Fifty years ago, Brooklyn Heights was designated a National Historic Landmark by the National Park Service. This distinction and the advocacy of many dedicated preservationists, lead to the passing of New York City’s Landmarks Law in April 1965 and in November of 1965, Brooklyn Heights was designated New York’s first Historic District. And so to […]
Tag Archives | History
Oktoberfest at Brooklyn Historical Society’s This ‘Free Friday’
Hop on over to the Brooklyn Historical Society this Friday, October 21st between 5:00 and 9:00 pm for Oktoberfest! The program is part of the Society’s monthly “Free Fridays,” when the museum extends its hours and offers special programming with free admission. The event promises “an evening of beer appreciation with a home brewing workshop, […]
148 Hicks Street: Front Room For $3.50 A Week (In 1902)
Earlier this month, we shared CWB Architects’ photos of its interior reno at 146 Hicks Street, after 2011′s Hurricane Irene hurled a mature elm from Mansion House into the two adjoining townhomes at 146 & 148 Hicks Street. Now it’s time to give a little love to the equally lovely wood clapboard residence at 148 […]
If The Bossert Indeed Becomes A Hotel Again, Here’s Your Rooftop View
During the Community Board 2 Land Use Committee hearing June 20, the Bossert was approved to return to its status as a hotel (it now goes before the full Board). Among plans that buyer David Bistricer has in mind for the newly “sophisticated and upscale” hotel are a first-class restaurant and intimate dining on the […]
Backtrax: Downtown’s Martin’s Dept. Store & Offerman Building
As the Landmarked Romanesque revival Offerman Building along Fulton Street Mall continues buildout of TJ Maxx and a bevy of boutique stores—alongside H&M’s new-construction two-story glass modernist structure—it’s high time to take a look back at the history of the storied location at 505 Fulton Street. Its life began in 1891, commissioned by mogel Henry […]
Quote Of The Day: 1966 Heights Was ‘Brought Back From Slum Death By Influx’ Of Gays
Writer and theologian William R. Wineke, a columnist for the Wisconsin State Journal and an ordained clergyman of the United Church of Christ, expresses his views on same-sex marriage in an opinion piece for WISC-TV Madison, Wisconsin’s news website Channel3000.com. We’re neither supporting or dissuading the author’s perspective here, but highlighting his reflections on Brooklyn […]
Next Homer Fink ‘Hidden Brooklyn Heights Walking Tour': April 21
The next jocular, wonderfully educational Homer Fink’s Hidden Walking Tour takes place this coming Saturday, April 21, at 11 a.m. Learn about the odd, weird, controversial and amusing history of America’s First Suburb over a sprawling 90 minutes of fun, led by the faithful kingpin of the Brooklyn Heights Blog, Cobble Hill Blog and Brooklyn […]
On This Day: April 12, 1816, Brooklyn Became a Village
On April 12, 1816, New York officially incorporated the village of… Brooklyn. The State of New York legislature passed an act of incorporation on this day—with the participation of Brooklyn Heights founding father Hezekiah B. Pierrepont—that gave Brooklyn its first charter, establishing its official boundaries. Among the primary regions defined was Brooklyn Heights, which the […]
Atlantic Tunnel’s Bob Diamond Shipping Out
The Brooklyn Eagle reports that tours of the Atlantic Avenue tunnel are done. Mcbrooklyn adds that the Atlantic Tunnel hero Bob Diamond is leaving Brooklyn, possibly because he can’t fight Borough Hall. Though he found the oldest subway tunnel in the world right underneath Atlantic Avenue, he has been unable to get the ok to […]
Heights History: Hotel St. George Pool Poster
From the BHB Inbox, Eddy writes: Hi, I thought it might be nice to share the attached scan of St George Pool ad art…. not sure of the year (guess is the 50’s-60’s) but it was found in the hotel after it closed in the early 80’s (my friends and I used to explore it […]
Nabe Chatter