Buildings along the Hudson River with outside hoists and cargo doors.

This was how it was before elevators.

Before the Sacandaga Reservoir was built, there were spring floods -
so the boats were able to unload cargo at any level.
There are many of these in the Antique District.

Story of a different operation on River St. - Circa 1800's.
This building housed a piano assembler.
Materials were hoisted from the river boat to various floors.
The piano frame was built on the 4th floor.
The frame was hoisted down one floor to add the soundboard.
The piano was hoisted down one more floor for final adjustments and polishing.
Then was hoisted down to the street level show room.
Cluett's used this method to assemble Steinway Pianos.
Apparently all Steinway pianos were not assembled in Long Island City.

Computer collage by Jessica Scott

Postcard issued December 2007