Mt. Kisco Through the Lens:
A Journey in Time
Step into Mount Kisco’s past and present through a captivating collection of images that tell the story of our town. From cherished landmarks to a special Then & Now series, see how Mount Kisco has evolved while holding onto its rich heritage. Whether you’re reminiscing or discovering for the first time, these photos bring our community’s history to life—one snapshot at a time.
The Story of "Chief Kisco"
In the heart of Mount Kisco, where Routes 133 and 117 meet, stands a statue known as “Chief Kisco.” While there was never a historical figure by this name, the statue has become an enduring symbol of our village.
The statue was gifted to Mount Kisco in 1907 by David F. Gorham as an ornamental top to a water fountain, with the inscription “God’s Only Beverage for Man and Beast”—a tribute to the importance of fresh water. Over the years, Chief Kisco’s image has been embraced as an emblem of the village, appearing on official town vehicles, from police cars to public works trucks.
Today, "Chief Kisco" remains a landmark, reminding us of both the village’s history and the deeper roots of the land we call home. As we celebrate 150 years of Mount Kisco, we honor the past while looking ahead to the future.
Step Back in Time at the Kirbyville Schoolhouse
Built in 1852, the Kirbyville Schoolhouse is Mount Kisco’s cherished one-room schoolhouse turned historical landmark. From educating young minds to serving as a tax office, polling place, and food pantry, this building has worn many hats. Today, thanks to dedicated preservation efforts, it stands as a testament to our community’s rich history. Visit and experience the charm of yesteryear firsthand!
For students, stepping into the Kirbyville Schoolhouse is like walking into a living history lesson. Teachers marvel at how the experience captivates their students, saying, “To watch them look around and realize that this really is what things were like, it’s amazing.” The hands-on activities and authentic setting make learning about the past both engaging and unforgettable.
The Teahouse: A Mount Kisco Treasure
Our stunning Teahouse in Leonard Park has been a winter haven for skaters since its debut on December 11, 1972—though, sadly, warmer winters have meant fewer days of ice skating each year. Designed by Boston architect Robert Dean and gifted to the village by Mrs. DeWitt Wallace, this 2,400-square-foot gem was built with remarkable craftsmanship, each beam and rafter meticulously cut and placed.
By day, skaters warm their toes by the roaring 20-foot fireplace. By night, the glowing plexiglass panels cast a warm, inviting light across Wallace Pond, transforming the park’s entrance into something magical. And when the ice melts? The , sliding panels open up the space for summer gatherings.
To honor its history and ensure its future, we’re launching a restoration project this spring—preserving this beloved landmark as a hub for Mount Kisco’s community spirit for generations to come.
Earth and Mortar Stone Bridge c.1828
Spanning the Kisco River since 1828, the Earth and Mortar Stone Bridge is one of Mount Kisco’s oldest landmarks. Originally built by the Town of New Castle, this arched stone bridge once carried farmers, wagons, and goods between the village’s mills and surrounding farms. Though decommissioned in 1918, it remains a testament to the town’s early industry and ingenuity.
Today, the bridge is part of the Mount Kisco trail system, connecting hikers to the historic gristmill site and Early Settlements Trail. Thanks to restoration efforts over the years, this piece of history still stands strong—reminding us of Mount Kisco’s past as we forge ahead into the future.
Then & Now
Travel through time with side-by-side snapshots of our town’s most iconic spots, from dusty horse-drawn streets to bustling modern avenues. See how Mount Kisco has transformed while still holding onto the heart of its history—proof that while the years may pass, our town’s spirit remains timeless.
From Pitrello’s to Thai Angels: A Century of Community
At the turn of the 20th century, 155 Lexington Avenue was more than just a building—it was a lifeline for Mount Kisco’s growing immigrant community. Pitrello’s served as a boarding house, restaurant, bar, and even an employment agency, helping workers find jobs on the massive reservoir and construction projects shaping the region.
Fast forward 100 years, and the same building is now home to Thai Angels, a beloved local restaurant bringing new flavors to the neighborhood. Across busy Lexington Avenue, now filled with thousands of cars each day, there once were many small private and community vegetable gardens, feeding families and adding to the Village's rich history of hard work and resilience.
Two images, one past and one present, tell the story of a building that has always been at the heart of Mount Kisco’s ever-evolving community.
A Place of History:
St George - St. Marks
For over 250 years, this ground has witnessed the unfolding story of Mount Kisco. In 1761, Saint George’s Church—also known as the Old North Castle Church—was built through the generosity of St. George Talbot and Rev. James Wetmore. More than just a house of worship, it became a refuge during the Revolutionary War, serving as a hospital for American troops after the Battle of White Plains in 1776 and later as a British outpost in 1779. Even Major John André, the infamous British spy, passed by here twice as a prisoner in 1780. Today, Revolutionary War soldiers rest in the southeast corner of this hallowed ground.
By 1852, Saint Mark’s Church stood in its place, serving the community until its current buildings were completed in 1911. The images before you—one from the past, one from today—capture not just the evolution of a place but the enduring spirit of Mount Kisco itself.
Mount Kisco from Above:
1948 vs. 2023
Two snapshots in time—one from 1948, the other from 2023—offer a bird’s-eye view of Mount Kisco’s transformation. In the older image, familiar landmarks are missing: no Police Station or Fire House on Green Street, no Shoppers Park or bustling development along Branch Brook and South Moger. Even the Main Street bridge over the Metro-North tracks had yet to be built.
Fast forward to today, and the landscape tells a different story—one of growth, progress, and a village that has continually evolved to meet the needs of its community. Side by side, these images capture the essence of change, reminding us how far Mount Kisco has come while still holding onto its rich history.
From High School to Elementary:
The Ever-Evolving MKES
In 1894, Mount Kisco’s first high school opened its doors on West Hyatt Avenue. With just six classrooms, an auditorium, a library, and even basement playrooms, it was a state-of-the-art facility for its time—built for $15,000. But by 1912, rapid growth led to overcrowding, and the wooden structure was condemned by the Department of Education. A new brick school was built in its place, the very same building that now houses Mount Kisco Elementary School (MKES).
Today, MKES serves 521 students from Pre-K through 5th grade, reflecting the diversity and vibrancy of the community. While much has changed in over a century, the school remains a cornerstone of learning in Mount Kisco, shaping generations just as its predecessor once did.
