Tracing the Roots of Scarsdale's First Black Families

Tracing the Roots of Scarsdale's First Black Families

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Wednesday, 21 December 2011 10:43

Last Updated: Wednesday, 21 December 2011 21:06

Published: Wednesday, 21 December 2011 10:43

murray2 An exhibit tracing the ancestry of Scarsdale’s first black families that was originally on display at Scarsdale Village Hall has now been moved to the Mount Vernon Public Library, where it will be on view until January 7, 2012. The exhibit is titled, "Early Scarsdale Along Saxon Woods Road" and was compiled by Phyllis C. Murray with contributions from Donna Lockley, Robinette Purdy Allen Robinson and Alfred Surya Peterson.

The display includes documents and photos from the Purdy African-American family that date as far back as 1850 and extend into the next century. Their descendants, friends and family lived along Saxon Woods Road. Included are photos of tombstones in the African-American cemetery in Rye, a display of matriarchs and their properties, and a military chronology from the Civil War to World War II.

The importance of education is highlighted with photos from the early days of the Quaker Ridge School which was always

Esther Johnson's home. 307 Saxon Woods Road. Picture was taken Alfred Peterson SHS'52, a descendant.

open to people of color. Facsimile 1890’s arithmetic, spelling, and storybooks have been loaned from the collection of Robinette Purdy Allen Robinson. Other photographs include 1800’s clothing, buildings, turn-of-the-century automobiles, and portraits of the children from diverse heritage who lived along Saxon Woods Road in the early days of Scarsdale.

Mount Vernon Public Library
28 South First Avenue
Mount Vernon, NY 10550
Virginia McClellan Moskowitz Local History Room
Municipal parking across from South Second Avenue entrance.

http://www.mountvernonpubliclibrary.org/First-Avenue-Window

The Quaker Ridge School June 1935

Margaret Peterson and Cousin Alfred Peterson SHS'52

Pictured at top: The Barry Avenue Church organized by Robert Purdy of Scarsdale in 1852. Erected in Mamaroneck, NY circa 1903. Photo from the Larchmont Historical Society.