History of WaHI: Spuyten Duyvil Creek - Washington Heights & Inwood Online

Spuyten Duyvil Creek

NYC Dept. of Parks & Recreation

Date: December 2000

There has been much speculation concerning the origin of the name “Spuyten Duyvil.” Dutch in origin, Spuyten Duyvil can be translated in two ways, depending on the pronunciation. One translation is “Devil’s whirlpool,” and indeed, sections of the creek were sometimes turbulent during high tide. The second interpretation is “to spite the Devil.” This translation was popularized by Washington Irving’s story in which a Dutch trumpeter vowed to swim across the turbulent creek during the British attack on New Amsterdam “en spijt den Duyvil (in spite of the Devil).”

Running from the Hudson River to the Harlem River, the Spuyten Duyvil Creek marks the northernmost tip of Manhattan Island. The creek’s significance is revealed through local Native American legends, an era of Dutch settlement, and laborious years of altering its natural course for commercial purposes. Eventually renamed the Harlem River Ship Canal (also the U.S. Ship Canal), this tidal strait has splendid views, and a variety of wildlife that still thrives despite years of human-induced change.

Lenape Indians inhabited the area for thousands of years. A Lenape settlement once stood on the Bronx side of the creek, in the area above where Columbia’s huge letter C can be seen today. Columbia University rowers painted the letter C for themselves and for their school’s teams, which play at Baker Field/Wien Stadium across the creek. The Lenape Indians called the banks of the Spuyten Duyvil Shorakapok, which has commonly been translated as “the sitting down place” or “the place between the ridges.” With an abundance of oysters, fish, waterfowl, and a diversity of other creatures, this region was an ideal hunting and fishing ground for the Lenape. Additionally, they relied on the innumerable freshwater springs that meandered throughout the vast wetlands.

Map of Marble Hill today, with Spuyten Duyvil Creek filled in Written accounts of the creek first appear in the year 1609, when Henry Hudson and his crew may have briefly anchored their ship, Half Moon, in the Spuyten Duyvil. During the colonial period, many Dutch farmers and merchants found it convenient to cross the Spuyten Duyvil rather than pay for ferry service across the Harlem River at 125th Street. In 1669, to prevent people from crossing for free, Johannes Verveelen moved his ferry to where West 231st Street and Broadway now intersect. In 1673, Frederick Philipse replaced the ferry with a toll bridge known as the King’s Bridge. Reacting to both the fee and the occasional inconvenience of using this bridge, a Dutch landowner named Jacob Dyckman raised funds to construct the Free Bridge in 1758, which was later destroyed by the Continental Army while fleeing the British during the Revolutionary War.

The present course of the Harlem River Ship Canal differs greatly from the Spuyten Duyvil Henry Hudson once visited. To make it more navigable, the Army Corps of Engineers began to modify both the creek and its adjacent land in the latter part of the 19th century. In 1876, the New York State Legislature decreed the construction of the Harlem River Shipping Canal. When completed in 1895, the canal severed Marble Hill from Manhattan, creating an island with Spuyten Duyvil Creek as its northern perimeter. The new channel effectively shortened the water route between the Hudson River and Long Island Sound by 14 miles. Soon after the canal’s completion, builders filled Spuyten Duyvil Creek, thereby connecting the island to mainland Bronx. Since the turn of the century, Marble Hill residents have successfully petitioned to remain within the governance of Manhattan; interestingly, for years telephone directories listed residents in both Manhattan and the Bronx.

Today, the Broadway Bridge, the Henry Hudson Memorial Bridge (opened on December 12, 1936, as part of Robert Moses’ controversial “West Side Improvement” project), and railroad swing bridge, used by Amtrak passenger trains, still span the waterway.

(Reproduction of a Parks Department historical sign. Reprinted with permission of the City of New York/Parks & Recreation.)

Comments

I am looking for information about a place my grandmother lived in your area between 1901 and 1918. It was said that two sisters built separate mansions in the area now known as Inwood Hill Park and the area around the Spuyten Duyvil tollbooth on the Henry Hudson parkway. Apparently these mansions were converted into a hospital in the early 1900's. My grandmothers Uncle was the administrator for this hospital and he and the family lived in a spacious carriage house on the property. My grandmother had stories about ice skating on a frozen Hudson river and over to Spuyten Duyvil while she lived there. It must have been a very different place back then. I understand the buildings were razed in the 30's though I can't be sure. I'm trying to find out where these buildings/hospital were and what they were called. Also I'm trying to locate them for genealogical research of census records. Can anyone help???Pictures for the family history book would be nice too! Thank you for any assistance you can offer. Please reply by email as I porbaby won't find your site again though it is quite nice.

Posted by: Lee Keil | October 30, 2003 11:13 PM

Don - I received this from Kathy Falato - all you ever wanted to know about Spuyten Duyvil. XOXO

Posted by: Don | May 3, 2004 9:53 AM

I'm looking for the history of the Johnson Iron Foundry. Somewhere between 1800 and after 1860. Homes were built for the Johnson's and Cox's who were business partners of the Iron Works, along Palisade Ave. in Spuyten Duyvil, NY. Can anyone tell me about these people and the Iron Works? Thanks, Freda

Posted by: Freda P. Summar | October 13, 2004 7:49 PM

I once heard a story involving Spuyten Duyvil and Arlo Guthrie... but that's all I can remember of the story. Any ideas out there about this?

Posted by: EJB | November 18, 2004 3:25 PM

I am a Sp.Ed teacher and my students are doing an Environmental project on the Sherman Creek wetlands.We would like to know the history behind the name Sherman Creek.We also hope to help preserve this as one of the last pieces of wetlands left in Manhattan.

Posted by: Mr Obed fulcar | December 10, 2004 5:59 PM

Everyone talks about how Marble Hill remains politically part of Manhattan, although physically part of the Bronx, with the descriptions implying that the boundary line remains completely unchanged since the days before the Harlem River Ship Canal. But, in fact, it doesn't. In addition to causing part of what was Manhattan Island (i.e. Marble Hill) to become attached to the Bronx, there is also a piece of what was the Bronx (or the North Side, or Annexed District, or whatever the term was) that became attached to Manhattan Island, and is now a part of Inwood Hill Park. See the old map here; the piece of land immediately north of the word "Ship" in "Ship Canal" is now attached on the east to Manhattan, and the canal (Harlem River) has been re-routed to a more direct east-west course than the map shows. Yet this piece of land, which was once on the north side of Spuyten Duyvil Creek, is now part of Manhattan politically, as well as physically. When and why was this done? The result is that all land that either once was OR is now on the south side of the water boundary is politically Manhattan, which hardly seems fair.

Posted by: Dan Schwartz | December 18, 2004 4:28 PM

Oral family history states that my great-grandfather swam across Spuyten Duyvil Creek when a young man...an impressive enough feat to be reported in newspaper. As a time frame, he was born in 1850's. Where can I begin to search for information?

Posted by: Barbara | January 26, 2005 3:02 PM

I lived in inwood during the 1980s. My friends and I used to fish in the creek by the tressle, and it was a great place to catch striped bass and, unfortunately, many eels. There was a large striper we called flanagan, and he was a large and elusive fish indeed. Who knows, maybe he or his descendants still run there during striper season.

Posted by: gregory salgado | February 5, 2005 3:41 AM

I am also looking for information about the Johnson Iron Foundry. My g-g-grandfather worked there in the 1850's and 1860's. His name was Richard Barnecott. Any information or direction about this business would be appreciated

Posted by: John Fischer | May 4, 2005 1:22 PM

Regarding Dan Schwarz's question: I know that Bronx County was an artificial creation, and that what's now the Bronx was, for a while at least, known as the North Side of New York. When, in 1898, Kings and Queens Counties were incorporated into NYC, there was a lot of concern in those areas that they would be politically dominated by New York City proper. As a result, the original city of New York was divided into two boroughs, Manhattan on the island of Manhattan, and the Bronx on the mainland of NY State. This was done in order to put the new boroughs on a more equal footing with the areas that had originally constituted NYC. BUT there is a catch. There was a transitional period, for a while around the turn of the century, when the Bronx existed as a NYC borough, but had not yet been chartered as a separate county in NYS-- it was still part of New York County, along with Manhattan, and all the various islands (Welfare, Governors, Randalls, etc.). This is just a guess, but I think that the formerly mainland part in question may have been fused to Manhattan Island while the Bronx was still part of New York County, so there was no need there to reassign it. But when Bronx County was officially formed, the creek around Marble Hill had not yet been filled in, and, as an island adjacent to Manhattan, the neighborhood was able to successfully petition to remain part of New York County. If anyone can verify this theory, or shoot it down, I'd be interested to know. It's hard to get copies of accurate maps on a year by year basis from that era, so this is just an educated guess.

Posted by: Theo | May 7, 2005 6:25 PM

I live a few blocks away from 231st and Broadway. I guess W231st was a creek a couple of centuries ago, as there was a ferry there. There is a short street called Verveelen, a block south of 231st. Mr. V. was the owner of the ferry. Currently, in Marble Hill there is a new mall with a Target and Marshall's store. There is also a Washington Mutual bank which -by ignorance I guess- claims to be a Bronx branch. Since the 231st subway station is not working, as usual, I have to get off at 225th Street and then walk to 231st. Somewhere in the middle is the boundary between Manhattan and the Bronx. There is a housing project called "Marble Hill Houses," or something like that. It's impossible to even guess where the actual boundary is. There is no visible mark. At least not near Broadway. I was looking for a map that shows or indicates where the exact limit is. I know the limit is in the middle of a block and it's not a street. I guess some of the buildings of this housing project are in Manhattan, and some others in the Bronx. I asked some of the residents and they have no idea what I was talking about. Their phone area code is 718, which is not a Manhattan area code. My point is, it's almost impossible to detect where the limit between Manhattan and the Bronx in Marble Hill is. No signs or anything, and maps have not enough resolution. Most of today's residents think I was asking them about a street legend, but they don't know that this is a real one.

Posted by: Roberto Medrano | May 9, 2005 11:09 PM

My Family also owned mansions in Spuyten Duyvil. I have pictures of these homes as well as some interior pictures. I don't know a lot about the area, but I do know that the area was serviced by the "Riverdale News" at the time. This could be a great resourse for answering some questions. My mother has a book on Spuyten Duyvil that my grandmother had, so I need to go and pick that up, maybe it has some more answers for all of us. I was under the impression that the homes my family owned were in Kingsbridge...but I am unsure about that. Does anyone know if mansions were built in Kingsbridge?

Posted by: Julie | June 23, 2005 9:30 AM

I'm particularly interested in the history of Spuyten Duyvil in the 1920s thrugh 1940s. Any books, reference materials or whatever are greatly appreciated. Thanks.

Posted by: Michael | July 17, 2005 1:24 AM

i lived in riverdale for several years and passed thru marble hill for four years straight on the twelve bus, i would have never know that marble hill wasnt attached to the bronx naturally, i have been on foot around the metro north station at spyten duyvil for the only way to get there is by way of foot thru riverdale eventhough its right beside marble hill, i would definetly say that the meaning is devils whilpool which i didnt know, all you have to do is look at it and you will see all the swirling of the currents on top, i wouldnt dare cross, and i am a good swimmer, to cross would be to endanger your life, you will go in, but you might not come out.

Posted by: keith watkins | August 1, 2005 10:00 AM

I lived in Spuyten Duyvil in the 1960s on the Bronx side, in 500 Kappock Street, a small red brick building beside the large Blue building seen in the picture above. The blue building was not there when I moved in. I had nice apartment, reasonable rent, with a view across the ship canal, down tthe length of Manhattan and across the Hudson to the Palisades. It was a magical place. Two days after moving in they broke ground for the blue building on a spit of land so slim that it was a shock to see that huge building going up on it. Everyone was crestfallen and depressed to lose the view. Then one midnight during construction,the blue building caught fire. A big fire. Everyone in the neighborhood leaned out their windows and cheered and applauded loudly. It was 1967 and the darn thing is still there.

Posted by: JudyS | August 30, 2005 11:37 PM

On Roberto Medrano's post from May 9th: If you use MSN.com maps, the county line for Manhattan and the Bronx is clearly indicated. A very good estimate would be that the county line exists on Broadway, 50 yards south of 230th Street. There are two other points where roads cross the county line, approximately 75 yards south of 230th Street on Kingsbridge Avenue. (That is the point where Marble Hill Road begins) and on West Kingsbridge Road, about 50 yards west of Exterior Street (This is where 225th Street begins). Ironically, neither of the roads with "Kingsbridge" in the name actually reach (what is today) the Broadway Bridge. It's original name was Kings Bridge as noted in this excerpt from nyc.gov "The first bridge at this approximate site, a then-shallow spot where the waters of the Harlem River and Spuyten Duyvil Creek joined, was built in 1693 and was known as the "Kings Bridge," as everyone except soldiers and other representatives of the king had to pay tolls to use it".

Posted by: R.E. Carlson | October 13, 2005 1:13 PM

Hello, My ansestor johannes verveelen ran the ferry at the Spuyten Duyvil and in doing more family history I am trying to get all information to make a true and as acurate family history as possable. Does anybody have a good accounting of the area and the time frame of the 1600's.

Posted by: John Ver Valen | November 2, 2005 5:21 AM

If anyone thinks that some useful info can be gathed by exploring the waters edge by the unique (an up-close) perspective of a kayak. I would be glad to try to arrange such a trip for you - I do have some resourses in that area.

Posted by: Paul Peterson | November 3, 2005 12:17 PM

When I was a kid growing up in my neighborhood at W. 227th St. & Fairfield Ave, I had recalled my mother would tell me the area was consists of a farm like scenery. I am now an adult and I am doing research on the way Knolls & Kappock used to represent at one time before between the years of : 1940-1958. If anyone out there has photos of these two areas,to please submit a copy of them to my email address.Also , I would like to know more about the Johnson Iron Foundry Estate. What are the following places to where the Johnson had owned property? Were there any Cememtaries in the areas of Kappock Street and Knolls Cresent? I really would like to know? Please submit your replies to my email address: royalqueen_1highclass@yahoo.com Thank You Carmela Lombardi

Posted by: Carmela Lombardi | November 8, 2005 3:54 AM

I've been living in the inwood section of manhattan for several years and have visited inwood hill park several times. According to many the parks seems to hold many "curses" espoecially where the river is located. I'm interested because from what I heard was a story of indians who would pull people down in order to take them into their world, since all of their descendants were swiped out. I would really be intrersted in knowing more about the story sp please email me as soon as possible.

Posted by: janet feliz | January 27, 2006 11:49 PM

Terrific article - But I am confused. Article leads me to believe that at one point, Manhattan was connected to the Bronx and that the ACE severed the connection. Is this true?

Posted by: Joseph Philips | May 20, 2006 10:56 PM

I moved into the Marble Hill housing project in 1952 at the age of 5 and left there October of 1968. I lived in building #11 at the corner of 230th street and Broadway. Around 1959-1960 a ceremony was held and a reviewing stand built for dignitaries on the southeast side of the building, comemmorating the history of the area and the fact that Sputen Duyvil Creek once flowed through that spot (basically west on 230th street. An approximately 2 foot by 3 foot Bronze plaque was attached to the building about 12 feet off the ground. I think the plaque was still there the last time I was in the building in 1990.

Posted by: Vincent Ferraro | May 28, 2006 12:45 PM

I moved into the Marble Hill Projects in 1951. It was bldg 5 and I was a week old. My parents brought me to this new apt right from the hospital. Although I knew we were close to Manhattan I always thought the entire projects were located in the Bronx. I left in 1960 - we moved to Queens. Did anybody live there when I did - I went to PS122 and left in after the fifth grade. I would love to hear from an old neighbor. My name was Marilyn Weinstein back then.

Posted by: marilyn blum | August 3, 2006 11:35 AM

For those of you comparing old maps to new ones, you can figure out the differences quite accurately by comparing the contour lines. The map presented by Dan Schwartz (on 12/18/2004)is a great example. From that same map, you can also see that the only buildings existing near the water on the north side of the canal (over the word ship) would presently be under water. Thus, it is clear that no land was "transferred" from the Bronx to Manhattan in the creation of the Canal. What's more, the area around those buildings is clearly marked as swamp or wetland.- Meaning it would have been comparitively easy to have dug that section out.- An action that present observation confirms as true. (For John Fisher: I'll bet that these buildings were the Johnson Iron Foundry that you were searching for. If so, they may have received ore from up the Hudson by train. Perhaps old railroad records can shed light on your G-G-Grandfather's position there. Check eBay.- That kind of stuff turns up periodically.) For further Canal consideration, do not ingnore that the mighty New York Central Railroad must have been a major player in the creation of the Canal. In fact, the NYCRR may have been THE force that made the Canal a reality. Besides the Railroad's tremendous political influence, the competition between the NYCRR and the Pennsylvania RR for the fastest service to Chicago was measured in minutes and seconds!- Straightening the awkward and time-consuming curves at Spuyten Duyvil would have saved precious time for their express trains. Speaking of the railroad, if you presently look on either side of the rock cut between Marble Hill and Spuyten Duyvil train stations, you can still see (from ca.1871) some of the pilings that supported the railroad tracks prior to the creation of the rock cut.

Posted by: Rich Simons | September 1, 2006 4:43 AM

My parents moved onto Palisade Ave. in 1968, 1 week before I was born. Thirty eight years later, I am still living here in my own apartment on palisade Avenue with my own family. I am still in love with Spuyten Duyvil. I spent my childhood exploring the woods of what is now called Riverdale Park. My siblimgs and i would wait near the railroad tracks for the trains to come.we would then very carefully make our way across the tracks to the waters edge (My children better not try that!)I cant imagine not living here and dying here. Unfortunately with the very recent building boom that we are experiencing I dont know how much longer this "secret garden" will remain. Every where you go all you see is new construction. It is a heart breaking shame that nothing is being done about it. We are all complaining but our elected officials are playing dumb and doing nothing.I want to share my Spuyten Duyvil with my kids, but I am missing the riverdale that I have grown up knowing so well.

Posted by: Rachel | September 16, 2006 5:13 PM

I grew up in kingsbridge 1967 to 1980. it was great. i lived on waldo ave at 235th st and went to st gabriels on netherlands ave. lots of good memories. used to explore the palisades ave and henry hudson park area quite a bit when i was a kid

Posted by: David | October 30, 2006 1:47 AM

I always wondered some of the land north of the Spuyten Duyvil is part of Manhattan yet it's on the mainland adjacent to the Bronx. Also, what is the name of the monument that can be seen from Spuyten Duyvil? Is the statue of Henry Hudson or Columbus?

Posted by: Myron Shulman | November 7, 2006 1:28 PM

I lived across from Isham Park (10 Park Terrace East) until I was 19 (1963) and left to attend college in Montana. My mother lived in the neighborhood until her death in 1984. I still remember seeing a wild deer in Inwood Park and the greenhouse and rose garden in Isham park -- both destroyed during the era of vandalism in the late 50's and early 60's.

Posted by: John Rogers | November 17, 2006 10:09 PM

I moved into Spuyten Duyvil a year ago, to Palisade Ave. at Kappock. Aside from loving the gorgeous surroundings, I've been absorbing all the history associated with the place. I noticed in the article above the old Lenape name, "Shorakapok": I wonder if this is where Kappock St. comes from? Maybe someone can also explain why locals pronounce it KAY-POCK instead of CAP-OCK, which would seem to be right, given the double consonant (does anyone order HAY-DOCK in a seafood restaurant, or put a horse in a PAY-DOCK?). Maybe the bus drivers are responsible; they pronounce Isham St. as EYE-SHUM...by the way, the statue on top of the column in Henry Hudson Park is...surprise! Henry Hudson!

Posted by: Stephen de Francesco | December 13, 2006 2:19 PM

I grew up on Kingsbridge Terrace and went to Our Lady of Angels and Walton HS. After HS graduation (1965) I moved to Rockaway Beach and retired to Florida a few years ago. Just today I met another Bronx girl --- she was my cashier at the Ocala Walmart.

Posted by: Alice | December 14, 2006 2:33 PM

I lived at 2861 Exterior Street in the Marble Hill projects (I think that was the address) on the 12th floor. I too went to PS 122 until 1957 when I moved across the United States to Los Angeles, CA. I remember Christmas time and buying a tree at the local lot and dragging it home on my sled. I remember the huge green areas during the summertime where all the kids would have their parents set off fireworks for them on the 4th of July. There was Georges Ice Cream parlor and Grestides Grocery and walking over a big black bridge every day to school. I remember buying pretzle rods for 2cents and Glass Wax. Life was great for a kid growning up in the projects.

Posted by: Lenore Scarbrough nee Bixgorin | December 28, 2006 3:54 PM

I grew up in Marble Hill from 1951 until 1975. I am still connected. I have organized a few Marble Hill reunions. Anyone interested in attending another reunion for all those who came from Marble Hill - please contact me at my email address. I lived in building 9 and have remained in contact with other Marble Hillers - from buildings 4, 5, and 6. I am trying to set up a get together for June of 2007 right across the street from Marble Hill in Applebee's. It would be great hearing from you.

Posted by: Kathy Schmitt | January 10, 2007 10:00 AM

I was born and raised in Inwood. I lived on Payson Avenue across the street from Inwood Park. I have to say that it wonderful growing up there. No matter what changes the neighborhood has gone through. I was born in 1970 and lived there through 1995. The streets near me were cobble stone until I turned 15. I remember being annoyed at that, because rollerskating on cobblestone wasn't so fun! I had a friend in 3rd grade named Terry (I can't remember his last name),who died in Spuyten Devil. He jumped in because his ball fell in the water and he wanted to get it. The fierce undertow got him. Inwood park is very beautiful. I used to go sledding there in the winter and walked it in the summer. Before the Depression that whole area was farmland. At that time "Manhattan" was 14th Streeat to 42nd Street. Not that long ago, I might add. The Dyckman House on Broadway between 204th Street and 207th Street is a nice little Museum to check out, if anyone is interested in the history there. I'm happy the neighborhood is going through a renaissance.:)

Posted by: Vivian | April 20, 2007 4:18 PM

Also, does anyone know what the reference to "Father Forest" in Inwood Park have in common?

Posted by: Vivian | April 20, 2007 4:34 PM

I am looking for illustrations - - drawings, paintings, or photos - - of Spuyten Duyvil prior to and during the excavations. Can anyone refer me to a source?

Posted by: G. Gordon Connally | April 30, 2007 10:12 AM

I've always been fascinated by geographic oddities in border areas, so the snipping of Marble Hill from the island of Manhattan has interested me ever since I became aware of it. From the maps I've seen, it looks like the county border runs right through the middle of the Target store. Sort of reminds me of the library (nee opera house) that sits right on the U.S./Canadian border at Derby Line, VT/Rock Island, QC.

Posted by: Bob | June 3, 2007 1:35 PM

i live In Marble Hill Projects2831 exterior st 7th floor!

Posted by: Brandon | January 7, 2008 9:31 PM

Hello I am 25 yrs old, and lived in the area my whole life. I think that the whole area is beautiful to look at, especially when I went to pick up something in the far west side of 238th st by independence ave, the mta was on strike and I could not catch a cab back home. So I had to walk from there allthe way back to broadway, well, I ended up taking a wrong turn and since I was very near the metro north, I caught sight of the amazing view. I had never saw anything so beautiful and had a close look at the canal, besides looking at it from top when riding the 1 train it was just awsome. If anyone wanted to know the hospital that is now existing in the manhattan area where the mansion used to be it is called the allen pavilion that hospital is part of the columbia presbyterian hospital located on 168th st

Posted by: tiff whiten | February 11, 2008 1:21 AM

I grew up in Washington Heights until my 18th year, and during my teen years, when I first discovered the park, Inwood Hill was a kind of wilderness playground in the city for myself and my friends...which in fact it somewhat is. Spuyten Duyvil Creek and the Hudson only added to the beauty of the place. Around 1964 I remember we saw three or four SWANS swimming in the creek, just under the Henry Hudson Bridge. It was quite a sight! In later years I would see them again, but because they appeared only rarely I assumed they probably stopped there just on their migratory flight. The last time I saw these graceful birds was around ten years ago, from my window, which overlooks the creek---but there were only two of them on the water. It was still a happy thing to see even that reduced number returned to their old resting "grounds," but I now wonder if "the Swans of Inwood" ever show up any more.

Posted by: Gary Zaboly | October 19, 2008 5:10 PM

I only just recently came to understand the importance of inheriting this piece of Earth we call Inwood, as well as Manhattan, and the boundless historical intrigue it holds. I've been exploring Wash Heights/Inwood and the shore along the Hudson (Fort Washington Park, Fort Tryon, Dyckman Marina) as well as the Harlem River (HighBridge Park) over the past few months, and i am in love with it. I regret not realizing the significance and history of the area sooner, but am thankful that i only just turned 22 and am still young enough to get down and dirty exploring the nooks and crannies of these neighborhoods, either by myself or with friends. It's quite fun and amazing at the same time. I only yesterday found out what Spuyten Duyvil really was – a google search a couple months ago told me that it was a bar in Williamsburg, BK. But in my childhood, i used to be in Inwood Hill Park a lot as a little leaguer (my brother also played there into his teens) and as a regular parkgoer. I have this great home movie of my family celebrating my sister's 1st birthday in 1993 by the water east of Hudson's bridge. We had several birthday parties there i guess. I remember seeing the Columbia "C" rock as a kid, but never really wondering what it could mean. Until last night i didn't even know the folk tale of the guy drowning in the creek, but i've seen the creek many many times. Last time i was in the park was in the summer, but barring that, i don't go there much anymore. No more baseball, no more park. Anyway, i got a little caught up in offering my own slice of a local's perspective and life history in the neighborhood. What i really wanted to comment was a response to what Gary Zaboly was wondering, and yes, the swans are still there. But thank you to everyone above (and below) my comment that gave anecdotes of Inwood's past. My family is part of the Dominican diaspora which replaced the previous population here in the 70s/80s, so it's nice to hear stories about the prior inhabitants and their connections with this place. [I'm currently reading a book called "Boathouse Days: Inwood-on-Hudson in the 1930s" by R.E. Roberts (ironically, the only book on Inwood in the Inwood Hill Branch of the NYPL) that goes into detail about the area known as Tubby Hook as well as Spuyten Duyvil.] Though i must confess to a bit of resentment to the comment by Vivian about being glad the neighborhood is going through a renaissance right now, since the only 'renaissance' going on up here is the addition of condos and the displacement of the current population through gentrification. But otherwise, thanks again for your stories and i pledge to document my experiences with the area extensively from here on out, for posterity. Feel free to contact me for whatever reason.

Posted by: Rollin Colmenares | December 24, 2008 3:12 PM

I lived in Marble Hill during the mid 80's - early 90's. One morning I was walking across the Broadway Bridge about 6:15 AM during the winter. It was dark and I saw a menancing looking figure shaped like a woman. It looked to hairy and had a full head or hair on it's head. I saw two glimpses of this 'thing'. The first glimpse of it I saw it duck behind the 1/9 train pillar near where the hospital entrance is (this was before the hospital was built). Not knowing what I saw, I peered my eyes where I saw the 'movement'. Having spent a tour of duty in the Marine Corps, my eyes have been trained to notice any movement or change in scenery. It flashed out from behind the pillar again. Being on my way to work headed twoard the A train at 207th, I was not about to change my course. As I reached, the area where my eyes saw the 'movement' I stayed as close to the fence as possible to give myself a chance in case of confrontation. There was none and I never saw the 'devil' again. Has anyone else encountered anything like this?

Posted by: Michael Harper | February 8, 2009 1:14 AM

I lived in building 5 (2831) from 1957 to 1968 when I joined the air force. I lived in apt 13k and was known as Jake....had many friends and loved all. I am now married for 34 years have two children and three grandchildren. My brother and mom live out on Staten Island. Miss everyone.......bye. Steve (Jake) Jacobson

Posted by: Steve Jacobson | October 2, 2009 3:15 AM

Living in Marble Hill, bldg #1, apt 7B from 1961-1971, was cetainly not the wealthiest time for my family. We didn't have a car but it did not matter because we were right on top of the train. It was easy to go downtown or to Fordham. Buses stopped all around us but it never felt very conjested. I could not cross Broadway at all, but my older brother Danny did to buy Carvel or a slice. We used to watch out the window for my dad to come down the steps of the train every nite at 7pm. He was always the first one to come down the steps. He knew exactly where to stand so as to be right by the doors. I never had a problem sleeping though the train was literally right outside my window. In the summer it was never that hot because we got a huge breeze thru the windows. I remember the Gulf gas station across the street and the day it went up in flames. I remember a few candy stores and the one on the corner by the train run by a lady named Rosie. I was a chubby little girl so candy was a big part of my life. There was a bakery and two supermarkets on either side of Broadway, Daitch (sic) Shopwell and Gristedes. When Co-op City was built so many made the exodus to the two fare zone because it had air conditioning and wood parque floors. We were one of the families and as dad predicted two years earlier, it was time cause the neighborhood was changing. Robberies and drug addicts hanging out on the top floor staircases. Someone I heard got mugged while dumping garbage in the incinerator. As you can see, I remember alot and most of all I cherish the time I spent there because both my parents were alive. Now they are both gone and I wish I could go back to those days of buses, trains and living in the projects.

Posted by: Elaine Shampain | October 6, 2009 9:56 PM

Washington Heights & Inwood Online

Spuyten Duyvil Creek

Comments

Post a comment