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
Scale: ¾” = 1'
Details: The front of the mausoleum includes many steps leading to the entrance doors. Four Grecian Doric fluted columns stand on the platform and support the architrave, which is decorated with “SCHMADEKE” in raised letters. The frieze is decorated with triglyphs and guttae, and the pediment is solid. The approximate grade line is indicated, and a note by the family name in the architrave reads, “Letters Sq. Raised ½”.”
Drawing Material: Black ink on paper.
Notes/Markings: Contains the dated and signed stamp of approval by Green-Wood’s superintendent, but it is illegible. In the bottom right corner is the title block with C.E. Tayntor’s company name and address, the name of the mausoleum and its order number, scale, and stock of granite (Barre).
Condition: Discolored with smudged fingerprints throughout; brittle and torn on the right edge. The left edge has three brad holes.
Scale: ¾” = 1'
Details: This plan is similar to Item A except there is no “SCHMADEKE” indicated in the architrave. In its place are measurements for the width of the architrave and the widths of the triglyphs and metopes. The general size of the mausoleum is noted to the left of the drawing title; it is 16’-0” x 38’10” x 22’2”.
Drawing Material: Black ink on paper.
Notes/Markings: See Item A in this series. A second stamp with C.E. Tayntor’s company name and address is to the right of the drawing title.
Condition: Brittle and torn on the right edge. The left edge has three brad holes.
Scale: ¾” = 1’
Details: The side of the mausoleum shows five defined courses, a platform where the columns are located, and three large steps (each of which contain several steps). The triglyphs and guttae continue around the mausoleum. There is one window near the front of the mausoleum. Measurements are given for the triglyphs, guttae, courses, foundation, window, capital, and capital projection. Two grade lines are shown, one for the right side and another for the left side. A note written in the roof reads, “Pat’d May 14, 1907”.
Drawing Material: Black ink on paper.
Notes/Markings: A stamped and signed approval by W. C. Grassau, Green-Wood Superintendent, is located on the right side of the drawing, though most of it is illegible. Grassau’s signature is also in the bottom right corner. The title block contains the name of the mausoleum, the order number, scale, and stock.
Condition: See Item B in this series.
Scale: ¾” = 1’
Details: The rear of the mausoleum has one window centered horizontally, closer to the roof than the foundation. Measurements are given for the architrave and its decorations, the courses, window, and projections. An approximate grade line is indicated.
Drawing Material: Black ink on paper.
Notes/Markings: The title block is located in the lower right corner. A stamped and signed approval is located above the title block. A second signature by the superintendent is located beneath the title block, dated September 2, 1913.
Condition: The right edge is discolored and the left edge has three brad holes.
Scale: ¾” = 1’
Details: This plan shows the interior of the back half of the mausoleum. Visible in this drawing are the rear and side windows, the decoration above the rear window, several columns, and space for the catacombs. A note in the pediment reads, “Pediment indicated by dotted lines mortise cut in roof stones to receive lugs cut on pediments.” The floor is to be “jointed to thickness where it sets on foundation walls.” Measurements are given for many elements, including foundation, columns, windows, and catacombs.
Drawing Material: Black ink on paper.
Materials Noted: Plate glass, stained glass, and bronze grills for the windows; granite floor.
Notes/Markings: See Item D in this series.
Condition: The left edge has three brad holes and some stains and the bottom edge has a small tear.
Scale: ¾” = 1'
Details: This plan is similar to Item E, except it has fewer notes and no side windows. This plan clearly indicates that there are to be four catacombs on both sides of the mausoleum for a total of eight.
Drawing Material: Black ink on paper.
Notes/Markings: See Item D in this series.
Materials Noted: Granite floor, slate shelves, marble tablets, plate glass, stained glass.
Condition: The left edge has three brad holes. There is slight discoloration on the left side of the drawing and along the right edge.
Details: This plan is a detail of the steps and buttresses as seen from the left side of the mausoleum, with various measurements provided.
Drawing Material: Black ink on paper.
Notes/Markings: The title block is located above the drawing, and an illegible stamp is to the right of the title block. A dated stamp with Superintendent W.C. Grassau’s signature is near the lower right corner.
Condition: Three brad holes on the left edge.
Scale: ¾” = 1’
Details: This plan shows the interior of the right half of the mausoleum. Four catacombs are located in the back by the rear window, and a side window (topped with the same decoration above the rear window) provides light for the vestibule. Various measurements are given and the foundation below ground is shown.
Drawing Material: Black ink on paper.
Materials Noted: Granite floor, bronze rosettes, bronze handles, bronze grille, plate glass, stained glass, bronze ventilating hanger.
Notes/Markings: The title block and two dated stamps with Superintendent W.C. Grassau’s signature are along the right edge of the drawing. Notes on each of the four catacombs read, “Bronze rosettes on catacomb tablets. Rosettes to have removable centers for insertion of handles. Bronze handles for removing tablets. 1 1/8” square holes to receive rosettes.”
Condition: Three brad holes on the left edge and slight discoloration along the right edge.
Details: This plan is a detail of the steps and buttresses as seen from above, with various measurements provided.
Drawing Material: Black ink on paper.
Notes/Markings: The title block and stamped/signed approval is located on the left side of the drawing, with another stamp of approval on the lower right side.
Condition: Three brad holes on the left edge.
Details: This aerial view shows the steps and buttresses leading up to the entrance, the four columns on the platform, the double entrance doors, vestibule with side windows, and rear room with window and eight catacombs all above the floor.
Drawing Material: Black ink on paper.
Materials Noted: Light veined Italian marble floor, bronze grille, plate glass, stained glass, slate shelves, ashlar construction, granite floor.
Notes/Markings: The title block and two stamps of approval are located toward the lower right corner. The steps and buttresses are to be “cut solid in one piece.” Each column has 20 flutes; the platform is made of one piece, the doors open on the inside, wainscot in the vestibule is 2” thick; the granite floor is in two pieces with a polished surface.
Condition: Three brad holes on the left edge.
Details: A general outline of the mausoleum is shown, with each section labeled with letters and an index below the drawing to explain the letters. Each section indicates a new level/height, and measurements are provided throughout the drawing.
Drawing Material: Black ink on paper.
Notes/Markings: The title block and a stamp of approval are located below the drawing, to the left of the index and another stamp of approval is to the right of the index.
Condition: Slightly smudged near the right edge; three brad holes on the left edge.
Scale: ¾” = 1'
Details: See Item A in this series.
Drawing Material: Blueprint
Notes/Markings: See Item A in this series.
Condition: Very discolored on the left half of the drawing. The lower right corner has a deep crease. Three brad holes on the left edge. Slightly embrittled throughout.
Scale: ¾” = 1'
Details: See Item B in this series.
Drawing Material: Blueprint
Notes/Markings: See Item B in this series.
Condition: Slightly brittle throughout with a crease in the lower right corner and three brad holes on the left edge. Slight discoloration along the left edge.
Scale: ¾” = 1'
Details: See Item B in this series.
Drawing Material: Blueprint
Notes/Markings: See Item B in this series. The second stamp of approval was signed in red pencil and covers the bottom of the title block.
Condition: Brittle throughout with a tear in the top edge and three brad holes on the left edge. Slight discoloration along the left edge. The right edge is folded over.
Scale: ¾” = 1’
Details: See Item C in this series.
Drawing Material: Blueprint
Notes/Markings: See Item C in this series. The second stamp of approval was signed in red pencil.
Condition: Brittle throughout with a tear in the top edge and several tears along the right edge. Three brad holes along the left edge.
Scale: ¾” = 1’
Details: See Item C in this series.
Drawing Material: Blueprint
Notes/Markings: See Item C in this series.
Condition: Creased in the lower right corner; three brad holes on the left edge. Encapsulated in Mylar.
Scale: ¾” = 1’
Details: See Item D in this series.
Drawing Material: Blueprint
Notes/Markings: See Item D in this series. The second stamp of approval was signed in red pencil.
Condition: The left edge has three brad holes and the lower right corner is bent up. There is a small tear on the right edge and small stains near the top of the drawing.
Scale: ¾” = 1’
Details: See Item D in this series.
Drawing Material: Blueprint
Notes/Markings: See Item D in this series.
Condition: The left edge has three brad holes and the lower right corner is creased and ripping. Small stains and discoloration near the top. Encapsulated in Mylar.
Scale: ¾” = 1’
Details: See Item E in this series.
Drawing Material: Blueprint
Materials Noted: See Item E in this series.
Notes/Markings: See Item E in this series. The second stamp of approval was signed in red pencil.
Condition: The left edge has three brad holes. The top and right edges have tears. Embrittled throughout.
Scale: ¾” = 1’
Details: See Item E in this series.
Drawing Material: Blueprint
Materials Noted: See Item E in this series.
Notes/Markings: See Item E in this series.
Condition: The left edge has three brad holes and the lower right corner is creased and ripping. Encapsulated in Mylar.
Scale: ¾” = 1’
Details: See Item F in this series.
Drawing Material: Blueprint
Notes/Markings: See Item F in this series. The second stamp of approval was signed in red pencil.
Materials Noted: See Item F in this series.
Condition: The left edge has three brad holes. The top and right edges have tears. Encapsulated in Mylar.
Scale: ¾” = 1’
Details: See Item F in this series.
Drawing Material: Blueprint
Notes/Markings: See Item F in this series.
Materials Noted: See Item F in this series.
Condition: The left edge has three brad holes and the lower right corner is creased and ripping. Encapsulated in Mylar.
Details: See Item G in this series.
Drawing Material: Blueprint
Notes/Markings: See Item G in this series.
Condition: Very good.
Details: See Item G in this series.
Drawing Material: Blueprint
Notes/Markings: The title block is located above the drawing, and a stamp of approval, signed in black ink by W.C. Grassau, is located in the lower right corner.
Condition: Slightly embrittled throughout with small tears on the left, right, and bottom edges. The bottom left corner is folded up and the bottom right corner is creased. There are brad holes along the right edge.
Scale: ¾” = 1’
Details: See Item H in this series.
Drawing Material: Blueprint
Materials Noted: See Item H in this series.
Notes/Markings: See Item H in this series.
Condition: Embrittled throughout with three brad holes on the left edge, a deep crease in the lower right corner, and tears along the left, top, and right edges. Encapsulated in Mylar.
Scale: ¾” = 1’
Details: See Item H in this series.
Drawing Material: Blueprint
Materials Noted: See Item H in this series.
Notes/Markings: Similar to Items H and Y except parts of this plan are more faded and the second stamp of approval was signed in red pencil.
Condition: Embrittled throughout with three brad holes on the left edge, a piece missing from the bottom edge, and tears along all four edges. Encapsulated in Mylar.
Details: See Item I in this series.
Drawing Material: Blueprint
Notes/Markings: See Item I in this series.
Condition: Has a deep crease down the center of the plan.
Details: See Item I in this series.
Drawing Material: Blueprint
Notes/Markings: One stamp of approval, signed in black ink, is located (upside down) in the upper left corner. Title block to the left of the drawing.
Condition: Brad holes on the left edge, parts of the lower left corner missing, small tears along the left, bottom, and right edges. Encapsulated in Mylar.
Details: See Item J in this series.
Drawing Material: Blueprint
Materials Noted: See Item J in this series.
Notes/Markings: See Item J in this series.
Condition: Holes along the left and right edges; tears along the bottom and right edges; small pieces missing from both right corners. Encapsulated in Mylar.
Details: See Item J in this series.
Drawing Material: Blueprint
Materials Noted: See Item J in this series.
Notes/Markings: Similar to Items J and CC except the second stamp of approval is above the title block and was signed in red pencil.
Condition: Brittle with holes along the left and bottom edges and tears along all four edges.
Details: See Item K in this series.
Drawing Material: Blueprint
Notes/Markings: See Item K in this series.
Condition: There is a deep crease extending from the center of the top edge to the center of the bottom edge. Small tears on all four edges.
Details: See Item K in this series.
Drawing Material: Blueprint
Notes/Markings: Similar to Items K and EE except there are no stamps of approval.
Condition: Brittle with brad holes along the left edge, many tears along the top edge, a small piece missing from the upper right corner, and several small tears along the bottom edge. Encapsulated in Mylar.
Details: See Item K in this series.
Drawing Material: Blueprint
Notes/Markings: The title block is located below the drawing with a stamp of approval signed in red pencil located in the lower right corner. There are pencil markings in each section. “Cancelled” is written across the plan in red pencil.
Condition: Brittle with a large portion of the right edge missing and tears on all four edges. Brad holes are on the left edge. Encapsulated in Mylar.
Details: Contains a title page and 6 pages of instructions for the general conditions for and materials to be used in the construction of the mausoleum.
Drawing Material: Typewritten on paper with additions in pencil.
Materials Noted: Concrete, light Barre granite, La Farge cement, slate, light veined Italian marble, stained glass, plate glass, United States Standard bronze.
Notes/Markings: The bottom right corner of each page (except the title page) has a stamp of approval signed and dated in pencil. Some pages have notes written in pencil to correct the typewritten instructions.
Condition: Some discoloration/staining on the title page and staple holes along the right edge of each page. Horizontal crease mark through the center of each page.
