& EVEN MORE FROM THE ED RONDTHALER SCRAPBOOKS

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

For village residents, the name Edward (Ed) Rondthaler will be forever synonymous with Croton-on-Hudson. You can read more about him here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Edward_Rondthaler 

As many of you know, Rondthaler donated his scrapbooks to The Croton Historical Society some years ago Filled with newspaper clippings, some notes and photos, they are a time capsule of village life...and as promised, Everything Croton and the trusty elves will  be sharing some of these pages with you throughout 2015. 

Click on the photos below. See more from Rondthaler's scrapbooks here  http://everythingcroton.blogspot.com/2015/02/the-1962-croton-day-camp-circus.html and here http://everythingcroton.blogspot.com/2015/02/1962-tears-flood-kids-eyes-as-summer.html

CROTON 1945: AND MORE WARTIME LETTERS BACK HOME

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

By overwhelming request, we've tracked down more "Wartime Letters Back Home". Thanks once again to the outstanding archives maintained by the volunteers of The Croton Historical Society. Click on the photos below to read letters from George Tice, Corporal William H. Thiele and Corporate George E. Gray. See more Wartime Letters Back Home here http://everythingcroton.blogspot.com/2015/02/1945-more-croton-wartime-letters-back.html

You may also have an interest in: The 70th Anniversary of Iwo Jima, courtesy of Tom Faranda's Folly http://tomfaranda.typepad.com/folly/2015/02/iconic-image-70th-anniversary-of-iwo-jima.html

THE 2/26/15 GAZETTE: CROTON, ACCESSORY APARTMENT LAW CHANGES

As you know, Croton is still on the list of communities that engage in exclusionary and or restrictive and or discriminatory zoning as determined by HUD/the monitor. As is well documented, the monitor had issues with the special permit requirements in Harmon re-zoning--as opposed to "as of right" for multifamily housing--the restrictions on the village's accessory apartment law, and so forth.

In March of 2013, the monitor overseeing the Spano-brokered housing settlement sent village officials a letter and a "report card". That letter/report card was obtained pursuant to a freedom of information request. In that letter, it was asserted that the village's low income/affordable housing unit obligation was 115 units--for which it was given "credit" for 15 apartments, leaving an obligation of 100 units. Also in that letter was the following:  

THE VILLAGE WILL NOT SATISFY ITS OBLIGATION UNLESS IT ALLOWS FOR MULTIFAMILY HOUSING IN ADDITIONAL DISTRICTS OR PROVIDES FOR AFFORDABLE HOUSING TYPES. THIS MAY REQUIRE LOOSENING THE RESTRICTIONS ON ACCESSORY UNITS OR EXPLORING POSSIBILITIES FOR REDEVELOPMENT.

You can see the monitor's letter and Croton's report card obtained pursuant to a FOIL request here: http://everythingcroton.blogspot.com/2013/04/hud-letter-to-croton-now-online.html

Fast track to THE GAZETTE 2/26/15:  You are encouraged to read the lead article, which details the substantive loosening of restrictions on Croton's accessory apartment law, HUD, etc. 

NOTE: ACCESSORY APARTMENT CHANGES were discussed in the 2/23/15 work session; unfortunately, the meeting audiotape is still not online at this time; you can check back at this link http://view.earthchannel.com/PlayerController.aspx?&PGD=crotononhudson&eID=494

The changes to the accessory apartment law have not yet been voted on by the board which has the ultimate responsibility for this decision. That must be done in a public meeting.

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

So many wonderful things to show--and tell you about--will probably have to do multiple posts today if time permits.

To the right, the "X-100 Mystery Dart Gun", 1940s, made by Arliss Co., Brooklyn--great looking space gun shoots darts that you fill with talcum powder... "Hits its mark! Leaves a mark!";
featured in a previous auction @ Croton's own SeriousToyz.com - We just love the "space-y" lines of this thing. And fyi: Stay tuned for info about upcoming 2015 auctions at serioustoyz.com

It's followed by an amazing art deco, possibly very early 1940's, bar--and it was discovered at Asbury Methodist's 2009 Spring Tag Sale no less. It didn't remain unsold for very long! And fyi: stay tuned for info about the 2015 Asbury Spring Tag Sale.

Click on the photos and enjoy.

Meanwhile at CardboardChristmas.com
--From Tom H: paper label anomalies, Made in Japan putz houses http://www.cardboardchristmas.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=355
--You just can't keep that Howard Lamey down! He's building "a proper English country house"; see the work in progress here http://www.cardboardchristmas.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=820
--And check out Pam's Easter themed picture window house http://www.cardboardchristmas.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=29&t=819

If you're looking for unusual holiday paper friezes, garlands and more you just can't get in the states--and don't mind currency conversion and postage--check out http://www.mamelok.com/ - they have 10% off until 3/31 -- also masks, unusual scraps, cards and more - http://www.mamelok.com/friezes-garlands/cat_10.html

WANT MORE VINTAGE? GO HERE http://www.everythingcroton.blogspot.com/2015/02/more-fabulous-vintage-websites-finds_25.html

Stay tuned for more.

MORE 1945 CROTON: PERFUME FACTORY, UNITED NATIONAL CLOTHING COLLECTION AND...

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

We don't come across a lot on Compagnie Parento, a.ka. the "perfume factory" on Brook Street, but when we do...see below for an April 26, 1945 article from the Croton-on-Hudson News, courtesy of the outstanding newspaper archives at The
Croton Historical Society. Also included are some other items from the same page, including Croton's efforts in the United National Clothing Collection; LOTS of familiar "old Croton" names here from the business community, Holy Name of Mary, the Croton Lions, Dr. Semisa, Sol Gerstein and others. Click on the photos. 

Read more about the perfume factory here: http://everythingcroton.blogspot.com/2014/08/more-on-crotons-perfume-factory-find.html

Want more Croton 1945? Go here http://everythingcroton.blogspot.com/2014/06/spring-1945-croton-brothers-meet-in.html

You may also have an interest in: A LOOK BACK AT SOL GERSTEIN  http://everythingcroton.blogspot.com/2014/05/a-look-back-sol-gerstein.html

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

Alright, you win.  Those of us who love winter and cold and snow have now reached the threshold - it is brutally cold out there!

Time to think spring....and rabbits pulling magicians out of hats--a wonderful 1945 ad for Schlitz beer--it was yellowed--it was faded--but we just HAD to bring it back! SO WORTH A SECOND LOOK. https://www.flickr.com/photos/22283683@N07/16023939313/

And Paul Race has come up with an outstanding collection of spring houses--for Valentine's Day, Candlemas, St. Pat's and Easter--if you can wrap a package, you CAN make these!  Click on the photo...but first...

Paul's February 2015 Trains-N-Towns™, the Official Newsletter of BIGIndoorTrains.com, BIGChristmasTrains.com, and HalloweenTrains.com is now online. 

This newsletter serves families who like O Scale trains and Christmas Trains, including those who are interested in combining On30, O gauge, or vintage toy trains with collectible villages or vintage accessories. It is produced in conjunction with the Big Indoor Trains(tm) and Big Christmas Trains(tm) web sites.

Topics discussed in this update include:

• Free Spring-Themed Building Projects - A whole new holiday village in the style of the vintage lithographed structures that graced many tinplate railroads in the early 1900s. This set celebrates Spring, and fits on a kind of box that many folks have too many of this time of year.
• Clever Models Free Downloads - Realistic buildings you can also make from cardboard.
• Cardboard Marx Station Find - In case you think that making your buildings out of cardboard is a new practice, a vintage cardboard station comes to light.
• Vintage O and S Train Photos Galore -Our BigIndoorTrains.com forum pages are collecting some very nice photos of vintage trains, as well as vintage magazine ads for trains.
• Add Spring Color to Your Holiday Village or Indoor Railroad - Tired of waiting for spring? You can bring spring to your railroad or village easily enough, with some scrounged weed heads and a little paint. 
• And if you're having trouble with any of the above links, just go here  http://www.bigindoortrains.com/trains_n_towns/15_02_newsletter_indoor.htm 

And...

Howard has started a new "faux flattie": a caroling family; click on the link and keep scrolling down the page for all the details http://www.cardboardchristmas.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=14&t=818

70th anniversary of Iwo Jima http://everythingcroton.blogspot.com/2015/02/70th-anniversary-of-iwo-jima.html

WANT MORE VINTAGE? GO HERE  http://www.everythingcroton.blogspot.com/2015/02/more-fabulous-vintage-websites-finds_23.html

1962 CROTON: TEARS FLOOD KIDS' EYES AS SUMMER ENDS BEST REC. DEPT. PROGRAM YET

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

MORE FROM THE ED RONDTHALER SCRAPBOOKS, courtesy of the outstanding archives maintained by the volunteers of The Croton Historical Society. Click on the images below. And since "Chuckles" candy is featured so prominently in this article, you may also enjoy visiting http://www.oldtimecandy.com/

 

MORE FROM THE VERY TALENTED DILLON O'KEEFE

ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

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

More from the very talented Dillon O'Keefe, son of Baked by Susan's Chris and Susan O'Keefe. Click on the photo. See more from Dillon here http://everythingcroton.blogspot.com/2014/12/dillon-okeefe-frankis-grill-in-croton.html

FOLLOW UP TO THE CHICKEN COOP/STRUCTURE ON THE GOUVEIA PROPERTY

In August of 2014, photos of a new "structure"/chicken coop on the Gouveia/Something Good in The World site were sent to the village manager. The village manager responded as follows on August 18, 2014, with copies to the then board, verbatim: 

"Thank you for your email and photos regarding structures on the Gouveia property.  Not sure what the structure are for, but the Village will be ordering to be taken down or have the property owner apply for a zoning variance.   The Village has no record of an application being filed to build such structure. Representatives of the Gouveia Estate and Something good in the world will be contacted accordingly." 

UPDATED FEBRUARY 2015: Pursuant to a foil request from me dated February 19th, 2015, I requested--among other things--a copy of the village order of removal since the coop is still on the property but now with an electric fence. Photos of the coop with the fence had been posted on SGITW's fb page; a copy was sent to the village manager. The manager indicated that "at this time" the property was still "private property".

In response to my foil request for the village's order seeking removal of the chicken coop/structure, I was instead sent a December 12, 2014 letter sent to the executor of the Gouveia estate by the village, as well as the executor's response. This was not a copy of the order for the removal of the structure as had been requested in my 2/19/15 foil but instead a request by the village for a meeting to discuss the coop and other zoning issues.

As I did not ask for a letter to the estate requesting a meeting, I once again asked for a copy of the village's order to remove the structure as outlined in the village manager's email of August 18, 2014. 

In a further response dated today 2/23/14, the village stated "No documents exist" nor has SGITW/Gouveia estate applied for the necessary permits or variances; the village has issued no violations.

Click on the images below.

 

FEBRUARY REQUEST FOR INFO: THE MAYOR'S HEALTH INSURANCE

We've had a request for a number of links and documents relative to the mayor's health insurance. They are provided below--but  for your info: you can use the handy search box at the top of the screen on the left hand side in the future.

As you know, Mayor Wiegman, after declaring himself full-time and entitled to taxpayer funded health benefits for himself and his family, suddenly gave up the insurance in recent weeks--and after repeatedly refusing to do so when asked throughout 2014.

Here are the requested links. Again, the search box is at the top screen, left hand side:

-APRIL 2014 GAZETTE ARTICLE 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 
--A 5/29 UPDATE, BRIAN POWERS, ADD'L LETTER TO THE GAZETTE DETAILING SOME DISTURBING EMAIL COMMENTARY BY THE MAYOR http://everythingcroton.blogspot.com/2014/05/the-529-brian-powers-letter-disturbing.html 
--BOARD REMAINS SILENT ON MAYOR'S HEALTH INSURANCE https://www.facebook.com/notes/croton-united/trustees-gallelli-slippen-candidate-pugh-say-we-feel-it-is-not-for-any-of-us-to-/357497134407324 
--ON THE MAYOR'S TIMESHEET "ERRORS" and more https://www.facebook.com/notes/croton-united/croton-united-member-joel-gingold-responds-to-private-citizen-john-mcbride/399097446913959
--TIMESHEETS https://www.facebook.com/crotonunited/photos/a.315869625236742.1073741828.315297801960591/360693010754403/?type=1&theater
--VIRGINIA CALCUTTI ON THE MAYOR'S ANNOUNCEMENT THAT HE IS NO LONGER RECEIVING TAXPAYER FUNDED HEALTH INSURANCE, GAZETTE LETTER  http://everythingcroton.blogspot.com/2015/02/on-mayor-wiegmans-sudden-announcement.html

IN MEMORY OF EUGENE THOMAS CAVANAUGH

A few days ago we were contacted by the daughter (Sharon Allbright) of former Croton resident, Gene Cavanaugh. She said: "Just a note to let those who remember my father, Gene Cavanaugh, he died on 2/20/2015 @ the age of 93. He wanted to spend his last months in Croton, having lived in AZ for 30 yrs."

A notice of Mr. Cavanaugh's passing has now been made at the Edward F. Carter Funeral Home (Croton) website. UPDATED: OBITUARY NOW ONLINE--don't know how long the link will last.  Click here.

By sheer coincidence, we had just posted a wartime letter back home from Mr. Cavanaugh when Ms. Allbright contacted Everything Croton. Click on the photo.

PHOTO, SKATING AT THE DUCK POND, 2/21/15

Click on the photo to see a few skaters at Croton's Duck Pond yesterday.

We hope that the village will do a far better job readying this site in the future--with enough public notice between storms, winter school breaks, cold snaps, etc. so that more residents can actually enjoy this resource. Croton's officials cannot rely on volunteers indefinitely in the management of the parks they already have--and our high priced village staff must pay more attention. With thanks to Croton United's Dan Chesnard for lighting the fire at the last board meeting that motivated our officials for at least one day of skating during winter recess.

You may also have an interest in http://everythingcroton.blogspot.com/2015/01/skating-croton-duck-pond.html

GOOD LUCK LUKE VAN ASSELT

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

From your all volunteer Croton Fire Department FB page: https://www.facebook.com/CrotonFire

On Tuesday, Firefighter Luke Van Asselt began his basic training with the United States Marine Corps. at Paris Island. Luke is an active member of Harmon Engine Company No. 3, serving alongside his father, Lt. John Van Asselt. Good luck in basic training, as well as your future in the USMC. We know you'll make us proud!

And that goes double from Everything Croton!

1945 MORE CROTON WARTIME LETTERS BACK HOME

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

By overwhelming request, we've tracked down more "Wartime Letters Back Home". Thanks once again to the outstanding archives maintained by the volunteers of The Croton Historical Society.

Today we have letters from the April and March 1945 editions of the CROTON ON HUDSON NEWS from Albert F. Rozell; Mary A. Griffin; "Georgie" (Francisco); Tommy Nolan; Rocco Pastore; August "Buddy" Schisler; Gene Cavanaugh. Click on the photos below. See more wartime letters here http://bit.ly/1zVfvYl

CROTON RESIDENT JOHN GOCHMAN HAS DIED

John was born on March 16, 1933 in Brooklyn, NY to the late Harry and Jean (Steadman) Gochaman. He attended and graduated from Brooklyn College and then went on to receive his degree in law at NYU Law School. After graduating law school, John joined the United States Army and was a proud veteran. He was a practicing attorney for over 50 years at his law firm in Croton-on-Hudson, NY.  Among his many community activities he was a past president of Temple Israel of Northern Westchester in Croton, a member of the Croton Rotary Club and Chamber of Commerce.  He was also the acting Police Justice for the Village of Croton, Croton Free Library Trustee and an active Boy Scout Leader for many years. John was a loving husband, father, grandfather and friend to many. He will be deeply missed by his family and the community he served for so many years.

He is survived by his beloved wife Barbara; loving children, Benjamin (Selene) Gochman and Janet Gochman (Joshua Rabinowitz); adoring grandchildren Mateo Gochman-Moreno and Jacob and Zoe Rabinowitz. He is also survived by many nieces and friends.

A Memorial Service will be held at 11:00 am on Monday, February 23, 2015 at Temple Israel of Northern Westchester, 31 Glengary Rd, Croton-On-Hudson, NY 10520.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in John's name can be made to: Temple Israel of Northern Westchester, 31 Glengary Rd, Croton-On-Hudson, NY 10520 or to the Croton Free Library, 171 Cleveland Dr., Croton-On-Hudson, NY 10520

Arrangements are under the direction of the EDWARD F. CARTER FUNERAL HOME, Croton-on-Hudson, NY. www.efcarterfuneralhome.com 

Editor's note: Mr. Gochman had a long history of service to the village; here's one example of many:

From 1979 http://everythingcroton.blogspot.com/2014/08/1979-croton-rotary-toggery-fundraiser.html

WARTIME CROTON: 1945, MORE LETTERS BACK HOME

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

Our recent posting from March of 1945--a letter from resident Bill Portchmouth--with mention of Pop Berger--had such an amazing response, we've tracked down more "Wartime Letters Back Home" by overwhelming request. You can see Portchmouth's letter again here http://bit.ly/1z4c7di 

And of course, this is only possible thanks to the outstanding archives maintained by the volunteers of the Croton Historical Society--and the E.C. elves who pull it all together for posting. Click on the photos below to read letters found in the April 1945 editions of the Croton-on-Hudson News from Lt. Irma E. Bruns; William Jacoby; Pfc Joseph Campanelo; Margaret E. Parsons; Emily Sullivan

SEE ADDITIONAL LETTERS HERE http://everythingcroton.blogspot.com/2015/02/1945-more-croton-wartime-letters-back.html