Latest FOCA News

33rd Annual Volunteer Spirit Awards on April 26, 2013

The Friends of the Old Croton Aqueduct were pleased to be given the Going Green Spirit Award by the Volunteer Center of United Way. The award recognized the Friends’ work in promoting and protecting the 26.2 miles of green which is the Aqueduct trail.

One of the ways the Friends spread awareness of the importance of the Aqueduct is by giving lectures and programs that tell the story of how the Aqueduct was built between in five short years ( 1837 to 1842 ) to bring life saving fresh water to New York City.

The award recognizes the fact that knowledge about the history encourages the communities through which the trail passes to help keep it free of litter or encroachments.

Photo: Left to right: Joel Mitchell, Ex Officio Director of The Volunteer Center of United Way; Mavis Cain, President of the Friends of the Old Croton Aqueduct; Jane Solnick, who presented the award on behalf of ConEdison

James Bremner's Gravestone is back together!

The Friends are thrilled that Bremner’s stone was the first to be repaired in the historic Little White Cemetery in Dobbs Ferry.

Bremner was the first keeper and superintendent of the Aqueduct Trail in the 4th district. He was responsible for daily maintenance and annual inspection of every foot of the interior in his area. He was stationed and housed in the Keeper’s House in Dobbs Ferry from the late 1840’s to his death in 1872. He lived there with his wife and two stepdaughters and must have used the old barn on Walnut street.

To the Friends he is an important reminder of the amazing work done to construct the 41 miles of Aqueduct tunnel. He was born in Scotland, became an engineer and was hired by John Jervis. We aren’t sure if he came directly from Scotland or was here when he took on this important job.

About 10 years ago The Friends discovered his stone and found it in two pieces. When the Village of Dobbs Ferry undertook the revitalization of the cemetery....( does that sound like a second coming ??) we requested that Bremner’s stone get top priority and it did. The restorer is actually using the same kind of hydraulic cement that Jervis insisted on for the mortar in the tunnel. Bremner’s spirit will be happy - as are we!

We plan to have a little rededication ceremony - we'll keep you posted...

Comments, suggestions, things we should know? Please contact Gary Ricci, manager of Old Croton Aqueduct State Historic Park at 693-5259 or Gary.Ricci@parks.ny.gov


(All credit cards accepted at Paypal, or send checks to 15 Walnut St, Dobbs Ferry NY 10522)

You may download a current listing of upcoming walks and Tours HERE.