Take a Tour of Pound Ridge’s Historic Hiram Halle Homes

One of the great joys in Westchester is driving past huge, historic homes and thinking, “Just who built this?” With soaring columns, immaculate landscapes, and beautiful stone walls, many older homes retain a timeless style and dignity despite their age.

Following last year’s very successful historic home tour series, the Pound Ridge Historical Society is kicking off spring with Hiram Halle House Tour and Tea, as part of a celebration of the local philanthropist’s work in the town.

Born in Cleveland, OH in 1867, Halle became a successful businessman despite only a rudimentary formal education, before retiring as president of Universal Oil Products and taking up residence in Pound Ridge in 1929. In the midst of the Great Depression, Halle single-handedly purchased 33 local homes and employed more than 60 local men to renovate them. He also helped create Pound Ridge Elementary School, the local fire department, the Pound Ridge Library, and numerous “forever wild” public lands locals might recognize, such as the Halle Ravine.

In honor of these public services, the Historical Society will dedicate a bronze marker to Halle on Sunday, April 28 before commencing a bus tour of all 33 historic Halle homes, including an inside look at his own estates. After, guests will enjoy afternoon tea courtesy of The Royal Tea Company. Tickets are $110 per person, or $90 for Historical Society members.

Those interested should RSVP online or by calling 914.764.4333 by April 7.