Tag Archives: Stereoview

Old New York In Photos #177 – Schiller Monument, Central Park Lake & The Dakota Apartment Building 1891

The Central Park Lake As Seen From The Schiller Monument 1891

We are returning to another unique New York view taken for The Albertype Company in 1891.

Featured is the Central Park Lake. Beyond the lake along Central Park West we see the Dakota Apartment building (left) between 72nd and 73rd Streets. Two blocks away, partially seen is the nearly completed Hotel San Remo between 74th and 75th Streets.

Though it initially appears there are two boys in the photo, there are actually four boys. Here’s a closer look.

The photograph’s location is described as “Lake View From Schiller Statue.”

The Schiller Monument is currently near Central Park’s  Mall opposite the Naumburg Bandshell. This would be a location anachronism as this view of the lake would be nowhere near the mall.

Schiller Monument 1942 photo: Marjory Collins

But, originally the Johann Christoph Friedrich von Schiller monument was placed in The Ramble opposite 76th Street in 1859.

Schiller monument in Ramble c. 1870

Schiller monument (on right) with Lake view

Ask a thousand people visiting Central Park and I would think not one would know who Schiller was. In addition, it is doubtful anyone would know that this was the first sculpture installed in Central Park.

Schiller (1759–1805) was a German historian, naturalist and writer of the plays Wilhelm TellMary Stuart, and Wallenstein. Central Park’s website says “both Schiller’s literary and human rights work were admired at home and abroad”

On the original granite pedestal the following was engraved in German:

SCHILLER
ZUR
HUNDERTJAHRIGEN
GEBURTSTAGSFEIER
DEN 9TH NOVEMBER, 1859
DIE DEUTSCHEN IN NEW YORK

translated:

SCHILLER
ON THE
CENTENARY
BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION
ON NOVEMBER 9TH, 1859
THE GERMANS IN NEW YORK

When the monument was moved to its current location in 1954 the original base was replaced with a new inscription.

JOHANN CHRISTOPH FRIEDRICH VON SCHILLER
1759 – 1805
POET
DRAMATIST
HISTORIAN

Old New York In Photos #172 – Broadway From 8th Street 1878

Looking North Along Broadway At Stewart’s Store & Grace Church – c. 1878

Two prominent buildings on the east side of Broadway are the subject of this stereoview photograph taken around 1878: the five-story A.T. Stewart Store and Grace Church.

The view was taken from the western corner of 8th Street and Broadway. Continue reading

Old New York In Photos #171 – Lower East Side Immigrants Shopping 1907

Lower East Side Pushcarts With “Imported Americans” 1907

This stereoview published by Underwood & Underwood in 1907 says in its caption:

“Imported Americans”, shopping from push-carts in the Lower East Side, N.Y. City.

Although the neighborhood is unidentified it appears to be Little Italy with Mulberry Bend Park on the left.

This not so veiled aspersion of “Imported Americans” is typical of the apprehensions Continue reading

Old New York In Photos #170 – Wallack’s Theatre 1870

Wallack’s Theatre Broadway & 13th Street – c.1870

This stereoview shows Lester Wallack’s Theatre located at 844 Broadway on the northeast corner of 13th Street.

Lester Wallack (1820-1888) is known today only by theater historians. But in the nineteenth century Wallack was among the most famous producer’s, director’s and actor’s in the world.

Wallack’s Theater was run by James and his son Lester Wallack. Over the years there were a few addresses associated with the impresarios, but the most notable location was 844 Broadway. The land and building was owned by Wallack’s partner, William Gibson whose name is emblazoned in large letters on the frieze near the roof. Gibson was a dealer in glass architectural and decorative fittings. Continue reading

Old New York In Photos #166 – St. Paul’s Chapel & Broadway

Broadway With St. Paul’s Chapel On A Busy Day c. 1920

St. Paul's Church photo: Keystone-Mast Collection, UCR/California Museum of Photography, University of California at Riverside

St. Paul’s Chapel and Broadway. photo: Keystone-Mast Collection, UCR/California Museum of Photography, University of California at Riverside

If the clock on the tower of St. Paul’s Chapel is accurate, it is a couple of minutes before noon on a weekday. Looking at the pedestrians shadows, the clock is probably correct. Hundreds of people stream by Fulton Street while a trolley is coming down Broadway. One thing you might notice besides the fashion of the day, with many men wearing light-colored straw hats, is that there are few women present. One hundred years ago, the central business area around Wall Street was still the domain of a predominantly male working force.

Here is the same scene taken seconds apart with a tighter focus. The policeman directing traffic can now be clearly seen.

St Paul's Church and Broadway circa 1920 photo: Keystone-Mast Collection, UCR/California Museum of Photography, University of California at Riverside

The 30 foot obelisk Continue reading

Old New York In Photos #164 – Elevated Curve At 110th Street

The Ninth Avenue Elevated Curve At 110th Street c. 1880

The Ninth Avenue Elevated train tracks took a dramatic “S” turn at 110th Street to continue along Eighth Avenue. This part of the El system were very elevated, at certain points rising 100 feet above street level. Because of its phenomenal height Continue reading

Old New York In Photos #150 – 5th Avenue & 42nd Street c. 1875

Looking North On Fifth Avenue From 42nd Street c. 1875

We are looking north along Fifth Avenue to the east side of 42nd Street.

When looking at these stereoviews it’s always nice to pin a date on the scene. While it is impossible to exactly date this stereoview, it is definitely before 1881.

During the 1870s, the nearest building at the northeast corner of 42nd Street, number 503 Fifth Avenue belonged to Levi P Morton, Vice President of the United States from 1889 – 1893 and Governor of New York from 1895-1896. Continue reading

Old New York In Photos #147 – Aerial View of Manhattan from Chambers Street 1903

Looking North Along Centre Street From Chambers Street 1903

This stereoview shows lower Manhattan looking north from Chambers Street, circa 1903. The main boulevard on the right is Centre Street. Continue reading