History

Robert Richard Randall was born in 1750 in New Jersey. Randall's father, Captain Tom Randall, was a privateer who amassed a large estate. Robert Randall used his inheritance to purchase 24 acres of land in Greenwich Village. In his will, Randall directed the creation of “an Asylum or Marine Hospital, to be called the Sailors' Snug Harbor for the purpose of maintaining and supporting aged, decrepit, and worn-out sailors." Randall wanted Sailors’ Snug Harbor to be built on his land in Greenwich Village. The children of Randalls half brother challenged the will, and as a result a 160 acre complex was purchased on in the northeastern part of Staten Island to be used as a home for sailors.

Alexander Hamilton was the lawyer who drew up the will, and the charity set up by Randall and Hamilton in 1801 was one of the first charitable institutions in the United States.The sole requirement for residency at Sailor's Snug Harbor was five years sailing under a United States Flagged Shipped (Military or civilian). There were no age, religion, race, or other factors taken into consideration. Once in residence, each former sailor was called “Captain” by the staff, regardless of their actual rank during their service. The foundation for the sailors of Snug Harbor is still functioning today.

In 1927, A portion of Sailors Snug Harbor, called Harbor Woods, was sold to a building corporation. This land was from Henderson Ave to Forest Ave, and included the Sailors Snug Harbor cemetery. During the 1950s many of the buildings of Snug Harbor were neglected and deteriorated. In the 1960s the residents of Snug Harbor were moved to North Carolina, buildings were demolished and land developers began building new homes. Sailors Snug Harbor retained possession of the cemetery, putting the grave headstones into storage and preserving records.

The land below Sailors Snug Harbor became known as Randall Manor in honor of Robert Randall. The overwhelming majority of homes in Randall Manor are unattached single-family houses in colonial and Tudor styles. There are some ranches, a few Georgians but they are less prevalent.

Below Sailors Snug Harbor Cemetery was a 9 acre track of land called Allison Park. The park had a pond that supplied water to Sailors Snug Harbor, and in 1943, when a water system was installed, was sold to NYC parks department. Today the area is called Allison Pond Park and is used for fishing and hiking trails.

The Randall Manor Residents Association was created for the benefit of Randall Manor, "When we decide to do something we get 50 to 100 people as volunteers," said Michael McMahon, the original president of the Randall Manor Residents Association. The projects of the current Association include Park cleanups, block parties, holiday events and community services.