Membership Form February/March 2008 Volume I; Issue 4 WE’RE ONLINE Please enroll me as a member of the Larchmont Historical Society. My tax- Visit us virtually deductible dues for one year are enclosed. Annual membership year is: The at September - June.. www.larchmonthistory.org __New Member __ Renewing Member Visit our ONLINE Please indicate membership category: PHOTO MUSEUM. ___Individual $ 15 Make checks payable & mail to: Gazebo Gazette Learn more ___Family $ 25 about ___Senior (65+)& Student $ 5 The Larchmont Historical Society ___Institutional or Business $ 40 P.O. Box 742 Newsletter of the Larchmont Historical Society LARCHMONT HISTORY ___Sustaining $ 50 Larchmont, NY 10538 ___Life (individual only) $150 Find out Larchmont Luminaries Series: eral summers renting a house on Park Ave. and was about I would like to volunteer to help on the following committee(s): sometimes seen walking her pet duck on a pink ribbon MONTHLY PROGRMS Film Chicks & A Classic Flick through Manor Park. And ___Spring House Tour ___Museum Planning ___Grant Research/ SPECIAL EVENTS ___Membership ___Newsletter Writing As a special treat, Leslie Holleran will introduce “ My ___Exhibits ___Fire History ___Century Homes Club In honor of Women’s History Best Girl” with a discussion of women in Join LHS, pay dues or make ___Publicity ___Monthly Programs ___Fundraising Month, we’re celebrating two of the film industry throughout history. Ms. a donation online. ___Archives ___Special Events Larchmont’s female film luminar- Holleran’s own career credits include “The

ies from yesteryear and today. Cider House Rules,” “Chocolat”, “The Find out how to research your Come join us for a special viewing Shipping News”, “”, home, join CHC, or Volunteer, Name: of one-time Larchmonter Mary “Casanova” and “.” She is cur- ALL ONLINE! Pickford’s “finest romantic com- rently in production of her latest film, edy” on the silent screen with a “Sammy.” Ms. Holleran was one of 3 first Send inquiries to: ______special introduction by Academy recipients of the Pelham Picture House Re- [email protected] Award nominated film producer gional Film Center’s “Harold Lloyd Award and current Larchmont resident, in Excellence.” Lloyd was one of the biggest ______Leslie Holleran. stars of the silent film era and made several films in Mamaroneck. Ms. Holleran lives in Non-Profit Org. In “ My Best Girl ,” Mary Pickford Larchmont with her husband, notable film U.S. Postage illustrates the endearing charm that editor, . PAID Larchmont, NY 10538 won her the title, “America’s Permit No. 366 Sweetheart.” Maggie (Mary These days, it’s a rare treat to see one of the Pickford), a shop girl in a five-and- great silent films. We hope you’ll come dime store, falls in love with the grab some popcorn, a good seat and enjoy owner’s son Joe (Charles “Buddy” Rogers), who is our double dose of Larchmont Luminary talent. working incognito as a clerk to prove himself to his father. It’s a timeless Cinderella tale set in the roaring ——————————————————————- twenties and sure to make you roar with laughter. March Program:

In the days of silent cinema, Mary Pickford was un- nd Larchmont Historical Society Date: Sunday, March 2 matched in popularity. She lived a fairy-tale life— PO Box 742 Time: 3:00 p.m. Larchmont, NY 10538 marrying Douglas Fairbanks at the height of both of their careers and living in the legendary mansion, Pick- Place: Larchmont Village Center fair, until her death in 1979. Pickford was not only an (behind the Larchmont Library) amazingly versatile performer, but also a shrewd busi- R.S.V.P: Dee van Eyck, 834-0449 nesswoman and film producer. She was a founder of (if possible, but walk-ins welcome) the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences and also co-founded United Artists Pictures with Charlie This event is free and open to the public Chaplin, D.W. Griffith, and Douglas Fairbanks in Mamaroneck (Orienta Point) in 1919. She spent sev- Page 2 Page 5 In recent years, Larchmont homes have seen a dramatic change in ownership and this presents a number of Published by: President’s Message: A Conversation with challenges as well as opportunities. Rob feels that local The Larchmont Historical Society history has an important role to play in this equation, P.O. Box 742, Larchmont, NY 10538 Century Homes Club Member Barbara Rewey Newman and thanks to the efforts of LHS and individuals such Editor: Nancy White Rob Snedeker Contributors: Ned Benton, Elaine as Village Historian, Judy Spikes, the narrative and Everhart, Teresa Laughlin, visual record is now quite complete and accessible. Roberta Warren There as so many wonderful things happening at the Larch- The hope, of course, is that residents will continue to mont Historical Society—our new bi-monthly newsletter, The Morse Cottage, built in 1891, is home to Fran and maintain and upgrade structures that have been long- Officers and Board of Trustees: new board members, terrific events, monthly programs and Rob Snedeker. The house, originally constructed on established elements of a neighborhood, where history Barbara R. Newman, President exciting plans for our Annual Spring House Tour. the site of Saint is respected, and that changes are made in tune with the Lauren Gottfried, 1ststst VP, Membership John’s Episcopal overall character of the community. Dee van Eyck, 2ndndnd VP, Programs Kudos to Dee van Eyck, VP/ program director, for all her Church was moved Cate Jarrett, Recording Secretary work to create last December’s special Victorian Holiday to its current ad- Volunteers who participate in local governmental com- George Berridge, Treasurer Tea. Held at the Manor House, it was a great success and so dress, 20 Linden mittees that oversee this process play a critical role in much fun! Special thanks again to the Olssons for sharing Avenue in 1893. providing the continuity to keep the effort on track. Ned Benton Norm Perciasepe their historic home with us. I’d also like to thank Ned Ben- Rob notes, “Once again, we’re back to involvement William Byrne Patricia Patricia Roberts Roberts ton for immersing himself in the wonderful role of our host, Rob and Fran have with the community- its government, committees and Barbara Coyne Colette Rodbell Col. Leoser, as well as our pianist, Lioudmila Astakhova. lived in their home other social organizations. And at least from my per- Manuel Delgado Melissa Schoen- And my deepest appreciation goes out to all of you who vol- for about 20 years spective, and my particular interest in architecture and Susan Emery Judith Doolin Spikes unteered to set up or work at the Tea. We couldn’t have during which time they have been important supporters history, I think it’s working quite well. Certainly, there Andrew Fancella Jim Sweeney- done it without each of you! and volunteers of many community programs. Rob is a have been a few miscues, but by and large, the results Margi Gristina Roberta Warren former president of the Larchmont Historical Society are positive. I continue to be very impressed with the Peggy Kahn Nancy White In honor of Women’s History Month , mark your calendar and currently is President of the Larchmont Manor Park Kate Kelly Pier Witek detail and effort made to respect vintage homes during for March 2nd, to join us for the second program in our Society. Fran is active in local politics and women’s Mary McCahan the renovation process.” “Larchmont Luminaries" series. In the next issue of the Ga- causes.

Lynne Crowley, Archivist zette we will announce when you can start buying tickets to Larchmont is blessed to have caretakers such as Rob the House Tour, too. The Morse Cottage was a complete “fixer-upper” when and Fran as homeowners. They not only have done a The Larchmont Historical Society was the Snedeker’s purchased it in 1987. It had not had a first-class job in restoring Morse Cottage, but have founded in 1980 and chartered in 1981 Thanks to all who responded to the membership dues re- resident owner in several years, and as Rob described been tireless in participating in the ongoing improve- as a not-for-profit educational corpora- sponse cards. If you expressed interest in getting involved it, when they saw the home for the first time, snow had ments and historic preservation of our community. tion by the New York State Board of with an LHS project, join us for an evening of informa- blown inside the front hallway and covered much of the Regents to discover, preserve and dis- tion .on volunteer opportunities on March 4. The amount of floor. As they removed the snow, beautiful parquet If you have a home that is at least 100 years old and are seminate information concerning the time you have to give is completely up to you as there is flooring revealed itself and it became immediately ap- interested in joining the Century Homes Club, contact natural, social, and civic history of something for everyone. parent that the home had tremendous potential. Previ- Lynne Crowley at Larchmont Archives 381-2239 or Larchmont, and to promote the preser- ous owners had spray painted the fireplaces and painted [email protected]. vation of local historical sites and struc- Hiberanting in this cold weather? Spend some time learning over beautiful wood detailing; electrical wires with tures. The Society maintains an ar- more about Larchmont history by browsing the updated bare bulbs hung from the ceilings; but Rob and Fran chives in the Mamaroneck Town Cen- LHS site (www.larchmonthistory.org). Take a look at the were not discouraged and decided to do most of the ter, 740 W. Boston Post Rd., slavery section where Trustee Ned Benton has added five renovations themselves. Thank you Mike Tripicco! Mamaroneck; publishes a newsletter;, new names of known slaves in the history of Mamaroneck offers programs; conducts tours for area. The house was designed in the Colonial Revival style school children and adults; and offers One of the benefits of joining the Cen- and during the period of their ownership, the Snedekers outreach lectures to other community tury Homes Club is the beautiful Finally, we welcome new board member, Jim Sweeney this have frequently accessed historical files and photo- groups. The newsletter is published to plaque installed by LHS beside your graphs as part of a process to restore it to its original provide news of the Society and occa- month. Jim and wife, Sue Girardi Sweeney, (artist of the front door, identifying your home as a famous Ducktales’ “Firehouse Duck” ), live in Larchmont. style. The most important of these projects, based on sional articles of related interest. Opin- CHC member. LHS would like to Along with his other talents, Jim’s credits include serving as photographs from the LHS archives, involved restora- ions expressed are those of their au- thank Mike Tripicco from Custom Covers for doing Fire Chief of our beloved Village for 2 terms. His expertise tion of a wrap-around porch that had been removed by thors; publication should not be con- these installations free of charge. Mikes company, and dedicated enthusiasm for history and Larchmont will be earlier owners. Also as a part of this effort, clapboard strued as endorsement by the Society. Custom Covers, specializes in radiator enclosures, a great asset and we look forward to working with him! siding was removed and replaced with shingles as screen and storm doors, table pads, rescreening and documented by the photographs that were taken shortly lock work. He can be reached at 914-381-5693. after the house was built.

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New Names Discovered of Ongoing Historical Research Victorian Holiday Tea at During the tea, “Colonel Leoser” provided a poetry Our knowledge of the history of slavery in reading and displayed his Civil War pictures. He told Slaves at Heathcote Hill Mamaroneck Township is extensive compared to Manor House stories of his Civil War service with the Eleventh what might be known in other small communities, New York Volunteer Infantry, or “First Fire but at this time our information is still fragmen- Zouaves”, a regiment consisting of pri- The Larchmont Historical Society maintains a web- tary. Fortu- The Larchmont Historical Society marily volunteer firefighters from New hosted a Victorian holiday tea on Sun- York City. site—Slavery in Mamaroneck Township —that docu- nately people day, December 9th at Larchmont’s ments the history of slavery in what is today called like Susan Larchmont and Mamaroneck. Susan Fenimore Cooper most historic landmark, the Manor Many of America’s Christmas traditions Fenimore House, at 18 Elm Avenue. Guests became popular in the Victorian era, in- (daughter of James Fenimore Cooper) wrote an essay in Cooper have 1883 for her grandchildren, to share her earliest memo- were invited to see this 18th century cluding decorating the tree, sending holi- left local his- ries of life in Mamaroneck on Heathcote Hill. Her es- home draped in Christmas décor, learn day cards, giving gifts, caroling and even say provides a set of interesting new facts about slav- torians some about traditional Victorian holiday Santa Claus himself. Another favorite ery, and also raises some interesting questions for fur- interesting practices and partake of an old- indulgence dates back to this time as ther historical research. clues for fur- fashioned tea with seasonal treats. well—afternoon tea. ther research. Hostesses and entertainers appeared The Household Names…. Do visit our dressed in period Victorian costumes, “We presented “A Victorian Christmas” Slavery in Mamaroneck Township includes a table of web-site for adding to the historic atmosphere. in 2001, and the response was over- whelming,” said Dee Van Eyck, Vice Names of Slaves that can be identified based on avail- further infor- Guests were welcomed to “their President and programs chair for able records. The Cooper article provides us with some mation. additional names: home” by Colonel Charles the Historical Society. “This . McKnight Leoser and his wife year, we decided that a “Victorian • Harriet was described as the daughter of the cook (as re-enacted by LHS members Holiday Tea” would be a fun way who served as the chambermaid of the household. Ned Benton and Dee Van Eyck). for us to illustrate life in our vil- Harriet might be the same person that DeLancey Welcome New Board The Leoser’s rented the Manor lage over 100 years ago. For us identifies, in the Town records in 1814, as House in 1892 from Frederick to have the opportunity to host “Harriot”. DeLancey was registering Harriot’s Member Jim Sweeney Flint. Colonel Leoser, the pub- the event in Larchmont’s oldest daughter, “Anne or Nancey” as required under NY lisher of Bonfort’s Wine and and most historic home made this State law at the time. By registering Harriot’s Spirits, graduated from West a special treat for everyone. We Our newest LHS trustee, Jim Sweeney, is a “local boy” daughter, DeLancey could retain ownership of the Point in 1861 and fought at the are grateful to Carl and Mary Ols- who grew up in the Town of Mamaroneck off of daughter as a slave until 1828. Battle of Bull Run. He was cap- son, the current owners of the Weaver St., and graduated from Iona Prep. • Henry was described as Harriet’s son. tured later in the Civil War and Manor House, for again sharing

• The article also describes three other slaves in the confined at the infamous Libby prison. their home with the Larchmont community”. Employed by Harvard Maintenance as the Director of household but does not name them: a “fat black Insurance and Risk Management, Jim has been in the woman” who was the cook and who was the field of Risk Management for 26 Years, primarily man- mother of Harriot and “a colored child or two”. aging insurance, health and safety issues for large pub- One of the children might be “Anne or Nancey” - lic and private companies. the daughter of Harriot registered by DeLancey in Save the Date! Join us for our Volunteer

1814. Jim lives in Larchmont with his wife Sue Girardi Sunday, May 4th Opportunity Night • Fred, who Cooper describes as “a colored boy from Sweeney. Sue was the artist who painted the firehouse Heathcote Hill” and as “the waiter.” Fred may be duck for Ducktales. LHS Annual Spring House Tour Tuesday, March 4 the inspiration for the image of the black man

standing behind John P. Delancey in the mural at A casual evening of coctails, Always an active member of the community, Jim was a the Mamaroneck Library. member of the Larchmont Fire Department for 30 Volunteers needed information and coffee

years and served as its Chief for two separate terms: Susan Cooper suggests there may have been at least Contact Susan Emery at 7:30 pm ‘90-’91 and again in 2000. two more slaves in the DeLancey household, one of whom may be buried at the DeLancey Burial Ground 834-3682 6 Oak Avenue, Larchmont Please join us in welcoming Jim Sweeney to the board. on Palmer Avenue. [email protected] RSVP 834-2069, if possible, walk-ins welcome