The New York herald., 1869-01-10
MADISON AVENUE.

The Residences and Those who Occupy
Thcm-FIme Houses and Wealthy Resi-
dents-Descrspiions Of the Houses.
Fashion seems to be as powerful as she is capri
cous and the effects OF her power may be seen in all
directions Not only does the fckle dame take
charge OF the costumes or the and daughters OF
men, by her nat authorizing this to be worn
and f0rbidding that to be placed upon the
human anatomy; not only does she pronounce
such style OF dress to be the ''tning'
for ladies' or for gentlemen, but she has
also prescribed certain style Of architecture and
certain kind OF substance as the most correct for
use in the erection Of the residences OF the wealthy
In this city, One OF the first things which strikes
visitor to New York as he walks through the leading
uptown streets and avenues is the wonderful uni-
formity which Is to be seen In the style and con-
strucon OF the residences which seen on either
slde In no other city the world Is this general
similarity between buildings noticeable, and hence
few cities can boast OF such imposing looking blocks
as can the Empire City, To give any detailed de-
scriptOn or the residences which are to be found
our more aristocratic thoroughfares is therefore
work Of some diiculty, description OF one win
generally apply TO some scores Of houses In the same
vicinity. AS rule brown stone Is the material used
In the fronts either entirely Or in the shape OF
trimmings to red brick work. The doors are ap-
surround the entrance. The most noticeable feature
in these uptown residences of the Weather class in
this city IL their substantial appearance. While 1t
might be pleasant to the eye to see little more
variety in STYLE 1t is better far to have this unfor
nifty with substantially than to have variety with
number Of different designs and materials, convey
ing to the eyes q sense OF ''gingerbreadness" and
trumpery. The uptown streets and avenues are, as
everybody knows, full OF the residences or the we'll
to-do class among us, but very few persons
know the precise spot at which the houses
OF prominent citizens be found, ex-
cept so much as may be expressed In
the general term suptown.n IL s to give this sort
Of information that it is proposed to mention be-
cath the numbers of the dwellings in Madison
nue. at which well known persons live, and also to
give brief description Of the exterior appearance
MADISON AVENUE.
There seems to have existed for long time sort
OF rivalry between Fifth avenue and Madison, and
although the former il acknowledged generally as
"par excellence. the aristocratic thoroughfare OF
the city, there are still some residents upon
that conclusion However the case may stand
as between them one thing is certain and that is,
the uptown streets Along it's whole length from It's
commencement at Twenty-third street to its ter
mnation at Forty second street both sides are
very large, and many almost palatial in their
exquisite internal fittings. These houses are many
houses who have done 80 much to make
New York city what 1t Is to-day. Madison
avenue is much more quiet than Fifth ave-
nue. in the of trafic; those who love retire
ment, therefore, prefer It, while those who prefer to
rians passing TO or fro vote 1t 'slow" 1t IL not,
like Fifth avenue, one OF the great arteries which
provides for the ebb and fow of the human stream
to or from the Park but lies between two Of these.
and escapes consequently from any nuisance-if
any there be-arising from constant tranlc. It has
however. a
ITSELF Any fine afternoon passer up or down can
see host OF vehicles, OF all sorts and sizes ranged
up in front OF the noble houses, waiting 20 take
board precious human loads. Valuable horses paw
the earth and impatienty champ their bits, anxious
their high b0x-seats, handsomely mounted harness
sparkles In the sunlight, obsequous footmen open
women and gallant men take their seats upon the
dOwny cushions and rattle down the avenue in their
bright and easy carriages.
Just now several new hOuses are being erected on
this thoronghfare and II Is said that property along
It Is steadily increasing in value. Between Thirty
fourth anu Thirty-lh streets two residences In
course OF erection which, when completed, will be
An ornament to the avenue; and at the corner OF
Twenty-eignth street large house is rapidly ap
preaching completion.
THE RESIDENCES.
To give anything like complete list OF the many
noble residences on Madison avenue would be au
utter impossibty, and 10 give detailed descrip-
tion of any OF them would make such an
ng will give fair idea OF the avenue,
both 10 the houses and the class OF citizens who
where by the by, the avenue forms part OF Madison
square, the first residence which attracts attention
g No. !, brown stone double house, occupied by
Mr.. s. N. Barlow the broker. This house Is Is very
fine one, with high stoop and very handsome
porch, and has a remarkably substantial appear
auee.
The block between Twcnty-third and Twenty
fourth streets is very fine one brown stone fronts
and high stoops, pilastered windows and elegant
At the corner OF Twenty.sixth street stands the
Union League Club House. one OF the most hand
Aafr. In. thl tc
residence any account Of Madison avenue would be
incomplete without mention Of II. The passer by can
structure its white marble front and handsome
italian verandah, causing the most unobsersant to
cast glance upon the structure.
Between Twenty-ninth and Ihirteth streets are
some very fine brown stown houses. similar in
design to the majority on both sides OF the avenue
No. 10 is the residence OF Mr.. W. X. Travers, and
is very substantial looking brown stoae house
with high stoop four stories ngh.
NO. IS, the residence OF DR.. Noyes Is a red brick
dwelling with brown stone relief
Between fhirty-thrd and Tnrty-fourih streets. on
the east side OF the avenue. is one Of the hness
blocks throughout It's cltire length. The houses are.
of course brown stone, with very elaborate p0rches
supported by pasiers and high stoOps. Tie WIN
dows are nanked py pillars with carved capiiais.
house with finely finished entrance Of somewhat
plain but massive structure.
No. II Is the dwelling OF Mr. " J. Kortwright--the
house standing st tie corner OF Twenyeighh street.
II Is fine residence bu not IN any very marked par.
ticuar unlike the majority. Mr.. Kortwright drives
his horse and phaefon up and down the avenue. No.
75, also q nne stone house, is the residence OF Dr.
Barker.
No. 70 Il another brown stone mansion. wei fin
ished, plainly butt with very high soop and elegant
doorway. II Is occupied by Mr. Charles W. Duranr
a gentleman who drives his own valuable team
which, however, are stabbed out
No. 81 is occupied by Mr.. William Armstrong who
also has his horses and private stable. No. I0l
another plain, substantial, well finished house, is
occupied by MIR. John Armstrong the brother OF Mr.
William Armstrong.
No. 90 occupied by DIR. Dalton has no special fea
turc distinguishing 1t from the other residences IN
the ncighborhood.
Mr.. William b. Tsham occupies No. ia at the
corner OF Thirty first street, The house IL four story
one, with wide and imposing entrance and stoop
higher than many OF the dwellings, on the avenue.
Mr. Tsiam keeps some good horses, which he boards
al livery stable.
No. ia is occupied by Mr. Richard J. Thornc, the
president OF Q well known insurance company. the
house Is OF the usual height and appearance, with
very imposing entrance aud fine windows.
No. 127 IL the house In which Mr. John Dore resides.
II is a comfortable and substantial residence. Mr.