Archives for People & Stories

People & Stories Oral History Project: John Kirkpatrick

As a city planner, lawyer, and common council member, John Kirkpatrick has a studied perspective on the City of White Plains. Originally from Alabama, Kirkpatrick remembers deciding to live in White Plains with his wife because they were attracted by the “ferment in culture” the diverse population creates. Always an active citizen, Kirkpatrick contributed to city comprehensive plans and continues to pay attention to the (sometimes small, sometimes big) details that ensure the development of White Plains creates a warm, accessible, pedestrian-friendly environment. With his nuanced perspective on the past, civic engagement in the present, and informed vision for the
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Categories: Local History and Oral History.

People & Stories Oral History Project: Julie Cohan

Julie Cohan moved to White Plains when he was 14, and has lived in White Plains ever since. He recalls growing up in the Gedney Farm neighborhood, getting involved in the insurance business, and spending much of his career traveling between White Plains and Albany working in New York State government. Hav-A-Snak, Cohan's coffee shop, was on Main Street and Mamaroneck Avenue in White Plains during the 1950s and 1960s. While we were recording, Greta Cohan, joined us and shared some stories of her own about life in White Plains.
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Categories: Local History and Oral History.

People & Stories Oral History Project: Andy Morzello

Andy Morzello's story is one of education, service, and commitment to White Plains.  As a teacher of adults and young people, he had a large impact on the people of White Plains.  In this oral history, he remembers growing up in the neighborhood surrounding Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Church, being encouraged to pursue higher education by a caring teacher, and running the adult education program in White Plains.  He remembers White Plains before urban renewal, discussing the people as much as the landscape.  Morzello continues to be active in White Plains, especially in efforts to keep Our Lady of
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Categories: Local History and Oral History.

People & Stories Oral History Project: Brian Wallach

In the first oral history recorded for People & Stories, consummate storyteller and long-time White Plains resident Brian Wallach shares his memories and perspective.  This oral history was recorded at the offices of the Brian Wallach Agency. Wallach grew up just south of the city line in Scarsdale and remembered his mother's work in the real estate business in that area- including a story about her most famous client, Al Jolson.  He also spoke about changes in White Plains' physical and social landscape during his lifetime.  As a founding member of White Plains Beautification Foundation, much of Wallach's service to
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Categories: Local History and Oral History.

People & Stories Oral History Project: Milton Hoffman

During his 86 years, Milton Hoffman was an important presence in White Plains. Hoffman grew up in White Plains and recalls what life was like for kids in the city in this oral history. He also recounts experiences from his 50 years in the newspaper business in White Plains, where his reporting on politics earned him respect from people throughout the county and state. This oral history is in two parts- after the first interview concluded, Hoffman began recounting the history of White Plains' Jewish community, and the recorder was turned back on to capture more of his insightful perspective.
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Categories: Local History and Oral History.

People & Stories Oral History Project: Harry Bright

People & Stories is the oral history project of the White Plains Public Library. People & Stories seeks to record and share the voices of people who have lived or worked in White Plains. The project functions by pairing interviewers with storytellers from the community. If you are interested in becoming an interviewer, we have our first training event on Saturday, April 18, from 10:30 am- 12:00 pm at the Library. Harry Bright's work as an educator took him around the world, from Cambodia to Europe, and, of course, to White Plains. Bright worked as a teacher and coach at
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Categories: Local History and Oral History.