Accessibility InfoThe reclusive Collyer brothers—Langley (1886-1947), a concert pianist, and Homer (1883-1947), a former admiralty lawyer who had been blinded and paralyzed by a stroke—made headlines after their deaths for their eccentric, junk-collecting lifestyle. The brothers spent their retirement secluded in the brownstone they owned at West 128th Street and Fifth Avenue, now the site of this park. Langley, Homer’s caretaker, saved old newspapers for his brother in the hope that he would regain his sight. The younger brother also booby-trapped their house to ward away thieves and curiosity seekers. On March 21st, 1947, the police, responding to an anonymous call reporting Homer’s death, broke into the brownstone through a top-story window. They found Homer’s body, but no trace of Langley. After several weeks of clearing out the house with much attention from the press, the police discovered his body under a pile of suitcases, breadboxes, and newspapers. Presu…
This text is part of Parks’ Historical Signs Project and can be found posted within the park.
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