On Tuesday, we reported on the Gowanus building at toid and toid owned by Con Ed, that is said to contain a portion of the wall once surrounding the Washington Park baseball field used by the Brooklyn Dodgers before their move to Ebbets Field. From the Daily News today comes a definitive answer from Brooklyn author and historian Brian Merlis, “I can say with absolute certainty that this wall was not part of Washington Park prior to the Brooklyn team’s departure [in 1912],” The paper goes on to say that historians believe the wall was part of either a carriage house or club house that was built after the 1912 move by the Dodgers. Even though the Dodgers may not have played within this wall, it is still part of the old Washington Park ball field, and still one of the oldest surviving pieces of baseball history in New York. Con Ed Spokeswoman D. Joy Faber has announced that the wall will be preserved. Further historical information, including a wealth of photographs, can be found here.
Famed Wall in Gowanus Not Part of Original Dodgers Stadium [Daily News]
Bulldozer Time for Gowanus Building [Brownstoner]
Con Ed Readying Demolition of 3rd St. Warehouse [Brownstoner]
Photo: Wall in 2004 by covehurst.net