the chronicle / 2007 fall

7/31/2019 The Chronicle / 2007 Fall

1/8

INSIDE

A Tour de Force!

Falling in love with a romantic

Mediterranean at the

Fall House Tour.

Historic and happy

on the Hudson.

Recollections of a

fabulous fall day.

A long applause for Shorto.

Highlights from thehighly successful

9th Annual

Brendan Gill Lecture.

Emerging Acquisitions.

The Conservancys

art collection is growing!

3 Men and a Mayor.

A talented cast

joins the Conservancys

Board of Directors.

PLUS...

A promise of adventure in

Volume IV of

The Bronxville Journal.

Classic cars on parade.

Yes, bulls in Bronxville.

FALL 2007

A Publication of

The Bronxville

Historical ConservancyBronxville, New York

Lewis Bowman, architect of theromantic Mediterranean

featured in this years House Tour.

The Chronicle

What elements combine to

make a perfect house tour? On

Sunday, October 21st, the mem-

bership of the Bronxville Historical

Conservancy had a chance to

find out when Anne and Rupert

Cox graciously opened their

home for our ever so popular an-

nual house tour. The weather

was perfect, the house was mag-

nificent, the docents were knowl-

edgeable, and the enthusiasm of

the two hundred members at-tending that afternoon was pal-

pable.

A romantic Mediterranean de-

signed by Lewis Bowman in 1926,

the house was purchased by the

Cox's in 2001. Previous owners in-

cluded William J. Morden (ex-

plorer, naturalist and big-game

hunter) for whom the house was

built, Russell McCandless, and Dr.

George Lasky.

The Cox's transformed the house

and grounds during an extensive

renovation that included updat-

ing the original design to meet the needs of a twenty-first century family as

well as the creation of a multiple level terrace system that allows direct ac-

cess from each of the formal rooms of the house : living room, dining room,

library and solarium. As earth was moved from the rear of the home to the

steeply sloping front hillside, wonderful level garden areas were also created

around the new terraces. A detailed brochure on the interior of the home

was handed to each guest as the Conservancy Co-Chairs Don Gray and

Nancy Vittorini greeted everyone at the front door.

See photos inside!

BY DALE WALKER

A Tour de Force!


2/8

Special Thanks to Photographer Katie Prime

Our House Tour Hosts,

Anne and Rupert Cox

Dale Walker

Cindy Ahmuty

Bridget GibbonsNancy Vittorini and Don Gray Sarah Chapin

Roonie Kennedy and Allaire W

Rosemary and George Palm

Jane Mitchell and -----

Following the house tour,

the membership gath-

ered at the Bronxville

Field Club for the Annual

Meeting and an opportunity to greet and thank the Cox's

for their very kind hospitality.

Co-chairs Nancy Vittorini and Don Gray presided over the

meeting. After introducing Anne and Rupert Cox and

thanking them for hosting this year's tour,

the chairs also expressed their appreciation

to House Tour committee members Dale

Walker, Carolyn Martin, Bridget Gibbons,

Mary Thaler and Liz Murphy for their excel-

lent planning.

Four retiring board members -- Marilynn Hill,

Carolyn Martin, Eloise Morgan, and Bob Underhill -- were

recognized for their contributions and years of service to the

Conservancy. All four will continue to be active in the BHC

in committee leadership posts. Hill and Martin will serve as

Editor and Associate Editor of the Journal; Morgan, as Vil-

lage Historian, will be an ex-officio member of the Conser-

vancy; and Underhill will continue to be the organization's

investment adviser. Four new trustees were elected for

three-year terms: Silas Ford, Nancy Hand, Paul Grand Pre,

and Bob Scott.

Following a report on the finan-

cial well-being of the organiza-

tion and a summary of the year's

many successful projects, the

membership continued to enjoy

conversation and fellowship over

hors d'oeuvres and cocktails.

The Fall House Tour...an affair to remember!

Apres tour....


3/8

BY NANCY VITTORIN

September 30, 2007. The day was made to order:

blue skies, warm breezes, sparkling sunshine. The

views were nothing short of spectacular: Manhattan

framed by the George Washington Bridge; the

Palisades forest on the cusp of fall, with a bit of

foliage already bursting with brilliant hues of fiery red

and plump pumpkin-orange. As the 160 Bronxville

Historical Conservancy members and their guests

eagerly boarded the fast-ferry Seastreak at the

Yonkers Pier, they were in for an historic adventure.

Exploring the Mills Mansion, a magnificent estate of

the Gilded Age, was only part of the plan enjoying

the majestic Hudson River along the way was the

splendid means to do so.

Bob Wein and Judith

Unis planned this yearsouting to the Staats-

burgh Estate. The ad-

venture was in a long

line of other successful

Conservancy journeys,

including cruises to

Edgewater, Mont-

gomery Place, Olana,

West Point and Old

Lyme. The trip to the

Mills Mansion, a 65-room Beaux-Arts mansion set on an

expansive 192 acres overlooking the Hudson, was yet

another treat.

With an exterior embellished with balustrades, pilasters, floral

swags, and a mas-

sive portico, and

rooms furnished

with elaborately

carved and gilded

furniture, fine ori-

ental rugs and silk

fabrics, the house

is an elegant

example of great

estates built by

Americas finan-

cial and industrial

leaders. The group

was impressed.

Bob Dohrenwend

was particularly

enamored with the sweeping grounds.Just think how great

it would be to tee off from here! he noted like a true golfer.

Lynda Stewart was caught admiring a lovely lace

dress strewn across one of the guestrooms beds,

and Sheila Stein noted she would love a bedroom

graced with long curved windows like the ones in

this quintessential American Renaissance home. The

estate house was inhabited by the aristocratic Ruth

Livingston Mills and husband-

financier Ogden Mills only 3

months a year. (They also

enjoyed homes on Fifth

Avenue in New York City, Paris,

Newport and California!)

To make the visit even more

interesting, some of the homes do-

cents had taken on personas of the

past, including a demure chamber-maid and a somewhat plump, loqua-

cious Mrs. Harriman, who was adorned

with a feather and rose hat and chat-

ted nostalgically about her son Averell

and dear friend, Ruth.

Following a quick bus trip back to

Kingston the Seastreak began the jour-

ney home while members enjoyed a tasty dinner arranged

by Mary Thaler. Those who braved the top deck didnt mind

their wind-blown looks as they admired the setting sun. Oth-

ers, like Rosie Dobbin and

Eleanor Pennell challengedof couple guys in a friendly

game of bridge; many

chatted about the days

adventure; some even

dozed. But the consensus

from all as they disem-

barked was that they

already looked forward to

getting on-board for

another historic voyage up

the Hudson.

Another happy, histor ical day on the Hudson...

Eleanor Pennell

The Mills Mansion in Staatsburgh, New York

Bob Wein and Judith Unis

Rosie and Bob Dobbin, Patsy Elliott


4/8

Russell Shorto, author of The Island at the Center of the World

and our 2007 Brendan Gill guest lecturer, gave one of the

more memorable presentations in the Conservancys history.

More than a lecture, Shortos storytelling style took us backin time to early colonial Manhattan, which was little more

than wilderness at the time. He made it so easy to imagine

being there in the early settlement of New Amsterdam, living

among the Dutch settlers and Native American tribes and

learning how those hardy souls laid the foundation for New York City and

our American culture.

Especially interesting was

Shortos ability to trace

the origins of key players

in The Island at the Cen-

ter of the World and bring

them to life in the worldwe know today. For ex-

ample, one of the main

characters was named

Van der Donck, who

owned a considerable amount of land just north of the island of Manhat-

tan (now Westchester County). The property stretched from the Hudson

River well inland and most

likely included what is now

Bronxville. In the Dutch lan-

guage, such a young man of

property was called a

Jonker, which is the origin

of the name of our neighbor,Yonkers.

Concordia Colleges

Sommer Center was

standing-room-only for

Shortos remarks, and he

received a well earned

(and long)

standing

ovation from

Conservancy

members and

guests. It was

a highly

educational

evening that

was enjoyed

by all!

Pat Oden, Mary Mulvihill, Madeline Oden

David and Cheryne McBride

Vicki Ford

Vandy and Jimmy Walker

longon

applausefor RussellShorto!

BY ROBERT SCOTT

MarthaBergold

Megan Kau

Theaudiencewas


5/8

Nib and Pat Aubuchon,

former Bronxvillians(Bronxville HIgh SchoolClasses of 1938 and 1942)returned Crashing Waves

to Bronxville,the artists home.

Kudos to our art committee for securing

more treasured art in our mission to bring

former Bronxville artists work back home. A

scenic Hobart Nichols came up at auction in

August, and thanks to the vigilance of our art

committee chair, Jayne Warman, who was

able to fax in a last minute bid, the Conser-

vancy is now the owner of Poaching Winter

Woods. In excellent condition, the

painting most recently has been in a privatecollection,

A second significant purchase has a more

personal provenance, coming from a former

Bronxville family, Norbert (Nib) and Pat

Aubuchon, who hand-delivered the impres-

sive marinescape to the village this fall.

Jayne Warman promises more details on this

artworks history in the spring at the official

opening at Village Hall of the Conservancys

art collection.

Emerging

Acquisitions

Hobart Nichols, Poaching Winter Woods, oil on board, 18 x 22 inches

George Howell Gay, "Crashing Waves" 1930; oil on canvas, 35 x 55 inches.

I am thrilled to be able to reportwe won the Hobart Nichols painting!

The picture will be a great

addition to our collection.Jayne Warman


6/8

Threem

enand

amayor! Three Men and a Mayor! Sounds like a great title for a movie, yes?

Although were not into movie-making, bringing on this cast of talent is

certainly a great move for the Bronxville Historical Conservancy as we

approach our 10th year of preserving the heritage, charm, and history of

our village.

A warm welcome to Nancy Hand, Si Ford, Bob Scott and Paul Grand Pre,

who were officially confirmed by the membership at the Annual Meeting

held on October 21st to serve as our Board of Directors, Class of 2010. Each

brings special talents and considerable commitment to our community,

from serving as leaders in village and town government, to demonstrable

devotion to Bronxvilles many varied cultural, health, and educational

institutions.

In addition to a long-standing history of service in numerous village organi-

zations, Nancy Hand goes down in history as the longest-serving mayor of

Bronxville. She was also the guiding force behind Bronxvilles 100th anniver-

sary celebration that led to the creation of the Conservancy. Perhaps she

can help us put some of that celebratory spirit into making our 10th year a

memorable one!

Bob Scott comes to us with a talent every organization desires -- he is an

accomplished writer who has spent his entire career in the communications

business. A principal in French/Blitzer/Scott, a New York-based advertising

agency, Bob puts his considerable creative talent to work for a number of

professional clients, as well as sharing it with local organizations, including

the Bronxville Library and The Maxwell Institute. Bob enthusiastically says

yes! to our hopes that he may be writing for us, as well.

Si Ford, a village resident since 1962, has a significant history of involvement

from serving on the Zoning Board, School Foundation, Non-Partisan Com-

mittee, and Lawrence Hospital Board, to being an elected member of the

Eastchester Fire Commission. Says Si, I have learned that what makes thisvillage special is its ability to maintain its traditions, as well as celebrate its

many accomplishments....The Conservancy not only greatly helps cele-

brate those accomplishments, it helps ensure that the past is available for

future generations to appreciate. We appreciate you, too, Si, for all that

you have given and continue to give to Bronxville.

Paul Grand Pre had family and community in mind when he made the

move in October 2004 from the corporate finance world, most recently with

UBS Paine Webber, to join Concordia College as its vice president for Institu-

tional Advancement where he is responsible for Development, Alumni Rela-

tions, Community Relations, Public Relations and more! He knows what a

valuable asset the college is in helping mold the future of young people.

He has been personally involved in a number of community activities to do

the same -- from coaching Eastchester Youth Soccer to volunteering with

the Lutheran Church and Bronxville School. He also appreciates the

Conservancys work in preserving our past for those future generations.

Were glad youre with us, Paul, to help do just that.

Nancy Hand

Bob Scott

Si Ford

Paul Grand Pre

The Conservancy is a wonderful way to keep the history of Bronxville alive.

Incoming Board Member Nancy Hand


7/8

A lot of bull?Yes. According to Village Historian Eloise Morgan, in Civil War times our village was recognized as

the home of one of the nations most established cattle breeders, James Prescott Swain. One of

Swains bulls, a Jersey named Wachusett, was one of the finest ever bred in this country,

according to the June 1871 issue of a monthly farm journal, American Agriculturist. You may

have read this bovine bit of history in Bronxvilles new website, www.myhometownbronxville.com,

where Eloise is contributing a regular column. Next up in the History Corner: A noteworthy piece

on postcards, the email of the early 20th century. Thanks, Eloise. You get a big stamp of

approval on this one!

HISSTORY

An archaeologist searching for a long-lost relic? A leather-jacketed,

sweat-soaked adventurer who sports a grimy fedora hat and a

swashbuckling bullwhip? Could this really describe a famous early

20th-century villager?

Editor Marilynn Hill and her band of intrepid researchers and writers

promise to bring you the true grit in Volume IV of The Bronxville Journal.

A biographical essay on a Bronxville man said to be the inspiration for

Indiana Jones is among a number of originally- researched Journal pieces

youll want to dig into -- even though the Indiana Jones prototype's physicalappearance was not quite like that of Harrison Ford's character in the

famous movie!

You will also enjoy reading about the rise of the female "political voice" in

Bronxville in the 1970s, an article on some early 20th-century artist-brothers, a

glimpse into the lifestyle and political mindset of Bronxville in the 1930s, and a

story about one of this country's First Ladies and the Hotel Gramatan.

Marilynn explains the thinking behind the stories: "The Journals articles

remind us that a community's history is shaped by a variety of influences --

that institutions and organizations as well as individuals have an impact on

this process, and that approaching our history from different perspectives

can enrich our understanding of it. The Journal is scheduled for publication

later next year.

Donald & Kathy Gray

Photos: Mary Thaler

Another classic!A salute to Donald and Kathy Gray who helped lead the way in this years traditional

Memorial Day Parade. Donald was able to crank up some 30 vintage cars for the

Conservancy Classic Car line-up, including his own very red 1984 Ferrari and

1965 Mustang, with Kathy at the wheel.


8/8

...OldNews...

The ChroniclePublished by

The BronxvilleHistorical Conservancy

Fall 2007Editor and Designer: Nancy VittoriniSubmissions welcome!

The Bronxville Historical Conservancy was

founded in 1998 to further the understanding and

appreciation of the history and current life of the

village of Bronxville, New York.

The Conservancy furthers its mission through the

presentation of programs, publications, lectures and

special events that foster an awareness of the

villages architectural, artistic and cultural heritage

and lends its support for projects designed to

strengthen and preserve those legacies.

The BronxvilleHistorical Conservancy

P. O. Box 989Bronxville, NY 10708

Upcoming Events

THE 10TH ANNUAL

BRENDAN GILL LECTUREand

VILLAGE HALL ART EXHIBITIONMore details to come...

Michael Gates Gill has made his way FROM THE OWL HOUSE TO THE COFFEEHOUSE and shares the journey in his recent book, How Starbucks Saved My Life. According to

The Wall Street Journal, the memoir includes, in evocative

flashbacks, that Mr. Gill spent his childhood as the loved but achingly lonely son of

Brendan Gill, the bon vivant and longtime staff writer at The New Yorker,...and, of course, the

person for whom the Conservancys annual public lecture is named.

The first volume of three of the diaries of former Bronxville resident James G. McDonald (1886-1964) was published earlier this ye

The book, Advocate for the Doomed, is a personal record of McDonald's diplomatic efforts in the early 1930s on behalf of Europe

Jews. As noted in The Wall Street Journal, the book is "A COMPELLING LOOK at one man's efforts to do something aboulooming catastrophe." McDonald, who eventually worked on behalf of a Jewish homeland, became the first U.S. Ambassador to Isra

The diaries have been edited by his daughter Barbara McDonald Stewart, historian Richard Brietman, and scholar Severin Hochbe

Another daughter, Janet McDonald Barrett, is a longtime resident of Bronxvi

Philipse Manor Hall, the only state historic site in southern Westchester, will

celebrate the 250th anniversary of the wedding of Mary Philipse and the

British Captain Roger Morris on January 19, 2008, with a reenactment and

reception. A LIVELY EVENT, complete with costumes, fancy dress andhistorically accurate cuisine is being planned. Members of the Bronxville

Historical Conservancy are invited! Call 914 965-4027 for details.

the chronicle / 2007 fall

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