Avery’s Architectural Novelties

Masonic Temple Stereographs > Masonic Temple Stereographs

These stereoscopic cards show the Masonic Temple of New York City, located on the northeast corner of 23rd Street and 6th Avenue. Published in the later nineteenth century by E. and H.T. Anthony & Co., the images include interior and exterior views of the building as well as scenes of the opening day ceremonies and parade. A short informational text on the reverse of each card has information about the building's design, materials, construction cost, and other details. 

 

The two images on each card are slightly different from each other and, when seen through a stereoscopic viewer, create the illusion of three-dimensional depth. Designed by Napoleon Le Brun (1821-1901), the cornerstone of the Masonic Temple was laid on June 8th, 1870. The firm of N. LeBrun & Sons also built the Metropolitan Life Insurance Company Tower on Madison Square and firehouses for the New York City Fire Department.

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