When the temperature drops, dream of roaring fireplaces with a virtual tour of interiors from Brooklyn’s past. The vintage images depict fireplaces from across the borough in states from wonderfully maintained to looking a bit rough and are sure to provide a bit of historic inspiration.

All of the interior images below were taken for the Historic American Building Survey. The program was started in 1933 to document U.S. architectural heritage through architectural drawings and photographs. Photographer E.P. MacFarland snapped sites across the five boroughs in the 1930s for the survey, including all the Brooklyn sites here.

brooklyn architecture fireplace vintage photos 57 willow street
The parlor of 57 Willow Street in 1934. Photo by E.P. MacFarland via Library of Congress

In the parlor of 57 Willow Street is a marble mantel, probably a mid-19th century addition to the house. Among the fireplace accessories visible are andirons, a shovel, tongs and a small bellows leaning against the mantel. The circa 1824 brick Federal-style house still stands. It was protected in 1965 with the designation of the Brooklyn Heights Historic district.

brooklyn architecture fireplaces vintage photos wyckoff house
The common parlor of the Wyckoff House in 1934. Photo by E.P. MacFarland via Library of Congress

By the 1930s, the fireplace in the common parlor of the Pieter Claesen Wyckoff House in East Flatbush was no longer in use and covered up. Miraculously, the 17th century house, considered Brooklyn’s oldest, managed to survive decades of alterations and neglect. It was restored in the 1980s, and you can now visit the Wyckoff House Museum and see this fireplace in person.

brooklyn architecture fireplaces vintage photos
The parlor fireplace of Van Pelt Manor in 1937. Photo by E. P. MacFarland via Library of Congress

Decorative woodwork and Delft tiles adorn a fireplace in the the 17th century Van Pelt Manor. The house once stood near the intersection of 81st Street and 18th Avenue — now the location of Milestone Park in Bensonhurst. The family donated the house and surrounding land to the New York Parks Department in the early 20th century but by the 1950s the Brooklyn Eagle was reporting the house was being allowed to go to ruin. It was torn down in 1952.

brooklyn architecture fireplaces vintage photos lefferts
The dining room fireplace in the Lefferts House in 1936. Photo by E.P. MacFarland via Library of Congress

A wooden mantel in the dining room at the Lefferts House sports an intricately carved band of detail and a hearth kitted out for any need, from tea to foot warming. The 18th century house was already open as a historic house museum at the time of this photo. It was moved from its original location on Flatbush Avenue near Maple Street to the grounds of Prospect Park and opened as a museum in 1920. The house is still open to the public, so you can stop by for a glimpse.

brooklyn architecture fireplaces vintage photos
A view from the hall into the parlor of the Johannes Van Nuyse House in 1934. Photo by E.P. MacFarland via Library of Congress

A wooden mantel can be viewed through a doorway in this shot of the Johannes Van Nuyse House. The circa-1800 wood frame house was moved from its location on Amersfort Place to East 22nd Street in Midwood in the early 20th century. Still a private home, the house can be spotted from the street, hemmed in a bit by 20th century houses on either side. The house was designated an individual landmark in 1966.

brooklyn architecture fireplaces vintage photos
The dining room fireplace in the Schenck House. Photo by E.P. MacFarland via Library of Congress

The wooden mantel and surround of the 18th century Nicholas Schenck House in Canarsie was looking a bit worse for wear by the 1930s. The Brooklyn Museum acquired this house and the 17th century Jan Martense Schenck House in the mid 20th century. Visit the fourth floor of the museum to see portions of the exteriors and furnished rooms of both houses — a perfect cold weather activity.

Related Stories

Email tips@brownstoner.com with further comments, questions or tips. Follow Brownstoner on Twitter and Instagram, and like us on Facebook.

Brooklyn in Your Inbox

* indicates required
 
Subscribe


What's Your Take? Leave a Comment