12/16/2022
“THE HATS TEMPTED MARY” (1890) Some Victorian women, often near the edges of poverty, tended to steal from department stores just to survive."
https://twitter.com/BrownstoneDetec/status/1603744253330558978
The Brownstone Detectives
- Home
- United States
- New York, NY
- The Brownstone Detectives
Historical research for your New York City property. We investigate its past and reveal its stories.
The Brownstone Detectives is a "sleuths for hire" research team. We investigate the histories of buildings and the people who lived and worked in them. We do the gumshoe work of digging up the former owners (the live ones, that is), interviewing neighbors and residents, and researching official documents at City agencies and historical archives. We then produce the entire report in an attractive,
The Brownstone Detectives is a "sleuths for hire" research team. We investigate the histories of buildings and the people who lived and worked in them. We do the gumshoe work of digging up the former owners (the live ones, that is), interviewing neighbors and residents, and researching official documents at City agencies and historical archives. We then produce the entire report in an attractive,
Operating as usual
12/15/2022
When I got out of the car to take pictures of these 3 fire-damaged BedStuy houses on Sumpter St, I was approached by the demo crew. "Are you a contractor?" "No," I replied. "Are you an investor?" "No," again.
Apparently, these 3 lots are going to make a gargantuan apartment building.
https://twitter.com/BrownstoneDetec/status/1603032856783118336
12/15/2022
The Brownstone Detectives on Twitter
https://twitter.com/BrownstoneDetec/status/1603027025001795588
“TAX-EXEMPT HOMES IN "NEW FLATBUSH" (1924) If you were to guess where this was - could you? ”
12/15/2022
The Brownstone Detectives on Twitter
https://twitter.com/BrownstoneDetec/status/1603162920430338049
“FORECLOSING ON A PARK SLOPE (1901) the financial of YOUR home? (No. 190 8th Ave, )”
12/15/2022
The Brownstone Detectives on Twitter
https://twitter.com/BrownstoneDetec/status/1603178021095018496
“AN ORIGINAL CARNEGIE LIBRARY - GONE (2019) No. 457 W. 40th St disappeared from the streetscape a few years back... What happened to it?”
11/18/2022
PITY THE POOR ROOMING HOUSE KEEPER (1931). "Tender-hearted" landlords began an organization to protect themselves from "dead beats" & other swindlers.
Read the story here ==> https://bit.ly/3Vbg5Tl
https://twitter.com/BrownstoneDetec/status/1593606951018979329
11/18/2022
THE PSYCHE OF 192 ST. JOHN’S PL. (1889) – The Brownstone Detectives
THE PSYCHE OF No. 192 ST. JOHNS PL (1889) Almost as soon as were being built - designers were reimagining them.
Not only did such articles describing the interiors of neighbors’ homes sell newspapers, but the articles also served as advertising directed at those in the market for a townhouse who wanted a home of their own.
11/18/2022
The Brownstone Detectives on Twitter
https://twitter.com/BrownstoneDetec/status/1593378448990507008
“EVEN OLD-TIMEY CYCLISTS WERE HIPSTERS (1892) cyclist Thomas Stevens was the first to circle the globe by bicycle.”
11/17/2022
The Brownstone Detectives on Twitter
When bicycles were in their infancy, Chas. Schwalbach smartly sold more than just wheels. On Flatbush Ave. near Prospect Park, he set up a "Riding Academy."
“When bicycles were in their infancy, Chas. Schwalbach smartly sold more than just wheels. On Flatbush Ave. near Prospect Park, he set up a "Riding Academy." ”
11/17/2022
SO, A TROLLEY WALKS INTO A BODEGA…. (1931) – The Brownstone Detectives
SO, A TROLLEY WALKS INTO A BODEGA…. (1931) We’ve all heard the famous opening line to the joke. But this one really happened.
This incident took place on 7 July 1931, at the corner of Putnam and Nostrand avenues in the Bedford-Stuyvesant section of Brooklyn. Fortunately, no one was killed, although six people were injured.
11/17/2022
The Brownstone Detectives on Twitter
In 1887, when Brooklyn's Colored School No. 1 became Public School No. 67, the transition was overseen by its principal, Charles A. Dorsey, after whom the school is named today.
“In the 1879s, when 's Colored School No. 1 became Public School No. 67, the transition was overseen by its principal, Charles A. Dorsey, after whom the school is named today.”
11/16/2022
CAPTURING A BROWNSTONE - HOURS BEFORE DEMOLITION (1960) No. 320 East 58th St. Artist Ormond Gigli.
https://twitter.com/BrownstoneDetec/status/1592876390759759879
11/16/2022
HE KNOWS HIS JEWELS ARE SAFE (1892) – The Brownstone Detectives
HE KNOWS HIS JEWELS ARE SAFE (1892) The at No. 165 Washington Park held a gift from the President in its jewel vault beneath the sidewalk... https://bit.ly/3Tbykqu
the of YOUR house?
When Dr. Alexander F. Carroll married the eldest daughter of Brooklyn Democratic Boss, Hugh McLaughlin, in 1890, the New York Times reported that the “wedding gifts were of the most costly and elaborate nature.”
11/16/2022
PATRONAGE & PLUMS, No. 398 HENRY ST (1895) – The Brownstone Detectives
PATRONAGE & PLUMS - No. 398 HENRY ST (1895) When the 6th Ward Dems opened a Cobble Hill clubhouse, it was described in exquisite detail in the press. https://bit.ly/3V2rfdj
the of YOUR house?
“The house is a three-story and basement structure. As it is now, the basement is transformed into a pool and billiard room, and from the cellar to the roof the premises are heated. The parlor, of course, comprise the second floor. There is an expanse of Brussels carpet which covers the entire spa...
11/16/2022
The Brownstone Detectives on Twitter
A VIEW DOWN SHINBONE ALLEY (1900) “The alley is paved and flagged, and has for years, after nightfall, been the haunt of a crowd of idle young fellows, who give the police a good deal of concern.”
“A VIEW DOWN SHINBONE ALLEY (1900) “The alley is paved and flagged, and has for years, after nightfall, been the haunt of a crowd of idle young fellows, who give the police a good deal of concern.” ”
11/16/2022
The Brownstone Detectives on Twitter
WHEN THE DEKALB AVE STATION WAS YOUNG... (1912) The station would open in 1915 & was completed in 1920.
“WHEN THE DEKALB AVE STATION WAS YOUNG... (1912) vs. TODAY. The station would open in 1915 & was completed in 1920. ”
11/16/2022
The Brownstone Detectives on Twitter
BUILDING 'S SUBWAYS (1909) Fall scenes on Willoughby & Flatbush - selling a "desirable plot," hanging the wash out to dry, & surveying the land...
“BUILDING 'S SUBWAYS (1909) Fall scenes on Willoughby & Flatbush - selling a "desirable plot," hanging the wash out to dry, & surveying the land...”
11/16/2022
The Brownstone Detectives on Twitter
BUILDING THE BOWERY SUBWAY (1902) The lower right section shows where the most acute triangular bldg in sits today (Bleecker St & Elm [now Lafayette] St).
“BUILDING THE BOWERY SUBWAY (1902) The lower right section shows where the most acute triangular bldg in sits today (Bleecker St & Elm [now Lafayette] St).”
11/16/2022
The Brownstone Detectives on Twitter
VICTORIAN TIMES SQUARE? (1900) Love the detail of Broadway & W. 43d St, .
“VICTORIAN TIMES SQUARE? (1900) Love the detail of Broadway & W. 43d St, . ”
11/14/2022
The Brownstone Detectives on Twitter
IT HAPPENED HERE (1893) The infamous 25th Ward Republican Club once held its "rigged" primary election from the basement window of this , No. 57A Somers St, .
the of YOUR home?
“IT HAPPENED HERE (1893) The infamous 25th Ward Republican Club once held its "rigged" primary election from the basement window of this , No. 57A Somers St, . the of YOUR home?”
11/14/2022
The Brownstone Detectives on Twitter
BICYCLE WEEK!
Check out this full page of 1923 ads for bikes, bicycles, & biking!
“BICYCLE WEEK! Check out this full page of 1923 ads for , , & ! ”
11/14/2022
FINDING YOUR BROWNSTONE – IN 1924 – The Brownstone Detectives
FINDING YOUR – IN 1924.
See the aerial views of of your nabe in the '20s - FREE!
Aerial photography exists of all of New York City’s neighborhoods and is available to view (and zoom in on!) for free just by visiting NYC Map (a service of the City of New York).
11/10/2022
THE VIRUS TAKES A WOMAN MARINE (1918) – The Brownstone Detectives
THE VIRUS TAKES A WOMAN MARINE (1918) During WWI, the USMC began allowing women into their ranks. But Pvt. Patterson probably didn't expect to lose her life recruiting in Manhattan.
Read her story ==>
In 2014, The Brownstone Detectives partnered with the New York City Parks Department to help celebrate the lives of the servicemembers of Bedford-Stuyvesant Heights who made the ultimate sacrifice during the Great War.
11/10/2022
The Brownstone Detectives on Twitter
TWO MEN & A SHINE (1916) SW cor. of 14th St & 6th Ave, Greenwich Village, Manhattan.
“TWO MEN & A SHINE (1916) SW cor. of 14th St & 6th Ave, Greenwich Village, . ”
11/10/2022
CPL. JAMES D. IRWIN (A BEDSTUY HERO) – The Brownstone Detectives
CPL. JAMES D. IRWIN (A BEDSTUY HERO) lived at No. 324A Decatur St, Brooklyn, but died “while acting as a stretcher bearer" in the WWI Hindenberg offensive.
Read his story: ==>
In 2014, The Brownstone Detectives partnered with the New York City Parks Department to help celebrate the lives of the servicemembers of Bedford-Stuyvesant Heights who made the ultimate sacrifice during the Great War.
11/10/2022
NYC Fire Insurance, Topographic and Property Maps
HOW OLD IS YOUR ? There are many ways to find out. One, is using old insurance maps ==> https://on.nypl.org/3NR7Vxa
They're FREE! (1/5)
Over the past decade NYPL has digitized nearly 9,000 pages from 162 atlases documenting New York City's changing geography and built environment. The majority of these maps are fire insurance maps (some of the most detailed city maps ever published) depicting building footprints, lot dimensions, sho...
11/10/2022
The Brownstone Detectives on Twitter
A BROWNSTONE ROW IN KODACHROME (1959) Nos. 57-69 Lafayette Ave, cor. Fulton St, Downtown (c/o
).
“A ROW IN KODACHROME (1959) Nos. 57-69 Lafayette Ave, cor. Fulton St, Downtown (c/o ).”
11/09/2022
The Brownstone Detectives on Twitter
Children w/tricycles at a puddle near a curb in Washington Square, Greenwich Village, ca. 1948
“Children w/tricycles at a puddle near a curb in Washington Square, ca. 1948 (c/o ). Greenwich Village, ”
11/09/2022
The Brownstone Detectives on Twitter
When researching our clients' properties, we often find the original "FOR SALE" ads (Parkside Ave btwn Flatbush & Bedford Aves).
Do you know the History of YOUR brownstone?
“When researching our clients' properties, we often find the original "FOR SALE" ads (Parkside Ave btwn Flatbush & Bedford Aves). the of YOUR ? Prospect Lefferts Gardens, ”
11/09/2022
LT. SAMUEL J. REID (A BEDSTUY HERO) – The Brownstone Detectives
LT. SAMUEL J. REID (A HERO) lived at No. 757 Hancock St. He died in the “active front on the Vesle” in France.
Read his story ==>
In 2014, The Brownstone Detectives partnered with the New York City Parks Department to help celebrate the lives of the servicemembers of Bedford-Stuyvesant Heights who made the ultimate sacrifice during the Great War.
11/07/2022
The Brownstone Detectives on Twitter
A HOUSE WARMING at No. 276 HICKS ST (1939) After sculptor William Zorach & wife bought this carriage house, he transformed it into his studio/residence & sent out this invitation!
“A HOUSE WARMING at No. 276 HICKS ST (1939) After sculptor William Zorach & wife bought this carriage house, he transformed it into his studio/residence & posted this invitation! Heights ”
11/07/2022
The Brownstone Detectives on Twitter
YES, NYC HAD A BAR ON EVERY CORNER (1914) No. 212 7th Ave @ W. 22nd St.
“YES, HAD A BAR ON EVERY CORNER (1914) No. 212 7th Ave @ W. 22nd St (c/o ).”
11/07/2022
THE EFFECTS OF WAR ON BED-STUY (1918) – The Brownstone Detectives
THE EFFECTS OF WAR ON BED-STUY (1918) During WWI, Bedford-Stuyvesant East was decimated by its loss of men (& 1 woman) on the front. See who they were & where they lived: ==> https://bit.ly/3T8m3TA
https://twitter.com/BrownstoneDetec/status/1589611125758464002
During the brief period that the U.S. was engaged in WWI, the eastern section of Brooklyn’s Stuyvesant Heights section was decimated by its contribution of men to the war effort. Then, it was decimated a second time by the generous contribution it made of many of these mens’ lives.
11/04/2022
The Brownstone Detectives on Twitter
I'D LIKE TO SOLVE THE PUZZLE, PAT (1916):
"HELL THAT'S FINE!! - GEM DRAMA QUEEN RAZOR!" (Did I get it RIGHT?)
(cor. Leonard St. & Metropolitan Ave, , )
“I'D LIKE TO SOLVE THE PUZZLE, PAT (1916): "HELL THAT'S FINE!! - GEM DRAMA QUEEN RAZOR!" (cor. Leonard St. & Metropolitan Ave, , ”
11/04/2022
The Brownstone Detectives on Twitter
BLUE PRINTS! When a client asked us to investigate their home, we went & dug up these vintage architectural drawings (No. 295 Stratford Rd).
But that wasn't ALL THAT WE FOUND! See our Twitter post for MORE!
“BLUE PRINTS! When a client asked us to investigate their home, we went & dug up these vintage architectural drawings (No. 295 Stratford Rd). But that wasn't ALL THAT WE FOUND! ”
11/03/2022
The Brownstone Detectives on Twitter
https://twitter.com/BrownstoneDetec/status/1588154030286524416
“BELLE FOOD STORES (1931) Cor. , No. 928 - 930 Fulton St, , .”
11/03/2022
WHICH LANDMARKS TO DEMOLISH? (1913) – The Brownstone Detectives
WHICH LANDMARKS TO DEMOLISH? (1913) once planned to use eminent domain to demolish these Heights : Nos. 137-141 Clinton St.
Why? ==>
These brownstones were “substantial residences” in the “Court Street Section” comprising Nos. 24 to 40 Schermerhorn Street and Nos. 141 to 137 Clinton Street.
10/31/2022
DO YOU KNOW WHO LIVED IN YOUR OLD HOUSE? – The Brownstone Detectives
WHO LIVED IN YOUR OLD HOUSE? Most brownstone owners can dig up the History of their homes w/just a little sleuthing.
HERE'S HOW ===>
Most people don’t know that the entire history of their homes can be dug up with a little bit of elbow grease. While Brownstone Detectives provides this service to clients, we are always more than happy to help homeowners to do the digging themselves.
10/31/2022
BURIED ALIVE IN BROOKLYN! – The Brownstone Detectives
BURIED ALIVE IN BROOKLYN! How not to get buried alive, & what to do if you are...
Research performed toward the end of the 19th century indicated that approximately 700+ cases of being buried alive had been documented. Such premature burials apparently took place in nearly every major city, in numerous small towns, and across the world.
10/31/2022
THE “WET SPECIMEN” OF HALSEY STREET (1899) – The Brownstone Detectives
THE “WET SPECIMEN” OF HALSEY STREET (1899) What would you do if you bought a brownstone & found this in your cellar?
When a body was discovered in the cellar of a brownstone on Brooklyn’s Halsey Street, the police were immediately notified and the “owner” hunted down…
Address
New York, NY
Opening Hours
| Monday | 9am - 5pm |
| Tuesday | 9am - 5pm |
| Wednesday | 9am - 5pm |
| Thursday | 9am - 5pm |
| Friday | 9am - 5pm |
Telephone
Alerts
Be the first to know and let us send you an email when The Brownstone Detectives posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.
Contact The Business
Send a message to The Brownstone Detectives:
Shortcuts
Category
Nearby media companies
-
, Walnut Creek
-
Lexington Avenue
-
Workville on Broadway
-
Jefferson Street
-
Ethereal Publishing, Ethereal Books
Myrtle Avenue -
11213
-
Kingston Avenue, Brooklyn
-
East New York Avenue
-
Eastern Pkwy, Brooklyn
-
11216
Other Publishers in New York
-
Columbus Avenue -
5th Avenue Ste
-
Third Street E-303
-
10010
-
In My Book® Bookmark/Greeting cards
On The Internet -
Broadway
-
Clinton Avenue
-
John Street
-
Varick Street
Comments
Just found your page. I lived on Halsey St., in the '50's, between Saratoga & Howard. Your stories are fascinating. Thanks.
Macon Street?
The Brownstone Detectives May serve as a viable resource to assist with consolidating detailed historical documentation, imagery, information, etc. concerning a myriad of projects and cases.
When we started renovating our house, we began to find the things left behind by former owners...
28 McKinney Queens in1915 what is the address now?
Thank you for your post of a few months back on the 40th anniversary of the Bushwick fires. My brother and I often frequented Ruth and Sam Book Store since we were comic book collectors. It was a devastating moment when it burned down. I recently wrote about my experiences and linked to your post: