Restoring Mount Vernon History

My name is Joseph Pombo, I grew up on Pennsylvania
Avenue in Mount Vernon New York.
Growing up in Mount Vernon was a fantastic experience, I moved here in 1985 and lived here until 2017. As I grew older I remembered my grandmother, Kathryn Bishops' stories about our neighborhood's history. New York State is filled with Revolutionary War History, Mount Vernon is no exception. A well documented battle is from John Glover’s famous stand at the battle at Pell’s Point. However its not only this battle that stands out in Mount Vernon.
Aa revolutionary war skirmish took place in our very neighborhood. This was mind-blowing to me that hundreds of years ago, such histories took place by my home.  After learning that my neighborhood was historic, I discovered that we were missing historical road markers.  So I joined with local neighborhood associations and even began one for our neighborhood called, Chester Hill Park in the hopes that we could erect these missing roadside plaques. In doing so the neighborhood began a period of comradery and meeting neighbors who lived there for as long as I have yet I didn’t really speak with them. Those neighbors like Talbert Thomas, Cap Beasly, Robert Macrea, Marcus Griffith, Marty & Rene Sherrer and Robert Jefferson are special to this campaign.  I wanted to get these plaques in the neighborhood, but I had no idea or finances available to do so. As time pasted  First I researched from the Mount Vernon Library and the Westchester County Historical society to ensure the accuracy of the placements.  They would be placed on the south-east corner of North Columbus Avenue and Sherman Avenue. That would be the site of a tavern called Morrell's Tavern.  At which A Skirmish Here On October 23, 1776, Ten Hessians And One American Fell.  Ironically a second plague should be across the street. To mark the area where the purchase from Thomas Lawrence by Israel Hunt, on North Columbus Avenue going toward the road that enters the Cross County Parkway.  These wonderful road markers are made by the company Catskill Castings. The cost of a plaque with shipping and placement will be 1500 total. I truly hope that these efforts will spark a similar desire within the city of Mount Vernon, and we can identify and erect more roadside plaques to showcase our cities great history, I am going to start with one, and head to the city government to ask for their support and guidance. 

 

 
 Restore and Preserve Mount Vernon History