Turtle Bay - Newsletter

A touch of nostalgia was in the air when Turtle Bay Association President Bill Curtis opened TBA’s annual meeting last fall. The meeting was held at Amster Yard, named for the founder and first chairman of the TBA, James Amster.

“Back in those early days in the 1950s, Jimmy always held our annual meetings here,” Bill said, noting that James Amster’s office and home were among the cluster of buildings surrounding the courtyard at 211-215 East 49th Street. “After our meetings, Jimmy would ask me to circulate among the attendees in the courtyard, seeking out new volunteers for the association.”

Since those early days, the TBA – now in its 48th year – has grown to nearly 2,000 members and has become a consistent, influential force in the neighborhood. Meanwhile, Amster Yard – owned by Jimmy Amster until his death in 1986 – recently has been renovated to its original condition by its current owner and occupant, Instituto Cervantes.

For many of the approximately 100 TBA members attending the annual meeting, held on October 18, it was the first opportunity to see Amster Yard since it reopened in late 2003. And Barbara Connolly, TBA special events chairwoman, arranged for a reception in the courtyard after the meeting, so neighbors had ample opportunity to wander through the gardens, eyeing the meticulous replication of the Amster Yard of yesteryear.

Both Congresswoman Carolyn Maloney and State Assemblyman Jonathan Bing spoke to the group. “I want to salute all of you here tonight, who work so tirelessly to make the neighborhood a better place to live and work, ” Representative Maloney said.

Deputy Inspector Michael J. McEnroy, commanding officer of the 17th Precinct, reported on public safety issues, pointing out that crime in the Precinct was down 7 percent year-to-date, continuing its downward trend and making the area one of the safest in the City.

All TBA committee chairpersons reported on their respective areas, among them: Pat McDougald, Grants and Projects Committee, reported that this year TBA grants were awarded to the Turtle Bay Tree Fund, the Doe Fund, the Friends of Dag Hammarskjold Plaza, the Vanderbilt YMCA and the Lenox Hill Senior Center. During the year, the TBA also supported its own TBA Tree Program and provided funding for the holiday tree displayed in Dag Hammarskjold Plaza. Barbara Connolly reported on events sponsored annually by TBA’s Special Events Committeee, including the Valentine’s Party; Turtle Bay Street Fair; an outing, this past year to Belmont Park; and the Holiday Toy Drive. And Francine Mohink, TBA Treasurer, reported a year-end 2003 funds balance of $59,273.

Other reports were from Chairpersons Meryl Brodsky, Membership Committee; Ralph Compagnone, Turtle Bay Associates; Ethel Bendove, Environmental Committee, which she chairs along with Denise Hamilton; Bill Huxley, TBA Tree Program; Marie-Louise Handal, Parks; and Pamela Hanlon, Newsletter. Michael Butler, TBA Board member and president of the Friends of Dag Hammarskjold Plaza, reported on the work of that group. TBA Land Use Chairman Bruce Silberblatt was unable to attend the meeting and submitted his report in writing.
The proposed slate of directors was elected, including officers Bill Curtis, president; Millie Margiotta, Dolores Marsh and Bruce Silberblatt, vice presidents; Barbara Connolly, secretary; and Francine Mohink, treasurer.

The courtyard and surrounding buildings that make up AmsterYard were originally built in the 1860s on a site believed to have been a stagecoach stop on the old Eastern Post Road. In 1946, James Amster, a well-known interior decorator who would later become chairman of the TBA, purchased the property and converted it into a cluster of spaces, including his own home and office.

James Amster died in 1986. In 1999, Instituto Cervantes bought the property and embarked on a massive project to rebuild and replicate the original Amster Yard. The result, it’s generally agreed, is a remarkable reproduction, recapturing the character and preserving the historic charm of James Amster’s original creation. The courtyard is open to the public weekdays, 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.