of Peeks- lowed to grow in the streets of Peeks- kill Bay, which was deeded by Sir- kill. ham Sachem of Sockhues to Jacobus Peekskill faces the new century of DeKay. her existence without flinching. Fill- During the Revolutionary War ed as it is with the noble deeds of Peekskill was a very important post conscientious, fearless and righteous covering the roads to the passes of men and women, she has no regrets the Highlands on the north and to the 38 1816—PEEKSKILL CENTENNIAL CELEBRATION—191fi

King's Ferry on the south. It lies on second day of May as the date of the the direct road from the Eastern annual election of five trustees. The States to the south. It was by this third section defined the powers of route that the American and the that body, the fourth, freeholders how French armies, marched to the cam to raise money; fifth, taxes, how ap- paign, which culminated in the sm portioned and manner of collection; render of Yorktown, Va., and the cap- sixth, to appoint firemen and impose ture of Lord Cornwallis and his army. penalties; seventh, firemen to do mil- Gens. Putnam, McDougall, Heath and itary duties, any legislation to the con- George and James Clinton and the trary notwithstanding; eighth, all Commander-in-Chief on several occa provisions above noted to be liberally sions had their headquarters here. and benignly construed. The first On March 23, 1777, as soon as the village election to raise money for fire Hudson was clear of ice, a squadron purposes was held on May 14, 1827, at of vessels of war and transports the house of Jared Stone. The sum came to anchor in our bay and landed to be raised was $750.00 as certified five hundred men at Lent's Cove, un- to by Wm. B. Birdsall, a Justice of der command of Col. Bird. From the Peace, on June 23, 1827, which thence they pushed forward through sum was to be used in the purchase of this village with four light field pieces a fire engine and hose. drawn by sailors. General McDougall The engine was a very crude affair. set fire to some stores he could not The pumps were worked by two remove and retreated to Bald Hill, cranks. The water was pumped from overlooking Continental Village. Col. a tank or box, which had to be filled Marinar Willett, summoned by Mc- with water from pails and then pump- Dougall from Fort Constitution, inter- ed on the fire. This clumsy appara- cepted the marauders near the Twin tus lasted ten years. Hills, drove them back in confusion An election for village officers was to Canopus Creek, where they fled in held August 18, 1827, at which Dr. boats to the main body and inglori- Samuel Strang was elected president, ously sailed away, leaving thirteen of Ezra Marshall, secretary; John Hal- their number dead on the field. sted, Philip Clapp and James Birdsall The original act incorporating the trustees; Josiah S. Ferris, collector; Village of Peekskill is known as Stephen Turner, constable; Stephen Chapter 195 Laws of 1816, passed Brown, treasurer. April 17th of that year. It is entitled; August 30, 1827, Columbian Engine "An Act to vest certain powers in the Company was organized, with William Freeholders and Inhabitants of the B. Birdsall as foreman, Nathaniel Village of Peekskill in the County of Bedle assistant foreman, Wm. H. Steel Westchester." secretary, Wm. H. Powell treasure^- Section I. —Be it enacted by the Peo- and Nathaniel Williams steward. This ple of the State of New York, repre- was the nucleus of the present effi- sented in Senate and Assembly: That cient Fire Department. The appara- the inhabitants residing within the tuses were moved from place to place district of country, in the Town of by hand, later by horses and now by Cortlandt, in the County of Westches- motor engines built in as component ter, contained within the following parts of the apparatus. The first limits, that is to say, beginning at the Hook and Ladder Company's truck northwest corner of the farm late of was made here at a cost of $85.00. The Joseph Travis, upon the Hudson Riv- present apparatus with aerial ladder er, thence easterly, striking the road and modern appliances cost nearly six rods north of Joseph C. Vought's twelve thousand dollars. All the fire house; thence across the road in the companies are handsomely uniformed, same direction six rods; thence a well housed and furnished with all south course to the north line of the the conveniences of a first class club. land in possession of Elias Clapp; Under the leadership of our excellent thence westerly to a place called Car- chief engineer and his able assistants, man's Point on the Hudson River; our department is second, in discipline thence along said river northerly, to and efficiency, to no volunteer fire de- the place of beginning, shall be known partment in the State. Cortlandt and distinguished by the name of the Hook and Ladder Company was or- Village of Peekskill". ganized May 29, 1833; Washington The second section appointed the Engine Company, No. 2, Sept. 2, 1840; 1:

1816—PEEKSKILL CENTENNIAL CELEBRATION—1916 39

Columbian Hose Co., No. 2, in 1848, Captain Abram H. Lord, of the Jeffer- and Centennial Hose Co., No. 4, Jan- son Guards, a silver cup of the value uary 8, 1876. The active list for each of ten dollars, as a token of respect company is limited to 80 members. to our unsurpassed company of citizen Peekskill has always been noted for soldiers". her patriotism; her sons fought in the The following named color bearer.n War of the Revolution, and also in from Peekskill upheld the honor of 1812. She sent her representatives "Old Glory" in the Civil War. In the in the struggle. Col. Garret Mexican 9th N. Y. Vols. (Hawkins' Zouaves) J. Dyckman, wounded in the desperate William Patterson, who gave up his charge at Chepultepec, was presented young life on the field at Antietam, a gold snuff President with box by John Nelson Fink, a comrade and fel- Tyler, in honor of his heroism on that low townsman, seized the beloved em- Charles A. Wiley, but lately occasion. blem, bore it aloft shouting defiance, passed away, was a fifer in that war, until the enemy was driven back in and later drum major in the" Hauck- confusion. Another son of Peekskill, ins' Zouaves", and also in the Sixth Justus Nelson Foster, upon the stub- Heavy Artillery in the War of the bornly contested field of Gettysburg, Rebellion. Among the seven hundred, sustained the colors of the 59th N. Y. who went to the front from the Town against Pickett's famous charge. Wal- of Cortlandt, fully five hundred hailed ter R. Boice of the Sixth N. Y. Heavy from Peekskill. As much as I would Artillery, won a lieutenant's commis- like to recount their toils, privations, sion for his gallant bearing of the reg- hardships and sacrifices, time does not imental standard at Cedar Creek. An- permit such an indulgence. Many of other Peekskill boy at White Oak those Avho gave up their young lives Road, Five Forks and Appomattox re- were my friends and school-mates. ceived a similar reward for a like ser- Noble fellows. A monument in honor vice on those famous and historic- of their devotion is now being erected fields. That boy now a gray haired and in a few days will be unveiled veteran is with us to-day. with appropriate services. The me- St. Peter's Chapel at Van Cortlandt- suitably in- morial is of Barre granite ville, chartered in 1770, was used as scribed. an hospital during the Revolutionary Our older citizens recall with pride War. the memories of our twe crack mili- A Baptist Church was built nearby tary companies, the "Jefferson in 1772. This building disappeared Guards" and the "Bleakley Rifles". many years ago. The First Baptist The former under Capt. Justus Hyatt Church in this village was organized

garrisoned Fort Gansevoort in New j in 1843. The Rev. Edward Conover in 1812-1814. Col. H. York city John i was duly elected pastor October 31 of

Hyatt, a son of Justus (a worthy son I that year.

of a worthy sire) led this company \ The First M. E. Church was first in- with others, in June 1863, to Balti- corporated August 23, 1808. There more and garrisoned Fort Marshall in were steps taken in 1795 to build an that city. Our gifted townsman, the in 1811. | edifice which was completed Hon. Chauncey M. Depew, was adju- The present church was erected in tant. Any regiment might well be 1837 on the site of the old one. A few proud of having had such an accom- years ago the former was greatly alter- plished officer upon its staff. Chaun- ed and enlarged. The Methodist Pro- cey yet sunives to tell the story of testant Society was founded on Park his escape from the charming and se- street in 1827, and the church incor- ductive smiles of those Baltimore porated Nov. 23, 1836. The Wesleyan belles. Methodists built their church in 1836. Mr. John Halsted, erstwhile captain They were incorporated in 1842. St. of this famous band. Lieutenants Paul's M. E. Church was organized In Henry H. Lane and Montross Church- 1865, and a fine new building erected ill, First Sergeant William E. Lane, the same year. James McCov and G. Albert Cruger, The First Presbyterian Church was paraded yesterday as veterans of organized June 26, 1820. by the Rev. those days before the war. Elihu W. Baldwin of the N. Y. Pres- In the records of our Board of Tru'j- bytery. The Second Presbyterian tees for the year 18.53 appears thi,^ Church was organized Nov. 17, 1841 minute: "The Board presented to The Rev. D. M. Halliday, of sainted 40 1816—PEEKSKILL CENTENNIAL CELEBRATION—1916

fine memory, occupied its pulpit almost 2o James street. On this property a cor- years. The Rev. J. Ritchie Smith also brick building was erected. The had a pastorate of nearly equal length. nerstone was laid January 17, 1864, The church has a fine parsonage and on December 28 following was which with the lot directly opposite consecrated to the service of Almighty the church has cost about 15,000. This God. church in its 90 years of existence The Church of the Assimiption (R. has had but seven pastors. C.) erected 1863-65, a fine brick struc- The Van Nest Reformed Church on ture with spire and belfry, is near the Main street, is the daughter of the Re- corner of Union avenue and First formed Church of Cortlandtown (Mon- street. The parsonage fronts on First- trose). There used to be a Congrega- street. The late Rev. James T. Cur- tional Church on Diven street, which ran, D. D., a man of large heart and was merged with the Reformed purpose in the early part of this Church of Cortlandtown about 1831, century, conceived the idea of build- when the Rev. Cornelius D. West- ing an institution that would serve to brook, D. D., became pastor. Through bind his people together, and as a meeting place for the younger genera-

-TTT- tions to become acquainted, also for the instruction of the children. Against great difliculties, which con- fronted him he succeeded in his plans —the result being the "Guardian", the finest building in the village. This cost fully $350,000. Dr. Curran recently died, mourned by every right- minded person in the community. The Guardian remains as a noted memorial of him and his ministry. The following are a few of our citizens who have been conspicuous in the history of Peekskill: Lieut-Governor Pierre Van Cort- landt, member of the Committee of Safety. Also a member of the Con- stitutional Convention. Col. Philip Van Cortlandt was a del- egate to the First Provincial Con- gress and Col. Pierre Van Cortlandt to the second, third and fourth. The Hon. Wm. Nelson, born at Hyde Park, N. Y., June 29, 1784, who passed away at Peekskill Oct. 2, 1869. William J. Cliarltoii fills a large place in the history of Peekskill. He was postmaster from the persistent efforts of Dr. West- Oct. 1, 1810, to Dec. 5, 1821. February brook, aided by the Consistory, a new 21, 1822, he was appointed District At- site was secured on the South side of torney for this county, which office Main street, a little east of the Eagle he creditably held for more than 22 Hotel. The corner stone was laid years. He was twice a member of April 29, 1839. On that occasion the Congress from this district, serving Rev. J. Mason Macauley preached an from 1847-30th—1849-31st, at the appropriate sermon in the Episcopal same period as the lamented Lincoln Church. The new church now adopted In February, 1861, when the latter as the style and title of "The Van Nest President-elect passed through Peeks- Reformed Church of Peekskill". The kill on his way to Washington, the Rev. Chas. D. Buck succeeded Dr. train bearing him (and of which our Westbrook in 1851 and remained nine- own Joseph Hudson was conductor) teen years. stopped to take on fuel and water. Dr. Buck not being satisfied with was welcomed by Mr. Nelson. Mr. Nel- the surroundings, prevailed with his ! Lincoln at once recognized Mr. with him, and re- congregation in securing a lot on the I son, shook hands of Main and No. plied to the address of welcome with northeast corner I '

1816—PEEKSKILL CENTENNIAL CELEBRATION—1916 41 a felicity of utterance and charm of First elected to the Assembly in 1869. manner which captivated his audience Was six times chosen Speaker. Served and that gave to his rugged features a 22 terms in the lower house, was smoothness of outline that for a time Deputy Superintendent of the Insur- transformed them. ance Department, Harbor Master and Mr. Nelson was a member of As- Deputy Captain of the Port, Emigra- sembly 1819-20 and was State Seaator tion Commissioner. For 35 years in from 1824 to 1827. His eldest son responsible positions in our State Thomas Nelson was Chief Justice of government. He was also judge advo- the territory of Oregon, being ap- cate of the 7th Brigade. Major Gen- pointed as such January 9, 1851. eral of the 5th Division of the National St. John Constant 1770-1847 was Guard. Grand Master of Masonic frar Judge of the Court of Common Pleas. ternity of the State of New York. 1806-1812, sheriff of this county; 1807- His son, James W. Husted, jr., also 1811, President of Peekskill; 1828. served in the State Assembly and 1831, 1833, member of Assembly; now represents this Congressional 1823 and 1833, supervisor. District in the Lower House of Con- Frost Horton was Supervisor in gress. 1857-58. Member of Assembly 1860. The record of Mr. Husted, the elder, Chauncey M. Depew, elected mem- for length of service and for duties ber of Assembly 1861-2, Secretary of performed stands unrivalled in the State 1863 to 1866. Also President of history of the Empire State. Many the New York Central Railroad and other worthy citizens of our village in United States Senator from the Em- the past are worthy of most honorable pire State. mention for what they did to make James W. Husted, the famous Bald Peekskill a pleasant place to live in Eagle from Westchester, first School and who did their full share in pro- Commissioner from the Third District. moting its prosperity and welfare.

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Vau Cortlaiultville 3Iaiiy Years Ago, showing St. Peter's Cluircli, Paulding 3Ionuinent and tlie Tavern. 42 1S16—PEEKSKILL CENTENNIAL CELEBRATION—1916

ADDRESS BY KEAK.AD3IIRAL F. E. CHADWICK, U. S. U. We people of the United States of America are celebrating today an act of our forefathers which declared thirteen colonies of the British Empire, independent of British rule. I shall not go into the causes of this act more than to say that like most things of great political moment it was a commercial question brought to a crisis by trade restrictions imposed by the mother country. We fought a war nominally of eight years' duration, but actively less than seven. All this while there were divisions among our own people on the subject such that there were at times more Americans in the ranks of Britain than there were in the Continental forces. That in the circumstances we should ever have won is one of the amazing facts of history. That we did win was due more •.to George Washington than 'to any other man; one is tempted to say more than to all others together. America honors herself in doing him rev- •erence. Now while celebrating this event, which was the throwing off of the hegemony of Britain, it was but the beginning of the great change; for it was followed four years after the peace by another equally important; the forming of our Constitution, which went into effect in 1789. The year 1787 is that of our real birth as a nation, as the loose and in- effective articles of confederation, drawn during the war could never have held us together. Having laid a cornerstone in 1776 and built a foundation in 1787, what have we done in the way of superstructure which we are still a-building. For we started the greatest, most difficult and one of the most -extraordinary efforts in history, to blend a nationality of all the nations of the world. We did not know this in the offset as fully as we know it BOW. It is not an effort such as that of the Roman or British Empires which were not the amalgamation, but the exploitation of nations for the benefit of a central power. Ours is a great effort for the common good of all races and thus stands ethically infinitely above that of either Rome or England. This was the wonderful work cut out for us by the events of 1776 and 1787. That it has become one of unforeseen difficulty and mag- Bitude is through the addition of many tribes of men almost unknown even by name to our fathers, and which by the marvelous development of transport in the last century have been, or it were, brought to our very doors, until there are now in the United States men of more than fifty different nationalities. It is our work to weld these many different races not only into a nation, but into a nationality, meaning by this latter, a population approaching homogeneity. If we should fail in this, the work of our fathers will have gone for naught, and the celebration of this day, by the very nature of things, cease at no distant day. But let us hope it will not fail. I believe we shall solve this greatest of human efforts for the general good. Some of our people under the influence of a temporary hysteria, are indulging in a propaganda of hate, but it is impossible that such can understand what our country stands for; a home for all who are seeking better conditions. We must remember that in the years of greater immigration, we receive in one year as many Russians and Italians as would make another Boston. And at the same time come yearly scores of thousands from Austria, Ireland, Great Brit- ain, Sweden and Norway; and fives and tens of thousands from Greece, the Netherlands, Denmark, Turkey and others. There can be no question that they come to us as to a promised land with highest hopes and in very nxany cases with highest aspiration. Men do not leave their native soil, breaking away from family and racial traditions for nothing. They can do so only when they have a certain spirituality of motive, however sordid it may appear superficially. I can call myself an American as much as can any one who has not a red skin; as the first of my name landed here 286 years ago and I can trace no blood in me which is not American for 200 years. Personally, 1 am a compound of British blood, i. e.., Scotch, English and Welsh, but de- 1816—PEEKSKILL CENTENNIAL CELEBRATION—1916 43

spite the facts that, through my ancestors I have been so long in the country I can not under our system, reckon myself more American than the man who has just taken out his naturalization. And this feeling I am sure in my own mind at least, we must have if we are to have a real American nation. We cannot here be British or Italian, French or German or Swede and at the same time be Americans. For to be an American can only mean one who works for the building of an American nationality. We no more want the separate life here of the many nations which contribute to our stock than we wanted a separate North and South, or want an East and West America. Our only safety as a nation lies in working toward a complete integration. There is only one alternative; the establishment of a multitude of Macedonias. One way lies peace and high endeavor and great accomplishment; the other way, war, hate and destruction. These words are not too strong; they are true; in my opin- ion; profoundly true. I have no objection to the Briton or Turk or Frenchman or German sympathizing with the land of his origin in this great contest going on abroad. I, for one, can appreciate the feeling they are all undergoing. They have my sympathy. Even at the time of the Declaration of Independence we were a people of many and varied sorts. There were the English of New Eng- land, Virginia and Maryland: the English and Dutch of New York; the English and Germans of Pennsylvania; the Swedes of Delaware; the French Huguenots of New York and South Carolina. When I use the word English it is to include the Scotch and the Welsh of whom many had come to America. The Scotch-Irish of Ulster came to the number of 3,000 to 6,000 annually between 1725 and 1768. A famine in Ireland in 1740 caused an emigration, chiefly from North of Ireland, for some years of about 12,000 a year. From 1771 to 1773 some 30,000 came. It is estimated that half of the Presbyterians of Ulster came to this country in a moderate number of years before the Revolution. The greatest number by far of these we distributed toward the South; few comparatively went to New York or New England though enough went to New York to give the name of Ulster to a New York County. Many went to Vir- ginia and the Carolinas and it was these people who formed the bulk of "The Great Crossing" as it was called, which traversed the Alleghenies into Kentucky and Tennessee and finally peopled, mainly, the Southwest. It was a great and adventurous race to which the United States is indebted today for the Northwest Territory then so called, which, at the time of the peace, carried our boundaries to the Great Lakes and the Mississippi. Great numbers of Germans came early in the eighteenth century. This migration begun in 1683 and was due chiefly to the seizure of Alsace- Lorraine by Louis XIV, an act which had far-reaching consequences for us in furnishing America one of its best stocks. Seventy thousand Germans entered at the port of Philadelphia between 1727 and 1775. Franklin estimated that at the latter date there were 100,000 Germans in Pennsylvania, a migration that set its mark, lasting to this day, upon the language, customs and religion of the state. "Pennsylvania Dutch" is still a living language. The real Dutch, the Hollanders, the original settlers of New York, were and remained strong in that state both through numbers and character. The amazing strength in the latter respect is shown in the per- sistence of their language to a late date though the English had taken possession of the colony in 1664 when it may be well to say England and Holland were otherwise at peace. Dutch was still in very common use at the time of the Revolution and it was so for generations later outside of the City of New York. I have been told on excellent authority that so late as 1840 it was necessary to know Dutch to carry on business on the upper Hudson. And when my wife and I visited her many Dutch relations in Albany and Troy some thirty years ago, some of tlie old ladies were rather put out that she could not speak Dutch. One even went so far as to keep a Dutch butler in order to keep up her knowledge of the language. Few recall that the Swedes were the earliest colonists on the Dela- ware or know that the oldest church now in use in the eastern part of 44 1S16—PEEKSKILL CENTENNIAL CELEBRATION—1916

our country is one built of good solid stone by the Swedes in 1687 at Avhat is now Wilmington and which is still in continuous use. By 1820 migration began anew and we have today by careful compu- tation, besides those of British descent, not less than 20,000,000 of Ger- man blood, over 12,000,000 Irish and in these latter days many millions of others of many kinds. There were by the census of 1910 some 32,000,000 of people living in the United States who were either born abroad or born here in the first generation of foreign parentage, or with a foreign father or a foreign mother. This is a startling fact, one to be taken account of. The Germans come first with eight and one-quarter millions, the British, counting Canadians (but not the French), 5,000,000; the Irish four and one-half millions, the Scandinavians two and three-quarter millions; the Russians and Finns the same; the Austro-Hungarians also two and three-quarter millions; the Italians 2,000,000. There are over one million Jews in the one city of New York. Now the shape in which this vast mass is to be molded is for us to say. The real problem, says Professor Edward Steiner in his very interesting book, "The Trail of the Immi- grant", is whether the American is virile enough to assimilate the foreign immigration and not so much whether the foreign material is of the proper quality. Mr. Steiner is a Bosnian of German blood and yet can say. "As I write this I realize that I am saying 'us' and 'our' as if I were not a new American myself and one of those who make up the racial prob' lem. Yet when I recall to myself the fact that I too belong to an alien race, it comes to me like a shock, when I realize that I was born beneath another flag and that this is but my adopted country, it gives me almost a sense of shame that I have in a great degree, if not altogether, forgotten these facts and I am so completely and absorbingly American that I can write 'us' and 'our', speak of my own people as foreigners and of my native country as a strange land. Something has so wrought upon me that in spite of the fact that I came to this country in my young man- hood, I look upon America as my Fatherland. The same power is still active; still strong enough to repeat the miracle of yesterday; but I am no better than these millions who are regarded as a menace. With millions of these new Americans I say today that which we shall continue to say, whether it fare well or ill with our own adopted country. 'Their people shall be my people and their God my God'." But whether some of us may like it or not, the indisputable, relentless, and compelling fact is that these many and diverse millions are here to stay and become a part of our social and political life. The descendants of a more ancient immigration cannot' kill off these many millions nor de- port, nor intern them. They are an integral part of our make up. The only true statesmanship is to make the best of existing facts, to recognize that following our motto, E Pluribus Unura, we are to look to the making of one nation out of many, a new people to be welded together through human sympathy and love instead of being divided, by hate? It is this or nothing. It is our task and one which cannot be evaded. It is certainly interesting as it is also, certainly, the greatest ever set for any people to do. I beg to end with some words I used in an address on July 4, 1914, at Se- tauket. Long Island. They were spoken but 29 days before all Europe was at war and they contain a prophecy. I said: "Are we doing all we can to fulfill the hopes in which Washington lived and died? Has our democracy made good? Unquestionably Washington, were he able to revisit us, would in some ways be severely shocked. He would be so by our amazing failure to properly administer our cities, by a not over-success of our representative system, on which such high hopes were laid, and by an undoubted deterioration of character which has come about from many causes which in a short time one cannot venture to analyze. * * * More serious than all he would find a people made up of races from every part of the earth, speaking as many as forty languages unknown to Washington, instead of the comparatively homogeneous stock of his 1816—PEEKSKILL CENTENNIAL CELEBRATION—1916 45

day; men of different habits, different religions, and ways of thought. Cer- tainly Washington never dreamed that Russians, Armenians, Hungarians, Italians and Syrians (to mention a few of these races) would ever be great and influential parts of our national life and in great degree are replacing our old stock. For this latter has not held its own. Had the ratio of in- crease which held up to 1815 continued in our n&tive population we should have had today much more than 100,000,000 of native-born Americans, even had there been no •immigration whatever. They are, however, here for good or ill and they will in great degree be what we shall choose to make of them by our own example. This great fact throws upon us of the older American stock the duty of a cultivation of character as Wash- ington understood character. Are we striving toward such a goal? Let each one answer for himself, for character is personal before it is col- lective. But I think that there are many signs that we are. And it is not only ourselves who are in a state of flux. It is a condition common to the whole world. We have come to one of these great periodic changes in which society has to meet the strain of reconstruction. Such changes are but a part of the general development of' mankind and must occur at longer or shorter intervals. In our national existence we have had at least four of these, three of which have been solved in blood and but one peacefully; our Revolution of 1776; the formation of the Union under the Constitution in 1787; the new independence which came with the war of 1812; and the great change wrought by the Civil War of 1861. Since the last date new factors of change have come into our life with a rapidity never before known. All the world is now mobile where before it was immobile. There are men still living who can recall the time when two coaches carried all who wanted to go each day from New York to Phila- delphia; the newspaper goes to every house in the land, the railway reach- es every town, all the happenings of the world are known in a few hours to every household, machines make Our clothes instead of the slow moving needle, our food is prepared and brought to us in tins, the old-fashiosed life has gone out of existence and everyone is looking forward to a new sort. To readjust ourselves will require an the character of which we are capa- ble. It is for us to see that there shall be developed that higher con- scientiousness, that higher spirit of religion, that higher ideal whch shall transfer us peacefully to the new plane to which we are tending. If we keep before us the character and spirit of Washington, of the men who fought the war of the Revolution, who signed the Declaration of Independ- ence and wrought the Constitution, we shall meet successfully our diflS- culties. In doing so is our only safety." This new upheaval came much sooner than most expected, though all the signs were in sight. It holds for us the highest possibilities, if wisely met; if not so met, infinite dangers. Let us hope that as a people we shall have that vision which shall carry us to the heights of Washington's fondest hopes.

REGIMENTAL REVIEW AT CAMP. The regiment had been drawn up on the parade ground. Admiral French E. One of the events not on the printed Chadwick was the reviewing officer, and official program was a review of Congressman Lemuel the Forty-seventh Regiment at the accompanied by P- Padgett, ex-Congressman Cornelius State^ "campV "arranged"" Monday by ! Pugsley. Colonel William J- Bryan, Grand Marshal Fred A. Smith. It gave A. Nathan P. Bushnell, Dr. Albert E.Phin Peace Advocate Bryan a lesson m i Lieutenants Smith preparedness Frederick Morgan, N., and Geo. E. Briggs. After the luncheon to Col. Bryan at and Booth, U. S. the Eagle Hotel, the Centennial guests i They marched down in front of the and committee members were conveyed regiment and in front of the First Ar- Motor Battery. Here a brief by automobile to the big plateau across , mored there was a brief re- stop was made and the armored cars the river, where j explained to the party. The ception at the White House. 1 were 46 1816—PEEKSKILL CENTENNIAL CELEBRATION—1916 march was then continued in the rear from the Hill View Gardens, the most of the regiment and battalion all the attractive feature being many bouquets way round to the front. of red, white and blue. A perfect day, Then the regiment passed in review, with the beautiful flower gardens (one Admiral Chadwick taking the review. of the show places of Peekskill) in Immediately behind him stood the re- front, the village stretching below, the mainder of the party, then augmented view from the porch as the setting by some late comers, Leverett F. sun cast its rays from over Dunder- Crumb, Lieutenant Commander Neal, berg, across the bay where the ships Wm. H. H. MacKellar, Cyrus W. Hor- lay at anchor, was a picture of such ton, Jr., Ensigns Briggs and Cole. magnificence as to be long remembered every present It was an inspiring sight, the march- and treasured by guest ing by of the thousand guardsmen in who feasted his eyes upon the glori- kahki uniform to the martial strains ous view. of the drum corps. Col. Wm. H. Chapin Through the gracious hospitality of of the general staff and Col. E. M. the host and hostess, every guest was Janicky of the regiment and a number at ease and well provided with the re- in abun- •of officers accompanied the civilians, freshments which were served fitting that an officer and a civilian paired off in dance. It was most our the march in front and rear of the president should thus extend his hos- regiment. pitality to the naval guests of the vil- Afterward the officers in camp lage, and was a splendid culmination marched to headquarters and were of his indefatigable efforts to see that in so far as duty devolved upon him each formally presented to Admiral j Chadwick. that the centennial celebration should Meanwhile Col. Bryan had entered be a credit to Peekskill. As Com- ex-Congressman Pugsley's automobile mander Neal extended his hand to the and was driven to Ossining, where President in bidding him adieu, he Col. Bryan spoke to the criminals in- Isaid: "The hospitality of your people has been great. Please that carcerated in Sing Sing Prison. The j remember rest of the party returned to Peekskill. whenever and wherever my ship casts anchor, the password that will always NATAL OFFICERS' RECEPTION. gain admittance to my ship and an At five o'clock Tuesday, President invitation to board is 'Peekskill'." and Mrs. Crumb gave a reception to The charm and graciousness of Mrs. Lieutenant-Commander Neal of the U. Crumb never appeared to greater ad- S. S. Cummings and the officers of the vantage than upon this occasion, and fleet, Admiral and Mrs. Chadwick and it will long be remembered by all. Congressman Padgett, chairman of the Naval Committee, also being guests of honor. The affair was informal and limited to the officers and chairmen of the Centennial Committee, the village trustees, the president of the Board of Commerce and their wives and a few frormi young people. The guests were received by Mr. and Mrs. Crumb and presented to the officers. President Crumb's residence on the hill was thrown open, so that the living room, library, music room, dining room and veranda appeared to be mm as one large room. The only decorations, except the flags that have covered the residence during the centennial days, were flowers in abundance Tlie Old Milestone at Ueeks' Comer 1S16—PEEKSKILL CENTExXNIAL CELEBRATIOX—1916 47

THE LOCHEON TO MR. BRYAN. THE BASEBALL GAME J I LI 4. After the anniversary exercises at Part of the celebration program was Depew Park on the Fourth of July, a baseball game on the P. M. A. dia- William Jennings Bryan and the dis- mond between the Oakside and Drum tinguished guests were entertained at Hill nines on Tuesday afternoon. The luncheon at the Eagle Hotel. game was witnessed by over two thou- The menu was: sand people. The committee band, the Grape Fruit au Marachino Sixth Artillery, played during the spec- Soups tacular contest. Puree of Garden Apple Aux Croutons Cream of Pullet a la Reine Never before in the history of base- Relish ball in this village have so great a Radishes, Sliced Cucumbers, Pickles Fish number congregated upon one field to Fried Lake Bass, Parisienne Potatoes witness a game. The athletic com- Boiled mittee of the Centennial made a wise Leg of Mutton, Mint Sauce Entrees move when they chose the two high Fried Cliicken a la Maryland schools to do honors upon the nation's Spaghetti in Tomatoes most important holida -, especially at Velvet Sponge, I Wine Sauce this time when the people are cele- Roasts Prime Ribs of Beef au jus ! brating the incorporation of Peekskill.

Rhode Island Duck, Stewed Apples I Both teams had played two games Lettuce and Tomato Salad previous to this one and Oakside was Mayonnaise Dressing j Vegetables 1 victorious in both. In the first Oakside

Mashed Potatoes, Boiled Potatoes I won 7 to 2, but in the second game Garden Peas, Butter Beets [ten innings were necessary for Oak- Dessert i side to win, 4 to 3. As has been the Apple, Cherry, Blueberry, Custard Pies Strawberry Short Cake custom for years the Drum Hill root- Vanilla Ice Cream ers assembled along the third base line, Iced Watermelon while the Oakside rooters were lined Orange Jelly up along the first base line. Tea, Coffee, Milk Those present were William Jen- To the victorious nine great honors nings Bryan, Admiral French E. Chad- fell, for they were the recipients of wick, Congressman Lemuel P. Padgett, gold watch fobs. Escorted by the band, ex-Congressman Cornelius A. Pugsley, the players of the winning team, mem- Leverett F. Crumb, George F. Canfield, bers of the Board of Education, Super- Chester De Witt Pugsley, Clifford intendent Bohlmann, Principal Quitt- Couch, Lieutenant Commander G. F. meyer and hundreds of alumni and Neal. Lieutenant E. McK. Fromant, of students paraded around the ball field, the Seventh Infantry, representing the with Scharff, the winning twirler, up- Adjutant General, Rev. J. Wilbur Tet- on the shoulders of the students, and ley, Jacob Fish, Nathan P. Bushnell, then through the main thoroughfares Franklin Montross, William H. H. Mac- of the town. As they paraded through Kellar, Geo. E. Briggs, Franklin Couch, the streets all traffic was stopped. The Rev. F. G. Illsley, Fred W. Otte, Albert students sang and made their school E. Cruger, Karl M. Sherman, E. R. yells heard throughout the town. To Russell, Ensigns Maxwell Cole and H. put a climax to the heroes of the day, M. Briggs, of the U. S. S. Cummings, the crowd, with hats off, stopped be- Lieutenants J. M. Smith and R. H. fore the Westchester County National Booth of the U. S. S. Worden, Martin Bank and sang "America" to the ac- Nilsson, Edward E. Young, Cyrus W. companiment of the band. Horton, Jr., Frank H. Whitney, Dr. Scharff, who was the slab artist for Albert E. Phin, Fred A. Smith, John S. Drum Hill, pitched a masterful game, Baker and William F. Hoehn. giving Oakside three hits and getting The luncheon occupied about an hour fourteen strikeouts. At only one stage from shortly after two o'clock until of the game was there any danger of after three, when the start for the his being scored upon. This was In State Camp was made. the fifth inning. Gordon fanned as a 7

4S 1816—PEEKSKILL CENTENNIAL CEI-EBRATIOX—1916 starter. Hunt' lined the ball out into Scharff tapped one in front of the the crowd in left center, going for only plate. Graninger picked up the ball two bases on account of ground rules and heaved it over first into the crowd prevailing, as the crowds were upon standing behind the bag, the ball strik- the field. Lippert got an infield hit, ing Miss Parker, one of Oakside's high Hunt going to third. Kessler fanned school teachers. She received a very and then Blank ended the chances of nasty cut over the right eye and was Oakside by rolling out to Scharff. taken to the doctor in an auto. On the In the first inning Oakside had the wild throw Forson scored. best opportunity to score during any After this inning Lippart and his time of the game, but luck broke teammates settled down and played against them. Kessler walked to first fine ball. In the fifth inning Blank when Scharff hit him with the first robbed Petrillo of a single by making ball pitched. Blank then grounded to a wonderful one-hand catch. Petrillo, who fumbled long enough for From the third inning on neither Blank to reach first safely. Graninger team could get a runner across the grounded to Forson, but Blank could plate, and the game ended Drum Hill not get out of the way of the ball, 7, Oakside 0. which necessitated Umpire Donohue The score: to call him out for interference, and Drum Hill. H R E the rud scored by Kessler did not Roy, c.f 1 count. At no other stage of the game Olstein, r. f., 1. f 1 did Oakside have an opportunity to Robinson, 3b 1 1 1 score, for Scharff always tightened up Wyatt, c 1 1 1 in the pinches. Posey, lb 1 1 Drum Hill started things in the first Forson, s. s 1 inning. Roy delighted the Oakside Petrillo, 2b 1 fans by taking three healthy swings. Scharff, p 1 Olstein waited for four balls. Robin- Gain, 1. f 2 1 son singled to right field, Olstein going Dorsey, r. f to third. Wyatt grounded to Blank, Ellis.-l. f who fumbled the ball. Wyatt was safe, Olstein scoring and Robinson going to 5 7 4 third. Wyatt stole second. Posey came through with a two bagger in right, Oakside. R H E scoring Robinson and Wyatt amid great Kessler, 2b glee and jubilation of the Drum Hill Blank, s. s 4 rooters. Forson grounded out, Kess- Alaire, 3b 1 ler to Lent. Petrillo grounded to Blank, Graninger, c 2 who heaved the ball away over Lent's Burchetta, c. f 1 head, Posey scoria's;. Scharff hit a hot Lent, lb grounder down first base, but Lent Gordon, r. f made a fine stop and got his man. Hunt, 1. f 1 Two more runs were scored in the Lippert, p 1 1 second inning. Gain lined a single into left. Roy grounded to Alaire, but got 3 8 a life on the latter's error. Olstein Summary: fanned. Robinson grounded out, Kess- ler to Lent, Gain scoring on the put Oakside 00000000 0—0 out. Lippert threw wild to Graninger Drum Hill 42100000 x— and Roy dashed over the plate. Wyatt Two base hits — Burchetta, Posey, fanned. Hunt. Left on bases—Oakside 7, Drum

One more run counted in the third Hill ?,. Bases on balls—Off Lippart 1, inning. Forson grounded to Blank, off Scharff 1. Hit by pitched ball—By who seemed to be aiming at someone Scharff, Kessler; by Lippert, Gain. in the grand stand, and heaved it over Struck out—By Lippert 7, by Scharff Lent's head, Forson going to second. 4. Umpire—Jack Donohue. 1S16—PEEKSKILL. CENTENNIAL CELEBRATION'— 1916

FIKE WORKS I?. DEPEW PARK. heavens the whole field was so lighted every could seen. A band concert by the Sixth Heavy that face be Fully ten thousand people were massed in Artillery Band was scheduled for 7.30 the open space from which the fire- o'clock Tuesday night in Depew Park works could be seen. The hillside to and a fireworks display at 8.30 p. m. the east of the roadway bordering the Long before that time people began to lake was a sight to behold. But the start for the park. Autos and those crowd was a good-natured one. The afoot kept coming through all three autos pulled into line when directed as entrances until the big field north of closely as machines could be run, and the ball ground was completely filled when the affair was concluded each and every available outlook was oc- one awaited his turn and the vast num- cupied. Park Commissioner Dr. A. E. ber of machines was out of the park Phin was in charge of the placing of inside of twenty minutes, so well did the people and the machines. He gave the police manage this end of the af- his instructions to Chief McGinty, who fair and so well did the drivers re- with his officers carried them out to spond to directions. the letter and never was a crowd better handled in Peekskill. The band concert began promptly and continued until 8.30, the time set for the display of fireworks. Then they played frequent selections until the display was completed at 10 o'clock. The following program was rendered: Overture, "American National Airs" (Theo. Moses). Serenade, 'A Niglit in June" (H. L. King). Aida March, from G. Verdi's opera. Morceau cliaracteristic, "Forest Whis- pers" (P. H. Losey). "Auf Weidersehn" ("Blue Paradise") (S. Romberg). Overture, "Lustspiel" (Heler-Bela). Gavotte, "St. Cecile" (Theo. Tobani). Waltz, "Impassioned Drealn" (I. Ro- sas). Overture. "Morning, Noon and Night in Vienna" (V. Sunpe). March, "The Southerner" (Alexander). People and automobiles continued to arrive until the first bomb opened the display. The set pieces were arranged just Antonio S. Renza north of the driveway at the south end Chairman of the Committee on Deco- of the ballfield, and the bombs were rations and Illuminations, in charge of fired from a point to the west of the the fireworks display. pieces. The automobiles were parked directly At intervals of from two to three in front of the set pieces and covered minutes after the opening, balloons nearly all the open field. By actual were sent up. Each was marked with count as they left the park, 382 ma- a decade year, 1826 being the first, and chines were there, and each one filled so on until 1916 went up. They were with as many persons as it could carry. watched carefully as each took a south- The peope were banked all around east course and reminded one of a the autos, and during the display, when fleet of sailing vessels following its one of the twenty-four bengolders bril- leader. Between each was piece after liant white lights was burning in the piece of fireworks in the air and set. ' '

50 1S16—PEEKSKILL CEXTExN'NIAL CELEBRATION— 1916

The pieces were beautiful. Many re- ing shells and floral bombs, Hirayanni

{ marked during the evening that they 1 showers, 10 bombs aerial flower beds, had never seen such a display before ' Tokio bombs, 6 breaks, pyrotechnic in Peekskill, and it was a frequently bouquets; "The Arab's Dr.eam," a maze heard comment that Chairman A. S. of color and jewel in the heavens; Renza of the committee had made a heavenly searchlight; 4 repeating color

j good bargain with the money appro- shells.

priated to him by the Centennial Com- I The finale of it all was a bombard- mittee. ment, first aerial, then on the ground,

One of the surprises of the pieces i of long duration and with frequent was a fire picture with the word brilliant lights, ending with a thou- "Mayor" underneath, and it was easy sand shot battery and a 400-foot string to distinguish the features of the gen- of cannon salutes. tleman who is at the head of the vil- The fireworks were furnished by lage government even to the flower in Flaminia and Camerlengo, and Elia his buttonhole. On either side of the Flaminia, of Fairview, N. J., was here "Mayor" burned an American flag. in person and superintended the set- There was a continual chorus of ting off of the pieces. "Isn't that fine!" as the spectacular When the "Good Night" had been colored pieces burst in the heavens or shown, the people on foot began to rose up froin the darkness into beau- leave by the three regular entrances tiful colored lights. and by way of the academy grounds. When the display was nearing its The autos all started their engines end the Liberty Bell was shown in and the outer edges were sliced off. fire, and the final setting, "Good As one car pulled out another quickly Night," was greeted with loud ap- followed, and using the three roads to plause and a chorus of calls from the the village there was no crowding nor auto horns. was there an accident, and soon the One of the most beautiful of the set 1916 centennial celebration was but a pieces was the fire picture of Niagara memory. Falls, which was well along in the list. One of the things that made the fire- It was very realistic and brought out works display a success on Tuesday a chorus of auto sirens. was the fact that A. S. Renza furnished The display as listed by name was the lumber needed for the setpieces as follows: and his workmen did the erecting; his Twenty-one aerial bombs, 100 shells, teams carted the materials to the Liberty Bell and set piece, 2 set pieces grounds, thereby saving that expense of magnesium wheels, set piece double for the purchase of fireworks. Mr. American flag, set piece whistling Renza also loaned the use of his pow- wheel, set pieces the Girandolas, flight der magazine, which greatly helped In of rockets, set piece "The Sun," set the firing, as it enabled the work to piece Gallopade, 4 mines of serpents, be done much more rapidly than with-

parachute bombs, aerial violet beds, out it. comet displays, set piece of wheels, THE COMMEMORATITE BADGE. also one with five drops, mines, rockets, detonations, setpiece Niagara Falls, Every celebration like Peekskill's setpiece novelty girandola, electric Centennial has a commemorative badge. girandola, setpieces of geyser foun- Peekskill, too, had one. tains, two bengolders of half moons, It was of bronze, made by the White- 16 variegated bombs, girandola 400 head-Hoag Company, of Newark, N. J. square feet, set piece of drums, set- In the circular medal about the size piece magnesium wheel, Saturn and and thickness of an American trade satellites, setpiece, setpiece a cascade, dollar there was on the obverse the American flag and stars, 4 mine shells, words, "Peekskill, N. Y.," around the 12 rockets, surprise set piece, extraor- top. There was a replica of the Munic- dinary shell, school of goldfish repre- ipal Building and beneath it an ex- sented by bomb shells, mirio break- act duplicate of the Peekskill village 1816—PEEKSKILL CENTENNIAL CELEBRATION—1916 51

Isaac H. Smitli Chairman Finance Committee

Clifford Couch Chairman of Publicity Committee

E. II. Russell William F. Hoehii Chairman Athletic Committee Chairman Carnival Committee 52 1816—PEEKSKILL CENTENNIAL CELEBRATION—1916

seal, its circular inscription and all. ored lights surmounded the cluster and On each side of the seal was a branch a large American flag floated there by of leaves. day. At night at the east of the clus- On the reverse were the dates, 1816- ter, red, white and blue lights were so 1016," on a fluted ribbon, in the center formed as to represent a waving Amer- of which, between the dates, was a ican flag. At the junction of Railroad torch resting upon the joined stems of and Hudson avenues and at South two small branches. Beneath this was street and Hudson avenue the lighting the inscription, "Commemorating the schemes in vogue uptown was also lonth anniversary of Peekskill, N. Y., carried out. July 2 to 4." Beneath this were crossed In addition to the lights across the branches. streets, small flags were strung at in- By an inch wide red white and blue tervals to add to the daytime appear- silk ribbon this medal was suspended ance of the thoroughfares. Nearly 3,000 from a very prettily shaped and deco- lights were used in all. rated cross bar. In raised letters were In front of the Eagle Hotel four the words, "Committee," on one hun- large columns were erected of white dred of them. There were one hun- trimmed with blue. Stretched from dred badges with the word "Guest" on each pillar diagonally were lines of the bar. On the reverse of the bar was flags under which the paraders the fastening pin. marched. The entire medal was effectively At Depew Park entrance on Fre- pretty. It made a fine souvenir as well mont street and Union avenue, fes- as a badge of identification during the toons of lights were stretched across celebration. A few more are left and the street and numbers of extra lights can be purchased of Secretary of the were placed m the park in order that Committee Albert E. Cruger. those who witnessed the fireworks display might safely find their way to DECORATIONS DAT AND NIGHT. the outlets of the park. The decorations for the Centennial IT WAS THE PRETTIEST OF ALL. celebration were as fine as could be desired. The business houses were The prettiest illumination at night decorated much after the fashion of was that of the Highland Democrat the Elks' parade, except that the pur- Company Building, 1006-1008-1010 Park ple and white was missing, and the street. red, white and blue or flag took their Each of the south, east and west place. In the vicinity of the passen- windows on all three floors were cov- ger station there were also fine dec- ered on the inside with wide strips of orations. red, white and blue tissue paper. The lighting effects outrivaled those Twenty windows were thus prepared. of the Elks' convention, if that were The large pane in the show window on possible. Lent and Burchetta had the the first floor was covered with verti- contract, and they gave more time and cal bands of red, white and blue. The labor than the amount of money they door glasses were likewise adorned. received could possibly purchase. All this was quite noticeable by day. The business streets from Washing- But at night, with gas and electric ton street, on South street, through lights behind the transparent red, South Division street and Main street, white and blue paper it was a pretty from the Eagle Hotel to Nelson avenue sight. However, it was most effective and on Park street were brilliant with and seen at its best after midnight. At electric lights festooned across the that hour the myriads o'f colored lights streets at frequent intervals. in Park street were turned off. Then On Park street special efforts had the Highland Democrat Building, with been made. Red, white and blue lights- its two dozen windows and doors throw- were so draped from the cluster of ing out the red, white and blue bands lights in the circle as to present a fine of light were accentuated by the sur- spectacle at night. A big star of col- rounding darkness and could be seen 1816—PEEKSKILL CENTENNIAL CELEBRATION—1916 53 for a long distance, especially the babies in the early sixties. She was windows on the third floor. It was the daughter of John Bennett, the first indeed a pretty picture and much ad- Peekskill soldier to be brought home mired by thousands of people. dead. He died of fever in Newport The building was illuminated Sat- News, Va. Mrs. Nelson was born after urday, Sunday, Monday and Tuesday her father's death. Mrs. Nelson now evenings from dusk until 1.00 a. m. lives in New York. Her father is buried The building was also gaily deco- in the old cemetery at Van Cortlandt- rated outside with red, white and blue ville. streamers, flags and bunting and bands The Hebrew Orphan Asylum Band, about the roof eaves, smaller groups which headed the fourth division, cre- of flags, etc. It was all done by the ated much favorable comment by their Highland Democrat employees and all excellent playing. They arrived in material was purchased from Peekskill Peekskill at 10.30 a. m., and left on the merchants and the money kept right 8.02 p. m. train. There were thirty- here in Peekskill. eight pieces, with Herman Heller, ECHOES OF THE CELEHKA HON. eleven years old, as Drum Major. The Elks kept open house Sunday, They won first prize in competition Monday and Tuesday for the naval of- with fifty bands recently for the Forty- ficers and warrant ofiicers, many of seventh Regiment. whom were Elks. Congressman Lemuel P. Padgett, John Halsted, Sanford R. Knapp and chairman of the Naval Committee of John B. Christian had seats on the the House of Representatives, arrived band stand during the anniversary ex- in Peekskill Monday afternoon to ful- ercises Tuesday. All are considerably fill his Fourth of July speaking en- over eighty years of age. gagement. While here he was the The Peekskill Post Office closed on guest of Counselor Nathan P. Bush- Monday from 2 until 5 p. m. The car- nell. They have long been intimate riers omitted the 2 o'clock delivery friends, having served and worked to- only. All other deliveries and collec- gether in the General Assembly of the tions were made as usual. Presbyterian Church. Many moving pictures were taken of Rear-Admiral French E. • Chadwick the parade, at the ball game, during and wife, of Newport, R. I., arrived the Tuesday exercises and of the auto- Monday in their Overland auto, driven mobiles. In fact, almost any event was by a colored chauffeur. They stopped the signal for a moving picture man to at the Eagle Hotel. They met many get busy. people while here and made lots of Ensign Maxwell Cole, of the torpedo friends. They left Wednesday at 9 boat destroyer Cummings, was almost a. m. for Saratoga Springs for a three a Peekskill boy. He was born and weeks' stay. They were accompanied reared in Carmel, Putnam County. He as far as Camp Whitman by Chester was appointed to Annapolis by the late De Witt Pugsley and visited the camp Congressman Richard E. Connell. edi- for a while. tor of the Poughkeepsie News-Press. For the information of many Peeks- Ensign Cole was a member of the kill people who thought William Jen- class of 1916 at Annapolis. nings Bryan was paid to speak in Captain Charles W. Brown, of Cortr- Peekskill on Fourth of July, it might pany A, Forty-seventh Regiment, and be stated that he came gratuitously. his First Lieutenant, James M. Brown, There was no expense of any nature and Second Lieutenant, A. A. Grass, whatsoever attached to his coming to were in charge of the six squads of or speaking in Peekskill. He was met soldiers who aided the police in keep- at the Pennsylvania Station Tuesday ing order on parade day. With the offi- morning by Clifford Couch, who spent cers and sergeants, there were over several hours with him in the city; fifty men in the police guard. then escorted him to Peekskill on the Mrs. Charles Nelson, who was here train arriving here at 12.33 p. m. Ex- Monday, was one of Peekskill's war Congressman Pugsley and his son, 54 1S16—PBEKSKILL CENTENNIAL CELEBRATION—1916

Chester De Witt Pugsley met them Permit me to say that the greatest with an automobile and drove them to lesson, to my mind, taught by our suc- Depew Park. Mr. Pugsley drove Mr. cessful centennial celebration is that Bryan to Ossining after the review at when our people have a mind to work, camp. when they are willing to work in har- Lieutenant Commander Neal, before mony, nothing will ever interfere with leaving Peekskill, assured President the success of their work. With such Crumb that in all their travels and an illustration of the spirit, energy and details to such celebrations as ours, ability of our people, no one ever ought never had they been more cordially for one second to be discouraged in and warmly received and royally en- any public line, for if we will all work tertained than in Peekskill. All the together as we worked for the success officers and men had been accorded of the Centennial celebration we will every courtesy possible and then some. not only maintain the high standard of He said when the men, even the blue- the past, and the splendid standing of jackets, had asked to be directed to a Peekskill at the present time, but will place the person accosted was not sat- go on and make Peekskill a prosperous isfied with imparting information, but and live town, one that will invite and would accompany the man to the place harbor industries and sustain them, sought. Lieutenant-Commander Neal one that will welcome new citizens and said that no matter where his boat or encourage them and a place in which the Worden might be, " Peekskill" everybody will be happy. would be a password that would al- Very truly yours, ways be accepted on their craft. 3IR, CRUMB THANKS Mil. PUGSLEl L^Stf- ^^^'i^U^O^ Leverett F. Crumb mailed the fol- oQMJylr^-KJ lowing letter to Chester De Witt Pugs- ley on hursday, July 6: President. July 6, 1916. Chester D. Pugsley, Esq., Chairman Centennial Committee, Peekskill: My Dear Mr. Pugsley—Permit me to thank you, and through you the members of the Centennial Committee, on behalf of the people of Peekskill, for the splendid manner in which our Cen- tennial was conducted. I wish also to thank everyone who had to do with the affair, and its great success, from Captain Fred A. Smith, who marshaled the parade, to the tini- est child who participated. Nor is this all; thanks are also due to the hundreds of willing hands that in their own way joined in making it a grand success. To name any one person would be to rob another of just credit. The only thing that comes to my mind

to express what I feel and what I believe every citizen of Peekskill feels, is what Nehemiah wrote many centuries ago, when he said: "So built we the wall; and all the wall was joined together unto the half thereof: for the people had a mind to work." Geo. E. I$rigf?s The people did work, big and little. Who compiled this book

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