National Park Service U.S. Department of the Interior

WATER SYSTEM
Analysis of Historical Significance and Integrity by Resource Type
The availability of water for drinking, irrigation, and household tasks is fundamental to
the existence and functioning of the estate. Hyde Park's water system was self-contained with
the exception of drinking water, which was imported by choice rather than necessity. Hyde
Park used water from Crum Elbow Creek and used the Hudson River for waste disposal. The
water system was representative of complex estate systems of the period. Water from Crum
Elbow Creek drove the turbine of the electrical generating plant. An electric pump pumped
water throughout the estate. This water was used within the various households and buildings
and was also used to irrigate the lawns and gardens. When built, the Vanderbilt Mansion had
hot and cold running water throughout, concealed piping, private and semi-private bathrooms
in the public areas, modern plumbing fixtures that adhered to the most current plumbing
practices, and provisions for waste disposal that protected the health and sensibilities of estate
dwellers. The plumbing fixtures and system are significantly intact and representative of the
importance attached to privacy, cleanliness, and the ability of modern technology to aid in the
pursuit of these values. The altered bathrooms on the third floor pose the greatest questions
about integrity
HEATING AND VENTILATION
Two boilers in the sub-basement level provided heat for the two heating systems in the
house. The public areas, including the main Vanderbilt and guest bedrooms and bathrooms,
were heated by an indirect system that eliminated the need for unsightly radiators and provided
better ventilation with a continuous fresh air supply. The service areas were heated by a direct
system in which radiators cast heat directly into the room. The heating system for the house was
representative of that of similar estates of the period. The scale of the rooms and the house
presented challenges for the successful heating, humidification, and ventilation of the house.
STRUCTURAL STEEL
The use of structural steel for the house was an important engineering choice that
utilized developing construction techniques taking hold in Chicago and New York City.
Although height was not a factor in the design as it was for the tall buildings for which the steel
frame was intended, considerations of weight, the desire for large spaces unobstructed by
supporting piers, fireproofing advantages, and the experience of the architects contributed to
the use of structural steel. The combined use of both masonry and steel represent a period of
change in construction techniques, where the embrace of new methods did not eliminate timetested
older ones.
COMMUNICATION
The three communication systems within the house are of significant interest. Much of
the original equipment remains, although none is operable and much is in questionable
condition. Nonetheless, the various boxes, telephones, pushbutton panels, and speaking tubes
that remain represent the different kinds of external and internal systems that worked side-byside
during this period of time. Installed during the early years of private telephone
subscriptions, the various systems illustrate both the complex needs for communication within
the household and the limitations of each of the different systems. Moreover, remote
communication enabled the further separation of the household staff from the family and
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