Summer 2000

"The Ole Swimmin' Hole" (July 2000 Feature Article) | Mohegan Lake (Spring 2000 Feature Articles) | Resource Information | List of Old Yorktown Cemeteries | Upcoming Events | Book: Yorktown at War | Message from the President | New Members

The New York State Office of Parks, Recreation, and Historic Preservation (OPRHP) and the New York State Board for Historic Preservation have announced a new initiative to increase participation in the State and National Registers of Historic Places program during the year 2000. "A National Register for the New Millennium" seeks to identify and nominate properties statewide that will enhance and promote the use and the reputation of the Registers in New York.

The effort to identify important historic properties for listing in the Registers is motivated by the desire to expand the State and National Registers of Historic Places program in New York State. Developed in cooperation with the State Board for Historic Preservation, the goals are to:

• Develop a more proactive State and National Registers program;
• Increase public participation in the program
• Increase public understanding and appreciation of the Registers;
• Target highly significant properties in the State for Registers listing; and
• Target underrepresented areas for State and National Registers outreach.

1. Hyatt Plot: Small cemetery located on Route 132; on bank opposite Bernstein/Adam house property. Contains only three gravestones with inscriptions, with a blank stone on the ground that could possibly be another gravestone. One gravestone, leaning against a tree, is that of Jamima Ferris, wife of George Ferris.
2. Brown Cemetery: Small cemetery on Hanover Road abuts property of Carrol and Keith McAleer, 1536 Hanover Road. Contains four Brown family engraved upright white stones.
3. Tompkins Burial Grounds: Located on the west side of Baldwin Road, opposite the large green Russo/Stark mailbox. It is surrounded by low field stonewalls with a small gate and steps. There are quite a few gravestones, and small markers. There is an attractive large white one inscribed Harriet Lapen, daughter of Tompkins. Many good size trees and shrubs have to be cleared.
4. Purdy’s Cemetery or Burial Ground: Located at Mohansic Golf Course in Yorktown Heights, NY. At the rear of the driving range there is an underground burial crypt that has been partially obliterated. The top stone step that descended to the underground room and what appears to be a stone lintel, other stones opposite the top step that appear as supports are still in place.
5. Baptist Church Road Cemetery: Located adjacent to the Community Church on Baptist Church Road and intersection of Hunterbrook Road. Reference person, Verna May Quetkowski (245-2988).
6. Presbyterian Church Cemetery: Located adjacent to church, located on Route 202 and 132, opposite Downing Park.
7. Shrub Oak Cemetery: Located across from the Methodist Church on Main Street, Shrub Oak, NY.
8. Aner Gerow Cemetery: Located on east side of Illington Road, down the road from the former Wiltwick Boys Home.
9. East Yard Cemetery: Granite Springs Road on hillside between Route 202 and Quinlan Street.
10. Hayes Family Cemetery: I was told that a cemetery from that family existed in the Baptist Church Road or Hunterbrook Road area.

September 14, 2000 – Antique Benefit Appraisal - Antique buffs are invited to find out what their family treasures are worth by attending the Yorktown Historical Society’s "Antique Benefit Appraisal" on September 14th, 2000 -7:30PM at the Yorktown Community and Cultural Center’s Senior Meeting Room. Featuring appraisals of: jewelry, porcelain, pottery, pewter, silver paintings, toys, dolls, glassware and collectibles, Donation: $12 for three items. Proceeds will benefit the Yorktown Historical Society’s educational and preservation programs. Call 245-5153 for additional information.

October 21, 2000 – Fall Foliage Walk - Save this date to visit the quarry in Sylvan Glen Park. Judy Shepard will conduct a fall foliage walk through the park on October 14 (rain date October 21) 2000 at 9:30 AM. Pick up a brochure about this special park at Yorktown Town Hall or the John C. Hart library.

November 4, 2000 – Yorktown Memory Date - "Yorktown Memory Day" program, scheduled for November 4th, at the Field Home/Holy Comforter, Catherine Street. Members of the community will be encouraged to bring their family mementos or historic artifacts to display and talk about. Oral history, family information and personal recollections that could be recorded will also be welcome. Time and format will be, announced at a later date. Community members interested in participating are encouraged to contact the Yorktown Historical Society, Box 355, Yorktown Heights, NY 10598.

We are very excited with the significant progress our organization has made in membership, programs and visibility, in the community during the last two years. We hope that you will attend one of our meetings and get involved in an area that interests you. I look forward to hearing from you. Please call me at 914-962-2071 or Email me Rgiord19@bestweb.net

New Members