The side along the main avenue is a lively and popular playground. It has a special place in our family lore: our oldest grandchild, having just mastered walking, one day decided the action on the sidewalk along the avenue was more exciting than the park. With the confidence of a linebacker she walked right through the gates and made her way up the street. (No worries. We were right behind.)
But wait! What is this behind the playground? An old stone house with large red shutters and a charming garden? Could it be what it seems, an actual farmhouse from the days of the Dutch in New York? Or is it a Disney-like reproduction? The answer is yes. And yes.
In fact, it was built in 1699 and stayed in the hands of Dutch descendants for more than two centuries. By the early 20th century it was buried under 15'of landfill. Eventually a movement began to rebuild the house using stones retrieved from the original site. And it became part of Washington Park. Why? Partly because this was the site of part of the Battle of Brooklyn. Yes, Washington was right here. The end result of the Battle was the loss of New York to the British. Let the park tell you:
Now the Old Stone House, its official name, is a small Revolutionary War museum and location for all kinds of cultural activities from cider tastings to theater to gardening for children.
Come on Sunday and you will find a small, friendly farmer's market. too. I even wrote a mystery story set there, "The Greenmarket Violinist." http://trissstein.com/greenmarket-violinist.php
Finally. This very spot was - maybe - the original home to what was a soon-to-be famous baseball team. While there is some disagreement about exactly which team was here, and exactly where their headquarters actually stood, the story goes that a man names Ebbets was involved - yes that Ebbets- and they eventually became known as the Brooklyn Trolley Dodgers. Yes, those Dodgers.
That's a lot of history for just one square block in Brooklyn. If you are in the neighborhood - it's called Park Slope - come sit in the shade, listen to the children's laughter, take a quick look around the museum, admire the garden. You might hear some music or - if it's Sunday - buy a pastry. And listen for a few ghosts.
Details: Washington Park/ JJ Byrne Playground/ http://theoldstonehouse.org/
