Advertisement for c. 1870 Richmond Hill, NY.

"Building in Richmond Hill was slow to start because of a nationwide recession prompted by the failure of Jay Cooke and Company in 1873. Problems in developing a satisfactory water supply for the area also hindered development until a reservoir was built just north of Metropolitan Avenue. Man's assistant, Edward Richmond, died unexpectedly but he had painstakingly laid out landscaping plans for the area. Finally, with the help of a new assistant, Oliver Fowler, Man built his first 5 homes in 1884 and tract development of Richmond Hill began in earnest." Victorian Richmond Hill, p. 19 (Richmond Hill Chapter, Queens Historical Society 1980).