On today’s 9th of September 2022 show, we’ll travel back in history to a period the late Town Historian William E. Finch, Jr., referred to as “the flowering of Greenwich,” when the word ‘Greenwich’ was synonymous with the word ‘millionaire.’
The Great Estates Greenwich, Connecticut 1880-1930 was published by the Junior League of Greenwich.
There are many owners of Greenwich's fabled estates, but none figures quite as uniquely as J. Kennedy Tod of Innis Arden.
That once-private estate is now Greenwich Point. Tod, who is quoted regarding the proper spelling of his name, "if one d is good enough for God, it's good enough for me," was with his wife both colorful and generous. Vestiges of the estate, such at the 1896 Chimes Building (above), are still preserved for the public today.
Learn more by visiting the Greenwich Point Conservancy. Your support of its mission is welcomed!
On Greenwich Before 2000, we’ll go back to the year 1912 to glean what happened in the town’s early 20th century history.
For example, on January 13, "With the recent cold snap accompanied by snow, tobogganing is popular on Milbank Avenue," and, "The members of the Graham family of Greenwich who were aboard the Titanic and rescued by the Carpathia arrive safely at their Belle Haven home."
Tweed Island is long associated with the notorious William M. "Boss" Tweed of New York City's corrupt Tammany Hall political machine. His Americus Club at Indian Harbor was the scene of a grand clubhouse looking overlooking the tranquil waters off Long Island Sound. Tweed built a cottage on the island. But in later years the ownership of the island was in dispute.
In 1892, the Riverside Yacht Club held its annual ball in mid-August. "The attendance was large; the decorations were beautiful; the costumes of the ladies elegant, and the supper sumptuous. There was nothing omitted that could have in any way made the summer night one of mote joy and pleasure, for a social gathering of this kind." The Greenwich Historical Society will be holding its David Ogilvy Preservation Award and its annual meeting at the club on September 14.
In the earliest years of the 20th century Greenwich, Connecticut was fast becoming a desirable place to live, with many praises of its fine homes, estates and streets -with the exception of Greenwich Avenue.
An editorial published in the September 5, 1903 edition of the Greenwich Graphic noted, "Ragged, crooked, poorly made and ill-kept, it makes its way wearily from Railroad avenue to Putnam avenue. No wonder it is uphill work! Almost any self-respecting street would feel tired with so much to fight against."
I'll have more about Discover Greenwich Creating a Sense of Place, celebrating the 90th year anniversary of the Greenwich Historical Society. You'll hear news of exhibits, activities and events for the public.
It’s the 9th of September Year 2022. You’ve come to the right place to learn about the history of the Town of Greenwich, Connecticut, one of America's most interesting and extraordinary communities.
We’ll have all this -and more- as history continues to unfold.
Be sure to check out all the events and activities where you can immerse yourself in Greenwich history, thanks to the Greenwich Historical Society. Learn more at GreenwichHistory.org.
Contact me at GreenwichATownForAllSeasons@gmail.com. I’m on Facebook, too. Just look for Jeffrey Bingham Mead and send me a friend request. The show is also available on Facebook at Greenwich, A Town For All Seasons.
Learn more about the show -and listen to past episodes for free- on the web at GreenwichATownForAllSeasons.blogspot.com
Be sure to tune in for our next show which is scheduled for Friday, the 16th of September 2022.
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