In the January 31, 2012 issue of the Westchester Guardian, westchesterguardian.com (for photos)
Steeped in the past and present, the book, “One Day. Photos of Life in New Rochelle, The l0-l0-l0 Project Book,” by Karen Hessel stands as a tribute to the City during its 325th Anniversary in 2013. Voluntary photographers in a unified effort on October l0, 2010, went to all parts of the City to visually record many examples of unrehearsed, unedited suburban views of life. “The photographers wanted, according to the author, to “capture the people, places, events and activities, history and life in New Rochelle.” The volume does not disappoint readers. These photographers completed their task by submitting over 4,000 pictures. How can anyone forget the photo of the Yankee fans returning from a victory of a playoff game? Many views of the ordinary, everyday and sometimes special activities of residents are portrayed. New Rochelle, the City of Homes, Schools and Houses of Worship is vividly portrayed with pictures of churchgoers outside a church, a wedding, baptism and even a picture of the Union Baptist Church which burned to the ground shortly after this venture. City Historian, Barbara Davis, called the volume “a Kaleidoscopic View of this Great City.”
Schools are amply represented. New Rochelle High School, the two middle schools and the elementary schools were all shown at different times of the day. A memorial , Amy’s Greenhouse, at Henry Barnard School is a tribute to a 9/11 victim and a reminder of how the history of New Rochelle is preserved. The waterfront shows the beaches, particularly Glen Island and Hudson Park. The statue of Christopher Columbus capturing Mayor Noam Bramson, Councilman Lou Trangucci and County Legislator Jim Maisano is a permanent reminder of how elected officials work together in the community. The southern section of the City has two significant religious pictures: one of School Board Member David Lacher’s daughter’s wedding, and another of the Vicar of the Sound Shore Vicariate, Father Martin Biglin, officiating at a baptism at Holy Name Church.
The City of New Rochelle’s current 325th Anniversary is well represented in the West End and downtown areas. The long-standing Knickerbocker Press on Webster Avenue shines in its restoration with lofts for condominiums and live-work lofts. Other memorable buildings include the New Rochelle train station, I.B. Cohen’s which is the oldest store in New Rochelle, the Chase Bank building, Lamda building and the United States Post Office. In the middle or City Core of New Rochelle on North Avenue, the “flying nun” Police station and the Iona Dorms are evident. Indisputably the historic district of Rochelle Heights continues to be a reminder of the City’s glorious past.
Finally the north end photos depict an important fire house on North Avenue near Eastchester Road because it is in range of 75% of the city, and it must service a large proportion of the City. The cottage of Thomas Paine who was the author of Common Sense is a constant reminder of the fame brought to the City from this man’s thinking. Views of Ward Acres and Glenwood Lake’s beauty grace the last few pages as does the street sign which gives us pause remembering another famous resident, Norman Rockwell. The sign announces to the world that New Rochelle is a City of Schools, Churches and Houses of Worship. Preserving all these treasures on film for future generations is the gift of everyone who contributed to this book.
The book is for sale at the Curtain Shop on Main Street in New Rochelle and at Anderson’s Bookstore in Larchmont or online 101010nr.com which is also the website.
