New-York tribune., 1909-07-18
DOWN IN LOVERS LANE"
HISTORIC AND ROM4NTIC
LANDMARK PASSING.
old Staten Island Way, Once Indian
Trail, Figured in Occurrences
of Interest.

1-ra rvorl, OF extending Pelton avenue, West New
Frightan through land formerly belonging to tne
Pelton estate, between Henderson ana Cas''e'oi'
avenues. partially removes Of the most historic
and romantic landmarks OF Staten Island-oId
Lovers Lane"
can believe that this old lane figured promi-
nently in the first important occurrence IN connec-
tlon with Henry Hudson's discovery Of Staten
TeI.16 and the surrounding country. Back beyond
that time there IS substantial reason 10 believe
that IT was Of the most important indian uAlS
the island. ana so IT is reasonable TO oeileVe
that tine group OF AquehonEas tor whatever tribe
they may have belonged to) passed through TINS
lane on their way from their wIgwams inland
en- route to the Cove. where they attacked the
boatIoad OF sailors sent out by Henry hudson 10
explore the Kills.
II is a matte. OF authentic history that though
not the first to behold Hudson was Hevertheiess
the first to penetrate the mysteries OF the land
and water which extended TO an unknown distance
before him. From his accounts of the AFFAIR, II IS
known that In boat he visited Coney Island
and that In another he sent five men on ex-
ploring expedition northward. These men passed
through the Narrows. coasted along Staten Island.
and penetrated some distance into the hllls' as
far as the point of land now known as Elizabeth
port on their return, at point believed TO De the
Cove the most likely hiding place along the North
Shore, they suddenly encountered large band OF
Indians, who were greatly alarmed ana discharged
8 shower OF arrows at the intruders John Cole
man, an Englshman, who was N command of the
boat was killed by being shot IN the neck.
Both parties were frightened by the encounter
and retreated from each other with all their might
Coleman's body was taken Sandy Hook. where
it was buried. and the place has ever afterward
been called Coleman Point A monument once
marked the spot but the writer who visited the
location a few days since. was informed that 1t
was DESTROYED in a violent storm many years ago.
Back In the stormy days Of the Revolution, when
the estate belonged TO the Cruzers, the long.
straight lane familiar bypath with the
Kings soldiers. and many unsuspectng Staten
Islander vas waylaid and captured by grenadier.
Hessian or loyalist In the shady solitude Of this
lonely thoroughfare,
Cruzer's Lane Gin time christened Lovers
Lane") was really the main thoroughfare leading
from the North Shore inland, there was no
road running north and south the west Of the
CrlIzer estate nearer than Mill Road (now Colum-
bia street, West New Brighton). Broadway was
merely private lane. running some distance south
ward. On the there al Indian trail.
ming about where Bard avenue located
During the Revolution there were not more than
half dozen dwellings within sight OF the Cruzer
house (now Familiarity known as the Pelton house,.
The nearest was one that stood whore the vacant
Staten Island Athletic Club house now stands.
WAS SKINNER S HEADQUARTERS
General Courtlandt Skinner occupied the Cruzer
house as his headquarters and his brigade OF 10y
alists was encamped in the immediate neighbur-
hood One of his guests later became William ".
At that time he was the youngest admiral In the
English navy 1t a favorite haunt with those
distinguished officers II also with many
others who served with their commands the
North Shore.
After the war; when the relocated grenadier, ths
green clad IoyalIst and the drab colored Hessian
had disappeared forever from the scene, it
transformed into Lovers Lane" Peaceful, indeed
was the from that time Hand in hand
along the beaten path lover and loved strolled
disturbed.
The first romance ever learned OF Staten Island
was one OF the pretty, happy stories of this seclud
ed pathway. 1t may be only traditlon-much in
deed that IS told Of the fading past when analysed
has no frTner foundation than tradition. Indeed
the story Of the past, matter how substantially
true would lose great deal of its interest and at
tractiyeness If tradition were discarded and had
no place in history and literature. In all wars
without exception ties OF affection strong life
itself were formed never to be broken save by
cruel death Such was the romance Of Lovers
Lane.
The widow Cruzer owned and resided in the old
stone house at the Cove gentle girl. on the
verge of womanhood. and a relative whom the
fortunes of war had made an orphan. found
home in this hospitable abiding place. General
Skinner made It his headquarters for several
months, and he was surrounded by gold laced Of
ncers and many distinguished people.
Accompanying Prince William was young aide
de-camp OF royal blood and splendid type OF
British soldier. He became suddenly Ill, and all