Joseph P. Day
Joseph P. Day | |
|---|---|
| Born | Template:Birth date New York City, U.S. |
| Died | April 10, 1944 (aged 70) Manhattan, New York City, U.S. |
| Occupation(s) | Real estate broker, auctioneer |
| Years active | 1895–1944 |
| Known for | Pioneering role in New York City property market; organizing first nighttime real estate auction in NYC; developing large-scale residential projects |
Joseph Paul Day (September 2, 1873 – April 10, 1944) was a prominent real estate broker and auctioneer who played a pioneering role in the New York City property market from 1895 until his passing.
Early life
Day was born in New York City to John W. Day, a producer of soda water, and Catherine A. (née Hayes). Orphaned by the age of 14, he left formal education to take up a position as a clerk within the wholesale dry goods industry.
Career
After a short tenure with an insurance and real estate company, Day established his own real estate business at the age of 21, initially operating from 98 Fifth Avenue in Manhattan. His enterprise quickly flourished, necessitating relocation to larger office spaces. By 1904, he was conducting auctions for land in Manhattan Beach, and in 1907 he executed six auctions involving the sale of approximately 2,000 lots in New York City—marking one of the most successful lot sales during that period. Between 1907 and 1909, Day’s transactions totaled $100 million in real estate sales; the subsequent year saw $81 million sold.
On October 11, 1910, Day organized New York’s inaugural nighttime real estate auction at the Terrace Garden venue, where he sold 297 Bronx lots on Hunts Point Avenue for the developers of Hunts Point Estate.
In 1916, Day unveiled plans to construct 114 homes equipped with modern amenities in Manhattan Beach, Brooklyn. This project reached completion in the 1920s and gained national attention when it appeared on the cover of Life Magazine as the "World's Largest Privately Owned Playground."
Throughout his professional life, Day was responsible for selling roughly one-third of the land in both the Bronx and Queens. His influence extended to major property sales across Brooklyn, Westchester County, and northern New Jersey. Additionally, he developed a large-scale project in San Clemente, California, comprising around 500 buildings and 1,000 residences.
Day had a substantial impact on New York City's property sector. From 1911 through 1921, his company was the principal client of William Hassler, a photographer who utilized the Cirkut camera technology to produce detailed city maps.
By 1933, Day emerged as an early proponent of long-term mortgage financing options, advocating their advantages during a pivotal time for real estate lending.
Family life
In 1898, Joseph P. Day married Pauline (née Pope). Their family included six children: Joseph P. Jr., Bernard P., Charles P., Fairfield P., Pauline Pope French, and Lora Taylor Pope Barrett. The Days maintained two main residences—a city dwelling located in Gramercy Park and an estate named Pleasant Days in Short Hills, New Jersey. This estate was later renamed Greenwood Gardens and has since been opened to public visitation. Following Pauline’s death in 1932, Day remarried Louisa Young Cole in 1942.
Joseph P. Day passed away on April 10, 1944, at Flower Hospital in Manhattan.