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Post by dgriffin on Apr 10, 2009 21:04:45 GMT -5
Fiona, emailing to you july 24, 1948 OD article on Albright House, "Utica's Strangest House."
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Post by dgriffin on Apr 11, 2009 7:06:42 GMT -5
Article in the Utica Daily Press March 15, 1983
Great Fires of Utica
A mention of the GF Fire.
"Early on March 3,1896, a watchman at the sprawling, ultra-modern Genesee Flats apartment complex at the ' intersection of Genesee Street and Clinton Place spotted flames coming from a first-floor apartment. There was an apparent delay in turning in the alarm to firefighters and, within an hour, the seven-story. 70-apartment complex was in ruins. In the midst of the inferno, an elderly woman leaped from a fourth-floor balcony. (Not quite.) She died shortly after. From the" charred debris, firefighters pulled three bodies. (We DID establish that only Noble Hopkin's body was found, right? That the bodies of Sarah and Mary Wood were never found, although a ring was discovered in the ashes.) It was the first fatal residential fire in the city's history. (Now THAT is quite a claim.) A coroner's jury, empaneled to investigate the deaths, ruled that the fire had started in the cellar but was not able to determine a cause. It did make several other determinations, recommending that the apartment complex owners be severely censured for negligence in not instructing the night watchman to immediately pull a public fire alarm box; that the fire department be materially increased and make regular and frequent inspections of all large buildings; and that construction codes be adopted.
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Post by fiona on Apr 11, 2009 18:22:35 GMT -5
Dave, time goes by and buildings, fires, disasters, ect, become part of the myths that make up the social pathways, mores, the social fabric of a city. I am not surprised at this artical. It was obviously written as filler for the OD and no one cared to research it. But, the facts therein are wrong. Only Noble Hopkins remains were found, and of that, only the torso of his body. He was identified by a single gold cuff link, a gold watch on a chain and an engraved match box, found near his remains. His relatives identified these items as his. The body's of Mrs. Wood and her 15 year old daughter, Mary B. were never found, although some jewelry belonging to them was pulled from the ruins. As we also know, Mrs. Hughes did not jump, she fell and died the next morning , in great pain, at Albrights. I recently read an old artical that stated that Mrs Huges leapt from the top floor into the belly of the beast, the burning building below and that her body was consumed. I wish I had copied it, but there is only so much I can deal with. I took a photo of Albrights today. I find that artical on the house very interesting and I am sure there is a place for it here. Albrights was as much a part of it as anything else. I found it interesting that the author of the artical stated " Shortley after the house was built he was forced to sell it" Mr. and Mrs. A were wealthy persons. Why would they abandon their home and all their treasures, just sell out like that? Apparantly, whoever bought the house purchased everything as a package deal. What happened to them after the fire? This is a job for detective Dave!
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Post by dgriffin on Apr 11, 2009 23:06:09 GMT -5
Doing a little research on HC Albright, yes. The family came from Scranton, where H.C.'s father (possibly) was the chief sales agent for the Delaware and Hudson Canal, (which ran to the Hudson River about 15 miles south of me at Kingston.) His daughter, Helen, was married in 1900 at what was described as where her parents were living, The Terrace. Cermony later at St. Patrick's Church in Utica. H.C. is decribed elsewhere as the owner of a large wholesale coal company in (I think) east Utica. His daughter Helen married a civil engineer who worked for the Delaware and Hudson Company in Carbondale, Pa. There are personals in various Utica papers regarding Albright trips to Scranton, which was evidently their patriarchial home. H.C. and his brother, J.J. (junior, I guess) gave the land from the old homestead and money for a library to the city of Scranton.
The Albright home on Genesee St. was constructed by noted Utica builder John F. Hughes. In the obit of a carpenter who lived on Mary St., it's noted he did the finish carpentry on the Albright home.
Meanwhile, in the March 8, 1986 Sunday Observer, writers weigh in on "Cliff Dwellings."
Sunday Observer March 8, 1896
Some Opinions on Cliff Dwellings.
The recent fire in the Genesee Flats has changed many people's opinions as to the advisability of building high buildings in the city, and the following men, prominent in such matters, volunteer their opinions. Koselle Batch says: ''Large flats are a good institution when properly con- structed and when proper care is taken for the safety of the inmates. A good, steady, competent man should be appointed on salary as building inspector with the power to stop all buildings from going up that he considers unsafe. "This fire is in my mind a result of gross carelessness on the part of the managers. A man should be stationed near the fires at all times, day and night, and in any case the building should be fireproof. H. V. D. Horn savs: "As to the recent fire I will have nothing to say, but I will say that flats are very unnecessary in Utica, as there is enough land within the corporation limits to place a home for everybody on the ground or. in any case only one floor above it. " B. A. Clark savs that it /is his opinion the flre will kill the building of flats in Utica. Architect Gouge says: "It is my opinion that the fire will deter any person or company from building a flat in Utica that is over four or five stories high. There is enough room and that building was not erected right to start with. In my mind flats are a failure."
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Post by jon hynes on Apr 12, 2009 0:13:20 GMT -5
It's History is a Mystery!
Utica's Strangest House Is Mecca of Treasures
By TONY ROBERTS
Back in the 1880s well-to-do Americans were wandering all over the world in search of treasures which could be incorporated into their homes. One of these was H. C. Albright, a prosperous Utica wholesale coal dealer, who built Utica's strangest house, at 1424 Genesee. Now it is a tourist home, called the Manor.
Probably every tourist who has ever driven up Utica's main street has remarked, "I'll bet that place has a history."
Utican's however, have become so accustomed to its curved balconies, ornamental lronwork, circular port holes and long red granite dragon that they have long since ceased wondering about.
* * *
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Post by jon hynes on Apr 12, 2009 0:14:08 GMT -5
EVEN IT THEY were curious it wouldn't do much good. Neither the Public Library nor the Oneida Historical Society has much more than a few paragraphs on it. Nor has its present owner, Mrs. Catherine Casey, who has been surrounded with its oddities for seven years without being able to learn its whole history.
The house doesn't even rate in books the library has, covering Utica's foremost houses. It is not old enough to be antique, and its architecture is generally frowned upon by non-conservatives who think it an outstanding example of Victorian garishness.
* * *
MOST UNUSUAL PART of this unusual building is its front doorway, reputed to have cost Albright all of $10,000. So the rumor goes, the door, imported from India was three years late in arriving and for the first three years, the house lacked a permanent doorway.
It is an amazing work, entirely hand-carved in teak the world's heaviest wood. It is four inches thick, and from the street looks like intricate iron work.
* * *
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Post by jon hynes on Apr 12, 2009 0:14:52 GMT -5
ALBRIGHT IS supposed to have visited the Alhambra in Spain to get the inspiration for his house, thus the round port holes, jutting balconies, ornamental ironwork, and four crescents which are set on lightning rods a few feet over the roof. A three-story structure, the first floor is sheathed in a smooth-faced brick some 23 inches thick.
The second and third floors are of hexagonal shaped shingles.
* * *
THE HOUSE IS the acme of complexity, but the most complex scene of all is that which greets the visitor as he swings open the great front door and walks into hallway.
Under his feet is a brilliant imported tile in small blue, green, white, red and brown squares. Dead ahead is the doorway leading into the dining room which is partially reflected in a huge gilt mirror. To the left is the woven reed work that forms the stairwell and overhead is an enormous filigreed iron chandelier originally designed for gas lights, but since changed over to electricity.
Within the great hallway are pieces of teakwood furniture, including a stiff marble seated bench as heavy as a piano. A bronze incense burner, imported from India, stands on a pedestal next to a doorway leading into the library and a large marble statue stands guard in the center of the high chamber.
To the right is what was once a series of drawing rooms. They have been partitioned into rooms for the swelling tourist trade.
* * *
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Post by jon hynes on Apr 12, 2009 0:15:34 GMT -5
THE DINING ROOM has been retained in all its magnificence except for the priceless brass fire fire grate which was stolen during a later change of ownership and a badly-done job of dying the velvet that covers the walls. The walls are intricately paneled in split bamboo and in between the paneling is what is left of a gorgeously colored velvet. Originally it was two-toned in orange and blue, but other occupants tried unsuccessfully to change the color to something like purple.
The dining room floor is made of lignum vita, a South American wood, thought to be the hardest in the world. The fireplace is framed in still more colorful tiles, which abound within the building. In taking the grates the thieves missed the brasswork which frames the opening, probably even more costly than the grates.
* * *
THE HOUSE HAS seven fireplaces, each more ornamental than the other, Most of the ornamental work reaches all the way to the ceilings, some 12 feet above the floor.
Downstairs, the rooms are paneled in mahogany, just as effective now as it was when it was put in place.
* * *
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Post by jon hynes on Apr 12, 2009 0:16:53 GMT -5
HIGHPOINT of the second floor is also the hallway which features four or five genuine Louis IV pieces, all covered with gold leaf, including a gilt table covered with a multicolored slab of marble. The master suite once consisted of three rooms adjoined by sliding doors which have since been plastered up. The master bathroom has a marble tub about twice as deep as usual fixtures.
On the third floor, a room about half as large as what was the game room is uncrowded with quarters for four Utica College students.
Not many college students study in rooms lined with solid mahogany such as this is!
* * *
PRESENT - DAY BUILDERS would be amazed at the cellar of the house.
Instead of the heavy wooden beams common in houses of that period, this one is supported by steel girders, heavy enough, said one architect, to support a 15-story building. Also in the cellar is what was once a wine room. Even on the hottest days it remains so chilly you can almost see your breath. The wine has long since gone.
The house is still one of the most interesting in the city and it looks as though it might hold the title of Utica;s strangest dwelling for a good many years to come.
* * *
AFTER ALBRIGHT built the house, said to have cost about $100,000, he was forced to sell it. It;s next owner was Hart & Crouse heating firm. It then passed on to James Mitchel a wholesale paper dealer, who sold it to two men, who converted it into a tourist home in 1938.
Mrs Casey bought the place in 1941.
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Post by dgriffin on Apr 12, 2009 6:02:42 GMT -5
Thanks, Jon!!
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Post by dgriffin on Apr 12, 2009 7:16:55 GMT -5
This one's quite a story. The reporter really takes Northrup and Latcher to task for their lackadaisacal attitude after the fire. The entire city managemnt, from mayor to police chief, was upset with the two.
Then, the story tells of the experience of Mr. and Mrs. Cummings and 4 year old daughter, who were told to go back inside by the janitor as they exited the smoke filled building. He told them there was no fire! Moments later, said Mrs. Cummings, the entire building when up in sheets of flame.
Sunday Utica Observer, March 8, 1896
To STORM THE BIG WALL
City Surveypr Johnson Finally Instructed to Go Ahead. Dynamite is to be used A Oxxxx of the Powers Discovers that Northrup and Latcher Have Been D To Be Razed at Once Other news of the Fire
Crowds of people continue to visit the ruins of the Genesee flats, and they watch with curiosity and interest the operations of the workmen, but to stay there for any length of time, the onlooker must have the patience of Job, for the work drags along in a painful way, which is almost inhuman when it is remembered that beneath the piles of brick, and in the midst the debris there are three bodies. Decency demands that the walls be torn down at once and that when danger to workmen on the ruins is thus eliminated, The removal of the tangled mass be expedited, that loving relatives can at least know that the remains of those who perished have been taken from the steaming pile and accorded the rites common in our Christian land. Heathenism might find excuse for the tardiness which has disgraced our city in this matter, but there is none for Northrup and Latcher, or the authorities who have permitted them to be so dilatory. No other city on the continent would allow anything of the sort and citizens who always like to see things done properly and in order, feel the shame under which they must bow.
Northrup and Latcher had the sympathy of all in the disaster which came on so suddenly, and their position in that respect has been deplorable. But, beyond this, there is something to be considered of much greater moment than any pecuniary loss. Four lives were lost in the fire and three bodies, or what is left of them, now lie beneath the fallen pile. At first it was decided by the authorities to give them an opportunity to do the work under their own direction. The firm abused this privilege by proceeding about as slowly as it was possible to, and in the meantime hearts were torn by the knowledge that their own flesh and blood were in the ruins. The authorities have permitted this long enough. The firm was given every opportunity, even courtesy, but has failed to respond in the manner the public had the right to expect. Men have been pulling on ropes which were fastened to the upper portions of the brick work, and in this way a portion of wall has been torn down now and then. The system would seem ridiculous, were it not disgraceful. Yesterday some of the men, under xxxxxx of Sergeant Landers and his men, began digging in the piles of brick and took out a number of pieces of silverware, which of course was broken and blackened beyond recognition. Mayor Gibson happened to see them and at once ordered them to cease work of that sort until the front wall has been removed. He is determined that no one shall be injured in this way. He had a talk with the firm and was very emphatic in his statements to them that the wall must be razzed without delay. As a result a dynamite cartridge was used about 4 o'clock in the afternoon, but it was so placed that there was no resistance and only a few bricks fell. Yesterday afternoon another conference was held at which were present Mayor Gibson, City Surveyor Johnson. Chief of Police Dagwell Chief Dimbleby of the fire department and Corporation Counsel Watkins. It was finally decided by this body that Northrup & Latcher were not expeditious enough in the work of tearing down the walls. City surveyor Johnson was therefore instructed to continue the work which he commenced during the week of drilling the walls for the use of dynamite. Mr. Johnson said to a "Journal" reporter last evening that the walls would probably be destroyed with dynamite Monday morning about 9 or 10 o'clock, but it is quite certain that something will be done before that time. It was intended to go on with the work early last evening, but the high wind swayed the walls inside so much that it was deemed hazardous for the workmen to put in the cartridges. The wind dislodged several large sections of the wall during the evening. Yesterday the police officers at the ruins were refreshed from time to time at the homes of H. C. Albright. Hugh Glenn and Charles Brown, where coffee was kept steaming hot for them during the day. It was a kindness they appreciated. Among the experiences of the occupants of the flats, that of William H Cummings and family is particularly interesting. Mr. Cummings' family consists of himself, his wife and little daughter of about four years. Mr. Cummings says: I was awakened by an unusual noise in hallway and jumping out of bed opened the hall doer, when I discovered hall was full of smoke. I realized in an instant that the flats were on fire and that we were seven_ stories from the ground; also that what we did must be done quickly. I awakened my wife and wishing not to alarm her, said that there was some trouble downstairs. She immediately arose and discovering the smoke in our apartment exclaimed. “My God, Will, the flats are all on fire; can we get out! I told her that if we hurried we could. She then put on a wrapper, while I drew on my trousers, shoes and my hat, which were on a chair. I grabbed our little girl and my wife handed me some garments which I threw around the child's head, then taking her in my arms and telling my wife to take bold of my coat, I opened the door and we started downstairs. We did not realize until we descended one flight of stairs, how dense the smoke was. I knew I counted the flights as we descended. When we were partly down, my little girl was gasping on my shoulder and I was nearly suffocated myself. I asked my wife if she was all right and she said, Yes, Will, but hurry,” and I did, you bet. We were among the first out of the building. When I first opened the door and realised that the flats were on fire and that we were seven stories from the ground, to say I was frightened does not describe it. I was completely paralyzed. I am more than thankful that we had presence of mind to act quickly and coolly. When we reached the ground. I left my wife, who was barefooted, on the steps and carried our little girl over to Mr. Albright's, where I borrowed a pair of rubbers and returned for her. We saw no sign of fire when we reached Mr. Albright's residence, and soon after the occupants came pouring out." Mrs. Cummings states that while the smoke was very dense, yet when she was standing on the steps, waiting for Mr. Cummings to return, she did not see so very much fire: only now and then a spark which went up the elevator shaft. The elevator man was there and told her there was no fire, urging her to return upstairs. As soon as she reached the Albright residence she looked out the window and saw three large tongues of flame shoot up the elevator, each flame a few minutes apart followed by darkness and the next moment all seemed to be on fire. Mr. Cummings’ family are located at the Metropolitan Hotel and very much prostrated by the shock. S.N. Ruggles, manager of the xxxxx in house at Genesee and Columbia streets occupied a flat on the fifth floor. His experience was a lively one. He lowered his wife and some other ladies and then let himself down on a rope. He was somewhat overcome, and is now at Norwich.
END NO MORE
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Post by jon hynes on Apr 12, 2009 7:41:17 GMT -5
Metropolitan Hotel Fire - Utica, New York - May 23, 1907
Smoke Suffocates Two During Utica Hotel Fire
Several Other Persons, Overcome, Are Carried Out.
Utica, May 23. -- By a fire that caused less than $5,000 damage in the Metropolitan Hotel shortly after midnight, Mrs. Hannah S. Zintsmaster, an employee of the hotel, and George James, a guest, were suffocated in their rooms and died before the firemen got them to the street.
Six or seven persons were overcome with smoke and had to be carried out by the firemen and five or six who attempted to slide to safety down the ropes from their rooms were either injured by striking the walk too severely or had their hands badly lacerated.
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Post by jon hynes on Apr 12, 2009 7:41:52 GMT -5
The fire started at the bottom of the elevator shaft and shot to the top of the four-story building in a moment. Volumes of smoke poured out the elevator openings and filled the halls to such an extent that people could not find the stairways and some of them were unable to leave their rooms.
The firemen had no difficulty keeping the fire within the shaft but they had trouble reaching the rooms and getting the people out safely. They were aided greatly by the hotel employees, some of whom went through the halls breaking open the doors and dragging people by main strength to the open air.
Syracuse People in Hotel; One Has Narrow Escape
Mishel Shehadl of No. 110 Westcott street, a member of the firm of Shehadl Bros., was a guest at the Metropolitan Hotel at Utica, in which two people were suffocated during a fire which broke out at 12:05 o'clock yesterday morning. Mr. Shehadl escaped by sliding down a rope from the third floor. His hands were burned by the rope.
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Post by jon hynes on Apr 12, 2009 7:42:33 GMT -5
Other names appearing on the hotel register were: C. F. Cutter and wife, Syracuse, and J. Wilcox and wife, Syracuse.
The Post Standard, Syracuse, NY 24 May 1907
Utica, N. Y., May 23 -- A lighted cigarette tossed into the cellar of the Metropolitan hotel through an elevator shaft caused a fire this morning costing the lives of two persons and imperiled the lives of half a hundred guests. The dead:
ANNIE SULLIVAN, CHAMBERMAID
GEORGE A. JAMES, OF CLINTON, A GUEST
Several of the rescued are at hospitals in critical condition.
Coshocton Daily Age, Coshocton, OH 23 May 1907
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Post by dgriffin on Apr 12, 2009 8:01:44 GMT -5
AFTER ALBRIGHT built the house, said to have cost about $100,000, he was forced to sell it. It;s next owner was Hart & Crouse heating firm. It then passed on to James Mitchel a wholesale paper dealer, who sold it to two men, who converted it into a tourist home in 1938.Mrs Casey bought the place in 1941. Re the Albrights:The Albright House was donated to Planned Parenthood by way of a gift of $575,000 from Mr. and Mrs. Dewitt Wallace of Mt. Kisco, described in a 1977 OD article (about a Planned Parenthood event) as the “cofounders of Readers’ Digest.” Another article cites essentially the same information. It is from the September 22, 1974 OD, announcing Planned Parenthood had found a home. The Richfield Springs Mercury notes in their July 26, 1882 list of Arrivals, H.C. Albright and family, staying at the Grand Central Hotel. A nice feature of the newspaper, so visitors would know who else was in town. Quite a few arrivals, too. The place was more popular in the late 1800's than I had imagined. The Ward House, Richfield Springs.
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