Scarsdale Steps Back in Time at Wayside Cottage Celebration

“Left face, march!”

“Yes, sir!” came the company’s response, occasionally followed by laughter as some volunteers, especially the younger ones, forgot the “sir” in the excitement of the drill.

The sharp command rang out across the grounds of historic Wayside Cottage on Sunday afternoon 6-14 as a colonial sergeant directed a patrol made up of both reenactment historians and community volunteers, many of them children, in a Revolutionary War era drill. The scene was one of many highlights at a community celebration marking both America’s 250th anniversary and Scarsdale’s 350th anniversary. Hosted at Wayside Cottage, the event brought history to life for residents of all ages and transformed a warm spring afternoon into an immersive journey back to the 1700s.

The celebration was a collaborative effort among the Junior League of Central Westchester (JLCW), Scarsdale Village, the Scarsdale Historical Society, and Toast250, drawing families and history enthusiasts eager to experience colonial life firsthand.

JLCW President Mary McCormack was delighted by the turnout and community spirit. “The JLCW was so very proud to join Scarsdale Village, the Scarsdale Historical Society and Toast250 to put together this very special colonial celebration held at our beloved historic Wayside Cottage!” she said.

She added, “everyone was getting involved in all the various colonial activities from musket drills to watching demonstrations on a spinning wheel, local colonial trivia, tours of the original 1704 farmhouse room, colonial games and the ambiance complete with colonial band playing tunes from the 1700s.”

Among those enjoying the afternoon were Scarsdale Mayor Justin Arest, Deputy Mayor Dara Gruenberg, and Trustee Tim Foley, who joined residents in exploring the exhibits and activities throughout the grounds. Their presence reflected strong community support and added to the festive atmosphere as local leaders mingled with attendees.

Authenticity was everywhere. Reenactors in period dress interacted with visitors while colonial music filled the air, creating an immersive experience that transported attendees back more than three centuries.

Visitors learned about daily colonial life, early settlement challenges, slaves freed and Scarsdale’s role during the Revolutionary War. Representatives from the 2nd New York Regiment shared accounts of military life and the nearby Battle of White Plains, emphasizing the region’s strategic importance during the fight for independence.

The Revolutionary era came further to life as historians connected local history to broader narratives, including The Spy, the historical novel by Scarsdalian author James Fenimore Cooper, offering another link between Scarsdale and America’s founding story.

Inside the cottage, historians offered tours of the original 1704 farmhouse room, complete with authentic artifacts that illustrated early colonial life. Fun fact, this small room, approximately 15’x20’ , housed a family with seven children.

A highlight of the day was a lively trivia competition with one round led by local historian Jordan Copeland of the Scarsdale Historical Society. The main room of Wayside Cottage was filled with teams of attendees competing in friendly rounds of colonial and local history trivia, adding an interactive element to the celebration.

Nearby, guests watched a spinning demonstration showing how wool was transformed into thread using a bobbin spinning wheel, along with explanations of natural dyes used in colonial textiles. Hands-on activities, games, and storytelling kept visitors of all ages engaged throughout the afternoon.

More than just a history lesson, the event reflected Scarsdale’s rich heritage and the community’s connection to its past. For a few hours on a beautiful hot Sunday afternoon, residents stepped back in time to experience the early days of America’s founding, making for a memorable celebration of both America’s 250th and Scarsdale’s 350th anniversaries.

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