Known as the birthplace of the American Circus, Somers, a town of 32.3 square miles with a population of approximatley 20,000 people is located in the Northeast corner of Westchester County bordering Putnam County in New York and Fairfield County in Connecticut. It’s breathtaking landscapes, dotted with shimmering lakes, have attracted vacationers and year round residents looking for a country life-style close to the pulse of New York City and the attractions of the nearby Catskill and Berkshire mountain regions, and Lake Mahopac. It’s unique location allows easy access to the areas excellent dining and shopping opportunities, and varied cultural attractions.
HISTORY
Originally occupied by the Kitchawanks, who called the land Amapaugh, which meant fresh water fish, Somers was located in the eastern portion of an 83,000-acre tract granted to Stephanus Van Cortland of New York City in 1697 by King William III of England. Renamed the Town of Somers in 1808, the area remained primarily agricultural throughout the 19th century. During the 1920’s, small lake communities developed bringing summer visitors. Following WWII, the area burgeoned, due in large part to proximity to New York City by automobile. Construction of I-684 in the mid-70’s brought further residential as well as commercial development, including complexes for IBM and PepsiCo.
Hachaliah Bailey’s Elephant
Hachaliah Bailey, a farmer and cattle merchant, acquired an African elephant in 1804. One of the first elephants to come to America, the plan was to use “Old Bet” for heavy-duty work on the farm. But hordes of people came to Somers to see the elephant, which ultimately resulted in a thriving menagerie business that paralleled the development and eventually merged with the circus in America. Today, Somers is known as “The Cradle of the American Circus.” Its most recognized structure, The Elephant Hotel, was erected in 1824 to commemorate Old Bet after she was killed. It is presently home to the Town Offices, Somers Historical Society and the Circus Museum.
GOVERNMENT
Somers which covers 32.2 square miles is governed by:
* A Town Supervisor, elected for a two-year term, who also serves as the town’s chief fiscal officer and chief operating officer.
* A Deputy Supervisor appointed to assist the Town Supervisor.
* Four Town Council members elected to four-year terms.
* A Town Clerk, Tax Receiver and Superintendent of Highways each elected to four-year terms.
PUBLIC SERVICE
* Somers Police Department: Chief of police and 14 officers. New York State Troopers with barracks on Route 100.
* Somers Volunteer Fire Department; Approximately 135 members under the supervision of a Chief and two Assistant Chiefs operating out of four fire houses. Under the fire department’s umbrella are: ambulance service, trained paramedics and a contract with The District Nursing Association, which is available to provide in-home services.
* A town library is located on Route 139 at Reis Park.
* US Post Office with offices in Amawalk, Baldwain Place, Croton Falls, Goldens Bridge, Granite Springs, Katonah, Lincolndale, Mahopac, Purdys, Shenorock, Somers and Yorktown Heights.
Hospitals: Hudson Valley Medical Center in Peekskill, Northern Westchester Hospital in Mt. Kisco, Putnam Hospital Center in Carmel.
PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION
* Metro North Harlem Line – 66 minute express service to Grand Central Station from Purdy's Station
* County-wide bus service: Westchester County Bee-line Bus service & a Senior Citizen Bus.
* Access to major roadways – Interstate 684, Saw Mill River Parkway, & Interstate 84.
PUBLIC SCHOOLS
* The Somers school district is among Westchester’s elite public education systems, a compelling reason that people choose to live here.
* More than 94% of graduating high school seniors go on to higher education. Average SAT scores are: 569 verbal, 557 math.
Approximately how many students attend Somers High School, Middle School, Intermediate School and Primrose Elementary School. John F. Kennedy Catholic High School is also located in Somers.
* Membership in the Board of Cooperative Educational Services (BOCES) provides for full complement of special education and vocational/technical programs. There is also an Alternative High School Program. (is any of this correct)
* Interscholastic sports plus extensive boy’s and girl’s varsity sports programs cover a broad range of activities.
* For more information visit: wwww.somers.k12.ny.us
PARKS AND RECREATION
The Somers Parks and Recreation Department is dedicated to providing a vast array of programs, activities and services for residents of all ages.
* Reis Park on Route 139 offers ball fields, tennis courts, soccer fields, basketball courts, a children’s playground, large picnic pavilion and fitness trails. Koegel Park on Route 118 is used for passive recreation.
* Two county parks: Ward Pound Ridge Reservation with 4000 acres of wilderness, 50 miles of hiking and cross country skiing trails and a trailside Nature Museum, and Muscoot Farm, a working farm, with animals, nature trails and turn-of-the century exhibits.
* Excellent fishing in lakes, streams and reservoirs.
* A summer day camp program for elementary school children and a Tiny tots program for pre-school children is available.
* Wayne Van Tassel House is home to the Somers Teen Center and Senior Nutrition Center.
Summer concerts are presented at Bailey Park on Route 100.
* For more information visit: www.somersny.com/Town/ParksNRecreation.htm
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