BMT SUBWAY 4th AVENUE 1928

by Kevin Walsh

THERE’S a lot going on in this photo I cribbed from Al Ponte’s Time Machine on Facebook of the west side of 4th Avenue between Pacific Street and Atlantic Avenue in 1928. First of all, there’s the entrance to the BMT 4th Avenue Line Pacific Street station, which since 2012 has been dubbed the Barclays Center station. Here, one can transfer to the Brighton BMT running through Flatbush to Coney or into the Bronx, or perhaps the IRT, running to Flatbush, East New York, midtown Manhattan and the Bronx. The Long Island Rail Road will take you to the east end of Long Island from here, too.

Most importantly, in 1928, most of the 4th Avenue Line BMT stations were actually located in the center median of 4th Avenue. At some time in the past, they were moved to the sides of the street and the median narrowed to add traffic lanes (probably at the behest of Traffic Czar Robert Moses).

When the 4th Avenue Line was built from 1915 to 1916, the Sea Beach line, originally a steam train coming north from Coney Island, eventually used the express tracks in today’s configuration. Today, though, I want to talk about its exquisite wrought-iron entrances, with ornamental touches like lantern-style lampposts (it’s likely they used the green glass BMT stations originally employed), as well as signage like this:

I have no idea how long these large signs on the entrances lasted past 1928. In the second decade of the line’s existence, the quick travel times into Manhattan and Queens were still a revelation. You can also get a close up look at the entrance lanterns in this picture.

In the ensuing decades, these elaborate entrances were replaced with more mundane entrances, with the exception of the southbound 77th Street entrance/exit. But even there, the lamps and signs were removed long ago.

On the left side of the picture we see the erstwhile Episcopal Church of the Redeemer. The church, still advertised by this mosaic that can be seen just down the entrance steps, was razed in late 2015-early 2016. It did not have protection by the Landmarks Preservation Commission, even though the Gothic-style Church of the Redeemer was built in 1866 and was designed by pre-eminent ecclesiastic architect Patrick Keely, who generally worked on Catholic church commissions. Maintenance had been deferred over the years and the church, which served a West Indian and Caribbean congregation, had incurred $4m worth of repairs — prompting the Long Island Episcopal Diocese to close it.

The church was later replaced by this Thing on the corner of 4th and Pacific. Surprisingly, the other two buildings in the 1928 photo are still there, though stripped of most of their external brickabrack. Note the signs for the dentist office: “Teeth carefully extracted by modern methods.” In 1928, commercial radio had only been around for about 8 years and was still a novelty. In ’28, “To Let” was still preferred over “For Rent.”

As always, “comment…as you see fit.” I earn a small payment when you click on any ad on the site. (I know, more than One Shot here.)

1/20/22

8 comments

Andy January 20, 2022 - 11:35 pm

In 1928 the three stations here (IRT and two BMT, as noted) each had separate fare controls. There were no free transfers between the stations. The IRT and BMT Brighton line Atlantic Ave. stations became a free transfer in November 1967 at the time of the Chrystie Street Connection, which saw the D train re-routed onto the Brighton Line. The 4th Avenue line BMT station (then called Pacific St.) became part of the free interchange in 1978. The underground passages between the three stations and the LIRR were always there.

I know the station complex well; between 1978 and 1982 I commuted via LIRR and subway through there to my job at #1 World Trade Center. Always preferred it to Penn Station because the transfer between LIRR and subways was easier, especially to and from the IRT.

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Andrew Porter January 21, 2022 - 10:42 am

I remember the church: a lovely structure that, as you state, was not protected by landmarking. I used to pass it when I went to a typesetter/halftone engraver at the corner of Third Avenue and Pacific Street.And I agree, the thing that replaced it is Really Ugly!

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therealguyfaux January 21, 2022 - 3:49 pm

At the time of that 1920’s photo, there would have been the Fifth Avenue El behind the photographer.as well. which branched at about 37th/38st street, one branch going to 65th and Third (where today the Belt Pky and I-278 from the Verrazzano converge to become the Gowanus Xwy), the other one going into what is now the 38th St yard to join the West End and Culver lines.

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chris January 21, 2022 - 9:39 pm

Those lanterns look like they came from a castle

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redstaterefugee January 22, 2022 - 9:32 am Reply
Joseph Bowes January 26, 2022 - 4:26 pm

This “corner” and this beautiful old church will forever be etched in my mind for a number of reasons (I’m from 3rd Ave & 11st Street – just down the ave). But I recall it mostly for what occurred at approximately 1130 pm on January 17, 1999. My Wife was in Labor, giving birth to My 1st Born Son at Long Island College Hospital (at the bottom of Atlantic Ave about 1.5 miles from this corner). My Wife had been in Labor for nearly 10 hours at this stage, with no indication that Our Baby Boy – Devin was coming. At this stage in the evening, My Mother-in-Law and Cousin (both who were there waiting for the Baby too) were hungry, so my Cousin & I “shot-out” to pickup food from a fast food joint that used to be in the small building right next to the church. The restaurant initially screwed up my order and had to re-work it; causing an unexpected delay in my return to the Hospital. I finally get back with the food at approx 1205 a.m. January 18. My Cousin and I attempt to enter the hospital room where my Wife is, but are quickly yelled at by the nurse – who says: “Your Cousin CAN NOT come in- only the Dad…the Baby is COMING RIGHT NOW! 6 minutes later, My First Born Son – Devin Joseph Bowes was born. I almost missed his AMAZING-ARRIVAL, because I was “stuck” on this corner, waiting for “chicken wings!” HILARIOUS to think back on! But this corner and that church – will always hold a special place in my heart and mind.

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Joe+Brennan February 1, 2022 - 11:49 am

Boys loved TO LET signs because they just needed to add an I in the middle and laugh themselves sick. That might be why it fell into disuse.

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John V. June 15, 2022 - 4:47 pm

You’re so right Kevin. The building that replaced the church is one of the most ugliest creatures I’ve ever seen. How are taller buildings being built in neighborhoods where the existing buildings are no higher than about 6 stories ? How does this occur in regard to past, and current zoning laws ? Weren’t the zoning laws of 1916 drafted to prevent exactly this type of thing from happening ?

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