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February 23, 2007

Forgotten NY on Greenpoint's Milton Street

fny04.jpg
On his way to check out the ruins of the Greenpoint Terminal Market last weekend, Forgotten NY took a detour down Milton Street, highlights of which include the Greenpoint Dutch Reformed Church and these houses built by the china maker and architect Thomas C. Smith in 1894. Enjoy.
Little Milton: Block of Wonders [Forgotten NY] GMAP




Posted by Brownstoner at 10:05 AM | Comments (10)
Categories: Architecture, Brooklyn, Greenpoint

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I have to share an awesome tidbit about the St. John's Parish House. I knew an old Polish lady that owns two buildings on the block (one she lives in, and one of apartments she rents) and this building came up for sale some years ago (15 or 20?). She wanted to buy it and looked at it many times while making offers. Here's the gold: Evidently, the building has its own built-in recreation in the form of a frickin' BOWLING ALLEY in the basement.

The alley is old and manually run, and there are only two lanes or something, but presumably it was installed for the wholesome entertainment of the Lord's servants originally living there. Still fully functional. A bowling alley. Man! And the rest of the building is apparently lousy with original, untouched details.

The pic on the FNY site is unfortunate, because from the front directly, it's a stunning building, and the ironwork on the railings of the t-shape stairs and the front doors is fantastic. Very Gothic vibe. But even 15 or 20 years ago, this local landlady couldn't muster the cash for it. Now it seems like it's a co-op or something.

Posted by: Former Greenpointer at February 23, 2007 11:07 AM

My friend lives on that block (in the building on the ForeverNY page that the AIA guide has "lusty celebrations of entry") and it's great. Relatively inexpensive for how nice it is, too.

Posted by: erica at February 23, 2007 11:09 AM

>>>The pic on the FNY site is unfortunate<<<

Great story abt the building...unfortch the sun was right in the lens when shooting the south side of the street, will have to return when it's cloudy...

www.forgotten-ny.com

Posted by: Kevin Walsh at February 23, 2007 12:46 PM

Ah...can't cut and paste in here, when will I learn?

anyway, the sun was right ion the lesn when I was shooting the south side of the street. must return when it's cloudy.

Great story abt the bowling alley!

www.forgotten-ny.com

Posted by: Kevin Walsh at February 23, 2007 12:48 PM

I live in Greenpoint and this is a wonderful and beautiful block. The houses in the pics are very cute. Too bad they do not have a backyard. It's all front space.

Posted by: Anonymous at February 23, 2007 1:48 PM

Bowling back in the day was one of Americas favorite past time sports I hear. I've seen a couple of homes with allys in the basements

Posted by: Anonymous at February 23, 2007 4:10 PM

Actually Brownstone Billiards is putting in a few bowling lanes I heard so maybe it is coming back.

Posted by: Anonymous at February 23, 2007 4:21 PM

This is the block my ex-Greenpointer Spouse always brings up when I insist that Greenpoint is PUG-UGLY!!!
Alright already!!!

Posted by: Brenda from Flatbush at February 23, 2007 7:09 PM

I am interested in a biography for Thomas c. SMITH 1815-1900, the China Maker & architect that built and lived on Milton Street. Before St Anthony's beautiful church was built where in the picture was the old building that turned into a factory and is it still standing. Lastly, does anyone know where the earliest records for the church are located. Thank you to everyone who has shared these wonderful thoughts and pictures. A true blessing and much appreciated!
Chocybrown@aol.com

Posted by: Chocy Brown at June 29, 2007 3:07 PM

Quite untrue, I live and own one of the brownstones on Milton st in Greenpoint, I have both a front yard and Back. My Great-grandfather purchased our home about 80 years ago, what a wonderful idea that was.


"I live in Greenpoint and this is a wonderful and beautiful block. The houses in the pics are very cute. Too bad they do not have a backyard. It's all front space.

Posted by: Anonymous at February 23, 2007 1:48 PM"

Posted by: guest at March 14, 2008 12:11 PM

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