Berenice Abbott’s photo of 104 Willow Street, including ironwork detail from the front porch of No. 113 Willow, across the street; May 14, 1936.

Scottish wool merchant Robert Speir built the wood-frame No. 104 Willow during the 1820s, with construction completed in 1826. According to the New York Times, his sheep were known to graze on land between the house and the waterfront below. Speir also built houses for members of his family on either side, though the Italianate brownstone at No. 102 Willow — presently the home of the Danish Seamen’s Church — dates to after his death.