Update: The East Bronx History Forum’s 179th meeting will be on Wednesday, November 29th at 7:30 pm at the City Island Nautical Museum located at 190 Fordham Street.

 

 Dear East Bronx History Forum Member,

  

    The East Bronx History Forum is pleased to announce it will be holding its179th meeting on Wednesday, November 29th at 7:30 pm with an in-person presentation by retired United States Army Brigadier General Edward V. Kelly. The location of this month’s meeting will take place at the City Island Nautical Museum located at 190 Fordham Street.

​Mr. Edward V. Kelly’s subject will be events surrounding the 1895 annexation by the City of New York of the Westchester County towns east of the Bronx River and south of Mt. Vernon and Pelham. The particular focus will be on the expansion of the Fire Department of the City of New York (FDNY) into the areas of the east Bronx. Some points of interest of the talk will include discussions about the history of the fire companies, their locations and the architecture of the firehouses.

​Some of the original companies when the annexation took place will be discussed in detail such as Engine Company 61 in Westchester Square, Engine 62 in Williamsbridge, Engine 63 in Wakefield and Engine 64 in Unionport. Many firehouses over time have gained nicknames such as two others up for discussion Engine 90 in Van Nest, known as 90 Proof and Engine 97 in Pelham Gardens commonly referred to as the Astor Hilton. Aside from some flashy nicknames, two of FDNY’s properties have gained landmark status within the past six months, Engine Company 88 in Belmont and the Fire Alarm Telegraph Bureau, Bronx Central Office Communications Office in West Farms. The History Forum was proud to support and advocate for the designation of these two architectural gems.

​Edward V. Kelly is an Honorary Assistant Chief of Department, Fire Department, City of New York and has researched and written the centennial histories of several FDNY units. He was born and raised in the Bedford Park neighborhood of the Bronx and graduated from Power Memorial Academy (1965) in Manhattan and United States Military Academy at West Point (1970). He has since retired from the United States Army as a Brigadier General.

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        We look forward to seeing you for this fascinating talk about the architecture and history of Bronx firehouses. Bring a friend and make it an enjoyable evening and let’s show our support not just for the firehouses but our appreciation to the individuals who occupy them, New York’s Bravest. For more information or updates, please follow us on Facebook and Instagram or at our website at www.BronxNYC.com Additionally, please consider making a donation to our gracious hosts of the City Island Nautical Museum at www.cityislandmuseum.org.

       Dorothy A. Krynicki 

       Secretary

       East Bronx History Forum

Photo Credit: NYPL.org,Engine 38, Hook and Ladder 51 on Williamsbridge Road 

near Eastchester Road, 1928.