Location:
From Parkway Oval, make your way past the playground to the path and the water fall. By the bridge, the path splits and you can continue your walk in the forest. A few yards on your left, you will find a curious rock by two large trees.
About Parkway Oval:
Little Tuckahoe was the Marble Capital of the World, home to the largest rubber manufacturing company in the country, Hodgeman Rubber, home to a world-class pharmaceutical company, Burroughs Wellcome, and was also the location where a World Championship Boxing Match was held.
In September 1899, the Parkway Oval was the site of a Light Heavyweight World Championship Boxing Match. The match was between the Brooklyn Terror, Terry McGovern versus Pedlar Palmer of England. The fight drew a crowd of nine thousand spectators from around the country and some traveled as far away as England to attend.
Tuckahoe was chosen because of its close proximity to New York City, the railroad located near the venue and the quarry people's love and interest in boxing. The Westchester A.C promoters had fights at the Parkway Oval every Saturday afternoon attended by the quarrymen and were also involved in this promotion.
Local carpenters worked for a month to construct the amphitheater style seating and the boxing ring. Extra trains arrived at the Tuckahoe station every 10 minutes to help bring in the spectators.
After all the hype and preparation, the fight only lasted for two minutes and thirty-two seconds. Terry McGovern knocked out Pedlar Palmer for the final count in the first round. The fight was the talk of the town for many years to come.
Link to our Facebook story for images and comments
Also read this beautiful tribute from Elaine McCombe Pagliaroli about this very special location