The Bronxville Women’s Club celebrated the 20th anniversary of the Bronxville Historical Conservancy by honoring the organization and its co-founders, Marilynn Hill and Bob Riggs, in a gala evening at the historic Anna Lawrence Bisland 1928 House.
More than 140 guests attended the celebration on September 16, 2018, in the ballroom of the historic 1920s clubhouse on the corner of Midland and Tanglewylde Avenues, to honor Hill and Riggs as they received the Distinguished Community Service Award presented by Club President Mary Westmoreland.
Westmoreland noted that for years, those with an interest in local history lamented the lack of a historical society, especially as they observed works of village artists and Masterton homestead treasures leaving Bronxville, while architectural landmarks such as the Hotel Gramatan were demolished.
“The Celebration of the Century,” the Village’s year-long tribute to its 100th year, chaired by Hill and Riggs, sparked a vision.
Responding to the enormous interest and participation in the 1998 Village Centennial,100 families readily supported Bob’s and Marilynn’s dream to found a historical society, and the Centennial’s non-profit corporation became the Conservancy. With a generous bequest from Frieda Riggs, the Conservancy created an endowment that has enabled the ongoing efforts of its dedicated members to pursue and fulfill its worthy mission and goals; to preserve the historic charm and enduring beauty of Bronxville. The organization has steadily grown in numbers and impact since its inception.
For 20 years, the Conservancy has flourished under Bob’s and Marilynn’s leadership, creating an awareness of the village’s architectural, artistic, and cultural heritage. Through their careful stewardship and heartfelt commitment, they have illuminated the past, enhanced the present, and engaged all who wish to strengthen and preserve our community’s legacy for the future.
