Historic Pelham Blog Archive
February 28, 2006

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There is a tiny reference in Lockwood Barr's history of Pelham published in 1946 that references efforts in the early 19th century to turn the roadway we know today as "Shore Road" into a "real" road rather than a country path. The reference reads as follows:

"The Shore Road was made into a real road by the Westchester and Pelham Turnpike Co., incorporated April 5, 1817."

Barr, Lockwood, A Brief, But Most Complete & True Account of the Settlement of the Ancient Town of Pelham Westchester County, State of New York Known One Time Well & Favourably as the Lordshipp & Manour of Pelham Also The Story of the Three Modern Villages Called The Pelhams, p. 51 (Richmond, VA: The Dietz Press, Inc. 1946).

I have had much difficulty researching the background and existence of The Westchester and Pelham Turnpike Company. At least one source suggests that the name of the company actually was "Westchester and Pelham Turnpike Road Company". A brief notice that referenced the company appeared in the July 3, 1817 issue of Commercial Advertiser. The announcement provided notice of a meeting to elect the directors of the Company and reveals some details regarding the company. The notice reads as follows:

"NOTICE is hereby given, that an election of Directors in the Westchester and Pelham Turnpike Road Company will be held at the office of Thomas C. Taylor, situate at No. 41 Robinson-street, in the third ward of the city of New-York, on the first Monday of August next, at the hour of 12 o'clock at noon; at which time and place the subscribers of shares in the said company, are notified to attend accordingly. Dated this 3d day of July, 1817.

WM. BAYARD,       )
B.W. ROGERS,      } Commissioners.
THOS. C. TAYLOR, )

july 3-law4w"

Source: NOTICE, Commercial Advertiser, Jul. 3, 1817, p. 3.

The same notice also appeared on July 16, July 17 and July 22. See NOTICE, Commercial Advertiser, Jul. 16, 1817, p. 4; NOTICE, Commercial Advertiser, Jul. 17, 1817, p. 4; NOTICE, Commercial Advertiser, Jul. 22, 1817, p. 4.

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posted by Blake A. Bell @ 4:49 AM Comment

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