July 20th, 2008
BSH: The View from the Street
Source: Google Maps
I’ve been waiting for more Kirkbrides to show up in Google Maps‘ Street View feature since the Worcester Kirkbride appeared a few months ago. While putting together a separate post involving Buffalo State Hospital, I happily discovered that the Buffalo Kirkbride is now featured. If you’ve never been, take a look around.
Ok so I went to google maps and looked at the satellite view of the BSH. THAT THING IS HUGE! Impressively so. Despite the fact I understand part of it was removed and replaced. I was curious about the enormous cross visible on one of the lawns in the rear of the building. Any on have any ideas? Also, I think this buildings proximity would make it perfect for the use of State College.
I always wondered about that cross myself. It’s formed by a low wall, maybe two or three feet high. My best guess would be it was for some sort of garden, but I wouldn’t be surprised if that’s totally wrong.
I’d bet money that you’re correct about that, actually. But there’s a story about who built that thing and and how and I intend to find it. :)
Hello, I have been a frequent visitor, first time poster. Have you seen the “birds-eye” view of these in Live Seach maps yet? Pretty Awesome, including Danvers State pre-renovation, Buffalo and Hudson in Poughkeepsie. http://maps.live.com/default.aspx?v=2&FORM=LMLTCC&cp=qynz208v5f9p&style=b&lvl=1&tilt=-90&dir=0&alt=-1000&scene=20310031&phx=0&phy=0&phscl=1&encType=1
It even allows the N, S, E & W angles if it is there…I love your site, great work!
Thanks, Haymoose! I’ve personally used aerial photos and bird’s eye views to look at buildings before. It’s naturally a pretty common practice among people interested in this topic:) But it’s good that you bring it up ’cause there’re probably plenty of people who don’t know about those yet.
Just for completeness, here’s the URL for Live Search’s bird’s eye view of the Buffalo Kirkbride:
http://maps.live.com/default.aspx?v=2&FORM=LMLTCP&cp=r4nfp98dstt4&style=b&lvl=1&tilt=-90&dir=0&alt=-1000&scene=19076758&phx=0&phy=0&phscl=1&encType=1
I emailed Monica Pallegrino Faix at the Richardson-Olmstead Complex about the cross wall and she says that it is the foundation for a greenhouse which is in keeping with the garden idea. (High fives, Ethan).
“The cross shape that you are referring to is a foundation from a former greenhouse. Many people find the shape of this building interesting. We will soon have on our website Historic Structures and Cultural Landscape Reports that have comprehensive history of the site, including the influence of the Kirkbride plan. The Richardson Complex is one of the best Kirkbride examples as the specifications were closely followed.”
Wow, so cool! I was amazingly unaware of the Google bird’s eye views. Thanks for the info.
The view of Hudson pre-fire is especially awesome.