Forum Archive: History

Hello, I am working on my senior thesis for my bachelor’s in Sociology. The topic is Crime in Brooklyn, and I am focusing on the changes that have occurred in the 71st precinct over the last 20 years.
If you are a resident of the area covered by the 71st precinct (Prospect Lefferts, Crown Heights) who has resided in the neighborhood for at least 15 years, I would appreciate any insights as to the crime level here (what you observed over the course of time as far as policing, closures of businesses were criminal activity occurred,recollections of serious incidents). If you have any suggestions as to other people who might be useful for me to speak with,that would also be very helpful!

Thank you Brownstoners!

Contact: bklyn.sr.thesis@gmail.com

The houses on Montgomery Place in Park Slope, many of which were designed by C.P.H. Gilbert, are quite varied in style. Someone once told me that the variation was partly due to the fact that the houses were intended to serve as model homes — potential buyers could view them and choose to have them replicated elsewhere in the borough. That seemed a little fishy to me, so I dismissed it as folklore.

Lately, however, I’ve noticed that some of the house styles on Montgomery are in fact repeated in slightly modified form on other streets in Brooklyn. The Gilbert house in the photo above, for example, was completed in 1890. From 1892 to 1894, homes by other architects that are very similar to Gilbert’s (and virtually identical to each other) were built on Carroll, 5th and Dean Streets (all data is from the LPC designation reports). Another Gilbert on Montgomery from 1889 has doppelgangers on 4th Street that were built in 1891.

I still don’t think there’s any truth to the model home story. However, I can’t seem to find any houses in Brooklyn that are similar to Gilbert’s designs and also predate them. It looks like Gilbert inspired a number of copycats in his day. Montrose, any insights or theories?

For an upcoming trip to Paris, I’m looking for ideas for specialty foods unique to Brooklyn that I can bring as gifts for a French couple who are considering buying a pied à terre in Brownstone Brooklyn. Obviously, it needs to be stuff that can travel well.

Also, what are the best coffee table books about Brownstone Brooklyn?

Thanks in advance for any suggestions!

Hi Readers,
I’m researching The Battle of Brooklyn for my Masters of Exhibition Design graduate thesis project and am looking to learn people’s knowledge and expectations on the topic to help guide my exhibit themes.

I’ve attached a quick 10 question survey, any help is appreciated and will guide my exhibit to more accurately portray what the community’s needs are on this exhibit.

http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/H8PXNVH

Thanks!
Ellen

I’m a life long Brooklynite now out in Ohio. I’m writing a novel in which a character does research at the Brooklyn Register.

I was wondering whether anyone could tell me what microfilm reel and liber, deeds for 1895 and 1876 would be located on?

I tried but couldn’t find a phone number to call the Register directly. A phone number for the Register in Brooklyn, particularly the microfilm room would be great also.

I’d appreciate any help anyone can give. Thanks!

I lived in Brooklyn most of my life, but am now out in Cleveland. I’m working on a book and was wondering whether someone could answer some quick specific questions about materials at the Brooklyn Register in the Municipal Building.

1. How are the bound indexes organized and for what years are they available?

2. How are the microfilms organized? Is there one libre per reel, a month, a year etc.?

3. How far back do the bound libre books go before you have to look at them on micofilm?

I did try calling the Register, but didn’t get anywhere talking to them. I appreciate any help anyone can offer. Thank you.

Recently purchased a small row home built around 1910 in Manayunk/Roxborough. It’s under 900 square feet and is 2-story. It was renovated and is beautiful but I’d love to see any old pictures or get a better idea of what the original moldings would have looked like. Any help is appreciated!

I am looking for any information and/or photographs about 820 St. Marks Avenue. I grew up there from 1958 to 1968 and know that the building is now gone. Would love info or old pictures!

Hi could you recommend professional and reasonable heating specialized plumber? One radiator is not working in 3 family house. All other ones are fine. We extended 20×16 room, so it may cause pressure problem. We need professional and experienced plumber besides gateway plumber. they are too busy,,,