Brooklyn Public Library's Carroll Gardens History

One of the great hidden gems, and underutilized resources in New York City is the public library system. I remember as a child going to events there, and being fascinated at all of the FREE books that were available. And then computers, and copies and talks and rental equipment. Talk about a true public service and a true public good!

Well, turns out that the Brooklyn Public Library has a great website, aimed specifically at the history of Carroll Gardens: Our Brooklyn - Carroll Gardens History.

"Before there were streets, there was an Indian path along what is now Henry Street. Native American Indians sold a tract of land to Dutch farmers Adrianse Bennet and Jacques Bentyn in 1636, and it was around the area of Carroll Gardens that development first began. Docks and warehouses were constructed in Red Hook, and a plan was made to dredge the Gowanus Creek and drain its surrounding swamps to form a navigable inland waterway. To facilitate the transportation of bodies from Manhattan to Green-Wood Cemetery, the Hamilton Avenue Ferry began service in 1846. These factors encouraged developers of the 1860s to build the residences that are now among the most sought-after homes in Brooklyn."

Although the ethnicity and income classes have changed, sounds like Carroll Gardens has ALWAYS been under development pressure!

Be sure to click over for a synopsis of Irish immigration, BQE construction and, of course, the Carroll Gardens Public Library Branch, on Union and Clinton.

South Brooklyn Studio Tours

Join other Gawkers to check out some of the area's artists on Saturday May 22, and Sunday May 23rd. Brooklyn Studio Tours is organizing a tour of (duh!) working studios in the area.

"Our objective is to assist in forming new relationships and exposing your work to a greater public audience.   In the past, Open Studio Weekends have been great successes and lots of fun too.  Our May 2009 tour had many visitors who spanned across multiple studios.  We even had a visit from the Appalachian Mountain club!   Pair that with the Vespa convention on Hicks street and the weekend was filled with plenty of art, action and fun!

We will provide the main publicity, posters and maps.  In addition to our efforts to publish and post these in any and all local areas, websites and blogs  (including but not limited to all major Brooklyn neighborhoods, NYC – Chelsea, Flat Iron, Village, etc.), we ask your help in taking our materials and posting in your favorite locations, send some to friends and relationships, posting the information on your websites, blogs, emails, etc.  Our current distribution lists are now well over 2000 people.  All we need from you is your agreement to open your studio those days, your name(s), address with cross streets (so we can mark the map) and your medium. "