69th Regiment Armory

The armory is at 68 Lexington Avenue between 25th and 26th Streets in the Rose Hill neighborhood of Manhattan in New York City.{{harvnb|Todd|2006|ps=.|p=194}}{{cite aia5|page=251}} The surrounding area is considered to be within either the NoMad{{Cite news |last=Louie |first=Elaine |date=August 5, 1999 |title=The Trendy Discover NoMad Land, And Move In |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1999/08/05/garden/the-trendy-discover-nomad-land-and-move-in.html |access-date=November 25, 2023 |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=June 24, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150624031601/http://www.nytimes.com/1999/08/05/garden/the-trendy-discover-nomad-land-and-move-in.html |url-status=live }} or Rose Hill neighborhood.{{Cite news |last=Day |first=Sherri |date=October 1, 2000 |title=Neighborhood Report: Midtown; Nameless Now, a Neighborhood Seeks to Be 'Rosehill' Again |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2000/10/01/nyregion/neighborhood-report-midtown-nameless-now-neighborhood-seeks-be-rosehill-again.html |access-date=November 25, 2023 |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=May 27, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150527125907/http://www.nytimes.com/2000/10/01/nyregion/neighborhood-report-midtown-nameless-now-neighborhood-seeks-be-rosehill-again.html |url-status=live }} The lot measures {{Convert|63,235|ft2|m2|0}} and occupies almost the entire city block between Park Avenue South to the west, 26th Street to the north, Lexington Avenue to the east, and 25th Street to the south.{{harvnb|National Park Service|1996|ps=.|p=4}} The site measures approximately {{cvt|295|ft}} along 26th Street, {{cvt|200|ft}} along Lexington Avenue, and {{cvt|335|ft}} along 25th Street.{{Cite news |date=September 19, 1899 |title=69th's Armory Site Adopted |page=8 |work=New-York Tribune |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/new-york-tribune-69ths-armory-site-adop/132763390/ |access-date=November 25, 2023 |archive-date=October 8, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231008043110/https://www.newspapers.com/article/new-york-tribune-69ths-armory-site-adop/132763390/ |url-status=live }}{{Cite news |date=September 20, 1899 |title=Armory Board Meets |page=4 |work=The Standard Union |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-standard-union-armory-board-meets/132762905/ |access-date=November 25, 2023 |archive-date=October 8, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231008043235/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-standard-union-armory-board-meets/132762905/ |url-status=live }} The armory abuts the site of the writer Herman Melville's former house at 104 East 26th Street.{{Cite news |last=Mitgang |first=Herbert |date=January 19, 1982 |title=Plaque Honors Melville, New York's Own |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1982/01/19/arts/plaque-honors-melville-new-york-s-own.html |access-date=November 25, 2023 |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=May 28, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210528023022/https://www.nytimes.com/1982/01/19/arts/plaque-honors-melville-new-york-s-own.html |url-status=live }}

Designed by the firm of Hunt & Hunt, the 69th Regiment Armory was the first armory built in New York City to not be modeled on a medieval fortress; instead, it was designed in the Beaux-Arts style. The James D. Murphy Company was the general contractor and masonry contractor for the project. Other contractors involved in the armory's construction included ironwork contractor Milliken Brothers, granite contractor J. E. Dutton, cut-stone contractor Rawnsley and Jackson, bluestone contractor Thomas J. Dunn, fireproofer Roebling Construction Company, carpenter Charles Morton, and electrician James Reilly's Sons Co.{{cite magazine |date=May 7, 1904 |title=Sixty-Ninth Regiment Armory Contracts |url=https://rerecord.library.columbia.edu/document.php?vol=ldpd_7031148_033&page=ldpd_7031148_033_00001160&no=9 |magazine=The Real Estate Record: Real estate record and builders' guide |volume=73 |page=1050 |via=columbia.edu |number=1886 |access-date=November 25, 2023 |archive-date=October 8, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231008041242/https://rerecord.library.columbia.edu/document.php?vol=ldpd_7031148_033&page=ldpd_7031148_033_00001160&no=9 |url-status=live }}

As designed, the building is divided into two parts: the drill shed to the west, in the middle of the block, and the administration building to the east, facing Lexington Avenue.{{Cite news |date=August 13, 1903 |title=Plans for New Armory; Sixty-ninth Regiment to Have a Model Home. Structure to Get Away from Mediaeval Style in Favor of Modern Social Rendezvous. |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1903/08/13/archives/plans-for-new-armory-sixtyninth-regiment-to-have-a-model-home.html |access-date=November 25, 2023 |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=October 8, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231008041028/https://www.nytimes.com/1903/08/13/archives/plans-for-new-armory-sixtyninth-regiment-to-have-a-model-home.html |url-status=live }}{{cite news |date=August 13, 1903 |title=69th Regiment Armory: Plans for New Building Which Will Cost $600,000 |page=14 |work=New-York Tribune |issn=1941-0646 |id={{ProQuest|571335274}}}} Both structures were designed with brick facades accented by limestone trim. On 25th Street, there is a wing at the southwest corner with a frontage of {{cvt|30|ft}} and a depth of {{cvt|90|ft}}; it is four stories high and was used as an infirmary.{{harvnb|Landmarks Preservation Commission|1983|ps=.|p=4}}

File:69th Regiment Armory entrance.jpg

The administration building is three stories high and is topped by a double-height mansard roof.{{harvnb|Landmarks Preservation Commission|1983|p=4}}; {{harvnb|National Park Service|1996|ps=.|p=4}} The main elevation of the building's facade is on Lexington Avenue and is symmetrical, being arranged vertically into five bays. On the north and south ends of the Lexington Avenue elevation, pavilions protrude slightly onto the street. At the base of the building, a limestone water table wraps across all three elevations of the facade. A limestone band course also wraps horizontally across the facade, underneath the first-story window sills. The center of the Lexington Avenue elevation contains a massive limestone round arch, surrounded by brick headers and topped by an eagle-shaped keystone. A sally port is recessed deeply within this archway and is shielded by an iron portcullis. On the rest of the ground story, there are long, narrow rectangular windows shielded by iron grilles.

On the second story of the Lexington Avenue elevation, there are quoins on the outer edge of each pavilion. Between each set of quoins are limestone plaques bearing the names of battles where the 69th Regiment fought. On the remainder of the second story, each bay contains tripartite windows with transom bars at their tops. All of the bays on the Lexington Avenue facade, and the center two bays on 25th and 26th Streets, are separated by polygonal limestone-trimmed oriel windows, which served as gun bays. Above the second floor, a cornice with large brackets runs horizontally across the facade, and there is a brick parapet directly above the cornice. The mansard roof is made of slate and covered with copper. The mansard roof was originally one story high, making the administration building {{convert|82|ft}} tall. The roof was expanded in the 1920s to two stories; the modern-day roof has pairs of round-arched or rectangular dormers with copper frames.{{Cite news |last=Biggs |first=Caroline |date=May 7, 2021 |title=Old Buildings, New Views |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2021/05/07/realestate/old-buildings-new-views.html |access-date=November 25, 2023 |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=May 14, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230514054334/https://www.nytimes.com/2021/05/07/realestate/old-buildings-new-views.html |url-status=live }}

The drill shed is oriented east–west along 25th and 26th Streets and is variously cited as measuring {{convert|200.96|by|168.83|ft|0}};{{cite news |date=October 8, 1906 |title=New Home for the 69th: Regiment to Take Possession of Its New Armory on Saturday |page=3 |work=New-York Tribune |issn=1941-0646 |id={{ProQuest|571719016}}}} {{convert|200|by|170|ft|0}}; or {{convert|202|by|189|ft}}.{{Cite news |date=December 26, 1905 |title=An Architectural Marvel |page=5 |work=Times Union |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/times-union-an-architectural-marvel/132804939/ |access-date=November 25, 2023 |archive-date=October 8, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231008042803/https://www.newspapers.com/article/times-union-an-architectural-marvel/132804939/ |url-status=live }} It has a brick facade with limestone trim, similar to in the administration building. On all sides, the first story consists of a brick and stone wall with buttresses. The roof is a barrel vault that early sources cited as measuring {{convert|126|ft}} high. Local firm Milliken Brothers manufactured the steelwork for the roof, which is supported by six arches,{{Cite news |date=December 24, 1905 |title=Will Show Balloons in Motor Car Exhibit; Count de la Vaulx of Paris Will Bring French Models |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1905/12/24/archives/will-show-balloons-in-motor-car-exhibit-count-de-la-vaulx-of-paris.html |access-date=November 25, 2023 |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=October 8, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231008041028/https://www.nytimes.com/1905/12/24/archives/will-show-balloons-in-motor-car-exhibit-count-de-la-vaulx-of-paris.html |url-status=live }} each consisting of two three-hinged steel trusses. The trusses are grouped into pairs and are riveted together, spanning a distance of {{convert|189|ft|8|in}}. The roof also has a sealed-off skylight which measured {{convert|80|by|20|ft}}. By the late 20th century, an aluminized fabric covering had been placed over the roof.

Both the drill hall and the administration building were constructed with a superstructure of steel beams. There are no columns within the armory itself; instead, the weight of the upper stories is carried by the load-bearing exterior walls, which are very thick and have few windows.

The entrance of the drill hall led into a lobby with stairways and elevators on either side. On the first story of the administration building, were the regimental library, colonel's room, and officers' rooms. The lieutenant colonel's study contains an antique table,{{Cite news |last=Feuer |first=Alan |date=March 25, 2009 |title=A Gathering Place Steeped in Many Traditions |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2009/03/26/nyregion/26rooms.html |access-date=November 25, 2023 |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=June 2, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230602234259/https://www.nytimes.com/2009/03/26/nyregion/26rooms.html |url-status=live }} while the colonel's room has 69th Regiment memorabilia including Medals of Honor and portraits commissioned from the American Civil War.{{Cite news |date=March 16, 1992 |title=Lexington Avenue Journal; Irish Accent Is Fading, But the 69th Perseveres |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1992/03/16/nyregion/lexington-avenue-journal-irish-accent-is-fading-but-the-69th-perseveres.html |access-date=November 25, 2023 |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=January 16, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180116054849/http://www.nytimes.com/1992/03/16/nyregion/lexington-avenue-journal-irish-accent-is-fading-but-the-69th-perseveres.html |url-status=live }} The primary feature of the first story was the drill hall at the rear, measuring {{convert|137.5|by|201|ft}} across. The drill hall is surrounded on all sides by a balcony, which is {{Convert|16|ft}} wide. The eastern wall also contains an arch measuring {{Convert|90|ft}} across and {{Convert|68|ft}} tall, which was the largest in the United States when the building was completed in the 1900s. The outer edges of the arch measure {{convert|190|ft}} wide and {{convert|116|ft}} tall, leading The New York Times to say that it was "asserted to be the largest brick arch in the world".

The second story was used for regimental company rooms. The third story has a gymnasium measuring {{convert|113.5|by|42.8|ft}} across. The fourth floor had showers and restrooms, as well as rooms for the quartermasters, drum corps, and band. In the basement were a shooting range, a two-lane bowling alley, a magazine, and mess rooms. There is also a meeting room with murals in the basement. Military memorabilia, such as grenades, helmets, drums, and bayonets, are displayed throughout the armory.

After the American Civil War ended, the New York state government passed a law, which mandated that armories be erected for volunteer regiments by each of the individual counties.{{harvnb|Landmarks Preservation Commission|1983|ps=.|p=1}} This resulted in the Armory Board of the City of New York being created in April 1884.{{harvnb|Todd|2006|ps=.|p=126}} The board erected many of Manhattan's armories:{{harvnb|The Armory Board|1912|ps=.|p=3}} prior to the board's establishment, only one armory had been built in Manhattan, the Seventh Regiment Armory on the Upper East Side.{{harvnb|The Armory Board|1912|ps=.|p=5}}{{Cite journal |last=Koch |first=Robert |date=October 1955 |title=The Medieval Castle Revival: New York Armories |url=http://jsah.ucpress.edu/cgi/doi/10.2307/987824 |url-status=live |journal=Journal of the Society of Architectural Historians |volume=14 |issue=3 |pages=23–29 |doi=10.2307/987824 |jstor=987824 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220628154914/https://online.ucpress.edu/jsah/article-abstract/14/3/23/55620/The-Medieval-Castle-Revival-New-York-Armories?redirectedFrom=fulltext |archive-date=June 28, 2022 |access-date=December 20, 2019 |doi-access=}}{{cite web |date=April 12, 1983 |title=Sixty-Ninth Regiment Armory |url=http://s-media.nyc.gov/agencies/lpc/lp/1228.pdf |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191220152250/http://s-media.nyc.gov/agencies/lpc/lp/1228.pdf |archive-date=December 20, 2019 |access-date=December 6, 2019 |publisher=New York City Landmarks Preservation Commission |page=6}} As such, most volunteer regiments drilled in any available space, such as public markets or rented building lofts. This included the 69th Infantry Regiment of New York, a largely Irish-American regiment{{harvnb|Todd|2006|ps=.|p=196}} which until 1880 was located at what is now Essex Market. That year, the 69th moved to the Tompkins Market Armory, which had been vacated by the 7th New York Militia Regiment when the Seventh Regiment Armory opened.{{harvnb|National Park Service|1996|ps=.|p=8}}{{harvnb|Landmarks Preservation Commission|1983|ps=.|p=2}}

File:69th-regiment-armory.JPG

Under Colonel George Moore Smith,{{Cite news |date=January 5, 1902 |title=The 69th Regiment: Its Record of Service, Its Trials and Reorganizations and Its Homes |page=17 |work=New-York Tribune |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/new-york-tribune-the-69th-regiment-its/132786688/ |access-date=November 25, 2023 |archive-date=October 8, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231008041107/https://www.newspapers.com/article/new-york-tribune-the-69th-regiment-its/132786688/ |url-status=live }} as early as 1886, the 69th Regiment had sought permission from the Armory Board to erect a new armory. At the time, armories in Manhattan were concentrated north of 59th Street, so the board wanted to build an armory that was south of 42nd Street.{{harvnb|The Armory Board|1912|ps=.|p=11}} At first, the Armory Board wanted to erect a new armory at the site of the Tompkins Square Armory, but this plan was rejected. Another site at the intersection of Lexington Avenue and 23rd Street, occupied by a City College of New York building,{{Efn|Now Baruch College's Field Building}} was identified by 1896{{cite magazine |date=April 18, 1896 |title=Contracts Awarded |url=https://rerecord.library.columbia.edu/document.php?vol=ldpd_7031148_017&page=ldpd_7031148_017_00000705&no=3 |magazine=The Real Estate Record: Real estate record and builders' guide |volume=57 |page=659 |via=columbia.edu |number=1466 |access-date=November 25, 2023 |archive-date=October 8, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231008041408/https://rerecord.library.columbia.edu/document.php?vol=ldpd_7031148_017&page=ldpd_7031148_017_00000705&no=3 |url-status=live }} but was also rejected.{{harvnb|The Armory Board|1912|ps=.|p=15}} Colonel Edward Duffy and other regimental officers said the City College site, at {{cvt|200|by|225|ft}}, would be too small for a drill hall.{{Cite news |date=May 11, 1899 |title=Matters Metropolitan |page=1 |work=Catholic Union and Times |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/catholic-union-and-times-matters-metropo/132784628/ |access-date=November 25, 2023 |archive-date=October 8, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231008041108/https://www.newspapers.com/article/catholic-union-and-times-matters-metropo/132784628/ |url-status=live }}{{Cite news |date=May 6, 1899 |title=The 69th's New Armory |page=7 |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-new-york-times-the-69ths-new-armory/132784767/ |access-date=November 25, 2023 |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=October 8, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231008043111/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-new-york-times-the-69ths-new-armory/132784767/ |url-status=live }} Duffy instead recommended that the Armory Board acquire a nearby site bounded by Fourth Avenue, 26th Street, Lexington Avenue, and 25th Street.{{Cite news |date=September 18, 1899 |title=The Fourteenth's Armory |page=11 |work=The Brooklyn Citizen |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-brooklyn-citizen-the-fourteenths-ar/132762338/ |access-date=November 25, 2023}}

The Armory Board accepted the site on 25th and 26th Streets in September 1899, excluding the land abutting Fourth Avenue,{{Efn|This segment of Fourth Avenue was later renamed Park Avenue South. On 25th Street, the armory would occupy the entire blockfront except the {{convert|100|ft|m|-wide|adj=mid}} strip of land just east of Fourth Avenue. On 26th Street, the armory would occupy the entire blockfront except the {{convert|125|ft|m|-wide|adj=mid}} strip of land just east of Fourth Avenue.}} and recommended in January 1900 that the city acquire the site through condemnation.{{Cite news |date=January 16, 1900 |title=Armory Board Meets |page=1 |work=Times Union |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/times-union-armory-board-meets/132762384/ |access-date=November 25, 2023}} A set of commissioners were appointed that May to appraise the land.{{Cite news |date=May 18, 1900 |title=To Appraise Land for 69th's Armory |page=11 |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-new-york-times-to-appraise-land-for/132785094/ |access-date=November 25, 2023 |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=October 8, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231008040914/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-new-york-times-to-appraise-land-for/132785094/ |url-status=live }} In October 1900, the city appointed Horgan & Slattery to design the 69th Regiment Armory;{{cite news |date=October 26, 1900 |title=Mayor Enjoys Generals' Tilt: Butt and M'leer Arrayed Against Lay Members of the Armory Board |page=7 |work=New-York Tribune |issn=1941-0646 |id={{ProQuest|570850149}}}}{{Cite news |date=October 26, 1900 |title=Fund Transfer Contest; Mr. Nagle's Proposal to Use $144,649 Is Questioned. Republican City Assemblymen Say He Would Buy Machines in Which Politicians Are Interested. |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1900/10/26/archives/fund-transfer-contest-mr-nagles-proposal-to-use-144649-is.html |access-date=November 25, 2023 |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=October 8, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231008041029/https://www.nytimes.com/1900/10/26/archives/fund-transfer-contest-mr-nagles-proposal-to-use-144649-is.html |url-status=live }} the relatively unknown firm had connections to the politically powerful Tammany Hall organization of the time.{{Cite news |last=Gray |first=Christopher |date=December 16, 2007 |title=The Hall of Records of 1907: Taking Credit Where Little Is Due |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2007/12/16/realestate/16scap.html |url-status=live |access-date=September 15, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200917005931/https://www.nytimes.com/2007/12/16/realestate/16scap.html |archive-date=September 17, 2020 |issn=0362-4331}} That December, Brigadier-General McCoskry Butt expressed his opposition to the design,{{cite news |date=December 18, 1900 |title=Opposes New Armory Plans |page=7 |work=New-York Tribune |issn=1941-0646 |id={{ProQuest|570894068}}}}{{Cite news |date=December 17, 1900 |title=A New Tammany Armory |page=4 |work=The Standard Union |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-standard-union-a-new-tammany-armory/132761408/ |access-date=November 25, 2023 |archive-date=October 8, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231008042854/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-standard-union-a-new-tammany-armory/132761408/ |url-status=live }} but the Armory Board nonetheless approved the plans the next month.{{Cite news |date=January 24, 1901 |title=The 69th's New Armory |page=9 |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-new-york-times-the-69ths-new-armory/132785227/ |access-date=November 25, 2023 |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=October 8, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231008035605/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-new-york-times-the-69ths-new-armory/132785227/ |url-status=live }} Horgan and Slattery filed plans for the armory in October 1901, which were to cost $450,000 and contain a drill hall, gymnasium, shooting range, pool, seven-story lookout tower, and other rooms for the regiment.{{Cite news |date=October 2, 1901 |title=Board of Estimate and Budget for 1902; Mayor Van Wyck Refuses to In- crease Any Appropriation. Tells Mr. Feitner and Corporation Counsel Whalen that They Must Cut Down Salaries. |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1901/10/02/archives/board-of-estimate-and-budget-for-1902-mayor-van-wyck-refuses-to-in.html |access-date=November 25, 2023 |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=October 8, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231008041341/https://www.nytimes.com/1901/10/02/archives/board-of-estimate-and-budget-for-1902-mayor-van-wyck-refuses-to-in.html |url-status=live }}{{Cite news |date=October 1, 1901 |title=New Armory for 69th Regiment |page=4 |work=The Evening World |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-evening-world-new-armory-for-69th-re/132762194/ |access-date=November 25, 2023 |archive-date=October 8, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231008042535/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-evening-world-new-armory-for-69th-re/132762194/ |url-status=live }}

After Seth Low won the 1901 New York City mayoral election, he declared his intention to break up Horgan & Slattery's monopoly on municipal buildings.{{Cite news |date=January 24, 1902 |title=Open Bidding for Armories; Mayor Low Takes Steps to End the Horgan & Slattery Monopoly. |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1902/01/24/archives/open-bidding-for-armories-mayor-low-takes-steps-to-end-the-horgan.html |access-date=November 25, 2023 |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=October 8, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231008041028/https://www.nytimes.com/1902/01/24/archives/open-bidding-for-armories-mayor-low-takes-steps-to-end-the-horgan.html |url-status=live }} The Armory Board reviewed bids from construction contractors in January 1902 but rejected all the bids for being too expensive;{{Cite news |date=January 14, 1902 |title=Armory Board Rejects Bids |page=1 |work=The Brooklyn Citizen |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-brooklyn-citizen-armory-board-reject/132786498/ |access-date=November 25, 2023 |archive-date=October 8, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231008041408/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-brooklyn-citizen-armory-board-reject/132786498/ |url-status=live }} the lowest bid was $666,394.{{Cite news |date=March 10, 1902 |title=May Lose Another Job |page=1 |work=Times Union |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/times-union-may-lose-another-job/132785954/ |access-date=November 25, 2023 |archive-date=October 8, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231008041241/https://www.newspapers.com/article/times-union-may-lose-another-job/132785954/ |url-status=live }} That March, Low moved to cancel the board's contract with Horgan & Slattery,{{Cite news |date=March 10, 1902 |title=Rives Hits Horgan & Slattery |page=2 |work=The Brooklyn Citizen |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-brooklyn-citizen-rives-hits-horgan/132785988/ |access-date=November 25, 2023 |archive-date=October 8, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231008041341/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-brooklyn-citizen-rives-hits-horgan/132785988/ |url-status=live }} and he appointed a committee to help the regiment find suitable temporary quarters.{{Cite news |date=March 3, 1902 |title=Horgan and Slattery Scored |page=2 |work=The Brooklyn Citizen |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-brooklyn-citizen-horgan-and-slattery/132786189/ |access-date=November 25, 2023 |archive-date=October 8, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231008042531/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-brooklyn-citizen-horgan-and-slattery/132786189/ |url-status=live }} Per Low's request, the president of the New York Society of Architects selected George B. Post and Henry Janeway Hardenbergh to set up a design competition for the 69th Regiment Armory.{{Cite news |date=March 19, 1902 |title=Mr. Low Again Attacks Horgan-Slattery Contract.; Architects Post and Hardenbergh to Arrange for Competition for 69th Regiment Armory Plans. |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1902/03/19/archives/mr-low-again-attacks-horganslattery-contract-architects-post-and.html |access-date=November 25, 2023 |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=March 24, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230324181517/https://www.nytimes.com/1902/03/19/archives/mr-low-again-attacks-horganslattery-contract-architects-post-and.html |url-status=live }}{{cite news |date=March 19, 1902 |title=Horgan & Slattery Again: Still Want to Build Sixty-ninth's Armory—their Chances Bad |page=11 |work=New-York Tribune |issn=1941-0646 |id={{ProQuest|571065439}}}} Horgan & Slattery indicated that they would sue the city for the plans that they had drawn for the armory.{{Cite news |date=August 2, 1902 |title=Horgan & Slattery Sue; Commissions Claimed for Drawing Plans – $1,000,000 Mentioned for Two Suits to Come. |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1902/08/02/archives/horgan-slattery-sue-commissions-claimed-for-drawing-plans-1000000.html |access-date=November 25, 2023 |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=October 8, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231008041410/https://www.nytimes.com/1902/08/02/archives/horgan-slattery-sue-commissions-claimed-for-drawing-plans-1000000.html |url-status=live }}{{Cite magazine |date=August 9, 1902 |title=Building in Twenty-three Cities for July |magazine=The Construction News |volume=14 |issue=6 |page=76 |id={{ProQuest|128397671}}}} By that July, there was $533,000 for the proposed armory;{{Cite news |date=July 14, 1902 |title=$533,000 on Hand |page=1 |work=Times Union |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/times-union-533000-on-hand/132786326/ |access-date=November 25, 2023 |archive-date=October 8, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231008042530/https://www.newspapers.com/article/times-union-533000-on-hand/132786326/ |url-status=live }}{{Cite news |date=July 15, 1902 |title=71st Regiment Armory; Contractors Engaged to Pull Down the Old Building's Walls Criticised at Armory Board Meeting. |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1902/07/15/archives/71st-regiment-armory-contractors-engaged-to-pull-down-the-old.html |access-date=November 25, 2023 |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=October 8, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231008041341/https://www.nytimes.com/1902/07/15/archives/71st-regiment-armory-contractors-engaged-to-pull-down-the-old.html |url-status=live }} the same month, the New York City Board of Estimate increased the armory's appropriation to $550,000.{{Cite news |date=July 23, 1902 |title=Army and Navy News |page=8 |work=The Buffalo Enquirer |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-buffalo-enquirer-army-and-navy-news/132786374/ |access-date=November 25, 2023 |archive-date=October 8, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231008042855/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-buffalo-enquirer-army-and-navy-news/132786374/ |url-status=live }}

The Armory Board approved the plans of Hunt & Hunt in November 1902,{{Cite news |date=November 4, 1902 |title=Eighth Would Go to the Bronx |page=5 |work=New-York Tribune |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/new-york-tribune-eighth-would-go-to-the/132786217/ |access-date=November 25, 2023 |archive-date=October 8, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231008102339/https://www.newspapers.com/article/new-york-tribune-eighth-would-go-to-the/132786217/ |url-status=live }} at which point the armory was planned to cost $600,000.{{cite news |date=November 4, 1902 |title=Armory Board's Actions: Plans for the Sixty-ninth Regiment Armory Approved-- the Twelfth Desires Improvements |page=14 |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-new-york-times-armory-boards-action/132786439/ |access-date=November 25, 2023 |issn=0362-4331 |id={{ProQuest|1013638118}} |archive-date=October 8, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231008041408/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-new-york-times-armory-boards-action/132786439/ |url-status=live }} The Armory Board again increased the appropriation for the armory in early 1903 to $650,000.{{Cite news |date=January 22, 1903 |title=John R. Drexel's Purchase; Plot on Sixty-second Street Near Fifth Avenue His Site for a New Residence. |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1903/01/22/archives/john-r-drexels-purchase-plot-on-sixtysecond-street-near-fifth.html |access-date=November 25, 2023 |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=October 8, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231008041353/https://www.nytimes.com/1903/01/22/archives/john-r-drexels-purchase-plot-on-sixtysecond-street-near-fifth.html |url-status=live }} Meanwhile, Horgan & Slattery were suing the city for $22,500 in architects' fees;{{Cite news |date=June 16, 1903 |title=Negro Shot Two in Criminal Court House; Superintendent McFarlane Killed by Alleged Policy Operator. His Deputy in the Goddard Society Is Wounded – Assailant Indicted for Murder Within an Hour. |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1903/06/16/archives/negro-shot-two-in-criminal-court-house-superintendent-mcfarlane.html |access-date=November 25, 2023 |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=October 8, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231008041946/https://www.nytimes.com/1903/06/16/archives/negro-shot-two-in-criminal-court-house-superintendent-mcfarlane.html |url-status=live }}{{cite news |date=June 16, 1903 |title=Architects Press Armory Claim |page=2 |work=New-York Tribune |issn=1941-0646 |id={{ProQuest|571284468}}}} that June, a judge ruled that the city owed the firm $16,855.{{Cite news |date=June 18, 1903 |title=Mr. Poulson Describes Dealings With Parks; Denies Money He Gave to Walking Delegate Was a Bribe. Hecla Iron Works President Says He Was "Held Up" – Had to Pay or Go Out of Business. |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1903/06/18/archives/mr-poulson-describes-dealings-with-parks-denies-money-he-gave-to.html |access-date=November 25, 2023 |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=October 8, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231008040914/https://www.nytimes.com/1903/06/18/archives/mr-poulson-describes-dealings-with-parks-denies-money-he-gave-to.html |url-status=live }} Hunt & Hunt filed revised plans for the armory in August 1903. The building was to be designed in the Beaux-Arts style; co-architect Richard Howland Hunt said he aimed to "make the building look like an armory in the city—not a {{As written|media|eval}} castle demanding for completeness a moat and country setting". The Fleischmann Realty and Construction Company received a $617,300 contract for the armory's construction that month,{{cite news |date=August 1, 1903 |title=New Armory Contract |page=16 |work=New-York Tribune |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/new-york-tribune-new-armory-contract/132803673/ |access-date=November 25, 2023 |issn=1941-0646 |id={{ProQuest|571387051}} |archive-date=October 8, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231008045823/https://www.newspapers.com/article/new-york-tribune-new-armory-contract/132803673/ |url-status=live }} but the bidding process was subsequently reopened.{{Cite news |date=October 17, 1903 |title=Gossip of Gotham |page=17 |work=The Buffalo News |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-buffalo-news-gossip-of-gotham/132803627/ |access-date=November 25, 2023 |archive-date=October 8, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231008044112/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-buffalo-news-gossip-of-gotham/132803627/ |url-status=live }} The contract was re-awarded at the end of 1903 to the James D. Murphy Company for $606,266.{{Cite magazine |date=January 9, 1904 |title=News of the Week: Contracts Let |magazine=The Construction News |volume=17 |issue=2 |page=25 |id={{ProQuest|128404999}}}}{{Cite news |date=December 30, 1903 |title=New 69th Regiment Armory |page=6 |work=The Brooklyn Daily Eagle |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-brooklyn-daily-eagle-new-69th-regime/132803420/ |access-date=November 25, 2023 |archive-date=October 8, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231008040914/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-brooklyn-daily-eagle-new-69th-regime/132803420/ |url-status=live }}

Workers began clearing the site in February 1904, displacing the residents of several boarding houses. The existing tenants had difficulty securing new apartments, and in one case a resident caught pneumonia and died while looking for a new home.{{Cite news |date=February 16, 1904 |title=Wholesale Dispossess to Clear Armory Site; Thirty-two Families Keep Vans Busy All Night. |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1904/02/16/archives/wholesale-dispossess-to-clear-armory-site-thirtytwo-families-keep.html |access-date=November 25, 2023 |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=October 8, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231008041352/https://www.nytimes.com/1904/02/16/archives/wholesale-dispossess-to-clear-armory-site-thirtytwo-families-keep.html |url-status=live }} Mayor George B. McClellan Jr. laid the armory's cornerstone at a groundbreaking ceremony on April 23, 1904,{{cite news |date=April 24, 1904 |title=Mayor Handles Trowel: Lays a Cornerstone Sixty-ninth Regiment Sees Beginning of New Armory |page=6 |work=New-York Tribune |issn=1941-0646 |id={{ProQuest|571487548}}}}{{Cite news |date=April 24, 1904 |title=Cornerstone Laid for 69th's Armory; Mayor Officiates at Ceremony – Justice Fitzgerald Speaks. |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1904/04/24/archives/cornerstone-laid-for-69ths-armory-mayor-officiates-at-ceremony.html |access-date=November 25, 2023 |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=October 8, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231008041032/https://www.nytimes.com/1904/04/24/archives/cornerstone-laid-for-69ths-armory-mayor-officiates-at-ceremony.html |url-status=live }} marking the 43rd anniversary of when the 69th Regiment left New York City to fight in the Civil War.{{Cite news |date=April 17, 1904 |title=Sixty-ninth Regiment's Cornerstone Laying |page=21 |work=The Standard Union |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-standard-union-sixty-ninth-regiment/132804699/ |access-date=November 25, 2023 |archive-date=October 8, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231008043116/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-standard-union-sixty-ninth-regiment/132804699/ |url-status=live }} Several other construction contracts were awarded the next month. The armory was almost complete by October 1905{{Cite news |date=October 1, 1905 |title=Can Care for Bancroft, Say Naval Militiamen |page=50 |work=The Brooklyn Daily Eagle |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-brooklyn-daily-eagle-can-care-for-ba/132804773/ |access-date=November 25, 2023 |archive-date=October 8, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231008045628/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-brooklyn-daily-eagle-can-care-for-ba/132804773/ |url-status=live }} and was ready to host events by the end of the year.{{Cite news |date=December 31, 1905 |title=Season of the Motor Shows On |page=28 |work=Buffalo Courier Express |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/buffalo-courier-express-season-of-the-mo/132805086/ |access-date=November 25, 2023 |archive-date=October 8, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231008041733/https://www.newspapers.com/article/buffalo-courier-express-season-of-the-mo/132805086/ |url-status=live }} That November, the city's Sinking Fund Commission approved $18,500 in bonds for lockers, gun racks, and railings at the armory.{{Cite news |date=November 15, 1905 |title=To Repair Armories |page=12 |work=The Brooklyn Citizen |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-brooklyn-citizen-to-repair-armories/132804861/ |access-date=November 25, 2023 |archive-date=October 8, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231008041352/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-brooklyn-citizen-to-repair-armories/132804861/ |url-status=live }} The armory hosted its first event, a vehicular show, in January 1906,{{Cite news |date=January 21, 1906 |title=Enormous Auto Sales Made at Both Shows; Estimate of Week's Business Mounts Up Into Millions |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1906/01/21/archives/enormous-auto-sales-made-at-both-shows-estimate-of-weeks-business.html |access-date=November 25, 2023 |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=October 8, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231008041943/https://www.nytimes.com/1906/01/21/archives/enormous-auto-sales-made-at-both-shows-estimate-of-weeks-business.html |url-status=live }} but its official opening date was repeatedly rescheduled.{{cite news |date=August 19, 1906 |title=National Guard News |page=B7 |work=New-York Tribune |issn=1941-0646 |id={{ProQuest|571870824}}}}

File:69th Regiment, New York National Guard, marching past armory entrance, New York City LCCN2016651305.jpg

The 69th Regiment moved into the armory on October 13, 1906, escorted by the 7th New York Militia Regiment and the 9th Massachusetts Volunteer Militia Regiment.{{cite news |date=October 14, 1906 |title=The 69th in New Home: Big Armory Dedicated Thousands Cheer Regiments in Parade—elaborate Ceremonies |page=7 |work=New-York Tribune |issn=1941-0646 |id={{ProQuest|571911086}}}}{{Cite news |date=October 13, 1906 |title=The 69th Moves to-day; Ninth Massachusetts Arrives to Help Do the Honors at New Armory. |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1906/10/13/archives/the-69th-moves-today-ninth-massachusetts-arrives-to-help-do-the.html |access-date=November 25, 2023 |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=October 8, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231008035604/https://www.nytimes.com/1906/10/13/archives/the-69th-moves-today-ninth-massachusetts-arrives-to-help-do-the.html |url-status=live }} That December, Duffy ordered that the 69th Regiment begin allowing tennis players to use the drill hall.{{cite news |date=December 6, 1906 |title=Boom for Indoor Tennis: Game Will Be Played in New 69th Regiment Armory |page=9 |work=New-York Tribune |issn=1941-0646 |id={{ProQuest|571937052}}}} In its early years, the armory was rented out for numerous events, with the regiment charging $500 per day for each event. By the early 1910s, the 69th Regiment Armory and the nearby 71st Regiment Armory were competing with each other to host large events, as both armories had more floor space than the second Madison Square Garden, which was also nearby.{{cite magazine |date=November 18, 1911 |title=Local Armories Competing for Exhibition Patronage |magazine=Variety |volume=24 |issue=11 |pages=3, 6 |id={{ProQuest|1529287041}}}} Its most prominent event may have been the Armory Show in 1913,{{Cite news |last=Roberts |first=Sam |date=October 31, 2019 |title=5 New York Buildings That Changed American History |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2019/10/31/nyregion/5-new-york-buildings-that-changed-american-history.html |access-date=November 25, 2023 |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=May 19, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220519191520/https://www.nytimes.com/2019/10/31/nyregion/5-new-york-buildings-that-changed-american-history.html |url-status=live }} which greatly influenced the spread of avant-garde art.{{harvnb|Landmarks Preservation Commission|1983|p=5}}; {{harvnb|National Park Service|1996|ps=.|p=6}} By then, local civic groups wanted the 69th Regiment to open up the armory to the community during the summers due to a lack of nearby public parks.{{cite news |date=July 8, 1913 |title=2,000 Youngsters to Meet; Want to Play in Armory: Gramercy Association Plans to Have 69th Regiment Building Thus Used |page=5 |work=New-York Tribune |issn=1941-0646 |id={{ProQuest|575143569}}}} The armory also hosted the 69th Regiment's electionsSee, for example:{{unbulleted list citebundle|{{Cite news|date=February 24, 1909|title=H.H. Rogers's Son Only Two Votes Shy; Fails of Election as Lieutenant Colonel of the Sixty-ninth Regiment|language=en-US|work=The New York Times|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1909/02/24/archives/hh-rogerss-son-only-two-votes-shy-fails-of-election-as-lieutenant.html|access-date=November 25, 2023|issn=0362-4331|archive-date=October 8, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231008041408/https://www.nytimes.com/1909/02/24/archives/hh-rogerss-son-only-two-votes-shy-fails-of-election-as-lieutenant.html|url-status=live}}|{{cite news |id={{ProQuest|572388341}} |title=69th Regiment Election: Lieutenant Colonel Conley and Lieut. Nagle Candidates for the Command |date=April 20, 1910 |page=9 |work=New-York Tribune|issn=1941-0646}}}} and annual reviews of the regiment.See, for example:

{{unbulleted list citebundle|{{Cite news|title=Walsh Commends New York Militia: Governor Reviews 69th Regiment in Armory. Attended by Adjt Gen Cole, Col Logan and Capt Stearns.|work=Boston Daily Globe|date=April 18, 1915|page=3|id={{ProQuest|502957262}}}}|{{Cite news|date=June 4, 1925|title=Gen. O'Duffy Sails; Didn't See Any Eggs; The Irish Commissioner Also Declares That He Heard No Hissing at 69th Review|language=en-US|work=The New York Times|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1925/06/04/archives/gen-oduffy-sails-didnt-see-any-eggs-the-irish-commissioner-also.html|access-date=November 25, 2023|issn=0362-4331}}|{{Cite news|date=October 9, 1938|title=3,000 Attend Review of 165th Infantry; Fifty Wartime Officers at Fete in Honor of General Anderson|language=en-US|work=The New York Times|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1938/10/09/archives/3000-attend-review-of-165th-infantry-fifty-wartime-officers-at-fete.html|access-date=November 25, 2023|issn=0362-4331|archive-date=October 9, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231009000411/https://www.nytimes.com/1938/10/09/archives/3000-attend-review-of-165th-infantry-fifty-wartime-officers-at-fete.html|url-status=live}}}}

The armory was variously known as the 165th Infantry ArmorySee, for instance: {{unbulleted list citebundle|{{Cite news|date=May 3, 1952|title=Old 69th to Observe 96th Anniversary|page=20|work=The Tablet|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-tablet-old-69th-to-observe-96th-anni/132963585/|access-date=November 25, 2023|archive-date=October 9, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231009001924/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-tablet-old-69th-to-observe-96th-anni/132963585/|url-status=live}}|{{Cite news|date=December 19, 1939|title=Old 69th to be in Dec. 23 Party|page=482|work=Daily News|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/daily-news-old-69th-to-be-in-dec-23-par/132963638/|access-date=November 25, 2023|archive-date=October 9, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231009002003/https://www.newspapers.com/article/daily-news-old-69th-to-be-in-dec-23-par/132963638/|url-status=live}}}} and the Lexington Avenue Armory over the years.See, for instance: {{unbulleted list citebundle|{{Cite news|last=Bird|first=David|date=October 9, 1985|title=Fire Kills Boy, 3, at Prince George Hotel Now Used by City as Shelter|language=en-US|work=The New York Times|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1985/10/09/nyregion/fire-kills-boy-3-at-prince-george-hotel-now-used-by-city-as-shelter.html|access-date=November 25, 2023|issn=0362-4331|archive-date=November 20, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171120232919/http://www.nytimes.com/1985/10/09/nyregion/fire-kills-boy-3-at-prince-george-hotel-now-used-by-city-as-shelter.html|url-status=live}}}} The armory's drill hall hosted a wide variety of events, becoming what The New York Times called "Manhattan's multipurpose site". The 69th Regiment itself was mustered in during June 1916,{{cite news |date=June 21, 1916 |title=69th's Men Inspected Preparatory to Start: Weapons Also Examined—many Sleep in Armory |page=4 |work=New-York Tribune |issn=1941-0646 |id={{ProQuest|575582050}}}}{{Cite news |date=June 20, 1916 |title=Gen. O'Ryan Rushes Work at New Camp; Hundreds of Tons of Food Supplies Ordered and Train Service Arranged |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1916/06/20/archives/gen-oryan-rushes-work-at-new-camp-hundreds-of-tons-of-food-supplies.html |access-date=November 25, 2023 |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=October 9, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231009001927/https://www.nytimes.com/1916/06/20/archives/gen-oryan-rushes-work-at-new-camp-hundreds-of-tons-of-food-supplies.html |url-status=live }} becoming the 165th Infantry Regiment during World War I. As soon as the 69th Regiment left to fight in the war, the 169th Regiment was established, occupying the 69th Regiment Armory. During the war, the armory was also used as a temporary dormitory for sailors and soldiers.{{Cite news |date=June 15, 1918 |title=More Beds for Soldiers; Sleeping Quarters In 69th Armory for Men Visiting City. |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1918/06/15/archives/more-beds-for-soldiers-sleeping-quarters-in-69th-armory-for-men.html |access-date=November 25, 2023 |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=October 9, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231009001928/https://www.nytimes.com/1918/06/15/archives/more-beds-for-soldiers-sleeping-quarters-in-69th-armory-for-men.html |url-status=live }} The 165th Infantry moved back into the armory in early 1919,{{Cite news |date=March 30, 1919 |title=Old 69th Starts Home From Brest; Colonel Phelan Receives Cablegram That Rainbow Division Unit Sails |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1919/03/30/archives/old-69th-starts-home-from-brest-colonel-phelan-receives-cablegram.html |access-date=November 25, 2023 |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=October 9, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231009003433/https://www.nytimes.com/1919/03/30/archives/old-69th-starts-home-from-brest-colonel-phelan-receives-cablegram.html |url-status=live }} whereupon it was mustered out and then reorganized twice in two years.{{harvnb|National Park Service|1994|ps=.|p=10}} George M. McCabe designed an expansion to the roof in 1926, providing additional storage space. A plaque, dedicated to members of the 165th Infantry who died in World War I, was unveiled at the armory in 1927.{{Cite news |date=June 3, 1927 |title=To Unveil 165th Infantry Tablet. |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1927/06/03/archives/to-unveil-165th-infantry-tablet.html |access-date=November 25, 2023 |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=October 9, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231009003543/https://www.nytimes.com/1927/06/03/archives/to-unveil-165th-infantry-tablet.html |url-status=live }}

One of the armory's rooms was dedicated to Edward Duffy in 1930.{{Cite news |date=May 31, 1930 |title=Unveils Tablet to Duffy; Old 69th Regiment Honors Its Former Commander. |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1930/05/31/archives/unveils-tablet-to-duffy-old-69th-regiment-honors-its-former.html |access-date=November 25, 2023 |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=September 30, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200930200437/https://www.nytimes.com/1930/05/31/archives/unveils-tablet-to-duffy-old-69th-regiment-honors-its-former.html |url-status=live }} Additional tablets were dedicated in the 1930s, commemorating 165th Infantry troops who had died in World War I. These included tablets dedicated to the fallen members of Company F in 1931{{Cite news |date=February 22, 1931 |title=Tablet Honors War Dead; Taps Sounded as Memorial in Old 69th Armory Is Unveiled. |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1931/02/22/archives/tablet-honors-war-dead-taps-sounded-as-memorial-in-old-69th-armory.html |access-date=November 25, 2023 |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=October 9, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231009003435/https://www.nytimes.com/1931/02/22/archives/tablet-honors-war-dead-taps-sounded-as-memorial-in-old-69th-armory.html |url-status=live }} and Company I in 1936,{{cite news |date=May 11, 1936 |title=Mother Unveils Plaque To Company I War Dead: Mrs. Henry Lynch in 165th Infantry Unit Memorial |page=12 |work=New York Herald Tribune |issn=1941-0646 |id={{ProQuest|1242871288}}}} as well as a plaque in the armory's Regimental Headquarters Room in 1939.{{Cite news |date=November 12, 1939 |title=Plaque Honors Dead of Rainbow Division; Bronze Memorial Dedicated to 24 of 165th Infantry |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1939/11/12/archives/plaque-honors-dead-of-rainbow-division-bronze-memorial-dedicated-to.html |access-date=November 25, 2023 |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=October 9, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231009003436/https://www.nytimes.com/1939/11/12/archives/plaque-honors-dead-of-rainbow-division-bronze-memorial-dedicated-to.html |url-status=live }} The National Re-employment Service opened a hiring office at the armory in 1933.{{Cite news |date=November 29, 1933 |title=New Job Offices Opened In Civil Works Program |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1933/11/29/archives/new-job-offices-opened-in-civil-works-program.html |access-date=November 25, 2023 |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=October 9, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231009003436/https://www.nytimes.com/1933/11/29/archives/new-job-offices-opened-in-civil-works-program.html |url-status=live }} Early the following year, city officials began using the building as a community center for homeless men during the daytime.{{Unbulleted list citebundle|{{Cite news|date=February 5, 1934|title=Armory a Haven to 1,500 Homeless; Suspicious of Invitations to Play Games, Men Wait to Be Sure Offers Are Sincere.|language=en-US|work=The New York Times|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1934/02/05/archives/armory-a-haven-to-1500-homeless-suspicious-of-invitations-to-play.html|access-date=November 25, 2023|issn=0362-4331|archive-date=October 9, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231009003551/https://www.nytimes.com/1934/02/05/archives/armory-a-haven-to-1500-homeless-suspicious-of-invitations-to-play.html|url-status=live}}|{{cite news

|id={{ProQuest|1243053661}}

|title=Armory Opens As Playground For Homeless: LaGuardia Project Proves Worth 1st Day in Keeping Rovers Off Streets

|date=February 5, 1934

|page=3

|work=New York Herald Tribune|issn=1941-0646}}}} As part of a 1936 Works Progress Administration project, Earl Lonsbury painted some murals in a meeting hall in the basement. The armory's floor was rebuilt in 1939 to accommodate the track and field games that took place there every year.{{Cite news |date=January 14, 1939 |title=500 Track Athletes to Compete In 69th Regiment Meet Tonight; Old Records Expected to Go on New Armory Floor—Interscholastic Stars Will Eight for Honors in Brooklyn |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1939/01/14/archives/500-track-athletes-to-compete-in-69th-regiment-meet-tonight-old.html |access-date=November 25, 2023 |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=October 9, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231009003440/https://www.nytimes.com/1939/01/14/archives/500-track-athletes-to-compete-in-69th-regiment-meet-tonight-old.html |url-status=live }}

Another plaque at the armory was dedicated in early 1940, commemorating members of the 165th Infantry's machine-gun company who had been killed in World War I.{{unbulleted list citebundle|{{Cite news|date=January 23, 1940|title=Plaque Honors War Dead; Memorial to 32 Members of 165th Infantry Unveiled|language=en-US|work=The New York Times|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1940/01/23/archives/plaque-honors-war-dead-memorial-to-32-members-of-165th-infantry.html|access-date=November 25, 2023|issn=0362-4331|archive-date=October 9, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231009004040/https://www.nytimes.com/1940/01/23/archives/plaque-honors-war-dead-memorial-to-32-members-of-165th-infantry.html|url-status=live}}|{{cite news

|id={{ProQuest|1242940584}}

|title=165th Infantry Unveils Memorial to War Dead

|date=January 23, 1940

|page=21

|work=New York Herald Tribune|issn=1941-0646}}}} With the onset of World War II, the New York state government stopped renting out the armory for civilian events that year.{{cite news |date=June 4, 1940 |title=24-Hour Guard for All Armories Ordered by New York and Jersey: Lehman Calls Out 500 Men, Asks Governors to Act, Backs Roosevelt Pica for Militia; Buildings Closed to Civilians, Patrols Begin Watch |page=1 |work=New York Herald Tribune |issn=1941-0646 |id={{ProQuest|1248680082}}}} The 71st Infantry also began using the 69th Regiment Armory as an overflow training space,{{cite news |last=Sebring |first=Lewis B. |date=September 17, 1940 |title=City's Troops Report, Start Army Routine: 27th Division Included in Summons to 35,700 More Men for Oct. 15 |page=1 |work=New York Herald Tribune |issn=1941-0646 |id={{ProQuest|1248164202}}}} and the 165th Infantry was mustered in as part of the First Infantry Brigade of the New York National Guard.{{cite news |date=January 27, 194 |title=Mustering of 1st Brigade To Be Finished in Week |page=2 |work=New York Herald Tribune |issn=1941-0646 |id={{ProQuest|1263128250}}}} The public was allowed to use the armory again in 1943.{{cite news |last=Abramson |first=Jesse |date=November 30, 1943 |title=Lifting of Ban On Armory Use Aids Trackmen: Downing, Met. A. A.U. Head, Hopes for Co-operation of Commanding Officers |page=28 |work=New York Herald Tribune |issn=1941-0646 |id={{ProQuest|1263710492}}}} Through the mid-20th century, the building continued to be used for events such as basketball games,{{Cite news |last=Mozley |first=Dana |date=February 4, 1967 |title=Sportscade |page=312 |work=Daily News |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/daily-news-sportscade/133022697/ |access-date=November 25, 2023 |archive-date=October 9, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231009004044/https://www.newspapers.com/article/daily-news-sportscade/133022697/ |url-status=live }} which were sometimes hosted before military drills.{{Cite news |date=December 10, 1964 |title=St. Francis Five Highly Rated, But It Needs Court to Play On |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1964/12/10/archives/st-francis-five-highly-rated-but-it-needs-court-to-play-on.html |access-date=November 25, 2023 |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=October 9, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231009003953/https://www.nytimes.com/1964/12/10/archives/st-francis-five-highly-rated-but-it-needs-court-to-play-on.html |url-status=live }} Despite being a frequent venue for basketball games, in 1967, the 69th Regiment Armory was described by one critic as "close to being a fire trap" and unpopular among regular visitors.

The Native New Yorkers Historical Association announced plans in late 1970 to install a plaque on the building, commemorating the Armory Show of 1913,{{Cite news |date=October 23, 1970 |title=Plaque to Mark Site Of Decisive Art Show |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1970/10/23/archives/plaque-to-mark-site-of-decisive-art-show.html |access-date=November 25, 2023 |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=October 9, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231009003954/https://www.nytimes.com/1970/10/23/archives/plaque-to-mark-site-of-decisive-art-show.html |url-status=live }} but the plaque was not unveiled until the end of 1972.{{Cite news |date=December 20, 1972 |title=Briefs on the Arts |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1972/12/20/archives/armory-art-show-recalled-by-plaque.html |access-date=November 25, 2023 |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=October 9, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231009003956/https://www.nytimes.com/1972/12/20/archives/armory-art-show-recalled-by-plaque.html |url-status=live }} The armory was designated as a city landmark in April 1983.{{cite landmarks|pages=444–445}}{{Cite news |last=Dunlap |first=David W. |date=April 13, 1983 |title=Landmark Status Given to Woolworth Building |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1983/04/13/nyregion/landmark-status-given-to-woolworth-building.html |access-date=November 25, 2023 |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=January 21, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190121065849/https://www.nytimes.com/1983/04/13/nyregion/landmark-status-given-to-woolworth-building.html |url-status=live }} By that decade,{{Unbulleted list citebundle|{{Cite news|last=Rule|first=Sheila|date=November 24, 1983|title=2,000 More Beds for the Homeless Planned in City|language=en-US|work=The New York Times|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1983/11/24/nyregion/2000-more-beds-for-the-homeless-planned-in-city.html|access-date=November 25, 2023|issn=0362-4331|archive-date=September 27, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160927145142/http://www.nytimes.com/1983/11/24/nyregion/2000-more-beds-for-the-homeless-planned-in-city.html|url-status=live}}|{{Cite news|date=November 24, 1983|title=More Beds Planned for Homeless|page=7|work=The Herald Statesman|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-herald-statesman-more-beds-planned-f/133023227/|access-date=November 25, 2023|archive-date=October 9, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231009003958/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-herald-statesman-more-beds-planned-f/133023227/|url-status=live}}}} the fourth floor of the building contained a women's homeless shelter, with 184 residents.{{cite news |last1=Scaduto |first1=Anthony |last2=Ladd  |first2=Scott |date=December 24, 1986 |title=150 Escape Manhattan Shelter Fire |page=17 |work=Newsday |issn=2574-5298 |id={{ProQuest|285356680}}}} During the 1980s, the armory also had some public tennis courts, which were used by Baruch College during the academic year.{{Cite news |last=Wolff |first=Craig |date=July 10, 1987 |title=City Tennis: It Takes Either Money or Time |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1987/07/10/style/city-tennis-it-takes-either-money-or-time.html |access-date=November 25, 2023 |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=November 1, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171101061058/http://www.nytimes.com/1987/07/10/style/city-tennis-it-takes-either-money-or-time.html |url-status=live }} The First Battalion, part of the 42nd Infantry Division, continued to occupy the armory at the end of the 20th century.{{Cite magazine |last=Powers |first=Kenneth H. |date=Mar 1998 |title=The 69th regiment of New York |magazine=National Guard |volume=52 |issue=3 |pages=22–23 |id={{ProQuest|406736195}}}} The armory's basement rifle range had been shuttered, and the regiment estimated that it would cost $250,000 to restore murals in the basement's meeting hall. In addition, other parts of the building were rented out for events.{{Cite news |last=Holloway |first=Lynette |date=April 24, 1994 |title=Neighborhood Report: Kingsbridge; Armory's Uncertain Future |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |issn=0362-4331 |id={{ProQuest|109269668}}}}

After the September 11 attacks in 2001, the armory was converted to a "bereavement center" for victims and families.{{Cite news|last=Chivers|first=C. J.|date=September 18, 2001|title=A Nation Challenged: the National Guard; After a War Starts at Home, the Guard Prepares to Take It Abroad|language=en-US|work=The New York Times|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2001/09/18/nyregion/nation-challenged-national-guard-after-war-starts-home-guard-prepares-take-it.html|access-date=October 28, 2023|issn=0362-4331}}{{Cite news |last1=Casey |first1=Michael |last2=Chollet |first2=Laurence |date=September 14, 2001 |title=Searchers on Emotional Roller Coaster Many Hopes, Few Answers About Lost Loved Ones Grief and Remembrance |page=A11 |work=The Record |id={{ProQuest|425340061}}}} The New York City government proposed converting part of the 69th Regiment Armory into a 120-bed homeless shelter for men in 2005; at the time, the women's shelter had been relocated elsewhere. However, the plan was dropped due to opposition from local residents.{{cite web |last=Amateau |first=Albert |date=November 1, 2005 |title=Gramercy residents defeat men's shelter at armory |url=https://www.amny.com/news/gramercy-residents-defeat-mens-shelter-at-armory/ |access-date=November 25, 2023 |website=amNewYork}} The structure continued to host special events such as the Victoria's Secret Fashion Show; that show's organizers provided power generators to the armory after the structure's communications, power, and water infrastructure was damaged during Hurricane Sandy in 2012.{{cite magazine |last=Shachtman |first=Noah |date=November 2, 2012 |title=How Victoria's Secret Saved the National Guard During Hurricane Sandy |url=https://www.wired.com/2012/11/victorias-secret-sandy/ |access-date=October 28, 2023 |magazine=WIRED}}

Over the years, there have been several events and exhibits at the 69th Regiment Armory and other drill halls across New York City.{{harvnb|Landmarks Preservation Commission|1983|ps=.|p=5}} The first event at the armory, the Automobile Club of America's vehicular show, opened on January 13, 1906,{{Cite news |date=January 14, 1906 |title=Balloons the Feature of Armory Auto Show; Aero Club's Exhibit Novel and Interesting to Big Crowd |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1906/01/14/archives/balloons-the-feature-of-armory-auto-show-aero-clubs-exhibit-novel.html |access-date=November 25, 2023 |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=October 8, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231008041943/https://www.nytimes.com/1906/01/14/archives/balloons-the-feature-of-armory-auto-show-aero-clubs-exhibit-novel.html |url-status=live }}{{cite news |date=January 14, 1906 |title=Hardly Room to Walk: Armory Show Finds Favor With the Motor Enthusiasts |page=8 |work=New-York Tribune |issn=1941-0646 |id={{ProQuest|571792270}}}} and attracted tens of thousands of people in a week.

{{Main|Armory Show}}

File:AIC1913ArmoryShow Photo 1.jpg

The 69th Regiment Armory hosted the 1913 International Exhibition of Modern Art, also known as the Armory Show,{{cite news |last=Genauer |first=Emily |date=March 2, 1958 |title=Armory Show In Retrospect |page=E13 |work=New York Herald Tribune |issn=1941-0646 |id={{ProQuest|1323055438}}}} following the efforts of Irish American collector John Quinn. The Armory Show, which was exhibited at the armory from February 17 to March 17, 1913. displayed some 1,300 paintings, sculptures, and decorative works.{{cite news |last=Ahlander |first=Leslie Judd |date=February 24, 1963 |title=Famed Armory Show Reopens |page=G8 |work=The Washington Post, Times Herald |issn=0190-8286 |id={{ProQuest|141910165}}}} Although two-thirds of the featured artists were American,{{cite web |date=February 17, 2013 |title='Armory Show' That Shocked America In 1913, Celebrates 100 |url=https://www.npr.org/2013/02/17/172002686/armory-show-that-shocked-america-in-1913-celebrates-100 |access-date=November 25, 2023 |website=NPR |archive-date=July 20, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230720182910/https://www.npr.org/2013/02/17/172002686/armory-show-that-shocked-america-in-1913-celebrates-100 |url-status=live }} it also attracted Europeans like Vincent Van Gogh, Pablo Picasso, Henri Matisse, Raoul Dufy, Marcel Duchamp, and Andre Dunoyer de Segonzac.{{Cite book |last=Brown |first=Milton W. |title=The story of the Armory show |date=1988 |publisher=Abbeville Press |isbn=0-89659-795-4 |edition=2nd |location=New York |oclc=17233619}} Over 100,000 people attended the show, which contributed to the rise of New York City as a major art center. According to NPR, the show "marked the dawn of Modernism in America" and marked the first use of the term avant-garde in relation to art.

Due to its novel nature, the show attracted large amounts of commentary when it opened,{{cite news |date=February 23, 1963 |title=Mirror of World Opinion Explosion at the Armony |page=16 |work=The Christian Science Monitor |id={{ProQuest|510386543}}}} and it was still being discussed decades after it closed. For the show's 50th anniversary in 1963, over 300 pieces from the original show were exhibited in the drill hall, which was redesigned to replicate the appearance of the 1913 exhibition.{{cite news |last=Back |first=Paul |date=April 11, 1963 |title=The Armory Show: All's Quiet After 50 Yrs. |page=9C |work=Newsday |issn=2574-5298 |id={{ProQuest|913638179}}}}{{Cite news |last=O'Doherty |first=Brian |date=April 12, 1963 |title=Show at Armory Attracts 15,535; Re-Creation of '13 Exhibition Produces Few Comments |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1963/04/12/archives/show-at-armory-attracts-15535-recreation-of-13-exhibition-produces.html |access-date=November 25, 2023 |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=October 9, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231009004041/https://www.nytimes.com/1963/04/12/archives/show-at-armory-attracts-15535-recreation-of-13-exhibition-produces.html |url-status=live }} The Architectural League of New York staged its annual "Beaux Arts Ball" at the Armory in 2013, to mark the centennial of the 1913 Armory Show.[http://archleague.org/2013/09/beaux-arts-ball-2013/ "Beaux Arts Ball 2013: –ism"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150310230606/http://archleague.org/2013/09/beaux-arts-ball-2013/|date=March 10, 2015}} on the Architectural League of New York website[http://www.superiorconcept.org/SCMpages/ALNY/Beaux_Arts_Ball.html "The Architectural League's Beaux Arts Ball: –ISM] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150402111918/http://www.superiorconcept.org/SCMpages/ALNY/Beaux_Arts_Ball.html|date=April 2, 2015}} on the Processional Art Workshop website

The armory held its first-ever "open games" in April 1907, with members of several regiments participating in a variety of races.{{Cite news |date=April 2, 1907 |title=69th Regiment's Big Meet.; Sheppard Runs Fast Quarter In Relay but Fails at Record. |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1907/04/02/archives/69th-regiments-big-meet-sheppard-runs-fast-quarter-in-relay-but.html |access-date=November 25, 2023 |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=October 8, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231008041408/https://www.nytimes.com/1907/04/02/archives/69th-regiments-big-meet-sheppard-runs-fast-quarter-in-relay-but.html |url-status=live }} In its early years, the armory also hosted athletic meets and competitions such as those for the Evening Recreation Centres of Greater New York,See, for example:{{unbulleted list citebundle|{{Cite news |date=May 15, 1907 |title=Recreation Centres' Games; P.S. 159, Manhattan, Makes Clean Sweep for Championships. |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1907/05/15/archives/recreation-centres-games-ps-159-manhattan-makes-clean-sweep-for.html |access-date=November 25, 2023 |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=October 8, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231008041733/https://www.nytimes.com/1907/05/15/archives/recreation-centres-games-ps-159-manhattan-makes-clean-sweep-for.html |url-status=live }}|{{cite news |id={{ProQuest|574891694}} |title=Recreation Centre Games: Nice, of Commerce, Wins High Jump at 69th Armory |date=March 24, 1912 |page=11 |work=New-York Tribune|issn=1941-0646}}}} the Catholic Athletic League,See, for example:{{unbulleted list citebundle|{{Cite news |date=April 5, 1908 |title=Bacon Was Star of Dominican Meet; Irish-American Runner First in Relay and Special Races |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1908/04/05/archives/bacon-was-star-of-dominican-meet-irishamerican-runner-first-in.html |access-date=November 25, 2023 |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=October 8, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231008041352/https://www.nytimes.com/1908/04/05/archives/bacon-was-star-of-dominican-meet-irishamerican-runner-first-in.html |url-status=live }}}} the St. Ann's Junior Holy Name Society,See, for example:

{{unbulleted list citebundle|{{Cite news|date=March 31, 1911|title=Egan From Scratch, Wins 600-yard Run; Close Finish in the Open Event at St. Ann's Annual Games.|language=en-US|work=The New York Times|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1911/03/31/archives/egan-from-scratch-wins-600yarn-run-close-finish-in-the-open-event.html|access-date=November 25, 2023|issn=0362-4331|archive-date=October 8, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231008041028/https://www.nytimes.com/1911/03/31/archives/egan-from-scratch-wins-600yarn-run-close-finish-in-the-open-event.html|url-status=live}}}} the Eccentric Association of Firemen,See, for example:{{unbulleted list citebundle|{{Cite news |date=November 22, 1908 |title=Good Athletes in Firemen's Games; Melvin W. Sheppard Outruns Pilgrim in Half-Mile Scratch Event |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1908/11/22/archives/good-athletes-in-firemens-games-melvin-w-sheppard-outruns-pilgrim.html |access-date=November 25, 2023 |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=October 8, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231008041028/https://www.nytimes.com/1908/11/22/archives/good-athletes-in-firemens-games-melvin-w-sheppard-outruns-pilgrim.html |url-status=live }}}} and the Metropolitan Life Insurance Company Athletic Association.{{Cite news |date=April 28, 1915 |title="Met" Life A. A. Plans; Insurance Organization Will Have Busy Outdoor Season for Members. |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1915/04/28/archives/met-life-a-a-plans-insurance-organization-will-have-busy-outdoor.html |access-date=November 25, 2023 |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=October 9, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231009004503/https://www.nytimes.com/1915/04/28/archives/met-life-a-a-plans-insurance-organization-will-have-busy-outdoor.html |url-status=live }} Additionally, there were sports competitions such as lawn-tennis matches,{{cite news |date=January 28, 1912 |title=Lively Lawn Tennis on Indoor Courts at Armory: Plymton Reaches Semi-Final Round of Sixty-Ninth Regiment Tourney |page=11 |work=New-York Tribune |issn=1941-0646 |id={{ProQuest|574864337}}}} amateur boxing matches,See, for example,{{Unbulleted list citebundle|{{Cite news|date=May 24, 1918|title=Large Crowd at Bouts.; Amateur Contests Attract an Audience of 2,000 for Preliminaries.|language=en-US|work=The New York Times|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1918/05/24/archives/large-crowd-at-bouts-amateur-contests-attract-an-audience-of-2000.html|access-date=November 25, 2023|issn=0362-4331|archive-date=October 9, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231009004548/https://www.nytimes.com/1918/05/24/archives/large-crowd-at-bouts-amateur-contests-attract-an-audience-of-2000.html|url-status=live}}|{{Cite news|date=June 22, 1920|title=Program Arranged in Olympic Boxing; Final Bouts Will Be Contested at 69th Regiment Armory, July 12 and 13.|language=en-US|work=The New York Times|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1920/06/22/archives/program-arranged-in-olympic-boxing-final-bouts-will-be-contested-at.html|access-date=November 25, 2023|issn=0362-4331|archive-date=October 9, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231009004603/https://www.nytimes.com/1920/06/22/archives/program-arranged-in-olympic-boxing-final-bouts-will-be-contested-at.html|url-status=live}}}} badminton games,{{Cite news |date=October 22, 1989 |title=Life Style; Badminton Fans Boast of Feathers and Aerobics |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1989/10/22/style/life-style-badminton-fans-boast-of-feathers-and-aerobics.html |access-date=November 25, 2023 |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=December 19, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171219153546/http://www.nytimes.com/1989/10/22/style/life-style-badminton-fans-boast-of-feathers-and-aerobics.html |url-status=live }} and marathons. Thure Johansson of Sweden broke Dorando Pietri's indoor record for the marathon at the 69th Regiment Armory on March 1, 1910 (2 hours, 36 minutes, 55.2 seconds).{{Cite news |date=March 2, 1910 |title=Swede's Marathon Makes New Record: Thure Johansen Wins Sensational Race From Crowley and Hobner. |page=10 |newspaper=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1910/03/02/archives/swedes-marathon-makes-new-record-thure-johansen-wins-sensational.html |url-status=live |access-date=May 11, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180727115642/https://www.nytimes.com/1910/03/02/archives/swedes-marathon-makes-new-record-thure-johansen-wins-sensational.html |archive-date=July 27, 2018}}{{efn|There are a number of apparent inconsistencies in the available sources. The New York Times reported that Johansson later broke Peitri's mark of 2:44:20.4 which was set on November 28, 1908; however, the data provided by the Association of Road Racing Statistician indicates three faster times were recorded in the interim leading up to the Crowley/Holmer/Johansson race.{{Cite web |url=https://www.arrs.run/AllTime/AL_ITMar.htm |title="All-Time Performances- Marathon Indoor Track" |website=Association of Road Racing Statisticians |access-date=December 2, 2018 |archive-date=November 25, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181125074030/https://www.arrs.run/AllTime/AL_ITMar.htm |url-status=live }} Two days after their initial report, The New York Times published that there was "considerable discussion" that the race distance may have been short due to how the course was measured.{{Cite news|title=Young Britt Beats Ty Cobb.; Dorando Challenges Johansen.|newspaper=The New York Times|page=10|date=March 4, 1910|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1910/03/04/archives/young-britt-beats-ty-cobb-dorando-challenges-johansen.html|access-date=May 12, 2010|archive-date=July 27, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180727123757/https://www.nytimes.com/1910/03/04/archives/young-britt-beats-ty-cobb-dorando-challenges-johansen.html|url-status=live}} Although the Association of Road Racing Statisticians does not indicate any irregularity with the distance or performance, the International Association of Athletics Federations does not report Johannson's March 1, 1910, performance as a previous world best.{{cite web|title=12th IAAF World Championships In Athletics: IAAF Statistics Handbook. Berlin 2009.|url=http://www.iaaf.org/mm/document/competitions/competition/05/15/63/20090706014834_httppostedfile_p345-688_11303.pdf|publisher=IAAF Media & Public Relations Department|location=Monte Carlo|page=565|year=2009|access-date=May 11, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110629134819/http://www.iaaf.org/mm/document/competitions/competition/05/15/63/20090706014834_httppostedfile_p345-688_11303.pdf|archive-date=June 29, 2011}}}}

The Metropolitan Industrial Athletic League started meeting at the armory in 1927,{{Cite news |date=December 11, 1927 |title=Vincent Lally Wins Feature at Industrial Meet |page=40 |work=The Brooklyn Daily Eagle |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-brooklyn-daily-eagle-vincent-lally-w/132961550/ |access-date=November 25, 2023 |archive-date=October 9, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231009004505/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-brooklyn-daily-eagle-vincent-lally-w/132961550/ |url-status=live }} and track-and-field meets were hosted annually at the armory through the 1930s.{{Cite news |date=December 24, 1937 |title=Trophy Races Listed; 69th Regiment Adds Four Events to Card for Annual Games |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1937/12/24/archives/trophy-races-listed-69th-regiment-adds-four-events-to-card-for.html |access-date=November 25, 2023 |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=October 9, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231009004550/https://www.nytimes.com/1937/12/24/archives/trophy-races-listed-69th-regiment-adds-four-events-to-card-for.html |url-status=live }} From late 1948{{Cite news |last=Briordy |first=William J. |date=November 29, 1948 |title=Teams of 10 Begin Derby on Rollers; New York, Brooklyn Skaters Introduce New Sport at 69th Regiment Armory |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1948/11/29/archives/teams-of-10-begin-derby-on-rollers-new-york-brooklyn-skaters.html |access-date=November 25, 2023 |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=October 9, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231009004508/https://www.nytimes.com/1948/11/29/archives/teams-of-10-begin-derby-on-rollers-new-york-brooklyn-skaters.html |url-status=live }} to early 1949, the armory hosted at least 17 roller derby matches, including the first matches ever broadcast on television.{{Cite book |last=Deford |first=Frank |title=Five Strides on the Banked Track: The life and times of the Roller Derby |publisher=Little, Brown and Company |year=1971 |page=89}} During the 1990s, the armory also hosted boxing matchesSee, for example:{{unbulleted list citebundle|{{Cite news|date=March 16, 1995|title=Sports People: Boxing; Local Bouts Are Back|language=en-US|work=The New York Times|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1995/03/16/sports/sports-people-boxing-local-bouts-are-back.html|access-date=November 25, 2023|issn=0362-4331|archive-date=May 26, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150526143834/http://www.nytimes.com/1995/03/16/sports/sports-people-boxing-local-bouts-are-back.html|url-status=live}}|{{Cite news|date=March 15, 1998|title=A Good Fight: For an Elder Shelter|language=en-US|work=The New York Times|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1998/03/15/nyregion/a-good-fight-for-an-elder-shelter.html|access-date=November 25, 2023|issn=0362-4331|archive-date=May 27, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150527082000/http://www.nytimes.com/1998/03/15/nyregion/a-good-fight-for-an-elder-shelter.html|url-status=live}}}} and tennis games.{{Cite news |date=January 28, 1993 |title=Sports People: Tennis; Tournament to Feature Borg and Laver |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1993/01/28/sports/sports-people-tennis-tournament-to-feature-borg-and-laver.html |access-date=November 25, 2023 |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=May 26, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150526094552/http://www.nytimes.com/1993/01/28/sports/sports-people-tennis-tournament-to-feature-borg-and-laver.html |url-status=live }}

Many basketball games have been hosted at the armory. After World War II, the armory hosted collegiate basketball teams,See, for example:{{Unbulleted list citebundle|{{Cite news|date=March 7, 1947|title=St. John's Five to Play; Redmen Meet Brooklyn College at 69th Armory Tonight|language=en-US|work=The New York Times|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1947/03/07/archives/st-johns-five-to-play-redmen-meet-brooklyn-college-at-69th-armory.html|access-date=November 25, 2023|issn=0362-4331|archive-date=October 9, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231009004509/https://www.nytimes.com/1947/03/07/archives/st-johns-five-to-play-redmen-meet-brooklyn-college-at-69th-armory.html|url-status=live}}|{{Cite news|date=November 29, 1947|title=City College Five in Action Tonight; Beavers to Meet American U. at 69th Regiment Armory – Benson in Line-Up|language=en-US|work=The New York Times|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1947/11/29/archives/city-college-five-in-action-tonight-beavers-to-meet-american-u-at.html|access-date=November 25, 2023|issn=0362-4331|archive-date=March 17, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180317050135/https://www.nytimes.com/1947/11/29/archives/city-college-five-in-action-tonight-beavers-to-meet-american-u-at.html|url-status=live}}|{{Cite news|last=Roach|first=James|date=January 16, 1949|title=Villanova Stops Manhattan for Eleventh Straight in Basketball Campaign|language=en-US|work=The New York Times|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1949/01/16/archives/villanova-stops-manhattan-for-eleventh-straight-in-basketball.html|access-date=November 25, 2023|issn=0362-4331|archive-date=October 9, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231009004511/https://www.nytimes.com/1949/01/16/archives/villanova-stops-manhattan-for-eleventh-straight-in-basketball.html|url-status=live}}}} such as City College,{{Cite news |date=May 2, 1951 |title=City College Five May Use Armory; 4 Basketball Games in 69th Regiment's Home Are Being Mapped for Next Season |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1951/05/02/archives/city-college-five-may-use-armory-4-basketball-games-in-69th.html |access-date=November 25, 2023 |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=October 9, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231009005014/https://www.nytimes.com/1951/05/02/archives/city-college-five-may-use-armory-4-basketball-games-in-69th.html |url-status=live }} St. Francis College, and Baruch College.{{Cite news |last=Clarity |first=James F. |date=February 21, 1981 |title=Basketball at Baruch: No Frills but Plenty of Fun |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1981/02/21/sports/basketball-at-baruch-no-frills-but-plenty-of-fun.html |access-date=November 25, 2023 |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=May 24, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150524082538/http://www.nytimes.com/1981/02/21/sports/basketball-at-baruch-no-frills-but-plenty-of-fun.html |url-status=live }} The 69th Regiment Armory was also the site of some New York Knicks home games from 1946 to 1960,{{cite book |last=Owens |first=Tom |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=l2KvyqLd0jEC&pg=PA14 |title=Basketball Arenas |publisher=Millbrook Press |year=2002 |isbn=0-7613-1766-X |page=14 |access-date=September 23, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220628153601/https://books.google.com/books?id=l2KvyqLd0jEC&pg=PA14 |archive-date=June 28, 2022 |url-status=live}} including several NBA All-Star Games. The New York Americans, now the Brooklyn Nets, of the new American Basketball Association wanted to play at the armory in 1967, but pressure from the Knicks forced the new club to play in Teaneck, New Jersey, instead.{{Cite news |date=September 8, 1967 |title=A.B.A. Quintet Here Is Shifted to New Jersey; Americans to Use Teaneck Armory |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1967/09/08/archives/aba-quintet-here-is-shifted-to-new-jersey-americans-to-use-teaneck.html |access-date=November 25, 2023 |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=February 28, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220228224338/https://www.nytimes.com/1967/09/08/archives/aba-quintet-here-is-shifted-to-new-jersey-americans-to-use-teaneck.html |url-status=live }} The United States Olympic basketball team also played at the armory.{{Cite news |last=Sheehan |first=Joseph M. |date=August 17, 1960 |title=U.S. Olympic Five Beats Tapers In Final Game at Home, 83 to 79; Lucas and Robertson Secure Victory by Breaking Loose in Rapid Succession |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1960/08/17/archives/us-olympic-five-beats-tapers-in-final-game-at-home-83-to-79-lucas.html |access-date=November 25, 2023 |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=October 9, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231009005017/https://www.nytimes.com/1960/08/17/archives/us-olympic-five-beats-tapers-in-final-game-at-home-83-to-79-lucas.html |url-status=live }} The building also hosted what was then the world's longest basketball game in 1975, a 48-hour competition pitting players from two football teams (the Giants and the Jets) against "sundry teams".{{Cite news |date=June 23, 1975 |title=48‐Hour Basketball Exhibition Ends |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1975/06/23/archives/48hour-basketball-exhibition-ends.html |access-date=November 25, 2023 |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=October 9, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231009005019/https://www.nytimes.com/1975/06/23/archives/48hour-basketball-exhibition-ends.html |url-status=live }} In 2009, the armory was used as a filming location for On the Shoulders of Giants, a basketball documentary by Kareem Abdul-Jabbar.{{Cite news |last=Beck |first=Howard |date=September 30, 2009 |title=Abdul-Jabbar's Labor of Love |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2009/10/01/sports/basketball/01jabbar.html |access-date=November 25, 2023 |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=November 9, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201109041641/http://www.nytimes.com/2009/10/01/sports/basketball/01jabbar.html |url-status=live }}

In the 1910s, the 69th Regiment Armory hosted such events as the Sportsman Show, the Motor Boat Show, the Aeronautical Expedition,{{Cite news |date=March 2, 1919 |title=New Aircraft Shown in Garden; Crowds See Elaborate Array, with Some Machines That Flew in War |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1919/03/02/archives/new-aircraft-shown-in-garden-crowds-see-elaborate-array-with-some.html |access-date=November 25, 2023 |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=October 9, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231009005020/https://www.nytimes.com/1919/03/02/archives/new-aircraft-shown-in-garden-crowds-see-elaborate-array-with-some.html |url-status=live }} and the Motor Truck Show.{{cite news |last=Scharps |first=C. E. T. |date=February 10, 1919 |title=Stages Cleared for Start Of the Motor Truck Show: Passenger Cars Hustled Out of Garden and 69th Regiment Armory to Make Way for Heavier Exhibits on Part 2 of the Programme |page=7 |work=New-York Tribune |issn=1941-0646 |id={{ProQuest|575988035}}}} The armory was also used as overflow space for the 1918 automobile show at Madison Square Garden.{{Cite news |date=December 15, 1918 |title=Overflow Auto Exhibits; 69th Regiment Armory Added to Space in Madison Square Garden. |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1918/12/15/archives/overflow-auto-exhibits-69th-regiment-armory-added-to-space-in.html |access-date=November 25, 2023 |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=October 9, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231009005021/https://www.nytimes.com/1918/12/15/archives/overflow-auto-exhibits-69th-regiment-armory-added-to-space-in.html |url-status=live }} Shows during the 1920s included the National Business Show,{{cite magazine |date=November 1, 1920 |title=Next Business Show At 69th Regiment Armory |magazine=Women's Wear |volume=21 |issue=103 |page=5 |id={{ProQuest|1665853273}}}} the Own Your Home Exposition,See, for example:{{Unbulleted list citebundle|{{Cite news|date=January 29, 1922|title=Will Show Model Home; Exposition Plans to Demonstrate All Household Appliances.|language=en-US|work=The New York Times|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1922/01/29/archives/will-show-model-home-exposition-plans-to-demonstrate-all-household.html|access-date=November 25, 2023|issn=0362-4331|archive-date=October 9, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231009005021/https://www.nytimes.com/1922/01/29/archives/will-show-model-home-exposition-plans-to-demonstrate-all-household.html|url-status=live}}|{{cite news |id={{ProQuest|103251244}} |title=Own Your Home" Show Opened At Sixty-ninth Regiment Armory |date =April 20, 1924 |page =RE1 |work=The New York Times|issn=0362-4331}}}} a Catholic missionary exhibit,{{Cite news |date=June 1, 1953 |title=Missions Society Marks Centenary; 60 Orders Are Represented at Mass at St. Patrick's – Armory Exhibit Opens |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1953/06/01/archives/missions-society-marks-centenary-60-orders-are-represented-at-mass.html |access-date=November 25, 2023 |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=October 9, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231009005022/https://www.nytimes.com/1953/06/01/archives/missions-society-marks-centenary-60-orders-are-represented-at-mass.html |url-status=live }} and the Radio World's Fair.{{Cite news |date=September 21, 1924 |title=Radio Show in New York This Week; New Radio Sets Will Be Exhibited in Madison Square Garden and 69th Regiment Armory. |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1924/09/21/archives/radio-show-in-new-york-this-week-new-radio-sets-will-be-exhibited.html |access-date=November 25, 2023 |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=October 9, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231009005525/https://www.nytimes.com/1924/09/21/archives/radio-show-in-new-york-this-week-new-radio-sets-will-be-exhibited.html |url-status=live }} The armory continued to host expositions through the mid-20th century, including the International Automobile Show,{{cite news |date=February 5, 1949 |title=6-Day Display Of Foreign Cars Opens Tonight: British Makes Predominate Among 100 Models Priced From $1,317 to $23,000 |page=22 |work=New York Herald Tribune |issn=1941-0646 |id={{ProQuest|1327482405}}}} the Juvenile Products Show,{{cite news |last=Brown |first=Gene M. |date=July 8, 1952 |title=3 Furniture Shows Open Here; Attendance Heavy Sales Brisk |page=31 |work=New York Herald Tribune |issn=1941-0646 |id={{ProQuest|1322251403}}}} the 1957 edition of the Winter Antiques Show,{{cite news |last=Hall |first=Guin |date=January 8, 1957 |title=Winter Antiques Show Opens at 69th Armory |page=18 |work=New York Herald Tribune |issn=1941-0646 |id={{ProQuest|1325617434}}}} and the National Electric Industries Show.See:{{unbulleted list citebundle|{{Cite news|date=October 22, 1952|title=25,000 Items Shown at Electric Exhibit|language=en-US|work=The New York Times|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1952/10/22/archives/25000-items-shown-at-electric-exhibit.html|access-date=November 25, 2023|issn=0362-4331|archive-date=October 9, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231009005526/https://www.nytimes.com/1952/10/22/archives/25000-items-shown-at-electric-exhibit.html|url-status=live}}|{{Cite news|date=October 12, 1955|title=Electrical Show Stresses Safety; City's Exhibit, Among Those of 150 Manufacturers, Has Samples of Poor Wiring|language=en-US|work=The New York Times|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1955/10/12/archives/electrical-show-stresses-safety-citys-exhibit-among-those-of-150.html|access-date=November 25, 2023|issn=0362-4331|archive-date=October 9, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231009005526/https://www.nytimes.com/1955/10/12/archives/electrical-show-stresses-safety-citys-exhibit-among-those-of-150.html|url-status=live}}}} There have been other antiques shows at the 69th Regiment Armory through the end of the 20th century,See, for example,{{Unbulleted list citebundle|{{Cite news|last=Vogel|first=Carol|date=January 19, 1996|title=A Cornucopia Of Americana|language=en-US|work=The New York Times|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1996/01/19/arts/a-cornucopia-of-americana.html|access-date=November 25, 2023|issn=0362-4331|archive-date=May 26, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150526164815/http://www.nytimes.com/1996/01/19/arts/a-cornucopia-of-americana.html|url-status=live}}|{{Cite news|last=Brown|first=Patricia Leigh|date=April 6, 1995|title=The 60's: Worth The Trip|language=en-US|work=The New York Times|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1995/04/06/garden/the-60-s-worth-the-trip.html|access-date=November 25, 2023|issn=0362-4331|archive-date=May 26, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150526142059/http://www.nytimes.com/1995/04/06/garden/the-60-s-worth-the-trip.html|url-status=live}}}} including the Gramercy Park Antiques & Textiles Show.{{cite news |last=King |first=Sharon |date=October 15, 1999 |title=Today in New York |page=21 |work=New York Daily News |issn=2692-1251 |id={{ProQuest|313704635}}}}

During its first few decades, the armory hosted pageants,See, for example:{{unbulleted list citebundle|{{Cite news|date=May 8, 1913|title=500 in Pageant of Irish History; Members of Gaelic League Portray the Famous Events of Early Ages.|language=en-US|work=The New York Times|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1913/05/08/archives/500-in-pageant-of-irish-history-members-of-gaelic-league-portray.html|access-date=November 25, 2023|issn=0362-4331|archive-date=October 8, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231008041943/https://www.nytimes.com/1913/05/08/archives/500-in-pageant-of-irish-history-members-of-gaelic-league-portray.html|url-status=live}}|{{Cite news|date=May 16, 1914|title=A Pageant of Work Shown by 600 Girls; Occupations of American Women from Earliest Days to the Far Future Represented.|language=en-US|work=The New York Times|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1914/05/16/archives/a-pageant-of-work-shown-by-600-girls-occupations-of-american-women.html|access-date=November 25, 2023|issn=0362-4331|archive-date=October 9, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231009005527/https://www.nytimes.com/1914/05/16/archives/a-pageant-of-work-shown-by-600-girls-occupations-of-american-women.html|url-status=live}}}} speeches,See, for example:{{Unbulleted list citebundle|{{cite news

|id={{ProQuest|572554623}}

|title=Thousands Here Heed Peace Call: Crowd at Meeting in 69th Armory—6,000 Turned Away

|date=September 21, 1914

|page=7

|work=New-York Tribune|issn=1941-0646}}}} bazaars,See, for example:{{Unbulleted list citebundle|{{Cite news|date=October 29, 1916|title=Bazaar at 69th's Armory; Mgr. Mooney Delivers Opening Speech.|language=en-US|work=The New York Times|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1916/10/29/archives/bazaar-at-69ths-armory-mgr-mooney-delivers-opening-speech.html|access-date=November 25, 2023|issn=0362-4331|archive-date=October 9, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231009005535/https://www.nytimes.com/1916/10/29/archives/bazaar-at-69ths-armory-mgr-mooney-delivers-opening-speech.html|url-status=live}}|{{Cite news|date=June 7, 1918|title=Hold Bazaar for 165th.; Auxiliary Seeks Fund for "Smokes" and Yarn for New York Boys.|language=en-US|work=The New York Times|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1918/06/07/archives/hold-bazaar-for-165th-auxiliary-seeks-fund-for-smokes-and-yarn-for.html|access-date=November 25, 2023|issn=0362-4331|archive-date=October 9, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231009005529/https://www.nytimes.com/1918/06/07/archives/hold-bazaar-for-165th-auxiliary-seeks-fund-for-smokes-and-yarn-for.html|url-status=live}}}} and local civic meetings,See, for example:{{unbulleted list citebundle|{{Cite news|date=July 9, 1913|title=Neighborhood Boys Enlisted for Good; 1,500 of Them, in 69th Regiment Armory, Promise to Do Their Duty as Citizens.|language=en-US|work=The New York Times|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1913/07/09/archives/neighborhood-boys-enlisted-for-good-1500-of-them-in-69th-regiment.html|access-date=November 25, 2023|issn=0362-4331|archive-date=October 8, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231008041733/https://www.nytimes.com/1913/07/09/archives/neighborhood-boys-enlisted-for-good-1500-of-them-in-69th-regiment.html|url-status=live}}|}} as well as its first "municipal dance" in 1914.{{Cite news |date=May 3, 1914 |title=Municipal Dance a Great Success; Two Thousand School Children Take Part in the First in the 69th Regiment's Armory. |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1914/05/03/archives/municipal-dance-a-great-success-two-thousand-school-children-take.html |access-date=November 25, 2023 |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=October 9, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231009005529/https://www.nytimes.com/1914/05/03/archives/municipal-dance-a-great-success-two-thousand-school-children-take.html |url-status=live }} There were also some non-athletic competitions, such as typewriting contests.{{Cite news |date=October 17, 1916 |title=Breaks Own Record on Her Typewriter; Miss Owen, on Underwood Machine, Writes 137 Words a Minute for Hour |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1916/10/17/archives/breaks-own-record-on-her-typewriter-miss-owen-on-underwood-machine.html |access-date=November 25, 2023 |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=October 9, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231009005530/https://www.nytimes.com/1916/10/17/archives/breaks-own-record-on-her-typewriter-miss-owen-on-underwood-machine.html |url-status=live }} In the 1920s and 1930s, the armory also hosted events such as real-estate auctions,See, for example:{{Unbulleted list citebundle|{{Cite news|date=August 27, 1922|title=Last of City Realty on Auction Block; Unsold Properties Will Be Offered Tomorrow and Tuesday.|language=en-US|work=The New York Times|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1922/08/27/archives/last-of-city-realty-on-auction-block-unsold-properties-will-be.html|access-date=November 25, 2023|issn=0362-4331|archive-date=October 9, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231009010043/https://www.nytimes.com/1922/08/27/archives/last-of-city-realty-on-auction-block-unsold-properties-will-be.html|url-status=live}}}} fundraisers,See, for example:{{Unbulleted list citebundle|{{Cite news |date=April 17, 1927 |title=Governor to Open Wild West Show |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1927/04/17/archives/governor-to-open-wild-west-show.html |access-date=November 25, 2023 |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=October 9, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231009010033/https://www.nytimes.com/1927/04/17/archives/governor-to-open-wild-west-show.html |url-status=live }}|{{Cite news|date=November 22, 1936|title=Rainbow Veterans Arranging Dance; Father Duffy Chapter to Give Party Wednesday Night at 26th Street Armory.|language=en-US|work=The New York Times|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1936/11/22/archives/rainbow-veterans-arranging-dance-father-duffy-chapter-to-give-party.html|access-date=November 25, 2023|issn=0362-4331|archive-date=October 9, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231009010035/https://www.nytimes.com/1936/11/22/archives/rainbow-veterans-arranging-dance-father-duffy-chapter-to-give-party.html|url-status=live}}}} and police-academy graduation ceremonies.See, for example:{{Unbulleted list citebundle|{{Cite news|date=January 19, 1924|title=Many Recruits Graduate From Police School|page=9|work=The Standard Union|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-standard-union-many-recruits-graduat/132961315/|access-date=November 25, 2023|archive-date=October 9, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231009010036/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-standard-union-many-recruits-graduat/132961315/|url-status=live}}|{{Cite news|date=July 7, 1928|title=Police Rookies Graduated; 104 Probationary Patrolmen Finish Two Months' Training Here.|language=en-US|work=The New York Times|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1928/07/07/archives/police-rookies-graduated-104-probationary-patrolmen-finish-two.html|access-date=November 25, 2023|issn=0362-4331|archive-date=October 9, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231009010036/https://www.nytimes.com/1928/07/07/archives/police-rookies-graduated-104-probationary-patrolmen-finish-two.html|url-status=live}}}} There were major gatherings as well, such as a memorial service honoring Casimir Pulaski{{Cite news |date=October 11, 1939 |title=Pulaski Service Tonight; 10,000 Expected at Memorial Observance in 69th Armory |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1939/10/11/archives/pulaski-service-tonight-10000-expected-at-memorial-observance-in.html |access-date=November 25, 2023 |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=April 1, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180401014254/https://www.nytimes.com/1939/10/11/archives/pulaski-service-tonight-10000-expected-at-memorial-observance-in.html |url-status=live }} and a Physical Fitness Day festival.{{Cite news |date=May 22, 1944 |title=Physical Fitness Day is Celebrated Here; 4,000 at Armory Listen to Talk by Jan Masaryk |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1944/05/22/archives/physical-fitness-day-is-celebrated-here-4000-at-armory-listen-to.html |access-date=November 25, 2023 |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=October 9, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231009010037/https://www.nytimes.com/1944/05/22/archives/physical-fitness-day-is-celebrated-here-4000-at-armory-listen-to.html |url-status=live }} Also during the 1920s, two newspapers owned by publisher William Randolph Hearst gave away free food to needy citizens every year during Christmas.{{cite news |last=Goldstein |first=Marilyn |date=March 13, 1974 |title=When Food Giveaways Were Fun |page=9 |work=Newsday |issn=2574-5298 |id={{ProQuest|919540590}}}} The building also held some tennis games and speeches during World War II to raise money for the war effort.See, for example: {{Cite news |date=May 11, 1945 |title=State E-bond Goal Set at $460,000,000; $1,134,000,000 in Individual and $2,825,000,000 in Corporate Sales to Be Sought Iwo Picture Unveiled |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1945/05/11/archives/state-ebond-goal-set-at-460000000-1134000000-in-individual-and.html |access-date=November 25, 2023 |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=October 9, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231009010038/https://www.nytimes.com/1945/05/11/archives/state-ebond-goal-set-at-460000000-1134000000-in-individual-and.html |url-status=live }}|{{cite news |last=Hawthorne |first=Fred |date=January 30, 1944 |title=Tennis Hailed For Successful Bond Matches: Players Shift From 7th to 69th Armory to Resume Loan-Drive Competition |page=B2 |work=New York Herald Tribune |issn=1941-0646 |id={{ProQuest|1263128250}}}}}

During the 1960s, the armory hosted such varied events as an "African Carnival" fundraiser,{{Cite news |date=November 4, 1961 |title=Native Village To Be Recreated: 'African Carnival' To Debut at Armory |page=2 |work=New Pittsburgh Courier |id={{ProQuest|371602368}}}} electronic music performances,{{Cite news |date=October 17, 1966 |title=Happening: Ineffable Night at Armory; John Cage's Electronic Music Is Presented Program Gives Lesson on Man's Conformity |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1966/10/17/archives/happening-ineffable-night-at-armory-john-cages-electronic-music-is.html |access-date=November 25, 2023 |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=October 9, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231009010040/https://www.nytimes.com/1966/10/17/archives/happening-ineffable-night-at-armory-john-cages-electronic-music-is.html |url-status=live }} a political rally,{{Cite news |last=Perlmutter |first=Emanuel |date=September 29, 1969 |title=Procaccino Pledges Safety to Cabbies |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1969/09/29/archives/procaccino-pledges-safety-to-cabbies.html |access-date=November 25, 2023 |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=October 9, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231009011102/https://www.nytimes.com/1969/09/29/archives/procaccino-pledges-safety-to-cabbies.html |url-status=live }} and an engineering-themed art festival.{{Cite news |last=Glueck |first=Grace |date=October 30, 1966 |title=Art Notes; Disharmony at the Armory |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1966/10/30/archives/art-notes-disharmony-at-the-armory-broadway-east-happy-lens-art.html |access-date=November 25, 2023 |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=October 9, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231009011204/https://www.nytimes.com/1966/10/30/archives/art-notes-disharmony-at-the-armory-broadway-east-happy-lens-art.html |url-status=live }} This was followed by events like a learning fair for handicapped youth in the 1970s,{{Cite news |date=May 15, 1976 |title=Handicapped Learning |page=C2 |work=New York Amsterdam News |id={{proQuest|226571771}}}} as well as an art show in the 1980s that was intended as a tribute to the Armory Show.{{Cite news |last=Lipson |first=Karin |date=January 29, 1988 |title=Spirits of an Exhibition Past |page=234 |work=Newsday |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/newsday-suffolk-edition-spirits-of-an/133024072/ |access-date=November 25, 2023 |archive-date=October 9, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231009011053/https://www.newspapers.com/article/newsday-suffolk-edition-spirits-of-an/133024072/ |url-status=live }} The armory's events in the 1990s included "Seventh on Sale" shopping marathons,See, for example:{{unbulleted list citebundle|{{Cite news|last=Hochswender|first=Woody|date=November 30, 1990|title=A Super-Bowl Sample Sale for a Good Cause|language=en-US|work=The New York Times|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1990/11/30/nyregion/a-super-bowl-sample-sale-for-a-good-cause.html|access-date=November 25, 2023|issn=0362-4331|archive-date=May 25, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150525203801/http://www.nytimes.com/1990/11/30/nyregion/a-super-bowl-sample-sale-for-a-good-cause.html|url-status=live}}|{{cite magazine |id={{ProQuest|1445740601}} |title=7th On Sale Gets Under Way In New York City May 17 |volume=169 |issue=21 |date=February 1, 1995 |page=15 |magazine=Women's Wear Daily}}}} the Night of Stars fashion show,{{Cite news |last=Shaw |first=Dan |date=September 11, 1994 |title=The Night; The Cuing, the Wooing, The Redoing of Fashion |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1994/09/11/style/the-night-the-cuing-the-wooing-the-redoing-of-fashion.html |access-date=November 25, 2023 |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=May 26, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150526103059/http://www.nytimes.com/1994/09/11/style/the-night-the-cuing-the-wooing-the-redoing-of-fashion.html |url-status=live }} the Gramercy International Art Fair,{{Cite news |last=Smith |first=Roberta |date=February 19, 1999 |title=Art Review; More Space for Young Artists |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1999/02/19/arts/art-review-more-space-for-young-artists.html |access-date=November 25, 2023 |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=July 14, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220714031347/https://www.nytimes.com/1999/02/19/arts/art-review-more-space-for-young-artists.html |url-status=live }} and an Asian art show.{{Cite news |last=Moonan |first=Wendy |date=September 17, 1999 |title=Antiques; All at Once, Outpourings Of Asian Art |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1999/09/17/arts/antiques-all-at-once-outpourings-of-asian-art.html |access-date=November 25, 2023 |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=September 14, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170914003344/http://www.nytimes.com/1999/09/17/arts/antiques-all-at-once-outpourings-of-asian-art.html |url-status=live }} The armory was the site of the Museum of Comic and Cartoon Art's MoCCA Art Festival from 2009{{cite web |last=MacDonald |first=Heidi |date=February 13, 2009 |title=MoCCA exhibitor info available |url=https://www.comicsbeat.com/mocca-exhibitor-info-available/ |access-date=November 25, 2023 |website=The Beat |archive-date=January 28, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220128171216/https://www.comicsbeat.com/mocca-exhibitor-info-available/ |url-status=live }} to 2014.{{cite web |last=Alverson |first=Brigid |date=August 20, 2015 |title=MoCCA Arts Festival moves to new venue |url=https://www.cbr.com/comics-a-m-mocca-arts-festival-moves-to-new-venue/ |access-date=November 25, 2023 |website=CBR |archive-date=January 26, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210126195855/https://www.cbr.com/comics-a-m-mocca-arts-festival-moves-to-new-venue/ |url-status=live }} Additionally, the armory hosted the Downtown Art Fair starting in 2014,{{cite web |date=May 6, 2014 |title=Downtown Fair |url=https://www.timeout.com/newyork/art/downtown-fair |access-date=November 25, 2023 |website=Time Out New York |archive-date=August 14, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220814093241/https://www.timeout.com/newyork/art/downtown-fair |url-status=live }} and it has sometimes been used for the Victoria's Secret Fashion Show.{{Cite news |date=November 11, 2015 |title=The Victoria's Secret Fashion Show |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/slideshow/2015/11/12/fashion/the-victorias-secret-fashion-show.html |access-date=October 28, 2023 |issn=0362-4331}}

When the armory was completed, Montgomery Schuyler wrote: "The Sixty-Ninth is of an entirely different inspiration from any of its predecessors. It seems even to be a protest and token revolt against them."{{harvnb|Landmarks Preservation Commission|1983|ps=.|p=4}} The New York Times described the armory in 2019 as "a Beaux-Arts bastion in an era when other armories were still being modeled on medieval fortresses."

• List of National Historic Landmarks in New York City
• List of New York City Designated Landmarks in Manhattan from 14th to 59th Streets
• National Register of Historic Places listings in Manhattan from 14th to 59th Streets

Explanatory notes

{{Notelist}}

Citations

{{Reflist}}

Sources

• {{cite report|url=https://s3.amazonaws.com/NARAprodstorage/lz/electronic-records/rg-079/NPS_NY/93001538.pdf|title=69th Regiment Armory|date=January 28, 1994|publisher=National Register of Historic Places, National Park Service|ref={{harvid|National Park Service|1994}}}}
• {{cite report|url=https://npgallery.nps.gov/GetAsset/f12020d0-0d9d-42a8-8dfe-39f25e3f45e6/|title=69th Regiment Armory|date=June 19, 1996|publisher=National Register of Historic Places, National Park Service|ref={{harvid|National Park Service|1996}}}}
• {{Cite book |title=The Armory Board 1884–1911; Official Deliberations and Proceedings |publisher=The Armory Board |year=1912 |location=New York, NY |ref={{harvid|The Armory Board|1912}}}}
• {{Cite report |url=http://s-media.nyc.gov/agencies/lpc/lp/1228.pdf |title=Sixty-ninth Regiment Armory |date=April 12, 1983 |publisher=New York City Landmarks Preservation Commission |first=Cassie |last=Murray |ref={{Harvid|Landmarks Preservation Commission|1983}}}}
• {{cite book |last=Todd |first=Nancy L. |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=0I7efjujcFQC |title=New York's Historic Armories: An Illustrated History |publisher=State University of New York Press |year=2006 |isbn=978-0-7914-8099-1 |page= |oclc=1205606898}}

{{commons category}}

• {{official website|http://www.sixtyninth.net/armory.html}}
• [http://www.nyfighting69th.com/ Official unit website] – includes link to a slide tour of armory from the home page
• [http://www.sixtyninth.net/regiment.html 69th Regiment]

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