The times., 1901-03-24
AN OLD LANDMARK DOOMED
Work Started on the Demolition OF
Stewart Castle.
The Fnmous Old Residence Being
Torn Down by order of ITS Pres
ent Owner. senator Clark - Noted
for Many Lavish Entertain ments.

for Many Lavish Entertain ments.
Stewart Castle. famous for nearly thirty
years for the hospitality dispensed under
its roof is about to pass into history Yes
terdav the work of destroying the old
mansion commenced. Already nothing but
the floors. stairways. and walls of the old
landmark remain Worl,men rapidly con-
Quoting the work of demolition have re-
moved the sashes from the windows, the
doors the trimmings. and the plumbing
Senator William 4. Clark of Montana,
who purchased the house from Senator
Stewart about a year ago, gave the orders
which doomed the castle to destruction
Yesterday a force of workmen under the
direction Of the contractor, Frank n Car
yer. began operations. The work will be
conducted rapidly, and by May l no sign
of the structure viii remain. The con-
tractor has been given until that time to
finish the work of tearing down the
building
What structure will succeed the castle
on the site fronting on Dupont Circle 10
the north. and extending between Connec-
ticut and Massachusetts Avenues, IS SUN
a problem No final arrangements nave
been made for the drawing of architec-
tural designs. 1t is known that Senator
Clark once considered the advisahlity oil
erecting a large apartment holst on the
site, and he has also discussed the
project of erecting a magnificent residence
for his own occupancy. 1t is believed that
Senator Clark has not yet decided what he
will do with the property. lie sailed lor
E,lrope Yesterday. and the question must
Law omen until his return. Senator Clark $
trip will be brief, as he is expected home
within a short time to attend the wedding
of his daughter, which is TO take place IN
about a month.
The erection of Stewart Castle was be-
gun in 1872 and was completed the follow
ing wear. when the Stewart family took
possession of the house and have lived
there ever since with the exception of a
period of eight years during which 1t
was occupied by the Chinese Legation.
when the residence was built that section
of the city was distinctly rural Not a
substantial residence had been built any
where in the neighborhood. The whole
block on which the castle now stands was
then owned by Senator Stewart, and the
rest of thu land was converted into a
magnificent peach orchard which -four
ished for many years. Soon afterward,
under the regime of Sir Edward Thorn
ton. then Minister from the Court of st
James to the United States, the British
Legation was constructed where it now
stands.
The furnishings of the castle were mag
nificent Nothing within the National
Capital could equal them. ExqCisitely
carved furniture was especially made IN
Florence. under the supervision of the
Stewards, for the residence. This furni-
ture is still in the possession of the Stew
arts and is placed in their new residence
at 1900 + Street and is worthy Of more
than passing mention. Chairs, tables,
couches mirrors. chandeliers candelabra.
sideboards. were all made in Florence
The woodwork was massive and delicate
Iy carved and all covered with gold.
Cherubs birds, flowers, leaves, animals
were all part of the magnificent designs
that ornamented the furnishings of the
residence from top to bottom.
The upholstering of this Florentine fur
niture was of Beauvais tapestry, the most
expensive that money could purchase
ualachite and other stones, OF
LIN ornamented the