We have already noticed the purchase of the Philipse Manor House by the municipal authorities in 18G8, and its use as the seat of the local government. In 1877, during the mayoralty of the Hon. William A. Gibson, resolutions (offered by Frederic Shonnard) were adopted by the board of aldermen providing for the appointment of a permanent " committee on history and historical relics," among whose members were to be four prominent private citizens, and giving to this committee certain responsibilities inconnection with matters relating to the Manor Hall building and its grounds. This action was instrumental in stimulating interest in the early history of Yonkers, and it was decided to hold a grand celebration of the bicentennial of the founding of the Manor House. The 18th of October, 1882, was selected as the date for the important event. The resulting demonstration was the greatest in the history of Yonkers. The oration was delivered by the Rev. Dr. David Cole.1 In 1883 proceedings were begun on behalf of the City of New York for the acquisition of land for new public parks in the " annexed district," and also in territory at that time still belonging to Westchester County. Up to that year the city had been very deficient in park area, not fewer than five cities in the United States exceeding i The Soldiers'

Monument

in front of Manor

Hall was dedicated September 17, 1891.

",;#iim

iiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiHiiiiiii

-

m

»».;«

fit

i >4

S-:.!!:'!!!.,:;!- .ii!.!:-,'!F

i ..;

,iB^)Eg

~<mg&sm