Has anyone ever told you about the time Brooklyn Borough Hall lost its head? Not the borough president, mind you, but the building itself. In 1895, a careless fire, started by some discarded waste paper, consumed the cupola and the statue of Justice perched atop it. Imagine, Brooklyn Borough Hall, this dignified symbol of civic pride, decapitated by a pile of trash! This grand Greek Revival structure, one of New York City’s finest, has stood as a witness to Brooklyn’s history since its completion in 1848. Originally Brooklyn City Hall, it served as the seat of government for the independent city of Brooklyn. Designed initially by Calvin Pollard and later modified by Gamaliel King, Brooklyn Borough Hall is an impressive building of Tuckahoe marble. It features a monumental staircase, six iconic Ionic columns, and that now-restored cupola. Inside, the two-story rotunda, with its restored black-and-white marble floor, evokes the grandeur of its 19th-century origins. And let’s not forget the courtroom, a later addition designed in 1903. Its domed ceiling, wood paneling, and ornate plasterwork offer a glimpse into the building’s evolving history. Brooklyn Borough Hall isn’t just a building; it’s a testament to the borough’s resilience. From financial setbacks during its initial construction to the devastating fire of 1895 and even proposals for its demolition in the 1930s, it has persevered. Today, Brooklyn Borough Hall stands proudly, its restored cupola and Lady Justice gleaming against the sky, a symbol of Brooklyn’s enduring spirit.
Gould Family Mausoleum
Ever heard of a “Robber Baron?” Here at Woodlawn Cemetery stands the Gould Family Mausoleum. It is a testament to