Western Reserve chronicle. [volume] (Warren, Ohio) 1855-1921, 1861-09-11

Those who pass down Broadway in 1861
and admire the id-looking building
called the 'Astor, extending the whole
front of block, can have very little idea
Of the events that have transpired, and
the names that have figured in the city
history, who resided where the hotel now
stands.
Among the most eminent. Of course, was
john Jacob Astor. he lived at number
225 Broadway in large double house.
He lived IN the house great portion of
his life-certaiDly commenced 10 live there
as early as IS02 think Rufus King,
the founder Of the King family, OF this
city, built the house and sold it to Mr.. AS
tor.
When Mr.. Astor started in this city he
resided at No 40 Little Dock Street. (pow
Water.) He then moved to l49 Broad
way. He kept his office at II Liberty
Street.
In 1902 be moved his residence to 223
Broadway, and there be lived as late as
1926, when he gave up that house to his
son William B.
His neighbors who occupied houses fac
ing on Broadway. where the Astor House
now stands, were all prominent men. /
think the numbers were 223 to 237 Mr..
Astor, as l have said, lived at 223-north
of him, on the corner of Barclay, was 227.
That house was owned and occupied by
John G. COster. 1t Was the last property
purchased by Mr.. Astor to give him all
the land required to build his contemplat-
ed hotel. He had purchased all the other
portions at very low prices. Not over
$4,000 for lot and house of any price.
Mr.. Astor while he was making the pur-
chase of other property, had let no one in
to his secret intentions. Finally he went
to Mr.. Coster and told him frankly Cos
ter, am going to build hotel. want
the ground upon which your house stands.
1t is of no particular use to you; you can
go up Broadway, above Canal street, and
build palace with the money will give
you. Now wish you to name two friends,
and 1 will name one. The three shall fix
the value of No. 227. When they have
done so, add $4,000 to it, and l Will give
you check for the total amount, and you
can give me the deed for that property
The proposition, SO fair, and SO much
more than Mr.. COster expected, was ac-
cepted at once.
Mr.. Coster Immediately made his ar
rangements to build the house-palace it
Was-NO. 5l7 Broadway There he lived
until he died Then It was rented to the
famous Chinese Museum, brouaht from
Canton here. The house was finally called
the Chinese building, and still stands, a
portion of it let to model artists, or similar
amusement, that would horrify the moral
and virtuous John, could he return from
the spirit world. II
Between the house of Mr.. Astor, at 223
and of COster, 227, lived at No. 225, the
celebrated Davy Lydig 1 do not know
what price Mr.. AstOr paid him, he moved
out of the house preparatory to its being
torn down 1880, to No. 81 Laight street
and there he lived until he died in 1910.
I think his son lives there yet. Hisname
was Philip.
David Lydig was one of band If mer-
chants that built up New York, and L will
not pass the name now without further
mention. 1t is almost extinct, and yet no
'tirm has been more honored.
David Lydig mus. have been an older
man than John Jacob AstOr, for be started
in the -four business. on his own account.
in 1890, at No. 81 Peck Slip, and lived
over his store He afterwards took a res
idence at 55 Beekman. and there he lived
for many years-in fact, until 1915
when he moved to 225 Broadway.
In 1924 old David took into business
his son Philip at 100 South street, and the
firm was for many years after David Ly-
dig g. Son
David Lydig was in very prominent
bank and insurance Company for nearly
half century. He was prominent mer-
chant In 1890, and died in 1910. | be-
lieve he had retired emily few years pre-
vious to his death from active business.
In 229 old Michael Paff had his cele-
brated Picture Gallery. Who among old
New Workers does net remember the fam
GUS old PafTl Were he alive now. he
would be : worlds wonder. wish had
time 10 say more of him. 4