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Did You Know That The Gramatan Inn Preceded the Hotel Gramatan?

By Ray Geselbracht, Bronxville Village Historian

Dec. 18, 2024: A new photograph has arrived at the History Center. It’s immediately interesting, because it shows, sitting on top of Sunset Hill, the Gramatan Inn.

Gramatan Inn

I know of only two other photographs that show this short-lived predecessor of the Hotel Gramatan. It was built by William Van Duzer Lawrence in 1897 and it burned down in 1900. It was replaced by the much larger and grander Hotel Gramatan in 1905.

Spur That Divides Into Two Tracks

But there’s something else of interest in this photograph. It takes a few viewings and some concentration to notice.

Down Sunset Hill from the Gramatan Inn, in front of the old railroad station, there’s a spur that divides into two tracks.

This spur is, I believe, a new discovery for those interested in Bronxville’s history; it does not appear in any other photograph that I know of.

Wagon With Freight at the Boxcar

To add a special charm to this reviving of a place and a moment in Bronxville’s past, there is a wagon loading or unloading some freight at the boxcar closest to us in the picture. A pure white horse stands by in harness and a man sits up in the driver’s seat as the tipped wagon is loaded or unloaded—we will never know which, the photograph doesn’t reveal this.

Thank yous

I am grateful to William Rabsey for donating this photograph to the History Center, and to him, his father Robert Rabsey, and his grandparents for preserving it in their family home on Parkway Road for a very long time.

I thank Andy Grier for helping me understand the special importance of this photograph, and for guiding William Rabsey to the History Center.

 

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Architects, Landscape Architects, General Contractors

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Architects

Brian O'Keefe Architecture ("BOKA")

Brian O'Keefe Architecture ("BOKA"), which is owned by Bronxville resident Brian O'Keefe, was established in 1993. Their work draws upon the client's desired aesthetic, traditions of that style and reinterpreting them to create a project that is well suited to its location and context, and fits well with the client's lifestyle and today's needs. They do renovations, additions, and new construction projects of varying sizes. 
 
BOKA also works as an architectural consultant for several well-known New York and Los Angeles based interior designers.
  
Office: 212.957.9790 /
Cel: 917-402-6774
Fax: 212.245.0157 
445 West 162nd St New York, NY 10032 
 
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Dordevic Architecture + Construction

Dordevic Architecture + Construction is a specialized design firm whose core values are grounded in timeless modern design with a thoughtful approach to understanding program and function. Our expertise ranges from luxury residential to retail and commercial. We provide clients with a full range of architecture, construction and renovation services since great spaces are the result of a collaborative effort between thoughtful designers and skilled craftsmen.
 
19 Pondfield Road, No. 156
Bronxville, NY 10708
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617.821.2491
386.774.9000
386.774.9002
 

Landscape Architects

Renee Byers Landscape Architect P.C.

Longtime Bronxville resident, Renee Byers, FASLA, offers landscape architectural design services for primary and secondary residences throughout New York, Connecticut and beyond. She and her studio team are widely recognized for their work that combines landscape artistry with technical problem-solving to create beautiful and functional outdoor environments. They are adept at working with any architectural style, challenging topography and love creating site-specific, personal gardens that evolve with the families who live in them.
Email:  This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
203-489-0800
Cell: 914-318-5794
 
Hackett Landscape Design Inc.
 
Maureen Hackett
917-494-8084

General Contractors

Gerry Hickey Construction
 
Venetian Plaster, Interior Plaster, Replication of interior textures, Molding Repairs, Exterior stucco work, Home Remodeling

29 West Devonia Avenue
Mount Vernon, NY 10552
914.906.5984

Gutilla Contracting

Guttilla Contracting was built on taking pride in what it does and making home owner's dreams come true.  Serving Bronxville for over 35 years, it is fully licensed and insured in Westchester and Dutchess County and the state of Connecticut.  See their website for a complete list of services.
 
66 Palmer Avenue Suite 49A
Bronxville N.Y. 10708
Office:  914-693-2132
Fax: 914-693-2133
Decorators & Interior Design

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Decorators & Interior Design

Chapin Interiors

Chapin Interiors works closely with clients to blend furniture, fabrics and accessories in a creative mix that makes each newly designed interior as sophisticated, comfortable and unique. 

914-361-1157

228 Main Street, New London, N. H. 03257

www.chapininteriors.com

Decorating Den Interiors
 
Marni Sugerman makes the whole process of interior design stress-free for her clients.  Decorating Den offers personalized service, on-of-a-kind design, and specialize in project planning. 
 
They work with clients  from the ground up to create a custom plan just for them.  Best of all, they work behind the scenes so their clients don't have to - coordinating everything from measuring, product ordering, and finally to installation to ensure everything goes as smoothly as possible.
 
Whether you want to decorate one area or the whole space, they can help you create something that is well-made, functional and elegant.
 
Marni has 25 years of experience designing gorgeous spaces that can be enjoyed for many years to come. Whether your style is traditional or modern, contemporary or luxurious, ensure your home reflects your taste by seeking the help of a professional interior decorator.
 
Marni Sugerman
2097a Boston Post Road
Larchmont, N.Y. 10538
914-829-5100
 
Gld Interiors
 
After an almost 20 year career working at Christie's Auction House with furniture and decoration from around the globe, Ginette Dean founded her interior design firm, Gld Interiors.  She is equal parts project manager, renovation therapist and experienced multidisciplinary interior designer. Her goal is to partner with clients to create the unique, timeless home where your family will build lasting memories. 
 
Her interiors reflect her love of mixing the old and new and high and  low to create spaces that are personal and livable. While she has built houses from the ground up, her experience lies mainly in flipping and renovation old homes.  Maintaining their character, while modernizing for function is always her goal.  Whether you are looking to renovate one room or your whole home, Gld Interiors is able to help.
 
Gld Interiors
845 James St., Pelham, N.Y. 10803
646-942-2236
 
Helen Grubel
 
Helen Grubel is a full time Interior Designer who understands that decorating & renovations can be very stressful, whether a small or large project.  She see the importance of taking some that stress off her clients & making the whole experience pleasant and yes, sometimes fun!
 
Cellphone:  914- 912-3930
Helengrubelinteriordesign.com
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Nicole Interior Designs, Inc.

Nicole Interior Designs is a one-stop full service interior design boutique serving Westchester for over 20 years. They carry a wide selection of custom fabrics, furnishings, window treatments and finishes. 

www.nicoleinteriors.com

Patricia O'Shaughnessy Design

Patricia O'Shaughnessy Design is a full service, residential interior decorating firm. 

www.PattiOhome.com

 
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Garden Clubs

Bronxville Beautification Council

Organized in 1982, the Bronxville Beautification Council (BBC) is a not-for-profit organization administered by a volunteer Board of Directors. The mission of the BBC is to enhance and maintain the natural and man-made beauty of the village of Bronxville, with an emphasis on the downtown business district.

Click here to learn more 

Boulder Ledge Garden Club

Founded in 1966, the Boulder Ledge Garden Club is rooted in a mission to inspire a deeper appreciation and love for gardening and flower arranging. The club is dedicated to fostering and promoting interest and knowledge in gardening. 

The Club maintains Bronxville’s Bicentennial Park and other civic gardens. In 2019–2020 the club raised $18,000 to replace trees in the village, reflecting its active role in community beautification. It also holds garden therapy projects and educational garden trips for members. 

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Bronxville Giving Garden

The Bronxville Giving Garden is a community-centered garden that donates organic produce to Eastchester Community Action Partnership in Tuckahoe and Community Service Associates in Mount Vernon. The garden is also a gathering place where school children and volunteers can discover the joy of tending plants and growing food.

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Bronxville Green Committee

The Bronxville Green Committee is a volunteer organization that is part of the Village of Bronxville. It proposes and implements environmentally sustainable programs in our community. 

You can contact them HERE.

Florists

Lulevere/Tryforos

The Tryforos family has roots in the floral industry since the late 1800's and is privileged to be serving Bronxville since 1963.  They deliver and send flowers worldwide.

M-F: 9am-6pm
Sat.: 9am-5pm

73 Pondfield Road
Bronxville, NY 10708
914.337.2525
www.tryforosflorist.comTree Services

Tree Services
 
Bartlett Tree Experts
 
2240 Saw Mill River Road, Elmsford, N.Y. 10523
914-592-4520
Cell: 914-760-4460
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Gerry McLoughlin
914-337-7084
www.GerryMcL.com

Computer Tutor @ PCI

914-337-1700
www.computertutorpci.com

Geeks on Wheels

Dylan Hall
Harrison, New York 914-562-1800
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www.geeks-on-wheels.net

The Computer Nerds, Inc.

PO Box 31
Bronxville, New York 10708
914-779-7952
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www.thecomputernerdsinc.com

The Dream Foundry, Inc.
Creative Services & Custom Web Development

763-390-9299
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Painting, Wallcovering, and Rug Care
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Steve Pag Wallcovering LLC
Steve has been serving Bronxville for over 40 years in the home improvement business.  Steve is now offering wallpaper installations only.  Steve is a graduate of the US School of Professional Paperhanging (1980) and has an expertise in installing all types of wallpaper including:  grass-cloth, murals and fabrics. Steve holds himself to the highest standards and makes sure expectations are met by his customers.
 
Steve Pagliaroli
38 Brookside Circle
Bronxville, N.Y. 10708
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Call or text: 914-447-7841
 
Rug Renovating
Rug Renovating is your one-stop shop for all your fine rug and home furnishing care needs.  As the largest rug restoration and refinishing company in the country, we specialize in expert rug cleaning, repair, and restoration, as well as stain removal, fiber protection, and carpet and furniture cleaning.  Family-owned and operated since 1896, our master craftspeople can clean and repair nearly any type of rug.  Proudly serving the NY, NJ and Ct. metropolitan areas, we help families preserve the beauty and longevity of their homes.
 
Rug Renovating
973- 675-8313
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Raytone Cleaning & Restoration, Inc.
Carpets/ Upholstery/Area Rugs and other fine fabrics.  Tile & grout/LVT cleaning.  24 HR Emergency Water Damage Restoration
No Excuses, No Gimmicks, Just 100% Clean
 
128 West Lincoln Avenue, Mt. Vernon, NY 10550
914-776-2269  Office
914-776-5534  Fax
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USA Carpet Cleaning
USA Carpet Cleaning was founded in 1991 in Cold Spring, N.Y.  A family-owned and operated business, known for its commitment to quality service at a fair price.
 
With over 30 years of experience, we have established ourselves as a leader in the floor & upholstery cleaning industry, consistently exceeding expectations and earning the trust of residential and commercial customers in Bronxville and throughout Westchester, Putnam Rockland and Fairfield Counties.
 
Using state-of-the-art, truck-mounted steam cleaning technology, we deliver deep, effective cleaning with exceptional results for the following:
 
-Wall to wall carpet, area rugs, upholstery, tile and grout, car & boat interiors and more.........
-We are Pet Odor removal specialists!
-24 HR. water remediation service.
 
Call us to discuss your cleaning needs and ask for Sharon!  Mention that you saw us in My Hometown Bronxville and receive 10% OFF all services.
 
USA Carpet Cleaning, Inc.
P.O. Box 118
Buchanan, N.Y. 10511
914- 788-1824
 

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