he village, originally named Middleburgh, was established in 1652 by English Puritans, approximately 7 miles from New Amsterdam. When the British took over New Netherland in 1664, they renamed it New Town, which was eventually simplified to Newtown. It remained a rural community until the late 1890s, when it was renamed Elmhurst and became part of the City of Greater New York.

Dan Haneckow has written a fine vignette, February 26, 2012,  on Mark Twain's visit to Portland:  Mark Twain in Portland

Mr. Pearce of the Portland Oregonian and Clemens. Portland, Oregon. August 9
Mark Twain Archive, Elmira College courtesy of Kevin Mac Donnell, Austin, Texas.