Rye Lifer is a MyRye.com series that introduces you to people that have spent their lives in Rye – people who have grown up in Rye, worked in Rye, come back to raise their family in Rye. Do you know someone we should profile for Rye Lifers? Tell us.
Today meet Robin Phelps Latimer. She is the better half of Rye Guy and Westchester County Executive George Latimer, who is expected to mount a challenge to sitting Congressman Jamaal Bowman (NY-16) in the next election cycle. If she looks familiar, you might have seen her behind the counter at the beloved Rye Beach Pharmacy.
Rye Lifer: Robin Phelps Latimer
MyRye.com: Why are you a Rye “Lifer”?
Latimer: I am the 3rd generation to live in Rye. When George and I were married, we moved around a bit, but decided to return to Rye. Love Rye. It’s a city, but with a small town feel. Also, Rye is close to everything: city, mountains, lakes and of course the beach.
Tell us about the street in Rye you grew-up on.
Latimer: I grew up on Roosevelt Ave., but my father grew up on Grapal St. And my mom grew up on Wainwright.
Where in Rye do you live now?
Latimer: Same neighborhood as growing up. The neighborhood is called Rye Park.
Who was your favorite teacher at Rye High School and what year did you graduate?
Latimer: I went through Rye Public Schools. Elementary School was Midland Main (at the time the building on School Street was Midland Annex). Then onto Rye Middle and High School. My favorite teacher was Miss Dolores Remling. She was the art teacher at Midland. Our daughter went to Midland as well and on her first day, I ran down the hall to see if she was still there and she was. Told her she couldn’t retire until Meagan graduated.
Where do you work in Rye and what do you do?
Latimer: I now work at Rye Beach Pharmacy and have been there for 19 years. I am a Home Care Specialist and love meeting and helping people.
What in your view are the two or three greatest Rye traditions—current or past?
Latimer: Growing up at Christmas time, the Rye Fire Department would go to Playland Beach to pick up a special guest … The elves would be on the beach waiting and dancing for Santa to arrive by helicopter. Then Santa was brought through town to the fire house to continue the festivities.
[Also:]
- Memorial Day Parade. I resurrected it after a lapse of 30+ years.
- The Rye City Block Party. The parking lot opposite Locust Avenue Fire House was closed to traffic one Saturday eve during the summer for square dancing and regular dancing. Slim Sterling would be the square dance caller and there was a live band for regular dancing in between. Great social night for all ages.
What about the great Rye institutions—community organizations, shops, restaurants. Which ones are or have been part of the Rye fabric?
Latimer:
- Post Road Market for after School snacks and lunch when we could get away from School (shhhh). The Maguires are another Rye staple.
- Poppy’s Cafe. Love the friendly staff and the Chapderlain family who have kept it going for years. Geri’s dad and my dad belonged to AH Fife and Drum Corp. It was a band that marched in different parades around the County. Geri and I were majorettes although Geri could twirl with fire.
- Rye Recreation skating rink. They used to flood the basketball court in the winter for everyone to ice skate on. There were metal trash cans that had a fire in them to keep warm and at certain times, hot chocolate was available.
- Playland … All seasons. Dad worked on his off days from the firehouse year round. Taught people to skate at the Ice Casino where I was able to meet and skate with Dorothy Hamill whenever she was in town. He also ran County rides, but the Derby was the best as it was fast and you had to lean while riding so you didn’t fall. Then [he] did maintenance during the off seasons.
Thanks, Robin!
