New York’s Open House

Huntington Free Library

By Miamichelle Abad

Open House New York held its weekend showcase on October 11th and 12th, giving the public an inside peek at historical landmarks, residential suites and cultural spaces across the five boroughs. The organization aims to foster an appreciation for the city’s architecture.

Although certain tours required advance reservations, venues like the Huntington Free Library and the Edgar Allan Poe Cottage in the Bronx had free admission.

Huntington Free Library

Huntington Free Library

At its core, the creation of the Huntington Free Library is a love story. Peter C. Van Shaick wanted to build a library to honor his wife and left this wish in his will. When presented to the then town of Westchester (now known as Westchester Square), the residents rejected the offer due to potential taxes they’d have to pay to maintain it.

The balcony that was added in 1891 as an apartment for the librarian.

Shaick’s estate hired church architect, Frederick C. Withers, who built the library from 1882-1883. After sitting vacant for about seven years, Collis P. Huntington re-endowed the library and in 1891 the back piece balcony was added.

Huntington wanted the library to foster learning and fun so people of all ages could read and play board games.

Huntington officially opened the library in 1892. In 2012 the prime time hit Boardwalk Empire filmed at the library and even fixed up a few bookshelves and shutters. Library President Thomas Casey says Huntington intends to make this a free library “open to people of all races, creeds and ages.”

His wife, Sharon Casey, volunteers alongside her husband and says her favorite part about volunteering is “keeping the history alive.” Today the library still opens for special events, lectures and on the first Wednesday of each month for meetings.

The Edgar Allan Poe Cottage

The cottage resides beside a park against the backdrop of the modern Bronx. This quaint abode has housed many people, but the most mysterious tenant has to be Edgar Allan Poe.

This room was the last place Virginia stayed in before her death.

Known for his dark poems, Poe thought that the countryside air at what is now Kingsbridge Road would cure his wife Virginia’s tuberculosis. Within a year of their residence, Virginia passed away in 1847.

Tour guide, Neil Ralley, pointed out that Poe remained in the Bronx until 1849, suggesting that the writer preferred taking long walks by the trees to the hustle and bustle of Manhattan. Ralley described Poe as an interesting character.

An artist’s interpretation of Edgar Allan Poe, sits in the living area of the cottage.

“People have different views on him and he’s interesting to speculate about,” said Ralley. “There are so many unknowns about him.” Ironically, Poe was poor and Ralley noted that the only moments where he gained a decent wage was when he worked as an editor.

Its been said that Poe would have written his great pieces at this desk as well as other parts of the house.