Beginning in the 1920s, it became difficult for property owners to maintain their large country houses and grounds. Rather than demolishing their homes, several property owners developed small residential enclaves on their estates, retaining the large country houses as centerpieces. In some instances large houses were divided by moving one or more wings to separate lots; as was the case with what now comprises 645, 639 and 633 West 252nd Street. Developers sensitively maintained the charm of the earlier era, while increasing the density of the area. Alderbrook (WH-11, infra), the Dodge and Delafield estates, “Blackstone” (Villa Paterno), and in the 1950s, “Hillside” (the Ladd estate), underwent this type of development. (source)
615 West 252nd Street, Riverdale, Bronx, NY615 West 252nd Street, Riverdale, Bronx, NYNew York Herald Tribune (1926-1962); Apr 7, 1928; pg. 11
WH-21 (F) 615 West 252nd Street (ca. 1925). Formerly known as the “Villa Paterno,” residence of one of the sons of New York City builder John Paterno, who carried on the work of their father after his death in 1899. The Paternos were well known for the elegant apartment houses they constructed in the early decades of the Twentieth Century. The stone entry posts were once marked with “Villa” on the western post, and “Paterno” on the eastern post. Only the western post has retained the original marking. (source)
“Uncle Joseph purchased a beautiful home in Riverdale, at 252nd Street and Independence Avenue, renaming it Villa Paterno. The property also had a separate building adjoining the villa, with garages and housing for the chauffeurs’ and caretaker’s families. The grand villa was located on a six-acre terraced lawn, where Uncle Joseph had six sheep grazing as he felt this was the most economical method of keeping the grass mowed. Uncle Joseph also owned a very large home on the beach in Deal, New Jersey.” Michael J. Paterno book page 11
Read at full scale HERENew York Herald Tribune (1926-1962); Nov 19, 1951; pg. 21
“He was an excellent provider and took great fatherly pride in his two family castles: “Villa Paterno” in Riverdale, New York, and his breathtaking beach estate “Windrift” in Deal, New Jersey.” Kelley Paterno’s book page 233
Paroled Burglar Found Dead at Massapequa New York Herald Tribune (1926-1962); New York, N.Y. [New York, N.Y]. 31 Jan 1944: 13A.
New York Times (1857-1922); New York, N.Y. [New York, N.Y]. 20 Aug 1911: XX2. New York Times (1923-); New York, N.Y. [New York, N.Y]. 18 Nov 1945: 121.New York Herald Tribune (1926-1962); New York, N.Y. [New York, N.Y]. 02 Sep 1936: 31. – 745 Fifth Avenue is address of Joseph’s office in the Squibb BuildingNew York Herald Tribune (1926-1962); New York, N.Y. [New York, N.Y]. 21 Nov 1937: C1.New York Herald Tribune (1926-1962); New York, N.Y. [New York, N.Y]. 22 Dec 1937: 38.New York Herald Tribune (1926-1962); New York, N.Y. [New York, N.Y]. 05 June 1947: 34.New York Herald Tribune (1926-1962); New York, N.Y. [New York, N.Y]. 21 Nov 1957: A8.1 of 3: The New York Times (New York, New York)20 Aug 1911, SunPage 722 of 3: The New York Times (New York, New York)20 Aug 1911, SunPage 723 of 3: The New York Times (New York, New York)20 Aug 1911, SunPage 72The New York Times (New York, New York)02 May 1912, ThuPage 18
