Born in William Street 1783; Died at "Sunnyside," Irvington-on-Hudson, 1859. The first American author to secure foreign recognition for American Letters. His whimsical "History of New York," his most famous work, still remams one ot our best sellers. t{ /; U \i \ (■ i: , I,, I \\' )' (i i, K T r I r f' I! f. i: r r; i; i i r r w f f f r, i OLD NEW YORK Yesterday & Today H ENRY Collins Brown NEW YORK Privately Printed for Valentine s Manual and to be sold at the sign of the Bog and Buck, 15 East 40th Street, near the Publick Library, where is also to be found the best bed of asparagus on this Island. 1922 ); Ji 0 Y , I 1. 1 ? I', I /. . ' Ol922 BY RY COLLINS BROWN Press of Norman T. A. Munder & Co. Baltimore © V alentine's Manual WALL STREET, North Side, from Broadway to Pearl, about 183o FOREWORD THE great City of New York will celebrate its three hundredth birthday early in 1926. That is not very old as cities go. Yet New York has lived under three flags — Dutch, English and American. She is just twice as old as the Republic itself. The one hundred and fiftieth anniversary of the Founding of our Nation occurs in the same year, so these two events mark an important era in our progress, and deserve special recognition. The year of the Peace with Great Britain (1783) found our city in a deplorable condition. Two great fires had practically wiped out its principal buildings; their melancholy ruins still stood, gaunt and depressing. The population had dwindled to a beggarly ten thousand. Grass grew on her streets and her wharves, to which no ships had come in years, had fallen to decay. The ma- chinery for local government had ceased to function and everywhere discouragement and dejec- tion reigned supreme. But with the appearance of Washington and his famous generals at the head of their victorious troops, marching down Broadway, a great change came over the spirit of New York. She was instantly imbued with new life. Her streets were once more thronged and she became for the moment the capital of the New Empire. Had New York so remained, it is safe to say that no Capital City in the world could have rivalled the beauty and impressiveness with which she would have constructed the Federal Seat of Government. A glance at the picture of lower Broadway shown elsewhere in these pages, distant but a few steps from the sparkling sheltered waters of the broad Atlantic, gives some idea of the possibilities that are apparent. There were none of the conveniences in early days. When a fire broke out each citizen seized a leather bucket and repaired to the scene of action. Forming a human chain starting at the pump, and ending at the burning building, these valiant fire fighters attacked the conflagration with their little leather vessels and poured water on the flames till the fire was extinguished. Women in the neighboring houses prepared cofi^ee and refreshments for the firemen. There was constant danger from this source, so the laws were stringent concerning fire buckets, and the ratio was one bucket for less than three fireplaces and two for more. Two "viewers of chimneys" and hearths were also employed and any person not having his bucket hanging in the hall where it could be in- stantly found was subject to a fine. Our friend the Spanish Minister, the first diplomat by the way to be accredited to the young Republic, who resided at No. i Broadway, where a great steamship building now stands, had a fire in his house once and afterwards printed the following quaint little card in the papers, which gives a most fascinating glimpse of the simplicity of life as it was lived in those days: "Don Diego de Gardoqui, the Spanish Minister, returns thanlcs to the citizens for their alacrity in ex- tinguishing the fire that happened at his house. He observed many persons of the first distinction, actively employed, and although his doors were open to all, and the house filled with people, none of his effects were missing, everything carried out of the house having been restored." The news savors also of a strange and distant past. The Weekly Post Boy chronicles the fol- lowing (1802) : Melancholy Accident — Cow Kills a Citizen in Beekman Street "Yesterday afternoon as a genteel person was walking along Beekman Street, he was suddenly attacked by a cow. Notwithstanding that he used his best endeavors to beat her off he was so severely gored that he soon after expired. The cow was subsequently killed in William Street." And here is a marriage notice from the Weekly Museum: "On Monday evening, June 7th, 1792, by the Rev. Mr. Beach, John Buchanan, Esq., to the amiable, adorable, incomparable, inflexible, invincible, and non parallel of her sex, Nancy Lucy Turner, both of this city." And in some of these notices a few personal details were occasionally included that are not today thought of interest to those outside of the immediate family circle. "Capt. Thompson Baxter was married to Miss Ann Whitman after a long and tedious courtship of 28 years which they both endured with uncommon Christian fortitude." One more selection, showing the country-like aspect of our great city in those days: "Strayed or stolen last night from an enclosure in Front Street a black bull calf. Any person who will give information at No. 261 Old Slip where it can be found, will receive the thanks of a poor blind woman." But enough of Colonial days. The period over which we would most like to dwell, is one more within our own day — the last half century in New York. It seems to us the most alluring chapter in all its history. It marks the beginning of a new era. It is entirely within bounds to say that within that period more progress has been made in all those arts and sciences that tend to pro- mote the happiness and comfort of mankind than in all the years that have elapsed since the Christian Era. Before that, there was riot in all the world a telephone, a skyscraper, an electric light, an automobile, a bicycle, a trolley car, a "movie" or a radio. Most of the houses were still of the two-story-red-brick type with dormer windows. All of them had stoops and basements. And in the summer time the neighborhood was rendered melodious by the young people singing the popular songs of the day — "Beautiful Isle of the Sea," "Sweet Genevieve," "In the Gloaming," etc. This program was frequently varied by the famous Harrigan & Hart songs — "Paddy Duffy's Cart," "Maggie Murphy's Home," "The Market on Saturday Night," etc. It was all very bourgeoise but very delightful. Brownstone fronts began to make their appearance and a few years later the town was startled by the erection of the first apartment house. They were called French flats and owed their inception to the craze for everything French that prevailed in New York at the time. Our interior furnishings appear to have been somewhat archaic judged by present standards. Piano legs and coal scuttles were adorned with huge sash ribbons of violent hue. Plush albums and Rogers statuary were conspicuous on tables with heavy cold marble tops. Mantels and pianos were draped with scarves of unimaginable floral designs topped off" with silk fringe or embellished with heavy embroidery. Crayon portraits, in red plush frames, perched defiantly on scroll work easels, occupied a prominent place in the "best room." Whisk brooms were tied around with true lovers knots in pink ribbon; hand painted fire shovels, wax flowers in glass covers, "hassocks" with carpet coverings, hand painted placques in velvet frames, "What Nots" containing sea shells, baby's first shoes with a fresh coat of bronze, and sundry other family treasures — these and many other similar adornments proclaimed the home of refinement in the "Age of Innocence." In view of our forthcoming Ter-centenary, it seemed to me that some of us might appreciate a little remembrancer of that rather imposing event. And I thought that if it took the form of the book you are now reading and contained a collection of pictures showing what we were and what we are, it might not be a bad idea. So with this initial number I have carried the plan into execution. Should this suggestion meet with any appreciable degree of public favor, the work will be expanded till I have in all half a dozen of these "Birthday Books." To a very great extent the History of New York can be fairly well told in pictures. And this is what I would like to do. Henry Collins Brown. Collection of Mr. J. Clarence Davits ^efo fork's Jjftrst Potcl, about 1789 On the site of the residence of Mr. Peter Delancey on Broadway, above Trinity Church, was erected the first regular hotel in our city. It was an imposing structure for so young a metropolis, and for a long time was the largest and most conspicuous building in New York. Prior to this time, taverns and private houses were the only places to which a traveller might repair for shelter, and the new hotel was a vast improvement. After a long career of unusual prosperity, during which time it was the scene of the famous "Bachelors" and Patri- archs" Ball (the two great society events of the season) and entertained nearly all the distinguished visitors to New York, officially and socially, it was turned into an office building. The well-remembered Boreel Building succeeded the office building. Now the site of the magnificent twin office buildings, Trinity (No. 1 1 1) and United States Realty (No. 1 1 5). RULES OF THIS TAVERN Four pence a night for Bed Six pence with Supper No more than five to sleep in one bed No Boots to be worn in bed Organ Grinders to sleep in the Wash house No dogs allowed upstairs No Beer ailov^red in the Kitchen No Razor Grinders orTinkers taken in Collection of Mr. George A. Zabriskie CouTtesy'New York Historical Society "<3ftr0l of ^cfo lork, 1026-8 The first view of New York ever shown to the world. Date depicted, 1626-8. It was drawn by Kryn Fredericks, engineer of Fort Amsterdam, and for years hung in Peter Stuyvesant's Council Room in the Stadt House. It was finally sent to Holland, and rescued from oblivion by Adriaen Van der Donck, who used it in the first book written on New Amsterdam, and published by Joost Har.gers, Amsterdam, in 1651. It is known as the "Hartgers View." The star shaped structure is the Fort, the site of which is now occupied by oui present Custom House. '^[iB ^ame 'flocniian ©cbag, 1922 View of New York today showing the exact location depicted in the first or "Hartgers View" above. The Fort stood where the Custom House stands today. Skyscrapers replace the little houses clustered outside the Fort in the first picture. The open space at left is Battery Park; Aquarium at extreme left edge; foreground, tall structure, Whitehall building, where is the Government Weather Bureau. The two ferry slips, middle, are owned by the City, operating boats to Staten Island. At left is the Barge Office where emigrants are landed from Ellis Island. Captured "rum runners" caught by the Revenue Service, are anchored in slip next the Barge Office. This view covers the entire Financial section of New York. The Government House which succeeded Fort Amsterdam at the foot of Broadway. Erected 1790; burned 181 5. The Custom House is now on this site. Custom ^ISxmse At the foot of Broadway on the same site on which stood originally Fort Amsterdam and the Government House. Old "Steamship Row," a row of brick houses preceded the Custom House. CollecUon Mr. Robert Goelet Proab&ag front ^ofolmg CirBett, 1825 Looking up from No. i Broadway west side to Trinity Church, 1 825, showing Kennedy, Watts and Livingston houses (Nos. i, 3 and 5), built in 1760. The Kennedy house was occupied by British officers during the Revolution. Robert Fulton died in the house which stood just in the rear. It was from the Kennedy House that Andre started out on his ill-fated journey to meet Arnold; and after the treason, Arnold was quartered in the Bowling Green Building, then a tavern called "The King's Arms." Daniel Webster lived at No. 17. P. T. Barnum and Jenny Lind boarded at the Stevens House, Nos. 21 to 27. This block now occupied by the new "Steamship Row." Copyright, H.C. Brown iq3. ^roahioag from ^ofoltng OlrBsn "Slobag The same location, new Steamship Office Buildings also new Standard Oil Building, corner Beaver Street, at right, now in course of construction (1922). No. i Broadway is the first building at the left; part of the Produce Exchange shown at right; Bowling Green, our first public park, in centre. Here Washington reviewed the great procession to ratify the adoption of the Federal Constitution by New York. ^a. 25 Jiroahftiag m 1S4S Present site of the Standard Oil Company's offices. Tlie picture below shows the new addition to the building now under construction which extends the building to Beaver Street. H. C. Broivn The entire block at right to Beaver Street will be added to 26 Broadway (see adjoining picture) making it the largest office building occupied by one corporation in the city 26 ^roabfoag ©omorro^i Work on this new building is now well under way. When completed it will form an inspiring structure with which to start old Broadway. Pall ^tv&Bt nbaut 1845 From the Sub-Treasury, looking east. From a contemporary drawing. THE GRLAT FiBr. of mr CITY ColL'ctio I oj Mr. Rob^n -^ujl^l feat JftrB of 1835 A very rare and interesting picture of the Great Fire of 1835, in which the main business portion of the city east of Broadway and south of Wall Street was practically destroyed with a loss of over thirty millions of dollars. In less than a year, however, the burnt district was entirely rebuilt. The figures in the foreground were of eminent merchants of the day who were among the volunteer firemen who helped save the city. The gentleman running up the steps, wished, if possible, to save the statue of Alexander Hamilton, which was destroyed a few minutes afterwards. "Mr. Chas. King (President of Columbia College) is the gentleman who crossed the East River that awful night in an open boat to the Navy Yard to procure gunpowder, in which he was successful." The National City Bank now occupies this site. Collection of Mr. Guy Emerson <3lnlertor of tip ^tack '^xc^mn^e txt 1853 '^l^e dusiom ^ouse, aWut 1S45 A view on Broad Street in front of the Stock Exchange and Sub-Treasury (then the Custom House), showing the old Oyster Stand that formerly stood in front of the Morgan Building, about 1845. The present Stock Exchange Building begins where the lamp-post shows at the left. The Stock Exchange Building with its new annex at the corner of Wall and Broad Streets, 1922. "Sllie jankers 'Qlrust ^utlhmg, pjall anh ^assau Streets 3IoI|n ^tminotts ^a&ertt, 1784 The little Tavern kept by John Simmons figures promi- nently in the annals of old New York. Washington dined here on Evacuation Night. The first Mayor of New York James Duane was appointed here. Washington Irving, Henry Brevoort and Simmons were great friends. The great Bankers Trust Building now stands on the site of this small but famous hostelry. © Harper Brothers Collection of Mr. Simeon Ford aii|urcl| aith ®ib J^roabfoag ^tages, 1833 The three small buildings were removed to make way for the Astor House. William Henry Harrison, "Old Tippecanoe," studied law in the building at the right with the sign "J. Lowe & Co." Collection 0/ Mrs. Robert W. De Forest 31ta2l|tttglon ^ijwarg, (^tttnia\c\\ jlitllage, as a ^arahe Cirounh, 1855 It was Potter's Field, 1789-1823; made a Park in 1827. Buildings of the New York University are at upper left. Each face in this picture represents an actual portrait of a member of the 7th Regiment, one of the crack State Military organizations, here shown at annual inspection drill. ^ JRare '^hia of piaH Street from ^vonh ^tvtei, 1825 A unique sketch of contemporary date, giving an excellent idea of street traffic and costumes of that early period. The corner at the left (Law Book) is now occupied by the new addition to the Stock Exchange. Back of this was Josiah Hoffman's law office where Washington Irving studied law. To the rear of what is now the new Stock Exchange building is a small street called New Street because it was "new" when the Dutch burghers first built it three hundred years ago and the name has never been changed. The church in the center is, of course, old Trinity. The tall building with steeple is the First Presbyterian Church, used as a hospital during the Revolution. This church is now on Fifth Avenue near I2th Street. The little two-story wooden build- ing with the awning was a famous tavern in its day kept by John Simmons. Washington dined here and the first Mayor of New York was appointed here. Owned by I. N. Phelps Stokes in "Inconography of New York." © \Ll]B ^econh ^tefaj of ^eia "gork, about 1655 This view, known as the"\'isscher View," shows the city about twenty years after the one shown on anotherpage. Already the little settlement gives signs of growth. The picture shows Pearl Street as a pretty shore road with a pebbly beach running down to the water (in the center of the picture). ^Bia ^ork (3lt piae tl|c Jngltaii ®ook Possession m 1554: juke's pan" This remarkable drawing was owned by George III, who bequeathed it to the British Museum along with other items pertaining to his lost "beloved" colonies in America. It shows how the town looked when it was first taken from the Dutch. The wall or stockade where Wall Street now stands is one of its most striking features. The Duke of York for whom our city is named is credited with having drawn this map based on the Nicoll's survey, hence the title. ^efo fork's Jtrst ^uttictpal J^utlbrng — '^^2 ^labt ^ugs Located at the corner of Coenties Slip and Pearl Street, which then faced the river, this building sheltered the early Bur- gomasters and Schepens and other city officials. The home of Governor Lovelace, afterwards a tavern, adjoins it on the left. The St. Nicholas Society owns a copper wind-vane, presented to it by Washington Irving, which is supposed to have come from the cupola of this building when it was demolished in 1700. Jtrst Capttol Jgutlbmg of ti^z MnitBh ^tntss. (Blh l^fiebeval ^all, corner piall anb ^vassau ^tresis, 1789, noSn site of ^ub-^reasury In this building Washington was inaugurated President. It was here that he signed the papers creating the Supreme Court of the United States. It was here also that he appointed Jefferson minister to France. Hamilton's greatest achievements were planned and largely executed within its walls. ^tttnnces 'CEa£i£rn, center l^mvi aub ^roixb ^trMs, foljers piaslititgtoit ®ook ^arslucll of I]ts (Officers Fraunces' Tavern is one of the interesting buildings in New York, and was tlie scene of many stirring events during the Revolutionary period. It divides hon- ors with St. Paul's Chapel, Washington's Headquarters and the Roger Morris Mansion in its connection with memories of Washington in New York. In the "Long Room" occurred the affecting scene with his officers, during which, for the last time, he took leave of his comrades-in-arms and retired to Mount Vernon. Fro)n the Colh-ction of the Sons of the Revolution ^tc&j of ^roah ^trcct locking iaianvb ll|c corner of pSall anb ^assau ^trccte, 1789 This interesting view shows Broad Street from below Exchange Place to Wall Street, including the sites now occupied by the Stock Exchange and other large buildings. Federal Hall, at the end of the street, was for a brief period the seat of Congress when this city was the Nation's Capital. When this building was removed Nassau Street was opened through the site, and the present Sub-Treasury was built somewhat to the right. During the Dutch period a canal ex- tended up this street nearly to the corner. This is the best example of a New York Street under Three Flags — Dutch, English and American. 'OII]e Jfamous 'Qlontme Coffee ^cuse, corner piall nnh ^ffater Streets This coffee house, the building on the left, played a prominent part in the development of the financial district. From it sprang the Merchants' Exchange and it was the forerunner of all the other Exchanges. It succeeded the Merchants' Coffee House, perhaps the most famous tavern New York ever possessed. From the only known painting by Francis Guy {1796) in possession oj the New York Historical Society ^X&ixx of ^roah£tra^ in 1S20, sI|o&tng Olrace C!li|urcl| OIi|apel, a^jotntng Urinttg Ci]nrcl| A most interesting and contemporaneous view of Broadway while it was still a fashionable residential section. Grace Church moved uptown to Tenth Street fifteen or twenty years later. The Empire building, 71 Broadway, headquarters of the United States Steel Corporation, occupies the Grace Chapel site today, and both sides are lined with huge skyscrapers. Courtesy New York Historical Society of ^eia ^nrh from P3eai|afch, 1825 Taken from near the site of the Hamilton-Burr duel. This picturesque region is now wholly covered by huge coal pockets, railroad terminals, army docks and foreign steamship piers. Above the cliffs to which the road leads, lies a very pretty suburban city connected with New York by ferry. ^roah£aag from to J^arclag ^trcct, 1S43 Rare drawing of Broadway, showing St. Paul's and the Park View Hotel (Astor House) about 1843. The small two-story houses at the left are part of the block between Fulton and Dey Streets now covered by the new buildings of the American Telephone and Telegraph Company. Olaetle (^nvhtn in 1850 This is now our Aquarium. It was originally built as one of the main defences in the War of 1812 and was named Fort Clinton. It was originally separated from the mainland by a stretch of water which was filled in prior to 1850. After the peace, it became a great popular place of amusement and was the scene of Jenny Lind's first appearance in America under the great P. T. Barnum. It then became the receiving station for emigrants, many of whom settled in the West and elsewhere, and still remember old Castle Garden. The present Aquarium, daily open to the public, is one of the most interesting features of modern New York. Courtesy Down Town Association Present ^ite of piorlb Jimlbtttg anb ^tttrattcc ta llje Jiroofeign ^ribge, 1853 Nothing shows the great changes in New York better than the substitution of the great East River Bridge entrance and the World Building for these wooden shacks that stood opposite City Hall Park in the 50's. This is Park Row, popularly known as Newspaper Row, where many of New York's great dailies were published. Only the World and the New York Tribune remain on this block. The great Municipal Building leading to the new Civic Centre is across the way. in 00 S o ti s E ^ tie s OJ _ (U c« -2 rt-c o 53 H <" r- O (U ^ © A. B. A. yiookmg ^ofon Jiroa&£aag, 1922 Broadway at St. Paul's Church from same point as shown on opposite page. St. Paul's is at the right in each picture. Collection of New York Historical Society This gives an excellent idea of the great change in this locality in less than a hundred years. The magnificent new Telephone Building shown at right in the picture above, now covers the entire block between Fulton and Dey Streets. The contrast in the architecture of the two periods is impressive. From a contemporary drawing by Strickland 182^. Now in collection of New York Historical Society. f arfe flats in 1850 North side from Broadway to Church Street. This was at one time (1830) a beautiful secluded private residential street which ended at Columbia College grounds. ^Bfo fork's Jirsl J^osptial, 2iroab6iag bclfoecn ^uattB anb piortli ^trccte, 1794 This was from a photograph taken about 1868, just before the building was demolished. Washington Irving was one of its early Trustees. It is now on West 15th Street. Broadway, between Park Place and Vesey Street; conceded to be the most beautiful business building in the world. A constant re- minder of the value of little things, and a monument to the memory of Frank Winfield Woolworth, founder of the now famous "Five-and-Ten" stores. On this Woolworth site, formerly stood some prominent private dwellings. Philip Hone, author of the famous Diary bear- ing his name, lived in this end house at the right while Mayor of the City in 1 825. Collection of Mr. Percy Pytie II. ^Ip ^pproadi to Olitg J^all m 1S25 St. Paul's Church at extreme left, City Hall on the right, Broadway and private houses on left. The ubiquitous pig, at virtually our Street Cleaning Department, is a feature of many early New York pictures. ^ppvoarl} to Olily ^all ©oiiag, 1922 The same section in 1922. The low six-story building in the center is part of the site of the Astor House. The prominent modern buildings include the Woolworth at the left, the Municipal Buildmg m the distance, centre. To the right of this is "Newspaper Row" with the World and Tribune Towers, and in the right fore- ground, the American Telephone and Telegraph Building. Copyright, iQis, U. C. Brown tEl|e CCttg ^all ^9ark as it J^pprareh about 1830 The present Post Office which spoils its appearance and greatly reduces its size will soon be removed. (Bi-tnt ^ive ai 1S35 While a great calamity at the time, it removed many unsightly buildings and paved the way for the introduction of Croton Water in 1842, The new buildings were of a much superior style of architecture. Collection of the Chemical Bank ^roabfija^ from OII|ambcrg ^ixtt\ to ^urrag in 1853 The old Shoe and Leather Bank occupied the left corner of Chambers Street (centre). Delmonico's Restaurant adjoined the Irving House on the right. Note the curious costumes and vehicles in foreground. Collection of the Chemical Bank © I'alciiliiie's Manual ^roah&tay from (!ll|ambcrs ^Ueti 'Sobay Showing the great Chemical Bank at extreme right; the Importers and Traders at Murray Street; and the Postal Telegraph Building in centre, corresponding to the buildings in the picture above. Faleniine's Manual Qlolkct ^onb, ncixj t\]e ^ite of our 5^e£ti Cdt&ic Centre m\h (Eoitrt One of the most famous sections in Old New York. The water was very deep and covered seventy acres. At one time it was proposed to make it a huge land-locked harbor for deep sea vessels. A canal was started through Canal Strest (hence the name) to connect it with the Hudson. It was a famous resort for fishermen and skaters. Prince William, Tater William IV of England, was saved frorn^ drowning here. Fitch tried out his new steamboat on this lake. It was finally drained and filled in about 1 821 . Then the old "Tombs" was partly built upon it. Now all the land has been taken by the City for the new County Court House, Federal Post Office and other buildings for our new Civic Centra. See next page. Collection oj Mr. J. Clarence Davies miiE (§\ti "®nmlis" mt ^iit of (EoHect ^onb The old City Jail, called "The Tombs," and Criminal Courts Building, on Centre Street, between White and Leonard (built in 1838 from stone taken from the Bridewell in City Hall Park), which were removed to make room for the present Magistrates Courts and jail. The bridge which joined them gave convicted persons their last look of freedom, and was known as the "Bridge of Sighs." The site was formerly covered by Collect Pond, shown above. ■ '5 2 f-H ^ M C (U C ^ ^ C " ill - .5." w .S S X ,P O aj D a (U C C g = ■■3 =^ ^ p CO "o^ § 5 OJ « 3 s O AN FF AH I>:G ^'^^ OF ClilPP^-^ FRANCISCO. ' LIN'jEl- SUSAN FEARING Sf (§[h-W-ixaB ^bfierttstng Carh ^tstritutch ^mong ^ork (iMBrcljants, 1859 All the old firms distributed these fancy colored cards and their popularity created the craze for lithographed business cards that raged so violently in the early 8o's. This vogue virtually created the business of lithography in this country (^^/^^^^ a^y^^ ^^^^^^^ "^^r^W^^^^W^^ —'^^^Z^ Pec^^^ ^^?7-v .T-^t^.' ..Cc^'^e^y^ ^£y?SD ^^^^ '"^^^^ Jo^^^^/t^ 3^i?->^-^^ ..y^^^i.^^^ J^^O'^^iP/^^^^ i/ei4.f^^ €Pc^i^^ >4^^^^,^ .^^/^ (3[orBrunnBr of tl]e 05tl ^uemcss Reproduction of an actual page from an old whaler's log book. When the whale was captured, a full drawing appears. When it was lost the tail is shown disappearing, as in lower right-hand corner. As a reminder of the romantic beginnings of the forerunner of the great oil industry, whaling records possess a peculiar interest. ^reuhtxau^m, 1853 Perhaps the most famous of all the Liverpool Packet ships in the early 50's. Commanded by Capt. Samuel Samuels, still remembered by many New Yorkers as one of the most celebrated deep sea skippers sailing from this port. She was originally a Red Cross Packet Liner and later in the California trade. Few ships ever enjoyed such popularity. On February 4th, 1859, she logged 313 miles on a single day's run on a famous voyage from Liverpool to New York, completed in 13 days 8 hours. She was finally lost among the rugged cliffs and roaring breakers of Cape Horn. Her crew was rescued. She was a strikinglv handsome ship and for years was the pride of the port. She was owned by Governor K. D. Morgan, Francis B. Cuttmg, Daniel Ogden and others. The majority of the New I'ork fortunes prior to the Civil War grew out of shipping. One of the crack Cape Horners, when the rush to California began in the "Roaring Forties." She was one of the square rigged beauties that made the fifteen thousand mile run from New York to the Golden Gate in the record time of eighty-nine days, during which she logged 374 miles in twenty-four hours while steering northward and westward under topgallant sails after rounding Cape Horn — the fastest day's run under steam or sail ever made up to that time. She was owned by Grinnell Minturn & Co. .5 o CO C OS "d CQ Si ^ ; C ^ - 8- ^ (U (u u:: ^ S -S >r;= > 13 ^tixx ^ork from ^ohokm, nbmd 1853 All of the sylvan scene on the Jersey shore (right of picture) is now covered with coal chutes, derricks, docks and ferries. © Major Maxwell The wonderful bridge built by the New Haven Railroad to permit continuous transportation of trains to the South, eliminating former connection by ferry, by a connection with the Pennsylvania. The bridge is about five miles long and spans the East River near Hell Gate, crossing to Long Island. ©Ije ^ast ^t&er as seen front button ^iitlanar, in 1840 This locality is our newest fashionable section. © Amencan Studios ^t£iersibe ^rtbe, looking ^ortl] from IZnh ^treel The building at the right with lawn in front is the residence of Mr Charles M. Schwab. fester Street JftsI] ^arket The great open air markets of the East Side. A view of the fish market in Hester Street. This is the type, Httle altered to this day, of the earHest markets in the world. ^ggmntttgs ai out ^ircet Ollcanmg department, 18B8 Calling the Roll. Olttg Pall f ark ^looking ^ortl|, &ittl| Post C^ffice 5Remo6c& Drawn by James McA. Smilty from proposed plans by Mr. Guy Lowell, Architect oj Court House For many years repeated efforts have been made by public-spirited New Yorkers to obtain the Federal Government's consent to the removal of the Post Office at the end of City Hall Park. It no longer ful- fils the place in the Postal service which it did orig- inally, its functions having been transferred to the huge building at 8th Avenue and 33rd Street. With this material change the desire to regain our old original beautiful Park as it was in Colonial days in- creased with the passing years. Early in 1921, a Citizens Committee, acting in co- operation with Mayor Hylan, took the matter ener- getically in charge and for the first time secured def- inite results. A public hearing was held by the Mayor and Board of Estimate and no opposition developed. In Washington a similar meeting was held before the Committee on Public Buildings and with a like favor- able outcome. The result of these meetings was a Bill passed by Congress in February, 1922, appointing a Commission to deal with a similar Commission ap- pointed by the Mayor. The Federal Commission ap- pointed by the President consists of Secretary of the Treasury Mellon, Postmaster-General Work and Attorney-General Daugherty. On July 3rd these gentlemen came to New York and met the City Commission, Mayor Hylan, Comptroller Craig and Borough President Miller. The joint Commission thereupon examined a site in the new Civic Centre adjoining the Court House. Tentative plans pre- pared by Mr. Guy Lowell, architect of the Court House, were then given to the Federal Commission, where, under the direction of Supervising Architect Simmons of the Treasury Department, the work is now progressing. Representatives in Congress from New York plan to bring in an appropriation bill at the present session of Congress so that the actual work of construction may soon begin. Nevertheless it behooves every public-spirited citizen in New York to work for this project unceasingly. Eternal vigil- ance is the price not only of liberty but of our re- claimed Park as well. The adjoining picture tells more eloquently than words what a wonderful improvement this will be. It is a much needed breathing spot in one of the most congested sections of our great city. It affords a proper and dignified approach to our Chief Magis- trate's official residence and in every way will contri- bute to the comfort and well-being of all the people in our city. Let us all work for a speedy realization of our hopes. To Governor Smith is due much of the credit for the progress of this movement. At the first con- ference with Mr. Will H. Hays, then Postmaster- General, Governor Smith warmly backed up the re- marks of the Citizens Committee and subsequently appeared as spokesman at the Public Hearing before the Mayor and Board of Estimate. Few persons realize better than Governor Smith what this great improvement means not only to the whole city but especially to the thousands of chil- dren who still live in this neighborhood and to whom at night, after business, this can be made a real recre- ation centre. Fountains, trees, grass, and flowers, will add much to their pleasure and be of tremendous value from a welfare point of view. On other pages we have given some interesting views of the New Civic Centre as it was in bygone days, but what is of greater importance we show what a beautiful place it will soon be when the new Federal Buildings adjoining the Court House are erected. New York, unlike our western cities, has not been so quick to realize just how great an asset beauty is in City planning, but these pictures give us some slight idea of its great possibilities and of its commercial value. It is in this Civic Centre that the new Post Office will be located. HENDRIK HUDSON The first Navigator to land on Manhattan Island and to sail up the river which now bears his name. In a subsequent voyage Hud- son was turned adrift in an open boat, in the Arctic Seas by muti- nous sailors and never heard of again. He was born in London. Date of birth and death both unknown. PETRUS STUYVESANT Last and greatest of the Dutch Governors. He is buried in St- Mark's Church, Eleventh Street and Second Avenue, which was erected on the site of the private chapel which stood on his farm. The land for St. Mark's was given to the Dutch Church by his wife, on condition that his grave be preserved. From the painting by Van Dyck, now in possession of the New York Historical Society. JAMES, DUKE OF YORK AND ALBANY After whom our City and the capital of our State, was named. On the death of Charles II the Duke succeeded to the throne as James II. A map shown elsewhere in these pages, known as "The Duke's Plan" is said to have been prepared by him, based on surveys by NicoUs, and is the first authentic drawing of New York as it appeared when captured by the English (1664). From a paint- ing by Sir Peter Lely, in the possession of the Duke of ^ueensbury. ROBERT FULTON, 1765-1815 Inventor of the Steamboat. The Clermont, the first successful ves- sel to be propelled by steam, made the voyage from New York to Albany at about five miles an hour (1807). Fulton was also suc- cessful as an architect. He studied under the great painter, Ben- jamin West, a neighbor of his in Lancaster, where Fulton was born, but who early removed to England. Fulton died in a house at the rear of No. i Broadway, 18 15. ^our historical figures Olottn^cteb iaxt\] '^tia ■^crk mije Olarroll Olluh Built as the First Women's Club building in New York, the Colony Club on Madison Avenue. Now the Carroll Club, a business women's club, a gift to the Catholic young women of this city, by Mrs. Nicholas F. Brady in memory of her mother; May Carroll Garvan. Collection of Mr. Grenville Kane To Robert Fulton belongs the credit of the invention of Steamboats. The view shows the Clermont on an early voyage passing West Point on the Hudson, at a speed of about five miles an hour. © Major Maxwell Fulton's idea has been greatly extended and the modern Atlantic liner is a far cry from the Clermont, but a worthy successor. The ship shown is the Majestic, the world's largest liner, 956 feet long. It is the length almost of five oi^nary city blocks, with a speed of over twenty-five miles an hour. On the way to West Point. Steamer Washington Irving in the Highlands of the Hudson. MiWiiiii'iillliyiiT iriiiiniiifBi Courtesy of Amirican Museum of Natural History Birds of prey build their nests around the crags of the Palisades. A scene on the way to West Point. The northern end of Manhattan Island still retains all its bucolic simplicity, and presents a striking contrast to the cloud-piercing structures that mark its southern end. Few more dramatic contrasts can be imagined than between the extreme upper and lower ends of Manhattan Island as depicted in the views presented on this page. ^all of Jfame The celebrated Hall of Fame presented by Helen Gould, in New York University at University Heights. The College of the City of New York, originally known as the "Free Academy." The largest free institution for higher education maintained by any city in the world. Enrollment over 17,000. 34th Street and Sixth Avenue showing Gimbel's, Macy's, Herald Building, and McAlpin Hotel. The Times Building is in the background to the left. ®I|Balrtc£rl district Looking up town on Broadway from 42nd Street to 50th Street showing the immense crowds that gather on Saturday afternoons and evenings to attend the seventy odd theatres in the neighborhood. ^ ^iglli P'xtia of t^t Olttg from tljc ^ast JRifier The service of the great popular universities of the Middle Ages is paralleled by this institution with its enrollment of 32,000. Established as Kings College in 1754. The College grounds cover many blocks. i Fifth Avenue and 82nd Street. One of New York's greatest attractions for the visitor. At 77th Street and Central Park West. A marvelous collection of everything pertaining to its special field. (Brunt's ©omh, ^t6ersihe ^rt6c The Tomb of General Grant in Riverside Drive, i2ist Street and Hudson River. Erected by popular subscription. the Quadrangle on Broadway between i S5th and 1 56th Streets and Riverside Drive is the famous Museum of the Hispanic Society, the American Geographical Society, the Numismatic Society, the American Indian Museum, Heye Foundation and the American Academy of Arts and Letters. This view shows the Broadway frontage. Up Broadway from the Battery. The End of the Island. The Financial Section from the Hudson. The Woolworth, Singer and Equitable Skyscrapers. Looking North. A Glimpse ot the East River. Some Aeroplane views in the canyon section of down town New York taken by Major Maxwell. In the second view from the top on the left is shown the Passenger Flyer used to show visitors over the City or to make special trips to nearby resorts. Photographs copyright by Major Hamilton Maxwell Do You Remember Barnum's Cherry- colored Cat? Of Course You Do — It Was Black ''mm