Gazebo Gazette - Larchmont Historical Society
Transcription
Gazebo Gazette - Larchmont Historical Society
April/May 2008 Volume I; Issue 5 The Gazebo Gazette Newsletter of the Larchmont Historical Society LHS Annual Spring House Tour 2008—Sunday, May 4th "Creative Icons & Historic Houses" . On Sunday, May 4th, the Larchmont Historical Society will host its Annual Spring House Tour, featuring four historically significant homes in Larchmont. This year’s theme features houses that are, or previously were, owned by individuals with careers in the creative arts -- an actor, a poet, a singer, a musician and an interior designer. A special Reception and Art Show at The Larchmont Yacht Club, sponsored by Houlihan Lawrence Real Estate, will follow the Tour. The Art Show will feature a collection of Larchmont scenes by local artists presented by the Mamaroneck Artists Guild. Refreshments will be served. TICKETS ON SALE: Sat. April 26th – Sat. May 3rd at: Houlihan Lawrence Real Estate 2070 Boston Post Rd. Coldwell Banker Real Estate 140 Larchmont Avenue As a special preface to lead off this year’s Tour, LHS is reintroducing our pre-tour Lecture and slideshow hosted by Larchmont interior designer, Libby Cameron and Susan Bartlett Crater, both of Sister Parish Design. They will discuss the life and career of the legendary American interior designer Sister Parish. The event will be held Saturday, May 3rd from 3:00 p.m.– 5:00 p.m. in the Undercroft at St. John’s Church, 4 Fountain Square. Admission will be $5 at the door. The House Tour Journals will be available for pick up at this time so you can spend time previewing the extensive architectural and social history of our featured homes before touring them. Or…. By calling Patti Roberts 833-9080 To arrange purchase & pick up of your tickets This is a much-loved and popular event, so order your tickets soon! Yes, I would like to purchase tickets to the 2008 Spring House Tour! Name: _______________________________________________________ Address: ___________________________________________________ Tel: ______________________ E-Mail: _____________________ Number of Tickets for Members & Volunteers ($35 each) ______ Number of Tickets for My Guests* Total Amount Enclosed: ($40 each) ______ Please Make Checks Payable to*: The Larchmont Historical Society Don’t forget to renew your LHS membership or join today. Use the form on the back or our online membership service! $ ______ * (Guest Tickets must be purchased by Members. Join Today! Fill out membership on back and mail/drop/off with this ticket form) Page 2 Published by: The Larchmont Historical Society P.O. Box 742, Larchmont, NY 10538 Editor: Nancy White Contributors: Ned Benton, Elaine Everhart, Teresa Laughlin, Roberta Warren Officers and Board of Trustees: Barbara R. Newman, President Lauren Gottfried, 1st VP, Membership Dee van Eyck, 2nd VP, Programs Cate Jarrett, Recording Secretary George Berridge, Treasurer Ned Benton Norma Perciasepe William Byrne Patricia Roberts Barbara Coyne Colette Rodbell Manuel Delgado Melissa Schoen Susan Emery Judith Doolin Spikes Andrew Fancella Jim Sweeney Margi Gristina Roberta Warren Peggy Kahn Nancy White Kate Kelly Pier Witek Mary McGahan Lynne Crowley, Archivist The Larchmont Historical Society was founded in 1980 and chartered in 1981 as a not-for-profit educational corporation by the New York State Board of Regents to discover, preserve and disseminate information concerning the natural, social, and civic history of Larchmont, and to promote the preservation of local historical sites and structures. The Society maintains an archives in the Mamaroneck Town Center, 740 W. Boston Post Rd., Mamaroneck; publishes a newsletter;, offers programs; conducts tours for school children and adults; and offers outreach lectures to other community groups. The newsletter is published to provide news of the Society and occasional articles of related interest. Opinions expressed are those of their authors; publication should not be construed as endorsement by the Society. President’s Message: Barbara Rewey Newman Soon our town will be painted with the dazzling pinks and whites of dogwood, cherry blossom and magnolia trees that make Larchmont so intoxicating at this time of year. And we can’t wait -- because that incredible backdrop just makes our Spring House Tour even more fabulous! Mark your calendars, buy tickets and join us for this highly anticipated and much-loved event on Sunday, May 4th. See the form for pre-ordering tickets included in this newsletter. So much work goes into the research and writing of the House Tour Journals to share the special architectural and social history of the featured homes that this year we’re planning to distribute the books prior to “Tour Day” to encourage you to read ahead. There will be a special lecture the day before – Sat. May 3rd, so plan to attend and pick up your journals! It’s going to be an absolutely wonderful afternoon that ends with a special reception at the Larchmont Yacht Club. We are all incredibly grateful to Susan Emery, Kate Kelly and the House Tour Committee for all their hard work to make the event possible this year! Thanks also to Kate Kelly and George Schweitzer for generously sharing their beautiful CHC home and hosting our first volunteer night in March. We met many new volunteers who share our passion for the history of our special community. Our Committee list is on the back of this newsletter—the time commitment is up to you—take a look! We have a lot of fun - if you love Larchmont history and enjoy our programs—join us! We hope to see you on the House Tour in May! From the Archives: Lynne Crowley, our archivist, has been getting many calls with questions about Symphonette Square and Longines. Originally built as the Larchmont Hills Apartments garage c. 1925, the building was remodeled for use as an Army barracks during World War II. It later served for many years as the home of two subsidiaries of the Longines Swiss watchmaker, the Longines Symphonette Society and the Wittnauer Precious Metals Guild. The latter billed themselves as “makers of fine metallic art,” while the former was best known for its mail-order, multiple-record sets of “easy listening” music. During their tenure, 1950-1970, this corner of Myrtle and Madison avenues was known as Symphonette Square. LHS board member, Nancy White, remembers the Longines logo in big letters around the curve. Have a question? Ask Lynne Crowley, [email protected] Page 3 Women’s History Month Program a Big Hit With All Ages To celebrate National Women’s History Month, LHS presented “Two Film Chicks & A Classic Flick” on March 2, 2008. Featured were two of Larchmont’s Luminaries: Mary Pickford, legendary film actor and producer and former summertime resident, and Leslie Holleran, Academy Award nominated film and television producer and current resident. Ms. Holleran gave an entertaining account of her start in the film industry and provided a compelling introduction to the 1927 comedy My Best Girl, Pickford’s most endearing silent film. LHS’s Trustee and VP of Programs, Dee van Eyck, presented Ms. Holleran with the second Larchmont Luminaries award – the first was awarded to Ms. Holleran’s husband, notable film editor, Andrew Mondshein, who hosted a program in 2006. The event was well attended and enjoyed by all. “I remember when this picture first came out. It is as funny now as it was back then,” stated Irene van Eyck, the oldest member of the audience at 92-yearsold. Thirteen-year-old Megan Gerspach also gave the film high marks, “Boy, this is a really great movie – so funny!” To further the attendees’ enjoyment, historically accurate refreshments were served to the tunes of music from the 1920s. “This is fun,” said Diana Genovese, a 19-year-old freshman in college. “Who knew that Yoo-Hoo and Reese’s have been around since the 1920s?” By Stephen van Eyck, LHS Intern Refreshment Menu: Popcorn Stewart’s Rootbeer (1924) Yoo-Hoo Chocolate Drink (1920s) Kool-Aid (1927) Hershey’s Chocolate Bar (1900) Goetze’s Caramel Creams (1918) Life Savers (1912) Mounds (1920) Mary Janes (1914) Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups (1927) Oreo Sandwich (1912) Mallomars (1913) Page 4 EMILY EARLE LINDSLEY: 1858 - 1944 ‘LARCHMONT’S FIRST LADY’ A pioneer, philanthropist, artist and teacher, 50 year Larchmont resident Emily Earle Lindsley helped shape Larchmont into the dynamic and civic-oriented community we share today. At her death in 1944, she was universally remembered as “Larchmont’s First Lady”, but she could also be said to be ‘First’ in so many other arenas, not least her leadership in promoting women’s independence. Born in neighboring New Rochelle in 1858, Ms. Lindsley grew up the daughter of a Presbyterian minister, the Rev. Charles Edmund Lindsley, D.D. In 1910, she started a movement in to create a new Presbyterian Church within Larchmont for its’ growing population. After four years of pursuit, the first worship service of the Larchmont Avenue Church was held in Ms. Lindsley’s home at 39 Larchmont Avenue with about 40 people in attendance. Ms. Lindsley continued to faithfully serve the Church as a life deaconess, including donating their pulpit in memory of her father. Her dedication was honored in memoriam with the Emily Lindsley Memorial Window, and with these words from her eulogy: “She loved life and people, and was at all times a Christian Lady.” A serious artist, Ms. Lindsley pursued advanced studies in art and even opened her own studio in New York where she taught art and continued to paint for many years. She was also a charter member of the National Association of Women Artists and of the Society of Independent Artists. For a while Ms. Lindsley made her studio at the carriage house owned by her dear friend, Helena Flint (1850 – 1934), daughter of the Manor Company Founder, Thompson Flint (1811-1888) and a fellow-philanthropist. Both women as “ardent gardeners” helped found The Garden Club of Larchmont in 1913. These civic-minded women sought to “teach the children of Larchmont how to make small gardens” and encourage members “in sending fruits, flowers and vegetables to the sick, either in New York City or locally.” Ms. Lindsley was also a charter member of several other Women’s groups, including The Woman’s Club of Larchmont and Larchmont’s League of Women’s Voters. Under the Woman’s Club of Larchmont, she acted as Contributing Editor of their monthly publication, The Larch Tree, and frequently published poetry even during her final months of illness. As one of the original members of Larchmont’s League of Women Voters, Ms. Lindsley hosted the League’s first meeting in October of 1922 and acted as their first Vice President. The League adopted the slogan “Know Your Government” and Ms. Lindsley did just that as the “First woman in Larchmont to vote under the Suffrage Act” according to her obituary in the Larchmont Times. Ms. Lindsley did not confine her energies to her work, church, teaching and these women’s groups, she also helped others outside of Larchmont. For example during World War I, she was an ambulance driver with the Red Cross, and she reapplied for duty with the Red Cross after Pearl Harbor only to be denied. But that denial didn’t deter her assisting spirit; she participated in packing “more than 700 boxes of clothing for the French war relief” and became “one of the most faithful members of the Production Corps of the Larchmont branch.” Ms. Lindsley’s tireless devotion to her work and to others have truly helped mold Larchmont into the friendly, welcoming and lively place it is today. As the Larchmont Avenue Church honored her at their 20th anniversary celebration in 1935: “Beloved by all who know her. Kindly, gracious, gifted with a delightful sense of humor, progressive in thought, aggressive in the work of Christian welfare, Emily Earle Lindsley combines in rare measure the proper balance of high idealism and realism.”. By Roberta Warren Page 5 Century Homes Club Profile: James and Constance Levi 85 Larchmont Avenue James and Constance Levi are ardent collectors but their greatest treasure is not one of the several museum-quality collections they have amassed—including an extensive trove of Larchmont historical material. No, their prize possession is their home, 85 Larchmont Avenue, once one of the most extensive and eclectic properties in the village. The Levis came to Larchmont in 1974 in search of a big house and closer proximity to a circle of friends who were locals. They bought 85 Larchmont Ave., also known as “Cherry Tree Cottage,” on their second try. The sellers had turned down a previous offer from the Levis for the property only to come around a year later. It’s easy to see why a seller would be reluctant to part with the house. Built in 1894 for Helena Flint, the shingle style house combines period details with extensive grounds. A house with personality and history, it was also once the center of a much larger estate that extended from Larchmont Avenue to Monroe Ave and included a number of outbuildings—two guest houses, recently renovated into larger homes along Cherry Ave., a tennis house, a movie theater, a powerhouse and a carriage house. The outbuildings were erected by John J. Murdock who bought the house in 1917. He owned the property until 1946. Murdock’s career spanned vaudeville and the rise of the movie business. That was his occupation; his passion was horticulture. At one time, the property contained a greenhouse large enough to cover an entire city block filled with tropical plants and orchids to rival any botanical garden. woodwork in the main hall had been painted and the house had not been furnished with its history in mind. It took workmen a year and a half to remove the paint and restore the woodwork. Finding the right pieces for the parlor, dining room and numerous bedrooms took a bit longer. “I believe a house has to reflect the people in it,” says Constance Levi, “but the people also have to reflect the house.” In the Levis’ case, the house and owners were a rare and perfect match. Their interest in period furniture, time-bound gadgets like an orchestrion and antique picture frames, parallels their appreciation of architectural details. For the Levis, 85 Larchmont Avenue’s requirements have been both responsibilities and opportunities. When the roof needed replacing, the Levis insisted on using the original type of wood for the shingles. When the family decided to add a pool, they created a stonework deck that looks as if it had been original to the property. Not that they haven’t indulged in their fantasies either, Jim Levi has always wanted a formal library. He was able to convert a room on the main floor into the sort of space that looks as if it had been part of the home’s original plan. Murdock may have been ardent about his plants yet he was unsentimental about the house. He moved away from Larchmont, renting the property to a series of tenants including the Skakel family. In 1936, Murdock had plans to raze the house and develop the land. Ervilla Drive eventually satisfied the urge to subdivde. And the house was spared. The easy melding of the Levis’ aspirations and the house’s capacities is what has made the long collaboration such a productive one. Their 34-year ownership of this 112-year-old landmark has made them the tenants with longest tenure. Since Jim Levi vows only to be carried out of the house, we can expect this property to be known well into the future as the Levi House. By 1946, Cherry Tree Cottage had been sold. A succession of families lived in the house after that. The Dursis actually owned the house twice for nine years each time with another family taking six years in between. Something about 85 Larchmont Avenue keeps them coming back. If you have a home that is at least 100 years old and are interested in joining the Century Homes Club, contact Lynne Crowley at Larchmont Archives 381-2239 or [email protected]. When the Levis came to the house, the structure had lost some of its sense of history. The cherry wood paneling and By Marion Maneker Page 6 A Slice in Time… A Conversation with Bobbie Keshian, member of MHS class of ‘38 One of the unique aspects of Larchmont is the percentage of current residents who have either returned to raise their children in the town of their youth, or who have simply never left. Mrs. Bobbie Keeshan is an example of the latter, having been raised in Larchmont, and remaining in the area her entire life. Spending time with Bobbie can only leave you with the unbridled desire be her when you grow up. She is a bright and friendly woman, who looks and acts decades younger than she is, and who always seems ready for anything, as evidenced by her continued racing of sailboats to this day. The pace of life was less frenetic then, and MHS was far less bustling than it is today. The student body numbered between 250 and 300, compared to the almost 1,500 currently attending. Most of the students walked everywhere, including to and from school, though there With the recent and troubling events at Mamaroneck High were those lucky few who proudly drove their Buick’s School, it seemed a pleasant diversion to revisit the time or still shiny model T’s. when Bobbie attended, beginning in 1935. The age minimums on entering school did not exist in The evolution of the building into its current structure has the ‘20’s, so Bobbie began Kindergarten at the age of taken almost a century. The original structure of the school four, and was, subsequently, just over 16 when she was built in 1888, at 741 West Boston Post Road, which graduated, in 1938. ultimately became the Mamaroneck Town Center. At that School days then, as now, were very full, with many of time, it housed everyone, from Kindergarten through 12th the same classes that are offered today. Bobbie regrade. The Palmer Avenue side of the current High School counted the idyllic image of one teacher conducting his was built in 1925 for grades 7-12, and in 1931, the Boston classes outdoors in the spring, under the large tree on the Post Road side was completed. (Significant additions then grass that still stands. followed in 1941,1957, and in 2007.) The High School and Junior High were structured differently, as well. Junior There were no major scandals to speak of, and the loomHigh consisted of the 7th, 8th and 9th grades, and High ing war had not yet intruded on the thoughts of the stuSchool was comprised of 10th, through 12th. dents. There was even some diversity in the school at that time, though the different groups self-segregated. During her long history, Mamaroneck High has been home to many luminaries, as varied as the painter Norman Rock- Sports and clubs were an integral part of daily life, and well to, more recently, the actors Kevin and Matt Dillon, girls were offered most of the same sports as the boys, and countless others less celebrated. Another notable with the exception of football. There was a Women’s alumni from Bobbie’s class, was Bob Roy Carruthers. As Fencing Team, and, surprisingly enough, even a 1st Lieutenant, he went on to serve as the navigator on the Women’s Hockey team. Bobbie recalled playing basketfamous and heroic 1,500-mile flight that evacuated Gen- ball, loving gymnastics, and being, at one time, captain eral MacArthur from Corregidor in the Philippines during of the cheerleading squad. WWII. Whenever MHS played their archrivals in football, New Listening to Bobbie reminisce about her time at MHS Rochelle, the game was very heavily attended, often by transports you back to a much simpler time, invoking im- crowd of 2-3,000 people. Bobbie was always there, front ages of dancing to Big Band music, and listening to radio and center in her uniform: a collared shirt, heavy off shows from the likes of Orson Welles, Bing Crosby, Roo- white sweater with a large orange M on the front, and, in sevelt’s “Fireside Chats”, and countless others. her words, “a very short skirt”. Page 7 Clubs of various sorts played a very prominent role in the social life at Mamaroneck High. While there are currently 35 different clubs and organizations at MHS, in the ‘30’s the selection was far more limited, though still impressive for the time. The Greek System that most of us associate with college years, was very prevalent. Bobbie was a member of Phi Zeta, while still others joined Phi Delta, Alpha Sigma and Theta Kappa Omega, otherwise known as the “TKO” club. There were no specific buildings to “house” the various sororities and fraternities, so meetings were rotated among members’ homes, often to their mothers’ dismay. “Hazing” was quaint by today’s standards, involving pranks such as eating raw eggs, or blindfolding initiates and putting their hands in jelly. There were various other social clubs for those who weren’t accepted in to the sororities and fraternities, and there were always numerous dances and parties to attend. The Glen Island Casino was a favorite haunt, even hosting the prom one year. The Casino, located in New Rochelle, which still exists, has an illustrious past. It was a very happening place in the mid-30’s, featuring Swing and Big Bands like the Dorsey Brothers, and Glenn Miller, who was catapulted to fame on that very stage. Dating often involved, as now, going to the movies. Sunday night at Larchmont Movie House seemed to be the popular ritual. This was the era of Bette Davis, Clark Gable, Cary Grant and Carole Lombard, and movie stars loomed large. Almost everyone read one or more of the crop of Movie Magazines, such as Movie Life, Movie Story and Modern Screen, much like they read People or Us Weekly magazines today. The ambitions of the young women were characteristic of the time, focused around marriage, children, and a house in the suburbs. Going on to college was atypical for most, though there were certainly women that did go on to further their education. Bobbie was fortunate enough to have secured a small scholarship, but, like many families recovering from the Depression, it was still out of their financial reach. Bobbie speaks very lovingly of her years at Mamaroneck High School, even maintaining several friendships to this day. It was a bubble in time, sandwiched between the Great Depression and WWII, when the students had the opportunity to just be kids, and enjoy all the pleasures that this area has to offer. Revisiting little slices of history contained in stories like this, shared by wonderful neighbors like Bobbie Keeshan, are precious opportunities that abound in Larchmont, precisely because so many still call this home. By Teresa Laughlin An Update: The June Freeman Allen Costume Collection, Phase II The June Freeman Allen Costume Collection contains approximately 100 items of clothing, dating from 1860 to 1940, worn by several generations of the family that lived at 46 Magnolia Avenue from 1891 to 1996. June (Mrs. Bruce) Allen, the last member of the family to live in the house, donated the collection to the LHS, which had an initial review and evaluation performed in 1997 by Cathaline Cantalupo, a fine and decorative arts consultant and appraiser. The resulting notebook catalog may be examined in the LHS Archives. Photos of most of the items, accompanied by brief descriptions, may be viewed on the Society's website (larchmonthistory.org) by clicking on "Larchmont Images" and then scrolling down to "R." The collection is currently housed in archival conditions off-site. The board is now planning to undertake phase two of cataloguing and conservation of the collection as a memorial to its donor, who died in 2006. By Judith Doolin Spikes Membership Form WE’RE ONLINE Visit us virtually at www.larchmonthistory.org Please enroll me as a member of the Larchmont Historical Society. My taxdeductible dues for one year are enclosed. Annual membership year is: September - June.. __New Member Visit our ONLINE PHOTO MUSEUM. Learn more about LARCHMONT HISTORY Find out about MONTHLY PROGRMS And SPECIAL EVENTS Join LHS, pay dues or make a donation online. Find out how to research your home, join CHC, or Volunteer, ALL ONLINE! Send inquiries to: [email protected] __ Renewing Member Please indicate membership category: ___Individual $ 15 ___Family $ 25 ___Senior (65+)& Student $ 5 ___Institutional or Business $ 40 ___Sustaining $ 50 ___Life (individual only) $150 Make checks payable & mail to: The Larchmont Historical Society P.O. Box 742 Larchmont, NY 10538 I would like to volunteer to help on the following committee(s): ___Spring House Tour ___Membership ___Exhibits ___Publicity ___Archives ___Museum Planning ___Grant Research/ ___Newsletter Writing ___Fire History ___Century Homes Club ___Monthly Programs ___Fundraising ___Special Events Name ____________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________ Address ___________________________________________________________ Telephone:___________________ E-Mail: _______________________ Non-Profit Org. U.S. Postage PAID Larchmont, NY 10538 Permit No. 366 Larchmont Historical Society PO Box 742 Larchmont, NY 10538
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