James E. Ware as portrayed by a student from the Immaculate Conception School of
Jamaica Estates, NY.
Look around you. Did you see the beautiful building at the entrance gate? I designed that as well as the receiving tomb down there and the gates to the entrance. I am James E, Ware and a very well known architect of my time. I was also a veteran having served in the Seventh Regiment of NY (2nd company) as a Lieutenant.
I designed many beautiful structures in New York City, including churches, armories and many structures under the "Association for Improving the Condition of the Poor", in an effort to relieve the congestion of inner city living, and supply better living conditions for the underprivileged. I am sure Jacob Riis approved of my efforts. I was a pioneer in designing a modern type fireproof warehouse. The stone building at Mohonk Mountain House is one of mine. So is the Madison Avenue Presbyterian Church in New York as well as Mount Morris Park Historic District in Harlem. Many of the structures I have designed have been put on the National Register for Historic Places, including Maple Grove Cemetery just this Year. My son Franklin became State Architect and both and my other son Arthur worked in my firm with me. I designed the buildings here at the cemetery and erected them in 1880. If you look at the upper wall on the building you will see "1880" in stone embedded in the wall.
I signed a contract with Maple Grove Cemetery in 1875 that was sort of an unusual deal. In exchange for 100 dollars and this prominently located spot with room for 12 members of my family, I would design for them these three structures. And I did.
Presented May 22, 2004 by The Richmond Hill Historical Society, Maple Grove Cemetery, and The Immaculate Conception School of Jamaica Estates, NY (Dr. Charlene Jaffie, principal).
Copyright © 2004 Carl Ballenas & Nancy Cataldi.
No claim to Old Kew Gardens [.com] color photograph.
No claim to Old Kew Gardens [.com] color photograph.
