East of the Park: September 27TH, 2013
My day began as usual, the 9:28 train from Deer Park to Penn! We met under our normal spot and Mike and Meritta informed us that we would be changing our plans slightly to accomodate the beautiful sunny day that was expected. We wouldn't be seeing the Guggenheim Museum, but instead would attempt to walk through the entirety of Central Park after our day in Spanish Harlem. I was particularly excited for today's trip because we would be seeing an area that my parent's used to tell me about and refer to as one of the worst parts of New York City. My dad worked as a paramedic for FDNY and some of his worst stories came from this area. Needless to say, I was excited to see it first hand and how much the neighborhood actually has changed. We started out with a series of trains that were really confusing! I know we took the shuttle from Penn and then transferred to go east and uptown, eventually winding up at 103rd street in East Harlem. Mike and Meritta explained that like most of New York City, Harlem has been experiencing extreme gentrification and so we started out taking in a few of the sites and local culture and eventually wound up at the Museum of the City of New York on 5th avenue. The museum displays more than 3 million artifacts!! (Blue Guide page 376)
Our first site at the museum was the exhibit highlighting artists that have portrayed Central Park. I really appreciated most of this artwork, except for the extremely modern art pieces which I don't understand. (Hey, I can scribble on a page too!)
We then moved on to the Activist exhibit which highlighted various sociological issues that have plagued New York. The one that particularly interested me was the movement against the building of a mosque/Muslim community center known as Park 51 at Ground Zero. This is an issue that has truly intrigued me, as I followed it in the news intently when it was occurring a few years ago. It basically argued that because the attack on September 11th was a jihad-inspired act, it is a slap in the face to America that the culture which was highlighted by this event should be represented in that area. We then watched a 25 minute film on the history of New York City. When it was over we headed towards our second museum of the day, called El Museo del Barrio.
El Museo del Barrio is located in East Harlem and is dedicated to the Puerto Rican, Caribbean, and Latin American culture that dominates the area. It was founded in 1969 by community activists, teachers, and artists, and originated in a public school classroom before it moved to its permanent located on museum mile. (BG p. 376) We did not get to actually see the museum itself, but instead split into groups for a walking tour of East Harlem. My group's tour guide was Manuela who told me she was from Columbia and has never been anywhere in America other than East Harlem and Times Square!
On this tour, we explored the Graffiti Hall of Fame and we experienced a few mosaics, mainly done by Manny Vega. One thing that truly shocked me about this area is that there was no graffiti or vandalism on any of the murals or mosaics that we saw. It really showed that these works of art are a piece of the community and are protected as such.
Gentrification was also all over!! Many new housing complexes are being built and new, trendy shops are opening up which are pushing businesses that have been there for years out. We visited a Bontanica to see a spiritual healer who was faced with having to move his shop after many years of being located elsewhere. When we finished the tour of the neighborhood, we broke for a quick lunch!
Next, we were off to walk the entirety of Central Park! Mike told us a brief history of how a rapidly developing New York struggled for parks and open land, and that Frederick Law Olmsted won a design competition and therefore got the responsibility of landscaping of Central Park. Olmsted believed that the city had a dehumanizing effect and saught to change this. (Blue Guide page 284).
We began our walk on 105th Street at the Conservatory Garden which is the only actual garden in the park. (Blue Guide page 297)
Next, we saw the Jackie Kennedy Reservoir which was responsible for all of the drinking water in New York from 1862-1993. (Blue Guide page 296)
We then went to was Strawberry Fields, where we watched a newly married couple take some of their wedding pictures. This is my favorite spot in Central Park, as I'm a huge Beatles fan!
The last major attraction we saw in the park was the Bethesda Fountain. The statue is meant to be of abiblical angel who stirred the waters of the Bethesda pool in Jerusalem. It was commissioned to commemorate the opening of the Croton Aqueduct in 1842. (Blue Guide page 290)
We began our walk on 105th Street at the Conservatory Garden which is the only actual garden in the park. (Blue Guide page 297)
Next, we saw the Jackie Kennedy Reservoir which was responsible for all of the drinking water in New York from 1862-1993. (Blue Guide page 296)
We then went to was Strawberry Fields, where we watched a newly married couple take some of their wedding pictures. This is my favorite spot in Central Park, as I'm a huge Beatles fan!
The last major attraction we saw in the park was the Bethesda Fountain. The statue is meant to be of abiblical angel who stirred the waters of the Bethesda pool in Jerusalem. It was commissioned to commemorate the opening of the Croton Aqueduct in 1842. (Blue Guide page 290)
We concluded our tour by viewing various spots on 5th Avenue, such as: The Plaza Hotel, Tiffany's, and F.A.O. Schwartz. Our final stop was St. Patrick's Cathedral. It was originally planned as a burial ground, but insecure terrain designated it to instead be a cathedral. Construction began under Archbishop John Hughes in 1858. (Blue Guide page 254) Then, because we're all crazy- we continued the 20 more blocks to walk alllllll the way to Penn Station! Needless to say, today was a lot walking! Good thing I wore my sneakers today!!!
The Wild west-side: october 4th, 2013
We began our day today after our usual meeting and pre-class motivational speech on our way to Broadway. We were in for another 80* day, and I was prepared with an awful lot of water to prevent myself from getting dehydrated. Meritta told us that Broadway is the only road that actually runs diagonally through the city and spans to both the east and west sides. This has caused a lot problems with car traffic, and so the city created pedestrian zones to encourage foot traffic. The city political administration hopes that this will improve the streets, and bring in additional businesses by creating a more people-friendly environment.
We continued our walking tour to discuss the history of Times Square. This are was known as Longacre Square in the early 20th century and full of stables and blacksmith shops. In 1904, the owner of the New York Times renamed the area after his newspaper when his business moved into the area. This area is best known in the post-modern world as the center of the Theater District and location for various movie and television spots. (Blue Guide page 217-18)
Unfortunately, I missed a little bit of the lecture at this point as I had to take a phone call, which turned out to be an internship offer to work for the Recreation Department in Walt Disney World that I'll begin in January.
While I am really sorry that I missed the next few minutes of lecture on Broadway and Times Square, I'm very sure that you'll understand how important this this was!
While I am really sorry that I missed the next few minutes of lecture on Broadway and Times Square, I'm very sure that you'll understand how important this this was!
When I joined back up with the class, we were over on 6th Avenue, where we went into the GE building, which was the first constructed in 1933 as a part of Rockefeller Center complex. Named for one of its most note-worthy tenants, General Electric, NBC also occupies a lot of the office space here for filmings. (Blue Guide page 247). Mike gave us a few minutes to walk around the area, and I rushed to find a bathroom- guess I staved off dehydration after all! When I went inside, I saw the inside of the NBC studios area, and the strip of restaurants and high-end shops under the building.
Our next destination was the Museum of Modern Art! This began as a small museum, founded by Abby Rockefeller and fellow artists on 5th avenue to honor modern art. Obviously, this proved extremely successful and within two years, in 1923, the museum was moved to its current location, donated by John Rockefeller (Blue Guide page 259-260). My favorite pieces were the Andy Warhol's and Starry Night, which has always been one of my favorite pieces of art. Unfortunately, I lack the artistic insight to really appreciate modern art. A shovel on a stool that could potentially sell for thousands of dollars goes RIGHT over my head. Still, it was an exciting experience!
Next we went to Yum Tum Too, a Thai restaurant in Hell's Kitchen for lunch. There was an incredibly priced pre-fixe lunch that allowed us to sample a variety of foods from the menu. I had a chicken and coconut soup, a salad with peanut dressing, and an order of garlic-chicken. I definitely enjoyed this lunch! I already loved Thai food, but this was a particularly good restaurant! Thank you to Mike and Meritta!
We didn't get to tour Hell's Kitchen at all, but according to the Blue Guide (page 226), it is the area between 34th and 57th Street and between 8th Ave. and the Hudson River, which is home to host to many different ethnic dining establishments .
We didn't get to tour Hell's Kitchen at all, but according to the Blue Guide (page 226), it is the area between 34th and 57th Street and between 8th Ave. and the Hudson River, which is home to host to many different ethnic dining establishments .
After lunch, took the 1 train to west 110th street, which is also known as Cathedral Parkway, in Morningside Heights, where we were off on another walking tour! This time of Morningside Heights and Harlem with our tour guide Jim!
Morningside Heights was revolutionized with the building of St. John the Divine, Columbia University, and St. Luke's Hospital - which attracted various worshippers, students and professors. (Blue Guide page 416-417).
We first walked past the Hungarian Bake Shop, where the owner gave us all little angel cards to carry with us, then moved on to the St. John the Divine church.
Morningside Heights was revolutionized with the building of St. John the Divine, Columbia University, and St. Luke's Hospital - which attracted various worshippers, students and professors. (Blue Guide page 416-417).
We first walked past the Hungarian Bake Shop, where the owner gave us all little angel cards to carry with us, then moved on to the St. John the Divine church.
St. John the Divine was an extremely beautiful church. Most likely the most gorgeous I've ever seen. Jim explained that the west side towers were never completed and in 2001 a fire destroyed part of the church to an almost irreparable state, but that efforts by the city were being made regardless. (Blue Guide p. 421)
Jim brought us to Columbia University next and explained that it began as King's College and was an all-boys school. Some of Columbia's earliest alumni included Alexander Hamilton and John Jay. In 1897 the college moved to its present location, where we were fortunate to take a few minute break on the steps of the library. (Blue Guide page 427) We played a trivia game-which I STILL say involved an awful lot of cheating and ended in an ill-deserved award, but what are you gonna do? =)
Next, we walked to Morningside Park, where Jim told us a little bit of history about the 30 acre park. Although this was once one of the worst areas in New York, in 1981 a group of Columbia students founded the Friends of Morningside Park which attempted to return of the park to its original state through a series of beautification projects and lobbying for local legislation. (Blue Guide park 426). We then climbed down the 112 steps to continue our walking tour of the area at 116th street and 8th avenue.
We concluded our tour by seeing the Harriet Tubman Memorial and the Apollo Theater. The Apollo Theater was opened in 1913, but for whites only. Overtime, as the area embraced more African culture, it allowed for the emerging of soulful singers such as Aretha Franklin and Diana Ross. (Blue Guide page 440)
Unfortunately, right around here the skies opened up and it started POURING! Luckily though, the entrance to the subway was only about a block away and we were able to jump right on back to Penn Station! I really hope the weather is better again next week! I already feel a cold coming on =(
Next, we walked to Morningside Park, where Jim told us a little bit of history about the 30 acre park. Although this was once one of the worst areas in New York, in 1981 a group of Columbia students founded the Friends of Morningside Park which attempted to return of the park to its original state through a series of beautification projects and lobbying for local legislation. (Blue Guide park 426). We then climbed down the 112 steps to continue our walking tour of the area at 116th street and 8th avenue.
We concluded our tour by seeing the Harriet Tubman Memorial and the Apollo Theater. The Apollo Theater was opened in 1913, but for whites only. Overtime, as the area embraced more African culture, it allowed for the emerging of soulful singers such as Aretha Franklin and Diana Ross. (Blue Guide page 440)
Unfortunately, right around here the skies opened up and it started POURING! Luckily though, the entrance to the subway was only about a block away and we were able to jump right on back to Penn Station! I really hope the weather is better again next week! I already feel a cold coming on =(
LOWER MANHATTAN & CHELSEA: october 11th, 2013
After meeting at the usual location in Penn Station, our day began on the 2 train downtown to Park Street. We stopped for a minute to look at the The Woolworth Building which was the tallest building in the world at the time of its completion, but was soon topped by the Chrysler Building. The very intricacies of the building are the direct responsibility of Woolworth himself, who had a large hand in the building. (Blue Guide page 79)
Then we were on to our first real destination: New York City Hall where we split up into groups of six through security to have our bags checked. Once we made it to the building, we were led by our tour guide Deirdre who brought us through as many parts of City Hall that the public is allowed access to. we were able to access. My favorite room was the governor's meeting room, where Deidre expressly forbid us touching any of the furniture because they were authentic to the 1800's time period. We discussed the por portraits of historical figures, specifically New York mayors and U.S Presidents. Included was the painting of George Washington and George Clinton that John Trumbull was commissioned to paint in 1790. (Blue Guide page 85) As a history major, this was an extremely fun site for me, and I have never been to City Hall before!
The next site we visited was the 9/11 Memorial, I place I felt personally embarrassed to take notes inside of. The security to enter the memorial was that of an airport, but once inside, the site was truly beautiful and something that every New Yorker should see. One of my father's closest friends, Carlos Lillo, was killed in the attacks while serving as EMS when the towers collapsed, so I spent my time looking up his name in the computer system and finding his name on the wall. I particularly liked the giant fountain/pool in the middle of the memorial and the fact that everyone who perished in the attacks had their name on the wall at some point. The site was hauntingly beautiful. I would've liked to go inside, but that part of the memorial isn't open yet, so I'll definitely have to go back.
Next, we stopped briefly at Zucotti Park, the site of the famous Occupy Wall Street movement in New York City. Also, we briefly entered Trinity Church, which sits on a 2 acre plot of land located in the financial district. It is best known for the historic graves of men like Alexander Hamilton. (Blue Guide page 66). Unfortunately, it really started raining at this point in the trip and we were all pretty much ready to call it a day.. but alas! Nothing stops Mike's amazing perseverance!
we headed to Wall Street where we stopped to discuss the Stock Exchange and the Federal Hall National Memorial (the original New York City Hall). When put into perspective Wall Street is actually a small street that is only about a third of a mile long running between Broadway and the East River. Since the New York Stock Exchange arrived here in 1903, the street has become synonymous with New York's financial industry. However, like many other parts of the city, Wall Street is entering a period where many of the 20th century commercial buildings are being converted to residential developments (BG p. 64). Unfortunately we were unable to take a tour of Federal Hall National Memorial today since it was closed due to the government shut down. In fact, the government shut down also affected another stop on our tour, the National Museum of the American Indian, so some or our experience was again cut short.
As we continued to walk through the financial district we stopped to view the famous bull statue, known as Charging Bull, which is said to the symbol of Wall Street. After, we walked through the Bowling Green where we had the chance to spend about 5 minutes shopping in a small flea market outside of the Alexander Hamilton Custom House.
Our last stop of the day before lunch was a quick stop in Battery Park. The name Battery Park is meant to recall a row of cannons that defended the original fort and stood near the present sidewalk west of the Custom House. This is a 23-acre park on the edge of the harbor that when close enough allows visitors to see spectacular views of the Statue of Liberty, Governors Island, and Ellis Island (BG p. 46). Within Battery Park Meritta pointed out the destroyed sphere from the World Trade Center and she explained that there is currently a debate about whether or not it should be moved back to its original site.
As we continued to walk through the financial district we stopped to view the famous bull statue, known as Charging Bull, which is said to the symbol of Wall Street. After, we walked through the Bowling Green where we had the chance to spend about 5 minutes shopping in a small flea market outside of the Alexander Hamilton Custom House.
Our last stop of the day before lunch was a quick stop in Battery Park. The name Battery Park is meant to recall a row of cannons that defended the original fort and stood near the present sidewalk west of the Custom House. This is a 23-acre park on the edge of the harbor that when close enough allows visitors to see spectacular views of the Statue of Liberty, Governors Island, and Ellis Island (BG p. 46). Within Battery Park Meritta pointed out the destroyed sphere from the World Trade Center and she explained that there is currently a debate about whether or not it should be moved back to its original site.
We then made our way down Wall Street where we stopped to discuss the Stock Exchange and the Federal Hall National Memorial. The Federal Hall was the original New York City Hall! It was alot smaller than the other building, but still very pretty! Because of the stupid government shut down, we couldn't get inside- but I'll be back!! We also couldn't get inside the next stop on our tour because of the shutdown- National Museum of the American Indian. We continued through the Financial District and viewed the famous 'Charging Bull' statue, which is the system of Wall Street. Lastly, we stopped into Battery Park before lunch where Mike explained that the name Battery Park was given because of the row of cannons (known as a battery) that used to defend the original fort that was at this location. The parks is 23 acres, with beautiful views of the Statue of Liberty, Governors Island, and Ellis Island (Blue Guide page 46). On our way through the park, Meritta shows us a destroyed spherical artwork that was from the WTC that is the cause of much debate- whether or not it should be moved back into its original site.
Our next stop was the Chelsea Market which is an indoor shopping area that provides tons of shops full of food, wine, kitchen, wares, flowers, and more. It was originally the site of the Nabisco factory, but in 1995 it was turned into the indoor market. (Blue Guide page 186) Although it was really pretty, it was EXTREMELY overpriced, so me and Sarah hopped down the street to go to a local pizzeria for lunch instead. Next, we walked over to the High Line, which is one of my favorite spots in the city! It was originally a freight train line, but during the 1950's when the freight trains lost business to trucking, the tracks were left to rust. (Blue Guide page 188) A group of people realized that it could be utilized as a public space and turned it into a beautiful park.
Our last destination of the day was to go gallery hopping through Chelsea beginning near Chelsea Piers.
One exhibit I liked in particular was Philip-Lorca diCorcia "Hustlers" because it was racy and modern.
Next week we're on to see "Immigrant New York" and I'm pretty excited!!
One exhibit I liked in particular was Philip-Lorca diCorcia "Hustlers" because it was racy and modern.
Next week we're on to see "Immigrant New York" and I'm pretty excited!!
Immigrant New york: october 17th, 2013
As excited as I was about today's class being our last of the semester, I can honestly say that I'm going to seriously miss it!
We met at Penn Station as usual, then made our way to the F train to Delancey Street where we were off to the Lower East Side. In the 1700's the Lower East Side was dominated by some of the city's wealthiest landowners, including the Rutgers family and the De Lancey family. With the influx of immigrants in the 19th century, the area was dominantly inhabited by the new immigrant population and many of the original homes in the neighborhood were knocked down to create tenements in order to accommodate the housing needs of the growing number of people. (Blue Guide page 119)
We met at Penn Station as usual, then made our way to the F train to Delancey Street where we were off to the Lower East Side. In the 1700's the Lower East Side was dominated by some of the city's wealthiest landowners, including the Rutgers family and the De Lancey family. With the influx of immigrants in the 19th century, the area was dominantly inhabited by the new immigrant population and many of the original homes in the neighborhood were knocked down to create tenements in order to accommodate the housing needs of the growing number of people. (Blue Guide page 119)
Our first stop was the Essex Street Market which had a very interesting set up. This was a project under Mayor LaGuardia, who attempted to clean up the streets in the 1930’s. The purpose behind the building of this market was to give pushcart peddlers that sold food and goods would have a regulated, and clean spot to attempt to improve sanitary conditions. (Blue Guide page 123). When we went in, it maintained a similar feel as it must have in the 1930's. Although everything is under one roof, the various venders maintain their own shop areas, designated only by a small sign that hangs above their store.
Next, we were in for- you guessed it- another walking tour! We met up with Jim again who first brought us to the Economy Candy Store! Economy had the most diverse assortment of candy that I have ever seen and I bought my mom a candy that she always used to talk about eating as a kid, but hasn't seen in 20+ years.
Leaving the candy store, we discussed the gentrification of the local apartment buildings. We stood under the Williamsburg Bridge and Mike and Jim discussed the term "projects" which referred simply to New York's attempt to provide adequate housing to poor families. Jim also told us that the J and Z trains run above the Williamsburg Bridge, and being that this location is where rapper Jay-Z lived as a child, this is where he got his stage name from! I thought that was pretty interesting! He also told us a brief history of the Domino Sugar factory which could be seen in the distance!
Our next stop was to the Bialystoker Synagogue, originally built in 1826 as the Willett Street Methodist Episcopal Church, but was bought by a Jewish congregation from Bialystok in 1905. (Blue Guide page 123). Jim pointed out several different Jewish cultural sites along this tour, which included a marriage ritual site for women.
Next, we stopped off at the Henry House Settlement. A settlement house was a place where immigrants came to assimilate into new society. This would include services that would assist in job searching, learning English, securing housing and other services (Blue Guide page 125). We also stopped at St. Theresa's church, which Jim explained was the third oldest Roman Catholic Church in New York. We proceeded on to our last stop of the tour, which was the Eldridge Street Synagogue. The congregation of this synagogue grew so large and attracted so many worshippers on high Holy Days that the police were actually called to control the crowd on multiple occasions. (Blue Guide page 120) Unfortunately, we didn't get to actually go into any of these churches so we really could not compare to the ones we've seen previously, or get a very good understanding of their culture and architecture.
Next, we stopped off at the Henry House Settlement. A settlement house was a place where immigrants came to assimilate into new society. This would include services that would assist in job searching, learning English, securing housing and other services (Blue Guide page 125). We also stopped at St. Theresa's church, which Jim explained was the third oldest Roman Catholic Church in New York. We proceeded on to our last stop of the tour, which was the Eldridge Street Synagogue. The congregation of this synagogue grew so large and attracted so many worshippers on high Holy Days that the police were actually called to control the crowd on multiple occasions. (Blue Guide page 120) Unfortunately, we didn't get to actually go into any of these churches so we really could not compare to the ones we've seen previously, or get a very good understanding of their culture and architecture.
- We broke for about an hour on Canal Street, where Sarah, Jordan, Anthony and I walked through Little Italy.
We had lunch at Congee Village, where Mike and Meritta treated for some of the best Chinese food I've ever had! I would definitely make a trip back to this area for the sesame chicken!
Once everyone finished eating, we were off to the Tenement Museum which was fortunately, right around the corner. We were greeted by our tour guide who took us up to a class room where we were given a brief overview of what we should expect to experience. We were told to pretend to be a Russian family looking to move into the apartment building. Our guide brought us around the corner into the tenement building, where we met Victoria, a Sephardic Jew family and was about 14 years old. Although the woman who portrayed Victoria was an actress that worked for the museum, she knew everything there was to know about the family when they lived there in 1916. I really enjoyed this tour because it allowed everyone to see the immigration and tenement experience first hand. The last time I was at the tenement museum, we visited a different room, and so this was a chance to see something new as well.
After class ended, a few of us ventured over the Williamsburg Bridge. Sarah and I checked out a local bar for a drink and then I was lucky enough to be joined by my boyfriend from New Jersey, and with Sarah we went to the Brooklyn Brewery to try something new! Then, it was sadly the end of our last class. =(
Final impressions of new york
Where to start?!
Going into this class, I had a pretty good understanding of New York and a lot of areas in the city. I've been to most of the museums and exhibits that we had went to but still, I can honestly say that I have really learned an awful lot!
I think the biggest eye-openers for me was the visits into areas like Harlem, where I would never have ventured on my own. When we went to El Barrio, I was beyond shocked to see the sense of community that really exists, mostly demonstrated by the lack of vandalism on the artwork and mosaics. I was really surprised to see that I had predispositions about an area that I have never been to, and that they were pretty wrong. To be politically correct, demographically speaking, I was still somewhat uncomfortable in these areas, but no where near what I was expecting. My whole life I've been told that these are areas of the city that you do not want to be near or wind up in, but to go and experience the culture of the area for myself was an amazing opportunity I never would have had otherwise.
Another one of the biggest changes that this class made for me was the ability to navigate the subway system! I found myself navigating after class and on the weekends without the maps and I could not have been prouder of myself! The system was always extremely intimidating for me, not wanting to wind up in the wrong part of town, but I can honestly say that I'm not afraid of it anymore!
A huge thank you to Mike and Meritta for allowing us to have this amazing opportunity at Molloy! I'm really going to miss this on Fridays!!!
Going into this class, I had a pretty good understanding of New York and a lot of areas in the city. I've been to most of the museums and exhibits that we had went to but still, I can honestly say that I have really learned an awful lot!
I think the biggest eye-openers for me was the visits into areas like Harlem, where I would never have ventured on my own. When we went to El Barrio, I was beyond shocked to see the sense of community that really exists, mostly demonstrated by the lack of vandalism on the artwork and mosaics. I was really surprised to see that I had predispositions about an area that I have never been to, and that they were pretty wrong. To be politically correct, demographically speaking, I was still somewhat uncomfortable in these areas, but no where near what I was expecting. My whole life I've been told that these are areas of the city that you do not want to be near or wind up in, but to go and experience the culture of the area for myself was an amazing opportunity I never would have had otherwise.
Another one of the biggest changes that this class made for me was the ability to navigate the subway system! I found myself navigating after class and on the weekends without the maps and I could not have been prouder of myself! The system was always extremely intimidating for me, not wanting to wind up in the wrong part of town, but I can honestly say that I'm not afraid of it anymore!
A huge thank you to Mike and Meritta for allowing us to have this amazing opportunity at Molloy! I'm really going to miss this on Fridays!!!