Forum Replies Created
-
Posts
-
I reached out to Coline Jenkins on Sunday to ask about the history of Elizabeth Cady Stanton’s descendants in Riverdale. Keep in mind that Cady Stanton had two daughters: Margaret and Harriot. I sent Coline the newspaper article and photo of Edgehill Inn. She replied immediately, said she enjoyed browsing the KHS website, and is open to a collaboration between KHS and the Elizabeth Cady Stanton Trust, Inc., which she serves as President. I will share her contact information with you, Nick and Stephanie. Here is her reply:
“Lots of family photos and books shed light. That said, a quick answer about family ties to Riverdale follow. I remember my mother Rhoda Barney Jenkins telling me that her grandmother Harriot Eaton Stanton Blatch lived in Spuyten Duyvil. In fact, I also recall seeing a photo of Harriot bundled up in a blanket on a high porch where she lived. Further, Nora Stanton Blatch deforest Barney, the mother of Rhoda, my grandmother, the niece of Margaret, plus the daughter of Harriot also has ties to Riverdale. During a brief marriage to Lee deForest, Nora was encourage to travel by boat to the deForest home on the cliff that abuts Wave Hill. Such a commute and the marriage did not work. My grandmother was the first female civil engineer to graduate from Cornell and subsequently worked for the NYC Water Supply Board, etc. I have her CV from that time. The Riverdale house still stands today and is land accessible by a steep driveway. A few years ago, on an impulse while in the area, the generous owner invited us in for a tour. She is also a collector of the house’s history. So each thread is backed by a fascinating story.
Thanks for sharing interesting info. Her great-great granddaughter Coline Jenkins attends events at Woodlawn Cemetery, where Cady Stanton is buried and is commemorated annually. I will ask Coline about this family history next time we chat.
And don’t ya’ just love the ticket prices: $5 in 1971. I heard Dennis Elsas today on WFUV mentioning a concert at Forest Hills Stadium circa 1970’s, featuring Creedence Clearwater Revival, Bo Diddley, and Tower of Power, all for $5! Those were the days for young music fans. Today, you have to be a doctor or lawyer to afford concert tickets.
“History in Asphalt,” by John McNamara, page 167, explains that Wallenberg risked his life many times to save Jews from the Nazis, distributing certificates of protection, commonly called “Wallenberg passports,” enabling them to migrate to Sweden and other countries around the world. It states that he mysteriously disappeared after the war ended. There is no explanation as to Wallenberg’s connection to the Bronx.
Thanks for keeping us informed of these events, Nick. I usually work Saturdays, or I would love to attend!
Viv Carter
Thanks for sharing the interesting booklet, Nick. There was a very similar one for the WWI vets of the Rockaway peninsula, which I uncovered while researching my book, Images of America: Rockaway Beach. Many families had multiple brothers serving. As to the flagpole, I recall a similar issue with the one at the vets memorial near the last stop on the 4 train (across from Woodlawn Cemetery). The flags can be had for free, and fire departments will raise them for you. Restoration of the pole (and moving it from DOT to Parks property) is surely more difficult. Another interesting thing I discovered on the Parks website is that the bell in the tower was cast in 1762 and was captured during the Mexican war by Gen. Winfield Scott. It was at two prior NYC sites (and a bit north of the circle) before landing there in 1936. https://www.nycgovparks.org/parks/bell-tower-park
