February/March 2008 Volume I; Issue 4 WE’RE ONLINE Please Enroll Me As a Member of the Larchmont Historical Society
Total Page:16
File Type:pdf, Size:1020Kb
February/March 2008 Volume I; Issue 4 Membership Form 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”, “An Unfinished Life”, home, join CHC, or Volunteer, Name: of one-time Larchmonter Mary “Casanova” and “The Hoax.” 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, Andrew Mondshein. 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, 1 ststst VP, Membership John’s Episcopal overall character of the community. Dee van Eyck, 2 ndndnd 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 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.