Eastchester Historical Society

Interesting facts

Marble Capital of the World: In 1818 the town's first marble quarry was opened. The quarries produced heavily for almost a century. The extremely high quality of "Tuckahoe Marble" was in great demand. Structures that have utilized Tuckahoe Marble include: The Government Printing Office, Washington D.C.; The General Post Office, Washington D.C. The main Public Library, New York City; Grace Episcopal Church, New York City; The Custom House, New York City; St. Patrick's Cathedral, New York City. Locally: Immaculate Conception Church (Winter Hill Road); Samuel Fee building (Main Street), and the various sections of Eastchester where the stone walls surrounding some of the older homes are of "Tuckahoe Marble."

Lawrence Park: In the 1890's many houses were built in Bronxville and became known as Lawrence Park. The houses featured very large skylights that faced the north light, thereby a lure to artists. The village was a significant center of culture at the turn of the century.

President Nixon in Eastchester

President Nixon with Mayor D'Agostino

White Plains Road: One of the oldest roads in Eastchester. Route 22 stretches from the Bronx to Canada. It is a major route between Mount Vernon and White Plains.

Cradle of American Golf: Eastchester has had its share of champions. In 1928 the town was acclaimed "cradle of American golf." Eastchester residents who have won titles are: Will MacFarlane won the U.S. Open in 1925, defeating the legendary Bobby Jones; 1926 had Jess Sweetser winning the British Amateur Championship; 1928, Johnny Farrell won the U.S. Open, again Bobby Jones the victim; 1931, Tom Creavy won the P.G.A. title, defeating Denny Shute.

Home of The Treetures : The children’s national Treeture Environmental Education Program began here in Eastchester, New York, when Judith Hope Blau created her family of whimsical characters to educate children about the important role trees play in keeping our environment healthy. The small Magic Treeture Forest Nursery on California Road and Highland Avenue became the pilot nursery for many others in the country. Twigs, the Treeture Teacher, lives in Eastchester’s Town Hall and makes Town appearances with other Treetures every April to celebrate Arbor Day. Click here to visit the Eastchester Magic Treeture Forest Nursery. (www.treetures.com/MTFN/MTFNvisit.html ). It all started here!

Title Fight at Parkway Oval: Terry McGovern, having claimed the Bantamweight title, agreed to fight Great Britain's Pedlar Palmer in Parkway Oval, Tuckahoe. The date was September 12, 1899. The bout was postponed a day because of rain. Because of the postponement a second weigh-in wasn't necessary and McGovern's weight rose from 112 to 116 pounds (a new weight for the bantam class). The McGovern~Palmer title fight was one of the briefest in ring history. The clever Palmer was given no opportunity to display his vaunted skill. Overwhelmed by the rushing, hardhitting McGovern, he was kayo'd in one minute, fifteen seconds. Sidelight: the bout started when the time-keeper accidentally hit the bell and the referee had to send the boxers to their corners for a new start, which ended disastrously for Palmer.