|
Flat Iron Building,
NYC
The "First Skyscaper"
1902 |
|
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.
© John
Troesser
January
7, 2004
Texas | Texas
Towns | USA Travel | |
|
|