MADISON SQUARE GARDEN BIDS FAREWELL
New York City (JFK+50) On May 6, 1925, Associated Press reports that Madison Square* Garden**, after three decades of hosting big events, has "sung its swan song."
Last evening's boxing match held at the Garden will be the building's "farewell event." In its place, a new office building is to be constructed. A new MSG, however, will be built several blocks away.
In addition to sporting events, MSG has hosted political conventions with speakers including Theodore Roosevelt and Woodrow Wilson. Unfortunately, it was also where the architect of the arena, Stanford White***, was murdered.
JFK+50 NOTE
According to Angela M.H. Schuster, Stanford White was a known "sexual predator who was murdered in public by the husband of one of his victims."
White was shot by Harry Kendall Thaw at point blank range while attending a musical theater performance in the open air rooftop of MSG. SW died instantly. After the shooting, Thaw stood over White saying, "I killed him because he ruined my wife."
*Madison Square is formed by the intersections of Fifth Avenue, Broadway & 23rd Street in New York City & named in honor of President James Madison.
**The first MSG (1879-1890) was replaced by a second (1890-1925). In 1925, the New York Life Building was constructed at this location. The third MSG (1925-1968) was on 8th Avenue between 49th & 50th Streets. The fourth MSG was completed in 1969 & saw renovations in 1989-1991, 2011-2013 & 2024.
***Stanford White (1853-1906) was born in New York City & became a noted architect of the American Renaissance period. SW was killed by Harry Kendall Thaw, a wealthy but unstable heir to a coal & railroad fortune. HKT was found not guilty of the murder by reason of insanity & committed to a mental institution.
SOURCES
"Taps Sounds as Noted Garden Passes, Saw Victory, Defeat, Joy and Death," The Evening Star, Washington, D.C., May 6, 1925, Chronicling America, Library of Congress, www.loc.gov/
"The Notorious Life and Death of Stanford White," by Angela M. H. Schuster, Avenue, May 28, 2021, www.avenuemagazine.com/
