New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1904-02-07

two brownstone pillars. fronts on wiow-st and Is
near tho sidewalk. The most imposing part Of the
house is the opposite side. overlooking the Bay
There is broad lawn running down TO Columbia
Heights Here is a wide portico. which with its
six large pillars that side OF house
and up to the caves. hanging bay window juts
out from the second floor. There is also a similar
bay window the Clark-st. side. The grounds
are on a level OF about three feet from the side
walk. and arc surrounded BY an old-fashoned iron
fence There a number of good sized trees and
"A variety OF shrubs the grounds
Prior TO the building of the old house by David
Loavett I'm 1874 the site was an historic one At
the time Of the Revolutionary War il was occupied
by fort that commanded the entrance to the East
River. After the II became a popular pleasure
resort for NewYorkers. who crossed over the river
10 find enjoyment among rural surroundings Mr.
Leavctt was president Of the American Exchange
Bank. II is related Of him that at one time he
stood on the stone steps of the bank at No 81;
Wall-st. New-York. and Gained the fears OF a
crowd OF anxious depositors. He occupied the
house for ten years before selling It 10 Henry C.
Bowen. During that time ii the of some
notable affairs The most interesting the
ception given to Kossuth. the Hungarian patriot
after his address in Plymouth Church. at the time
OF his visit 20 this country IN 1851 Both house and
grounds were profusCIy decorated and the leadiu.
residents Of Brooklyn and NewYork were amon;
Mr.. Bowen. who. N the 'trlc Of his purchase OF
the house. in Isl was leading drygoods merchant.
columns Of that periodical conducted vigorous
fight for the of the Union the time Of the
Civil War In his capacity as editor Of this puhlic1
ton. Mr.. ROwen became a national figure. and was
frequently consulted nv those who guiding the
destinies OF the nation. President Lincoln was at
time q guest Of Mr. Bowen TN the WillOv-St
house. Among the frequent visitors were Vice
President SCHUYLER Colf1x Sergtnr charles sum
and Chief Justice Chase, Of tho United States
supreme Court.
Before the death Of Mr.. Rowen ;he family snent
considerable time 81 his country place in Wood
stock. Conn. and after that and prior the dealt!
Of Mrs Bowen the Willow-st. house was occupied
only internationally Sine" hey death about two
years ago. the house has been closed
The interior Of the house is more old fash
toned and stately thar the exterior. There
great drawing rooms tle ground floor q
library and dining we'll The staircase
winds .rCrwG fNc Dtr0 ~ the house leading
large bedchaTnhcrs above Tho entire ir+arior il
deliberately frescoed. and many OF tho walls an
pear portraits. In bedroom is the likeness OF
Washington and I'm another one Of Lincoln.
OF the Columbia Heights corners of the
property stands brick stable. which. il is related
was the Of mild feud between David I.eav-
EFT and some of his neghbors. He was told that
II he put stable on the grounds a grocery store
would be built across the street from he front OF
his home. The plans for the stable were carried
out. and the grocery store also appeared. II was
altered into frame dwelling house however