“Tiffany Playground. Ever heard of it?” asks a passerby. Well, you are standing at the entrance to Tiffany Playground. It is a place with a name that hints at riches. But the story behind the name of this place is more complex. It involves neither jewels nor stained glass.
Tiffany Playground might evoke images of Louis Comfort Tiffany. Perhaps you imagine his famous lamps and stained-glass windows. The Tiffany name suggests quality. It also brings thoughts of the renowned jewelry store on Fifth Avenue. But this park’s name has a different origin.
Let’s jump back in time. Before this playground was even a thought, there was Tiffany Place. Tiffany Place is a one-block street in Red Hook. For years, people assumed it was named after the Tiffany family. The famous jewelers. The story went that Louis Comfort Tiffany had a glass factory here. But that is a myth.
The name Tiffany Place appeared in records as early as 1847. Louis Comfort Tiffany wasn’t even born yet. His father was just starting his business. Before it was Tiffany Place, the street was known as Waverley Place. So where does the name Tiffany come from?
The truth is somewhat lost to history. Many Tiffany families lived in New York and Brooklyn. One possibility is George Tiffany. He was a Brooklyn city official. However, there were many George Tiffanys in Brooklyn. Another George Tiffany was a State Senator. He was a cousin of Charles and Louis Tiffany.
Regardless of its namesake, Tiffany Place had a history. By the early 1860s, Tiffany Place had working-class homes. The neighborhood became an industrial area. Factories and warehouses sprung up around the area.
After the Civil War, Tiffany Place gained a reputation. It was considered a seedy block. Public health officials complained about the filth. Trash and dirt accumulated, causing sickness. Criminal activity increased.
Despite its problems, factories continued to open. The American Carpet Lining Company was located at 9-11 Tiffany Place. In 1879, a fire broke out. Fortunately, everyone escaped. Other factories included a cigar factory and a corset factory.
Today, Tiffany Place has transformed. Factory buildings have been converted into housing. Tiffany Playground adds a touch of green to the neighborhood. The name Tiffany is now more closely associated with luxury goods. But the story of Tiffany Place is one of industry. It is also one of community.
As you explore Tiffany Playground, remember its history. The name may not be what you expect. But it connects this place to a larger story. It is a story of Brooklyn’s past. It is a story of its industrial roots. Tiffany Playground stands as a testament to change. It also reminds us that names can hold surprising secrets.