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March 16, 2008 :: Jefferson Market Library / Courthouse

While wandering around lower Manhattan enjoying the rare sunny and warm late winter's day, I stumbled upon a building at the intersection of 10th St and 6th Ave that resembled none other in this jungle of structured concrete and stone. With its soaring clock tower, Gothic pointed arches, and beautiful stained glass windows all in a fortress-like configuration, I wondered if this place, too, had once been a castle similar to Bannerman's. Once again I took to the Internet after arriving back at my Chelsea apartment in order to find out what the story is and was for this impressive edifice.

The Jefferson Market Library, currently a part of the extensive New York City Public Library System and formerly part of the New York City judicial system as the Jefferson Market Courthouse, was constructed in 1875-1877. It was the courthouse for the City's 3rd Judicial District and contained rooms for the police court, civil court, and a women's prison which stretched down 10th St. The enormous clock tower was erected as a replacement for a wooden fire lookout which had been dwelling amongst the Jefferson Market sheds since 1833. Inside the courthouse took place several trials of historical significance including that of Harry Thaw who was convicted of the 1906 murder of Stanford White, a famous architect of the time. Broadway musical lovers may recognize these names from the 1998 Terrence McNally production named Ragtime (Harry and Stanford were part of a love triangle with Evelyn Nesbit, a chorus girl, in the middle).

In 1945 the NYC Police Academy moved into the Courthouse, but in 1958 its doors closed and the building was officially no longer in use. The Jefferson Market Courthouse was saved from demolition by the residents of Greenwich Village who petitioned the City not to destroy this beautiful and unique building. The residents, led mostly by Margot Gayle, restored, repaired, and cleansed the inside and outside of the building so that it could be used by the City as a branch of its public library system. The "new" Jefferson Market Library was opened in 1967 and today primarily features a collection of books and publications centered on the history of Greenwich Village.

After seeing this amazing building for myself and then learning about its history, it's no wonder to me why the Village's residents took such pride in this place which was once called one of the most beautiful buildings in the country. The sheer design of this building makes it look like a cross between a medieval keep and a roman catholic church. The round, spiral base tower that explodes into a gigantic square-shaped clock with a classic conical roofing makes it a marvel to see, especially after walking for several identical, square and quite plan looking blocks. When my eyes first met this unique, historic piece of living art, my mind's first reaction was "WOW! Look at that!" If you're ever in New York, I encourage you to visit this wing of the public library to see it for yourself.

Cheers from The City!

M@

(Sources: Image 1, http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/0/02/Jefferson_market_edit.jpg/200px-Jefferson_market_edit.jpg, Image 2, http://www.nancyhuntting.net/Jefferson-Mkt-Library.jpg. Jefferson Market Library, as seen on 16-Mar-2008, http://www.aviewoncities.com/nyc/jeffersonmarket.htm. New York Architecture Images-Jefferson Market Library, as seen on 16-Mar-2008, http://www.nyc-architecture.com/GV/GV028JeffersonMarketLibrary.htm)
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