Need an escape from the world for just a little while? A place where you can be by yourself? We’ve got the keys.
Carl Raymond of The Gilded Gentleman podcast and his guest Keith Taillon invite you into one of the most historically exclusive spaces in New York City — the romantic and peaceful escape known as Gramercy Park.
This small two-acre square, constructed in the 1830s, has been called “America’s Bloomsbury”. Taking the reference from London’s famous neighborhood once home to many great writers and artists, New York’s Gramercy Park has similarly included noted cultural icons as architect Stanford White, actor Edwin Booth and the great politician Samuel Tilden.
Wandering along the park today it’s easy to gain a view back into the past — many of the original Greek Revival brick townhouses and brownstone mansions remain, some still in private hands.
The park in the center is one of the most unique places in America — it is a private park, not a city property and its upkeep has been managed since its inception in the early 19th century by the property owners around the park itself.
Writer and historian Keith Taillon joins Carl for this episode to look back into this hidden pocket of New York City’s past and unlock its history.
LISTEN NOW: THE HIDDEN WORLD OF GRAMERCY PARK
For more Gilded Gentleman, follow and subscribe to Carl’s show on Spotify, Apple and other podcast players. For more about Keith Taillon, visit his website and book a tour.
This summer Carl Raymond of the Gilded Gentleman Podcast and some very special guests are taking you to some of the most glamorous and relaxing places from the Gilded Age.
Take in the breathtaking views at the Vanderbilt Mansion in Hyde Park….
Retreat to the natural world of the Adirondaks and Great Camp Sagamore:
Gallivant through the lush Berkshire Mountains to visit a few grand 19th century estates
EPISODE ARRIVING JULY 22
Or vacation like Queen Victoria did, with a vist to her rural retreet Osborne House on the Isle of Wight
EPISODE ARRIVING AUGUST 6
FURTHER LISTENING
We have visited Gramercy Park (and other themes from this week’s show) in various Bowery Boys Podcasts over the years. If you’d like to spend a little more time with these topics, dive into one of these favorites: