Hasbrouck Institute
50 Crescent Avenue, between Crescent and Harrison Avenues
Jersey City Heights

Early 20th century postcard of the Hasbrouck Institute on Crescent Avenue where Lincoln High School now stands
Courtesy, Jersey City Free Public Library

Initially located at the present sites of Numbers 53 and 55 Mercer Street, Hasbrouck Institute was founded in 1856. Washington Hasbrouck established the private school for the purpose of educating young men in Jersey City to attend the foremost colleges and universities in the United States and thereby prepare them for future public service and leadership. In 1866, the Institute moved to the Lyceum Building at 109 Grand Street.

Dr. Hasbrouck remained with the Institute he founded until 1876, when he became the principal of the State Normal School at Trenton (now College of New Jersey). A girls' department was added in 1880 with a continuation of its program extending from kindergarten to high school.

To accommodate the growing population in the area of Jersey City Heights, property was acquired in 1892 at the corner of Crescent and Harrison Avenues. The building was Romanesque in design with modifications as required for its use as a classroom building in an urban environment. The construction of the walls was of red brick with brownstone trimmings. Iron was generously used to bind the walls and sustain the floors and roof; iron girders and concealed columns added to the stability of the building. The features of the first floor included a library, kindergarten, and assembly hall with a seating capacity for approximately 800.

The Institute opened at its new location in September 1893 with 305 students. The availability of similar educational programs in the Jersey City public schools, however, brought down enrollment at the private school. Around 1912 the Jersey City Board of Education purchased the property. The building was demolished in 1919/20. It was torn down for the construction of Lincoln High School.