The Boom and Bust of Kreischerville, Staten Island’s Lost Company Town

From bustling enterprise to troubled landmarked vestige, learn the twisty history of Kreischerville

via Curbed – In the New York City of today, the existence of a company town seems an unlikely prospect. However, during the second half of the 19th century, it was a prime location for such a kind of enterprise where all the stores and housing are owned by a sole employer. There were a variety of factors at play, like optimal location, proximity to the harbor, and an ample labor force, to name a few.

Arguably the most famous company town of New York City is Steinway Village in Astoria, Queens, built by Steinway & Sons (who continues to manufacture pianos there to this day.) Yet another such company town once existed on Staten Island. That company itself no longer exists, but some historic treasures from Kreischerville remain to give us a glimpse of what life was like for the Kreischer family and its workers.