Historical Photos of Sheepshead Bay Summer Cottages

Sheepshead Bay used to be a vacationer’s destination for escaping the brutal city summer heat, according to a series of photos released by Joseph Ditta on Gravesend Gazette.

About a hundred years ago, the Jones’ Cottages, a cluster of seven houses on Jerome Avenue and East 19th Street, gave refuge to people looking to enjoy the summertime in a relaxed setting with the amenities of a luxurious bed and breakfast, according to Ditta.

As the Gravesend Gazette reported:

The houses — furnished by proprietress Mrs. J. C. Jones-Moneuse in mahogany and circassian walnut furniture — enclosed a communal “rustic garden” of “peaceful delights for those seeking a cool, quiet evening.” Covered walks connected each cottage to a dining hall, where guests might devour home-cooked Southern fare — fried chicken, sweet potatoes, corn bread, and sour milk biscuits — before sinking into hammocks to the strains of nightly music. Every room had hot and cold running water, with valet, manicurist, and Lady’s maid services available at all hours.

According to Ditta, rates for a room at the Jones’ started at $2 a day. Five of the houses are used as private homes today.

Check out the photos at the Gravesend Gazette here.

Correction: It was previously stated that two of the houses are left, but five houses are actually standing today. Changes have been made to reflect that.