The village of Port Chester within the town of Rye in Westchester County, New York, basically began as a lumber yard.  Beginning with lumber-cutting and boat-building in the mid-1600’s, it has been an industrial center for centuries, turning out everything from textiles and clothing to candies and even tools and brushes.  In more modern times, Port Chester has seen an infusion of immigrants, especially from Latin America, and though the industrial culture is gone, the village produces several different international breads and pastries that are shipped all over the world.

Though the village is small – only 2.4 square miles – it is densely populated, housing almost 28,000 residents.  The village includes several diverse neighborhoods, ranging from barrio to suburban bliss.  A recent redevelopment has included the demolition of several downtown buildings to construct a new retail and entertainment center in hopes of revitalizing the village’s economy.

However, many of the buildings within the area look exactly the same as they did over 100 years ago, with the village of Port Chester trying to maintain their historic classic American Main Street architectural appeal.  Since the loss of the factories, the village has had some hard times, especially through the 1970’s and 1980’s.  However, it sits between Rye and Greenwich, Connecticut, two of the richest communities in the United States, and with the recent influx of immigrants, it is rebuilding at a rapid pace.