Verplanck’s Point

Verplanck’s Point

Source: Gems of the Hudson: Peekskill and Vicinity

Compiled by G. M. Vescelius, Peekskill NY (Book, Date Unknown- circa 1914)

VERPLANCK'S POINT, FROM STONY POINT, WITH DEEP WATER FRONT ON THE HUDSON RIVER

Courtesy of The Highland Democrat

Two miles below the village of Peekskill and connected with by trolley and good roads is Verplanck. The City of Verplanck it was once intended to be, but fate ruled otherwise and so it remains (until it shall be united to Peekskill) a convenient suburb with advantages that are just beginning to be appreciated. About three quarters of a century ago John Henry bought the tract and had it laid out in squares for a residential city, recognizing many features that well fitted it for that purpose. But the locality was better fitted for a more practical use and the many changes through which it has passed leave it still ready for what it should become, one of the greatest manufacturing districts of the country. At Verplanck is a natural inland harbor where the erection of docks would make possible the landing of any vessel that could come up the Hudson. It has frequently been suggested for a government shipyard but its value would be far greater for commerce. With the Hudson River Railroad just behind it and unlimited depth of water in front, it offers unrivaled attractions for manufacturers in search of a location.

Verplanck played a great part in the early history of our country. Here Henry Hudson anchored the Half Moon for awhile in October, 1609, and while there his sailors had their first encounter with the Indians. Here was the well-known King's Ferry to Rockland and from the Point two Continentals firing on a rowboat coming in from the Vulture drove it back and so did their part in preventing the escape of Andre.

With river front, railroad, trolley, school and churches, Verplanck awaits the revival which must come when its natural advantages are recognized and put to use.

Emeline

Source: Gems of the Hudson: Peekskill and Vicinity

Compiled by G. M. Vescelius, Peekskill NY (Book, Date Unknown- circa 1914)

Information here is for archival purposes, and is not current.

Courtesy of The Highland Democrat

 

One of the most interesting trips out of Peekskill is on the famous "Emeline", running from Haverstraw to Newburgh, and touching at all intermediate points along the Hudson, including Peekskill. The Captain, D. C. Woolsey, has been in continuous service on the river for sixty-four years, and has been in constant service on this route for forty years. This vessel was used as dispatch boat for the U. S. Government during the Civil War and was known as the Nantasket, operating on the James and Potomac Rivers, many times carrying the hero of the Civil War, Ulysses S.  Grant. The vessel has been practically rebuilt since that time and is, now in excellent condition. Passengers and freight are carried. There is no more beautiful way of viewing the Highlands of the Hudson than on the Emeline.

Peekskill Fire Department Alarm Bell

With the Hudson River serving as a backdrop in Peekskill, NY, stands a tribute to seven volunteer firefighters. On the Peekskill Waterfront Green, if you look up instead of out to the Hudson River, you'll see what is an actual artifact from the City of Peekskill's history, while also serving as a remembrance to those that gave their lives in service to their community.

The bell itself is a thing of beauty. When looking directly at it when the sun is just right, it seems angelic. Taking a closer look at the plaque just below, though you find out exactly who those seven angels were. The bronzed inscription reads as follows:

PEEKSKILL FIRE DEPARTMENT ALARM BELL

ON AUGUST 1, 1918 THIS BELL TOLLED THE ALARM FOR THE

FLEISCHMANN MANUFACTURING COMPANY FIRE,

AT WHICH SEVEN PEEKSKILL VOLUNTEER FIREFIGHTERS LOST THEIR LIVES. 

DEDICATED TO THE MEMORY OF THOSE GALLANT MEN

WHO GAVE THEIR LIVES IN TH FLEISCHMANN FIRE

AUGUST 1, 1918

DEPARTMENT SURGEON DR. CHARLES R.F. GREEN - CORTLANDT HOOK & LADDER CO #1

CAPTAIN CLARENCE J. LOCKWOOD - CORTLANDT HOOK & LADDER CO #1

1ST LT. JAMES H. SELLECK - CORTLANDT HOOK & LADDER CO #1

2ND LT. LOUIS A. BARMORE - CORTLANDT HOOK & LADDER CO #1

FIREFIGHTER GEORGE A. CASSACLES - CORTLANDT HOOK & LADDER CO #1

FIREFIGHTER JOHN F. TORPY - CENTENNIAL HOSE CO #4

FIREFIGHTER WALTER COLE - CENTENNIAL HOSE CO #4

"GREATER LOVE HAS NO MAN THAN THIS, THAT A MAN

LAY DOWN HIS LIFE FOR HIS FRIENDS."

JOHN 15:13

 

 

Purchase a Peekskill Fire Department Alarm Bell card here