History of WaHI: Seaman-Drake Arch - Washington Heights & Inwood Online

Seaman-Drake Arch

James Renner

Date: May 2003

The Seaman-Drake Arch on Broadway and 215th Street may be regarded as one of the most unusual structures in northern Manhattan today. It continues to amaze passers-by and nonresidents who are not aware of its significance, history and age.

The Seaman Family dates back to the colonial times when Captain John Seaman settled Long Island in what is now Hempstead. In 1653 Captain Seaman acquired 12,000 acres in the area.

Among the Captain’s descendants was Dr. Valentine Seaman, who with several colleagues, introduced the Smallpox vaccine to the United States in the early 1800s. The vaccine was developed in England by physician Edward Jenner in 1796. Since then, its introduction to the rest of the world started the control and eventual eradication of the disease.

In 1851 the sons of Dr. Seaman, John and Valentine the younger, bought 25 acres of land between 214th and 218th Streets, and the Kingsbridge Road (now Broadway) north and west to the Spuyten Duyvil Creek. Their immediate neighbors to the south were the Dyckmans and the Ishams.

Valentine Seaman the younger built a house on top of a hill between what is now Park Terrace East and Park Terrace West. The house was used as a country residence for seasonal use. The original design of the house had a domed tower but was eventually changed to a square format.

In 1855, the arch was constructed as a gateway to the hilltop estate. Its measurements were 35 feet high, 20 feet deep and 40 feet wide. Iron Pivots for a large gate still exist in the passageway. On the rear of the arch are windows suggesting that there may have been quarters for a gatekeeper.

Sources indicate that the Seaman house and arch were constructed of local marble from a quarry on Broadway in what is known as Marble Hill. This vein of marble extends up to Tuckahoe, New York and was also used for the construction of Saint Patrick’s Cathedral.

James F. Seaman eventually became the principal occupant of the estate and married Ann Drake. In her will dated 1883, Mrs. Seaman bequeathed her part of the estate to her nephew Lawrence Drake. The extent of the occupancy of the Drake family could not be determined as to who was at the estate at what period of time.

During this period, the Drakes designed a garden with shrubs, trees, charming walks and statues. The Suburban Riding and Driving Club occupied the estate in 1897. Lawrence Drake, an avid auto enthusiast, was a member of the club.

In 1905 the estate was sold to Thomas Dwyer. Dwyer was a contractor who was involved with such projects as the Soldiers and Sailors Monument on Riverside Drive and 90th Street and part of the Metropolitan Museum of Art on Fifth Avenue and 82nd Street.

Over the next few years the appearance of the property started to change. In 1912 the first of a series of low brick buildings began to surround the archway, forming a kind of compound built by Dwyer. These became auto dealerships. In 1938 Dwyer sold the main house to developers. The only thing that remained of the old estate was the arch.

Seaman Avenue was opened in 1908 and was named for Henry B. Seaman, a relative of the family. The Avenue runs north from Dyckman Street to 218th Street and runs parallel with the eastern border of Inwood Hill Park through Isham Park to the northern border of the old estate.

In the 1960s, the area immediately surrounding the arch was occupied by the Jack Gallo Auto Repair shop, which has since changed ownership. In 1970 a fire in the arch left the stairs and plaster walls exposed and can be seen from the tops of the surrounding buildings and was never repaired. The marble facade is slowly decaying from age and exposure of the brick work to pollution and acid rain. Until it collapses or is razed, the Seaman-Drake Arch will act as a gateway to another era of the history of Inwood.

Comments

Why was this arch never given some type of landmark status? Since I was a little girl I have watched it slowly disintergrate with graffitti and garbage. Is there anything that the City can do to save it? Or is it because the population of Washington Heights has changed so rapidly that historic sites in the area are not worth saving to the City. It is bad enough that you have to search to find maps of Manhattan that extend north of 110th Street. Maybe if it was a site of interest for tourists, it would shame the City into cleaning it up.

Posted by: MARCIA SMITH | July 14, 2003 2:52 PM

I am horrified by the crumbling state of this amazing structure. You can see how gorgeous the arch once was (and could still be) if only the city would take care of it. As a resident of Inwood who lives just a block away from the arch, I'm part of a citizen's group that intends to take action and ask our community board and city councilman (Robert Jackson) to reclaim this historic structure for our neighborhood.

Posted by: Angie Wojak | January 14, 2004 9:48 PM

That arch looks like the one I operated a small manufacturing business in about 1950 to 1955. There was an auto repair business next to it and the owner either owned or leased it and rented it to me. Inside there was about a 3 story walkup with a small room on each floor. Between the top floor and the one below was a small door that opened into a large crawl space. I remember looking into it one day and seeing a lot of papers inside. I reached into it and pulled out one nearby. It was an old blueprint possibly of the arch. I never looked any further. What a mistake. Perhaps they were saved and are in good hands now.

Posted by: Mel Marcus | February 13, 2004 12:28 PM

Some good news, we've collected signatures on a petition and are aiming to have about 200 names of Inwood residents who want the arch saved. At the next community board 12 meeting on Tuesday night, March 2nd, our Inwood Neighbors Association will present the petition to the parks and landmarks committees and ask that the community board endorse saving the arch. Next step will be to get Robert Jackson to approach the Landmarks Preservation people to tell them we need it landmarked and saved for the community. We also have the support of someone at the New York Historic Districts Council who said he will write a letter for us, saying the arch is a historic artifact of Inwood. The current landlord who owns the property the arch sits on lives in New Jersey and is trying to rent the vacant office space. We hope to step in before another business mucks up the space any further. If you want to sign a petition, go to Scavengers at 600 West 218th Street asap!

Posted by: Angie Wojak | February 29, 2004 8:58 AM

An unfortunate turn of events. On April 8th, an Inwood resident called to tell me that a crew of workmen were seen painting our beloved arch with white paint! I have yet to see the damage but it sounds like they plan to cover it in white paint, which will further deface the arch and make it even more hard to preserve. Anyone who wants to help us, try calling Assemblyman Espaillat at 212-544-2278 because he recently expressed interest in saving the arch and perhaps he can be encouraged to contact the owner on behalf of the community. If possible, call today, April 9th, before the paint crew demolishes the site. Councilman Robert Jackson also told us that he's interested in saving the arch. Hope it's not all in vain!

Posted by: Angie | April 9, 2004 7:39 AM

As a young newlywed in the midsixties I lived at 30 Seaman Ave. It was a lovely neighborhood bordered by Inwood Park. I hope you can save the arch.

Posted by: Lillian Theophanis | April 13, 2004 11:33 AM

It's amazing...that photo of the deplorable condition "The Arch" is in...I wonder who took it... ;-) My how things can get out there so quickly on the internet...LOL... I always found "The Arch" to be a fascinating part of Inwood...which is missed by most...as it is really well hidden...it would be nice to see it given landmark status... I really have a deep interest in this neighborhood's history... Joe

Posted by: Joe | April 23, 2004 12:02 AM

You obviously have not seen this "Arch" recently. If it is the one I think it is, in back of the former auto body shop, it has been fixed up and looks great. All the graffiti is gone, and it no longer looks like the one shown.

Posted by: Vanessa | April 23, 2004 11:24 AM

As someone interested in the arch, I drove by it the other day and was surprised at what I saw. Whoever worked on it did a great job. It almost looks new but in any case definitely not painted. I wish all old sites were cared for this well. I don't understand what the fuss was all about. Am I missing something?

Posted by: John | April 23, 2004 2:39 PM

"The Arch" was just painted in the last week or so...you should have seen it before that...now I am no "restoration expert" but I think the "painting" concern was whether it was a good idea to paint this type of structure or is a more detailed renovation needed... Exxpo (Joe)

Posted by: Exxpo | April 23, 2004 4:15 PM

My name is Jack and I can't believe there is a website devoted to the arch. I used to work there when it was a Studebaker dealership in 1960. I stopped there when they were repairing the arch a few weeks ago and I talked to the workers. They were treating the arch with a chemical to help preserve it from the elements and to restore its original appearance as much as possible. They were courteous to me, seemed to know what they were doing and appeared to be concerned about preserving the Arch so I wouldn't worry about it.

Posted by: Jack | April 23, 2004 8:35 PM

Omigod,I remember that dealership! I lived there in the mid 1960's when I was a kid. I have been making it a point to pass by on my way to work recently. I don't know why I have been so reminicient, I guess I just miss the neighborhood and all of my old friends. Jack, do you remember me? My girlfriends and I used to pass by, and you used to talk to us. You used to have a salesman there, was his name Harry? He was a nice looking Irish man. Anyway, how are you?? What do you think of how they are fixing up the place, and especially that odd archway in the back? Cool, huh? Anyway, I hope you are well. It's funny how everyone is making such a big deal out of the place. I think it looks better than before. Let me know if you remember me. Best wishes, Dottie PS Remember my friend Annie?

Posted by: Dottie | April 23, 2004 9:59 PM

The arch was recently painted and there's a for sale sign on it.

Posted by: John | May 17, 2004 8:20 PM

let's all chip in and buy it before another relic of grandeur falls prey to the evils of inappropriate development!

Posted by: faith | May 18, 2004 2:28 PM

It's not for sale, that's a for rent sign on it. They are probably renting the vacated space. I have a feeling that even if we all chipped in, we would never be able to afford it. They really fixed it up swell,looks better than it has in years. Doesn't look like paint though, I think they may have used some sort of preservative on it. At any rate, it makes the neighborhood look alot better than when that auto body guy was there.

Posted by: Vanessa | May 19, 2004 12:56 PM

I see the arch everyday as I type I can throw a stone at it that's how close I am to it. They just painted it no special treatment I say they never wore mask and because I can see the ledges were not treated and I figure if you are going to try and preserve something why not treat the whole structure and they did not remove the shrubs inside the crevice/roof of the arch when I first moved here there was a tree growing in side that crevice. I was afraid the weight of the tree would cave in the roof but the tree was removed. It was a small tree but that was several years ago if it were still there it would be big by now. Well I think the arch is a very nice structure but if they don't remove the two shops next to it left a transmission shop and right empty space for rent it can still go unnoticed.

Posted by: David | May 29, 2004 2:44 PM

If you scroll up you'll see that Jack who used to work there years ago spoke to the workers and that they were indeed treating it. Also it is a work in progress, and I don't think they are finished yet. I still see workers there as I go by, and it looks like they are cleaning up after that tenant that was there before. Doesn't seem like they'll ever get done. That guy seems like he really screwed up the place, I feel sorry for the owner who has to fix it all up now. My dad owned a building once years ago and you wouldn't believe how some of the tenants wrecked it up. Everyone thinks landlord are rich but I know differently. My dad went into debt at one point because the taxes were so high.Don't be so quick to judge, it takes alot of money and time to repair things.

Posted by: Dorothy | June 1, 2004 11:33 AM

It seems alot of people has seen the "new" arch in it's repair (good or bad), can somebody take a picture and post it so the rest of us can see how it now looks? Thanks

Posted by: Robert k | December 27, 2004 10:23 AM

Question- When were the cobble stones first placed on 10th avenue? do you know any good sites where i can find out more about the history of city infrastructure and construction in northern manhattan?

Posted by: Genevieve Davis | September 28, 2005 3:09 PM

Regarding Isham Park and the Broadway "arch": thanks for the background. I lived at 55 Park Terrace East from 1949 to 1969. The park was my view frm living room window. At the time the Sacred Heart of Mary Girls School was across the street. Also, brick mansion served the Nuns. Is there any history regarding that building and also a building that looks like it may have been servants quarters that runs parallel to the "city steps" that lead frm Park Terrace to Broadway. I have an aerial view of this area if there is an email to send it to. Again, thanks for a very informative walk down memory lane.

Posted by: Doug Miller | November 10, 2005 11:15 AM

Re: Doug Miller's question. I don't have much info on history regarding the building located at the top of the city steps but in 2002 or 2003 it was sold, asking price $500,000, and renovated to it's original apperance. The only thing not touched was the roof, probably costly due to the materials used. It is now rented out to a few families/couples. During the renovations a room hidden behind a wall was found which contained chains attached to another wall, sort of like a cell. The previous owner, referred to as Warlock, was an older man with long white hair who had a wife named Dotty, both lived their until they past away. I will talk to my grandmother and inquire more on it's history. Shortly after their relatives put it up for sale "as is". That is a steal now in comparsion to what property is being sold for now in the area. I remember playing curb ball on the top of the city steps and being chased away by Warlock when we made too much noise.

Posted by: Liam Noonan | January 12, 2006 3:51 PM

Re: Robert K's question regarding cobblestone on 10th ave. I am not sure when the cobblestone was laid on 10th Ave. but my quess is the late 1800s &/or the early 1900s. This part of town was still rural until the early 20th Century. I would say the stone used is belgian stone, resource is a website known as Forgotten NY. This webpage documents cobblestone roads still in existence throughout the 5 boroughs, Inwood not mentioned but examples in other areas similair to 10th Ave. is referred to as belgian stone.

Posted by: Liam Noonan | January 12, 2006 3:58 PM

I would like to find out more about the Suburban Riding and Driving Club. My mother has told me that my grandfather, who died when she was 6, founded the club. His name was William Roche. I would like to hear from anyone who might have information or sources of information about this club concerning those leads. BUTTERFIELDSESQS@aol.com

Posted by: D BUTTERFIELD | January 26, 2006 8:33 AM

I was born and raised in Inwood 20 years. Im still here, but I have unfortunetly never noticed this arch which shocks me. I just googled it and saw some pictures, now grafitti strciken and wedged behind an auto repair shop, and a 2 floor building. Its pretty sad how people take things for granted.

Posted by: Steven | April 20, 2006 7:30 AM

Interesting and sad. The urban legend I grew up hearing was that the arch was the gateway to a lost cemetery where Dutch settlers and the remains of the former indigenous population lay. Too bad the surrounding buildings can’t be demolished and the archway restored.

Posted by: Camilo | June 16, 2006 3:27 AM

As the old saying goes "If you want something done right, you got to do it yourself". I hear that petitions were drawn up in the past to demand landmark status for this structure. I am curious whether there is any current action I am not aware of (petition drives, etc.). Personally, I would love to see the surrounding Auto Repair shops carefully demolished, the arch restored and a park built around it - I can dream can't I?

Posted by: Camilo | November 20, 2006 3:35 PM

Hey guys - it's 8 months later. Anybody got any news about the arch? Landmark status? Anything? I'm curious as hell here!

Posted by: Randall | July 30, 2007 1:54 AM

I found this site and thought it interesting. There are some old photos from the neighborhood. Some of the Arch , before and after. Maybe one of the senior members here will find a friend , or yourself in one of the photos..lol... http://www.rburns.com/TBG/Inwood/photos.htm

Posted by: Jose | March 24, 2008 3:39 PM

I see the arch everyday while I'm on the 1 train. It is not painted or restored in anyway, it has graffiti on it. What is going on with the Arch? I'd like to get involved in anyway possible.

Posted by: Josie | June 11, 2008 11:12 AM

I was visiting friends in Upper Montclaire, N.J. and insisted they come with me to see the arch. They grew up in the City but had never heard of it. Anyway - the arch looked really bad: it didn't look structurally sound. If someone's getting up a landmark petition, they need to do it soon.

Posted by: Randall | June 14, 2008 7:44 PM

The arch is a visible, graceful record of the area's past and deserves preservation. It deserves a better fate than to remain behind an auto-body shop. It might be moved to Inwood Hill Park, where it could become a grand entrance to the park at the end of West 218th Street for all to see and enjoy.

Posted by: Eric Lehman | January 20, 2009 7:57 AM

I've been doing genealogical research and just found out I'm a descendant of Captain Seaman, and even though I'm in Texas, I would like to see the Arch restored. I may never make it to New York to see it, but would like to believe it will last in perpetuity.

Posted by: Allan Barnett | May 4, 2009 12:54 PM

According to what we have recently found this arch was built about 1855, for my great great great uncle JOHN Ferris Seaman [not James F], son of Dr. Valentine Seaman. Dr. Valentine was responsible for the small pox vaccine being brought to America, after studying with Dr. Jenner in England. At this time, I know nothing of Valentine Seaman Jr.being a part of this venture. The Arch was the gateway to the estate and the magnificent gardens within the estate. Ann Drake was married to John Ferris Seaman, again as above not James F Seaman. My husband and I pray that this beautiful architecture will be restored and preserved for posterity. We hope to learn more of the efforts to take action.

Posted by: Kathy McCurdy | May 19, 2009 9:51 PM

Washington Heights & Inwood Online

Seaman-Drake Arch

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