The Spirit of Tillietudlem

Beneath piles of paper and old photographs, covered in dust and tracings of smudged fingerprints, found in creaking drawers and books of local lore and history, the Edgewater Cultural and Historical Society has discovered a piece of Edgewater’s rich past. This particular historic “gem” was located where the present-day Grand Cove (Edgewater) Marina and its surrounding acreage now stand.

Tillietudlem was the name Francis R. Tillou, Esq. gave to his estate and mansion built during the splendor and elegance of the Victorian Age. Tillou’s estate covered acres of waterfront property that commanded breathtaking views of New York’s harbor.

Beginning in 1835, Tillou purchased seven pieces of land in Edgewater that eventually secured his holdings north to Peter Burdette’s land, east to the Hudson River, south to the property of the Widow Dempsey, and west to timberland and the Palisades.

Tillietudlem was a true testament to the early days of Edgewater’s subtle grandeur as a river town and budding community. We hope to resurrect the memory of this architectural jewel and preserve its status as a reminder of Edgewater’s rich historical past.

Still, the modern day Edgewater resident can only catch mere glimpses and momentary snapshots of Edgewater’s former natural world. When carefully positioned atop the cliffs or amidst the few remaining tracts of open space, one can glean a fast fading memory. As one descends down Route 5 and onto River Road, that intersection that is the “heart” of Edgewater’s roadways and arteries, one can only imagine Tillietudlem in its former glory.

During this genteel era of Edgewater’s early days, the Hudson River determined the town’s character, shaped its spirit and defined its purpose. It was a time when boats and ships dominated the waters of the Hudson and horses and carriages elegantly meandered through the newly carved serpentine roads of town. When the shade of verdant trees roamed from the cliffs to the water’s edge and the eastern seduction of “Manhattan Island” captivated the eyes and hearts of the western viewer promenading on Tillietudlem’s curved walkway.

The estate was thus described in A.H. Walker’s Atlas 1776-1876: “Tillietudlem is a lovely spot, situated on the Hudson eight miles from New York City Hall. From the foot of the steep rocks, the land slopes down in a succession of terraces to the river, shaded here and there by trees. From the top of the steep rocks, it extends westward to Palisade Avenue, covered with fine timber and watered by a brook, which issues from a small lake within the bounds of the property. It has a large mansion house, bowling alley, ice-house, stable, and shed, three cottages, one of which is brick, the others wood - a small rustic house on the land above the steep rocks all of which can be seen in our picture.”

The volume goes on to say, “The views of the Hudson are extended and varied, and from the upland the eye looks over Manhattan Island to the Long Island shore, and includes a view of Flushing Bay...”

Caught in this reverie of the past and the reality of today, we look forward to Edgewater’s future—and dream. We dream that this Grand Cove Marina, this tiny piece of land where flowers and trees sway with the tide, can become our town square, a park with a marina, a fishing pier, a gazebo, and to beguile us—an ice cream shop. But, most treasured at all—we dream that our window to the world be preserved. This town square could become the jewel in the crown amid the Palisades and the Hudson River. It could become our Tillietudlem.

From Cultural & Historical Society Press Release 7/27/00

Return to Current Column