Historical Treasures Enter Scarsdale's Digital Archive
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- Written by Joanne Wallenstein
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A faded postcard of my 1912 home that I inherited when we purchased our house in 1990 has been sitting on my mantle ever since. At the time, the house looked more like an Adirondack lodge than a suburban residence.
Prompted by an event sponsored by the Scarsdale Historical Society on Sunday October 2, I pulled the photo out of its frame and found a note affixed to the back from the home’s second owner. Her note provided me with the name of the original owner and it was startling to realize that in 110 year only three families have lived here.
I took my postcard to the library and found others with historical mementos, documents, maps and photos of Scarsdale which the historical society scanned for digital preservation.
Some of the trove that was scanned that day included an original 1926 brochure for an auction of 234 residential plots in Heathcote Crest owned by Michael Zeller. Just like today, the auction was to be held in a tent. The brochure promised the installation of water in every street and every lot and said, “gas and electric now available.”
Announcement of the auction of plots in Heathcote Crest in 1926
Also on view was this portrait of William Bailey Lang, one of the oldest of New York's iron merchants, who built Rowsley Cottage at 37 Drake Road in 1858 (now the home of the Scarsdale Women's Club). The photo is dated 1886 and was donated by the Scarsdale Women's Club. It's the first photo of Mr. Lang to become part of the Scarsdale Public Library's digital collection.
I met Diana Kiel and Les Jacobowitz, who brought in many treasures related to the Charles W. Dickel estate that was once on Post Road in Greenacres.
Christine Weston, now President of the Crane Berkeley neighborhood association brought in years of documents to scan. Among these was an invitation to a neighborhood clambake in 1973 with “coffee, tea and Sanka” served with dessert.
Diana Kiel and Les Jacobowitz display a photo of the Charles W. Dickel EstateFormer Scarsdale resident Seth Kaller brought an exhibit of some of the letters and documents from his collection including a letter relating to the Battle of White Plains that was fought in Scarsdale, and a copy of the Reynolds Pamphlet, which some may remember from the musical Hamilton.
Leslie Chang from the Scarsdale Historical Society said, “It was very exciting to see new Scarsdale treasures coming in for digital preservation, and I was thrilled the setting was so social and collaborative. I didn’t anticipate how much lively conversation there would be with all of the attendees enjoying and discussing each other’s mementos.”
An invitation to a Hawaiian Clambake in Crane Berkeley in 1973.Sanka anyone?
William Bailey Lang
Scarsdale-Related Photos and Documents Sought for Scanning Event
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Scarsdale Historical Society to Preserve Memories for Archives
The Scarsdale Historical Society is pleased to announce “Scarsdale’s History for the Future,” an upcoming community scanning event on Saturday, October 1st from 1:00-3:00 PM at the Scarsdale Public Library. The community is asked to bring in their Scarsdale-related historic photos and documents that can be digitized, at no charge, and any media will become part of the Village’s archives.
The project is part of the Scarsdale Historical Society’s mission to preserve and share Scarsdale’s unique and continuing history. The organization is seeking old photographs, fliers, diaries or documents – anything that tells the story of Scarsdale and its residents. Paper documents and photographs no larger than 11 inches by 17 inches may be digitized during the scanning event. If items brought cannot be scanned at that time for any reason, other arrangements can be made.
During the scanning event, visitors will also enjoy a small exhibition featuring items from Scarsdale’s history, and also a selection of rare artifacts that have national importance. The Scarsdale Public Library will be showing a book of town minutes starting in the 18th century; Scarsdale High School yearbooks from the 1930s; and maps of the village from the 19th and early 20th centuries.
Seth Kaller, a leading American history dealer and collection-builder and a Scarsdale Historical Society trustee, will display valuable original documents and artifacts, including: the only copy in private hands of New York’s first printing of the Declaration of Independence (July 11, 1776; not Scarsdale, but close – the state’s assembly met in White Plains to vote in favor of independence, and the document was printed in New York City near Wall Street); one of Alexander Hamilton’s most revealing love letters to Eliza, written from Dobbs Ferry in 1780; Jesse Owens Congressional Gold medal; Ruth Bader Ginsburg’s law books; and a NY Votes for Women suffrage broadside.
“We encourage everyone to dust off Scarsdale-related photos and documents from their attics and basements so they can be properly preserved and enjoyed for years to come,” stated Randy Guggenheimer, President of the Scarsdale Historical Society. “We are grateful to the staff at the Scarsdale Public Library for making this effort possible.”
Nineteenth-century Scarsdale resident Valeria Dean Burgess with child, a photo that has been donated to the Scarsdale Public Library archives. Historic photos from all eras are welcome at the scanning event.
Registration for the scanning is encouraged at https://www.scarsdalelibrary.org/event/history-future. Questions can be emailed to info@scarsdalehistoricalsociety.org.
About the Scarsdale Historical Society
The Scarsdale Historical Society exists to discover, preserve, and disseminate historical information, as well as inspire others to learn about and contribute to the history of Scarsdale and the Central Mid-Westchester Region. The Scarsdale Historical Society accepts grant applications for projects that meet its mission, particularly those that will inspire others to learn about the history of Scarsdale and the surrounding communities. Learn more at www.scarsdalehistoricalsociety.org.
Metro Deli Shutters Diner on Scarsdale Avenue
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Yet another staple of the Scarsdale restaurant scene has unexpectedly closed their doors. You’ll no longer be able to grab coffee, a wrap, a chopped salad or a grilled cheese at Metro Deli on Scarsdale Avenue. The restaurant, which has been open as a diner for 22 years is now dark, and a sign on the door says,
Dear Metro Customers
It’s been a pleasure and privilege to have served you and your families for the past 22 years. We are so grateful for your support, friendships and memories.
We look forward to seeing you at our sister restaurant
Metro Deli Restaurant and Catering
4 Palmer Avenue (Five Corners)
(914) 472-4760
We spoke to Metro Deli owner Gus Catechis who has been operating the restaurant with his partner Stavros Maravegias, along with Metro Deli on Palmer Avenue. Asked why they were shutting down he said, “It’s been 22 years and we’re tired. We want to concentrate on one location.”
The property itself is owned by Rush Wilson, but the two partners sold the assets of the business to a local resident who plans to open a French restaurant on the Scarsdale Avenue site.
Did Covid affect their decision? He responded, “Those were dog years. But Covid did not affect our decision. We made a deal.”
So if you’re looking for a place to meet a friend for coffee, eggs, a sandwich and more, Gus will be happy to welcome you at the Metro Deli on Palmer Avenue.
Scarsdale Boys Soccer Team is 7-0 and First in the State
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- Written by Hadley Schwall
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(Updated September 22) Sixth in the nation. First in the state. Scarsdale Boys Varsity Soccer has made a name for themselves with a tremendous 7-0 start to the season. Since a heavy loss to Mamaroneck in the section finals last fall, they have only grown stronger and more connected than ever.
With only one goal conceded this season, goalie Lucas Kantor is determined to keep that statistic running. He works harmoniously with defenders Alex Duval, Matthew Choe, Zach Ruback, and David Wang. They make up this strong foundation that allows for such success offensively. On the other end of the field the team's striker, Leo Khang, uses his elite finishing abilities to fire balls into the net. Rising star, Lev Stahl, at defensive midfielder, has become a key component to the team's movement on the field and wins every aerial duel he encounters.
There would be no team without the Galeano Brothers. Captain Nico Galeano at central attacking midfielder, has shown us time and time again his playmaking skills and vision on the field. Last week he was voted Lohud Player of the Week after his overtime goal to win the game against Arlington. His younger brother, Lorenzo Galeano, does not live the name down. He displays dribbling skills, gliding by defenders, and draws fouls with ease. Their brotherly connection, that has been developing since the days of 1v1’s in their basement, is evident on the field.
It figures that eight of the eleven starters play together on the New York Premiere Football Club, thus continuing their joint training in the offseason, furthering their innate interconnectedness. Their coach, Marcos Monteagudo, sees their potential to go far this season and knows how to get them fired up and keep their infectious momentum rolling.
Dominating the field in all of their matches thus far and defeating rival Mamaroneck last Wednesday, not only have they asserted themselves as a force to be reckoned with, but a brotherhood on and off the field.
Footnote:
On Tuesday 9/19 the team continued its winning streak, defeating Mt. Vernon 4-1 in a home game at Scarsdale.
Coming up:
Thursday away v John Jay @5
Saturday away v Harrison @6
Article by Hadley Schwall, photos by Elliott Zhang. See more here.
Hadley Schwall is a Scarsdale High School Senoir who loves to write both as a journalist and creatively. She also dances ballet and is an active member of the Scarsdale community.
2022 Procedure Committee Invites Residents to Run for CNC
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The Procedure Committee (PC) invites Scarsdale residents to run for a position on the nonpartisan Citizens Nominating Committee (CNC). Thirty voting members on the CNC, six representing each of the five elementary school districts, will interview, evaluate, and select candidates running on the nonpartisan slate for open Village offices in the Tuesday, March 15, 2023 Village Election.
A candidate for membership on the CNC must be a qualified voter (U.S. citizen and 18 years of age or older) and a resident of Scarsdale for at least two years. The CNC application is simple, consisting of a biographical form and a 10-signature petition signed by the applicant’s neighbors. Instructions for filing can be downloaded on the PC’s website here.
The deadline for submitting the CNC application is Friday, September 30, 2022. The CNC election will be held at the Scarsdale Library on Tuesday, November 15, 2022 from 7 am to 9 pm or by mail-in ballot.
The CNC meets 5 or 6 times on weekday evenings beginning at the end of November 2022, venue to be announced. CNC meeting dates for 2022-2023 are: Monday, November 28, 2022 (Organization Meeting); Wednesday, December 7, 2022; Wednesday, December 14, 2022; Wednesday, January 4, 2023; Wednesday, January 11, 2023; and if necessary Wednesday, January 18, 2023. If in person meetings are not feasible, the CNC will meet virtually on the Zoom platform instead.
The PC is still accepting public comments on proposed amendments to the Non-Partisan Resolution until September 30.
Access to a public comment summary of proposed changes on the PC website is here:
A public comment markup of the current Non-Partisan Resolution is here:
For more information contact PC Chair Michelle Sterling, michellesterling1@gmail.com, or PC Vice Chair Peri Zelig, perizelig@gmail.com. The other members of the 2022-2023 Procedure Committee are: Christian Callaghan, Susan Douglass, Madelaine Eppenstein, Carly Grossberg, Elena Kanner, Jon Krisbergh, Liz Lashbrook, Barry Meiselman, BK Munguia, Abigail Sterling Olsen, Camille Roche, Emily Shteinhauz, Ilissa Siegel, and Jay Wechsler.
Michelle Sterling, Chair
Peri Zelig, Vice Chair
Procedure Committee
