New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1891-07-05
THE WILLINK ENTRANCE.
ORIGIN OF THE NAME OF A GATE On
PROSPECT PARK.

WHERE MR. wILLINK USED TO LIVE-HIsToaY
OF A HoUsE-CHANGEs TINE HAS WROUGHT.
Few Of the many thousands Of persons who ent1
Prospect Park at the Willink Gate know the origin
the name that is applied TO this entrance to the cys
pleasure ground. From its proximity 10 the principal
points Of interest in the Park, the music stand IN col
cert Grove the Flower Garden, the boat-house and
their accessories this is the most popular ore for
entering the Park and it is reached by more sire tcS
lines than any other. The Flatbush-ave. line passa
IL and the Nostrand ave, TOmpkinsave. Franklla-
ave- and Lormer-st. and Grcenpont lines have ther
common terminus at this point. Here the swarmlns
nultltudes from the uptown wards, the Eastern DISTRICT,
Creenpont and the lower part Of the city, as well as
many persons from the Fast Side OF New YORK, pour
into the park on Saturdays, Sundays and holidays
on a recent Sunday strcetcar company alone car
RED 100000 passengers, Of whom the greater part
rode to and from the Park. With the increase OF popu
lalon the city's breathing spot becomes more ana
more popular and the number Of visitors annually ID
creases
In regard TO the name Willink applied to Gate NO.
Of the Park It was the family name Of the owner OF
the property taken for park purposes AZ tne point
where the gate now stands and he was thrown IRON
his carriage and killed that spot, where the old
Flatbush turnpike wound along through the gorge In
the hills between Flatbush and Brooklyn, known since
the disastrous battle Of Long Island the Battle Pass
instead OF the straight line OF Flatbush-ave., running
directly over the top Of the hill known as Mount fros
pect. where the citys hghservtc reservoir 10 now
situated the old road wound circuitous way over
the part OF the hill where the Plaza is now laid out ana
their turned to the right and ran past what was Known
as the Valley Grove Inn, and on throngh Tie bsoo'
Pass TO the level land Of Flatbusll.
AZ the foot Of the hills the Flatbush side there
was built about fftyfve years ago splendid manson
by a NewYork banker named Willink lie was inc
sonIn-law Of Mrs. Ludlow who was the daughter
Of John Van Horn who lived opposite the bowling
Green in New-YOrI. but spent his summers In tlat
bush. as many wealthy New-Yorkers did In the cary
part OF this century. Mr. Willink was doubtless IN
uenced by her to purchase the property Just at tho
entrance of Fatbush and here upon round topped HUI
he erected his country seat 1t fine and stately
structure but the property was surrounded by hea
fence and fierce dogs guarded the place at night The
occupants were Mr. and Mrs. Wilink and the latters
mother ard sister. For some unknown reason ue
family lived in the utmost secuson, and IT waS ouhd
years afterward that much OF their best furniture was
never unpacAed ard the silver was carefully kept IN
a vault in the cellar Mrs. Ludlow did not I've "os
after removing to the house, and Mr. Wnk. after TWO
or three years was thrown from his carriage Whhe
driving and found dead in the road He had ias'
team but the front of his carriage was Of gass VIVA
openings for the rcins and ii is supposed ths'
he was not as we'll able TO control his horses d. IL IN
had been In an ordinary carriage.
greater seclusion than before. and little was seen OF
them save when they drove Trinity Church in New
York whore they occupied the family pew. Inc Two
women bused themselves with attending 70 thelr r'di
estate and IN making purchases OF useless arc'ca WIN
which The great house afterward folhd 10 %
filed Among other things they built hotei III 'n7
lower part Of Flatbush and named II the "lili.A
House. which began prosperous career, but OWING !"
their interference in the management OF the laihou
failed 10 succeed II stiu stands. but is now known
by another name BY strange irony OF fate tne
| mansion which they once occupied Is also row
hotel at the other end Of the town, and IL mas paca
| through many changes Of management
Mrs Wlllink died at The family mansion ard was
buried In Trinity Churchyad, and her sister continues
| to live alone In the great house. one morning s'
WAS found dead. The property passed INTO oa'e'
hands and the precincts jeelousy guarded from TVS
outside world we're invaded aud the contents Of th'
| bouse were sold The building Of the BROOKLYN FIAT
| bush and Coney Island Railroad made necessary wv
taking OF the property and the removal of the house
The hill on which IL stood was dug away ana wv
| bnilding WAS removed to Ocean-ave.. close TO te
Prospect Park station Of the railway. 1t was alteres
by the construction Of double piazza around lt a
! A. the WllIink Hotel IL was managed rs sG.ln
boarding house for time ana Is now 'h hons AID
grounds have become the thronged resort OF peas".
seekers who enter the park at this point or na ~
| the rushing Coney Island trans "me "''''
| round is run close to the piazza 49, ,hs
| The name Wiumk Is now only preserved oy " =,
| park entrance. This now looks like the ga,eMa a
some great country sent with It's stone pillars ana
wall ard The sentry boxes guarding IT, ms au.,s
| ment OF the entrance was made two years ago I"
| cost VI nearly 100000. H.. ,he
| The ast Of the high picket fence guarding ny ~
grounds Of the Wink property. running dow" two
| Lincoln Road Flatbush. was removed year or
ego and neat cottages now nearly cover what N'iais
Of the estate part Of il on the Fatbusn Ns
| will he taken for street purposes IN me ,ovs
preparatory 10 laying sewer and curbg ana ,bos
| Inc street. Only memory Of the old place VIII '
| remain.