Vexed in Park Slope: The More Things Change, The More They Stay The Same Edition

New York Public Library

Welcome to Vexed in Park Slope -- a new column about every day things that FIPS would have reported on had FIPS existed in the 19th and early 20th centuries. All stories come from the NYTimes online archives, so if you don't believe one, look it up. 

The object of today’s edition of Vexed in Park Slope (or VIPS) is straightforward – rid the reader of any notion that our current favorite things to complain about are somehow particular to the present era. Lest anyone think that dating horror stories, real estate envy and stroller-clogged streets will pass, ushering us into a golden age of total Brooklyn awesomeness, think again.

We’ll always have stuff to whine about. The same stuff we did in "ye olde times," as it turns out.

Dating!

Sure, the way we date may have changed – choosing a date on OkCupid versus our parents choosing for us  (at least in the case below)– but the "tells" of a Brooklyn boy in love seem pretty constant. The below is taken from an article dated April 16^th, 1905 and recounts the courtship, elopement and eventual forcible separation of Carl Waters and Annie Pinckney.

"The romance began at a New Year's party less than four months ago, where the couple met for the first time. Carl looked into the eyes of Annie over the ice cream and sponge cake and knew his quest of an affinity was over. Annie felt about the same way. Carl began calling on Annie at her home, 668 Sterling Place, but her family suspected nothing until he started to cultivate a mustache and take an interest in the cost of living."

Emphasis added. Duh.

Real Estate!

Guess what? It’s never been easy to find an apartment in Park Slope. From 1894:

 

Ten years later, things really start to heat up. In May 1904, the Times reports that Park Slope is now home to “residences of the most elaborate construction, among the most costly and magnificent in the entire city.” (According to the paper, this housing boom is largely owing to the fact that “Brooklynites like to build on a hill side.” Uh, ok.) And by 1911, well, good luck even getting an apartment. A six story apartment building on Prospect Place near Flatbush was fully rented before construction was even completed. Ditto a 25 unit apartment building on Sterling Place. Among the highlights of both properties? “Three to five rooms and bath, with parquet flooring, electric light, steam heat and telephone service.” The rent? $30 - $70 a month.

Strollers!

This excerpt from 1902 article about a single woman who lives by herself in Park Slope (egads!), speaks for itself:



Park Slope, same as it ever was.

Comments

[Justin Lee]

Park Slope: Breeders for life! ;)