Town Historian Shares Images of Yesteryear

About five years ago, Greg Ricci came across a 100-year-old postcard. On it was a picture of Silver Lake.

The discovery of that postcard inspired him to continue collecting postcards and other historical memorabilia. Last September, Ricci's interest in history led him to a new volunteer role as Harrison town historian.

"I read anything I could find on local history and talked to everyone I met to gain as much knowledge as I could," he said. "I really couldn't get enough."

By day, Ricci works as co-owner of with his father. But on any given weeknight, Ricci can be found poring over historic documents in the Charles Dawson History Center. Having grown up in West Harrison, he has a particular interest in uncovering the history of Silver Lake, as well as aspects of Harrison's history from the last century.

Though businesses have come and gone over the years, and styles of cars, clothes and hair have changed, Ricci says some aspects of the community's character have stayed the same.

"Harrison is still viewed by the community as three separate sections: downtown Harrison, Silver Lake and Purchase," he explained. "Residents from one section might know nothing at all about the other areas of town. My hope is to share the histories of all three with all the residents of Harrison."

In this age of technology Ricci is using the internet to reach out to residents who may have an interest in the town's history. He manages the Harrison Historical Society Facebook page, where he posts samples of his postcard collection.

"I wanted to become the new town historian because I enjoy our local history a great deal and want to share it with as many members of the community as I can reach," he said.

His postcard collection includes images mostly postmarked in the early 1900s. They include a 1914 image of and a 1907 postcard featuring a picture of the Whitmore Reid residence, which later became 's Reid Castle. Other early 20th century images include the Silver Lake Park Casino, Hotel and Restaurant, and a trolley running on Harrison Ave. circa 1909.

Going forward, Ricci hopes to compile some old films, as well as these images and others into slideshows to be screened at Harrison's .