The Friendly Ghost of Chief Gramatan
From the Editor: Please enjoy this Halloween-inspired story by Ken Hesselbacher
Oct. 31, 2025: On the Eve of Halloween, I happened to be sitting on a bench enjoying the sunset on Sunset Hill in Bronxville. Once upon a time it was believed that Chief Gramatan had sold the land to the local settlers in 1666! It was later determined that no land sale ever occurred.
Still, as an old man, sitting on a bench on Sunset Hill watching the sunset fills me with peace and contentment. Suddenly I was startled by another old man sitting beside me.
Startled, I said “I didn’t see you arrive. He replied, “I am a ghost.”
“Well, I hope that you are a friendly ghost like Casper the Friendly Ghost!”
“Yes,” he said, “I am the friendly ghost of Chief Gramatan.”
I extended my hand and said, “My name is Ken. I have never had a ghost friend but it is never too late”.
Gramatan grinned and said he would like that. He showed me the traditional Indian handshake to seal our friendship!
“Chief this could be the beginning of a beautiful friendship” I said. “Casablanca” the Chief asked?
“Chief, were you disappointed when it was determined that there was no record of a land sale on Sunset Hill in 1666?”
The Chief replied, “Not at all Ken. Let me explain. I have three monuments dedicated in my memory. The first is Gramatan Avenue which runs into Bronxville.
The second is The Gramatan Hotel just up the way at 7 Pondfield Road. I built a magnificent hotel in the heart of Bronxville. It was very successful. Then I decided to include a casino within the hotel. The money from the Gramatan Hotel and the Gramatan Casino just kept on flowing in! I had more money than I ever needed, so…….
The third is I built the Gramatan National Bank right across from where we are sitting. A truly magnificent edifice! It would provide capital to both people and businesses. I like to think that I contributed to the growth and prosperity of Bronxville.
“Chief, sadly we live in a skeptical age. I fear there will be many who will not believe our meeting. Is there a concrete sign to support what you have told me?”
“Of course Ken” the Chief replied, “The number of the Gramatan Hotel is 7. The Last of the Mohicans were my 7 most loyal warriors. If you examine the concrete in front of the Gramatan Bank, you will discover 7 memorial plagues honoring the spirit of these great men!”
With a smile I said, “See you next year- same time- same place.” He gave me a wink and…..Pufff, he was gone!
Government & History Directory
Bronxville is a quaint village (one square mile) located just 16 miles north of midtown Manhattan (roughly 30 minutes on the train) and has a population of approximately 6,500. It is known as a premier community with an excellent public school (K-12) and easy access to Manhattan. Bronxville offers many amenities including an attractive business district, a hospital (Lawrence Hospital), public paddle and tennis courts, fine dining at local restaurants, two private country clubs and a community library.
While the earliest settlers of Bronxville date back to the first half of the 18th century, the history of the modern suburb of Bronxville began in 1890 when William Van Duzer Lawrence purchased a farm and commissioned the architect, William A. Bates, to design a planned community of houses for well-known artists and professionals that became a thriving art colony. This community, now called Lawrence Park, is listed on the National register of Historic Places and many of the homes still have artists’ studios. A neighborhood association within Lawrence Park called “The Hilltop Association” keeps this heritage alive with art shows and other events for neighbors.
Bronxville offers many charming neighborhoods as well as a variety of living options for residents including single family homes, town houses, cooperatives and condominiums. One of the chief benefits of living in “the village” is that your children can attend the Bronxville School.
The Bronxville postal zone (10708, known as “Bronxville PO”) includes the village of Bronxville as well as the Chester Heights section of Eastchester, parts of Tuckahoe and the Lawrence Park West, Cedar Knolls, Armour Villa and Longvale sections of Yonkers. Many of these areas have their own distinct character. For instance, the Armour Villa section has many historic homes and even has its own newsletter called “The Villa Voice” which reports on neighborhood news.
Link to Village of Bronxville One Square Mile Monthly Newsletter
Village of Bronxville Administrative Offices
337-6500
Open 9:00am - 4pm excluding holidays and weekends
Bronxville Police Department
337-0500
Open 24 hours
Bronxville Parking Violations
337-2024
Open 9:00am - 4pm excluding holidays and weekends
Bronxville Fire Deparment
793-6400
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