The stodgy TV host and former Port Chester resident broke racial and musical boundaries by introducing the world to acts that were making cultural history. If you saw any of the acts that appeared on both The Ed Sullivan Show and at the Capitol Theatre, you can be part of an exhibit marking Sullivan’s inductionContinue reading “Ed Sullivan, Rock’n’Roll Hall of Famer?”
Tag Archives: local history
A daughter’s novel, a mother’s sentence
I was working at a weekly newspaper in Rockland County, N.Y., when the infamous Brink’s robbery unfolded nearly a half-century ago. The tragedy that shocked the community is still commemorated on Oct. 20 every year. The story came somewhat full circle in April 2026 when I ran into Judith Clark, a getaway driver convicted inContinue reading “A daughter’s novel, a mother’s sentence”
The Capitol Theatre: 100 Years of Iconic Performances
The venerable theater in downtown Port Chester turns 100 this year. It’s been the favorite place to play for many a band, including the Grateful Dead and their bassist Phil Lesh. Click here for a lookback on a century of entertainment history as described in my article for The Rye Record, and read on forContinue reading “The Capitol Theatre: 100 Years of Iconic Performances”
Kurt Weill & Lotte Lenya’s former home listed for $2.3 million
Brook House, the 19th century home in the Rockland County hamlet of New City that once belonged to legendary composer Kurt Weill and singer-actress Lotte Lenya, is on the market for $2,295,000 with Ellis Sotheby’s International Realty. Built in 1880, Brook House is a five-bedroom, four-bath estate covering more than 4,600 square feet on 5.5 acres atContinue reading “Kurt Weill & Lotte Lenya’s former home listed for $2.3 million”
Rockland Lake Returns to the Ice Age
My article originally appeared in https://hudsonvalley.town.news/ Of the estimated half-million people who visit Rockland Lake State Park each year, how many know the lake was once a leader in the ice harvesting industry? Drawn by the lake’s spring fed water and its proximity to the Hudson River, New York City and shipping lanes, the KnickerbockerContinue reading “Rockland Lake Returns to the Ice Age”
A new chapter in tiny church’s long history
When this little Presbyterian church’s congregation decided to close its doors, the property’s future was uncertain. Neighbors wondered what was next. A housing development? Here’s the next chapter for this Congers house of worship. https://hudsonvalley.town.news/g/nanuet-ny/n/252515/historic-rockland-county-church-has-new-owner
Abercrombie & Fitch founder’s ruined castle’s tragic history
The adventurer and clothier barely lived long enough to enjoy the summer retreat the modeled after a Scottish castle. And he lost a daughter at his nearby factory. Here’s the backstory: https://www.lohud.com/story/news/local/westchester/new-castle/2024/02/08/abercrombie-and-fitch-founders-castle-up-for-sale-in-westchester-ny/72508993007
‘She didn’t kill him. She wasn’t guilty’
So many unanswered questions in the wake of Helen Ray Fowler’s execution at Sing Sing. A curious local historian seeks to answer them in a new play being staged just miles from where she died in the prison’s infamous electric chair. Here’s the backstory plus a preview of the two-act drama …
When Babe Ruth Was Behind Bars
Sing Sing prison in Ossining has seen a lot of history. But nothing like the autumn day in 1929 when Babe Ruth, Lou Gehrig and the Yankees got into a ballyard brawl with the inmates. Guess who won? Here’s a link to the article:
Jasper Johns’ Retreat: ‘Think Grey Gardens, Not Better Homes and Gardens’
The secluded Stony Point home and studio where one of America’s greatest living artists found inspiration is on the market. Jasper Johns’ converted 1930s barn, tucked into a hillside and hidden from view along West Main Street, is listed with Ellis Sotheby’s International Realty for $600,000. “I do most of my work here,” the reclusiveContinue reading “Jasper Johns’ Retreat: ‘Think Grey Gardens, Not Better Homes and Gardens’”
