A Spring Architectural Tour with the Preservation League

Join the Preservation League on an exclusive tour of iconic Westchester County locations selected for our Excelsior Society Day Trip. Explore the history of settlement in Rye on an expert-led tour which includes coach transportation from meeting location in Rye and lunch. Additional details upon registration.

Rye: From Seaside Village to Suburban Playground - June 16, 2017

Westchester’s oldest permanent settlement mirrors America’s own swift trajectory from secluded agrarian villages to affluent commuter suburbs. Already in its third century, Rye epitomized the 19th century ”American Empire” with the construction of Greek Revival mansions of Peter Augustus Jay (now the Jay Heritage Center) and Edward Lamb Parsons among others along the Boston Post Road. Great houses designed by the likes of Andrew Jackson Davis, McKim, Mead & White, Mott B. Schmidt and even Frank Lloyd Wright were built in the decades that followed. By the 1920’s, golf courses filled open land and yacht clubs took full advantage of Long Island Sound. Incongruous with the surrounding community, Rye Playland opened in 1928. This grand gesture of civic engagement and public design is a Spanish Revival/Art Deco masterpiece of seaside amusement park design by Walker & Gillette. Come take a ride with the League!

Rye Playland, Walker & Gillette, 1928

Tour Host

Suzanne Clary, President, Jay Heritage Center; PLNYS Trustee

Approximate time: 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Tour details and meeting location will be provided with registration.

$150 Preservation League Member / $200 Non-Member Ticket

Transportation from meeting location in Rye and lunch are included.