Westchester–A Pictorial History
The New Year traditionally brings with it anticipation and excitement for the future. We’re all wondering, as you no doubt are, what’s in store for 2010. But this time of year also makes us reflect on our past, so we thought it would be appropriate to take a few moments (er, pages) to look back. Whether you’re a third-generation Westchesterite or a recent transplant, knowing Westchester’s history can help place what’s to come in proper context—plus, it’s fun.
Published December 21, 2009 at 03:55 PM
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 | Located along Metro-North’s Harlem line, the Bronxville Train Station, seen here in the 1890s, today serves more than 3,000 riders daily. |
| A glimpse of the Herculean task of relocating the Katonah Village Public Library, circa 1896-1910 (along with the rest of the village). New York City’s growing demand for water necessitated the damming of the Croton and Cross Rivers, forcing the village to relocate farther from their banks. The buildings were moved by pulling them over soaped logs by horses. |  |
 | It seems the Yonkers Police could catch a lot more than criminals in the 1890s—they could also catch a ball. Here the baseball team from the YPD’s 2nd Platoon poses for a team shot in 1895. |
| Port Chester proudly “blazed” a new trail when it showed off its first “Steamer” fire engine to a curious crowd of residents in 1892. |  |
 | The man with the top hat is William Lawrence, husband of Sarah Lawrence, after whom Sarah Lawrence College was named. A century later, Sarah Lawrence students are still known for their sense of fashion. |
| The New Rochelle Public Library lived in a stately building in 1907, as opposed to the modern digs it uses today. |  |
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Love the pictures of Westchester history. I can remember quite a few from the 60's and later.
Although the Pleasantville train station may have looked like your 1936 picture I am sure there were no 1950 era automobiles as depicted in the picture.
Thanks for the memories.
George Baker
Fascinating pictures. It beckons the question; Are we better off today?
Thank you to all the contributors and the research
Peter Wattenberg
Does anyone know if I can purchase any of these pictures. They come out pretty bad to just copy and paste.
I wish you posted them in their full resolution. I'm sure your copies were not small 300 x 200 pixel pictures. it would be nice to really look at these and see all the detail