1888
(N352) Fine Colored Relief Cards
Consolidated Cigarette Co.
USA
100 cards (1 known football)
I know this has nothing to do with football cards but I have a fascinating interest in the Consolidated Cigarette Co., so please bear with me.
The building at 143-145 Avenue D at 10th Street is the oldest structure in Alphabet City, the area of New York City that features Avenues A, B, C and D, and was built in 1827. In the late 1880's it was where the Consolidated Cigarette Co. was based.
It originally housed the Dry Dock Banking House. When the bank relocated across the street in 1848, it became a boarding house. By 1862 it was the base for the Manhattan Steam Laundry. Then, for three years, from 1871 to 1874, it was the Strangers’ Hospital, an institution built by John Keyser.
Originally a four-storey building and fifth floor was added in 1879 by clothing dealers the Levy Brothers. In 1888 a cast-iron store front was added. By the early 1900's it was used by the F.H. Bennett Biscuit Company. The company was purchased by Nabisco in 1931 and continued to operate out of the building until 1957, when it was sold to investors. In the early 1990's it was a squat and riots ensued when they were evicted by the authorities. By 1999 it was converted to residential use by a not-for-profit organization. I'd love to track down photos from the late 19th Century and early 20th Century.
Illustrations:
1827 Map - with building highlighted
1995 - Abandoned
2000's - Supermarket
2015
2024
2025 - May
