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Nick, as I said, I have no issue with Rauol Wallenberg”s name as the recipient. I am just trying to figure out if there’s a back story. I have been trying to reach Tom, but he’s tough to track down. And yes, I hope to do something for the U Thant family I’m not a journalist (don’t ask), I’m not a historian, but I plan to do an oral history style piece on U Thant in Riverdale.
<p style=”text-align: left;”>Peter- U Thant and his family lived in that house for ten years. His beloved grandson Thant Myint U was born in NYC, lived in that house since it’s early days, and was a student at Riverdale Country Day, right down the street. According to my brief email conversations with his grandson, U Thant conducted UN business in the house frequently, and he entertained foreign leaders there. I’ve seen photographs documenting this.</p>
The house in Riverdale was beloved by the entire family, not the least of whom by U Thant. I disagree that his connection to Riverdale was peripheral and unimportant. Quite the contrary.Thomas Casey- U Thant and his family lived in a house on the property from 1964 to a short time before his death in 1974. The house (referred to as the Douglas- U Thant House) and property were bought by a developer, and the house burned down a few years later.
I have been in touch with U Thant’s grandson who lived in the house and went to Riverdale Country Day. I hope to interview him, but I want to understand why Riverdale chose not to name this park after such a important historical figure such as I Thant. As I said I’m all for Raoul Wallenberg but it would seem more reasonable to have been U Thant, because he lived there.
Thomas Casey, do you remember why interest in U Thant Park was left on the drawing boards? It seems like U Thant Park was a much more obvious choice than Wallenberg. The question is why NOT U Thant Park? Thank you so much.
Thomas Casey, do you remember why interest in U Thant Park was left on the drawing boards? It seems like U Thant Park was a much more obvious choice than Wallenberg. The question is why NOT U Thant Park? Thank you so muchm
My question is not about Wallenberg, of whom I greatly Revere. It’s why not U Thant. The 1987 NYTimes article about the effort to create the park, refers to it as “U Thant” park.
Before I Take time off from work to dig through the Riverdale Press archives (or Parks), I was hoping that someone might have memories. But the June Eisland idea is very good, thank you so much.
Yes that is the building. It may not be extremely old but it is 110 years. It is also extremely unique and given its location, it is the one of the first buildings you see when entering Spuyten Duyvil. Thank you so much.
This development is owned by Timber Equities, of Villa Rosa Bonheur fame.
<p style=”text-align: left;”>It is unfortunate that both historical and environmental resources are at risk due to the real estate development of small properties in our community.</p>I invite members of the Kingsbridge Historical Society to sign the petition, as it has profound ramifications for historical preservation.
I will be presenting the nomination to the Community Board next month. Stand by for date confirmation.
Please sign and share with your family and friends.
Thank you.
Thank you all for this great McKelvey detective work. Ironically I recently found Bonnie Brae on a 1909 map.
The asbestos abatement of Villa Rosa Bonheur is complete, Timber Equities has received a demolition permit and will begin demolition next Monday.
I will be petitioning the Community Board for a street co/naming of Bradley Terrrace in January. I am scrambling to pull together documentary evidence of John J. McKelvey’s contributions to our community, I would be very grateful for any materials you could send my way, or point me to, and if people could show up for the presentation. (third Thursday in January). A big turnout is important to a positive vote.
I haven’t had a chance to to fully read this string but I’m very happy to see it. Thanks so much.
