was
subsequently used as a hotel. It was afterwards purchased by Mr. A. T.
Stewart, who erected on its site his palatial wholesale store, which
extends along Broadway to Chambers street. About the year 1820, the dry
goods merchants began to locate themselves on the west side of Broadway
near Reade street.

On the west side of Broadway, above Duane street, was the celebrated
Rutgers' estate, consisting of a fine mansion and large and elaborately
laid out grounds. The house was built by Anthony Rutgers in 1730, and
occupied by him until his death in 1750. After his death the property
was converted into a pleasure garden, known as "The Ranelagh." It was
kept by a Mr. John Jones until a few years before the Revolution. It was
a famous resort for the better classes. A complete band was in
attendance every Monday and Thursday evening during the summer, and
dancing was carried on in a large hall which had been erected in the
garden. In 1770, the estate was sold. Five acres, embracing the
orchard, were purchased by an association, and in 1773, the New York
Hospital was begun on this site. In 1869 the hospital was removed higher
up town, the land was sold, and Pearl street was extended through the
hospital grounds.

Between 1774 and 1776 a reservoir for supplying the city with water was
erected on the east side of Broadway, near the southeast corner of White
street. The water was pumped into the reservoir from wells, and was
distributed through the city in wooden pipes. At this time the streets
were not opened in this vicinity, and the reservoir is described as
standing on an "elevated hill." In 1810 the reservoir property was sold
in lots, the highest price paid per lot being $3000.

By 1818 Broadway was built up to above Duane street, and in 1826 the Free
Masons erected a handsome Gothic Hall, on the east side, between Duane
and Pearl streets. The street continued to grow, and about 1830 extended
above Canal street. In 1836-39, the Society Library erected a handsome
building on the west side, between Howard and Grand streets. In 1853,
they sold the building, which fronts sixty feet on Broadway, to D.
Appleton & Co., Publishers. By the year 1825, when gas was introduced
into the city south of Canal street, the west side of Broadway above
Chambers street was the fashionable shopping mart. The cross streets
were used mainly for residences, and these daily poured a throng of
pedestrians into Broadway, making i