The Fuller Estate and Bradford Road

One of Quaker Ridge's grandest and oldest homes was destroyed by fire in 1925. 

Engraving, dated 1886 - the year after James M. Fuller passed away. Signed J.M. Brown

The house was on today’s Weaver Street toward Griffen Avenue. The fire was believed to be "of incendiary origin," since it started on a back porch with no explanation. On a night in 1925, there were 70 mph winds, and the fire hoses didn't have enough water pressure to get up the hill (they referred to it as "the ridge") to the house - until they eventually tapped a NYC water supply main. It was too late.

The home was originally built by James M. Fuller in the mid 1800s. He was an influential member of the NY Stock Exchange. In 1871, Grand Park Boulevard ended at the Mamaroneck border, so he paid for it to be extended into Scarsdale up to Griffen Avenue.

After her parents’ passing, Fuller’s eldest daughter and her husband, Bradford Rhodes, purchased the estate. Bradford Rhodes was a banker, editor, publisher, Scarsdale town officer, school trustee, and a member of the state legislature.  

Rhodes’ portrait in New York State’s Prominent and Progressive Men, published by the New York Tribune, 1900.

From the Scarsdale Inquirer: “Residence of Bradley Rhodes. On his estate “Quaker Ridge Farm.” Remodeled, Completed September 1903. “

He donated land for the Scarsdale School District No. 2 schoolhouse - and contributed to its construction (see 1910 map). Today it still stands at the Quaker Ridge Golf Club. Years later, the club was built in the former woods around his estate.  

The house fire occurred a year after Rhodes passed away in 1924. Bradford Road takes its name from Bradford Rhodes… one has to assume the Village intended the pun.