"The Spring Dairy" by sooner
The Spring Dairy
Location: MAP | Mid-park between 64th and 65th Street Hours: Summer (June 7 - August 9): 9:00 am – 7:00 pm / Fall, Winter, Spring: 10:00 am - 5:00 pm / Closed Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year's Day Contact: (212) 794-6564
The Central Park Dairy, which now serves as an information center and gift shop inside the park, was originally intended as a source of fresh milk for children in the late 19th century.
The Dairy was constructed in 1870; at this time, fresh milk for children was difficult to find and desperately sought after by parents. The Dairy was built at the southern end on the park, originally the children's section, to provide milk and snacks for children in the cool and relaxing atmosphere near the Pond.
Most of the building itself, located at 65th street, was constructed in the Victorian Gothic style, in particular its windows and spires. The building's beams and ceilings, however, are more reminiscent of those found in a barn, painted in bright yellow and orange colors.