Saturday, May 31, 2014

AN UNEXPECTED VINTAGE SURPRISE @ ST. AUGUSTINE'S RUMMAGE SALE

Welcome to Everything Croton, a collection of all things Croton--our history, our homes, our issues, our businesses, our schools--in short, EVERYTHING CROTON.

So there we were at St. Augustine's annual JuneFest and Rummage Sale when we spot a great big coffee table art book for a song. Imagine our surprise when we got home and found this folded up inside.  Out came the iron and after some very careful pressing and only minimal brittle edge of the paper loss---ta-da!

The Sunday Mirror 1946: Billy Conn and Joe Louis. Soon to be framed and presented to a friend who loves all things boxing.

We love rummage sales! The festivities continue on Sunday 6/1 @ St. Augustine's while Croton's annual Summerfest takes center stage. 

THE 5/29 BRIAN POWERS LETTER, A DISTURBING SERIES OF EMAIL EXCERPTS FROM MAYOR LEO WIEGMAN

Regarding the mayor's taxpayer funded medical benefits of $20K plus and his alleged "full-time mayoral/employee status": The 5/29/14 edition of The Gazette contains a new letter from resident Brian Powers. It picks up on his original "Shame on you" Mayor Wiegman letter of 5/8 and contains a number of disturbing excerpts from emails written by the mayor in response. Click on the image below, re-printed here at Everything Croton by request of Mr. Powers.

You can read Mr. Powers' 5/8/14 Shame on You Mayor Wiegman letter again at this link http://everythingcroton.blogspot.com/2014/05/shame-on-you-mayor-wiegman-letter-from.html 

YOU MAY ALSO HAVE AN INTEREST IN --THE 4/24 GAZETTE ARTICLE: "In the village's 116-year history, this is the first time someone has used his place on the Village Board for personal financial gain", JOEL GINGOLD; http://everythingcroton.blogspot.com/2014/04/the-gazette-42414-croton-budget-flak.html  

--HOW THE MAYOR BECAME "FULL TIME", IN HIS OWN WORDS http://everythingcroton.blogspot.com/2014/05/gazette-letter-how-mayor-became-full.html  



JEANNIE, JOAN OF ARC & MORE FROM CROTON'S OWN TOM FARANDA'S FOLLY

Welcome to Everything Croton, a collection of all things Croton--our history, our homes, our issues, our businesses, our schools--in short, EVERYTHING CROTON.

You just never know what you'll find at Croton's own Tom Faranda's Folly:

--JEANNIE, 50 YEARS LATER http://tomfaranda.typepad.com/folly/2014/05/cnn-barbara-eden-tlaks-about-jeannie-50-years-later.html

--JOAN OF ARC, THE ANNIVERSARY OF HER EXECUTION http://tomfaranda.typepad.com/folly/2014/05/joan-of-arc-anniversary-of-her-unjust-execution-today.html

REMEMBERING CROTON MAYOR ALBERT ROZELL

Welcome to Everything Croton, a collection of all things Croton--our history, our homes, our issues, our businesses, our schools--in short, EVERYTHING CROTON. 

Courtesy of the outstanding archives maintained by the volunteers of The Croton Historical Society and from the GEORGE J. FERRIS collection: REMEMBERING CROTON MAYOR ALBERT ROZELL. Click on the images below.  Stay tuned for more "remembering" Croton mayors.

Friday, May 30, 2014

AGENDA FOR 6/2/14 VILLAGE BD. OF TRUSTEES MEETING INCLUDES EXEC SESSION ON THE CLOSED WASTE TRANSFER STATION SITE

The agenda for the 6/2 board meeting is now online. You can read the agenda here http://bit.ly/1oT13O5

On the agenda is a request from the Village Manager to go into executive session to update the board on the 1A Croton Point litigation. (The former Metro Enviro waste transfer site.)

If you're confused and don't understand what this litigation is about, there's a good reason. Read all about it here: http://everythingcroton.blogspot.com/2014/02/an-important-letter-regarding-village.html

CROTON TO MODIFY ZONING LAW FOR HUD??? THE DAILY VOICE

As many of you know, HUD, the monitor has deemed that Croton (by way of Harmon re-zoning, the mayor has admitted that the village got into trouble over the special permit in Harmon re-zoning, an issue the board was repeatedly warned about by residents--they were warned about the bedroom restrictions provision too) is one of several communities that engage in "exclusionary" zoning.

You may therefore have an interest in this article. It goes without saying that our officials continue to say next to nothing to the public about what comes next. Freedom of Information requests have been submitted; awaiting responses.

EXCERPTS FROM THE DAILY VOICE ARTICLE ON HUD, THE HOUSING SETTLEMENT, POSSIBLE LAW CHANGES; click on the link below to read the entire article:

"On the other hand, the Town of Mamaroneck has modified its zoning and been removed from the list of seven. Of the six remaining, five have been talking to Johnson, without the county’s involvement, to help remove its exclusionary zoning, Kaplowitz said.

“We understand many of these communities are right on the cusp of, and in fact will be legislating some changes to their exclusionary zoning,” he said.

While Croton, Lewisboro, Pound Ridge, the Town of Ossining and Pelham Manor have all started those talks, Harrison “isn’t as far along,” according to Kaplowtiz.

The hope is that when Johnson completes his report in August that he will find no exclusionary zoning because the six communities will have modified their zoning. " 


READ MORE HERE
http://cortlandt.dailyvoice.com/politics/legislator-announces-break-westchester-hud-logjam-over-housing


YOU MAY ALSO HAVE AN INTEREST IN  http://everythingcroton.blogspot.com/2014/05/a-52914-update-on-175-old-post-road.html

1951: CROTON MEN CROSS ICE TO SAVE STRANDED YOUTHS

Welcome to Everything Croton, a collection of all things Croton--our history, our homes, our issues, our businesses, our schools--in short, EVERYTHING CROTON. 

Courtesy of the outstanding archives maintained by the volunteers of The Croton Historical Society and from the GEORGE J. FERRIS collection, an amazing story from 1951: CROTON MEN CROSS ICE TO SAVE STRANDED YOUTHS - that deserved it's own post - click on the images. A lot of "old Croton" in here.

You may have also have an interest in http://everythingcroton.blogspot.com/2014/05/a-look-back-croton-all-volunteer-fire.html   


Thursday, May 29, 2014

THE 5/29/14 GAZETTE, THE MAYOR'S MEDICAL BENEFITS, AN INTERESTING BRIAN POWERS LETTER

UPDATED: THIS LETTER is now online @ http://everythingcroton.blogspot.com/2014/05/the-529-brian-powers-letter-disturbing.html

Regarding the mayor's taxpayer funded medical benefits of $20K plus: Today's 5/29/14 edition of The Gazette contains a new letter from resident Brian Powers. It picks up on his original "Shame on you" Mayor Wiegman 5/8/14 letter and contains a number of disturbing excerpts from emails written by the mayor in response to that 5/8 letter.

MORE FABULOUS VINTAGE WEBSITES, FINDS, ETC. FROM EVERYTHING CROTON

It just isn't Christmas without Chicago Flying Scout Roller Skates--the kind most of us learned to skate with--a great old ad from 1940. They were heavy--and noisy--with or without rubber tires--and this style dominated the market well into the sixties. Although many people saw them as dangerous, none of us remember falling (perhaps that's selective memory!). 

Followed by a wonderful still of Gene Tierney, circa 1946.  Truly one of the Hollywood's most beautiful and talented actresses. While some remember her best for "Laura", she will always be Mrs. Muir to others. You can see the trailer for The Ghost & Mrs. Muir here https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zN6S6FwT5HM

Click on the photos.

Paul has set up a new thread over at the Cardboard Christmas forums for Pete's vintage putz house collection items.  From time to time, he's sent a photo for posting--and now they will have a central location--only one on for now but we suspect that will change http://bit.ly/2heyAcx

If you like Victorian inspired nature "scrap reliefs", Blumchen has butterflies, amphibians and bugs available here  http://www.blumchen.com/scrap_pictures_shop_animals_pg3.html

A simply outstanding collection of vintage Christmas cards, some with very impressive mid century modern graphics https://www.flickr.com/photos/hollywoodplace/sets/72157638719243393/

A 5/29/14 UPDATE ON 175 OLD POST ROAD NORTH

As many of you know, a recent response from the village to a foil request revealed numerous items detailing a possible plan for "shared housing" at 175 Old Post Road North, the former Bell Mansion. You can read the background info here: http://everythingcroton.blogspot.com/2014/05/single-room-occupancy-shared-housing.html  

For those who have inquired about whether or not there is any additional information, another freedom of information request was submitted to the village for the period 4/25/14 through 5/21/14. I received a response on 5/31; there was no additional information in it for 175 Old Post Road North sent by the village. 

2015 UPDATED, APRIL http://everythingcroton.blogspot.com/2015/03/westchester-mag-relive-gatsby-age-175.html

PART 2, A LOOK BACK @ THE CROTON ALL-VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENT, THE 1930's & 1940's

Welcome to Everything Croton, a collection of all things Croton--our history, our homes, our issues, our businesses, our schools--in short, EVERYTHING CROTON. 

Courtesy of the outstanding archives maintained by the volunteers of The Croton Historical Society and from the GEORGE J. FERRIS collection:

PART 2, A LOOK BACK @ THE CROTON ALL-VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENT, THE 1930's & 1940's - Click on the scans below and stay tuned for more. SEE PART 1  HERE http://www.everythingcroton.blogspot.com/2014/05/a-look-back-croton-all-volunteer-fire.html

Please note we did our best to decipher the caption under the 1939 Croton Dam rescue article.
 
FOR MORE ABOUT YOUR ALL VOLUNTEER CROTON FIRE DEPT., VISIT https://www.facebook.com/CrotonFire

Wednesday, May 28, 2014

THE 1928 ROLMONICA, GONE BUT NOT FORGOTTEN

Continuing our new Everything Croton series for 2014 - GONE BUT NOT FORGOTTEN - we bring you the latest from 1928: THE ROLMONICA! 

Patented in 1928 and made of Bakelite, the Rolmonica was billed as a "Pocket Player Piano". Click on the photo to read all about it--with thanks to Sister M. for her archived copy.

Want to see the Rolmonica in action, click on the link https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q2c9IFClFKc

SEE PREVIOUS INSTALLMENTS OF THIS SERIES HERE:

SPECIAL REQUEST: EXAMINER NEWS 2011, TRUSTEE GALLELLI RETRACTS GOUVEIA STATEMENTS

A resident has asked for a re-print of the following information regarding the Gouveia property.

MAY 2011, TRUSTEE GALLELLI RETRACTS STATEMENTS THAT LED THE PUBLIC TO BELIEVE THAT THE TOWN OF CORTLANDT AND THE OPEN SPACE INSTITUTE WANT THE GOUVEIA PROPERTY; EXAMINER NEWS "During the May 16  meeting Trustee Ann Gallelli retracted comments she had made previously that led the public to believe that the Town of Cortlandt and the Open Space Institute wanted the Gouveia property... She publicly admitted that neither party has an interest in the property." 

The article by Faith Ann Butcher is not online; a hard copy of the article is available upon request. 

A LOOK BACK @ THE CROTON ALL-VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENT, THE 1930's & 1940's

Welcome to Everything Croton, a collection of all things Croton--our history, our homes, our issues, our businesses, our schools--in short, EVERYTHING CROTON. 

Courtesy of the outstanding archives maintained by the volunteers of The Croton Historical Society and from the GEORGE J. FERRIS collection:

A LOOK BACK @ THE CROTON ALL-VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENT, THE 1930's & 1940's - Click on the scans below and stay tuned for more.

You may also have an interest in http://everythingcroton.blogspot.com/2014/05/updated-for-memorial-day-2014-croton-on.html

FOR MORE ABOUT YOUR ALL VOLUNTEER CROTON FIRE DEPT., VISIT https://www.facebook.com/CrotonFire

Updated: Part 2 http://everythingcroton.blogspot.com/2014/05/part-2-look-back-croton-all-volunteer.html


Tuesday, May 27, 2014

MORE FABULOUS VINTAGE WEBSITES, FINDS, ETC. FROM EVERYTHING CROTON

Life's a funny place. You can go years without ever finding a vintage Tavern Christmas Candles ad and then bam--two in a row; this one is from 1946 and features Santa Claus. Click on the photo.

Two's Company was making a great repro of this one as well; you can see it here http://bit.ly/1tMI2yR

Red White & Blue Honeycomb--we love it! http://bit.ly/2EqgBqo

A page of vintage aluminum Christmas trees courtesy of the ETSY blog http://etsy.me/2E0Cor0

1962 SHAKESPEARE FESTIVAL, COURTESY OF THE LATE ED RONDTHALER & THE CROTON HISTORICAL SOCIETY

Welcome to Everything Croton, a collection of all things Croton--our history, our homes, our issues, our businesses, our schools--in short, EVERYTHING CROTON. 

The late Ed Rondthaler bequeathed many items to the Croton Historical Society, among them a large scrapbook of newspaper clippings. We thought you'd enjoy just a small sample of those he kept on Croton's Shakespeare Festival, 1962: Click on the scans below. Actor Peter Strauss is in here as well. We did our best to clean them up--they were very brittle, yellow and faded.

You may also have an interest in http://everythingcroton.blogspot.com/2012/11/final-installment-crotons-shakespeare.html


OBITUARY FOR EARNEST R. ONEY

Myra Oney's father has passed away; the obituary follows below; our condolences to the family:

Earnest R. Oney
Earnest Ralph Oney passed away peacefully at Calvary Hospital in the Bronx on May 24, 2014, one week shy of his 94th birthday.

Born in Wellington Ohio on Memorial Day, May 31st, 1920 he was the eldest of four boys born to Ethel Lucinda (Gadfield) and Ernest Preston Oney.

Ernie served as a Medic in WW II as part of the 26th Infantry Yankee Division. With his division, he landed at Utah Beach in September 1944, saw action at the Battle of the Bulge, and was part of the forces liberating Gusen Concentration Camp in Czechoslovakia in May 1945. He was a recipient of the Purple Heart. He also served with the OSS, the Office of Special Services, as a linguist and decoder.

An avid scholar and linguist, Ernie received his Master’s degrees from Ashland College and the Sorbonne in Paris, and his PHD in linguistics from the Oriental Institute of the University of Chicago in 1950.  He was recruited there by Allen Dulles to join the newly formed Central Intelligence Agency. He spent the next thirty years as a political analyst on the Middle Eastern desk, with assignments in Iraq, Afghanistan, Pakistan, and Iran.  He served two tours in Iran, one as Chief of Station for the Middle East.

Ernie married Helen Taylor, who he had met when they were serving as lab technicians at Camp Campbell, KY on January 13th, 1946.  She pre-deceased him February 26th, 2013 after 67 years of an adventurous marriage.

Upon retiring, Ernie continued to teach, write and serve as a congressional advisor on the Middle East. He also continued to pursue his lifelong interest in HAM radio operation (he had received his radio license at age 10) as part of the Army Net, connecting service men and women overseas with their families He and Helen moved to Winchester, VA in 1985, living in their lovingly restored Civil War era home.  There he served in the Virginia Defense Force as communications specialist, flying on rescue and drug surveillance missions.

In 1999 they moved to Croton on Hudson, NY to be closer to family.  In his later retirement years, he continued to write and pursue his interest in genealogy research. 

Ernie is survived by his children Tom (Peggy) of Ozark, MO; Myra Oney (Ned Hatton) of Croton on Hudson, NY; grandchildren Zachary Oney-Hatton of Croton on Hudson;  Megan Hegwood(Chad) of Des Moines, IA; Darby Krug (Cody) of Pleasant Hill, MO; Kaylin Kirkey (Chris) of Ozark, MO; Molly Oney of Ozark, Mo., and great grandchildren Peyton and Gauge Hegwood, Julia Krug and Zedd Kirkey.  He is also survived by several loving nieces and nephews. He has gone to join Helen and his loving brothers and sisters-in-law, Bob (Wilma) Oney, Chuck (Mary Vivian) Oney and Dick Oney, and his beloved nephew Sean Oney in this new adventure.    

Ernie was a loving father who dedicated his life in service to his country, and he will be greatly missed. The family is grateful to the loving and compassionate care of the doctors, nurses and staff of Calvary Hospital hospice care.  He and Helen will be put to rest at Arlington National Cemetery in a private ceremony at a later date.