Muscoot Farm Renamed for Former County Executive

SOMERS, NY — Westchester County Executive Robert P. Astorino Thursday officially dedicated Alfred B. DelBello Muscoot Farm Park, in honor of the former county executive who passed away in May of 2015.

DelBello played an integral role in preserving the park as an interactive farm during his tenure in the mid-1970s. From the 1800s into the early 20th century, the farm was one of scores of “gentleman’s farms” in the area, owned by businessmen from New York City, according to information provided by the county.

On hand were DelBello’s wife Dee, son Damon and 100 other family members and friends, along with elected officials including Chairman of the County Board of Legislators Michael Kaplowitz.

“One of Al DelBello’s great accomplishments was positioning Muscoot Farm for the future, while preserving its past,” said Astorino. “Today, we’re officially renaming a gentleman’s farm after a true Gentleman of Westchester.”

Dee DelBello thanked Chairman Kaplowitz and the board for unanimously approving the name change. She also noted that based on her experience as the county’s first lady that nothing gets done without the backing of the county executive.

She said her husband was proud of the farm.

“He wanted inner-city people to come up close to the animals; to really experience the farms and produce and everything that agriculture means to our history in this county,” she said.

Muscoot Farm, named for the river along which it sits, was operated by three generations of the Hopkins family. The farm was acquired by the county in 1968 under County Executive Edwin Michaelian, but it was DelBello who was determined to refurbish and preserve the space as a unique type of county park with a strong agricultural/educational component. Delbello opened the park to the public in 1975, and dedicated it in 1976.

Photo credit: Westchester County.