History of Yonkers, New York, USA

1853 - September 20 - Otis Opened Elevator Factory
Elisha Graves Otis opened a small factory on the banks of the Hudson River in Yonkers, New York, on September 20, 1853, to make elevators, fully equipped with his newly invented automatic safety device. Having received an order for two freight elevators with the new device, Otis abandoned his plans to join the California Gold Rush. But after six months, he hadn't received a second order. Otis staged a public demonstration. He climbed on top of his elevator in New York's Crystal Palace exhibition, and while hoisted to the ceiling, ordered the rope cut. Seeing how his safety brake kept him from falling, people realized the importance of his invention. Though in 1856, Otis's sales totaled just 27 elevators, his performance launched the passenger elevator industry. The world's first safety elevator for passengers, installed in 1857 in a New York store, rose at a speed of 40 feet per minute.
www.americaslibrary.gov
September 20, 1853

1854 - Yonkers
Yonkebs, a thriving post-village in Yon- ker's township, Westchester county, New York, on the E. bank of Hudson river, and on the Hudson river railroad, 17 miles N. by E. from New York. It contains churches of 4 or 6 denominations, several seminaries, a good hotel, and numerous stores and factories. It has several landings for steamboats and vessels sailing on the river. Many merchants and others engaged in New York have fine country seats in the village and vicinity. Population in 1853, estimated at 4000. Population of the township in 1850, 4160.
A New and Complete Gazetteer of the United States: Giving a Full and Comprehensive Review of the Present Condition, Industry, and Resources of the American Confederacy ... Thomas Baldwin (of Philadelphia.) Joseph Thomas January 1, 1854 Philadelphia : Lippincott, Grambo & Company 1854.

1872 - Yonkers incorporated in 1872

1888- February 22 - John Reid of Scotland demonstrates golf to Americans (Yonkers NY)
1888-11-14 - St Andrews Golf Club, Yonkers NY, opens with just 6 holes
1889-03-30 - John T Reid opens 1st US golf course (Yonkers, NY)


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February 22, 1888

1888 - The busting of a water pipe on the 25th caused a sewer ditch at Yonkers, N. Y.,
to cave in on the workmen, six of whom lost their lives.
St Joseph Herald
Saint Joseph, Michigan
April 28, 1888

1895 - Yonkers
Yonkers, yönk'erz, a city of Westchester co., N.Y., on the Hudson River, opposite the Palisades, and on the Hudson River Railroad and the New York & Northern Rail road, 15 miles N. by E. of the Grand Central Depot in New York. It contains 16 churches, 11 schools, a superior hotel, 2 national banks, 2 savings-banks, numerous handsome villas, 5 newspaper offices, an academy, 2 machine-shops, 3 silk-factories, 3 hat-factories, and manufactures of carpets, mowing-machines, and elevators. In 1890, according to the census, Yonkers had engaged in its various industries capital to the amount of $11,503,074, and the product was $23,024,028. Many merchants of New York City reside here. Pop. in 1880, 18,892; in 1890, 32,088.
Lippincott's Gazetteer of the World: A Complete Pronouncing Gazetteer Or Geographical Dictionary of the World Containing Notices of Over One Hundred and Twenty-five Thousand Places ... Joseph Thomas January 1, 1895 J.B. Lippincott

1905 - WEIGHTED BOAT SINKS; FIVE DROWN IN HUDSON. PERSONS ON YONKERS SHORE SEE PARTY GO DOWN IN MIDSTREAM. EFFORTS AT RESCUE IN VAIN.
NINE-YEAR-OLD BOY WITH FATHER AND FRIENDS ON FISHING TRIP - MOTHER NEARLY CRAZED.

Special to the New York Times.
Yonkers, Oct. 22 - A boat in which were four men and a boy suddenly sank in midstream in the Hudson River off Fernbrook Street this morning, and all five occupants were drowned. The accident was witnessed by persons on the Yonkers shore, but before a boat could reach the spot the men had gone down.

Three of the victims were members of one family, the husband, son, and brother of a woman who is left a widow. HENRY NELSON, HENRY, JR., 9 years old, and his brother-in-law, CARL THOMSON, all of 113 1/ 2 Cliniton Place, with BENJAMIN BENSON of 114 Herriott Street and P. SIMPSON of 54 Herriott Street, had set out for a day's fishing on the river.

The men were all members of the Hudson Boat Club and owned a large rowboat which had been fitted up with a sail. The craft was heavily ballasted with old iron and was unsafe.

The party left the boathouse, at the foot of... Read MORE...

1906
Yonkers, a city of Westchester co., N.Y., on the Hudson River and on the New York Central and Hudson River R., 15 miles N. by E. of the initial station in New York. It Is beautifully located, its verdant heights commanding charming views of the river and of the cliffs called the Palisades on the opposite shore. The venerable Phillipse Manor House serves as the city-hall. Yonkers is the seat of various charitable and benevolent institutions (including a Hebrew Home for the Aged and Infirm and the Leake and Watts Orphan House) and has several academic and collegiate institutes. Its varied and important industries are represented by sugar-refineries, carpet- mills, foundries and machine-shops, sash- and door-factories, and manufactories of hats, malted liquors, chemicals, etc. Steamboats ply regularly between this city and New York, many of whose merchants reside here. Pop. in 1880, 18,892; in 1890, 32,088; in 1900, 47,931; in 1905, upward of 60,000.
Lippincott's New Gazetteer: A Complete Pronouncing Gazetteer Or Geographical Dictionary of the World, Containing the Most Recent and Authentic Information Respecting the Countries, Cities, Towns ... in Every Portion of the Globe Publisher J.B. Lippincott Company, 1906

1909 - December 7 - Leo Baekeland, Yonkers, patents 1st thermosetting plastic (Bakelite)

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1910 - Motor Fire Engine Used as Ambulance.
Mrs. Lorena Pope of 139 Glover Avenue, Yonkers, died last night of burns received in a fire at her home, and Francis Piet, a boarder, was badly burned. The motor engine recently purchased by the Yonkers Fire Department, capable of traveling seventy miles an hour, was rushed toward St. Joseph's Hospital with the victims. but on the way met an ambulance, to which they were transferred and treated. Piet has a chance to recover.
The New York Times
New York, New York
December 24, 1910

1977 - August 10 - Postal employee David Berkowitz arrested in Yonkers NY, accused of being "Son of Sam" 44 caliber killer

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Here's a list of places to go and things to do in Yonkers:
Untermyer Gardens Conservancy:

Explore the stunning gardens, pathways, and historic structures in this 43-acre park. The Persian Garden, Temple of Love, and Walled Garden are highlights.

Hudson River Museum:

Visit this multidisciplinary cultural complex featuring art, science, and history exhibits. The planetarium, art galleries, and interactive exhibits make it a great destination for all ages.

Philipse Manor Hall State Historic Site:

Immerse yourself in history by touring this Colonial-era mansion. Learn about the area's past and the role the Philipse family played in shaping the region.

Science Barge:

A floating hydroponic farm on the Hudson River, the Science Barge offers educational programs and a unique look at sustainable agriculture.

Yonkers Brewing Company:

Enjoy craft beers and delicious food at Yonkers Brewing Company. The brewery often hosts events and has a welcoming atmosphere.

Ridge Hill:

Shop, dine, and catch a movie at Ridge Hill, a... Read MORE...