HISTORY & MYSTERIES
These details are from a map of the Town of Cortlandt which accompanied the 1940 census. According to a note on the map it was prepared in January, 1935 "in the office of the County Engineer, with workers supplied by the Westchester County Emergency Work Bureau." The map can be viewed and downloaded from the … Continue reading Census Map of Croton, 1935
Another example of the innovative advertising Clifford B. Harmon used to sell land in Harmon, “the highest, healthiest, most beautiful, most accessible and most aristocratic part of Westchester County. . . . where the New York Central's million dollar electric terminal is located.” “Don't wait! HARMON is your golden opportunity. . . . $10 secures … Continue reading Cannon Ball Time to Harmon
"Something New!" proclaimed this ad from the May 30, 1908 issue of the Peekskill Highland Democrat. "Right on the Beautiful Croton River, where Cool Breezes blow even on the warmest days." This ad must have been the beginning of a publicity campaign, because about a month later the New York Times 1 published a short … Continue reading American Cooking, Japanese Service!
Oscar Levant, the quick-witted pianist, composer, actor, author and quiz-show panelist, had his first "extended engagement" at the Mikado Inn in 1922. In his 1965 book, The Memoirs of an Amnesiac, Levant wrote about those days, which must have been quite an experience for a young man who was then just 16 years old. "During … Continue reading Oscar Levant Plays the Mikado
"Harmon-on-the-Hudson has been one of the most active suburb real estate centers since early this spring," reported the New York Tribune in this article published on June 12, 1921. "Clifford B. Harmon . . . says that in the last few weeks about one hundred building lots have been sold mostly to recently married couples, … Continue reading Newly Married Folks Buy . . . at Harmon
On June 17, 1922 the New York Times published an article on several raids conducted by Federal prohibition agents. The Central Brewing Company in New York City was indicted for selling beer with more than 4% alcohol content. The Feds also seized a Rabbi's wine, a widow's whiskey still and further upstate some multi-talented agents … Continue reading Our Multi-Talented Federal Prohibition Agents
"Nikko Inn, in Harmon-on-Hudson, Must Close for Two Months," read the headline of a short article in the New York Times, on May 20, 1925. "Ten restaurants, saloons and speakeasies were ordered closed yesterday by Judge John C. Knox in the Federal Padlock Court. The Nikko Inn, a Japanese roadhouse and tea room in Harmon-on-Hudson, … Continue reading Roy Kojima, Busted and Boastful
This vintage post card of the Nikko Inn is interesting for several reasons. Given the high cost of color printing at beginning of the 20th century, the fact that this is printed in black-and-white indicates that it was probably a local production—not a card issued by a major publisher. The back side confirms this because … Continue reading A Delightful Place to Dine
On July 16, 1928, when the New York Times published the obituary of William E. Harmon, the newspaper quoted from an interview he had given years earlier in which he described how he started his real estate empire. "The surest way is to hit upon something that everybody wants, make it possible for everyone to buy it … Continue reading What Does Everyone Want? Land
On July 16, 1928 the New York Times published the obituary of William E. Harmon. Three days later, the Times revealed his secret. "William E. Harmon . . . a retired real estate operator noted for his philanthropies . . . was Jedediah Tingle, the mysterious philanthropist who made generous financial gifts to great writers, … Continue reading William E. Harmon’s Death Reveals His Secret
CROTON 