Written by Staff



Oct. 1, 2014: On Sunday, September 21, approximately 100 members and guests of The Bronxville Historical Conservancy boarded the Seastreak ferry in Yonkers to take the Conservancy's annual boat cruise on the Hudson River—this time to the historic Richmond Town restoration on Staten Island.

Judy Unis and Judy Foley, the co-organizers of the outing, checked in the passengers, a good number of whom immediately raced to the top deck of the ferry to position themselves for the spectacular views along the Hudson River that were to be seen as they progressed south toward New York City.

Once on Staten Island, they boarded buses to drive to the Richmond Town settlement, a settlement that had served for nearly two centuries as the government center of Staten Island. During the depression, local residents helped create a testament to Staten Island's rich history by first renovating the former county clerk's and surrogate's office for use as a museum and then acquiring and restoring many historic buildings, including a one-room schoolhouse, an after-hours bar frequented by most men in the settlement, a barrel-making factory, a number of homes, and several other businesses. Even a village blacksmith stood outdoors hammering away over glowing coals to create iron objects in the style of the 17th century.

After Staten Island became one of the five boroughs of New York City in 1898, the county offices were moved to the northern part of Staten Island, closer to Manhattan, and Richmond Town became a quiet community with a historic settlement—much enjoyed by Conservancy members.

To see over thirty photos of those attending, click here:  Bronxville Historical Conservancy Boat Cruise to Richmond Town.

Pictured here: Lower Manhattan skyline from aboard the ferry.

Photo above by A. Warner; in the link, first 34 photos by N. Bower and A. Warner and last 5 photos by Cindy Tether.