Tuesday June 17, 2014 East Harlem
Today’s adventure began with the 3 train with a transfer to the shuttle and then the 6 train with arriving at our final destination at 103rd street. The neighborhoods colloquial name is El Barrio. Back in the thirties this was considered little Italy; a wave of Puerto Rican immigrants arriving after World War I transformed the area resulting in the name El Barrio as a result of gentrification (ENY 85-86). I arrived with an unsettled feeling about this location; observing a rat on the tracks and a pan handler added to my discomfort. Walking towards Fifth Avenue we passed the Carver Houses. The Carver Houses is a housing development or project created for the low income residents based on the ideas of Robert Moses regarding public housing. This housing project was named after the African American scientist George Washing Carver (ENY 86). In the 1960’s this area saw the highest crime rate on record. This was an example of what Senator Daniel Patrick Moynihan spoke of regarding the social pathologies of placing numerous poor people in an enclosed area. New models of housing projects include smaller buildings that house four or five families of mixed incomes. The plan is to show the lower income residents how the middle income residents live to help improve their standards and quality of life. These models can be found in the Bronx. The area is currently experiencing gentrification with new apartment buildings and businesses such as the Latin bookstore and wine bars.
The Museum of the City of New York located on Fifth Avenue in East Harlem is an evolving look at the history of the city. Originally housed in Gracie Mansion when it was founded in 1923 is moved to its current location in 1932; the land was donated by the city (ENY 56-57). We viewed a documentary on the history of New York that included interesting pictures from the past. In a stark contrast we observed a display from the gilded age and a display of graffiti art. The two displays were both quintessential New York yet they were from totally different worlds. This museum is highly recommended. Continuing north on Fifth Avenue we arrived at the museum El Museo del Barrio.
At El Museo del Barrio we met a peace poet/ artist educator named Luke. We learned the origination the El Museo del Barrio; it began with belongings stored in a cardboard box that grew to the large building it is today. We were fortunate to have a walking tour with Luke where he showed us important locations of the neighborhood that included public art displays and tile mosaics. One of the art displays was the “Spirit of East Harlem Mural” created by Hank Prussing in 1978; this mural depicted life in Spanish Harlem in the 1970’s. The people featured in this mural were actual residents of the neighborhood. According to a passerby only one person in the mural is still alive but the spirit of the mural lives on. Another site that we experienced was a public garden that displayed a mural on the wall and has a fountain dedicated to woman in the center of the park. The park is called the Modesto “Tin” Flores garden. The mural on the back wall is called Soldadares. This mural celebrates the struggles of Mexican and Puerto Rican residents and the bonds that tie them together (ENY 88). This garden is very interesting but it must be enjoyed with care. I brought a little piece of it home with me called poison ivy. Another much enjoyed stop was the witch doctor/pharmacist Don Jorge. Lunch was at a Mexican restaurant that had a lively and spirited crowd that was watching the world cup soccer match. I went out of my comfort zone with this meal. That is all I will say about that. I am surprised how much I enjoyed this neighborhood. It is a little world I did not know existed.
Continuing out adventure we moved onto the north part of Central Park. I absolutely love the park. With that said I never came up this far in the park so it was all new to me. The park designed by Frederick Olmstead and Calvert Vaux; they were inspired by parks in Europe and even a cemetery in Brooklyn (ENY 57). This park was created as a much needed place of respite for the residents of New York; before this was created the residents would find refuge in cemeteries (ENY 58). WE entered the park through the beautiful wrought iron Vanderbilt gate. Originally it was the entrance gate to the Vanderbilt Mansion on Fifth Ave. It was donated to use at the park by Gertrude Vanderbilt (ENY58-59). We enjoyed the Conservatory Garden; the only formal garden in Central park. Modeled after formal European gardens there are three separate gardens in this area that include the French, Italian and English (ENY 59). In this area we observed the English Garden’s centerpiece Francis Hodges Burnett Memorial fountain depicting two children from the book The Secret Garden (ENY 59). When we traveled further south in the park we observed the Central Park Reservoir; also known as the Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis Reservoir. The reservoir was dedicated to Onassis for all the hard work she had done for the city of New York (ENY 60).
Our adventure continued south on Fifth Avenue. We observed Grand Army Plaza; this was dedicated to the role of the Union Grand Army of the Potomac in the Civil War (ENY 47). In the shadow of the golden statue of William T. Sherman there were dancers break dancing to eighties music. It was rather amusing.
The opulent Plaza Hotel was the next stop. This building was designed by Hardenbergh. When it was owned by Donald Trump he referred to it as a masterpiece (ENY 47). Truman Capote had the original Black and White ball here in the 1960’s; this event was the party of the century and cemented the Plaza as a great social gathering place (ENY 47).
Across the street the oldest toy story in the United States, FAO Schwarz, is located here; it was originally founded as a toy bazaar (ENY 46). The store is quite opulent and so are the prices. This store was featured in the Tom Hanks movie Big. The large floor piano and the Zoltar machine can be observed here. One of the stores signature toys is Patrick the pup; my brother gave my son Patrick one of these pups for is first Christmas twenty years ago. Another grossly overpriced yet city landmark store is Tiffany’s. This store is has been located here since 1940 (ENY 46). We were not appropriately dressed to go shopping in the ‘old money’ store but we did admire the window displays.
Trump Plaza with its pink marble and gold lettering is another tourist favorite to admire. There is an impressive five story water fall on the inside (ENY 46). This building is starting to look dated; it felt like the 1980’s. There are bathrooms in the basement that are open to the public; just don’t expect anything fancy from Trump here they were quite the letdown after the Waldorf Astoria Hotel’s bathroom.
St Patrick’s Cathedral is the Archdiocese of New York; it is also the largest cathedral in the United States. A Gothic structure it was designed by James Renwick (ENY 45). The beautiful and majestic cathedral is undergoing extensive renovations that should be completed in 2015. The beauty of the cathedral was covered by the extensive scaffolding set up for the renovations. The little chapel behind the alter was roped off for a private affair. A return trip is in order after the completion of the renovations.
The New York Public Library is a stunning Beaux Arts building that is the second largest library in the United States. The building is guarded by two marble Lions named Patience and Fortitude; they were named by Mayor LaGuardia during the depression (ENY 42). The Rose reading room, closed for renovations, was used by some famous authors such as Isaac Singer and Norman Mailer to write some of their great works (ENY 43). Behind the public library is the beautiful Bryant Park. This a park had table and chairs for the public to sit in the shade and enjoy some live music or just the tranquil surroundings. There is a small carousel for small children. This is another one of my favorite NY spots. Formally a reservoir that was inadequate for the needs of the city it was closed and the space became a park (ENY 43).
Today’s adventure began with the 3 train with a transfer to the shuttle and then the 6 train with arriving at our final destination at 103rd street. The neighborhoods colloquial name is El Barrio. Back in the thirties this was considered little Italy; a wave of Puerto Rican immigrants arriving after World War I transformed the area resulting in the name El Barrio as a result of gentrification (ENY 85-86). I arrived with an unsettled feeling about this location; observing a rat on the tracks and a pan handler added to my discomfort. Walking towards Fifth Avenue we passed the Carver Houses. The Carver Houses is a housing development or project created for the low income residents based on the ideas of Robert Moses regarding public housing. This housing project was named after the African American scientist George Washing Carver (ENY 86). In the 1960’s this area saw the highest crime rate on record. This was an example of what Senator Daniel Patrick Moynihan spoke of regarding the social pathologies of placing numerous poor people in an enclosed area. New models of housing projects include smaller buildings that house four or five families of mixed incomes. The plan is to show the lower income residents how the middle income residents live to help improve their standards and quality of life. These models can be found in the Bronx. The area is currently experiencing gentrification with new apartment buildings and businesses such as the Latin bookstore and wine bars.
The Museum of the City of New York located on Fifth Avenue in East Harlem is an evolving look at the history of the city. Originally housed in Gracie Mansion when it was founded in 1923 is moved to its current location in 1932; the land was donated by the city (ENY 56-57). We viewed a documentary on the history of New York that included interesting pictures from the past. In a stark contrast we observed a display from the gilded age and a display of graffiti art. The two displays were both quintessential New York yet they were from totally different worlds. This museum is highly recommended. Continuing north on Fifth Avenue we arrived at the museum El Museo del Barrio.
At El Museo del Barrio we met a peace poet/ artist educator named Luke. We learned the origination the El Museo del Barrio; it began with belongings stored in a cardboard box that grew to the large building it is today. We were fortunate to have a walking tour with Luke where he showed us important locations of the neighborhood that included public art displays and tile mosaics. One of the art displays was the “Spirit of East Harlem Mural” created by Hank Prussing in 1978; this mural depicted life in Spanish Harlem in the 1970’s. The people featured in this mural were actual residents of the neighborhood. According to a passerby only one person in the mural is still alive but the spirit of the mural lives on. Another site that we experienced was a public garden that displayed a mural on the wall and has a fountain dedicated to woman in the center of the park. The park is called the Modesto “Tin” Flores garden. The mural on the back wall is called Soldadares. This mural celebrates the struggles of Mexican and Puerto Rican residents and the bonds that tie them together (ENY 88). This garden is very interesting but it must be enjoyed with care. I brought a little piece of it home with me called poison ivy. Another much enjoyed stop was the witch doctor/pharmacist Don Jorge. Lunch was at a Mexican restaurant that had a lively and spirited crowd that was watching the world cup soccer match. I went out of my comfort zone with this meal. That is all I will say about that. I am surprised how much I enjoyed this neighborhood. It is a little world I did not know existed.
Continuing out adventure we moved onto the north part of Central Park. I absolutely love the park. With that said I never came up this far in the park so it was all new to me. The park designed by Frederick Olmstead and Calvert Vaux; they were inspired by parks in Europe and even a cemetery in Brooklyn (ENY 57). This park was created as a much needed place of respite for the residents of New York; before this was created the residents would find refuge in cemeteries (ENY 58). WE entered the park through the beautiful wrought iron Vanderbilt gate. Originally it was the entrance gate to the Vanderbilt Mansion on Fifth Ave. It was donated to use at the park by Gertrude Vanderbilt (ENY58-59). We enjoyed the Conservatory Garden; the only formal garden in Central park. Modeled after formal European gardens there are three separate gardens in this area that include the French, Italian and English (ENY 59). In this area we observed the English Garden’s centerpiece Francis Hodges Burnett Memorial fountain depicting two children from the book The Secret Garden (ENY 59). When we traveled further south in the park we observed the Central Park Reservoir; also known as the Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis Reservoir. The reservoir was dedicated to Onassis for all the hard work she had done for the city of New York (ENY 60).
Our adventure continued south on Fifth Avenue. We observed Grand Army Plaza; this was dedicated to the role of the Union Grand Army of the Potomac in the Civil War (ENY 47). In the shadow of the golden statue of William T. Sherman there were dancers break dancing to eighties music. It was rather amusing.
The opulent Plaza Hotel was the next stop. This building was designed by Hardenbergh. When it was owned by Donald Trump he referred to it as a masterpiece (ENY 47). Truman Capote had the original Black and White ball here in the 1960’s; this event was the party of the century and cemented the Plaza as a great social gathering place (ENY 47).
Across the street the oldest toy story in the United States, FAO Schwarz, is located here; it was originally founded as a toy bazaar (ENY 46). The store is quite opulent and so are the prices. This store was featured in the Tom Hanks movie Big. The large floor piano and the Zoltar machine can be observed here. One of the stores signature toys is Patrick the pup; my brother gave my son Patrick one of these pups for is first Christmas twenty years ago. Another grossly overpriced yet city landmark store is Tiffany’s. This store is has been located here since 1940 (ENY 46). We were not appropriately dressed to go shopping in the ‘old money’ store but we did admire the window displays.
Trump Plaza with its pink marble and gold lettering is another tourist favorite to admire. There is an impressive five story water fall on the inside (ENY 46). This building is starting to look dated; it felt like the 1980’s. There are bathrooms in the basement that are open to the public; just don’t expect anything fancy from Trump here they were quite the letdown after the Waldorf Astoria Hotel’s bathroom.
St Patrick’s Cathedral is the Archdiocese of New York; it is also the largest cathedral in the United States. A Gothic structure it was designed by James Renwick (ENY 45). The beautiful and majestic cathedral is undergoing extensive renovations that should be completed in 2015. The beauty of the cathedral was covered by the extensive scaffolding set up for the renovations. The little chapel behind the alter was roped off for a private affair. A return trip is in order after the completion of the renovations.
The New York Public Library is a stunning Beaux Arts building that is the second largest library in the United States. The building is guarded by two marble Lions named Patience and Fortitude; they were named by Mayor LaGuardia during the depression (ENY 42). The Rose reading room, closed for renovations, was used by some famous authors such as Isaac Singer and Norman Mailer to write some of their great works (ENY 43). Behind the public library is the beautiful Bryant Park. This a park had table and chairs for the public to sit in the shade and enjoy some live music or just the tranquil surroundings. There is a small carousel for small children. This is another one of my favorite NY spots. Formally a reservoir that was inadequate for the needs of the city it was closed and the space became a park (ENY 43).
Times Square, Rock Plaza, MOMA, THAI food and West Harlem
This adventurous day began with a fast walk to Times Square known the crossroads of the world.
We passed Macys’s department store which is the largest department store in the United States (ENY 31). Founded by R.H. Macy in 1858 they symbol for the store is a red star; this depicts the tattoo found on Macy’s hand from when he worked on a Nantucket whaling ship as a teenager (ENY 32). We walked along Broadway which is the only diagonal avenue in the city; this is also the oldest street in NYC. It was originally an Indian trail known as Wickquasgeck trail and became Broadway when the Dutch arrived (ENY 32). Finally arriving at Times Square it was dotted with tourists and mixed with locals rushing to work. The origins of Times Square were that it was a farm that belongs to one of George Washington’s Generals John Morin Scott; he served Washington during the American Revolution (ENY 33). Later on it became an area for the horse carriage industry; it was called Long Acre Square until 1903 when it became Times Square as a result of the New York Times moving into a newly built skyscraper (ENY 33). With a long history of drug dealing, prostitution, sex shops and pornographic movie theatres it was cleaned up by Mayor Rudolph Giuliani. The cleanup began when Disney took over the New Amsterdam theatre (ENY 34). Now I can take me kids there and often do.
Moving on to Rockefeller Center we admired the art deco styled GE Building, the former RCA building, which is the anchor of Rockefeller Center; this is headquarters for NBC studios and their television productions (ENY 36). The lobby of this building is lined with murals that have a new frontier theme; these murals were commissioned by John D. Rockefeller. This was one of 14 art deco style buildings that were constructed during the great depression with a common design. Rockefeller funded this private project with his own finances (ENY 39).
Next stop was the museum of modern art, colloquially known as MOMA, where we gazed at famous works by Jasper Johns, Andy Warhol and Vincent Van Gogh. My absolute favorite painting was A Starry Starry night by Vincent Van Gogh; I cannot explain why I love this painting I just do. Another favorite painting of mine is Jasper Johns Flag painting. I find the mediums used and the texture it created very interesting. I did not care for Robert Rauschernberg’s quilt painting called Bed. I see enough unmade beds in my house full of teenagers. The idea for MOMA originated from Abby Aldrich Rockefeller and two of her friends. After several temporary homes the museum found a permanent home, at its present location, with funds donated by John Rockefeller (ENY 39). Lunch time found is in Hell’s Kitchen at Yum Yum III; a small thai establishment. This was another adventure for my stomach that was not as daring as the previous outings.
An afternoon in West Harlem’s Morningside Heights; this was originally called Vandewater’s Heights. One of George Washington’s first victories, the Battle of Harlem Heights during the American Revolution happened here (ENY 70). Sights such as the Cathedral of St. John the Divine were admired. This is the largest church in the United States and is the Episcopalian’s answer to St. Patrick’s Cathedral in Manhattan (ENY 70). I am still not sure how I feel about this cathedral overall it didn’t impress me; I am partial to St. Patrick’s Cathedral in Manhattan. I did however enjoy the seven Chapels of the Tongues (ENY 72). I thought these little chapels had their own character and beauty.
Columbia University was an impressive campus. I enjoyed the bronze Alma Mater and the little whimsy of an owl under her academic robes (ENY 72). My favorite building was St. Paul’s Chapel designed by Isaac Phelps Stokes; he modeled the building after the Church of Santa Croce in Florence (ENY 73-74).
“Let us have peace” the quote that sits atop General Grant’s tomb; these were the words he uttered when accepting the Republican Party’s nomination for president (ENY 74). Grant’s memorial is an impressive building topped with a conical dome. Six Doric columns lead to the the portico. Grant and his wife are entombed here (ENY 74). This impressive historical structure warrants a return visit with my children.
This adventurous day began with a fast walk to Times Square known the crossroads of the world.
We passed Macys’s department store which is the largest department store in the United States (ENY 31). Founded by R.H. Macy in 1858 they symbol for the store is a red star; this depicts the tattoo found on Macy’s hand from when he worked on a Nantucket whaling ship as a teenager (ENY 32). We walked along Broadway which is the only diagonal avenue in the city; this is also the oldest street in NYC. It was originally an Indian trail known as Wickquasgeck trail and became Broadway when the Dutch arrived (ENY 32). Finally arriving at Times Square it was dotted with tourists and mixed with locals rushing to work. The origins of Times Square were that it was a farm that belongs to one of George Washington’s Generals John Morin Scott; he served Washington during the American Revolution (ENY 33). Later on it became an area for the horse carriage industry; it was called Long Acre Square until 1903 when it became Times Square as a result of the New York Times moving into a newly built skyscraper (ENY 33). With a long history of drug dealing, prostitution, sex shops and pornographic movie theatres it was cleaned up by Mayor Rudolph Giuliani. The cleanup began when Disney took over the New Amsterdam theatre (ENY 34). Now I can take me kids there and often do.
Moving on to Rockefeller Center we admired the art deco styled GE Building, the former RCA building, which is the anchor of Rockefeller Center; this is headquarters for NBC studios and their television productions (ENY 36). The lobby of this building is lined with murals that have a new frontier theme; these murals were commissioned by John D. Rockefeller. This was one of 14 art deco style buildings that were constructed during the great depression with a common design. Rockefeller funded this private project with his own finances (ENY 39).
Next stop was the museum of modern art, colloquially known as MOMA, where we gazed at famous works by Jasper Johns, Andy Warhol and Vincent Van Gogh. My absolute favorite painting was A Starry Starry night by Vincent Van Gogh; I cannot explain why I love this painting I just do. Another favorite painting of mine is Jasper Johns Flag painting. I find the mediums used and the texture it created very interesting. I did not care for Robert Rauschernberg’s quilt painting called Bed. I see enough unmade beds in my house full of teenagers. The idea for MOMA originated from Abby Aldrich Rockefeller and two of her friends. After several temporary homes the museum found a permanent home, at its present location, with funds donated by John Rockefeller (ENY 39). Lunch time found is in Hell’s Kitchen at Yum Yum III; a small thai establishment. This was another adventure for my stomach that was not as daring as the previous outings.
An afternoon in West Harlem’s Morningside Heights; this was originally called Vandewater’s Heights. One of George Washington’s first victories, the Battle of Harlem Heights during the American Revolution happened here (ENY 70). Sights such as the Cathedral of St. John the Divine were admired. This is the largest church in the United States and is the Episcopalian’s answer to St. Patrick’s Cathedral in Manhattan (ENY 70). I am still not sure how I feel about this cathedral overall it didn’t impress me; I am partial to St. Patrick’s Cathedral in Manhattan. I did however enjoy the seven Chapels of the Tongues (ENY 72). I thought these little chapels had their own character and beauty.
Columbia University was an impressive campus. I enjoyed the bronze Alma Mater and the little whimsy of an owl under her academic robes (ENY 72). My favorite building was St. Paul’s Chapel designed by Isaac Phelps Stokes; he modeled the building after the Church of Santa Croce in Florence (ENY 73-74).
“Let us have peace” the quote that sits atop General Grant’s tomb; these were the words he uttered when accepting the Republican Party’s nomination for president (ENY 74). Grant’s memorial is an impressive building topped with a conical dome. Six Doric columns lead to the the portico. Grant and his wife are entombed here (ENY 74). This impressive historical structure warrants a return visit with my children.
Tues June 24, 2014
We began our day admiring the ever stunning Woolworth Building. This Neo-Gothic building was designed by Cass Gilbert; his inspiration was the majestic cathedrals in Europe. This was the tallest building in the world until the Chrysler Building surpassed it (ENY).
St. Paul’s Chapel was our next stop. This was the beginning an emotional morning. My husband and his K9 partner, Buddy, used this chapel as a respite during their search and recovery operations after the terrorist attack. Besides the events of 9/11 this chapel has deep history in The City of New York. The Georgian style building was designed by Thomas McBean; it was inspired by a church in London. This is the only church built before the revolutionary war that is still standing and still in use (ENY). This was the uptown church for the Trinity Parishioners. George Washington worshiped here when New York was the Capital of the United States; his personal pew is on display on the right side of the church (ENY). The building did not suffer any damage when the towers fell; it was protected by a sycamore tree that was standing in the cemetery (ENY).
The Municipal Building was the first skyscraper designed by McKim, Mead and White. It is a beautiful building that incorporates Italian renaissance and roman classical styles. The founding dates of New York and New Amsterdam are in scripted on the façade in roman numerals. Guastavino tile work is found under arches of this building. There is a statue on the top of the building called Civic Fame. This is the third largest statue in the city (ENY).
Our next stop was at City Hall. This is a gorgeous building. The history of the building is very interesting. This building was completed in 1811; this was the third city hall building. Our tour guide, Gail, was rather dry but was informative. The building rotunda and dome is stunning; the stairs were scary. We were informed of how the stairs were just there hanging precariously when Abraham Lincoln lay in state there. We were led to the Governor’s room, presently used for receptions. The room is lined with historic furniture including George Washington’s writing desk. The walls display large portraits of historically important people such as George Washington (ENY). The tour guide stuck to the official tour. She made no mention of the secret doors and passage ways that actually do exist in this building. We were told we were not allowed to take photographs of anyone inside the building including Mayor DeBlasio. I didn’t think this was right. It is a public building and the Mayor works for the public. This just cemented my distaste for him. Another interesting detail is the building faces south. The rear of the building was constructed in less expensive brownstone versus the limestone on the front (ENY). Who knew the city would expand past city hall at the time.
Next stop was the 9/11 memorial. I was dreading this all day. I was suppose to tour the memorial and museum before it opened to the public with Tuesday’s Children and I chose not to go. I never wanted to go there; I still do not want to go there. We know too many people who perished or were injured or are suffering with illnesses from the attacks. I did find the reflection pools to be cathartic and peaceful. The sound of the water falling muffled sounds of people talking. It’s upsetting to know there are thousands of human remains that are unidentified on the site. The 9/11 board thinks it is ok to stash them in a basement that has flooded during storms. I think there should be a dignified tomb erected for this along the lines of the tomb for the Unknown Soldier.
Trinity Church, the third building on the site, was completed in 1846 in the Gothic Revival style; this was designed by Upjohn. This brownstone building was the tallest building in New York until the Brooklyn Bridge was built in 1876 (ENY). A Bronze sculpture, Trinity Root, is displayed as a memorial to the tree that protected St. Paul’s Chapel from the falling debris of the World Trade Center.
Wall Street and the financial district are home to some of the most impressive historical buildings in New York. The name Wall Street is from the Dutch’s “de Waal Straat”; named after the 14 foot wall built by Peter Stuyvesant in 1653. This was built to protect the Dutch against the Indians and the English. Later the British conquered the Dutch and the wall came down. Amongst the buildings erected here was their City Hall (ENY). It is mind boggling to think how much money figuratively exchanges hands in this area.
Federal Hall is another beautiful building that is loaded with American History. This is the site where the idea of the Freedom of the Press and “taxation without representation” were born (ENY).
Governors Island was an interesting stop. The Dutch had control originally then the British, finally the United States. Evidently there is a lot of interesting history at this location. A former Army base then it was a Coast Guard base; the largest one in the United States. Historical events happened. President Ronald Reagan was here twice most notably for hosting a summit with Mikhail Gorbeachev and for a relighting of the Statue of Liberty.
Battery Park or as it was originally called West Battery is the home of Fort Clinton. This is the location immigrants first came to when they came to the United States (ENY). Part of Battery Park was formed only after excavation of the original World Trade Center site.
This was the original gate way to New York City.
Final stop for today was the Fraunces Tavern Museum. Built in 1719, it is the oldest building in NYC, by Stephen Delancey. George Washington had his farewell dinner with his officers at this location. The museum upstairs is a history major’s paradise. It includes music and dancing from the early days. This is a location I look forward returning to.
We began our day admiring the ever stunning Woolworth Building. This Neo-Gothic building was designed by Cass Gilbert; his inspiration was the majestic cathedrals in Europe. This was the tallest building in the world until the Chrysler Building surpassed it (ENY).
St. Paul’s Chapel was our next stop. This was the beginning an emotional morning. My husband and his K9 partner, Buddy, used this chapel as a respite during their search and recovery operations after the terrorist attack. Besides the events of 9/11 this chapel has deep history in The City of New York. The Georgian style building was designed by Thomas McBean; it was inspired by a church in London. This is the only church built before the revolutionary war that is still standing and still in use (ENY). This was the uptown church for the Trinity Parishioners. George Washington worshiped here when New York was the Capital of the United States; his personal pew is on display on the right side of the church (ENY). The building did not suffer any damage when the towers fell; it was protected by a sycamore tree that was standing in the cemetery (ENY).
The Municipal Building was the first skyscraper designed by McKim, Mead and White. It is a beautiful building that incorporates Italian renaissance and roman classical styles. The founding dates of New York and New Amsterdam are in scripted on the façade in roman numerals. Guastavino tile work is found under arches of this building. There is a statue on the top of the building called Civic Fame. This is the third largest statue in the city (ENY).
Our next stop was at City Hall. This is a gorgeous building. The history of the building is very interesting. This building was completed in 1811; this was the third city hall building. Our tour guide, Gail, was rather dry but was informative. The building rotunda and dome is stunning; the stairs were scary. We were informed of how the stairs were just there hanging precariously when Abraham Lincoln lay in state there. We were led to the Governor’s room, presently used for receptions. The room is lined with historic furniture including George Washington’s writing desk. The walls display large portraits of historically important people such as George Washington (ENY). The tour guide stuck to the official tour. She made no mention of the secret doors and passage ways that actually do exist in this building. We were told we were not allowed to take photographs of anyone inside the building including Mayor DeBlasio. I didn’t think this was right. It is a public building and the Mayor works for the public. This just cemented my distaste for him. Another interesting detail is the building faces south. The rear of the building was constructed in less expensive brownstone versus the limestone on the front (ENY). Who knew the city would expand past city hall at the time.
Next stop was the 9/11 memorial. I was dreading this all day. I was suppose to tour the memorial and museum before it opened to the public with Tuesday’s Children and I chose not to go. I never wanted to go there; I still do not want to go there. We know too many people who perished or were injured or are suffering with illnesses from the attacks. I did find the reflection pools to be cathartic and peaceful. The sound of the water falling muffled sounds of people talking. It’s upsetting to know there are thousands of human remains that are unidentified on the site. The 9/11 board thinks it is ok to stash them in a basement that has flooded during storms. I think there should be a dignified tomb erected for this along the lines of the tomb for the Unknown Soldier.
Trinity Church, the third building on the site, was completed in 1846 in the Gothic Revival style; this was designed by Upjohn. This brownstone building was the tallest building in New York until the Brooklyn Bridge was built in 1876 (ENY). A Bronze sculpture, Trinity Root, is displayed as a memorial to the tree that protected St. Paul’s Chapel from the falling debris of the World Trade Center.
Wall Street and the financial district are home to some of the most impressive historical buildings in New York. The name Wall Street is from the Dutch’s “de Waal Straat”; named after the 14 foot wall built by Peter Stuyvesant in 1653. This was built to protect the Dutch against the Indians and the English. Later the British conquered the Dutch and the wall came down. Amongst the buildings erected here was their City Hall (ENY). It is mind boggling to think how much money figuratively exchanges hands in this area.
Federal Hall is another beautiful building that is loaded with American History. This is the site where the idea of the Freedom of the Press and “taxation without representation” were born (ENY).
Governors Island was an interesting stop. The Dutch had control originally then the British, finally the United States. Evidently there is a lot of interesting history at this location. A former Army base then it was a Coast Guard base; the largest one in the United States. Historical events happened. President Ronald Reagan was here twice most notably for hosting a summit with Mikhail Gorbeachev and for a relighting of the Statue of Liberty.
Battery Park or as it was originally called West Battery is the home of Fort Clinton. This is the location immigrants first came to when they came to the United States (ENY). Part of Battery Park was formed only after excavation of the original World Trade Center site.
This was the original gate way to New York City.
Final stop for today was the Fraunces Tavern Museum. Built in 1719, it is the oldest building in NYC, by Stephen Delancey. George Washington had his farewell dinner with his officers at this location. The museum upstairs is a history major’s paradise. It includes music and dancing from the early days. This is a location I look forward returning to.
Thursday June 26 Tenement Museum
We began this day in the Stagedoor Diner. THE BEST PANCAKES EVER! I seriously
enjoyed breakfast here. I could not eat anything all day long.
A quick ride on the F train let us off on Essex Avenue and we began our adventure in the Tenement Museum. 97 Orchard St is the site of a four story tenement building that was constructed in 1863; the building was only 25 feet wide. There were five apartments on each floor with commercial space in the basement; a German family, the Schnieder’s ran a saloon in the basement. They only spoke German. This was a German area in the 1860’s. The streets were made of dirt; there was no formal garbage pickup resulting in garbage on the street.
We explored the stories of two families. The first family was the Gumpertz, a German Jewish family, of six people. The father Jules, a shoemaker, disappeared one day and the mother, Natalie, was left to fend for herself. She became a dressmaker and eventually moved herself and the 3 surviving children uptown. Another family we met were and Rosario, an Italian family with two children Johnny and Josephine. We were lucky enough to listen to a recording of Josephine describing life in the tiny apartment back then. I thought it was very interesting to see the generations of family that came after them.
Next stop today was quite the adventure. We navigated our small group to Chinatown where we visited a Budest temple. For a donation of a dollar we were able to retrieve a fortune; I have an excellent change at success. The area was very congested and busy. The small markets that lined the street included vendors selling fresh fruit and fish. This block smelled pretty bad. The next block was hard to differentiate what the offerings were; all the signs were in Chinese. The people walking the streets were all Chinese. We could have purchased knock off pocketbooks and sunglasses at discounted rates. We then navigated ourselves back to meet our class at the Chinese restaurant Congee Village. I am sorry I could not stay for this. The food looked like something I would have actually enjoyed. This day was a lot less hectic then the other days.
We began this day in the Stagedoor Diner. THE BEST PANCAKES EVER! I seriously
enjoyed breakfast here. I could not eat anything all day long.
A quick ride on the F train let us off on Essex Avenue and we began our adventure in the Tenement Museum. 97 Orchard St is the site of a four story tenement building that was constructed in 1863; the building was only 25 feet wide. There were five apartments on each floor with commercial space in the basement; a German family, the Schnieder’s ran a saloon in the basement. They only spoke German. This was a German area in the 1860’s. The streets were made of dirt; there was no formal garbage pickup resulting in garbage on the street.
We explored the stories of two families. The first family was the Gumpertz, a German Jewish family, of six people. The father Jules, a shoemaker, disappeared one day and the mother, Natalie, was left to fend for herself. She became a dressmaker and eventually moved herself and the 3 surviving children uptown. Another family we met were and Rosario, an Italian family with two children Johnny and Josephine. We were lucky enough to listen to a recording of Josephine describing life in the tiny apartment back then. I thought it was very interesting to see the generations of family that came after them.
Next stop today was quite the adventure. We navigated our small group to Chinatown where we visited a Budest temple. For a donation of a dollar we were able to retrieve a fortune; I have an excellent change at success. The area was very congested and busy. The small markets that lined the street included vendors selling fresh fruit and fish. This block smelled pretty bad. The next block was hard to differentiate what the offerings were; all the signs were in Chinese. The people walking the streets were all Chinese. We could have purchased knock off pocketbooks and sunglasses at discounted rates. We then navigated ourselves back to meet our class at the Chinese restaurant Congee Village. I am sorry I could not stay for this. The food looked like something I would have actually enjoyed. This day was a lot less hectic then the other days.
My thoughts and impressions of New York City have broadened. I knew there was history here but didn’t realize how much until this class. Mike was correct when he stated this class is ‘just a taste”. There is so much to go back and see; I will keep the text book for an itinerary guide.
I absolutely loved Spanish Harlem with the exception of the poison ivy I acquired on my legs. The people we encountered were so friendly; no New York attitude here. The children’s Latin book store was a gem. I hope they advertise more so more of the community, and people from outside the community, will patronize the store. I never met a witch doctor before; that was a definite first for me. The north part of Central Park will need to be further explored also. I also loved lower Manhattan. I am making plans to return to the Fraunces House.
Governors Island has potential to be something great one day; I do hope it comes to fruition. There is a lot of interesting history there; I hope they have something to educate the public it. I will have to return.
Chelsea and the galleries were interesting. I am not sure if some of the art displayed there was my cup of tea. I did however love MOMA and was absolutely thrilled to view “A Starry, Starry Night” in person.
I have a new outlook on multicultural diversity from this class. I experienced ethnic foods I never would have if I did not take this class. I learned a lot about the history of different cultures and have a new found respect for the hardships some families and different ethnic groups had to endure when they came to America and for some still have to endure. For this reason alone I believe this class should be a general education requirement for all majors. As a Registered Nurse I encounter patients from different cultures on a daily basis and I have a deeper empathy for them.
I absolutely loved Spanish Harlem with the exception of the poison ivy I acquired on my legs. The people we encountered were so friendly; no New York attitude here. The children’s Latin book store was a gem. I hope they advertise more so more of the community, and people from outside the community, will patronize the store. I never met a witch doctor before; that was a definite first for me. The north part of Central Park will need to be further explored also. I also loved lower Manhattan. I am making plans to return to the Fraunces House.
Governors Island has potential to be something great one day; I do hope it comes to fruition. There is a lot of interesting history there; I hope they have something to educate the public it. I will have to return.
Chelsea and the galleries were interesting. I am not sure if some of the art displayed there was my cup of tea. I did however love MOMA and was absolutely thrilled to view “A Starry, Starry Night” in person.
I have a new outlook on multicultural diversity from this class. I experienced ethnic foods I never would have if I did not take this class. I learned a lot about the history of different cultures and have a new found respect for the hardships some families and different ethnic groups had to endure when they came to America and for some still have to endure. For this reason alone I believe this class should be a general education requirement for all majors. As a Registered Nurse I encounter patients from different cultures on a daily basis and I have a deeper empathy for them.