The Bowery Boys: New York City History

The Hidden World of Gramercy Park

9 snips
Jul 19, 2024
Join historian Keith Taillon and Carl Raymond as they unravel the hidden world of Gramercy Park, a secluded oasis in NYC with rich history. Discover exclusive spaces, notable residents, unique architecture, and the park's private ownership. Explore the cultural influences, historical significance, and the charming allure of this historical enclave.
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INSIGHT

A Private Park In The Middle Of Manhattan

  • Gramercy Park is a private, fenced two-acre park accessible only to surrounding property owners with keys.
  • Its private status gives the neighborhood sustained exclusivity unlike any other New York park.
ANECDOTE

Samuel Ruggles' Long Game

  • Samuel Ruggles bought the Gramercy farm and designed the neighborhood to remain an exclusive residential district.
  • He used real estate covenants and a private park to lock in long-term desirability.
INSIGHT

Name Masks The Original Landscape

  • 'Gramercy' is an anglicized form of an earlier Dutch/Native name that meant 'little crooked swamp.'
  • The pleasant name hides the land's original marshy topography.
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