Sylvan Place, a hidden gem in East Harlem, whispers tales of old New York. It’s no longer a bustling street, but its presence lingers. The street signs remain, marking a space that once connected East 120th and 121st Streets, nestled between Lexington and Third Avenues. Imagine the clatter of horse-drawn carriages along the old East Post Road. Sylvan Place was a piece of this vital artery, connecting New York City to Boston. Picture the hustle and bustle of a bygone era, a time when this unassuming street played a crucial role in the city’s growth. Sylvan Place wasn’t just a road; it was part of a historic intersection. This five-cornered crossroads where the East Post Road met the Kingsbridge Post Road, Harlem Road, and Church Lane. This created a local hub sometimes called the Five Points. This, of course, isn’t to be confused with the more infamous Five Points downtown. Across the way sits Sylvan Court Mews, often mistaken for Sylvan Place. It’s a secluded, unpaved lane with charming 1880s townhouses. These homes offer a glimpse into a quieter past, a stark contrast to the towering skyscrapers that define modern Manhattan. Sadly, Sylvan Court hasn’t seen the same restoration love as similar historic enclaves in Greenwich Village or Brooklyn Heights. Now, Sylvan Place is home to Harlem Art Park, a community space where art flourishes. The area also serves as the frontage and parking lot for the Harlem Courthouse, marking a transition from a thoroughfare of the past to a civic center of the present. Sylvan Place, though transformed, still echoes its past. It’s a reminder of the layers of history hidden within the city’s fabric, waiting to be rediscovered.
Gould Family Mausoleum
Ever heard of a “Robber Baron?” Here at Woodlawn Cemetery stands the Gould Family Mausoleum. It is a testament to