Jerome Mansion facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Jerome Mansion |
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The Jerome Mansion, torn down in 1967
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| General information | |
| Location | 32 East 26th Street, Manhattan, New York City |
| Coordinates | 40°44′33″N 73°59′11″W / 40.7424°N 73.9863°W |
| Construction started | 1859 |
| Completed | 1865 |
| Demolished | 1967 |
| Cost | US$200,000 |
| Owner | Leonard Jerome |
| Design and construction | |
| Architect | Thomas R. Jackson |
The Jerome Mansion was a very grand house in New York City. It was located on East 26th Street and Madison Avenue. This spot was right across from Madison Square Park in an area now called NoMad in Manhattan.
This huge home belonged to Leonard Jerome, who was a very rich and important businessman in the mid- to late-1800s. The mansion was built between 1859 and 1865. Sadly, it was torn down in 1967.
Contents
A Grand Home with Many Features
This huge mansion had six floors! It featured a special roof called a mansard roof, which was very popular back then. Imagine a house with its own theatre that could fit 600 people!
There was also a breakfast room big enough for 70 guests. The ballroom was decorated in white and gold. It even had fountains that flowed with champagne and cologne! From the mansion, you could see a "splendid" view of Madison Square Park.
Home of a Famous Family
Leonard Jerome's daughter, Jennie Jerome, grew up in this amazing house. Jennie later became the mother of Winston Churchill. He was a very famous Prime Minister of the United Kingdom during World War II.
A Place for Important Clubs and Meetings
When Leonard Jerome moved to another part of the city, the mansion was sold. It then became home to several private clubs. From 1868 to 1881, it housed the Union League Club. Other clubs like the University Club and the Turf Club also used the building.
Later, starting in 1899, the Manhattan Club moved in. This club was a popular meeting place for important Democratic politicians. Famous members included Samuel J. Tilden, Grover Cleveland, Franklin Delano Roosevelt, and Alfred E. Smith.
Birthplace of a Famous Museum
The Jerome Mansion was also the site of a very important meeting. On November 23, 1869, people met there to create the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Today, this museum is one of the largest and most famous art museums in the world!
The Mansion's End
The building was recognized as a special landmark in 1965. This meant it was important and should be protected. However, the owner could not find anyone to buy it for two years. Because of this, permission was given to tear it down in 1967. A new building called the New York Merchandise Mart was built in its place.
See also
In Spanish: Mansión Jerome para niños
