COUNTY THE BRONX HISTORIAN 7 Newsletter of The Bronx County Historical Society HISTORICAL SOCIETY February 2019 – May 2019 VOLUME 42 NUMBER 2 3309 BAINBRIDGE AVENUE

THE BRONX, 10467 PHONE: (718) 881 - 8900 FAX: (718) 881 - 4827 The Birth of the Film Industry www.b ronxhistoricalsociety.org Hollywood wasn’t the only Tinseltown in the country. In fact, the birth of the Visit us on Facebook, Youtube, and film industry started right in our own backyard. had Edison Twitter. Studios in West Orange, New Jersey in the 1890s and in as early

as 1901. When Edison realized the need for expansion, he moved production The Bronx County Historical Society, in 1908 to a warehouse in The Bronx, at the corner of Decatur Avenue and founded in 1955, is a private, non - profit educational and cultural Oliver Place. institution chartered by the New York Edison Studios was one of the finest of State Board of Regents. The Society is the era and in 1910 produced the first dedicated to the collection, film adaptation of Frankenstein in the preservation, documentation and Bronx studio. It took four days to film interpretation of the history and and was released three months later. heritage of The Bronx and its people The film was thought to be lost shortly from its earliest historical references DDDD after its release, however one in the 17th century to the present. surviving print was discovered in the The Society disseminates information 1970s in a farmhouse in Wisconsin. by utilizing its collections in Sadly, the first building was destroyed Edison Studios in The Bronx, 1909. exhibitions, historical research, by fire in March 1914. production of publications and The Bronx County Historical Society Collections. documentaries, educational and The opened their cultural programming, the operation Bronx state-of-the-art studios at 807 East of our research library, The Bronx th County Archives and two historic 175 Street in 1915. Stars such as Mary landmark house museums - the Pickford and Douglas Fairbanks Sr. were c.1812 Edgar Allan Poe Cottage and no strangers to The Bronx as they the c.1758 fieldstone farmhouse appeared in films produced at this

Valentine -Varian House/Museum of location. Biograph was bought out and Bronx History. On the set of Frankenstein, 1910. renamed Gold Medal Studios in 1956 and

The Bronx County Historical Society Collections. became the largest feature

This newsletter is published three outside of Hollywood. This lasted until the times a year as a service to members late-1960s. Feature films such as Midnight and . (1934), Woman in the Dark (1934), The Notorious Elinor Lee (1940), and the early The Bronx County Historical Society 1960s NBC television series Car ’54, Where is partially supporte d through funds Are You? were all filmed at Biograph. and services provided by the NYC Unfortunately the old four-story Biograph

Departments of Cultural Affairs and Studio building burned to the ground in a Parks and Recreation, the Historic three-alarm fire on July 8, 1980. House Trust of New York City, The Bronx City Council Delegation, the Today, The Bronx movie production

Office of the President of the Borough Biograph Studios in West Farms, 1913. business is experiencing a renaissance . In of The Bronx, The Bronx Delegations The Bronx County Historical Society Collections. 2017, Silvercup Studios opened their $40 The Bronx County Historical Society Collections of the NYS Assembly and the NYS million facility in Port Morris. They are currently the largest film and television Senate, the H.W. Wilson Foundation, production studio in New York City with another location in Long I sland City, the Astor Fund, the Lucius N. Littauer . York Studios is currently building a 350,000 square foot production Foundation, facility in Soundview with a 2019 anticipated completion date. Foundation, the Verizon Foundation, the New York State Library, the New The Bronx County Historical Society’s Spring exhibition, BXFlicks: The Bronx Goes Yankee Stadium Community Benefits to the Movies, will not only explore these production studios, but famous Bronx Fund, Susan Tane , and the New York film locations and the picture houses that showcased them. This exhibition will Public Library. run at The Museum of Bronx History from April 11 to October 6, 2019.

The Bronx Historian Page 2 of 4 FEBRUARY 2019 – MAY 2019

PURE GOLD COLLECTIONS DONATIONS The Society’s research library, object, and archival collections are a great resource. Schools, businesses, We thank those who recently made the following donations (partial list): institutions, and associations in Dennis Brett – Creston JHS booklet (1950); cap decorated with various badges, buttons and

The Bronx are noted mementoes (1940s-early 1950s). .

John Lodge: Researched genealogy – The Lodge Family by Joseph Lodge. Ambassador Fuel & Oil Burner Corp Donald March: Various political, Bronx school and City of New York identification, achievement and 1049 Washington Ave. campaign pins and buttons (1932-1973); sample presidential election ballots for Bronx districts (1968-1984), 2 books, North Side Savings Bank customer bank. Est. 1935

Betsy Dehls Price: Title abstract relating to a premises on Bainbridge Avenue, once part of the Walter PASCAP Co., Inc 4250 Boston Road Briggs Farm (1917).

Est. 1929 Robert Levine – Elder Avenue building certificate of occupancy and blueprint (1931); PS 77 graduation program (1947); James Monroe High School literary journals (1948, 1949) and graduation program Hilltop Auto Salvage (1950). 4157 Boston Road Est. 1968 Stephen Scarangella – DVD footage of the City Ice House, c. 1990, located at Grant Avenue and East 161st Street.

J WELCOME Larry Schliessman: Jessup & Thompson store ledger from West Farms (1868). NEW MEMBERS u

l Jane R. Snyder: Two PS 36, Castle Hill Avenue school pins (early 1930s), World War II Coast Guard Yuderky Reynoso i (SPARS) honorable discharge lapel pin. Kendall Lewis e Brian Stoothoff: Freedomland USA parking ticket stub (1960-1964). Vanessa Chavez t Edward Frisch a Peter A. Bunten FINANCIAL DONATIONS Mercy College Library V Cash donations help The Society fund programming, publications, equipment purchases, and build Christopher Baker e endowments. To double your donation, check with your employer for any available matching gift Lawrence Porco l programs. We are grateful for the following contributions (partial list): Noreen Hernandez a Eileen Fox z $10 - $99 $10 - $99 (continued) $1,000 - $4,999 Murray Herman q Matthew Ga ynord Ray Beckerman Mary Stoll Original Energy u Juan Cruz Michael Bykofsky Bruce J. Raynor Malkin Fund e Edward McLoughlin Langsam Property Services Diana Cartaya $100 - $999 z Rosemarie DiCristo Parking Group Margot Finkel Joanne Mastropolo Historic House Trust of NYC Angela Ruiz John F. Calvelli Marie M. King Hub International N Russell Vollmer Kathy McArdle Ed Purce & Tami Luhby SOCIETY PUBLICATIONS: i n Wallis Doerge Roger Wines $5,000 and Up Autographed copy, add $10 Russell F. Ryer Edward Harris a Lysbeth Mate Marie Savard Robert M. Fox Fidelity Title Insurance Co. Julio E. Rivera Tina R. Wolf Blacks in the W Lloyd Ultan Harry A. Parsons Nicolas DiBrino Colonial Bronx: o Sara Bong Laws Construction Corp. A Documentary h Lilly Pappas History Gaines, Novick, Poncini, Cossu & l Joan Pendergast $18.00 Venditti LLP

CSUBMISSIONS FOR THE BRONX COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY ANNUAL JOURNAL

a Since 1964, the BCHS Journal has been one of the premier history journals in the tri-state region. The

rJournal’s articles are of interest to all who enjoy accounts of people, business events, mercantile gain, The Bronx: defending the nation’s interest, or the love of The Bronx. As an ongoing tradition for Bronxites to share Then & Now o $21.99 their personal experiences, The Society is accepting articles for its Nancy Serra-Spencer – 4 photographs of Edgewater Camp, 1920s.Journal . Do you have a Bronx story to l share? Kindly send in your article in Microsoft Word format along with 2-4 images at 300dpi as email e attachments to [email protected]. Make sure you include your contact information and a short bio. W i s BEQUESTS Westchester You can support The Society's work by means of a bequest. The following paragraph is suggested for Town: Bronx e your convenience, for insertion in your will: “I give and devise and bequeath, to The Bronx County Beginnings m $ 12.00 Historical Society, located at 3309 Bainbridge Avenue, The Bronx, New York 10467, incorporated with a the New York State Board of Regents, [insert the amount of money or describe the personal property or n real estate, to be used for the general purposes of The Society.” J i a The Bronx Historian Page 3 of 4 February 2019 – may 2019

SPRING EXHIBITION AT THE MUSEUM OF BRONX HISTORY Opening Reception – April 11, 2019 4:30PM – 7:00PM

3266 BAINBRIDGE AVENUE & EAST 208TH STREET THE BRONX, NEW YORK 10467 (718) 881 – 8900

MUSEUM HOURS: SAT. 10AM - 4PM / SUN. 1PM - 5PM (GROUP TOURS MON.-FRI. BY APPOINTMENT) Edgar Allan Poe Cottage BXFlicks Poe Park The Bronx Goes to the Movies Grand Concourse & April 11 – October 6 East Kingsbridge Road

Owned by the New York City Department of Parks, it is operated by The Bronx County Historical Society. The house is a member of the Historic House Trust. Celebrating Black History Month February 1st – February 28th

Come visit the Museum of Bronx History to see “The Bronx African American Experience,” The Bronx County Historical Society’s exhibition documenting

the history and heritage of Bronx African Americans. The show runs through February 28th at The Museum of Bronx History.

1868 Harper's Weekly print, " Opening Race at the Jerome Park, Fordham, New York - The Start." The Bronx Coiunty Historical Society Collections

A Salute to Bronx History The 2019 Bronx High School at Zero Otto Nove Valedictorian Awards Ceremony Tuesday, March 12, 2019 6:00PM – 9:00PM Sunday, June 9, 2019 2:30PM – 5:30PM

Join us in honoring the future leaders of The Join us for a special evening of cocktails and Bronx. The Society’s 64th anniversary program dinner at Arthur Avenue’s Zero Otto Nove to honors the valedictorians of high schools raise money for The Bronx County Historical Museum of Bronx throughout The Bronx. Society! The Bronx’s own Chef Roberto, head History/Valentine

chef at Zero Otto Nove, will be hosting the event. To honor The Bronx’s best and brightest -Varian House

students, we will once again be hosting the 3266 Bainbridge Your tax-deductible $250 contribution will ceremony at Schiff Family Great Hall at The Avenue benefit The Bronx County Historical Society’s th Bronx Zoo. The Bronx Zoo, known as The & East 208 Street rich collection as well as the historic Wildlife Conservation Society, is one of the preservation, documentation, and interpretation finest zoological institutions in the world. Owned by The Bronx of The Bronx for future generations. County Historical Society,

The program begins at 2:30pm with the house is a member of Zero Otto Nove is located at 2357 Arthur Avenue, entertainment and refreshments. The award the Historic House Trust. Bronx, New York 10458. ceremony will commence at 3:00pm. Its operation is made

possible in part by public To purchase tickets, contact Teresa Brown at funds provided through the To inquire about sponsorship opportunities or [email protected], or mail a New York City Department to make a donation, contact Ms. Ann Ryan at check to The Bronx County Historical Society, of Cultural Affairs. 718-881-8900 ext. 101 or via email at 3309 Bainbridge Avenue, Bronx, NY 10467. [email protected].

“Devotedly I love her” Edgar Allan Poe Candlelight Tours Saturday, February 9, 2019, $20 per person

Join us for this special tour of the Edgar Allan Poe Cottage and learn about Poe’s most fervent love, his wife Virginia. Visitors will receive a candlelight tour by costumed interpreters who will read letters and poems written by Poe.

Tours are timed every 45 minutes. Please arrive 10 minutes before your tour begins.

5:00-5:45pm 6:00-6:45pm 7:00-7:45pm

3309 Bainbridge Avenue The tour will take place at the Edgar Allan Poe Cottage, Poe Park, 2640 Grand Concourse. The Bronx, New York 10467 Space is limited, so please call 718-881-8900 or visit www.bronxhistoricalsociety.org for tickets! Phone: (718) 881-8900 Fax: (718) 881 -4827 www.bronxhistoricalsociety.org Take A Walk Through History Victorian Cemetery Friday Night At the Movies! FACILITIES: A Bronx Tale (1993) BRONX WALKING TOUR Customs and Picnic Tours cost $10 for BCHS members, $20 Friday March 1, 2019 – 7:00PM The Woodlawn Cemetery Research Library for non-members. Call Suggested donation: $5 Sunday, May 19, 2019 3309 Bainbridge Avenue (718) 881-8900 to reserve your spot. Join us at The Bronx County 1:00PM – 4:00PM By Appointment Archives, 3313 Bainbridge Avenue, The Village of Morrisania: The First Bronx, NY for a showing of Planned Community Come to The Woodlawn The Bronx County A Bronx Tale. Saturday, April 6, 2019 - 11:00AM Cemetery for a delightful Archives “As he grows into a teenager on the In 1848, the Village of Morrisania became afternoon of promenading 3313 Bainbridge Avenue streets of The Bronx in the socially the first planned community in what is and picnicking with By Appointment turbulent 1960s, Calogero (Lillo now The Bronx. Although it was founded Victorians! Learn about Brancato) gets taken under the as a “dry” community by native-born cemetery customs and Museum of Bronx wing of the neighborhood mobster temperance advocates, German-American traditions of the 19th History/ Valentine- Sonny (Chazz Palminteri). Sonny settlers soon developed a thriving beer century, where relaxing and Varian House initiates the boy into the ways of culture there. On this walk, we will learn dining at these peaceful 3266 Bainbridge Avenue gangland life, in direct conflict with about Morrisania’s citizens and see some locations were not and East 208th Street his straight-arrow bus driver father of the original buildings of the village, uncommon sights. The (Robert De Niro). But when many over 150 years old. Join Dr. Marian picnic will take place in front Museum hours: Calogero falls for his African- Swerdlow on this rarely examined tour of of the Belmont Mausoleum Saturdays 10AM-4PM near the Jerome Avenue American classmate, Jane (Taral Morrisania. This tour will meet at the Sundays 1PM-5PM Hicks), the repercussions threaten northwest corner of East 163rd Street and entrance of The Woodlawn

the entire neighborhood.” Third Avenue. Take Bronx buses #13, Cemetery. Edgar Allan Poe Cottage rd This film is rated R and is intended #15, #21 or #6 to 163 Street and Third This event is free. Poe Park for mature audiences only. Avenue. 2640 Grand Concourse and

East Kingsbridge Road

Museum hours: Trolley Tour Series The Bronx County Historical Society and The Woodlawn Conservancy are pleased to Thursdays and Fridays continue their partnerhsip by offering three Spring 2019 Trolley Tours. Tours run from 10AM-3PM 12PM – 5PM and the start/finish location is the Jerome Avenue entrance of The Woodlawn Cemetery. Tours Saturdays 10AM-4PM are rain or shine and ticket sales are final, so no refunds will be given. Also, lunch is not included in the sales Sundays 1PM-5PM price. There are only 30 seats on the trolley, therefore tickets must be purchased in advance. For more information, please call The Woodlawn Concervancy at 718-920-1469. Call The Society to arrange group tours during the week. The Bronx’s Silver Screen Trolley Tour Join The Bronx County Historical Society on The Woodlawn Concervancy Trolley on this special trolley tour ENDOWED FUNDS highlighting the sites and sounds of the film industry in The Bronx. We will visit the famous film locations The Bronx County Historical that made the borough famous along with the movie studios that help create these films and the picture Society encourages the houses that debuted them. There will be a one-hour lunch break in Little Italy (Arthur Avenue). Saturday, March 30, 2019 establishment of named endowment funds. Funds may The Beautiful Bronx Trolley Tour be created to support many The Bronx is blessed with some of the most beautiful natural sights to enjoy in its abundant parkland and in Society programs, or may be its outstanding architecture and noted public sculptures. The tour will concentrate on several examples of established for restricted use. beauty produced by both nature and the man, such as Van Cortlandt Park, Bronx Park, Crotona Park, The funds appear permanently Claremont Park, the Grand Concourse and its Art Deco architecture. There will be a one-hour lunch break in Little Italy (Arthur Avenue). on the financial records of Saturday, May 11, 2019 The Society in recognition of their ongoing support of its Bronx Breweries Legacy Trolley Tour work. Continuing the exploration of the beer breweing industry in The Bronx, this tour will take participants on

For further details, contact: The Woodlawn Conservancy Trolley to the borough’s newest breweries and beer halls. The Bronx County Historical Society will lead the tour. There will be a one-hour lunch break in Little Italy (Arthur Avenue). Mr. Joel Podgor, CPA Saturday, May 18, 2019 (718) 881-8900