The outdoor photographs of the historic Claremont Inn in “…the Manhattan Forests,” on Riverside Drive at 121st Street in the Harlem country on the Westside of Harlem, New York.
From 1804 until the early 1950’s, like these images you are about to see this magificant Inn was well documented with images of the exterior decks, dinning areas and old-world charm.
We discovered a profound sense of intimacy within the space that was not expected with interior photographs, with covered table clothe and fresh flowers, each window a fabulous view of the Hudson River, canoe races, merchandise ships to 125th Street Pier and much more.
A Victorian Wonderland
Stepping into the Claremont Inn was like entering a time capsule of 19th-century opulence. The interiors were a feast for the senses, embracing the Victorian era’s love of ornamentation and comfort. The inn’s dining rooms epitomized refinement, featuring crisp white tablecloths adorned with fresh floral centerpieces, gleaming silverware, and fine china that reflected the soft glow of candlelight.
Elegant draperies framed panoramic views of the Hudson River, setting the stage for countless society dinners and political gatherings. The walls bore witness to deals and romances that shaped the city, making every meal an event steeped in history.
The Claremont Inn stood along the Hudson River, just north of where Grant’s Tomb now stands, from right after the Revolution until the early 1950’s.
Art and Atmosphere
The Claremont’s interior was a carefully curated gallery of its own, showcasing a prized collection of Sadler’s etchings depicting scenes of old England alongside antique china displays that made collectors “green with envy.”
In the evenings, the gardens were softly lit, eschewing harsh electric lighting to create a romantic ambiance for nighttime diners and revelers. This enchanting atmosphere invited guests to linger longer, savoring both their meals and the company.
The Service
That “glitterati” included the superstars of the day like Joseph Bonaparte, Lord Viscount Courtenay (it’s said “that Courtenay from its vantage point in the Claremont Inn overlooking the river, watched the trial run of Fulton’s Steamship, the Clermont, and other grand events.”), Duke of Clarence, Cole Porter, lots of Astors and many more in West Harlem getting the best service money can buy.
How it Started
It all began with Michael Hogan, who made his fortune in shipping and was once the British Consul in Havana. Hogan bought up all of the land west of Bloomingdale Road (where Broadway is today) from 121st to 127th Streets and in 1804 built a house on his parcel of land near the site of The Battle of Harlem Heights.
There are two versions of why he named his house Claremont Inn: first is that it was to honor his birthplace, County Clare in Ireland, and second that it was named after the residence of Duke of Clarence, later King William IV, a friend of Hogan’s from his days as a midshipman in the Royal Navy. Rumor had it that Hogan lived in his new house with an Indian Princess. Maybe.
In 1807 Lord “Kitty” Viscount Courtenay, who later became Duke of Devon, lived in the house and from its vantage point overlooking the river, he watched the trial run of Fulton’s Steamship, the Clermont and other grand events.
Courtenay decamped from the house not long afterwards, apparently “disturbed by events preceding the War of 1812.”
Another photograph of the Claremont Inn taken in 1938 shows the Hudson River with a northern view from the outdoor patio that used to be a main attraction during the warmer season.
This section the Inn would have been on the west side of the local landmark that was on at 124th Street at looking West towards New Jersey and one can see the George Washington Bridge in the distance writes Harlem Bespoke.
In 1815, Joseph Bonaparte, ex-King of Spain and Napoleon’s brother, moved in. It is speculated that he may have entertained Lafayette, Louis Phillipe and Talleyrand on the deck above while he lived there.
Bonaparte sold the house to Joel Post, a member of a prominent New York family and then, in 1842 or 43 it was bought to be converted to a road house. In the 1870′s it was acquired by the city as part of Riverside Park.
From Exclusive Enclave to Democratic Dining
As times changed, so did the Claremont. The 1930s saw a remarkable transformation under Mayor Fiorello LaGuardia. Interiors were simplified to appeal to a broader clientele, shifting the focus to creating a more accessible yet still charming atmosphere. A four-course dinner could be had for just $1.50, featuring crabmeat cocktail and roast sirloin, while beer flowed for a dime a glass.
An orchestra provided live music, keeping revelers dancing late into the night and ensuring that the spirit of celebration remained alive.
The Final Act
Even in its twilight years, the Claremont maintained its allure. Glass-enclosed verandas offered year-round river views, while outdoor gardens and terraces remained popular for events. Dance floors provided space for lively gatherings as orchestras played on, ensuring that every evening was filled with joy and laughter.
Related Stories: The Claremont Inn, West Harlem, 1804.
The Claremont Inn’s interiors were a testament to changing American tastes and social norms over more than a century. From its days as a playground for the ultra-wealthy to its reinvention as a more democratic venue, the inn’s spaces always reflected the best of its era in design and hospitality. Though the Claremont Inn may be lost to time, its legacy as a crossroads of New York society lives on in the annals of Harlem’s rich history.
A fire burned down everything by the 1950’s (not sure of exact year).
Editor’s Note: 1-6) Claremont Inn estate.
Related Posts
- Arizona: Unstoppable Special Screening With Jerome, Cheadle And Robles And More
- Embracing The Takeout Trend: Thanksgiving Dining Reimagined
- The Fabulous Claremont Inn: Harlem’s Lost Palace Of Gilded Age Splendor, 1804 – 1950’s
- The Impact Of AI-Driven Political Software On Maximizing Fundraising Efficiency
- Sponsored Love: Luxury Villas In Dubai For Families, What To Look For
- Seafood And Superfoods: The Ultimate Healthy Pairings
- Should I Rent Or Buy My Wedding Suit?
- Harlem Alumni Fund Local Students: Community Scholarships Boost Elementary School Futures!
- Sponsored Love: How Creative Printing Tools Like Tattoo Printers Are Revolutionizing Creativity
- Sponsored Love: Epitomize Your Workspace And The Ultimate Guide To Custom Mouse Pads
- Sponsored Love: How AiEssayGenerator Is Revolutionizing Academic Writing With AI Technology
Become a Harlem Insider!
By submitting this form, you are consenting to receive marketing emails from: . You can revoke your consent to receive emails at any time by using the SafeUnsubscribe® link, found at the bottom of every email. Emails are serviced by Constant Contact
