Edgewood House

Formerly known as Mrs. Hazen’s School and Pelham Hall, the Edgewood House has been a presence in Pelham Manor since the late 19^th century. The residence is located in an upper-middle-class neighborhood in suburban Westchester County and has been renovated several times as a result of housing various organizations throughout its history. Only one building of the three that were originally built on the property remains; one was demolished and the other burnt down in 1986. The significance lies in the exterior integrity of the surviving building and for being a fine architectural example of a turn-of-the-century academic building.

Though the architect and builder are unknown, this structure was constructed in 1893 and reflects the Colonial Revival style of architecture. It is three and a half stories tall, composed of wood and masonry, and features a wrap-around porch along the first story. The architectural design also sought inspiration from Georgian sources, which is apparent in a bracketed cornice that lines the roof. The interior of the house was designed to operate as a boarding school, so it originally contained reception areas, classrooms, a gymnasium, and dormitories. As of the late 1980s, the interior was being utilized as apartments.

The Edgewood House has been synonymous with the growth of education for girls in the United States at the turn of the century, especially in a preparatory setting. The architectural style also displays a presence of femininity, as it was preferred by educators and often used for girls’ schools. Mrs. Hazen’s School operated from 1889 until 1915 and was influential in promoting the development of Pelham Manor as a residential community. It was opened by Mrs. Emily Hall Hazen under the encouragement of property owner Silas Witherbee, who wanted to develop Pelham Manor, a stop along the New York City rail line, into a suburb. He believed that opening a school would serve as an incentive for people to settle in the community.

Although the school was officially named Pelham Hall, it was commonly associated with Emily Hall Hazen because of her contributions towards fostering the education system for girls in Pelham Manor. Her school accommodated 125 students, where they received a twelve-year education. Throughout the majority of the 18^th and 19^th centuries, education for girls was overlooked, while training in singing, dancing, diction, and other domestic roles were emphasized instead. Therefore, the establishment of formal schools that taught academic subjects, provided new opportunities for both women and young girls.

1. "Mrs. Hazen's School." The Pelham Record, March 6, 1915.
2. National Register of Historic Places and National Historic Landmarks Program Records. “New York SP Edgewood House,” June 26, 1986. https://catalog.archives.gov/id/75323013
3. Woody, Thomas. A History of Women's Education in the United States. New York; The Science Press, 1929.