Letter cutters from the venerable John Stevens Shop are seen in this photo from around 1983-1984 working the Poets’ Corner carved letters. It is located in the Arts Bay of the nave of the cathedral. The man on the left is John Everett “Fud” Benson the current owner of the shop. It was founded in 1705, therefore one of America’s oldest continuously operated businesses. It has been owned by the Benson’s since 1927.
The architectural firm of Heins & LaFarge was chosen in 1891 from 68 proposals for the design of the cathedral. It was an eclectic design scheme combining Byzantine, Romanesque and Gothic. The design called for these flying buttress to reinforce the crossing arches. The cornerstone was laid in 1892. The foundation is of Maine granite and concrete. The main walls and superstructure are Mohegan Golden Granite quarried near Peekskill, N.Y.
The crossing is created by four monumental round arches supporting a dome. The massive flying buttress strengthens the crossing arch. In this initial construction period (1892-1911) the crypt, choir and crossing were completed.
The photos here were provided by Timothy Smith