Electrical Engineering genius Charles Steinmetz about 1910
By Mary Hoar, City of Yonkers Historian, President Emerita Yonkers Historical Society, recipient of the 2004 Key to History, Member of the Yonkers Landmarks Preservation Board, and President Untermyer Performing Arts Council
Monday, June 26th
June 26, 1877: Aldermen Shonnard, Murphy and Morse opened an investigation into charges of “official corruption” against First Ward Alderman Joseph Riley. Riley allegedly “tried to induce” City Treasurer George Cobb to pay $750 to ensure he would stay in his position, with the Riley guaranteeing any candidate nominated by Mayor Gibson would not be confirmed. When questioned by the committee, Riley strongly denied the charges, and stated he had neither received a bribe nor asked for one. Apparently, he was not believed as he was to be brought before the entire Common Council a few weeks later.
June 26, 1929: DA Frank Coyne announced he was opposing defense attorney Sydney Syme’s motion to inspect minutes of the Grand Jury indicting client Earle Peacox, the Yonkers Torch Killer. Syme obtained an order directing Coyne to “show cause” why Syme should not.
Tuesday, June 27th
June 27, 1897: A. Conan Doyle thanked John Kendrick Bangs of Yonkers for dedicating his book, “The Pursuit of the Houseboat,” to him. Bangs’ dedication read, “To A. Conan Doyle, with the author’s sincerest regards and thanks for the untimely demise of his great detective, which made these things possible.”
Doyle responded, “How very good of you to inscribe your most amusing and original book to me! I begin to have hope of immortality now that I have got onto your flyleaf. I hope I shall be in England when next Mrs. Bangs and you come over. With all kindest remembrances to you and yours, Ever truly yours, A. Conan Doyle.
His exciting postscript: “I still live in hopes of playing round the Yonkers links once more,” with no indication of which Yonkers’ fine golf course.
Wednesday, June 28th
June 28, 1937: John Dickson of Yonkers, pioneer of wholesale distribution of newspapers in the United States, retired at the age of 73. Dickson started with eight boys: the company went from street sales to house-to-house delivery in 1898, with The Yonkers Daily News the first evening paper delivered to homes in Yonkers! When that paper stopped publishing, his company delivered The Yonkers Statesman and The Yonkers Herald until the papers merged; his company then delivered The Herald Statesman. John Dickson and Sons on Clinton Street was sold.
June 28, 1940: The first families moved into new apartments at Mulford Gardens! First family to arrive was Nicholas Spak’s, formerly of Jefferson Street. Immediately investigating the apartment, they loved the large windows and modern kitchen appliances. The families held an impromptu flag raising ceremony at the project’s flagpole at the center of the complex.
Thursday, June 29th
June 29, 1913: Forty-seven members of Kitching Post, GAR, left Yonkers for a Gettysburg battlefield reunion via a special train.
June 29, 1955: F. A. Sharpe of Intervale Place, dubbed the “River Investigator,” announced the Hudson River was getting “higher, wider and saltier at a catastrophic rate.” He forecast a time when the NY Central Railroad would abandon the Hudson Division roadbed and buildings along the river would be vacated. Increasing river currents would make boating impossible, and cities along its bank would not be able to use the river for drinking water or sewage disposal. He contended the cause was the melting polar ice caps and record high temperatures in the Artic, referencing ice bergs floating into shipping lanes as proof.
Friday, June 30th
June 30, 1877: The Yonkers Common Council, investigating charges of official corruption made against First Ward Alderman Joseph Riley in connection with the city treasurer, revealed the results of four days of statement and investigation by publishing some testimony.
June 30, 1943: Sergeant Mike Giovanniello of Yonkers took part in the amphibious assault on Rendova Island, overwhelming a Japanese military garrison and securing the island for a artillery base. Afterwards he opened a can of field rations and found a lump of sugar with a paper wrapper reading “French Chef!” The label not only gave the restaurant’s address, it also had the name of the manufacturer, National Sugar Refining Company. He was so moved by finding a wonderful souvenir of his hometown, he kept it through two campaigns. He mailed the slip of paper to the South
Broadway restaurant, with a note stating he ate there many times, and “kept the wrapper in his money belt throughout the fighting.” He wanted the French Chef name to “travel through the jungles of New Georgia and back to Yonkers.” The management of the restaurant was so touched, it held on to Giovanniello’s letter and the sugar wrapper.
Saturday, July 1st
July 1, 1907: To add to the military appearance of City Hall at Manor Hall Park, the city moved the large cannon from the High School on South Broadway to the Park. The canon was presented to the City of Yonkers: it was taken from the Maria Teresa Santiago, flagship of the Spanish Navy’s First Squadron during the Spanish American War. Two guns of the “Revolutionary type” already were mounted at City Hall.
July 1, 1928: The new $150,000 jail on Alexander Street opened.
Sunday, July 2nd
July 2, 1908: The title of the Manor Hall was formally transferred to New York State at a meeting in the Common Council Chamber. Present were Mayor Warren, President of the Yonkers Historical Society Stephen Thayer, Assemblyman Harry Haines and City Treasurer Gideon Peck.
July 2, 1922: Former Yonkers resident Charles Steinmetz, the electrical genius who worked for Rudolf Eichemeyer until he retired and sold the company to General Electric Company, was designated to run as the Socialist candidate for State Engineer and Surveyor.
Questions or comments? Email YonkersHistory1646@gmail.com. For information on the Yonkers Historical Society, Sherwood House and upcoming events, please visit our website www.yonkershistoricalsociety.org, call 914-961-8940 or email info@yonkershistoricalsociety.org
