The Flat Iron Building in New York City, The Fuller Building. (original) (raw)

The "First Skyscaper"
1902

	The Fuller Building, now universally known as the Flat Iron (two words) Buildingwas built in 1902. The architectural firm was Burnham and Root. The building was 20 stories with a height of 285 feet. It is faced in limestone and the depth of the triangle's apex is a mere 6 feet. From the side it seems a wall. Old postcard of NYC Flat Iron Building, TE archives

FLAT IRON TRIVIA

From the Texas Escapes Garden of Useless Knowledge

Owned by the man married to the "Queen of Mean"
Harry Helmsley once owned the New York Flat Iron Building.
When Zephyrs Collide
The term "23 Skidoo" was coined by NYC policemen who would disperse crowds of men who would gather at 23rd St. and 5th Avenue to witness the effect (on women's dresses) of zephyrs that would meet at the building's entrance. When given their assignments for the day, "Murphy and McDonough! "23 Skidoo" signified crowd control at the Flat Iron.
The German word for "Skyscaper" is Himmelskratzer.
In French it's egratineurs de ciel.
Ft. Worth (Flat Iron Building, Fort Worth) and NYC have another, more monumental connection. General Worth, the city's namesake is buried in NYC, not far from the Flat Iron Building. General Worth died shortly after arriving in Texas, but was famous for his exploits in the War of 1812, The Seminole Indian Wars, and The Mexican War. The city recently cleaned (1991) and completely refurbished his handsome grave, which sits near Times Square.