News Archive

Author: 
FOCAAdmin

The Friends of the Old Croton Aqueduct (FOCA) congratulate the volunteers for their hard work, energy, enthusiasm and spirit of collaboration. There were one hundred and five people who showed up to help for the seventh annual I Love My Park Day on May 5, 2018! An extra special thanks to those who volunteered more than once and a very warm welcome to those who participated for the first time.


Photo credit: John and Lynn Salmon

Author: 
FOCAAdmin

On Sunday afternoon, June 3rd, Cornelia Cotton, long time member of the Friends shared with a standing room only audience her own perspective of the story of the Old Croton Aqueduct.  

Author: 
FOCAAdmin

Friends of the Old Croton Aqueduct stalwarts Mavis Cain, Eddie Jabbour, Michael Ambrozek and Angelica Campoverde braved a chill, drizzly day to represent the Friends at the May 12 “Highbridge Rocks Community Festival” in Manhattan's Highbridge Park, organized by NYC Parks & Recreation. Our contingent took turns introducing local residents to the Aqueduct story at the Friends' table or leading walks on the High Bridge and the area near the fabled Coogan's Bluff. Many local residents were totally unaware of the Aqueduct trail and its link with the bridge.

Author: 
FOCAAdmin

On April 21st, Chris Mai and partner Frank Mamo completed the 41 mile Old Croton Aqueduct Trail, running the full length from The New York Public Library to the Croton Dam in 9 hours.

Every year, the couple runs a New York themed ultramarathon for fun. "Last year we ran from Inwood Park to Coney Island, one year we ran the perimeter of Manhattan, this year we decided to try the OCA," said Mai.

Author: 
HubertHerring

Before a packed crowd at the Friends’ annual meeting on April 29, Adam Bosch, a spokesman for the New York City DEP and

Author: 
STGorman

Earth Day Clean-up on the OCA

For 7 billion people worldwide, Sunday was officially Earth Day.

For me and 200 others in downtown Yonkers, it was Saturday.


As yet, I have no photos. no video, no audio, no mementos.

(Ed note: See our album on Facebook HERE.

I do have memories, tho', of an urban spring day, hundreds cloistered in a small yard.

Author: 
FOCAAdmin

The Friends of the Old Croton Aqueduct is proud to announce the publication of the third edition of our award-winning Map & Guide to the Westchester section of the Old Croton Aqueduct.

Author: 
DaveBaldwin

With the completion of the Croton Reservoir and Aqueduct in 1842 the City of New York held what had been called the largest celebration in its history. Part of that celebration included the presentation of silver medals, engraved and struck by New York City medalist Robert Lovett Sr., to individuals involved in the project and the celebration. Exactly how many were awarded is not known but they were awarded to the 17 Alderman as well as other dignitaries. And how many still exist is unknown as they appear very rarely in the numismatic marketplace.

Author: 
joannariesman

On Sunday, October 8, the Friends hosted a party on the lawns of the Keeper's House to commemorate the October day 175 years ago when Croton water first arrived in New York City.  The rain stopped on cue, and we were able to celebrate the flow of water without any flowing over us. 

Author: 
CFahn

State crews under the direction of trail manager Steve Oakes did a wonderful job this summer re-creating the Aqueduct trail in the short but important section between Lamartine Ave. and Bishop William J. Walls Place in Yonkers. It looks like it's always been there. It takes literally 3 minutes to walk the segment.

I recently went to see it; it's 15 minutes or less driving time straight south on Warburton Ave. from Hastings; then turn left onto Lamartine and park on that block. The segment is best seen now or soon, while the trees are still fully leafed out.

Author: 
FOCAAdmin

Come celebrate the day our Aqueduct saved the City

Sunday, October 8, 2017
2 to 6pm at the Keeper’s House
15 Walnut Street, Dobbs Ferry NY

Food, music, Croton Cocktails, a new exhibit of photos by Fred Charles, art projects for kids, songs from 1842 . . .

For more information call Mavis at 914 693 0529 or Joanna at 917 742 7654

Author: 
FOCAAdmin
Daniel Shure, 58, of Croton on Hudson died on September 7, 2017. A long-time and well-loved Croton resident, he was known for his affable personality, wit, and good humor.

Dan graduated from Utica College and worked for many years at the City University of New York, most recently as Manager of Creative and Web Services. Earlier in his career he worked in public relations at Lehman College, Yeshiva University and Hunter College.

Author: 
FOCAAdmin

On Sunday October 8th, FOCA will celebrate the 175th anniversary of the opening of the Croton Aqueduct with a birthday party at the Keeper's House in Dobbs Ferry. A new exhibit in the Keeper's House, music, games for kids, "Croton Cocktails," food and a chance to sit in a replica of the Croton Maid, the small boat that floated down to New York City on the first water to flow through the Aqueduct. 2 to 6pm. Details to be announced soon.

Author: 
DAlden

July success! Over 20,000 invasive plants removed; numerous native trees, bushes and plants saved!

Author: 
FOCAAdmin

caption: Group Photo by Karena Gray

For the full photo album, click HERE

 

Author: 
CFahn
Long-Closed Aqueduct Stairway Replaced by New Path in Van Cortlandt Park
 
Author: 
FOCAAdmin

A lovely Spring day was had by all. Some of us went on to Dia Beacon, while others came early for breakfast on Main Street before the boat ride to sunny Pollopel Island. A band of docents shepherded us through the ruins and showed off old photos of the castle home and arsenal. This was a wonderful way to get to know more about our group .... it turned out that 3 participants knew each other from high school. And Jane Reed's description of Dobbs Ferry 54 years ago was a stitch!

Author: 
Mavis Cain

Summer hours for the High Bridge

Author: 
FOCAAdmin

Rid the trail of invasive plants and
Restore Historic Stone Walls
with the Friends of the Old Croton Aqueduct

Register in advance at http://www.ptny.org/ilovemypark
 

Where: On the trail along Quaker Bridge Road, Croton on Hudson (look for a white canopy)

Parking: On street — look for designated volunteer signs between houses #124 and #99

Perks: Water, coffee, snacks, gloves, tee shirts, tools & bug stuff provided

Author: 
FOCAAdmin

SUNDAY APRIL 23, 2PM

The story of Burr’s maneuverings to found a bank (now JP Morgan Chase) by pretending to meet New York City’s urgent need for clean water is one of the more colorful sidebars of our water supply history. In this 175th anniversary year of the Old Croton Aqueduct, learn how Burr pulled it off, Alexander Hamilton’s ambiguous role, and the consequences of Burr’s ruse for the emerging metropolis.

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