In a message dated 8/28/02 1:36:28 PM Eastern Daylight Time, [log in to unmask] writes:
An 1896 advertisement for the the 10-story Ardea apartment house, built in 1893 at 33 West 12th Street:
"New fire-proof apartment house, one apartment each floor, elevator and all modern improvements; exposed plumbing; seven large rooms and bath, all light, southerly exposure to sun and air; no well holes; unsurpassed in finish and conveniences by any in the city."
Any guesses on what "well holes" refer to? Christopher Gray
It might refer to the unsatisfactory use of ventilating shafts (vertical tunnels) which became a source for dumping garbage and waste rather than the air flow expected.
Candy B