By Nathalie Belkin, Lead Processor; Gabriella Carl-Johnson, Kay Menick, Sara Fetherolf, Erin Allsop, Jessica Mack, and Katie Alleman, Interns
Title: Architectural Drawings and Blueprints, c. 1880s-1990s
Predominant Dates:1910-1930s
Extent: 0.0
Subjects: A. Faranda and Son, Acea family, Agoglia family, Altar to Liberty: Minerva, Architectural Drawings, Architecture, Arnold, K.F., Arnold, N.B., Arnold family, Art nouveau (Architecture), Bahrenburg, John H., Bahrenburg family, Barclay family, Barrow, ME James T., Barrow family, Barthman family, Beaux-Arts architecture, Benisch Bros. Monumental Works, Blueprints, Bourne family, Bromell family, Brown, John W., Brown family, Buildings--Design and construction, C.E. Tayntor & Co., Cemeteries--New York (State)--New York--History, Cinerary urns, Colyer family, Cushman, Eugene, Cutting, James D.W., Cutting family, Daly, Margaret, Daly family, Davis Granite Co, Architects and Contractors, de Aldama family, DeLaCour and Ferrara, Delafield, Major Rich D., Delafield family, Dewey family, Doerschuck family, Dunne family, Egyptian revival (Architecture), Euler family, Farrington, Gould and Hoagland, Feitner, John, Felzmann family, Flagg, Ernest, Gilbert family, Goodnough family, Gothic revival (Architecture), Gould, J. R, Gould, James S., Gould family, Green-Wood Cemetery--New York, N.Y., Greve family, Griswold family, Hapgood family, Harder family, Harrison Granite Co., Havemeyer family, Heins and La Farge Architects, Higgins, Charles, Higgins family, Hillside architecture, Hoffman & Prochazka, Designers, Sculptors, and Builders, Horn, Alfred E., Horn family, Howland family, John Thatcher & Son, Kampfe family, Kenneth, W.D., Lawrence family, Lingard family, Ludlum, Emma R., Ludlum family, Martin, Robert, Martin family, Mausoleums, McAlpin family, Murdock family, Obelisks, Parish family, Parsons family, Penn Brass and Bronze Works, Pitbladdo Monumental Works, Polak family, Presbrey-Coykendall Company, Presbrey-Leland Monument Company, Renwick, Aspinwall, and Tucker, Reynolds family, Riley family, Ritzheimer family, Robinson, F. Delancey, Romanesque architecture, Rosanelli family, Ruckstull, F. W. (Fred Wellington), 1853-1942, Sands family, Sarcophagi, Sculpture and architecture, Sepulchral chapels, Sepulchral monuments, Victorian, Sepulchral monuments--New York (State)--New York, Sepulchral monuments--United States, Sepulchral monuments industry, Smallman, Thomas F., Smallman family, Somers family, Stephens, Annie W., Stephens, Benjamin F., Stephens family, Stevenson family, Stone, Gould, & Co, Designers and Builders, Sullivan, John W., Sullivan family, Texter family, Tiefel family, Tombs & sepulchral monuments, Torrio, Johnny, Torrio Family, Umberto Innocenti and Richard K. Webel, Landscape Architects, Underground architecture, Upjohn, Hobart, VanRensselaer family, Vaults (Sepulchral), W.F. Benedict & Son, W.W. Leland Co. Inc., Walsh, James F., Warren & Wetmore, Wesselman family, Wood family, Woolley family
Languages: English
The Architectural Drawings and Blueprints collection contains over 150 separate series of designs, each of which has one to around 20 individual drawings. Each series represents designs for a mausoleum or other architectural feature at Green-Wood Cemetery.
Most of the designs are for private family mausoleums, although the collection also includes blueprint materials for the historic Green-Wood chapel designed by Warren & Wetmore, alterations made to the Fifth Avenue gate, and plans for the mid-twentieth-century Columbarium. Other notable features in the collection include the Higgins mausoleum series, which contains photographs and early designs of the famous Battle Hill monument Altar to Liberty: Minerva by sculptor F. Wellington Ruxell. Many additional series may include more famous names in New York City history, such as those for the Cooper-Hewitt family and the Torrio family.
The majority of these drawings are printed on large blueprint paper, although there are a significant number of series that contain original drawings on tracing paper or drafting linen, as well as prints on Mylar, photocopy paper, or other reproduction materials. Many series also contain specifications documents—legal agreements between the architectural firm and the cemetery, which outline the plans, materials, and workman regulations for construction. In some cases, there is additional material, such as correspondence with lot owners and alternate mausoleum designs.
The collection’s dates range from the 1880s to the 1990s; the majority of the mausoleum designs were created between 1910 and 1930, at a time when it was widely popular among upper-class families to have a mausoleum or vault in which to inter their deceased relatives. Many architects of the time specialized in mausoleum design. Architectural firms that produced a large number of mausoleum designs in this collection include the Presbrey-Leland Monument Company, John Feitner Architects, and the Harrison Granite Company.
Researchers may wish to consult a specific series, which can give an interesting insight into the family in question, or they may wish to look at multiple series in the collection, in order to gain an example of the way construction and design aesthetics changed over time. The collection is a particularly valuable example of the way cemetery architecture developed in its golden years, particularly because many of the wealthiest and most prestigious New York families chose to be interred at Green-Wood.
The collection is currently stored in two locations—some material is in the Green-Wood archives, while many other blueprints are kept in the surveyor’s office of the administrative building. The container list has additional information on each item in this significant and highly variable collection, including notes on the date of designs, the architectural firm that created the drawings, and information on the size, condition, markings, and design features of each piece. All blueprint materials have been scanned and are digitally available; a preview of the image file is attached to each item. High-resolution images of each scan are available upon request.
The material is in varying condition, and embrittled drawings have been encapsulated in Mylar to ensure preservation.
The Green-Wood archives hold additional records acquired from the Presbrey-Leland Monument Company relating to Green-Wood Cemetery, and researchers may find it useful to consult this collection in conjunction with the Architectural Drawings and Blueprints.
A. Faranda and Son
Acea family
Agoglia family
Altar to Liberty: Minerva
Architectural Drawings
Architecture
Arnold, K.F.
Arnold, N.B.
Arnold family
Art nouveau (Architecture)
Bahrenburg, John H.
Bahrenburg family
Barclay family
Barrow, ME James T.
Barrow family
Barthman family
Beaux-Arts architecture
Benisch Bros. Monumental Works
Blueprints
Bourne family
Bromell family
Brown, John W.
Brown family
Buildings--Design and construction
C.E. Tayntor & Co.
Cemeteries--New York (State)--New York--History
Cinerary urns
Colyer family
Cushman, Eugene
Cutting, James D.W.
Cutting family
Daly, Margaret
Daly family
Davis Granite Co, Architects and Contractors
de Aldama family
DeLaCour and Ferrara
Delafield, Major Rich D.
Delafield family
Dewey family
Doerschuck family
Dunne family
Egyptian revival (Architecture)
Euler family
Farrington, Gould and Hoagland
Feitner, John
Felzmann family
Flagg, Ernest
Gilbert family
Goodnough family
Gothic revival (Architecture)
Gould, J. R
Gould, James S.
Gould family
Green-Wood Cemetery--New York, N.Y.
Greve family
Griswold family
Hapgood family
Harder family
Harrison Granite Co.
Havemeyer family
Heins and La Farge Architects
Higgins, Charles
Higgins family
Hillside architecture
Hoffman & Prochazka, Designers, Sculptors, and Builders
Horn, Alfred E.
Horn family
Howland family
John Thatcher & Son
Kampfe family
Kenneth, W.D.
Lawrence family
Lingard family
Ludlum, Emma R.
Ludlum family
Martin, Robert
Martin family
Mausoleums
McAlpin family
Murdock family
Obelisks
Parish family
Parsons family
Penn Brass and Bronze Works
Pitbladdo Monumental Works
Polak family
Presbrey-Coykendall Company
Presbrey-Leland Monument Company
Renwick, Aspinwall, and Tucker
Reynolds family
Riley family
Ritzheimer family
Robinson, F. Delancey
Romanesque architecture
Rosanelli family
Ruckstull, F. W. (Fred Wellington), 1853-1942
Sands family
Sarcophagi
Sculpture and architecture
Sepulchral chapels
Sepulchral monuments, Victorian
Sepulchral monuments--New York (State)--New York
Sepulchral monuments--United States
Sepulchral monuments industry
Smallman, Thomas F.
Smallman family
Somers family
Stephens, Annie W.
Stephens, Benjamin F.
Stephens family
Stevenson family
Stone, Gould, & Co, Designers and Builders
Sullivan, John W.
Sullivan family
Texter family
Tiefel family
Tombs & sepulchral monuments
Torrio, Johnny
Torrio Family
Umberto Innocenti and Richard K. Webel, Landscape Architects
Underground architecture
Upjohn, Hobart
VanRensselaer family
Vaults (Sepulchral)
W.F. Benedict & Son
W.W. Leland Co. Inc.
Walsh, James F.
Warren & Wetmore
Wesselman family
Wood family
Woolley family
Details: This document is dated but unsigned. Included within this document are the dimensions, materials, workmanship and working conditions to be used in the construction of the mausoleum.
Size: 8.5” x 13”
Drawing Material: Blueprint
Materials Noted: Stone, mortar, cement, glass and bronze.
Condition: Very good.
*See Item A, Specifications Document, for image.
Details: This piece of paper has numerous measurements and measurement additions written on it. Only 3 of the calculations have any type of note next to them - these are on the left column and say “at __ front,” “and side,” “other side,” and “rear.”
Size: 5.5” x 8”
Drawing Material: Blueprint
Condition: Good. The paper is yellowed with age and has a little wear and tear around the edges.
Details: This blueprint outlines in great detail the entrance and front of the mausoleum. Four steps lead up to the entranceway. Four Corinthian-style columns flank the doors (two on each side), with four additional columns on either side of the building. The front door has a decorative frieze above it, with a lintel above that. The family name is carved and sunken into the cement work. Above the family name is a peaked roof made up of three cement slabs. The top of the mausoleum is a large glass dome with a decorative topper that looks almost crown-like. The dome is ornately designed with carvings around the edges and three windows at the front, bottom part of the dome.
Size: 30” x 36.4”
Drawing Material: Blueprint
Condition: Very good. There is wear and tear around the edges and there are visible fold lines. However, the blueprint is clear and readable.
Date: Green-Wood approval date: April 11, 1923
Details: This view of the back of the mausoleum is very similar to the front elevation, except there is a large window instead of a doorway. The back wall has visible slabs making up the wall. Eight (8) columns are shown for the back of the mausoleum. The dome is round so the glass and window outlines are the same as the front of the plan. The datum line is noted at the bottom of the plan.
Size: 30.3” x 36.5”
Drawing Material: Blueprint
Condition: Very good. The blueprint is clear and readable. The edges have some wear and tear with a fold line down the right side of the page.
Date: Green-Wood approval date: April 11, 1923
Details: From this view both the inner and outer parts of the mausoleum are visible. For the outside, we see the dome, the side columns and vents on the ceiling. The inner part shows a decorative sarcophagus and the outline of the back window.
Size: 30.2” x 36”
Drawing Material: Blueprint
Materials Noted: Glass, bronze
Notes/Markings: Each separate area is noted where a window will be as well as the art glass window at the back of the mausoleum. The sarcophagus will have inscriptions on it and the vents will be of perforated bronze.
Condition: Very good. The blueprint is slightly faded, but still very readable. There are fold lines down the page and minimal wear and tear around the edges. There are staple holes along the top of the plan.
Details: This blueprint gives more detail as to the designs to be used inside the mausoleum. The outline of the mausoleum is clear and detailed with side columns, the entrance way and the lower glass domed roof are visible, as well as the domed roof above it that is the top of the mausoleum. The stained glass window at the rear of the mausoleum is noted as well. The sarcophagus spaces are also delineated, and the outer ornamental walls are shown.
Size: 30” x 36.2”
Drawing Material: Blueprint
Materials Noted: Glass, bronze & masonry
Notes/Markings: There are lots of notes on this blueprint: On a decorative dias in the center of the mausoleum reads: “Emblems, three degrees of masonry entered apprentice fellow graft north south.” Above this note on the glass window at the rear of the mausoleum: “Art Glass Window With Protective Plate Glass ½” in Cast Bronze Frame.” On the left side, inside a sarcophagus reads: “Sarcophagus at Rear to Contain Three Small Bodies.” On one of the pillars on the left side it reads: “Bases, Grafts & Caps.” Inside the lower glass dome a note reads: “Golden Glass Dome. Cast bronze Frame.” At the top, on the base of the domed roof a note reads: “MANHOLE 18” DIAM.”
Condition: Very good. There is minimal wear and tear around the edges of the plan and staple holes along the top of the plan. There are fairly deep fold lines in the paper, but nothing that affects the readability of the plan itself.
Details: This side view outlines the side of the mausoleum in detail. There is a window and six visible columns. The side view also notes the lower peaked roof, followed by the higher glass dome and then domed roof. The base of the mausoleum is also noted with vents along the bottom of the center side. Cement slabs make up the walls and a decorative wainscoting is along the first flat part of the roof. The grade line is also noted.
Size: 30.1” x 36”
Drawing Material: Blueprint
Materials Noted: Bronze
Notes/Markings: Along one of the right side columns it says: “All Shafts of Columns & Pilasters Polished.” the bottom of the top dome reads: “Ventilation Bronze Grille.”
Condition: Very good. There is some minor wear and tear around the edges and fold lines, but nothing affects the plan itself.
Details: This blueprint outlines the entire foundation of the mausoleum and its lot. This includes the walkway from the street to the lot and the land around it.
Size: 13.7” x 13.2”
Drawing Material: Blueprint
Condition: Very good. The plan is a little faded and there are small staple holes along the top.
Scale: ½” = 1ft.
Details: The plan is split into two, with the top part of the plan called “Plan” and the lower plan called “Section.” The “Section” plan from the left shows the entrance to the mausoleum from the street with 28 steps leading to the mausoleum. The lower three (3) steps have “Entrance to IMRE KIRALFY MEMORIAL” carved into them. This blueprint also has the foundation depth from the steps to the ground. The upper plan outlines the steps size and length from the mausoleum plots border.
Size: 33.4” x 20”
Drawing Material: Blueprint
Materials Noted: Granite.
Notes/Markings: The bottom of the steps has a note that says: “Granite Steps Lower Section of Kiralfy Path - Scale ½” = 1’ Risers 6 ¼” - Wash on All Steps.”
Condition: Very Good. There is minor wear and tear around the edges of the plan.
Details: This plan illustrates the entire foundation of the mausoleum. The shaded parts are walls or solid areas with the non-shaded portions open or inside areas.
Size: 28.5” x 29.8”
Drawing Material: Blueprint
Condition: Fair. The plan is faded with large holes along the left side of the plan. There are two torn pieces of the blueprint on the right side of the plan. There is a fold line down the center of the plan.
Details: See Item J in this series
Drawing Material: Blueprint
Condition: Fair. The edges of the plan have a lot of wear and tear, specifically along the right side. There are tears in the center of the paper as well. There are creases on the paper and a fold lines in the center of the plan.
Details: This blueprint gives a bird’s eye view of the entire mausoleum. All 16 outer columns are noted as well as 4 inner ones. The stairs leading up to the entranceway are shown as well as the doorway to the inside of the mausoleum itself. The center of the plan notes a bronze urn. The windows on each wall of the inner mausoleum are also noted.
Size: 30” x 36”
Drawing Material: Blueprint
Materials Noted: Bronze
Notes/Markings: “shelves for incinery urns” on top right corner
Condition: Good. Visible wear and tear around the edges of the plan and visible creases.
