Ludlow resident and famed stage actor Jefferson DeAngelis in 1905
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, August 28th
August 28, 1912: Famed actor Jefferson de Angelis of the Ludlow section of Yonkers made his debut in vaudeville; he appeared in the nautical farce, “All At Sea” in New York City.
August 28, 1936: President Franklin Roosevelt promoted Yonkers High School graduate Frederick Hopkins, Jr., of Riverdale Avenue, to the rank of Major. An officer in the Air Corps, he served as Redistribution and Salvage officer at Air Force headquarters during WWII. In August 1945 he was named Commanding General of the Seventh Fighter Command of the 20th Air Force and Commanding General of the Pacific Air Service Command in November 1946. He retired in the 1950s as an Air Force Major General.
Tuesday, August 29th
August 29, 1943: The Office of Civilian Protection unveiled its new war emergency radio service, using it during a Yonkers air raid drill! The system, designed to work when wire connections were disrupted or destroyed, worked “with flying colors.” A crew of 4,082 people had worked to protect Yonkers during the practice blackout.
August 29, 1964: Because of the “shocking increase” in teenage addiction, Yonkers Schools Superintendent Stanley Wynstra announced a program throughout the district to “narcotics-proof our boys and girls.” The program, already a “permanent, constant part of our curriculum” before the “recent disclosure of teenage drug addicts in Yonkers,” would roll out in full force. Wynstra would send all secondary school taped talks by Sheriff John Hoy, as well as narcotics and alcohol experts. Hoy’s frequent addresses to junior and senior high schools had been recorded and were to be played “over and over in health classes” throughout Yonkers, as well as the films showing the “horrors and pitfalls” of addiction.
Wednesday, August 30th
August 30, 1937: Fifth Ward Alderman James Sullivan introduced legislation to the Common Council to purchase 20 acres for $21,879.55. Apparently, Yonkers did not own all of Prescott Street Park, although considerable city money was spent on playground equipment and tennis courts.
August 30, 1945: Brigadier General Frederick M. Hopkins Jr. of Riverdale Avenue received the Distinguished Service Medal during a ceremony held at the US War Department. Hopkins was responsible for expansion of government aircraft facilities to meet the objective of maximum production; he procured plants, machine tools, equipment, and construction materials as well as handled labor and power issues in his position of Controlled Materials Officer for the Army Air Forces. He developed a highly efficient system, greatly benefiting the Army Air Forces. According to the award, Hopkins “…demonstrated rare foresight, exceptional leadership, professional knowledge and experience, high organizational ability and efficiency and an ardent devotion to duty. General Hopkins’ services were an outstanding contribution to the success of the Army Air Forces and the war effort.”
Thursday, August 31st
August 31, 1639: Native Americans sold Nepperhaem (Yonkers) to the Dutch West India Company.
August 31, 1778: Dozens of Stockbridge Indians were killed fighting on the side of the Patriots near McLean and Kimball Avenues in Yonkers. The actual site of the battle was later annexed into the Bronx.
Friday, September 1st
September 1, 1950: Fisherman James Van Dalen of Warburton saved two people as they drifted helplessly in a crippled motorboat off the coast of Yonkers! The boat lurched and Patsy Gianzero fell off the boat by the propeller, which badly cut his leg. The other man, Anthony Mucilli, pulled him back on the boat and gave him first aid while calling for help. YPD Sergeant Stephen Kaputa and Patrolmen Charles Polsen and Edward Jones rushed to the foot of Glenwood Avenue, but the boat was 500 feet from shore. Van Dalen, hearing the distress call, immediately went to help. He tied a line to their 14-foot boat and towed it ashore. Meanwhile, Gordon Miller of the Ludlow Marina rushed to the scene and towed the boat to the Yonkers Lighthouse Restaurant. There an ambulance was waiting and brought Gianzero to the hospital.
Saturday, September 2nd
September 2, 1862: The 135th New-York Infantry was organized at Yonkers and mustered into service under Colonel William Morris and Lieutenant Colonel Howard Kitching.
The regiment left New York State on September 5, 1862, for Maryland to defend Baltimore at Fort McHenry. Known as the “Anthony Wayne Guard,” the designation of the Regiment changed to the 6th New York Heavy Artillery on October 3, 1862. They then saw service as heavy artillery and infantry in several battles. The regiment was honorably discharged and mustered out August 24, 1865, near Washington, D. C. It lost5 officers, and 130 enlisted men fighting for the Union; it lost 6 offices and 275 enlisted men to disease.
Sunday, September 3rd
September 3, 1867: Dr. Charles A. Leale married John Copcutt’s daughter Rebecca Medwin Copcutt at the Nepperhan Avenue Copcutt home. Dr. Leale was the first doctor to reach the presidential box at Ford’s Theater after John Wilkes Booth shot President Lincoln. His quick thinking temporarily saved the president’s life. He stayed with Lincoln, holding his hand through the night until the president passed away. Leale is buried in Oakland Cemetery in Yonkers.
September 3, 1942: Just one “casualty” resulted from the test mobilization of Yonkers Red Cross First Aid units. A Sixth Ward runner was late in reporting back to headquarters at Sacred Heart Church. When he breathlessly finally came in, he related how he was “captured” by three boys, taken into custody and held until he broke loose to rush back to headquarters!
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
