Sometimes, when you see buildings frequently, they tend to become part of the landscape and escape close attention. That’s one of the reasons we really love Forgotten New York’s forays into different neighborhoods. Take FNY’s brand new page on Eighth Avenue in Park Slope. There is probably fresh information there for even those who are very familiar with the neighborhood. Here’s an excerpt from writer Kevin Walsh’s long discussion of the Park Slope Armory:

The 14th Regiment Armory at 8th Avenue between 14th and 15th streets was designed by William Mundell and built between 1891 and 1895. The U.S. Army’s 14th Regiment was organized in the 1840s and was known as the Red Legged Devils, since their dress uniforms were based on the flamboyant Zouave style favored by the French at the time, featuring bright blue jackets and red pants.

The “Red Legged Devils” were the only regiment to fight in all three days of the Battle of Gettysburg. They have been honored by having three monuments erected at National Battlefield Park in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania.

The web page includes a large number of photos showing the wonderful detail of the Montauk Club, which is one of our favorite buildings in Park Slope, like the photo above.

BONUS: Forgotten New York’s 32nd Tour will take in Atlantic Avenue as it runs through Boerum Hill, Cobble Hill and Brooklyn Heights. The date is Sunday, September 16 at 12:30. The cost is $5. We can vouch for the fact that they’re fun and informative and, at five bucks, the best tour deal in town. RSVPs to erpietri (at) earthlink (dot) net.