Photo by N. Bower
By Mary Marvin, Mayor of Bronxville
Oct. 4, 2023: What a wonderful gathering to celebrate our Village’s 125th year of existence.
As Marcus Garvey said, “A people without knowledge of their past history, origin and culture is like a tree without roots.” Boy, do we have roots here in Bronxville!
Before I continue, I want to acknowledge that the commemoration committee thought long and hard about canceling today for fear of disrespecting our friends and neighbors who could not come today because they are dealing with the effects of Friday night’s storm.
We reached out to many of them, and they sent a resounding yes to continue to celebrate our Village – just a testament that we live amongst some of the most kind and gracious neighbors.
We would not be here today without the tireless efforts of our Steering Committee lead by Chair Lisa Rao, who could run a fortune 500 company! and her very able team Trustee Helen Knapp, Trustee Mary Taylor Behrens, Suzanne Davis, Marilynn Hill, Cara Martin-Rulli, Erin Saluti, Jane Scotti, Maureen Stapleton and all the volunteers. On behalf of a very grateful Village, I say thank you.
We are commemorating today because our local history binds us together on the most basic level. It helps us to unify our community and add to our ability to understand the different nationalities and cultures that created our unique home as we celebrate a commonality of experience.
We must also celebrate our variations and exchange stories and learn from each other and thus connect on an even deeper level. Lord Acton said, “Our history is not a burden on the memory, but an illumination of the soul.”
I would also like to recognize my colleagues who served in Village government in the last 25 years and whose selfless volunteer dedication enhanced the quality of every government board and committee. (Here at least 25 were in attendance!)
A very special thank you goes out to my dear friend, my mentor and a truly extraordinary Mayor who is my North Star, Mayor Nancy Hand.
At this juncture, I also want to recognize all of our colleagues in government, who so kindly took the time out of their precious weekend schedules to come and share the joy of our anniversary with us. (Deputy County Executive Ken Jenkins and all of our colleagues from Town of Eastchester and Village of Tuckahoe)
I am absolutely certain we would not be commemorating today and also not truly understanding and appreciating the milestone of this anniversary without the leadership of our Historical Conservancy, who is celebrating their 25th anniversary. What a gift you are to the Village.
The Conservancy galvanized an entire village to take an interest in our past and treasure our history, and they are responsible for being the archivists of all we hold dear.
History cannot give us a program for the future, but it can give us a fuller understanding of our common humanity so that we can better face the future.
Thank you, members of the Historical Conservancy, – so many of you are here!
Special recognition to Bob Riggs and Marilynn Hill, lifetime Co-Chairs and Founding Members, and current co-chairs Erin Saluti and Bill Zambelli.
In honor of your incredible commitment to preserving the history of our one square mile, you receive the first ever Trustees Award
In Recognition of The Bronxville Historical Conservancy, founded in 1998 to recognize the Centennial of the Village of Bronxville, we honor The Bronxville Historical Conservancy for its deep commitment to furthering the understanding and appreciation of our shared history and its dedication to making this history a living part of our community for all generations to share. With Gratitude Upon the Occasion of the 125th Anniversary of the Village of Bronxville October 1, 2023.
The Village Board of Trustees
Bronxville is a quaint village (one square mile) located just 16 miles north of midtown Manhattan (roughly 30 minutes on the train) and has a population of approximately 6,500. It is known as a premier community with an excellent public school (K-12) and easy access to Manhattan. Bronxville offers many amenities including an attractive business district, a hospital (Lawrence Hospital), public paddle and tennis courts, fine dining at local restaurants, two private country clubs and a community library.
While the earliest settlers of Bronxville date back to the first half of the 18th century, the history of the modern suburb of Bronxville began in 1890 when William Van Duzer Lawrence purchased a farm and commissioned the architect, William A. Bates, to design a planned community of houses for well-known artists and professionals that became a thriving art colony. This community, now called Lawrence Park, is listed on the National register of Historic Places and many of the homes still have artists’ studios. A neighborhood association within Lawrence Park called “The Hilltop Association” keeps this heritage alive with art shows and other events for neighbors.
Bronxville offers many charming neighborhoods as well as a variety of living options for residents including single family homes, town houses, cooperatives and condominiums. One of the chief benefits of living in “the village” is that your children can attend the Bronxville School.
The Bronxville postal zone (10708, known as “Bronxville PO”) includes the village of Bronxville as well as the Chester Heights section of Eastchester, parts of Tuckahoe and the Lawrence Park West, Cedar Knolls, Armour Villa and Longvale sections of Yonkers. Many of these areas have their own distinct character. For instance, the Armour Villa section has many historic homes and even has its own newsletter called “The Villa Voice” which reports on neighborhood news.
Link to Village of Bronxville One Square Mile Monthly Newsletter
Village of Bronxville Administrative Offices
337-6500
Open 9:00am - 4pm excluding holidays and weekends
Bronxville Police Department
337-0500
Open 24 hours
Bronxville Parking Violations
337-2024
Open 9:00am - 4pm excluding holidays and weekends
Bronxville Fire Deparment
793-6400