City of Rye

Westchester County

10580, Carousel at Playland Amusement Park, Rye Playland, Rye, NY, family amusement park, entertainment center,  rides, beach, pool, boardwalk, pier on scenic Long Island Sound, lake boating, picnic area, mini-golf, indoor ice-skating, Things to Do | Westchester Carousel at Playland Amusement Park

  The Carousel at Playland Amusement Park, located at 100 Playland Parkway, Rye, NY 10580 in southern Westchester County, is a Metro New York family amusement park and entertainment center. Featuring more than fifty rides for children and adults, Playland also offers free entertainment and has a beach, pool, boardwalk, and pier on scenic Long Island Sound, lake boating, picnic area, mini-golf and indoor ice-skating. Carousel at Playland Amusement Park | Westchester  website and more . . .


Merry-Go-Round | Rye Carousels | Westchester Merry-Go-Round | Hudson Valley
Historic Sites for Kids | Rye Historic Sites for Kids | Westchester Historic Sites for Kids | Hudson Valley
Wheelchair Accessible | Rye Wheelchair Accessible | Westchester Wheelchair Accessible | Hudson Valley

find local farmers market, fresh produce, Farmers Markets, Westchester County, Briarcliff Manor, Croton-on-Hudson, Larchmont, Mamaroneck, Mount Kisco, New Rochelle, Ossining, Pelham, Pleasantville, Rye, Tarrytown | Westchester Community Markets - Rye

914-923-4837
  Community Markets, is an organization that believes strongly in supporting local agriculture, strengthening local communities, and making fresh produce available to neighborhoods with limited access. Community Markets - Rye | Westchester  website and more . . .


Farm Stores | Rye Farmers' Markets | Westchester Farm Stores | Hudson Valley
Farms - Organic | Rye Farms - Organic | Westchester Organic Farms | Hudson Valley

Wildlife Sanctuary, Nature Center, IBA, Environmental education programs, intertidal ecology, marine biology, plant science, ornithology, Things to Do, Birding, Cross-Country Skiing, Hiking / Walking, Nature Study Programs | Westchester Edith G. Read Wildlife Sanctuary

914-967-8720
  The Edith G. Read Wildlife Sanctuary and Nature Center is a 179-acre park located on the shore of the Long Island Sound, along a migratory flyway. This sanctuary is home to a great diversity of marine life. In winter months, the 85-acre lake, a mixture of salt and fresh water, hosts over 5,000 ducks. The sanctuary has been recognized by the national Audubon Society of New York as an Important Bird Area (IBA). There are three miles of trails through forest and field. Along the half-mile of publicly accessible shore, the intertidal habitat harbors a wide diversity of plants and animals. Environmental education programs are offered to schools, scouts and other groups by advance reservation. Group size is limited to 30, and there is a modest fee based on group size and length of program. Topics can be tailored to the needs and interests of the group and include: intertidal ecology, marine biology, plant science and ornithology. Edith G. Read Wildlife Sanctuary | Westchester  website and more . . .


Bird Watching | Rye Bird Watching | Westchester Audubon | Hudson Valley
Snowshoeing | Rye Cross-Country Skiing | Westchester Snowshoeing | Hudson Valley
Gardens & Nature Centers | Rye Gardens, Nature Centers & Nature Trails | Westchester Gardens & Nature Centers | Hudson Valley
Places To Hike | Rye Hiking Trails | Westchester Places To Hike | Hudson Valley
Winter Sports | Rye Winter Activities | Westchester Winter Sports | Hudson Valley

10580, Rye, NY, Gallery, museum-quality framing for fine art, rag and archival mats, conservation and museum glass, Collectibles, Curios | Westchester Gallery 52

914-921-1585
  Gallery 52 is located at 81 Purchase Street, Rye, NY 10580 in Westchester County.

From Gallery 52: Gallery 52 specializes in custom, museum-quality framing for fine art - rag and archival mats, conservation and museum glass, UV plexi. All framing is done on-site. Your artwork is handled with utmost care and never leaves the store. Gallery 52 | Westchester  website and more . . .


Appraisals | Rye Appraisals | Westchester Antique Shops | Hudson Valley
Art Galleries | Rye Art Gallery | Westchester Art Galleries | Hudson Valley

10580, Rye, Jay Heritage Center, Founding Father, John Jay, historic, first Chief Justice, historic Boston Post Road,  National Historic Landmark, history, America’s Treasures Program, African American Heritage Trail, tour | Westchester Jay Heritage Center

914-698-9275
  Jay Heritage Center, a National Historic Landmark, is located at 210 Boston Post Road, Rye, NY 10580 in Westchester County.

"The Jay Estate in Rye is the childhood home of one of our nation’s greatest leaders and Founding Fathers, John Jay (1745-1829). Thanks to the efforts of its subsequent owners who cherished it and community advocates who saved it, this sylvan and historic 23 acre oasis, once part of an expansive 400 acre farm, still boasts a magnificent view to Long Island Sound and is now open to the public. For visitors, it provides a rare and truly breathtaking window into our past and a glimpse of the horizons that Jay and his descendants saw for our new country. Jay Heritage Center | Westchester  website and more . . .


Educational Programs for Kids | Rye Educational Programs for Kids | Westchester Educational Programs for Kids | Hudson Valley
Historic Hudson Valley | Rye Historic Sites | Westchester Historic Hudson Valley | Hudson Valley
Historic Sites for Kids | Rye Historic Sites for Kids | Westchester Historic Sites for Kids | Hudson Valley
Photo Locations Hudson Valley | Rye Photo Locations Hudson Valley | Westchester Photo Locations Hudson Valley | Hudson Valley
Scenic Hudson Valley | Rye Scenic Hudson Valley | Westchester Scenic Hudson Valley | Hudson Valley

Marshlands, wildlife sanctuary, Things to Do, Birding, Cross-Country Skiing, Hiking / Walking, Nature Study Programs, Long Island Sound, Atlantic migratory flyway, bird watching | Westchester Marshlands Conservancy & Nature Center

914-835-4466
  Marshlands Conservancy is a 147-acre wildlife sanctuary composed of a diversity of habitats. Forest, meadow, salt marsh and shore can be explored. Enjoy three miles of trails and one-half mile of shoreline along the Long Island Sound. Located along the Atlantic migratory flyway, Marshlands is an excellent bird watching location; more than 230 species have been sited. The Marshlands salt marsh is one of few in New York accessible to the public for study and enjoyment. Marshlands Conservancy & Nature Center | Westchester  website and more . . .


Bird Watching | Rye Bird Watching | Westchester Audubon | Hudson Valley
Snowshoeing | Rye Cross-Country Skiing | Westchester Snowshoeing | Hudson Valley
Gardens & Nature Centers | Rye Gardens, Nature Centers & Nature Trails | Westchester Gardens & Nature Centers | Hudson Valley
Places To Hike | Rye Hiking Trails | Westchester Places To Hike | Hudson Valley
Local and State | Rye Parks | Westchester Local and State | Hudson Valley
Winter Sports | Rye Winter Activities | Westchester Winter Sports | Hudson Valley

10580, Rye, NY, family amusement park, rides for children and adults, free entertainment, beach, pool, boardwalk, pier on scenic Long Island Sound, lake boating, picnic area, mini golf, indoor ice-skating, amusement park | Westchester Playland Amusement Park, Beach & Pool

914-813-7010
  Playland Amusement Park and Pool, located at 100 Playland Parkway, Rye, NY 10580 in southern Westchester County, is a Metro New York family amusement park and entertainment center. Featuring more than fifty rides for children and adults, Playland also offers free entertainment and has a beach, pool, boardwalk, and pier on scenic Long Island Sound, lake boating, picnic area, mini-golf and indoor ice-skating.Playland Amusement Park is America's only government owned and operated amusement park.

Things To Do at Playland Amusement Park aka Rye Playland. Playland Amusement Park, Beach & Pool | Westchester  website and more . . .


Kayaking | Rye Kayaking | Westchester Boating | Hudson Valley
Merry-Go-Round | Rye Carousels | Westchester Merry-Go-Round | Hudson Valley
Historic Hudson Valley | Rye Historic Sites | Westchester Historic Hudson Valley | Hudson Valley
Historic Sites for Kids | Rye Historic Sites for Kids | Westchester Historic Sites for Kids | Hudson Valley
Indoor and Outdoor Rinks | Rye Indoor and Outdoor Rinks | Westchester Ice Skating | Hudson Valley
Kid's Birthday Party Ideas | Rye Kid's Birthday Party Ideas | Westchester Kid's Birthday Party Ideas | Hudson Valley
Family Outings | Rye Kids Fun Things To Do | Westchester Family Outings | Hudson Valley
Miniature Golf | Rye Miniature Golf | Westchester Miniature Golf | Hudson Valley
Local and State | Rye Parks | Westchester Local and State | Hudson Valley
Picnic | Rye Picnicking | Westchester Picnic | Hudson Valley
Playgrounds | Rye Playgrounds | Westchester Playgrounds | Hudson Valley
Scenic Hudson Valley | Rye Scenic Hudson Valley | Westchester Scenic Hudson Valley | Hudson Valley
Swimming Pool or Lake - Outdoors | Rye Swimming Pool or Lake - Outdoors | Westchester Swimming Pool or Lake - Outdoors | Hudson Valley
Wheelchair Accessible | Rye Wheelchair Accessible | Westchester Wheelchair Accessible | Hudson Valley

10580, ice skating facility, indoor rinks, family fun ice skating, Freestyle, Adult Skate, Child Puck Time, Playland Skating School, Public Skating, Ice Rink Activities, Family Skate Nights, Figure Skating Lessons, Freestyle Skating, Hockey Lessons | Westchester Playland Ice "Ice Skating - Ice Hockey"

914-813-7059
  The Playland Ice Casino is located at Playland Parkway (Exit 19 off I-95) Rye, New York 10580. Playland Ice Casino has been Westchester's premier ice skating facility for over 80 years. Three temperature-controlled indoor rinks make for a comfortable, family fun ice skating experience. The Playland Ice Casino offers special weekday times for Freestyle, Adult Skate and Child Puck Time. Convenient public sessions, special events, extended holiday schedules await skaters this season for even more family fun. Playland Ice   "Ice Skating - Ice Hockey" | Westchester  website and more . . .


Hockey Leagues | Rye Hockey Leagues | Westchester Ice Hockey | Hudson Valley
Indoor and Outdoor Rinks | Rye Indoor and Outdoor Rinks | Westchester Ice Skating | Hudson Valley
Kid's Birthday Party Ideas | Rye Kid's Birthday Party Ideas | Westchester Kid's Birthday Party Ideas | Hudson Valley

Rye WMCA

914-967-6363
 

10580, Rye, YMCA, family-oriented, Improving the nation’s health,  health and well-being, good health, fitness, sports, fun, achieve greater health, mind and body | Westchester Rye YMCA

914-967-6363
  Rye YMCA is located at 21 Locust Ave., Rye, NY 10580 in Westchester County. The Rye YMCA is a family-oriented community service organization that welcomes all people and promotes positive values through programs that build spirit, mind, and body. Rye YMCA | Westchester  website and more . . .


Exercise | Rye Gyms | Westchester Exercise | Hudson Valley

Westchesters Westchester's Childrens Children Museums learning history arts cultural exhibition exhibitions programs caregivers teachers educators performances local community | Westchester Westchester Children's Museum

914-421-5050
  The Westchester Children’s Museum will have a premier location on the Long Island Sound in the historic landmark North Bathhouse at Rye Playland, a building that evokes whimsy and sets the stage for an exceptional children’s museum experience.

"The iconic North Bathhouse provides nearly 23,000 square feet of space for temporary and permanent exhibits, classrooms, a birthday party room, performance space, restaurant/cafe, gift shop, and other amenities. Westchester Children's Museum | Westchester  website and more . . .


Kid's Birthday Party Ideas | Rye Kid's Birthday Party Ideas | Westchester Kid's Birthday Party Ideas | Hudson Valley
Museums - Hudson River Valley | Rye Museums - Hudson River Valley | Westchester Museums - Hudson River Valley | Hudson Valley
Museums - Kids | Rye Museums - Kids | Westchester Museums - Kids | Hudson Valley



City of Rye
Westchester County
Hudson Valley

History of the City of Rye, New York

The First Settlement
Rye is the oldest permanent settlement in Westchester County. It began in 1660 when Peter Disbrow, John Coe and Thomas Studwell came from Greenwich with a small group of settlers. They were joined by John Budd the following year. Their first treaty with the Mohegan Indians gave them the land between Milton Point and the Byram River (Peningoe Neck); then the mile-long “Manussing” Island. Within several years their combined purchases comprised all of what is now the City of Rye, Town of Rye, Harrison, White Plains, parts of Greenwich, North Castle, and Mamaroneck.

In 1665, Connecticut merged these settlements under the name of Rye after ancestors in Rye, England. In 1683, Rye was ceded unwillingly to the Province of New York by King Charles II as a gift to his brother, the Duke of York. But when a New York court severed the Harrison area from the settlement in 1695, the Rye colonists rejoined Connecticut in protest. In 1700, Rye again became part of New York by royal decree, this time permanently. The New York State Legislature officially established the Town of Rye boundaries in 1788.

Early Business and Recreation
For two centuries, Rye remained a secluded community. Land was cleared for farming and cattle grazing. Docks were built on Long Island Sound, and oystering was an important occupation. Homes along Mill Town Road, now Milton, led to grist mills on Blind Brook.

Communication with the outside world came slowly. The Rye-Oyster Bay ferry, which began service in 1739, was a great community event. The New York-Boston stagecoach made its first run in 1772 using the Square House, then an Inn, as a stopping place. Rye to New York steamboat service and completion of the New Haven Railroad in the mid 1800’s made Rye a popular summer resort. Horseracing on “The Flats” (Rye Beach) was a special attraction.

Rye Thrives at the Turn of the Century
In the late nineteenth century, Rye experienced its first real growth and change. The era of the trolley made surrounding communities accessible. (Through a series of careful transfers, one could travel all the way to New York for eight cents.) By 1904, there were two schools, five churches, a library, and a lively population of 3,500 residents.

Rye Becomes a Village
The growing community became dissatisfied with the services of the Rye Town Board, on which it had no representation. The Rye Village Incorporation League organized public meetings; “letters to the editor” debated the merits of independence. The Legislature passed a bill of incorporation and on September 12, 1904, a special election was held at Theodore Fremd’s market. The taxpayers voted 155 in favor, 47 opposed - and Rye became a village.

Post-War Boom
During the 1920’s, the post-war boom and the advent of parkways and commuter trains brought a rush of prospective suburbanites and summer residents to the flourishing village. This was Rye’s greatest period of growth and by 1930, there were nearly 9,000 people.

Rye Becomes a City
As Rye developed, the residents began to desire complete independence from the Town government. City status offered many advantages, one being relief from paying a disproportionate share of the Town welfare tax. In 1940, the Legislature approved the Rye City Charter which was adopted by the residents 1,172 to 34. On January 1, 1942, Rye became Westchester’s sixth and smallest city.

Rye History in the Making
Today, the City of Rye is a unique blending of the old and the new. Now a residential, suburban community with every facility for modern living, it still retains its traditional atmosphere of tranquil village life as well as many historic landmarks that bind it to its three-hundred year history.

Still small as cities go (1990 census population: 14,936), Rye is primarily a place in which to live rather than to make a living. One-third of Rye’s working residents commute to New York City, 25 railroad miles away. Others are employed in Westchester, Connecticut, New Jersey, and Long Island as well as in the 200 small businesses and several large firms located here.

Community Characteristics
The dominant characteristic of the community is one of single-family homes that cover about three-fifths of Rye’s six square miles. Another fifth of the land is devoted to recreation and conservation. The balance is divided between institutions (such as The Osborn, churches, and city property) and vacant land, with a slim 5% of all property in Rye used for business and industry.

Careful planning and controlled growth have protected the overriding community objective - to retain its residential character. Of the 5,400 households, two-thirds live in private homes; the rest are housed in condominium, cooperative, two-family or apartment buildings - a balance which has been purposely maintained.

Natural Endowments
Rye’s remarkable natural endowments - a protected harbor along Long Island Sound, varied rolling landscapes, tree-lined streets, and winding brooks - enhance its many attractive neighborhoods. Community interest in recreation and preservation of open spaces has been considerable. The purchase of a 127-acre private country club, doubling of capacity at the marina on Milton Harbor, and expansion of the Nature Center to 47 acres all reflect the wishes of the citizens.

Present-Day Business
Campus-type office buildings for corporations in a few selected areas have been of economic benefit to the community. The central business district, primarily intended to serve local residents, has been confined to the Purchase Street area.

Zoning regulations that control density, height, and use of property have successfully kept tower apartments, motels, shopping centers and manufacturing plants out of Rye. Ample lands have been set aside for schools as well as for shopper and commuter parking.

Schools
"The City of Rye is served by two public school districts as well as numerous secular and non-secular learning institutions . . . Learn more about the Rye School Districts.Rye is also home to the renowned Rye Country Day School, a private learning institution."

Historical Landmarks
Any description of the Rye scene is incomplete without mention of its historical landmarks. The original home site and burial place of John Jay, first chief justice of the United States, is located here. Original milestone, fixed by Benjamin Franklin along the Post Road in 1763, still mark the 24th, 25th, and 26th miles from New York.

The historic Square House, built in the 1700’s, is now a museum. As a public inn for nearly a century, it housed such distinguished stagecoach riders as George Washington, John Adams, and General Lafayette. It later became Rye’s first post office and from 1904 till 1964 served as Village Hall, then City Hall.

On Milton Road, first site of community development, is the oldest house in Rye - the Timothy-Knapp house, built in the 1660’s; the Milton and Purdy cemeteries with gravestones of two centuries ago; the original Milton district school house, built in 1830, now a residence; and number 51, a colonial building dating back to 1788, currently the Rye Arts Center.

City of Rye Seal
The official City Seal displays a ship in the center copied from the seal of Rye, England, a peace pipe, a torch of freedom and the following three significant dates in Rye History:
1660 Year community was first settled, illustrated by a peace pipe
1904 Year Rye became a Village, showing a torch of progress
1942 Year Rye became a City

"History of the City of Rye, New York" is sourced from City of Rye, NY.

History And Antiquities
The following covers "History and Antiquities", a general collection of interesting facts, traditions, biographical sketches, and anecdotes about Westchester County and its towns. When reading the following, remember to keep in mind that this information has been written about two hundred years ago. Population statistics and events have not been revised to reflect current events and perspective. We think this adds to the historical flavor and interest of the writings, giving a different perspective on much of this information and written in an "older world" writing style. "Historical Collections of the State of New York , Published by S. Tuttle, 194 Chatham-Square, 1841

    Rye
    "Rye, the southeast town of the county, is distant from New York 26 miles. Pop. 1,803. The village of Rye, on the New York turnpike, 1 mile from the sound, contains 3 churches, 2 academies, and about 30 dwellings. The old Jay Mansion is situated in the western part of the town."

Excerpts from "New York, A Guide to the Empire State" , Compiled by workers of the Writer's Program of the Work Projects Administration in the State of New York, 1940 Albany

    "Rye, 2.9 m. (49 alt., 9,803 pop.), settled in 1660, is visible from US 1 as a series of apartment houses and mansions with landscaped grounds. The Haviland Inn (R), Purchase St. between Liberty Lane and Locust Ave., was built in 1730 and is now the Rye village hall. The old glass is intact; the beams are wooden-pegged; hand-split shingles cover three quarters of the structure. the inn was run be Dame Tamar Haviland, after her husband's death during the Revolution. In her time this was a notable stopping place on the old Post Road.

    The Grave of John Jay (1749-1829), first Chief Justice of the U.S., is in a private cemetery on the Palmer Estate, Post Road and Barlow Lane, once the home of his brother, Peter Jay.

    In Rye at 3.7 m. is an entrance ramp to the Cross County Parkway.Left on ramp and R. on the parkway 1 m. to PLAYLAND (open all year; bathing beach with accommodations for 10,000, boardwalk, swimming pool, dance hall, hockey rink, picnic grover, amusement devices. Parking 25 cents weekdays, 50 cents Sun. and holidays).

    Tied up at the Playland dock is the clipper ship, Benjamin F. Packard (adm. 10 cents), built at Bath, Maine, by Cross, Sawyer & Packard in 1883. With a tonnage of 2,026 gross and a mainmast rising 147 feet from her deck, the Packard was one of the larger ships of her period. Her logs cover many voyages around Cape Horn.

About Rye
There are many things to do and wonderful places to visit in the City of Rye, New York. Enjoy activities, attractions, and fine dining opportunities in Rye. Visit hiking trails in Rye, golf courses in Rye, and antique stores in and about Rye. If you enjoy watching and learning about birds and other wildlife, visit the Edith G. Read Wildlife Sanctuary where you can go on nature walks and enjoy birding in Rye. The Wildlife Sanctuary is a wonderful place for children; where environmental education programs can be arranged for a group of kids.

When its time to eat, select from a wide range of Rye restaurants.

Rye, New York offers beautiful homes and terrific areas in which to live. Learn more about buying a home in Rye, New York, Westchester County.




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