Support provided by:
The Case:
One of the main attractions at a family-run zoo in Sussex, NJ is a majestic, 12-foot-high cast iron eagle perched on an orb in the center of the park. Our contributor’s grandfather founded the park 1927, and family lore is that the eagle had once been perched atop an old post office in New York.
A visitor to the zoo tells the family that the eagle resembles the giant cast iron eagles that graced the old Grand Central Station in Manhattan. The eagle dates to the post-Civil War period, when decorative style involved cast iron prefabrication.
But was Grand Central Station - built for railroad magnate Cornelius Vanderbilt - its original home?
History Detectives investigates the arts and crafts movement at the turn of the 19th century.
Related Content
Feature:
Technique:
Technique:
Video:
Related Links
Explore
-
Also in Emerging Modern America: 1890-1930
Nesbit Portrait
Is this portrait a lost masterpiece by one of America's greatest artists?
-
Also in Emerging Modern America: 1890-1930
Lindbergh Engine
Could a 24-year-old have single-handedly built the engine for Lindbergh's plane?
-
Also with Wes Cowan
Bonnie & Clyde's Bullets
Are these the bullets that ended one of the most infamous crime-sprees in American history?
-
Also with Wes Cowan
Slave Songbook
Are these tattered pages the earliest record of music created by slaves?
-
Also with Wes Cowan
Camp David Letter
Could a box found in a dumpster hold information about the founding of a top-secret Presidential retreat?
-
Related Investigation
Moon Museum
Was work by major artists, including Andy Warhol, smuggled to the moon?
Comments
This is a place for opinions, comments, questions and discussion; a place where viewers of History Detectives can express their points of view and connect with others who value history. We ask that posters be polite and respectful of all opinions. History Detectives reserves the right to delete comments that don’t conform to this conduct. We will not respond to every post, but will do our best to answer specific questions, or address an error.
Anyone wishing to submit an artifact for investigation should do so through Submit a Story.
- Submit your StoryDo you have an object from an Emerging Modern America?
- Latest Commentthat's unique, if anyone has anything similar to this, then you should do what i do, share your artwork on Art Radio it is one the best up and coming social media platforms for musicians and artists. (3 days ago)
- Twitterremember this investigation with @TukufuZuberi @elyseluray Tonight they reunite! Let us know your thoughts! @PBS http://t.co/4KMnc27K (7 months ago)
- FacebookHow much do you think it will be worth in 50 years? (3 days ago)