Larchmont (N.Y.) became a village in 1891 Is the neighborhood in Los Angeles we call “Larchmont” named after the city by the same name in New York state? The name of our Los Angeles community is attributed to real estate developer Tracy Schultz. He called the tract he developed in the 1920s Larchmont Heights. The east coast city was originally inhabited by the Siwanoy (an Algonquian tribe). Larchmont was discovered by the Dutch in 1614. By 1720, few Siwanoy remained in the Larchmont area and the land had been largely bought up by British and Dutch settlers. The city is located in Westchester County in a 3.4-mile area 20 miles north of New York City. Historical accounts of the Larchmont area during the Revolutionary War occur during the Battle of White Plains. Hessian mercenaries commanded by General Knyphausen were camped in the Oak Bluff section of the town. An early pioneer was James Mott. He built the gristmill which eventually did an international business with oceangoing vessels. His estate faced the Boston Post Road, the highway that connected Boston with New York City. To alleviate the dust
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VISITING the namesake city recently was Larchmont Chronicle publisher Jane Gilman. Photo by John Blumenthal
created by travelers on the road, his gardener imported a Scottish species of larch trees that were known to be fast growing. These were planted along the front of the property, eventually giving the village its name. In 1848, the New Haven Railroad completed a line of track through Larchmont and its neighbor, Mamaroneck. Following the Civil War, Thompson J. S. Flint formed the Larchmont Manor Company to develop 288 acres. An announcement in the New York times of May, 1872, said the company would provide suburban homes for New York
City businessmen of moderate incomes, say from $2,500 to $5,000 a year. Land was priced at $3,000 an acre. The Larchmont Manor Company, owners of the property, decided to dissolve in 1881, stating that they would prefer to turn over its streets from a town to a village form of government. They chose to incorporate. After all, they said, we now pay one dollar for taxes and receive nothing for it. If incorporated, we might have to pay two dollars, but we would get something. This enabled the village to (Please turn to page 5)
Tour Castle Green in all its holiday splendor December 4 Take a journey back in time when the historic Castle Green, a blend of Moroccan and Victorian architecture built in 1898, opens its doors for the annual Holiday Tour on Sun., Dec. 4 from 1 to 5 p.m. at 99 S. Raymond Ave. in Pasadena. Considered one of the city’s most unique buildings, the Castle Green was built as an annex to the resort Castle Green. Designed by architect Frederick I. Roehrig, the site features domes, arches, pillars, balconies and verandas in a building of structural steel with brick walls and concrete
floors, making it Pasadena’s first fireproof building. In 1920, Castle Green was converted into private residences and is now home to designers, musicians, artists and others. Trained docents will be on site to answer questions and provide additional history on the rooms. Guests are also welcome to walk at their own leisure through the public spaces and more than 20 individual apartments. Among rooms on display are the Grand Salon, the Turkish Room, The Palm Room, the Sunroom and the Veranda. (Please turn to page 5)
BUILT IN 1898, Castle Green is a blend of Moroccan and Victorian architecture.
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2547 Creston Dr $1,195,000 VINTAGE SPANISH IN THE ‘HILLS, WITH VIEWS 4 beds, 3 baths, 3,352 sq/ft 1920s Spanish with city & ocean views. Courtyard entry opens to grand living room with high, beamed ceiling, wood burning fireplace and hardwood floors. Fabulous new kitchen is open and great for both the gourmet and the entertainer. Huge dining room has French doors out to expansive, view patio. Four bedrooms plus sound proof recording studio. Grass yard and a great location.
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323-462-7200 ofc 323-788-4663 cell chaseahouse@yahoo.com
www.larchmontliving.com
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