The very charming lodge on the border of Trinity Cemetery at Amsterdam and 153rd Street was pretty much brand new when the above photo was taken around 1885 which was a couple of years after its construction. Unlike the
bridge that used to straddle Broadway further west, this original detail in upper West Harlem is still standing strong today as can be seen in the lower photo and is still apparently in use as an office. The cemetery became an official landmark back in 1969 so expect this little house to stick around a bit longer.
With the exception of the street sign and the fire hydrant it all looks exactly the same.
ReplyDeleteThis building is a testimony to quality construction and materials, as Greg says, it looks unchanged and has weathered well. It is ready to take on the next 125 years.
ReplyDeleteYes, Calvert Vaux who designed this gatehouse and keepers lodge was a master of stonework as is also evident in the massive stone retaining wall and buttresses in Morningside Park.
ReplyDeleteThe Trinity Cemetery that is an NYC Landmark is the one down at Trinity Church. This cemetery is on the National Register of Historic Places but that doesn't confer any protection or review of changes except in cases where Federal funds are used. This cemetery certainly deserves to be a NYC landmark and let's hope that day comes soon.