THE Butterick Building at the NW corner of 6th Avenue and Spring was built in 1903, before 6th Avenue was built. Butterick is a sewing pattern company founded in 1863 by Ebenezer Butterick in an era when people sewed their own clothing according to patterns, which were to clothing as blueprints are to buildings. The 15-story tower was designed by Hogan & Slattery. The building was the HQ of Butterick’s publishing company; at one time Butterick’s fashion magazines, containing fashion tips as well as patterns, were some of the most-read periodicals in the USA. The company’s Delineator was a precursor of more recent magazines such as Woman’s Day. According to NY Songlines, “When opened, this building had the nation’s second-largest printing plant, after the government printing office in D.C.” Thus, it’s quite possible had I been born earlier in the century, I would have found work there at some point. Butterick moved uptown to 2 Penn Plaza in 2001.
I mention the Butterick Building because its slanted, or chamfered, exterior conforms to a now-disappeared street pattern. Can you guess what it is? I will continue this story on a future FNY page.
Check out the ForgottenBook, take a look at the gift shop. As always, “comment…as you see fit.” I earn a small payment when you click on any ad on the site.
4/21/25