From Factories to Palaces
Architect Charles B. J. Snyder and the New York City Public Schools
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WINNER, THE VICTORIAN SOCIETY NEW YORK, 2022 BOOK AWARD
How a prolific yet little-known architect changed the face of education in New York City
As Superintendent of School Buildings from 1891 to 1922, architect Charles B. J. Snyder elevated the standards of school architecture. Unprecedented immigration and Progressive Era changes in educational philosophy led to his fresh approach to design and architecture, which forever altered the look and feel of twentieth-century classrooms and school buildings. Students rich or poor, immigrant or native New Yorker, went from learning in factory-like schools to attending classes in schools with architectural designs and enhancements that to many made them seem like palaces. Spanning three decades, From Factories to Palaces provides a thought-provoking narrative of Charles Snyder and shows how he integrated his personal experiences and innovative design skills with Progressive Era school reform to improve students’ educational experience in New York City and, by extension, across the nation.
During his thirty-one years of service, Snyder oversaw the construction of more than 400 New York City public schools and additions, of which more than half remain in use today. Instead of blending in with the surrounding buildings as earlier schools had, Snyder’s were grand and imposing. “He does that which no other architect before his time ever did or tried: He builds them beautiful,” wrote Jacob Riis. Working with the Building Bureau, Snyder addressed the school situation on three fronts: appearance, construction, and function. He re-designed schools for greater light and air, improved their sanitary facilities, and incorporated quality-of-life features such as heated cloakrooms and water fountains.
Author and educator Dr. Jean Arrington chronicles how Snyder worked alongside a group of like-minded, hardworking individuals—Building Bureau draftsmen, builders, engineers, school administrators, teachers, and custodians—to accomplish this feat.
This revelatory book offers fascinating glimpses into the nascent world of modern education, from the development of specialty areas, such as the school gymnasium, auditorium, and lunchroom, to the emergence of school desks with backs as opposed to uncomfortable benches, all housed in some of the first fireproofed schools in the nation. Thanks to Snyder, development was always done with the students’ safety, well-being, and learning in mind. Lively historical drawings, architectural layouts, and photographs of school building exteriors and interiors enhance the engaging story.
Funding for this book was provided by: Furthermore: a program of the J. M. Kaplan Fund
From Factories to Palaces: Architect Charles B.J. Snyder and the New York City Public Schools by Jean Arrington with Cynthia S. LaValle (Mar. 18, $39.95, ISBN 978-0-8232-9916-4) argues that Charles B.J. Snyder, who oversaw the construction of more than 400 public schools from 1891 to 1922, raised the standards of school architecture.---Publishers Weekly, Spring Announcements
From Factories to Palaces is an outstanding work that adroitly weaves a poignant yet striking portrait of the architect, Charles B. J. Snyder into an in-depth analysis of Snyder’s architectural design process. It details how one man’s fresh approach to design and architecture led to dozens if not hundreds of innovations that not only reflected the changes in educational philosophy but forever altered the look and feel of 20th century classrooms and school buildings.---Gail Cornell, Architectural Historian
From Factories to Palaces, a biography of school architect C. B. J. Snyder, opens a view onto a lost and glorious world of public education in New York City.---Education Next
After twenty-four years as an English professor at Peace College and raising three daughters in Raleigh, North Carolina, Jean Arrington (1946–2022) relocated to New York City in 2005, where she taught at BMCC until 2017. During her New York City stint, she was fascinated by Snyder and his beautiful schools. To showcase this remarkable man and his amazing accomplishments, Jean gave walking tours highlighting various Snyder schools, gave lectures for architectural and historical organizations, and wrote articles for local newspapers.
Cynthia Skeffington LaValle (Edited By)
Cynthia Skeffington LaValle, originally from Babylon, New York, and a great-granddaughter of Snyder’s, has worn a few hats throughout life--always in the healthcare field--registered nurse, computer programmer, project manager, and management consultant. In 2019, when Jean, with health concerns, could use some assistance, Cindy managed the project and team that brought this book to the finish line.
Peg Breen (Foreword By)
Peg Breen is president of the New York Landmarks Conservancy, one of the oldest and largest preservation organizations in the country.
Foreword by Peg Breen | ix
In Memoriam | xiii
List of Figures | xv
Introduction: Hidden in Plain Sight | 1
1 The Making of an Architect 1860–1945 | 15
2 Auspicious Times for Snyder’s Public-School Mandate | 28
3 The Creative Decade 1891–1900: Making Revolutionary Change | 49
4 The Prolific Decade 1901–1910: Building a World-Class Public-School System | 99
5 The Standardizing Decade 1911–1922: A Dimming of the Glory | 166
Epilogue: Retirement and Successors | 197
Lists of Snyder Public Schools | 205
Glossary: Architectural Terminology | 237
Acknowledgments | 243
Notes | 247
References | 263
Index | 273
