NYC Skyline viewed from Hermon MacNeil Park

. The MacNeil home and studio in College Point, Queens, possessed a panoramic view of the New York City skyline.   Airplanes departing from LaGuardia Airport were often part of this overlook.

That vista can still be enjoyed in a stroll along the East River shore that borders the Hermon A. MacNeil Park.  

Hermon Atkins MacNeil, American Sculptor (1866-1947)

Carol Brooks MacNeil

When Hermon and Carol MacNeil purchased the property in 1901, they found that feature to be a pleasant bonus of their new location.  

Hermon built his stone masonry studio himself using stones and boulders from the East River.  He was no stranger to stone work or carpentry as his father was a carpenter teaching him all the construction skills that entailed.

The back doors of Hermon’s studio let The Pilgrim Fathers through.

The studio large north Doors of the MacNeil Studio opened onto this scenic view as well.

As described previously:  (see: 

MacNeil Park, formerly known as Chisholm Park, was renamed in honor of Hermon Atkins MacNeil in 1966, the 100th anniversary of his birth.  MacNeil was a long time resident of College Point where he worked at his home and adjacent studio.   Parks & Recreation Commissioner Adrian Benepe describes the spot, named for one of America’s greatest sculptors, as “a spectacular waterfront landscape … with sweeping views of the Long Island Sound from its waterfront promenades, majestic trees, ballfields, and a 9/11 Memorial, this park is worth a detour.”

Jo Davidson – A young artist describes the MacNeil Studio in College Point.

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