Our Town: A Documentary About Greenacres On View, Online

This fountain once bordered the Bronx River ParkwayIt’s been more than 100 years since ground was broken on the first homes in Greenacres and though much has changed, many signs of Scarsdale’s earliest residents remain. Strolling the streets you can find remnants of a gun powder factory across the street from Hitchcock Church, a stone wall that divided Scarsdale and White Plains on Farley Road and even earlier, a sign commemorating the Battle of White Plains in the Revolutionary War that took place on a hill on Mamaroneck Road.

These landmarks and information about the original developers of the neighborhood are detailed in a rich documentary about the history of Greenacres, produced by the Scarsdale Historical Society. The film debuted at the Scarsdale Library on March 15 and is now available for all to see on the Scarsdale Historical Society’s website.

Originally a group of estates, Greenacres was built into a suburban community by developers and families who subdivided their land to create the neighborhoods we now enjoy. Many of the Tudor revivals and Colonial style homes that were constructed by the original builders are still treasured by residents today.The Bronx River Parkway was completed in 1924.

Also at the time the neighborhood was built, Scarsdale Golf Club was constructed on what was formerly Harte’s Farm in 1922. Early members enjoyed golf, skeet shooting, ice skating and sledding.

The film details a beautiful fountain that once stood in front of a tea house on Fountain Terrace. That fountain remained until 1967 when the county widened the Bronx River Parkway and closed the park.

Perhaps the most enchanting story is one of a 1,380 foot tunnel that was built in 1939 to drain water from the field across from Walworth Avenue to Brite Avenue and down to the Bronx River. If anyone can find the entrance, let us know.

Watch the movie here – no matter what part of town you live in, you’re sure to be amazed at the history of our Village in a park.

The 1,380 foot Greenacres Tunnel