Albany in Albany County, New York — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
New York State Office Building
Photographed By Howard C. Ohlhous, May 30, 2008
1. New York State Office Building Marker - Albany, New York
Office Building
Cornerstone Laid By
Gov. Alfred E. Smith, 1928.
Erected 1940 by New York State Education Department.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Government & Politics. A significant historical year for this entry is 1928.
Location. 42° 39.221′ N, 73° 45.583′ W. Marker is in Albany, New York, in Albany County. Marker is on South Swan Street near State Street, on the left when traveling east. Marker stands on the sidewalk just to the left (southwest) of the main entrance steps. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 80 South Swan Street, Albany NY 12239, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. 200th Anniversary of the Birth of George Washington (within shouting distance of this marker); General Washington (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); LaFayette Park (approx. 0.2 miles away); Lincoln in Albany (approx. 0.2 miles away); Birthplace of Modern Electricity (approx. ¼ mile away);
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Regarding New York State Office Building. The Governor Alfred E. Smith State Office Building was constructed between 1927 and 1930, providing Albany, New York with its first skyscraper. The building is a historic and culturally significant part of the City’s skyline, complementing the nearby State Capitol and the State Education Building. Before the recent restoration, which began in 2002, the building had fallen into disrepair. Now, the sculpted elevator doors, decorative painting, plaster and marble finishes have been restored, and the main lobby’s ceiling mural – depicting some of New York’s famous historical figures as painted by David Lithgow – have all been meticulously restored.
Alfred Emanuel Smith, Jr.,(December 30, 1873 New York City - October 4, 1944 New York City) who according to the marker placed the cornerstone of the building, which was later re-named in his honor in 1945, and known in private and public life as "Al
Photographed By Howard C. Ohlhous, May 15, 2008
2. 80 South Swan Street - Albany, New York
Photographed By Howard C. Ohlhous, May 22, 2008
3. New York State Office Building Marker
The names of the Counties of New York State are carved into the facade stonework all the way around the building. The marker is in this photo directly above the maroon colored automobile near the steps to the main entrance to the building.
Photographed By Howard C. Ohlhous, May 30, 2008
4. The Governor Alfred E. Smith State Office Building
Albany, New York's First Sky Scraper, Constructed between 1927 & 1930
Photographed By Howard C. Ohlhous, May 22, 2008
5. New York State's Coat of Arms on the front of the Governor Alfred E. Smith State Office Building
The buildings name, posted between the two front revolving doors. Above that is the Coat of Arms of New York State. The arms of New York State were officially adopted in 1778. The center shows a ship and sloop on the Hudson River bordered by a grassy shore and a mountain range with the sun rising behind it. Liberty and Justice stand on either side, under an American eagle. Liberty holds a staff topped with a Phrygian cap, symbolic of the cap given to a Roman slave upon the formal act of emancipation and freedom. This cap was adopted by French revolutionists as a symbol of liberty, especially in the U.S. before 1800.
The figure of Justice is blindfolded and carries a sword in one hand and scales in the other. These symbols represent the impartiality and fairness required for the assignment of a merited reward or punishment. Below the shield a banner bears the State motto--"Excelsior"--which means "Ever Upward."
Photographed By Howard C. Ohlhous, May 22, 2008
6. Ceiling murals in the Governor Alfred E. Smith State Office Building's main lobby
The ceiling of the main lobby is graced by the paintings of some of New York's famous historical figures. There are many more on the ceiling than the four individuals in the photo above. The photo includes the following:New York State's Highest point, Mount Marcy (5,344 ft) is named for 1833 Governor William L. Marcy. Grover Cleveland was Sheriff of Erie County, Mayor of Buffalo, Governor of New York State, and both the 22nd and 24th President of the United States. The Commodore, Cornelius Vanderbilt, was a very wealthy businessman who first built an empire in shipping, and later by controlling dozens of railroads. Sir William Johnson, 1st Baronet, founder of Johnstown, New York, was an Irish pioneer and army officer in colonial New York, and the British Superintendent of Indian Affairs from 1755 to 1774, As the largest single landowner and most influential individual in the settlement of the Mohawk Valley, Johnson had prestige and leadership which extended beyond the region. His genius in dealing and trading with the Indians had a lasting impact on their relationship with the English, and influenced England's victory in the struggle for control of North America.
Photographed By Howard C. Ohlhous, May 22, 2008
7. The Governor Alfred E. Smith State Office Building Lobby
An emblem, presumably that of a Dutch ship bringing Albany’s founders, surrounded by zodiac figures decorates the lobby floor.
Photographed By Howard C. Ohlhous, May 15, 2008
8. The Governor Alfred E. Smith State Office Building
The building as seen from the back staircase of the New York State Capital building.
Library of Congress, 1928
9. New York Governor Al Smith
Al Smith, namesake of the Albany State Office Building, standing amid a crowd waves to the camera during his campaign for President in Chicago, Illinois 1928
Credits. This page was last revised on December 6, 2021. It was originally submitted on May 31, 2008, by Howard C. Ohlhous of Duanesburg, New York. This page has been viewed 4,786 times since then and 179 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9. submitted on May 31, 2008, by Howard C. Ohlhous of Duanesburg, New York. • Kevin W. was the editor who published this page.
