1. A City of Diversity
Every year, Yonkers hosts one of the biggest St. Patrick's Day parades in the United States, thanks to its large Irish-American population. The city is also home to a significant number of Italian-Americans, and at one time had a thriving Jewish community. However, as the older generations of Jewish residents have aged, many of the younger ones have moved away to pursue their dreams elsewhere.
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Advertisement2. Living in A Short Drive to the Big Apple
Living in Yonkers, many of its residents often refer to it as the sixth borough of New York City due to its close proximity to the Big Apple. This feeling of being a part of the city is further enhanced by the fact that Yonkers is only a short drive away from Manhattan, with the drive taking approximately 30 minutes. As a result, many of the city's residents feel as if they are a part of the larger New York City metropolitan area.
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3. Inventors and Ingenuity in Yonkers
In 1853, Yonkers was the birthplace of the modern elevator, thanks to the ingenuity of Elisha Otis, founder of the Otis Elevator Company. Otis opened a factory near the banks of the Hudson River to build his revolutionary invention, which would go on to revolutionize the way people move between floors in buildings. His invention has since become an integral part of modern architecture, and Yonkers is proud to be the place where it all began.
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4. The City of Fringe
The city of Yonkers, New York, was the backdrop for several episodes of the hit television show "Fringe". Filming took place in various locations throughout the city, including the Yonkers Public Library, the Yonkers Metro-North Station, and the Yonkers City Hall. Fans of the show were able to recognize the city's landmarks and streets, making the show even more enjoyable to watch.
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Advertisement5. A History of Racial Tension
Yonkers has had a long-standing reputation for racial tension since the 1980s, when the proposed construction of high-rise buildings for low-rent housing sparked a heated debate. This period of unrest was documented in Lisa Belkin's book, "Show Me a Hero", which chronicles the battles that shaped the city's image. The book paints a vivid picture of the events that unfolded during this time, providing an in-depth look at the history of Yonkers.
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6. Home to Iconic Attractions
Yonkers is home to some of the most iconic attractions in the area, such as the Yonkers Raceway, the oldest harness racing track in the United States. The Hudson River Museum is also located in Yonkers, offering a variety of exhibitions and educational programs. The Science Barge, a floating urban farm and environmental education center, is another popular attraction in Yonkers. Finally, the Sherwood House, a historic home built in 1790, is a must-see for history buffs. With so many attractions, Yonkers is a great place to explore and discover.
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7. Yonkers, New York: Birthplace of Two Famous Figures
Yonkers, New York is the birthplace of two famous figures: Thomas Mikal Ford, an actor and youth activist best known for his role in the TV series 'Who's Got Jokes', and the 1976 Miss America Pageant winner. Ford has used his platform to advocate for youth and has been a strong voice in the entertainment industry. The Miss America Pageant winner from Yonkers has also gone on to use her platform to advocate for causes she believes in. Both of these figures have made a lasting impact on the city of Yonkers and beyond.
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Advertisement8. The History of Yonkers' Hat Company
Yonkers, New York was once the home of the largest hat company in the United States. The company, which was founded in the late 19th century, was a major employer in the city and was responsible for producing millions of hats each year. The company's headquarters were located in Yonkers, and the city was known for its hat-making industry. The company eventually closed its doors in the mid-20th century, but its legacy still lives on in the city of Yonkers.
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9. Innovation in Yonkers
Yonkers, New York, is a city with a rich history of innovation. It was here that the first practical dynamo and the first working electrical engine were invented, paving the way for the modern electrical age. These inventions, created by Thomas Edison and Charles Brush, respectively, revolutionized the way electricity was used and generated, and their impact can still be felt today. Yonkers is a city that has always been at the forefront of technological advancement, and its legacy of innovation continues to this day.
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10. Steve Tyler: From Yonkers to the World
Steve Tyler, the iconic lead singer and front man of the legendary rock band Aerosmith, was born in Yonkers, New York. Tyler's powerful vocals and energetic stage presence have made him one of the most recognizable figures in rock music, and his influence on the genre has been immense. Tyler's birthplace of Yonkers is a city located in Westchester County, just north of New York City, and is home to a diverse population of over 200,000 people.
