| Rise
of the New York Skyscraper, 1865-1913 |
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Flat
Iron Building, NYC
The "First Skyscaper."1902 |
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The Fuller Building,
now universally known as the Flat Iron (two words) Building was
built in 1902. The architectural firm was Burnham and Root. The building
was 20 stories with a height of 285 feet. It is faced in limestone and the depth
of the triangle's apex is a mere 6 feet. From the side it seems a wall.
Old
postcard of NYC Flat Iron Building, TE archives |
FLAT IRON TRIVIA
From the Texas Escapes Garden of Useless Knowledge
- Owned by
the man married to the "Queen of Mean"
Harry Helmsley once owned the
New York Flat Iron Building.
- When
Zephyrs Collide
The term "23 Skidoo" was coined by NYC policemen who
would disperse crowds of men who would gather at 23rd St. and 5th Avenue to witness
the effect (on women's dresses) of zephyrs that would meet at the building's entrance.
When given their assignments for the day, "Murphy and McDonough! "23 Skidoo" signified
crowd control at the Flat Iron.
- The
German word for "Skyscaper" is Himmelskratzer.
In French it's egratineurs
de ciel.
- Ft.
Worth (Flat
Iron Building, Fort Worth) and NYC have another, more monumental connection.
General Worth, the city's namesake is buried in NYC, not far from the Flat Iron
Building. General Worth died shortly after arriving in Texas, but was famous
for his exploits in the War of 1812, The Seminole Indian Wars, and The Mexican
War. The city recently cleaned (1991) and completely refurbished his handsome
grave, which sits near Times Square.
Copyright John Troesser | |
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