PEEKSKILL HISTORIC Fall 2002 PRESERVATION

CONTENTS PROGRAM Overview of Historic Preservation in Peekskill 1 The Review Process 2 Design Guidelines 3 Summary of Peekskill’s Historic and Landmarks Preservation Ordinance 4 Benefits of Designating a Neighborhood as a National Register Historic District 6 Peekskill’s History and Development 8

MAIN STREET LOOKING WEST, CIRCA 1900 Overview of Historic Preservation in Peekskill

community, and promote Peekskill’s rich historic and architectural heritage. Historic preservation is a catalyst for the revital- ization, stabilization, and enhancement of historic ver the last three decades, the City of neighborhoods. The creation of a historic district FRANKLIN STREET SCHOOL Peekskill has experienced a marked typically results in improved property maintenance CONSTRUCTED IN 1902, O increase in the replacement of older structures and a heightened sense of cooperation within the DEMOLISHED IN 1969. with new construction in its downtown area. neighborhood. Another important outcome of This prompted Peekskill’s Common Council to preservation activities is increased property values. begin the process of protecting the remaining Historic designation fosters community cohesion, historic resources in its central business district. identity, and pride, along with an appreciation In May 2000, the Common Council adopted of the historic character of the community and legislation that provides for “Historic Districts and concern for its future. Landmarks Preservation”. On March 26, 2001, If you own a structure that is designated as a local the City designated its first local historic district landmark or located within a historic district, this in the downtown area (see map on page 2). This legislation will make it subject to certain standards. prestigious designation highlights the historical While you have to meet these standards when exte- and architectural significance of the district, and rior work is done on your property, you also benefit ensures that all renovations, demolition and new from knowing that all the property in the district For more information, construction within the district are reviewed by will be treated in the same manner. The relation- contact Peekskill’s Department the City prior to construction. It is anticipated that ship between you, your neighbor and the City of Planning and Development this legislation will stabilize neighborhood growth becomes one of partnering to maintain historical, at 914-734- 4210. and value, bring long term investment to the architectural, cultural and real property values. 1 DOWNTOWN HISTORIC DISTRICT VISITORS ARE GREETED WITH “WELCOME TO HISTORIC PEEKSKILL” SIGNS AT THE ENTRANCES TO THE CITY.

A HISTORIC HOME IN THE DOWNTOWN HISTORIC DISTRICT: THE MCGURTY HOUSE AT 136 UNION AVENUE, BUILT IN 1885. The Review Process the other approvals are in place. A building permit must be issued within one year of the date of the COA approval; otherwise the

A TYPICAL STOREFRONT LOCATED IN DOWNTOWN COA expires. The Building Inspector will PEEKSKILL, SHOWING IMPORTANT HISTORIC verify that construction follows approved ELEMENTS THAT SHOULD BE MAINTAINED. plans. It is critical that the work is per- formed as approved. Any deviations from the approved plans must be reapproved; f a property owner or tenant plans to Applications for a COA should be sub- otherwise you may be required to remove Iundertake any alterations or additions mitted to the Department of Planning and unauthorized work. The flowchart shown to the exterior of his property in the historic Development approximately three weeks here illustrates the typical review process. district or to a local landmark (including the prior to the scheduled HLPB meeting. installation of signs, awnings, fences, etc.), The HLPB’s review will be based upon the historic ordinance requires that plans the Historic District’s Design Guidelines, The flowchart below is provided to illustrate the process be submitted to the City for review by the which are available in City Hall. Applicants associated with securing approvals to undertake exterior Historic and Landmarks Preservation Board. will always be notified of the date and place rehabilitation of properties within the Downtown Peekskill Local Historic District. Owners and their agents are urged No HLPB review is required for interior of the HLPB meeting, so that they can to contact the Department of Planning and Development alterations, except if they affect the exterior attend and be an active part of the process. or the Building Department prior to making any commit- appearance of the structure. An application After reviewing the proposed project, ments, ordering materials, or beginning work. for a Certificate of Appropriateness (COA) the HLPB will render its decision as to the can be obtained by calling the Department appropriateness of the work and its conform- START Discuss project with of Planning and Development in City Hall. ity to the Design Guidelines. If the HLPB Dept. of Planning and (Information is also finds that the proposed Development available on the City’s ▼ work meets the Guidelines, Submit Application for COA web site, www.ci.peek- a COA will be issued Application approved and ▼

▼ COA issued ▼

Attend HLPB meeting ▼ HLPB suggests skill.ny.us). The applica- and the project can ▼ modifications to ▼ tion lists the information proceed accordingly. ▼ project Apply for Building Permit Revisions made by Applicant

that is required for HLPB The COA is the ▼ ▼ ▼ No changes made review. Incomplete forms Board’s official approval of Construction begins ▼ and missing information ▼ COA is denied an application and gives Inspection for COA and EXCELLENT EXAMPLE OF COMMER- Permit compliance will delay the review the Building Inspector ▼ CIAL INFILL ALONG SOUTH STREET. ▼ Additional process. There is a mini- permission to issue a Correct violation consultation with HLPB mal application fee. THE NEWLY CONSTRUCTED ART LOFTS Building Permit if all of (if any) BLEND IN NICELY WITH THE HISTORIC ▼ Project Complete STREETSCAPE. End

2 PEEKSKILL HISTORIC PRESERVATION PROGRAM Design Guidelines

eekskill’s Common Council adopted PDesign Guidelines for the downtown Historic District. The purpose of these MAIN STREET LOOKING EAST, ABOUT 1900. guidelines is twofold: 1. To provide City officials, property owners, features and by specifying precise treatments renters, architects, and contractors a man- for solving common maintenance-related ual by which to gauge what the HLPB will issues. Most importantly, however, is consider “appropriate” to the District. that property owners and tenants in the Downtown Historic District must be familiar with the Design Guidelines if they intend to make physical changes to the exterior of their properties. The HLPB always welcomes questions relating to exterior improvement, restoration, Please call the Peekskill and sensitive rehabilitation of properties in Department of Planning and the Historic District or to a local landmark. Development at 914-734-4210 Before making any exterior alterations, owners, before submitting your tenants, or contractors must consult with the application, ordering materials, HLPB and obtain all necessary permits. or starting work.

RECENTLY PUBLISHED “DESIGN GUIDELINES” FOR THE DOWNTOWN WHEN IS A CERTIFICATE OF LOCAL HISTORIC DISTRICT CAN BE VIEWED AT THE FIELD LIBRARY OR APPROPRIATENESS REQUIRED? OBTAINED IN CITY HALL. ny treatment that affects 2. To provide the HLPB with standards to Athe exterior of a landmark follow in the review process in order to building or property in the historic establish an objective basis for decision- district (including new construc- making. tion and demolition) requires the Design Guidelines define the significant approval of the HLPB before the elements of building appearance and setting work begins. This includes the within the historic district, and establish modification of nearly every aspect standards for preserving and enhancing those elements. Included in the guidelines of the property and building exterior, MAIN STREET LOOKING EAST TOWARD DIVISION is a description of the major architectural including modifications to windows, STREET AS IT APPEARS TODAY. styles found in Peekskill’s historic district. doors, roofs, porches, the installa- This identifies the features that give a tion of siding, storefront remodeling, painting, fences, signage, awnings, etc. building its historic character, and these The Commission reviews only those changes that are proposed by the applicant and features should be preserved in rehabilitation that affect the exterior of the building or property. If you are simply repairing some- and maintenance projects. thing with the same material that is currently on your building or repainting in exactly Design Guidelines can help avoid hasty the same color, no review is required. If a feature is being replaced in its entirety, even or misinformed alterations of historic with the same materials, you must apply for a COA. If you are unsure what needs to be architecture by offering preferred options reviewed, it’s better to call the City before you order materials or begin work. for dealing with significant architectural

FALL 2002 3 Summary of Peekskill’s Historic and Landmarks Preservation Ordinance

● Prepare and publish maps and brochures PURPOSE OF THE HISTORIC about the City’s historic and architectural PRESERVATION ORDINANCE: I. resources. The Peekskill Common Council has ● Advise the Common Council, Planning determined that it is desirable to designate Commission, and other boards and local historic districts and landmarks for departments about historically and archi- the following public purposes: tecturally significant sites and buildings. ● To protect districts and landmarks associ- ● Promote education about historic ated with the growth and development of landmarks and districts. the City, State and Nation. These districts and landmarks provide enjoyment and ● Enlist assistance and cooperation from educational benefit by highlighting other public and private agencies Peekskill’s past. concerned with historic buildings and districts. ● To preserve the architectural, artistic, technological and cultural elements of ● Advise owners of historic buildings on the City’s past that cannot be replaced. preservation issues. ● ● To stabilize and improve property values Advise Common Council of preservation and promote reuse of historic districts and grants available to the City. landmarks. ● File an annual report with the Common ● To enhance the City’s tourist attractions. Council. ● To foster civic pride in historic elements that give Peekskill its unique character. DESIGNATION OF LOCAL ● To foster economic growth through preser- III. HISTORIC DISTRICTS AND vation of historic districts and landmarks. LANDMARKS: ● To protect against the demolition of his- HLPB recommends to the Common toric landmarks and the inappropriateness Council the designation of a building as a of exterior design that adversely affects the EXAMPLE OF A HISTORIC MARKER local landmark if it has one or more of the desirability of the surrounding area. AWARDED TO VA RIOUS BUILDINGS following characteristics: THROUGHOUT PEEKSKILL THAT HAVE ● Is associated with persons or events of MAINTAINED THEIR HISTORICAL AND historic significance to the City, region, DUTIES OF THE HISTORIC ARCHITECTURAL INTEGRITY. State or Nation; AND LANDMARKS II. ● Is illustrative of historic growth of the PRESERVATION BOARD (HLPB): City, region, state or nation; The HLPB consists of seven members, all Appropriateness for buildings in local City residents, appointed by the Common historic districts or for local landmarks. ● Has distinctive characteristics of an Council for three-year terms. Meetings are ● Maintain listings of historic buildings architectural type, period, or method generally held once per month. Duties of and districts in Peekskill. of construction; the HLPB are as follows: ● Formulate and recommend design guide- ● Is the work of a designer who has ● Make recommendations to the Common lines to be adopted by Common Council. influenced an age; Council on nomination of areas and ● Establish a system of markers for histori- ● Contains unique architectural, archaeo- buildings as landmarks or districts. cally and architecturally significant buildings logical, or artistic qualities; or ● Issue or deny Certificates of and districts. ● Is on the National Register of Historic Places.

4 PEEKSKILL HISTORIC PRESERVATION PROGRAM THE REHABILITATED PARAMOUNT CENTER FOR THE ARTS ON BROWN STREET IS ACTIVELY USED BY THE COMMUNITY, AND THE PARAMOUNT EAST IS SLATED FOR RENOVATION INTO A PRODUCTIVE NEW USE.

HLPB recommends to the Common ● Map showing the boundaries of the pro- Council the designation of an area of the posed district, and the locations of build- City as a local historic district if it has the ings therein. following characteristics: ● Justification of proposed district boundaries. application fee. The HLPB makes its ● The area has special historic value ● Exterior photographs of buildings in decision based on the City’s adopted because it contains properties that meet proposed district. Design Guidelines and the Secretary the criteria for landmark designation, and of the Interior’s Standards for ● Name and address (with section, block ● Rehabilitation. Any alteration or new The area represents a style or period of and lot number) of every property owner construction must be compatible with architecture typical of a past era, and within the district. the building’s historic character and ● The area is a distinct portion of the City, ● Name, address and phone number of per- with the district in which it is located. or son submitting proposal and who is being ● The HLPB can issue a COA with ● The area is on the State or National represented. Register of Historic Places. conditions. It is unlawful to deviate from Procedure for the designation (or recission) approved plans and conditions of approval. A written proposal for the designation of of historic districts and landmarks: a building as a local landmark may be sub- ● If a COA has been approved, any other ● A written proposal is submitted to the permit or approval must be consistent mitted by any person to the HLPB, and HLPB, as outlined above. must include the following: with the COA. If the application is ● If the HLRB recommends designation of denied, then the applicant can apply to ● Description of the architectural style, peri- the landmark or district, it forwards a report the HLPB for relief if he/she feels that it od and historic significance of the building. of its findings to the Common Council. is an economic hardship to comply. The ● Statement of how the building fulfills the ● The Common Council refers the HLPB applicant will be asked to provide docu- characteristics of a “landmark”, as out- report to the Planning Commission to mentation to support the hardship. If lined above. determine the designation’s compatibility relief is denied, the applicant can appeal ● Exterior photographs and a site map that with the City’s Comprehensive Plan and to the Zoning Board of Appeals. illustrate these characteristics. Waterfront Plan. ● Ordinary maintenance and repair of a ● Name and address of property owner(s), ● The Common Council holds a public hear- building is allowed without a COA, as including section, block and lot numbers. ing on the proposed designation and then long as it does not involve a change in ● Name, address and phone number of renders the final decision on designation. design, texture, material, color or outward person submitting the proposal and who appearance. The owner shall not permit is being represented. his property to fall into a serious state of CERTIFICATES OF disrepair resulting in the deterioration of A written proposal to designate an area as a APPROPRIATENESS (COA): any exterior architectural feature. local historic district may be submitted by IV. any person to the HLPB, and must include ● Once a historic district or a landmark has ● If work performed is not in compliance the following: been locally designated, a property owner with a COA, the HLPB can require the or tenant must apply for a COA for the applicant to restore the building to its ● Statement of the physical elements of the following: appearance prior to the violation. area that warrant a historic district, and a — Any material change to the exterior of ● description of all buildings within the In a historic district or for a local land- a local landmark or to the exterior of a proposed district, noting type, architectur- mark, all signs are reviewed by the HLPB building in a local historic district. al style, and period of construction. for location, size, color, lettering, graphics, — Any new construction or demolition in materials, and attachment method. ● Statement of how the area fulfills the a local historic district or on the site of A COA application must be submitted characteristics of a historic district, as a local landmark. for all signage in the local historic outlined above. ● A COA application and supporting mate- district or for a local landmark. rial must be submitted with a nominal

FALL 2002 5 Benefits of Designating a Neighborhood as a National Register Historic District

he City of Peekskill has several TNational Register landmark build- ings (see list on page 7). Designation as a National Register landmark or district differs from local designation in several important ways. Only properties in the local historic district are subject to review by the Historic and Landmarks Preservation Board.

A TYPICAL BRONZE PLAQUE PLACED ON No review is required in a National Register LANDMARKS THAT ARE ON THE district, and the benefits are as follows: NATIONAL REGISTER OF HISTORIC PLACES. ● Owners of private property in a National Register Historic District are free to maintain, alter, demolish, or dispose of their property as they choose. There are no new restrictions imposed on this type of historic district. ● Property owners are eligible for the Federal Historic Preservation Tax Incentives Program. This allows an owner of income-producing property to deduct (from federal income taxes) 10 –20% of the cost to rehabilitation the building. (For detailed information on the tax incentives program, log on to www2.cr.nps.gov/tps/tax/). ● National Register designation is an effective marketing tool for tourism; it is useful in educating the community about its history and development; and it ensures that the district is considered in the planning of federally funded projects.

EXAMPLE OF A PRESERVED DOWNTOWN STREETSCAPE IN A NATIONAL REGISTER HISTORIC DISTRICT.

6 PEEKSKILL HISTORIC PRESERVATION PROGRAM ● No additional regulations are imposed upon government-funded projects. All eligible buildings that use public money are reviewed by SHPO in any case, whether or not they are in a National Register district. This program imposes no additional costs on the local govern- ment. ● Publicly owned National Register struc- tures are eligible for federal matching grants for rehabilitation work on an annual basis. ● Rehabilitation of historic buildings creates jobs, provides new locations for businesses, increases patronage for existing businesses, improves the local tax base, and enhances the quality of life within a community. ● Rehabilitation enhances property values, resulting in augmented revenues for local and state government through increased property, business and income taxes. THE STANDARD HOUSE ON HUDSON AVENUE IS BOTH A LOCAL AND NATIONAL REGISTER LANDMARK. ● A downtown National Register district in Peekskill would give added prestige and visibility to the existing local historic district. It compliments the growth of the Artists’ District, and gives the property eekskill properties currently listed on the National Register of Historic Places owners an added incentive to improve Pinclude the following: the appearance of their storefronts with 1. Drum Hill School on Ringgold Street, listed on 12/31/79. the federal tax incentives program. ● The existing local district regulations 2. Beecher-McFadden Estate off East Main Street, listed on 11/2/87. protect the appearance of the downtown; 3. Peekskill Post Office on South Street, listed on 5/11/89. the National Register designation would provide the financial incentives to 4. Villa Loretto on Crompond Road, listed on 6/2/89. enhance that appearance. 5. Standard House on Hudson Avenue, listed on 11/24/00. ● National Register properties receive prior- (Also a local historic landmark) ity consideration when federal and state agencies lease office space. 6. Thomas Nelson House on Seymour Lane, listed on 8/20/01. ● Property owners have no obligation to 7. Peekskill Presbyterian Church on South Street, listing expected 2002. open their properties to the public. ● A bronze plaque bearing the name of the Note: In 2003, the City expects to apply to the State Historic Preservation Office landmark and attesting to its national for nomination of the downtown as a National Register district. significance can be purchased and erected If a property owner of a historically significant building or owners in a historic by the property owner, adding prestige neighborhood are interested in a National Register nomination, please contact the and historic value to the property. State Historic Preservation Office at 518-237-8643.

FALL 2002 7 Harche) were given title to 1,800 acres. An Peekskill’s History and additional 1,500 acres of territory was added to Peekskill with a land grant given to Hugh Magregere in 1691 by the King of England. Development McGregory’s Brook marks the boundary line of that real estate transaction. The initial growth of the community was slow. In 1712, only 32 people made their homes in the area known as Ryck’s Patent, European Discovery The Peekskill region, specifically what is but within twenty years portions of that and Settlement now Annsville, was first identified by tract were sold off for residential and European immigrants as “Peeck’s Kill”. The commercial development. The Post Road name Peeck (Peak, or Peek) was combined brought tavern keepers, boat builders, black- with the Dutch word for creek (kill or kil) smiths, carpenters, and farmers. Among the eekskill was recognized by sailors in and the area was known to the Dutch as new arrivals in that era were Daniel Pthe 1600s as a distinct locale on the “Jan Peeck’s Kill” and to the English as Birdsall, Nathanial Brown, Joseph Travis, Hudson River. Henry Hudson, the English “John Peak’s Creek”. and Isaac Conklin. Other early settlers in sea captain and explorer, sailed the river in Peek’s Kill was identified as a distinct Peekskill before the Revolutionary War the Fall of 1609 onboard the Dutch ship geographical location in 1643, when prod- were the Horton, Depew, Weeks, Lent, Half Moon. This voyage of exploration began ucts were officially transferred from the Cronkite, Johnson, Hall and Hawes fami- Holland and England’s land claims to the Europeans to the native tribe. These items lies. Their primary activities were agricul- Hudson River Valley. included brass kettles, fish hooks, knives, ture, river transport, and manufacturing. The first recorded white person to set foot swords, muskets, lead, bullet molds, gun Early in its history, Peekskill prospered as on this territory was Jan Peeck, a resident of powder, pistols, needles, axes, hoes, tobacco a manufacturing and shipping community. New Amsterdam (New York City). On pipes, rum, beer and tobacco. The deed Peekskill’s maritime heritage developed numerous sloop journeys to this region transfer of land for these items was the chiefly because the east bank of the Hudson around 1640, Peeck exchanged various Ryck’s Patent, signed by the chiefs and the River widens considerably at the inlet that manufactured items with native tribal people English Governor in 1685. In return, six became known as Peekskill Bay. Writing in located along Peekskill Bay. These Mohican New Amsterdam residents representing 1952, Chester A. Smith described Peekskill Indians identified this locale as “Sackhoes”. three families (DeKey, Abramson and Bay as follows:

PEEKSKILL BAY AND THE HUDSON RIVERFRONT CIRCA 1900. PIERS AND FACTORIES COVERED THE ENTIRE AREA.

8 By 1777 Peekskill was an important and vulnerable military location in the Hudson Valley. Arriving with a warship and several support vessels, 500 British infantry bom- barded the Peekskill camp with artillery in the early springtime of 1777. Barracks, mills, and war supplies were destroyed. Another enemy attack force arrived at the Hudson Highlands in the Fall of 1777. Due to its vulnerability of attack from the Hudson THE TROLLEY LINE ON SOUTH STREET (A.K.A. QUEEN’S HIGHWAY OR River, Peekskill was replaced in its role as POST ROAD) LOOKING EAST TOWARD DIVISION STREET, CIRCA 1900. regional command center by the West Point garrison in the Spring of 1778. Events surrounding the Benedict Arnold conspiracy in 1780 were significant in “…its shallow depth bordered by a The Hudson River Railroad reached Peekskill’s history. General Arnold had stretch of level land made possible Peekskill in 1849, and was eventually headed received the official command of West Point the construction of wharfs and by Chauncey Depew, a prominent Peekskill from General Washington while both were docks, with the resulting building of citizen whose house at 660 Main Street still present at the Birdsall house. When Arnold sloops and schooners which plied stands. The 1874 passenger depot continues secretly planned to consult with British offi- between Peekskill and New York… to serve commuters on a daily basis. cer John Andre on a conspiracy mission, Andre’s British warship was attacked. The This gave Peekskill an outlet to the mission was foiled by John Peterson and outside world…” Peekskill during the Moses Sherwood from Croton Point, and — Smith, Chester A., Peekskill, War of Independence Peekskill’s John Paulding interrogated and A Pictorial History of the City from 1654 to captured John Andre, the British spy, at Peekskill was a significant Revolutionary 1952 (The Friendly Town Assoc, 1952, p. 21.) Tarrytown. The cannon believed to have War military base, and it was used intermit- been involved in the attack is now on the tently as the Hudson Valley Headquarters Annsville Creek and McGregory Brook lawn of the Peekskill Museum. were recognized as ideal locations for using from 1776 through 1782. General water transport and waterpower. Sawmills Washington established Peekskill as the and grinding mills were located on these regional command center for the Hudson streams, convenient to river shipping. Valley following a personal inspection tour Industrial processes were set up to turn in November 1776, after the battle at White wheat and corn into flour, tallow into can- Plains. Officers used the former Birdsall dles, leather into shoes, and rags into paper. House at the corner of Division and North Docks and wharves allowed sloops and other (now Main Street) as their headquarters. vessels to carry flour, leather and manufac- Peekskill was important for its hilly defen- tured material to other locations while sive location, its view of the bay, and its importing necessary supplies. industries devoted to military purposes. The Another contributing factor in the overlook, now identified as “Fort Hill”, growth and development of Peekskill was was the site of five large barracks and two the construction of the “Queen’s Highway”, redoubts. An average of 1,000 Continental built early in the eighteenth century from soldiers were stationed here at Camp New York City to Albany, passing through Peekskill on and off throughout the eight THE FRONT LAWN OF THE PEEKSKILL Peekskill. Known also as the Post Road year war. MUSEUM DISPLAYS THE CANNON because of the post (mail) riders who The Americans established a series of BELIEVED TO HAVE BEEN USED TO FOIL frequented it, the highway entered Peekskill river fortifications along the Highlands, and BENEDICT ARNOLD’S CONSPIRACY MISSION near the railroad bridge at Buchanan, these forts were garrisoned by soldiers mostly DURING THE REVOLUTIONARY WAR. followed Lower South Street to North from Camp Peekskill. The local group of Division Street, through Van Cortlandtville Continental soldiers was commanded by (Continued on Page 10) and northward. The stagecoach first Colonel Philip Van Cortlandt. This unit saw appeared on the local highways in 1785, action in the battles of Saratoga in 1777 and and by 1800 scheduled runs began. Yorktown in 1781.

FALL 2002 9 Peekskill’s History and Development

at 1112 Main Street to be used as an Underground Railroad safehouse. The prominent abolitionist preacher, Henry Ward Beecher, lived at his East Main Street mansion and was visited by his sister, Harriet Beecher Stowe, who wrote “Uncle Tom’s Cabin”. Moses Beach, publisher of the New York Sun newspaper, shared Beecher’s views, and also settled on East Main Street in the 1860s.

IRON FOUNDRY COMPLEX ON THE NORTH SIDE OF Post Civil War CENTRAL AVENUE NEAR THE Prosperity WATERFRONT, CIRCA 1895. President Lincoln and The Village of Peekskill in the era after the Underground the Civil War saw an economic and popula- The River’s Role in Railroad tion expansion. The Peekskill Iron Industrialization Company at Annsville was sold to Cooper President-elect Abraham Lincoln made Hewitt Company of New York City in 1887. Peekskill’s incorporation as a Village within a stop at the old Peekskill Train Station on That factory produced about 30 tons of pig the Town of Cortlandt in 1816 hastened the Water Street, and delivered a short speech iron daily. growth of its industrial, commercial and civic on February 19, 1861. The stop at Peekskill Peekskill is notable for bearing the name activities. Industrial development expanded, was Lincoln’s only living appearance in of the first factory that later developed into beginning in the early 1820s. Brick making Westchester County. A memorial marker on the international Crayola Company. The was one of the earliest endeavors, soon South Street, named the Lincoln Exedra, Peekskill Chemical Works was founded by joined by a variety of foundries producing overlooks the original railroad depot, which Joseph Binney in 1864 as an early maker stoves and farm implements that were is slated for restoration. of inks, dyes and paints. The factory was exported across America. Starting with located in a former tobacco warehouse at Steven Gregory’s small iron casting foundry Annsville. This company created the first in 1829, plow and stove making factories “Crayola” product after 1900, when opera- began to flourish. The Annsville Wire tions had relocated to Easton, PA as Binney Company became active in 1833. Typical and Smith Company. of the foundries was the Southard-Robertson operation on Main Street that employed two Education in Peekskill hundred foundrymen and produced two hun- dred stoves daily. By 1895, seven Peekskill Peekskill has stood as a center for educa- foundries were producing and selling more tion throughout much of its existence. In than 200,000 heating and cooking stoves of 1860 the local school district acted to create

all sizes and models annually. The importance THE LINCOLN EXEDRA ON SOUTH STREET the Union Free School District. The com- of the heritage of Peekskill stoves and imple- OVERLOOKS THE HISTORIC LINCOLN TRAIN munity’s first large public school house was ments is reinforced by the inclusion of both DEPOT, WHERE PRESIDENT-ELECT LINCOLN erected in 1859 on Drum Hill; it was also products on the seal of the City. The manu- DELIVERED A SHORT SPEECH IN 1861. the site of an American outpost during the facture of pottery was carried on here as well, Revolution. as was the production of pots, pans, and tea Peekskill also served as an “Underground The heritage of private education in kettles. Other notable industrial endeavors Railroad” station in the system that helped Peekskill is particularly strong and includes a in Peekskill include Fleischmann’s, the refugees escape from slavery. The establish- variety of institutions, including the Peekskill company that developed the first pound of ment of the AME Zion Church was spear- Military Academy (established in 1833), compressed yeast at its Charles Point plant headed by Harriet Tubman in 1852. Hawley Mount Saint Gabriel School (an in 1900. This operation became Standard and Harriet Green, two prominent African Episcopalian girls’ school established in Brands in 1929, and generations relied on American property owners active in the 1872), St. Joseph’s Home (a co-educational unionized jobs until its departure in 1977. Abolitionist cause, allowed their house Roman Catholic facility established in 1879),

10 PEEKSKILL HISTORIC PRESERVATION PROGRAM VA N NEST DUTCH REFORMED CHURCH AT THE CORNER OF MAIN AND NORTH JAMES STREET WAS DEMOLISHED IN 1965.

THE PEEKSKILL CHEMICAL COMPANY GREW INTO THE CRAYOLA FACTORY AT ANNSVILLE, ABOUT 1875.

TYPICAL PEEKSKILL RESIDENCE AT THE bridges that by-passed the downtown area. the St. Germaine Home (a home and school TURN OF THE LAST CENTURY. for girls in the 1870s), the Synagogue School In order to address traffic-related issues in (religious education for Jewish youth, estab- downtown in the early 1970s, the City lished in 1897) and the Villa Loretto School cleared many historic buildings for the con- (a Roman Catholic junior high school). struction of large scale parking structures. In the late 1990’s the downtown area was The community’s preservation efforts designated as an “Artist District”, with the Peekskill as a City began in 1976 with the fight to save the intention of attracting artists into the former Herrick House from demolition, and central business district to occupy live/work Peekskill officially became an incorporated its adaptive reuse as the Peekskill Museum. space in loft apartments and to encourage City on July 29, 1940. Two years of difficult This was followed by the rehabilitation of the the revitalization of the downtown. The legal wrangling had finally settled the legal Paramount Center for the Arts, one of the 2002 completion and occupancy of the Art separation from the Town of Cortlandt. The community’s most recognized architectural Loft complex on Central Avenue & South City Charter was revised in 1967 to allow for gems. The May 2000 passage of the City’s Street is evidence of the City’s commitment a City Manager form of government along Historic District and Landmarks Preservation to an Artist’s District in downtown. with a Mayor and six other council members. legislation and the March 2001 designation Peekskill was the first community in New of the downtown as a local York State to have an African American historic district are significant mayor. Councilman Richard E. Jackson was steps to ensure that the appointed to serve the unfinished term of distinctive and irreplaceable George Pataki. With the election of Mayor character of the community Pataki as Governor of New York in 1994, and its widespread architec- Peekskill continued to contribute outstanding tural legacy will not be lost individuals as leaders in American events. or irretrievably damaged. The City elected its first woman to the Council in 1983, and its first female mayor in 1994. Peekskill’s greatest years of THE NEWLY CONSTRUCTED "ART LOFT" BUILDING ON expansion were between 1870 CENTRAL AVENUE IS EVIDENCE OF THE CITY’S and 1930. As the community COMMITMENT TO AN ARTIST’S DISTRICT IN ITS DOWN- grew, the commercial character TOWN HISTORIC DISTRICT. of downtown Peekskill was established, characterized by architecture in the Italianate, Queen Anne, Neo-Classical, Colonial Revival, and Art Deco styles. The rise of the automobile in the early years of the twentieth THE HERRICK HOUSE ON UNION century brought considerable AVENUE WAS SAVED FROM DEMOLITION AND ADAPTIVELY REUSED AS THE change, with the construction of PEEKSKILL MUSEUM IN 1976.

FALL 2002 11 PEEKSKILL HISTORIC PRESERVATION PROGRAM

Acknowledgements City of Peekskill, New York Historic and Landmarks Preservation Board (HLPB): Katharina Cerreta, Chairperson Calvin E. Schlick, Jr., Vice Chairperson John Beers Glenn P. Guzi Ida Silver Wiggins Suzanne Macci James Rohrbacher NORTH DIVISION STREET LOOKING NORTH, CIRCA 1900. John Curran, ex-officio, City Historian This brochure was compiled from the This brochure was fully funded by a grant Common Council: following sources: from the New York State Department of John G. Testa, Mayor ● The City of Peekskill Historic Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation Alonzo Undly, Deputy Mayor Preservation Ordinance Certified Local Government Program. Catherine E. Pisani ● “History of Peekskill” prepared by John Brochure compiled by: William Schmidt Curran, City Historian Jean Friedman, Planner Melvin Bolden ● “Downtown Peekskill Design Milagros Martinez Guidelines” prepared by Taylor and Brochure designed and printed by: Drew Claxton Taylor Associates, Inc. The Harquin Group James Madaffari, City Manager Blanche Alter, AICP, Director of Planning and Development For more information, contact Peekskill’s Department of Planning and Development at 914-734-4210.

PRSRT-STD U.S. POSTAGE PAID City of Peekskill PEEKSKILL, N.Y. City Hall Permit No. 7 840 Main Street Peekskill, NY 10566