Raoul Wallenberg Forest Structures

[HDMargolin]

When I walk in the forest, I notice many abandoned structures, including what looks like an old pool as multiple kilns. It would be very interesting to gather more information on when these were used, and who created them.

[ndembowski]

Some of those structures were part of the James Douglas estate, which was later occupied by UN Secretary General, U Thant.  Here is part of a 1948 photo from the NYS Archives (labels added by me).  You can see the pool on the left partially obscured by the word “House.”

Here is a little more information about the park: https://kingsbridgehistoricalsociety.org/forums/topic/raoul-wallenberg-forest-2/

This thread also discusses the area: https://kingsbridgehistoricalsociety.org/forums/topic/the-hudson-river-and-railroad-illustrated/

To my knowledge, all of the kilns would be across Palisade Ave in Riverdale Park.  Those were part of the local lime mortar manufacturing enterprises of the early 19th century (but possibly earlier as well).

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