New York's Historic Armories

Nancy L. Todd

Description

Winner of the 2007 Excellence in Historic Preservation Award presented by the Preservation League of New York State
Winner of the 2007 Building Typology Award presented by the Metropolitan Chapter of the Victorian Society in America

New York's Army National Guard armories are among the most imposing monuments to the role of the citizen soldier in American military history. In New York's Historic Armories, Nancy L. Todd draws on archival research as well as historic and contemporary photographs and drawings to trace the evolution of the armory as a specific building type in American architectural and military history. The result of a ten-year collaboration between the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation and the New York State Division of Military and Naval Affairs, this illustrated history presents information on all known armories in the state as well as the units associated with them, and will serve as a valuable reference for readers interested in general, military, and architectural history.

Built to house local units of the state's volunteer militia, armories served as arms storage facilities, clubhouses for the militiamen, and civic monuments symbolizing New York's determination to preserve domestic law and order through military might. Approximately 120 armories were built in New York State from the late eighteenth century to the middle of the twentieth, and most date from the last quarter of the nineteenth century, when the National Guard was America's primary domestic peacekeeper during the post–Civil War era of labor-capital unrest. Together, New York's armories chronicle the history of the volunteer militia, from its emergence during the early Republican Era, through its heyday during the Gilded Age as the backbone of the American military system, to its early twentieth-century role as the nation's primary armed reserve force.
Foreword
by Governor George E. Pataki

Foreword
by Commissioner Bernadette Castro

Foreword
by Major General Joseph J. Taluto

Acknowledgments
Introduction

A Brief Overview of the History of the New York Army National Guard
A Brief Overview of the Arsenal as a Building Type
A Brief Overview of the Armory as a Building Type
A Brief Glossary of Architectural Terms
A Brief Overview of the Arrangement of the Book

1. History of the Army National Guard

Colonial Era to the War of 1812
The Antebellum Era
Mid-nineteenth-century Changes in the New York Militia
The Civil War and the Draft Riots of July 1863
Post–Civil War Era: Labor-Capital Conflict
Press Coverage: The National Guard and Labor Disputes
Early 1880s to Late 1890s: Camp Smith, the Consolidation Act of 1882 and the Armory Law of 1884
1900 to World War II
Post–World War II History of the National Guard

2. Arsenals and Armories Built in New York State during the Republican, Antebellum and Civil War Eras

Earliest Armories and Arsenals to the 1830s
Arsenals and Armories in New York City from the 1840s to the Early 1860s
The State’s 1858 Arsenal Building Program

3. Armories Built in New York City during the 1870s and in Upstate New York during the 1870s and 1880s

4. The Seventh Regiment Armory

Early Nineteenth-century History of the Regiment
The Regiment during the Civil War and Gilded Age
The Seventh Regiment during the Twentieth Century
Earlier Homes of the Seventh

5. Armories Built in Brooklyn and Manhattan during the 1880s and 1890s

6. Upstate Armories Designed by Isaac G. Perry between 1888 and 1899

Architectural Features
Ceremonies and Press Coverage

7. Armories Built in New York City between 1900 and World War I

Noncastellated-style Armories in New York City: 1900 to World War I
Castellated-style Armories in New York City: 1900 to World War I

8. Armories Built in Upstate New York between 1900 and World War I

New York’s Office of the State Architect
The Motivation behind Armory Construction between 1900 and World War I
The Architectural Design and Decoration of Armories by Heins, Ware and Pilcher

9. Armories Built in New York State between World War I and World War II

Hiatus in Armory Building: 1920s
The Armory as Civic Center
William E. Haugaard: 1930s
New York City Armories: 1930s
Funding for Armories: The PWA and WPA Programs

Conclusion
Notes
Bibliography
Appendix I Arsenals and Armories by Location
Appendix II Notes on Architects and Architectural Firms
Index

Sujets

• History of architecture

Informations

• Publié par: State University of New York Press
• Date de parution: 14 septembre 2006
• Nombre de lectures: 0
• EAN13: 9780791480991
• Langue: English
• Poids de l'ouvrage: 86 Mo

Extrait

N A N C Y L . T O D D

NewYork’sHistoric Armories AnIllustratedHistory

New York’s Historic Armories

New York’s Historic Armories

An Illustrated History

N ANCY L. T ODD

State University of New York Press

Published by State University of New York

© 2006 State University of New York

All rights reserved

Printed in the United States of America

No part of this book may be used or reproduced in any manner whatsoever without written permission. No part of this book may be stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any form or by any means including electronic, electrostatic, magnetic tape, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise without the prior permission in writing of the publisher.

For information, address State University of New York Press, 194 Washington Avenue, Suite 305, Albany, NY 12210-2384

Production by Dana Foote Marketing by Fran Keneston

Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data

Todd, Nancy L. New York’s historic armories : an illustrated history / Nancy L. Todd. p. cm. Includes bibliographical references and index. ISBN-13: 978-0-7914-6911-8 (hardcover : alk. paper) ISBN-10: 0-7914-6911-5 (hardcover : alk. paper) 1. Armories—New York (State)—History. I. Title.

UF544.N48.T64 2006 355.7'5—dc22

10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1

2005036300

Contents

Foreword by Governor George E. Pataki

Foreword by Commissioner Bernadette Castro

Foreword by Major General Joseph J. Taluto

Acknowledgments

Introduction A Brief Overview of the History of the New York Army National Guard A Brief Overview of the Arsenal as a Building Type A Brief Overview of the Armory as a Building Type A Brief Glossary of Architectural Terms A Brief Overview of the Arrangement of the Book

Chapter 1 History of the Army National Guard Colonial Era to the War of 1812 The Antebellum Era Mid-nineteenth-century Changes in the New York Militia The Civil War and the Draft Riots of July 1863

vii

viii

ix

x

1

1 1 2 5 7

17 17 20 27 28

Post–Civil War Era: Labor-Capital Conflict Press Coverage: The National Guard and Labor Disputes Early 1880s to Late 1890s: Camp Smith, the Consolidation Act of 1882 and the Armory Law of 1884 1900 to World War II Post–World War II History of the National Guard

Chapter 2 Arsenals and Armories Built in New York State during the Republican, Antebellum and Civil War Eras Earliest Armories and Arsenals to the 1830s Arsenals and Armories in New York City from the 1840s to the Early 1860s The State’s 1858 Arsenal Building Program

Chapter 3 Armories Built in New York City during the 1870s and in Upstate New York during the 1870s and 1880s

Chapter 4 The Seventh Regiment Armory Early Nineteenth-century History of the Regiment The Regiment during the Civil War and Gilded Age The Seventh Regiment during the Twentieth Century Earlier Homes of the Seventh

30 31

33 34 36

39 39

40 40

77

101 101 105 119 121

v

vi

Chapter 5 Armories Built in Brooklyn and Manhattan during the 1880s and 1890s

Chapter 6 Upstate Armories Designed by Isaac G. Perry between 1888 and 1899 Architectural Features Ceremonies and Press Coverage

Chapter 7 Armories Built in New York City between 1900 and World War I Noncastellated-style Armories in New York City: 1900 to World War I Castellated-style Armories in New York City: 1900 to World War I

Chapter 8 Armories Built in Upstate New York between 1900 and World War I New York’s Office of the State Architect The Motivation behind Armory Construction between 1900 and World War I The Architectural Design and Decoration of Armories by Heins, Ware and Pilcher

123

149 151 155

189

191

192

215 215

216

217

Chapter 9 Armories Built in New York State between World War I and World War II Hiatus in Armory Building: 1920s The Armory as Civic Center William E. Haugaard: 1930s New York City Armories: 1930s Funding for Armories: The PWA and WPA Programs

Conclusion

Notes

Bibliography

Appendix I Arsenals and Armories by Location

Appendix II Notes on Architects and Architectural Firms

Index

243 243 243 248 249 249

271

277

287

293

303

313

Foreword

As I travel around New York State, I am always impressed with the vast number and variety of its historic and cultural resources. A great deal can be learned about our history and people by studying institutions that were established to safeguard our population and to ensure the overall growth of civilization. New York’s role as a national and global power gave its leaders the impetus to erect many outstanding facilities that testify to America’s proud and thriving military tradition. For many years, I have been especially interested in recognizing and protecting this extraordinary military legacy, not only for our education and enjoyment today, but also for the benefit of future gen- erations. This attractive and engaging book highlights New York’s large and distinguished group of historic armories—national treasures associated with a revered history of security and peacekeeping. Over the past several years, thanks to the commitment and hard work of state and local governments, private individuals and organiza- tions, we have made tremendous progress in preserving New York’s military heritage. The New York State Division of Military and Naval Affairs has played a key role in advancing these important efforts. High on the list of accomplishments is the opening of the New York State Military Museum and Veterans Research Center in Saratoga Springs. Housed in a former armory, the museum is dedicated to the preservation and interpretation of our state’s extensive collection of military artifacts. With the help of the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation, the state’s historic military flags are being preserved for safekeeping and exhibition at the museum. This comprehensive history is the latest initiative to recognize our rich military heritage. I am confident that this book will further our understanding and appreciation of the state’s historic armories and their contribution to safeguarding our communities and citizens.

With imposing towers, stately battlements and massive drill halls, the armories remain some of our most prominent civic landmarks and offer new and exciting possibilities for improving the quality and character of our hometowns. These familiar properties are certainly valuable assets worthy of preservation and renewal. With the cooperation and support of public and private partners, we have the opportunity to rejuvenate our armories so that they can once again play active and productive roles in their communities and the state. I hope you enjoy this book and thank you for your interest in historic preservation. —George E. Pataki Governor, State of New York

vii

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Foreword

I am delighted to join Governor Pataki and Major General Taluto in introducing this splendid history of New York State armories. We have one of the oldest, largest and most distinguished collections of historic Army National Guard armories in the country. These monumental buildings played an important role in the development of New York’s armed forces and became civic centers in their communities. This publi- cation presents an informative overview of the entire collection. Begun in the late eighteenth century, New York’s extensive armory building program had a significant impact on the development of communities across the state. These major construction projects employed hundreds of workers and involved some of the state’s most prominent architects. While most armories shared similar plans, incor- porating offices in front and drill halls in the rear, many also included fashionable architectural details. Through the years, the armories were not only important centers of military affairs but also hosted a variety of community activities, such as sporting and social events. This book draws upon a survey of historic armories by the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation and the New York State Division of Military and Naval Affairs. The sur- vey was also used to prepare a National Register Multiple Property Documentation Form, which became the basis for listing numerous armories on the State and National Registers of Historic Places. This recognition has helped to increase our appreciation of the significance of these structures in state history. As New York’s State Historic Preservation Officer for the past eleven years, it has been an honor to oversee the identification and preservation of these historic properties. I am particularly grateful to Nancy Todd of the Historic Preservation Field Services Bureau for her outstanding contribution to the armory project. She played a signifi- cant role in documenting this extraordinary legacy, and this book is a reflection of her excellent work.

Today, many of the historic armories are underused or have become obsolete. Safeguarding this remarkable collection presents both challenges and exciting possibilities. Over the past several years, the state has been exploring public and private opportunities to reju- venate these assets. Thanks to the Governor’s encouragement and our agency’s partnership with the Division of Military and Naval Affairs, we are confident that these treasures will remain vital resources in their communities.

—Bernadette Castro Commissioner, New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation State Historic Preservation Officer

Foreword

As the men and women of our New York National Guard continue their great tradition of defending freedom for their fellow citizens, we applaud this exceptional and unique opportunity to remember the past through the beautiful architectural structures that make up the foun- dation of our force. Our state militia dates back before the American Revolution. Even the term National Guard was first used in 1824 by a unit of the New York militia. New York went on to establish the first National Guard aviation unit in 1915 when the First Aero Company formed on Long Island. Today, New York’s National Guard has evolved into an effec- tive twenty-first-century force that is ready, responsive and willing to go wherever the call to duty takes them. Our service men and women need and deserve facilities that provide the modern training, and thanks to Governor George E. Pataki’s leadership, our soldiers and airmen have or will soon be moving into the armories that will help to keep them ready, proficient and resolute. But as we replace older armories, we cannot forget those of our communities who came before us. New York State’s armories are reminders of the deep personal commitment the New York National Guard’s men and women have shown throughout our nation’s history. As our armories are replaced with more modern training facilities, many are remaining what they always were—fixtures of their communities. Recognizing the importance of the New York National Guard throughout our state’s history, Governor Pataki has made projects such as this book, the restoration of numerous armories within the Empire State, the preservation of our state’s extensive collection of military artifacts and the opening of the New York State Military Museum and Veterans Research Center in Saratoga Springs all possi- ble as means of safeguarding this history.

I wish to thank Governor Pataki, Commissioner Bernadette Castro from the Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation and the numerous state and local leaders for their steadfast support in ensuring the long-standing tradition of New York’s honorable and remarkable military legacy portrayed in this unique book for genera- tions to come to learn and grow from. —Joseph J. Taluto Major General, New York Army National Guard The Adjutant General

ix

x

Acknowledgments

There are numerous individuals and organizations whose help and support made this book possible. I am particularly grateful to my col- leagues at the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation:

Kathleen LaFrank Raymond W. Smith Peter D. Shaver James P. Warren Mark L. Peckham David J. Meyersburg Austin O’Brien Ruth L. Pierpont

Many officials at the New York State Division of Military and Naval Affairs and the New York State Military Museum and Veterans Research Center also provided invaluable assistance, especially the following:

Colonel (ret.) William W. Knox Major (ret.) Gayle N. Carpenter Colonel Michael J. Stenzel Thomas C. Duclos Christopher S. Morton

Renee K. Hylton of the National Guard Bureau was instrumental in initiating the project in 1992 and has remained its champion ever since.

In addition, staff at the following organizations were extraordinarily gracious and helpful:

New York State Brooklyn Public Library, Brooklyn Broome County Historical Society, Binghamton Buffalo and Erie County Historical Society, Buffalo Cayuga County Museum, Auburn City of New York, Department of Parks and Recreation, New York City Corning Historical Society, Corning Fenton Historical Society, Jamestown Franklin County Historical and Museum Society, Malone Geneva Historical Society, Geneva Greater Oneonta Historical Society, Oneonta Landmark Society of Western New York, Rochester McKinney Library, Albany Institute of History and Art, Albany Medina Area Chamber of Commerce, Medina Museum of the City of New York, New York City New York City Landmarks Preservation Commission, New York City New York State Historical Association, Cooperstown New York State Library, Albany New York State Military Museum and Veterans Research Center, Saratoga Springs Office of the City Historian, Dunkirk Ogdensburg Public Library, Ogdensburg Oneida County Historical Society, Utica Onondaga Historical Association, Syracuse