By Ellen de Saint Phalle, Member, Board of Directors, The Bronxville Historical Conservancy

Dec. 23, 2015:  At its final meeting of 2015, the board of directors of The Bronxville Historical Conservancy presented its first Bronxville Historical Conservancy Preservation Award to People's United Bank for its restoration of the 1920s Gramatan National Bank clock. 

The award was created to honor individuals, organizations, and businesses that have strengthened the fabric of the Bronxville community through their exceptional commitment to preserving an understanding of its rich past and unique character.

Projects considered eligible for this award fall within one of seven specific categories: architectural restoration; conservation of architectural elements; renovations and additions; garden and landscape design; craftsmanship and fine arts; preservation of the historical record; and stewardship and advocacy. 

Conservation of architectural elements was the category in which the Conservancy made its first award.

Board member Sarah Underhill, who served on the Conservancy's awards committee, presented the award. "This tall four-faced timepiece had presided over nearly a century of pedestrian, auto, and train traffic," she said, "offering passersby a quick glance at the correct time. It had become a fondly regarded, frequently photographed item of local history. For a number of years, however, not only had the clock stopped giving the time, but also the entire structure had fallen into disrepair. People's United Bank agreed to restore the clock--they understood the importance of history and preservation to the village and made a significant contribution to that tradition."

Stephanie Weston, vice president and market manager, was on hand to accept the award on behalf of the bank. "This was a true collaboration between People's United Bank and The Bronxville Historical Conservancy," Weston said. "Eloise Morgan did a lot of research, and the Conservancy was a huge help to the bank in restoring the clock to its original splendor. People's United Bank is truly honored to play this meaningful role in preserving Bronxville's rich history." 

The award is a bronze cast plaque designed by Conservancy board member and architect Anderson Kenny.

More than 100 members attended the December 9 annual meeting and holiday celebration at Siwanoy Country Club. Co-chairs Judy Unis and Jack Bierwirth presided and welcomed three new board members, Irena Choi Stern, Lorraine Shanley, and Peter Hicks, and thanked outgoing board members Liz Folberth, David McBride, and Rick Shearer for their service to the board.

Judy Unis encouraged members to visit village hall to see William Howe's painting 1909 Evening in the Pasture, which was recently purchased by the Conservancy. Other business at the meeting included a review of the year's accomplishments. Bill Zambelli gave his treasurer's report, Bill Dowling gave an update on the yellow brick road restoration, Eloise Morgan spoke about the digitization of local newspapers, Anderson Kenny outlined the street sign renovations, Nancy Hand and Peter Gisolfi held up proofs of their forthcoming publication on Bronxville's natural history, Jack Bierwirth discussed curriculum support and collaboration with The Bronxville School, and Jane Staunton confirmed the launch of the Veterans Memorial website. These projects, as well as the Young Families Committee's wildly popular second season of The Ghosts of Bronxville, the annual boat trip, and the Brendan Gill lecture, were captured in photographs that played on a looping video throughout the evening. 

Judy Unis thanked the board for its hard work: "I have been so fortunate to work with this board. The members are so talented and hard working." Unis gave special thanks to board member Judy Foley for her efforts in arranging the holiday celebration and to Ellen de Saint Phalle for organizing the video montage. 

Final thanks came from Jack Bierwirth for outgoing chair Judy Unis's exceptional leadership. "Under your tenure and leadership," he told Unis, "the BHC is now more broadly involved in all aspects of the Bronxville community and, on behalf of the board, we thank you for your service and all that you accomplished." Bierwirth presented her with copies of the books Marine and Maritime Art in America and The Hudson River School: Nature and the American Vision and a reproduction of the 1845 map Panorama of the Hudson River: From New York to Albany.   

Bierwirth then announced that board member Erin Saluti will succeed Unis as co-chair in January of 2016 and concluded the evening's meeting and celebration with special thanks to all the members of The Bronxville Historical Conservancy for their participation and support.

Pictured here:  Photo of Bronxville Historical Conservancy Preservation Award.

Photo courtesy Ellen de Saint Phalle, Member, Board of Directors, The Bronxville Historical Conservancy