1936

Manhattan: Cherry Street - Roosevelt Street

(1) 33-23 Cherry Street, south side, between Roosevelt and Dovers Streets. Buildings shown standing are Nos. 31, 29 1/2 and 27. No. 29 1/2 being two 12 1/2 feet fronts, utilized as a single unit; there being a common stairway with a box arrangement of the rooms (4 to a floor). These buildings were being demolished as a slum clearance project, by the W.P.A., when it was discovered that No. 29 1/2 contained old Dutch brick. It has been stated by the Historic Building Survey, (conducted by the National Park Service), that this may be a Dutch town house of the 18th Century, and at least 50 years older than any other known dwelling in Manhattan. Possibly antedating the famous Jumel Mansion (1765) and the old Fraunces Tavern. For further information see- The New York Times- November 15, 1936. November 19, 1936. P. L. Sperr. (2) A view solely of No. 29 1/2. Note absence of upper floor. November 19, 1936. P. L. Sperr. (3) A rear view as seen from Water Street. No. 29 1/2 Cherry Street, being directly under the tower of the New Federal Courts Building (Foley Square). November 19, 1936. P. L. Sperr.

Photo from the New York Public Library - Milstein Collection