Glance at many of the 19th and early 20th century buildings lining city streets, and you might see a man’s name inscribed on top—like on this 1881 structure at 630 and 632 Hudson Street in the West Village. It’s named for Hugh King, a produce merchant.
On Sixth Avenue in Chelsea is the former Bazaar Francais, a French housewares store operated by Charles R. Ruegger.
Who was Geo F. Driscoll, whose name graces this building in Carroll Gardens? It’s a mystery.
James H. Dykeman’s box factory occupied this building on Union Street in Carroll Gardens. Dykeman “was a carpenter by trade who established himself in the box business in 1877,” according to The Disston Crucible, a Magazine for Millmen.
“Two large buildings occupy the whole block at Union, Nevins, and Sackett Streets, the fourth side of the property facing the canal, making it possible to bring lumber to the mill very economically,” the article states.
Tags: Bazaar Francais, Charles R. Ruegger, Geo F. Driscoll, Gowanus Canal, Hugh King and Co., James H. Dykeman, National Packing Box Factory
January 15, 2009 at 7:24 pm |
I am trying to find some information concerning a box factory that my grandfather’s family owned under or very near the Brooklyn Bridge. My grandfather’s name was Thomas Moore. He had at least 6 brothers, Lon, Al, Gil, Doug, Ken and a younger brother whose name looks like Naya. They were all young men in 1918. My grandfather eloped with his secretary, moved to NH and to my knowledge never went back to NY. If you have any idea where I can get more information, please email me.
January 28, 2009 at 10:46 pm |
[...] Ephemeral NY: The small business owners of old New York – wildnewyork [...]
January 29, 2009 at 12:00 am |
[...] Ephemeral NY: The small business owners of old New York – wildnewyork [...]
June 13, 2009 at 5:00 am |
Geo F. Driscoll is (possibly) a mystery no longer. In an article regarding the building of the Bronx House of Detention ( http://www.correctionhistory.org/html/chronicl/bronxhouse/bxhodhabsp3.html ):
“The contract for the jail’s construction was awarded to the Brooklyn-based George F. Driscoll Company…”
June 13, 2009 at 5:32 am |
Very cool, thanks for sending the link!
June 27, 2009 at 2:30 am |
I am trying to find copperware that I purchased through Bazaar Francaise forty years ago. I like the copperware. Where can I purchase something similar to what I had.? I have one piece left only because the tin wore out inside the pan. Can you help me? thanks!
June 27, 2009 at 2:31 am |
Thanks! Sandy Crow