The 1907 Thaddeus Davids Company Building - 95-97 Vandam Street

photograph by Anthony Bellov

Wealthy sugar refiner William Frederick Havemeyer and his family lived in the handsome house at 95 Vandam Street at the middle of the 19th century.  Living next door at 97 Vandam Street was the family of Charles Burkhalter, a well-to-do wholesale grocer.  The Burkhalters leased their home from the Havemeyers.  

Half a century later, the neighborhood had drastically changed.  Affluent families had moved northward and commercial structures were quickly replacing vintage homes.  In December 1904, the Record & Guide reported that the Havemeyer estate had sold 95 and 97 Vandam Street, "two three-story houses," to Mitchell A. C. Levy.

In 1854, while the Havemeyers were still occupying 95 Vandam Street, the Thaddeus Davids Company moved into the building at 127-129 William Street.  After occupying it for more than half a century, in 1906 the William Street owner refused to renew the Thaddeus Davids Company's lease.  On June 9, The American Stationer reported that the Thaddeus Davids Company, "the well-known manufacturers of inks and adhesives, has closed a deal for the building[s] at 95-97 Vandam street, between Hudson and Greenwich."  The article said, "The old buildings now standing on the site will be torn down and a modern factory building, containing every facility for manufacturing and specialties for which this firm is so justly famous, will be erected."

The firm had contracted the architectural firm of Renwick, Aspinwall & Tucker to design the factory.  Their plans projected the construction cost at $60,000, or about $2 million in 2025.  The American Stationer said, "No expense or care will be spared to make the building a model of its kind."  The article explained that the William Street lease would expire in May 1908 "and it is expected that the new building will be ready for occupancy at that time."

Renwick, Aspinwall & Tucker considered both attractiveness and functionality in designing the building.  To safely accommodate the firm's heavy machinery, the plans included a "system of cinder concrete arches, reinforced with iron rods, terra cotta partitions, copper covered skylights."  Importantly, the building was fully electrified.  The large machines, previously operated manually, would now be powered by electricity.

Construction was completed in the spring of 1908.  The architects' commercial take on Renaissance Revival was splashed with the currently popular Arts & Crafts style.  The piers of the first floor loading bay--fabricated in cast iron in most loft buildings at the time--were constructed of beige brick and topped with limestone capitals.  They upheld a heavy structural beam decorated with triglyphs.  A second beam above the second floor was disguised with a reeded band that dangled blank shields.  The third to sixth floors were faced in rusticated brick.  A denticulated and bracketed pressed metal cornice completed the design.

Now one of the foremost ink companies in the world, the Thaddeus Davids Company had an interesting start.  Thaddeus Davids was born in Bedford, New York in 1810 and his family moved to New York City in 1823.  The 13-year-old was hired by an ink manufacturer.  Amazingly, when the owner retired, he left the concern to Davids, who was still a teen.  Because he was a minor, the firm was named William Davids, for his father.

In 1827, now 17 years old, Thaddeus developed "steel pen ink," touted to be of "record quality."  Over the decades he continued to experiment, introducing innovative and improved products.  In 1856, his son George W. Davids became a partner and the firm became Thaddeus Davids & Company.  

George nearly caused the end of the firm in 1883.  Unknown to his father, he accumulated massive amounts of debt and used the company as collateral.  When they came due that year, Thaddeus had to liquidate all his properties, including the firm, to settle the debts.  (In the meantime, George committed suicide in a New York City hotel.)  The emotional turmoil no doubt contributed to Thaddeus's stroke soon afterward.  He never recovered.

In the meantime, sons David F. and Edwin Davids took over the company in receivership.  The brothers died in 1905 and 1907, respectively, just before the firm moved into the Vandam facility.  Other Davids family members took over, and, in fact, the 95-97 Vandam property was held in the name of Louise A. Davids.

The firm continued to innovate.  On October 25, 1910, for instance, Walden's Stationery and Printer reported, "The Thaddeus Davids Company, 95 Vandam Street, New York, are putting on the market a long-felt want, consisting of a neat metal box containing a large bottle of their Black Diamond indelible ink, a penholder and one of Davids' indelible marking pens."

Walden's Stationer and Printer, October 25, 1910 (copyright expired)

Innovation within the Thaddeus Davids Company operations did not stop with its products.  At a time when traveling salesmen were--as the term suggested--male, on January 27, 1912 the firm advertised, "Wanted--Six young women to sell a popular article to offices; salary and commission."  The firm would necessarily turn to women again when World War I depleted the male workforce.  On October 24, 1918, an advertisement in the New-York Tribune was titled, "Girls and Women Wanted.  Help Win the War."  Foreshadowing the Rosie the Riveters of the 1940s, the ad said the Thaddeus Davids Ink Company, "offers profitable employment to girls and women; excellent wages; steady work and bonus; Uncle Sam needs you here."

The Touchstone, July 1919 (copyright expired)

The Thaddeus Davids Company closed before 1941 when the Tiara Products Co., Inc. occupied 95-97 Vandam Street.  The industrial tenor within the building began to change in 1960, when the newly-formed 670 Realty Corporation took space.  The realty management firm Samson Management operated from the building as early as 1968.

image via the NYC Dept of Records & Information Services.

The neighborhood--now called Hudson Square--saw change again in the third quarter of the 20th century.  Loft buildings were transformed to residential, office and retail space.  In 1987, the Thaddeus Davids Company building was converted to apartments with a retail space on the former loading dock level.

For years, Form and Function occupied the first floor and more recently Exquisite Surfaces moved in.  

many thanks to historian Anthony Bellov for suggesting this post

The William Oland Bourne House - 13 Vandam Street

 

The double doors to the right mark the horsewalk that once provided access to the rear yards.

The block of Vandam Street between Macdougal and Varick Streets saw the rise of two-and-a-half story houses beginning around 1826.  In 1829, construction began on two mirror-image houses at 11 and 13 Vandam Street.  Each a generous 25-feet-wide, their peaked roofs were punctured by two dormers.  Between them was a horsewalk--a passageway that accessed the rear yards.  (The residents of 11 Vandam would enjoy additional square footage on the upper floors, since that house overlapped the horsewalk.)

The houses were completed in the spring of 1830.  An auction notice in the Morning Courier and Enquirer on March 18 offered:

Elegant houses in Vandam-street.  Two elegant two story brick houses, and 36 years lease of the lots, Nos 11 and 13, Vandam st. near Mcdougal st.  The lots are 25 feet by 100.  The lease from Trinity Church, without ground rent.  The houses have each a brick tea room in the rear; 14 feet by 18.  There is a covered gangway of 7 feet leading to the brick stables in the rear, which are 14 feet by 50.  The houses are finished in the most costly manner, with sliding doors and Egyptian marble mantels, &c.  Vaults under the tea rooms--marble stoops, sills, lintels, &c.

As the listing mentioned, the houses sat on land known as the Trinity Farm.  When John Jacob Astor took over the lease of the sprawling Richmond Hill estate around 1805, he paid the rent for decades in advance, making the plots he laid out and the houses on them more marketable.

The buyer of 13 Vandam Street leased the house.  His initial residents did not stay long.  An auction was held of the furnishings a year later, on April 16, 1831, the listing explaining the family was "leaving the city."  It hinted, however, of the family's upscale surroundings.  Included was a "splendid side-board" which had cost them $120 (about $4,300 in 2025), mahogany "card, tea & dinner tables, chairs, beds," and "a splendid assortment of China, Cut-Glass & plated ware."

The house saw a steady turnover of tenants until around 1844 when Francis Martin and his family moved in.  In 1845, the family took in a boarder, Dawson Wilson, who ran a grocery at 195 Spring Street.  Francis and Jane Martin's daughter Adelia Ella married William Oland Bourne around 1850.  The newlyweds moved in with the family.

Born in 1819 in Germantown, Pennsylvania, William Oland Bourne was a remarkable figure.  In 1851, he listed his profession as "registrar," but he wore many other hats.  He was an ordained minister; the composer of poetry, books and hymns; and was highly involved in politics.  By 1841, he was associated with the Workingmen's Democratic Republican Association.  While living here in the 1850s, Bourne published three children's books, Little Silverstring: Or Tales and Poems for the Young; Gems from Fable-Land: A Collection of Fables Illustrated by Facts; and Goldenlink: Or Tales and Poems for the Young.

The outbreak of the Civil War in April 1861 would drastically change William Oland Bourne's focus.  He was appointed the chaplain of the Central Park Hospital, a military hospital, and became editor of The Soldier's Friend.  His work among disabled soldiers in the hospital prompted him to sponsor a contest in 1865-66 for Union soldiers and sailors who had lost their right arms.  They were encouraged to practice using their left arms and to submit samples of their penmanship.  In the June 1865 issue of The Soldier's Friend, Bourne wrote:

Penmanship is a necessary requisite to any man who wants a situation under the government, or in almost any business establishment.  As an inducement to the class of wounded and disabled soldiers here named to make every effort to fit themselves for lucrative and honorable positions, we offer the following premiums.

The "premiums" Bourne offered ranged from $50 to a $1,000 first prize--a generous $19,300 by 2025 conversion.

Jacob C. Scwitzer submitted his sampler-like entry on July 4, 1865.  from the collection of the Library of Congress

Bourne's work with the wounded went further.  On July 4, 1866, The New York Times reported,

The disabled soldiers on David's Island will have an entertainment, provided by the public.  William Oland Bourne has purchased, with contributions he has received, a considerable quantity of refreshments, comprising fruits and other delicacies, for the veterans.  Fire-works are not forgotten.  The steamer Benton carried supplies from the Battery at 4 o'clock yesterday afternoon.

In the meantime, Francis Martin had died in 1857, before the outbreak of the war.  It was most likely William Oland Bourne who updated the house following the Civil War, raising the attic to a full third floor and adding a modern Italianate cornice.

The Bournes and Jane Martin remained in the Vandam Street house until 1869.  It was leased to a series of tenants until 1879, when Fire Chief Robert King moved in.

Born in New York City in 1836, King was a bachelor.  He joined Hook and Ladder Company No. 9 of the old Volunteer Fire Department.  In January 1865, a bill was introduced in the State Senate to establish a professional fire department.  In October that year, King was hired as a fire fighter with Hook and Ladder Company No. 7 on East 28th Street.

King's rise within the new professional fire department was rapid.  Finally, in 1878 he was promoted to Battalion Chief "and placed at the head of the Third Battalion," as reported by The New York Times.  "This is considered in the department a most onerous and responsible position, as the section of the City covered by the battalion comprises the dry goods district," said the article.

In January 1881, Robert King was diagnosed with stomach cancer.  He died in the Vandam Street house on May 10.  In reporting his death, The New York Times noted, "The funeral will take place on Friday, from the late residence of Mr. King.  The remains will be escorted to their last resting-place by a detachment of 60 firemen, selected from different companies, divided into 6 companies of 10 men each."

In May 1885, Samuel and Maria Scott took over the leaseholds of both 11 and 13 Vandam Street.  It appears both were initially operated as boarding houses.  A couple living here in 1891 had their hands full with their seven-year-old nephew, Tommy Mulligan, who lived with them.  That summer Tommy disappeared.  The Evening World reported, "He ran away, and was thought to have gone West to kill Indians."  The other possibility, said The Evening Post, was that he was dead.  "For some days after the child disappeared from this city his relatives and friends, supposing that he had been drowned, watched the river for his body."  Instead, Tommy had embarked on a great adventure to see the world.

The boy had gone to the steamship piers and mingled among the passengers boarding the R.M.S. Teutonic.  The steamship was well out to sea when the purser, T. H. Russell, noticed Tommy Mulligan wandering around the deck.  The boy explained "that his aunt at 13 Vandam street had put him on the ship and told him to stay there," reported The Evening World.  The newspaper added, "Cable inquiries from the other side developed the fact that Tommy was a most consummate liar."

The elegant R.M.S. Teutonic, launched in 1890, was Tommy Mulligan's home during his adventurous voyage.  from the collection of the Library of Congress.

The stowaway was given over to the care of the stewardess.  When the Teutonic docked at Liverpool, she took him to her home there until the ship left again.  The Evening Post said that on July 11 Tommy's aunt and uncle "received a letter from Mr. Russell telling of the boy's whereabouts."  Finally, on August 22, The Evening World reported, "Tommy Mulligan, a bright young American for whom Inspector Byrnes has been watching for the last two or three weeks, was a passenger on the Teutonic this morning."  The article ended saying, "He says he 'had a bully time' on his trip and has no fears of the Barge Office experience which he will be compelled to undergo."

Starting in 1892, 13 Vandam Street was home to the Buchan family and fireman Thomas Jordan.  John Buchan was a clerk, and James Buchan was a seaman.  They remained until 1897, when Ellen Cassin and her daughter, also named Ellen, moved in.

Ellen was the widow of Thomas Cassin.  Her daughter, known as Nellie, was a teacher.  Nellie P. Cassin died at the age of 44 on March 26, 1900.  Somewhat surprisingly, her funeral was not held in the parlor of 13 Vandam Street, but in the old St. Patrick's Cathedral on Mott Street.

In 1919, Trinity Church began liquidating much of its real estate holdings.  On August 9 that year, the Real Estate Record & Guide reported that William Sloane Coffin had purchased 15 properties in the neighborhood, including 13 Vandam Street.  Coffin converted the house to "bachelor apartments," meaning they had no kitchens.  An advertisement offered, "Two rooms, kitchen, bath, entire third floor, $90 monthly."  The rent would translate to $1,560 today.

Frederick Burlingham and his wife, Leontine, were among the initial tenants.  A journalist, Burlingham had written for The Evening World before joining the Paris staff of the New York Herald.  Somewhat eccentric, in Edwardian France he had drawn attention.  The New York Times said, "He became a well-known figure in American circles there, partly on account of his unconventional attire, involving sandaled feet."

His unusual footwear had cost Burlingham his job with the Herald when James Gordon Bennett, Jr. saw him wearing sandals while interviewing a prominent American.  In the meantime, Burlingham's name had become a household word when he was briefly connected with a double murder.

On May 31, 1908, Marguerite Steinheil was found bound and gagged in her Paris home.  Elsewhere in the house, her husband and stepmother were discovered strangled to death.  Marguerite's description of the killer closely matched Frederick Burlingham and he became a prime suspect.  The New York Times reported, "He produced an impeachable alibi, however, and was completely exonerated."

Frederick Burlingham, Motion Picture News, Inc. October 1921

Burlingham then turned to exploration, cinematography, and adventure.  His silent film travelogues between 1913 and 1918 documented his often dangerous expeditions.  On June 11, 1924, The New York Times said, "Of recent years, Mr. Burlingham [has] taken many moving pictures under hazardous conditions, climbing Alpine peaks and descending the crater of Vesuvius to a depth of 1,212 feet, being almost asphyxiated on that occasion."  

The 47-year-old died of "an affection of the kidneys, with complications," according to The New York Times, on June 9, 1924.   The Film Daily commented, "We're going to miss Fred Burlingham...One of the unusual figures of the business."

The horsewalk can clearly be seen in this 1941 photograph.  via the NYC Dept of Records & Information Services.

By 1965, Hugh and Marguerite Stix occupied the house.  Saying, "He is a retired businessman, his Viennese wife a sculptor-ceramist," on November 9, 1965, World-Telegram staff writer Marilyn Milow wrote they, "maintain the Rare Sea Shell Gallery in their 130-year-old house at 13 Vandam Street."  Her article continued, "Building their collection, now estimated at 15,000, included a year-long trip around the world during which they bought shells from native collectors in tropical countries."

Before embarking on their shell collection, Marguerite had created accessories for Paris fashion houses before fleeing the Nazis.  Now she transformed some of the shells into jewelry, like "distinctive shell earrings, pins and cuff links," which visitors could purchase in the gallery.  Her sculptures were eventually exhibited at the Bertha Shaefer Gallery and acquired by the New School and other institutions.  Her jewelry was worn by the likes of Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis and was sold at Cartier's as well.

The couple was still living in the Vandam Street house in January 1975 when Marguerite died at the age of 67.  It is unclear how long Hugh remained here.

A renovation completed in 2013 resulted in an apartment in the basement and a single-family home in the upper floors.  

photographs by the author

The William Delamano House - 17 Vandam Street

 

While Edgar Harriot and his extended family were involved in the building trade, he had a sideline and was also listed in directories as a baker.  During the flurry of building in Greenwich Village during the 1820s, Harriot erected several brick-faced houses on the block of Vandam Street between Varick Street and Sixth Avenues, including one for himself at 21 Vandam Street.  The houses sat upon land leased from Trinity Church.

Around 1825, he completed a mirror-image pair of homes at 15 and 17 Vandam Street.  Two-and-a-half stories tall, each was 25-feet wide.  Above high stoops, their handsome, single-doored entrances included wooden frames carved to mimic stone behind fluted columns.  The delicately leaded transoms were outlined by egg-and-dart molding.  

The original owner of 17 Vandam Street, Jonathan Bayley, died months after moving in.  An advertisement in The Evening Post on October 6, 1825, noted that it had a "43 years lease unexpired, free from ground rent," suggesting that Harriot had paid the land lease to Trinity Church years in advance.  The ad said, 

The house is roomy, 2 stories high, 6 fire places, lot 25 feet front and rear, and 113 feet deep, a stable for 5 or 6 horses in rear, and a carriage way between it and the adjacent lot.

When Harriet broke ground for a house on the vacant lot at 19 Vandam Street in 1826, the "carriage way" mentioned in the ad was preserved.  The stable would have to be shared, since it straddled the property line of the two homes.

Edgar Harriot sold the land lease of 19 and 17 Vandam Street at auction in January 1839.  The ad noted that the lease came "with the well built brick front house thereon...with the right to use 3 ft of the alley adjoining and sold with No. 19."  The ground rent was $65 per year--about $2,200 in 2024.

In the mid-1830s, 17 Vandam Street was home to John Freeman, and by 1840 it was home to Rebecca Seixas, the widow of Rev. Isaac B. Seixas, who had died the previous year.  Rev. Seixas had been the rabbi of Congregation Shearith Israel since 1828.  The couple had eight children, six of whom were still alive and at least one of whom, Hillel M. Seixas, lived here.  He was in the "segar" business on Nassau Street.  Rebecca took in a boarder, tailor James E. Hadden, who lived here at least through 1845.  

By 1851, artist William Delamano lived at 17 Vandam Street.  He specialized in painting stage scenery and panoramas from his studio at 468 Broadway.  When Hungarian statesman Lajos Kossuth arrived in New York in December 1851, he was met with a parade, a ball and receptions.  On December 8, The New York Times described "An immense allegorical painting, designed by Delamano, representing a tableau of Turkey defending Kossuth, and Russia and Austria vainly endeavoring to seize him."  Above it was the inscription "Welcome to the Head of Persecuted Patriots."

Delamano had just completed what might have been his most important commission, the Grand Panorama of London's World's Fair.  It was previewed at P. T. Barnum's Stoppani Hall on December 12, 1851.  The New York Herald reported, "The grand panorama of the 'World's Fair' was exhibited at this popular place last evening to the utmost satisfaction of a very large assemblage."  Barnum's advertisement described in vivid detail:

Monster work of art, the World's Fair; or, Mirror of the Exterior and Interior of the renowned Crystal Palace; bird's eye view of the Crystal Palace and the West End of London; the grand opening by Queen Victoria and the British Court; superb view of the whole nave, the nave in all its parts, the American division, the whole transept, the Agricultural court, with McCormick's famous American Reaper, and the yacht America, in her celebrated triumph off Cowes.

In reviewing the opening of Uncle Tom's Cabin at Barnum's Museum in November 1853, The New York Times wrote, "The scenery of this version of 'Uncle Tom's Cabin' is truly very beautiful.  The diorama of the Mississippi, supposed to be view from the deck of a steamer on her passage down, is a novel and pleasing idea...Delamano never acquitted himself before with so much striking ability."

William Delamano, too, took in boarders.  In 1852 they were Azariah Giffin and Louis Staudinger, both hairdressers; and in 1853 and '54 Solomon S. Kimball and Solomon Jr. boarded with the artist.  One was a bookkeeper, the other in the produce business.

In 1857, Delamano advertised, "To Let--Lower part of house 17 Vandam street--six rooms, rent $275."  The yearly rent would translate to about $825 per month today.  It was leased to the Frost family.  Jesse D. Frost was in the cement business, and William E. Frost was a real estate agent.

William Delamano left the Vandam Street house around 1864.  It then became a boarding house run by Electra Bielby, the widow of Charles Bielby.  Her daughter, Kate T. Beilby, was a teacher in Primary School No. 11 on Greenwich Street.  An advertisement in the New York Herald on November 13, 1870, was typical: "17 Vandam Street--A nicely furnished, large front room and hall bedroom; terms moderate."

The house saw a succession of owners who took in boarders.  The Moran family lived here in the mid-1870s.  Bridge Moran was the widow of Michael, and her son Peter, was in the fruit business.  

It was around this time that the attic floor was raised to full height.  The house next door at 19 Vandam Street was remodeled simultaneously, and almost assuredly by the same contractor.  In both cases the Flemish bond brickwork was carried on into the upper floors, and a continuous cornice now joined the two homes.

By 1878, another widow, Ellen Carrigan was here, taking in boarders.  Her son, John Carrigan Jr. was a butcher on Varick Street.  John's son, John W. Carrigan, died at the age of 31 on December 7, 1883.  His funeral was held in the parlor two days later.  The Carrigan family would remain in the house through 1892.

In 1893, William A. and Margaret Wilbur moved in.  William died that year on August 13 at the age of 79.  As had been the case over the years, Margaret, who was known as Mary to her friends, took in boarders.  

Among her first was young Walter F. McGinn.  In June 1892, Joseph Pulitzer had endowed the Board of Education with $100,000 "for the purpose of enabling deserving students who have been graduated from the grammar schools of the city...to prepare for and complete a college course," according to The New York World.  On September 1, 1893, the newspaper listed the "best twenty" students who had taken the examination for the scholarship.  Among them was Walter F. McGinn.

McGinn was still boarding with Mary Wilbur in 1903.  He used his rooms for private instruction.  An advertisement in The New York Times on March 11 that year read, "Stammers and ex-pupils of Stammering Schools wanted to join a society for practice and instruction.  W. F. McGinn.  17 Vandam St. N.Y."

The house continued to see boarders and roomers throughout the World War I years.  In 1924, there was a rapid turnover of buyers.  On July 17, the New York Evening Post reported that Zay Holland had sold it, noting "This is the third sale of this house by the same brokers since last week."

The quick resales may have been related to the condition of the house.  It was deemed an "unsafe building" by the Department of Buildings in 1926 and 1927.

At some point, 17 Vandam Street was converted to a two-family residence.  Outwardly, it is little changed since its attic level was raised to a full third floor in the years following the Civil War.

many thanks to reader Lowell Cochrane for suggesting this post

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The Paul Taylor House - 27 Vandam Street

 

In 1834, builder Daniel Turner erected a row of four Greek Revival homes on the north side of Vandam Street between Sixth Avenue and Varick Streets.  The land, originally part of Aaron's Burr's Richmond Hill estate, was owned by Trinity Church.  When John Jacob Astor I first acquired the estate, he paid the land lease to Trinity until May 1, 1864.

Similar to its neighbors, 27 Vandam Street was two-and-a-half stories tall and clad in brick above a brownstone basement.  Two prim dormers pierced the slightly peaked roof.

Margaret Brooks and her son, James, were the first occupants of the house.  Margaret was the widow of James Brooks and her son ran a china store at 86 Canal Street.  Tragically, soon after moving in, James died at the age of 37 on the morning of October 26, 1834.  His funeral was held in the parlor the following afternoon.

The house saw a succession of occupants (apparently renters) over the next few years.  Charles M. Saxton, a partner in the book selling business Gould, Newman & Saxton, was here in 1840 and '41; and carpenter Nathaniel Wilson lived here in 1843 and 1844.

Charles Starr, who moved in the following year, may have known Charles M. Saxton.  Starr owned a bookbinding firm at 115 Nassau Street.  After he moved nearby to 59 Vandam Street, his son Charles Starr, Jr. remained in the house.  He was in the "liquid gas" business on Fulton Street.

With his parents gone, Charles Jr. had extra space in the house.  He advertised on February 19, 1848, "To Let--to a small family only, half of the neat 2-story house, 27 Vandam st., possession 1st of May."

By 1850, Starr's business had grown.  Charles Starr Jr. & Co., now listed as "lamps," had added a branch store at 68 Duane Street.

Joseph D. Bedford, a printer, lived here from 1851 through 1857.  Like Starr, he and his wife leased space in the house.  An elderly couple, Abraham and Sarah Bogart, were living with the Bedfords in August 1854 when 75-year-old Sarah died "of dropsy."  The Bedford family moved to West 38th Street in 1858, and on February 22, 1859, an advertisement appeared in the New York Herald:

For Sale--The two story brick basement and attic house No. 27 Vandam street, replete with all the modern improvements.

A series of residents came and went over the next years.  William P. and Carrie Ross moved in around 1873.  Ross was a provisions merchant at 100 Hudson Street.  On May 31, 1878, the couple had a baby girl named Carrie Mabel.  Sadly, the infant died on September 25 and her funeral was held in the house two days later.

In the decades before air conditioning, the New York City heat was brutal for those not affluent enough to escape to summer resorts.  Newspapers published lists of  heat-related "prostrations" and deaths each day.  Among those who died of the heat on July 27, 1885 was 43-year-old Winifred Furgerson, who lived at 27 Vandam Street.  

A family named Kushman lived here in 1889.  Their 18-year-old son Charles was arrested on July 15 that year.  That afternoon a five-year-old boy named Raffaele Savarise was playing ball on the sidewalk in front of a warehouse on Crosby Street.  The New-York Tribune reported he "was suddenly buried under a heavy wooden case.  Some say that Raffaele accidently jostled against the case, which fell over him, while others say that they saw Kushman shove the box over the little Italian boy."

Charles Kushman was detained while the investigation determined whether the boy's injuries were accidental or intentional.  Either way, little Raffaele Savarise, who suffered a fractured skull and broken leg, was not expected to survive.

Cornelius McMonagle and his wife, the former Margaret Brundage, purchased the house around 1896.  The couple had a daughter Nell and son Edgar J.  Margaret's sister, Catherine T. Brundage, lived with the family.  

Cornelius McMonagle had been employed by the wholesale and retail coal and wood firm Youmans Coal Company since around 1877.  Well respected in the community, he was appointed an Inspector of Common Schools on January 1, 1896.  

Catherine Brundage died at the age of 53 on July 12, 1896.  The family rented rooms afterward.  In May 1898, for instance, an ad in the New York Herald read, "In house with owner--A floor consisting of three light, airy rooms, with bath, hot and cold water, stationary range; plenty of closet room."

In the meantime, after having worked for Youmans Coal Company for two decades, in December 1897 Cornelius McMonagle took over the business from its founder, E. W. Youmans.  The extensive business had four locations.  

Just six months later, on June 25, 1898, Cornelius McMonagle died at the age of 53.  Following his funeral in the parlor on June 28, a solemn requiem mass was held in the Church of St. Anthony of Padua on Sullivan Street.  

Margaret took over the operation of Youmans Coal Company.  On September 17, 1900, she was sued by the creditors of the company who charged that she "committed an act of bankruptcy by selling to her son, Edgar J. McMonagle, for $1, all her interest in the stock, fixtures, horses, wagons, &c."

Following Margaret's death, Nell M. McMonagle (who never married) remained in the house.  She died here on May 23, 1913.

William S. Coffin and his wife purchased multiple dwellings in the neighborhood in 1920, including 27 Vandam Street.  The couple converted it to a two-family house.  In doing so, they connected the dormers, affording additional space in the attic level.  In 1923 the Coffins sold the house to Evans Clark and his wife, Freda Kirchwey.

Born in Orange, New Jersey in 1888, Clark was educated at the Hill School, Amherst College, Harvard University and Columbia University.  He and Freda (who kept her maiden name) were married in 1915 and had two surviving sons (one died in infancy).  Clark was on the staff of The New York Times.

Freda Kirchwey was a graduate of Barnard College and was managing editor of The Nation.  Committed to progressive causes, in 1925 she published Our Changing Morality.  

Sharing the other half of the house were retired U.S. Army Colonel Samuel Reber, his wife and son Miles.  Following in his father's professional footsteps, on June 12, 1923 Miles was graduated from the United States Military Academy at West Point.  He was commissioned by John J. Pershing, General of the Armies.

A renovation completed in 1961 resulted in one apartment in the basement, a doctor's apartment and office on the first floor, and one apartment each on the upper floors.  Beginning around 1970, the house was owned by dancer and choreographer Paul Taylor, head of the Paul Taylor Dance Company.

A student of the American Dance Festival at the University of Connecticut, Black Mountain College in North Carolina, and the Julliard School, he worked with the likes of Martha Graham, Jerome Robbins and Charles Weidman.  He established his dance company in 1958, eventually creating scores for 147 pieces.

Paul Taylor, from the collection of the Library of Congress

Living with Taylor was George Wilson.  The couple had initially been romantically involved, but remained life-long friends until Wilson's death in 2004.  Five years later, Taylor sold 27 Vandam Street for $3.3 million, putting the money into his dance company.

The buyers, Cory Carlesimo and his wife, Carrie Shumway, initiated a three-year gut renovation by Matthew Baird Architects to return the house to a single-family home.  While the exterior was preserved, little historic fabric remains inside.  The striking, five-bedroom house was purchased in 2022 for $14.8 million by La Ligne CEO Molly Howard.

photographs by the author

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The 1827 Israel Clark House - 21 Vandam Street

 

Enclosed today, the narrow horsewalk (left) provided access to the rear yards.

In 1826, mason and builder Israel Clark broke ground for his two-and-a-half story house at 21 Vandam Street.  It sat on what had been the sprawling Richmond Hill estate, leased from Trinity Church by John Jacob Astor I.  Astor was busy erecting scores of buildings on the land, and it is possible that Clark was involved in the massive project, resulting in his acquiring this plot.  To enhance the marketing of his houses, Astor had paid the land rent years in advance.

Completed in 1827, 21 Vandam Street was similar to many of the Astor structures rising on the surrounding blocks at the time.  Twenty-two-feet wide, its Flemish bond brick facade was trimmed in brownstone.  While the entrance was less elaborate than those of some neighboring homes, its transom was outlined with delicate carving.  Two prim dormers punctured the peaked roof.  Almost every house constructed at the time had a secondary building in the rear yard--in this case a small brick house.  It was accessed by a three-foot-wide horsewalk, or passageway, between 21 and 23 Vandam Street.

Israel and Sarah F. Clark remained in the house until around 1831.  The following year, George W. Howe, a merchant doing business on Old-Slip, lived in the main residence and John Pollard, a painter, leased the rear house.  When the property was offered for lease on January 24, the announcement stressed, "without ground rent."  It included "the substantial well finished brick dwelling house in front, and a brick dwelling on the rear, well finished."  The announcement pointed out, "The above is rented for $700 per annum."  That figure would translate to about $1,225 a month in 2024.

James A. Hearn, a drygoods merchant, occupied the main house the following year, while architect Edward Gray lived in the rear.  In 1841, the family of Rev. James I. Ostrom moved in.  He was the pastor of the Eighth Avenue Presbyterian Church on West 18th Street.  The Ostroms' son, John W., enrolled at New York University the year they moved in.

The Ostrom family lived here at least through 1843.  Sharing the rear house that year were carpenter Cornelius Degraw, laborer Michael McCusker, and Percival V. Seaman, who listed his occupation as "whitesmith."  (A whitesmith was a tinsmith, or, in some cases, a finisher of iron works.)  Degraw took a civil service job in 1844, becoming an assistant captain in the Third District Watch, which was tasked with looking for fires and criminal activity.

The rear house became home to Deborah P. Havens in 1845.  The widow of Peter Havens, she would remain at least through 1851.  The main house saw a succession of renters throughout that time.  In 1845, they were Charles A. Marchant and his wife, and by 1848 the family of William D. Stewart lived here.  That year, on April 25, their 13-year-old son William Jr. died.  His funeral was held in the house the following day.

The Daniel Karr (sometimes spelled Carr) family occupied the front house in 1851.  Daniel Karr, Jr. was a merchant doing business on William Street.  Boarding with them that year was the Mason family, who had an 11-year-old son, Charles.

On the cold afternoon of February 14, 1851, Charles H. Mason took his kite out, and climbed to the roof of the rear house to fly it.  The New York Herald reported, "It seems the poor boy was flying his kite on the top of the three-story house, and on walking backwards he fell over on to the shelving roof of a two-story house next door."  That house sat in the rear yard of 19 Vandam Street.  Charles fractured his skull and broke and arm in the fall.  He died at 10:00 that night.  The New York Herald cautioned, "We hope this will be, in some degree, a warning to boys venturing on the tops of houses to fly kites."

The newspaper had good reason to warn kite-flying boys.  The Evening Post noted, "This is the second fatal accident which has resulted from flying kites on the tops of houses within the last week."

Around 1856, Abraham Whitley purchased 21 Vandam Street.  His affluence was reflected in his advertisement on June 28 that year.  "For Sale--The Schooner Rebecca Clyde, five years old, 62 or 63 tons burthen, now lying at the Brick Yard Dock, half a mile above Port Richmond, Staten Island, in fine order, calculated to go to any part of the world.  Price very low.  For particulars inquire of Abram Whitley, 21 Vandam st. N.Y.

Whitley married Henrietta Bedell in Staten Island in 1839.  Following his death around 1859, Lewis Bedell, presumably her brother, moved in.  He ran an oyster business on Spring Street at the Hudson River.  In 1860, Catharine King, a widow, lived in the rear house, while Nathan Rathbun, a fish dealer, boarded in the main residence.  

Lewis Bedell left Vandam Street in 1864.  Henrietta Whitley took in a boarder, John S. Scully that year.  Scully was a broker with offices at 8 Battery Place.  His occupancy came to a disastrous end in 1865.  The New York Herald reported,

About ten o'clock yesterday morning a fire originated from a spark on the roof of building No. 21 Vandam street, occupied by J. S. Scully.  The roof and attic story were destroyed.  Loss on furniture about four hundred dollars, insured for fifteen hundred dollars in the North River Insurance Company.  The building is owned by Mrs. Whitley. It is damaged about five hundred dollars and is insured.

Henrietta's damages would equal about $9,270 today.  It was possibly during the renovations that the handsome paneled fascia board--unexpected on a Federal period house--was installed below the cornice.

In 1870, Henrietta Whitley got a long-term renter for the rear house.  William Dodd listed his profession as "brass" and would remain into the 1890s.

In the meantime, Henrietta Whitley moved to West 23rd Street in 1878 where she operated a boarding house.  She sold 21 Vandam Street to James and Fannie A. Peacock.  Like Israel Clark half a century earlier, Peacock was a carpenter and builder.

William Lennan listed his address here in 1899, possibly in the rear house.  He worked at Monahan's Express Company, and on Valentine's Day that year he and a 14-year-old co-worker, Joseph de Burbery, went drinking.  The Morning Telegraph reported, "they thought they would celebrate the holiday in a most becoming manner, so they repaired to a brewery on Vandam and Spring streets, and consumed so much beer that the proprietor thought they would burst.  Then the two youths went out into the street and knew no more."

A policeman found the pair passed out in a snow bank.  "They were hung over a railing and thawed out at the station house," said the article.  De Burbery supposed the beer in his stomach had frozen solid "and he won't feel relieved until the Spring thaw."  The two were fined $5 each--about $185 today--for drunkenness.

James Peacock died on December 1, 1905.  His funeral was held in the parlor on December 4.  Nine years later, on October 16, 1914, The New York Times reported, "Mrs. Fannie A. Peacock, widow of James Peacock, who was a carpenter and builder for many years in old Greenwich Village, is dead at her home."  Fannie was 73 years old.

William Sloane Coffin purchased 15 houses in the neighborhood from Trinity Church in August 1919, including 21 Vandam Street.  Three years later, in September, he offered it for sale, describing it as the "three-story basement modern dwelling."  (The term "modern," obviously, referred to the updated elements like plumbing and electricity.)  It was purchased by Mandelbaum & Levine, Inc. for $25,000 (about $436,000 today).  In reporting the sale, the New York Herald mentioned, "This is one of the twelve [sic] old dwellings purchased by Mr. Coffin from Trinity some years ago and which have been altered into modern dwellings, retaining the Colonial features of open fireplaces, mantels and large rooms."

The basement and parlor floors were converted to an Italian restaurant, Our Little Place, which opened in 1923.  (It was at this time, no doubt, that the dormers were combined, making the attic floor more usable.)  The restaurant was run by brothers Bruno and Renato Trebbi.  

image via the NYC Dept of Records & Information Services

The following year, on March 11, The Musical Digest reported that Italian baritone Antonio Scotti had given a dinner in honor of conductor Gennaro Papi of the Metropolitan Opera.  The article quoted the invitation, "The place of our rendezvous is 'Our Little Place,' which is at 21 Vandam street (three streets below the west side Houston street subway station.)"

In 1925, the New York Evening Post reported that Bruno Trebbi had purchased 21 Vandam Street from Mandelbaum and Levine.  By the Depression years, the name of the restaurant was changed to Renato 21.  In 1934, its "Gala New Year's Eve Party" cost patrons $2.50 per person and included "special dinner, music, dancing and favors."

Renato Trebbi purchased the building from his brother in June 1935.  Although lore insists that Renato 21 was a speakeasy, there is no evidence that it was ever anything but a charming Italian restaurant.

The top floors of the house were rented.  Living here in 1940 was the Schrecder family.  Henry and Anna Schrecder were born in Germany.  Still living with them was there 21-year-old son, Walter.

In 1941, The New Yorker described Renato's "way down at 21 Vandam Street" as "fairly exclusive."  The New York Evening Post went further, writing,

Renato Trebbi has been operating this two-story establishment at this address for 18 years. Paintings and caricatures of animals (and some of the regular patrons) decorate the bar on the lower floor; two dining rooms upstairs feature murals by Tony Sarg, paintings of old New York and photographic murals of Lake Como and the Riviera. Entertainment on Friday and Saturday nights by Victor Zana, pianist.

A 1957 advertising postcard showed the rear garden.

Renato's was a destination spot for decades.  On June 11, 1959, The Villager wrote, "Under the genial guiding hand of Renato Trebbi, this south Village restaurant has few peers," adding, "250 guests can be accommodated at one time--the walnut paneled private dining rooms are sumptuous."

On May 3, 1972, Cue magazine said of Renato's, "In summer, bordered by rose gardens, there is one of the loveliest outdoor dining patios in New York."  But the end of the line for the half-century old restaurant was near at the time.

In 1974, 21 Vandam Street was converted to one apartment per floor.  A subsequent renovation completed in 2007 resulted in an apartment in the basement level, a duplex on the parlor and second floors, and an apartment on the third.  The sign for Renato's, painted over, still hands from its handsome wrought iron bracket.

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The 1828 Michael Eagan House - 19 Vandam Street

 

Edgar Harriot had diverse interests.  He was listed in directories as both a mason and a baker.  In 1828 he completed construction of a highly unusual house at 19 Vandam Street on land leased from Trinity Church.  (He owned the houses on either side, as well, which also sat on leased land.)  

Unlike its neighbors, the entrance of 19 Van Dam Street sat above two short steps instead of a stoop.  Two-and-a-half-stories tall and faced in Flemish bond brick, its handsome brownstone lintels had a raised center panel and end blocks.  Two (or possibly three) dormers pierced the peaked roof.  An advertisement a decade later would explain, "The first story of the dwelling is 20 ft. 6 ins. wide, and extends over an ally [sic] 7 ft. 6 ins., making the upper part of the house 28 ft. wide by about 35 ft. deep."  

The "ally" was what was commonly called a horsewalk--a passageway to the rear yard where Harriot erected two buildings--a bakery and a stable.  (The stable building extended over the property line of 17 Vandam Street.)

The horsewalk would have been similar to this example at 13 Vandam Street, seen here in 1939.  photograph by Beecher Ogden, from the collection of the Museum of the City of New York.

Edgar Harriot, who lived next door at 21 Vandam Street, ran his bakery business in the rear building.  In 1836, James Roome, whose grocery was at 241 Hudson Street, was leasing 19 Vandam Street.  Living with the family was Rensellaer Reinagle, an orphan and presumably a relative.  The 11-year-old died on June 9 that year, and his funeral was held in the parlor three days later.

In January 1839, Edgar Harriot sold the unexpired land lease at auction (there were still nine years left on the lease).  The announcement noted that on the property were "the well finished brick dwelling in front in Vandam st., and frame bake house and brick stable on the rear."  The notice listed the ground rent at $70 per year (about $2,750 in 2024).

Surprisingly (having just sold the lease), in 1840 Edgar Harriot moved into 19 Vandam Street.  He no longer ran the bakery, however.  He was now listed as a tailor, doing business at 271 Broadway, while continuing his real estate involvement.  That year Frederick P. Dearth operated the bakery in the rear.

Harriot moved again, to 5 Vandam Street, around 1842.  The following year, William Thies ran the bakery and lived in the house.  Like Dearth's, his proprietorship would be short lived.  In 1844, it was taken over by the Paulin & Luckett bakery, run by Samuel Luckett and William Paulin.  

The men had a short commute to work.  Paulina Mott ran a boarding house in 19 Vandam Street and both men and their families boarded here.  Another baker, John T. Rusher (presumably an employee), also lived here in 1847.  Among Mott's other boarders in 1850 were Wymund Sawyer, a stonecutter; and schoolteacher Jane McLaughlin.

On the afternoon of January 14, 1851, 11-year-old Charles H. Mason, who lived next door at 21 Vandam Street, was playing in the rear yard with his friends.  The New York Morning Courier reported, "The little fellow, it appears, was flying his kite on the top of the house No. 19 Vandam Street, and while watching it float in the air, he stepped back a few paces and fell on another roof, a distance of 30 feet, breaking his right arm and fracturing his skull. He was immediately taken to his residence by his companions, and died three hours afterwards."

Paulin & Luckett left in 1851 and the bakery was taken over by Henry F. Fox & Co.  As had been the case with his predecessors, Henry F. Fox and his family lived in the main house.  Working in the bakery with him was his son, Austen.  Another son, Frank Fox, was in the milk business on Madison Street.

William Thompson, who listed his profession as "pies," and his family moved into 19 Vandam Street in 1858 and took over the "French bakery."  Working with him was his son Henry.  

It was possibly Thompson, who would remain through 1874, who raised the attic to a full third floor.  Amazingly, the contractor carried on the Flemish bond brickwork and perfectly copied the Federal lintels.  Both were expensive and unexpected touches.  It was most likely at this time that the star-capped cast iron tie rods were installed.

In the meantime, the livery stable was operated by John F. Budd, a "veterinarian surgeon," by 1867.  He lived at 185 West 16th Street.  On April 9, 1868, he advertised, "For Sale--A blood horse (sire Jupiter), 15 hands 3 inches; also brown stylish mare, 14 hands; with two light Wagons, one top, all to be disposed of for want of use, and will be sold cheap.  Apply at Dr. J. P. BUDD'S, 19 Vandam street."  (The term "blood horse" referred to a horse of good descent.)

Irish-born Michael Eagan moved into 19 Vandam Street in 1876.  The 39-year-old was an attendant in the Third District Court (the position would be called a court officer today), earning $1,200 per year--about $33,800 in 2024.  Apparently highly motivated, he invested in real estate (he purchased 10 Vandam Street in April 1883, for instance), and diversified.  In 1885, he was listed as running the stables at 9 MacDougal Street, and as a partner in the undertaking business Eagan & Leake at 225 Spring Street.

Eagan inherited boarders James and Bridget Thompson when he purchased the house.  They were listed here in 1873 and continued renting their rooms.  James was a laborer.  

Also living here were Michael's brother, Patrick, and his family.  Born in County Clare, Ireland in 1835, Patrick married Margaret O'Loughlin in 1856.  They had five children, Thomas, Francis, John F., Mary H., and George Stephen.  Patrick listed his profession as a driver.

In the mid-1880s, Michael Eagan added to his resume when he was appointed an Inspector of the Common Schools of the City of New York.  (Patrick Eagan had left his wife and family several years earlier, and was living upstate with another woman, Catherine Glynn, according to the 1880 census.)

James Thompson died in 1882.  His widow continued to board with the Eagan family.

In the meantime, the former bakery was home to N. Connor & Sons, contractors.  Thomas F. Connor and Nicholas Connor lived far north, at 216 East 117th Street and 239 East 105th Street, respectively.  

At some point, Michael Eagan married.  His bride Sarah was two decades younger than he.  She died in the house on December 4, 1895, "aged 37 years 6 months," as reported by the New York Herald.  Her funeral was held in the parlor on December 7.  Eagan survived her by just over a year, dying on February 7, 1897 at the age of 60.  His funeral, too, was held in the parlor.

Bridget Thompson died on January 10, 1899 at the age of 80.  The last of the Eagan family to live at 19 Vandam Street was the still-unmarried Mary H. Eagan, listed here as late as 1905.

The family of Matthew and Margaret Norris Caffrey occupied the house in 1911 with their unmarried daughter and 42-year-old son William Joseph Adrian Caffrey.  William was educated in the city's public schools.  He graduated from the Columbia College Law School, and began his law practice in 1891.  He was elected to the State Senate in 1908, serving until 1910.  

William J. A. Caffrey was soon appointed Assistant District Attorney.  On August 1, 1919, The Evening World reported that he had been nominated as a candidate for Justice of the First Municipal Court.  The article noted, "Mr. Caffrey is a bachelor and lives at No. 19 Vandam Street with his father, mother and sister."

That year Trinity Church began liquidating much of its real estate holdings, and on August 9 the Real Estate Record & Guide reported that William Sloane Coffin had purchased 15 properties in the neighborhood, including 19 Vandam Street.

It was most likely Coffin who shaved the Federal details off the lintels (since the same fate befell the lintels of most of his other properties of the same period), and filled in the horsewalk as an extension of the first floor.  His ownership was extremely brief.  When The New York Times reported in 1921 that he had sold it, the article mentioned, "The buyer purchased for his own occupancy."

Hints of the Federal lintels can be seen over the second floor windows.  A 1921 renovation most likely included the conversion of the horsewalk to an extension of the ground floor.  image via the NYC Dept of Records & Information Services.

Despite that assertion, unofficial apartments were rented in the house for decades.  One of the tenants, James McGinnis, was appointed Transfer and Tax Assistant for New York County in December 1930.  (His new job came with a $7,000 salary--equal to about $123,000 in 2024.)

Another renovation, completed in 1971, resulted in a second entrance above a new two-step platform that matches the original.  Around that time a coating of stucco was applied to the facade, which has thankfully been carefully removed.

photographs by the author

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