The Wild West Side
Our class started this morning with a quick walk from Penn Station over to Broadway where we could see and discuss the recent development of the new pedestrian zones.
"The temporary pedestrian mall created in Times Square in summer 2009 is a Broadway hit, and New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg has green-lighted construction of a permanent plaza." - Playbill.com
We also discussed the history of Times Square.
“Before 1904, Times Square, then known as Longacre Square, was dominated by horse exchanges, carriage factories, stables, and blacksmiths’ shops” (Blue Guide p. 217).
“As advances in transportation made the district widely accessible and investors realized the profits of theaters as real estate, Times Square flourished” (Blue Guide p. 217).
We discussed the roughness of the area during the 1980's. Mike even related a few personal tales of his experiences there before the Giuliani clean up.
“Today Time Square is cleaner, safer, more profitable, and more visitor-friendly than it was a decade ago. While no one wishes for the return of crime and squalor, some observers lament what has become of the neighborhood—its increasing corporate homogeneity and loss of individuality, its bland lineup of chain stores, and its sense of being for tourists, not New Yorkers.” [Blue Guide pg. 218]
"The temporary pedestrian mall created in Times Square in summer 2009 is a Broadway hit, and New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg has green-lighted construction of a permanent plaza." - Playbill.com
We also discussed the history of Times Square.
“Before 1904, Times Square, then known as Longacre Square, was dominated by horse exchanges, carriage factories, stables, and blacksmiths’ shops” (Blue Guide p. 217).
“As advances in transportation made the district widely accessible and investors realized the profits of theaters as real estate, Times Square flourished” (Blue Guide p. 217).
We discussed the roughness of the area during the 1980's. Mike even related a few personal tales of his experiences there before the Giuliani clean up.
“Today Time Square is cleaner, safer, more profitable, and more visitor-friendly than it was a decade ago. While no one wishes for the return of crime and squalor, some observers lament what has become of the neighborhood—its increasing corporate homogeneity and loss of individuality, its bland lineup of chain stores, and its sense of being for tourists, not New Yorkers.” [Blue Guide pg. 218]
Before arriving at our next stop we briefly stopped in a beautiful public courtyard, where Meritta discussed the cities policy of letting developers build bigger, taller buildings than the law allowed, in exchange for providing the public with some pleasant outdoor space, and how many times, these spaces were hardly accessible.
"In response to the perceived failure of many of these spaces and to community opposition, the types of spaces permitted and their locations have been curtailed in recent years. There is now a book and comprehensive information available in a database." "Privately Owned Public Space: The New York City Experience"
"In response to the perceived failure of many of these spaces and to community opposition, the types of spaces permitted and their locations have been curtailed in recent years. There is now a book and comprehensive information available in a database." "Privately Owned Public Space: The New York City Experience"
We left Time Square as a class and headed towards the G.E. building. The building was completed in 1933 as part of the Rockefeller Center, its most notable tenants being that of General Electric and NBC (Blue Guide p. 248).
We discussed its style, that being my favorite New York style, Art Deco. I just love the vision that those in the 1930's thought of as "futuristic" because to me, the style always feels so whimsical.
We discussed its style, that being my favorite New York style, Art Deco. I just love the vision that those in the 1930's thought of as "futuristic" because to me, the style always feels so whimsical.
Our next stop of the day was the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA).
“The Museum of Modern Art is one of the city’s premier cultural institutions, one of the greatest repositories not only of modern painting and sculpture, but of drawing, design, photography, and film.” [Blue Guide p. 260]
We discussed "What is Art?" briefly with Mike and Meritta. My immediate response was "To make you think." as that is always my first instinct when looking at a piece. When presented with art I always try to explore my feelings about the work and the feelings the artist was trying to portray, thus invoking a quiet thoughtful conversation with myself.
We quickly toured the MOMA saw art from various artists such as Andy Warhol, Robert Rauschenberg, and Jackson Pollock.
The original “The Starry Night” painted by Vincent Van Gogh was truly beautiful in person.
Ive always been a fan of Pollock, especially after seeing the movie based upon his life. I relate in certain ways to his expressions of anger and turmoil. After watching the movie its clear to see how is art came to be, his struggle with alcoholism and other psychological neurosis.
I have to also admit that I loved the room of Monet’s paintings, Water Lilies being one of my favorite paintings of all time. I am in awe that I still get an overwhelming sense of calm when I gaze at it.
“The Museum of Modern Art is one of the city’s premier cultural institutions, one of the greatest repositories not only of modern painting and sculpture, but of drawing, design, photography, and film.” [Blue Guide p. 260]
We discussed "What is Art?" briefly with Mike and Meritta. My immediate response was "To make you think." as that is always my first instinct when looking at a piece. When presented with art I always try to explore my feelings about the work and the feelings the artist was trying to portray, thus invoking a quiet thoughtful conversation with myself.
We quickly toured the MOMA saw art from various artists such as Andy Warhol, Robert Rauschenberg, and Jackson Pollock.
The original “The Starry Night” painted by Vincent Van Gogh was truly beautiful in person.
Ive always been a fan of Pollock, especially after seeing the movie based upon his life. I relate in certain ways to his expressions of anger and turmoil. After watching the movie its clear to see how is art came to be, his struggle with alcoholism and other psychological neurosis.
I have to also admit that I loved the room of Monet’s paintings, Water Lilies being one of my favorite paintings of all time. I am in awe that I still get an overwhelming sense of calm when I gaze at it.
When we left, it was time for lunch where we would be eating at a Thai restaurant called Yum Yum in Hell's Kitchen. I ate chicken coconut soup, and pork with cashew nuts, it tasted amazing.
I personally love this area of the city for all its restaurants. We didnt get to explore this part of the city much, as its now greatly gentrified. Although greatly gentrified from its once 'hellish' past, I still love the feel of this part of the city, I feel like I know its history and somehow that makes me enjoy just being there.
The Blue Guide (p.226) states how the area got its name. "An urban legend, probably apocryphal, suggests that two policemen watching a street fight on a muggy summer night gave the district its name. Said one, 'This neighborhood is hot as hell.' 'Hell is cool,' corrected the other. 'This here's Hell's Kitchen.'"
Just a little tidbit of the areas naughty past:
Hell's Kitchen
New-York, Friday, July 27, 1877.
To the Editor of The New York Times:
On ninetieth-street, between Lexington-avenue and Fourth-avenue [today's Park Ave.] are a row of tenement houses and a disreputable whisky [sic] den known as Hell's Kitchen. Undisturbed by the police, the frequenters of this den and the inmates of these houses indulge in almost nightly fights, sometimes in the streets, sometimes within doors, and often in both places at the same time. The noise occasioned by these brawls can be heard, generally, two blocks off, and the blasphemy and vulgarity of these brawlers, both male and female, is shocking in the extreme. On the evening of Thursday, the 26th inst., [sic] the disturbance in and around Hell's Kitchen commenced at 11 o'clock, and lasted until 1 o'clock, when it was stopped, not by the police, but by the weariness of those who took part in it. During this time invalids, aged people, and young children were deprived of sleep, while those who should have protected the peace were--well, no one within the vicinity of the disgraceful row knew where they were. The fact is that these frequent disturbances have become an unbearable nuisance, and, if the police captain of the precinct ornamented with Hell's Kitchen is unable to keep it in order, is it not about time that the Police Commissioners said something to the captain?
CITIZEN
I personally love this area of the city for all its restaurants. We didnt get to explore this part of the city much, as its now greatly gentrified. Although greatly gentrified from its once 'hellish' past, I still love the feel of this part of the city, I feel like I know its history and somehow that makes me enjoy just being there.
The Blue Guide (p.226) states how the area got its name. "An urban legend, probably apocryphal, suggests that two policemen watching a street fight on a muggy summer night gave the district its name. Said one, 'This neighborhood is hot as hell.' 'Hell is cool,' corrected the other. 'This here's Hell's Kitchen.'"
Just a little tidbit of the areas naughty past:
Hell's Kitchen
New-York, Friday, July 27, 1877.
To the Editor of The New York Times:
On ninetieth-street, between Lexington-avenue and Fourth-avenue [today's Park Ave.] are a row of tenement houses and a disreputable whisky [sic] den known as Hell's Kitchen. Undisturbed by the police, the frequenters of this den and the inmates of these houses indulge in almost nightly fights, sometimes in the streets, sometimes within doors, and often in both places at the same time. The noise occasioned by these brawls can be heard, generally, two blocks off, and the blasphemy and vulgarity of these brawlers, both male and female, is shocking in the extreme. On the evening of Thursday, the 26th inst., [sic] the disturbance in and around Hell's Kitchen commenced at 11 o'clock, and lasted until 1 o'clock, when it was stopped, not by the police, but by the weariness of those who took part in it. During this time invalids, aged people, and young children were deprived of sleep, while those who should have protected the peace were--well, no one within the vicinity of the disgraceful row knew where they were. The fact is that these frequent disturbances have become an unbearable nuisance, and, if the police captain of the precinct ornamented with Hell's Kitchen is unable to keep it in order, is it not about time that the Police Commissioners said something to the captain?
CITIZEN
Before beginning our next tour we stopped at the Hungarian Pastry Shop where Phil, the shop owner, invited us to hang angel paintings outside of the store. These paintings were meant to represent ever lasting love.
They are hung outside of the shop as a means of spreading peace and love to all who pass. Take one and hang one.
I thought the idea was very cool. We all posed for pictures as we partook in the experience.
They are hung outside of the shop as a means of spreading peace and love to all who pass. Take one and hang one.
I thought the idea was very cool. We all posed for pictures as we partook in the experience.
On the first stop of our tour with Jim in Morningside Heights, visited the Cathedral Church of St. John the Divine, which was built in the 1890's by the Episcopalian church. It was beautiful, and looking up inside made me dizzy.
From the Cathedral we went onto Columbia University. Jim told us all about how Columbia was originally a gentleman's college. He quizzed us on what famous people attended there. For example our most recent President Barack Obama attended Columbia, as well as Lou Gehrig and Alexander Hamilton.
We wound up at the top of Morningside Park (120th St.). Thankfully we went down the long winding 157 stairs instead of up them! Bringing us down to Harlem where we walked up to St Nicholas Avenue, the oldest road in the city. At the intersection there is a sculpture of Harriet Tubman, titled Swing Low: Harriet Tubman Memorial. Then we passed by Apollo Theater, which had many famous names on stars who got their start performing here.
We ended our walking tour just in time as the skies opened up! Me and Carole did some extra credit (wink wink) by grabbing a meal and dessert at the famous Sylvia's Harlem Restaurant .
From the Cathedral we went onto Columbia University. Jim told us all about how Columbia was originally a gentleman's college. He quizzed us on what famous people attended there. For example our most recent President Barack Obama attended Columbia, as well as Lou Gehrig and Alexander Hamilton.
We wound up at the top of Morningside Park (120th St.). Thankfully we went down the long winding 157 stairs instead of up them! Bringing us down to Harlem where we walked up to St Nicholas Avenue, the oldest road in the city. At the intersection there is a sculpture of Harriet Tubman, titled Swing Low: Harriet Tubman Memorial. Then we passed by Apollo Theater, which had many famous names on stars who got their start performing here.
We ended our walking tour just in time as the skies opened up! Me and Carole did some extra credit (wink wink) by grabbing a meal and dessert at the famous Sylvia's Harlem Restaurant .
Lower Manhattan and Captivating Chelsea
The forecast which I had been tracking all week predicted over a 50% chance of rain. Womp Womp Womp. So I did what any other well prepared nursing student(or girl scout would do) I came prepared! Umbrella, extra clothes, and rain sturdy shoes! I had prayed the rain would hold out, as I wouldn't want to be making up class on the 25th, my 30th Birthday!
Our first stop was the The Woolworth Building, at 233 Broadway, Manhattan, New York City, designed by architect Cass Gilbert in a distinct Gothic Style, and was completed in 1913, is one of the oldest skyscrapers in the United States.
Its nickname is “The Cathedral of Commerce” after, “Rev. S. Parkes Cadman, a Brooklyn minister and radio preacher noted that the building inspired : feelings too deep even for tears.” [Blue Guide pg. 79]
The Woolworth building topped the record set by the Metropolitan Life Insurance Company Tower as the world's tallest building and held its reign as such until the completion of the construction of 40 Wall Street in 1930.
There are plans to renovate the space into luxury apartments and convert the penthouse into a five-level living space.
Our first stop was the The Woolworth Building, at 233 Broadway, Manhattan, New York City, designed by architect Cass Gilbert in a distinct Gothic Style, and was completed in 1913, is one of the oldest skyscrapers in the United States.
Its nickname is “The Cathedral of Commerce” after, “Rev. S. Parkes Cadman, a Brooklyn minister and radio preacher noted that the building inspired : feelings too deep even for tears.” [Blue Guide pg. 79]
The Woolworth building topped the record set by the Metropolitan Life Insurance Company Tower as the world's tallest building and held its reign as such until the completion of the construction of 40 Wall Street in 1930.
There are plans to renovate the space into luxury apartments and convert the penthouse into a five-level living space.
We then ventured over to City Hall. Here we were led by our tour guide Deirdre who truly was a wealth of information. She brought us through the parts of City Hall we were able to access.
We learned so much about the buildings creators and the offices in our government that it still houses. Such as the office of the Mayor of New York City and the chambers of the New York City Council.
The Renaissance style architecture made this 1802 building one of the cities most beautiful and historic ones Ive seen so far, and much lovelier in person then I originally would have thought it to be.
“City Hall, one of New York’s architectural treasures, houses a notable collection of portraits of city mayors and 19th century celebrities. The most important works in the collection hang in the Governor’s Room on the second floor, though portraits and busts are located throughout the public areas of the building.” [Blue Guide pg. 83]
We first entered the building we talked for a little bit about the George Washington statue and inside architecture before moving upstairs via a "floating staircase" to the governors room and meeting room. When we entered the governors room we were asked not to touch any of the furniture since it is historical and authentic. A number of historical guests have also visited the Governor’s Room, so I oddly felt almost honored to be standing within. Guests such as the Marquis de Lafayette, Abraham Lincoln, Albert Einstein, and Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. After that room, we were brought into the City Council Chamber. Which was truly beautiful and historical feeling
We learned so much about the buildings creators and the offices in our government that it still houses. Such as the office of the Mayor of New York City and the chambers of the New York City Council.
The Renaissance style architecture made this 1802 building one of the cities most beautiful and historic ones Ive seen so far, and much lovelier in person then I originally would have thought it to be.
“City Hall, one of New York’s architectural treasures, houses a notable collection of portraits of city mayors and 19th century celebrities. The most important works in the collection hang in the Governor’s Room on the second floor, though portraits and busts are located throughout the public areas of the building.” [Blue Guide pg. 83]
We first entered the building we talked for a little bit about the George Washington statue and inside architecture before moving upstairs via a "floating staircase" to the governors room and meeting room. When we entered the governors room we were asked not to touch any of the furniture since it is historical and authentic. A number of historical guests have also visited the Governor’s Room, so I oddly felt almost honored to be standing within. Guests such as the Marquis de Lafayette, Abraham Lincoln, Albert Einstein, and Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. After that room, we were brought into the City Council Chamber. Which was truly beautiful and historical feeling
After our tour we stopped at St. Paul's Chapel.
“The church was used by George Washington following his inauguration at Federal Hall.” [Blue Guide pg. 77] Inside the church holds George Washington’s pew and its still located here to this day.
Inside were many memorials dedicated to 9/11, since it was a rest area for workers during the attack. Thinking about this day made the gloomy weather almost feel appropriate, I felt the impending doom of our next stop, the 9/11 memorial.
Many famous Americans have also been buried in the St. Paul’s Churchyard which faces the exterior of the building, towards where the Twin Towers once stood.
“The church was used by George Washington following his inauguration at Federal Hall.” [Blue Guide pg. 77] Inside the church holds George Washington’s pew and its still located here to this day.
Inside were many memorials dedicated to 9/11, since it was a rest area for workers during the attack. Thinking about this day made the gloomy weather almost feel appropriate, I felt the impending doom of our next stop, the 9/11 memorial.
Many famous Americans have also been buried in the St. Paul’s Churchyard which faces the exterior of the building, towards where the Twin Towers once stood.
The 9/11 Memorial was difficult for me. I was greatly effected that fateful day as well as a few friends and family members as we are heavily packed with civil service workers (cops, nurses, and firemen). I won't get into detail about that, however, it was beautiful to finally see the memorial up close. The entrance to this memorial ground was kept highly secured with a really intense entrance process and cameras located everywhere.
Was also nice to see the "Survivor Tree". This callery pear is the only surviving tree after the attack. It only had 8 feet out of an original 35 feet left to it at the time it was found, but it survived the ruble and has since been nursed back to a height of 30 feet.
The tree is estimated to be 50-55 years old as it was planted when the original Twin Towers were being built.
Was also nice to see the "Survivor Tree". This callery pear is the only surviving tree after the attack. It only had 8 feet out of an original 35 feet left to it at the time it was found, but it survived the ruble and has since been nursed back to a height of 30 feet.
The tree is estimated to be 50-55 years old as it was planted when the original Twin Towers were being built.
next stop of the day was Zuccotti Park. Mike and Meritta briefly discussed the recent protest, Occupy Wall Street, that took place there. They explained how the park was literally turned into its own community.
"Occupy Wall Street is a leaderless resistance movement with people of many colors, genders and political persuasions. The one thing we all have in common is that We Are The 99% that will no longer tolerate the greed and corruption of the 1%. We are using the revolutionary Arab Spring tactic to achieve our ends and encourage the use of nonviolence to maximize the safety of all participants."
"Occupy Wall Street is a leaderless resistance movement with people of many colors, genders and political persuasions. The one thing we all have in common is that We Are The 99% that will no longer tolerate the greed and corruption of the 1%. We are using the revolutionary Arab Spring tactic to achieve our ends and encourage the use of nonviolence to maximize the safety of all participants."
We then found ourselves at Trinity Church where we stopped to examine the inside and churchyard.
“The present church is the third on the site. The first (1698) was a stone building facing the river. The church was burned in 1776 and remained in ruins until long after the Revolution. A second church (completed 1790) was demolished in 1839 after heavy snowfall damaged the roof. The present church dates from 1846.” (Blue Guide pg. 65)
In it’s courtyard, many famous people of America’s History are buried; such as; Alexander Hamilton, who's tomb we could not see due to construction. I got a snapshot of his neighbor instead. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------->
“The present church is the third on the site. The first (1698) was a stone building facing the river. The church was burned in 1776 and remained in ruins until long after the Revolution. A second church (completed 1790) was demolished in 1839 after heavy snowfall damaged the roof. The present church dates from 1846.” (Blue Guide pg. 65)
In it’s courtyard, many famous people of America’s History are buried; such as; Alexander Hamilton, who's tomb we could not see due to construction. I got a snapshot of his neighbor instead. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------->
Due to the government shut down we were unable to take a tour of Federal Hall National Memorial. As well as the National Museum of the American Indian, so we just explored a bit of the area.
We walked through the financial district stopping to view the famous bull statue, known as Charging Bull.
We walked through the financial district stopping to view the famous bull statue, known as Charging Bull.
Chelsea Market (former Nabisco factory (Blue Guide, pg. 186)) was our next stop. The market did not impress me. I found it way too over-priced and actually kind of ugly decor. I ate at a soup shop, where I paid almost 10$ for a cup of nondescript soup that was definitely nothing to write home about.
After our expensive, lacking, lunch we met back up as a group and headed to the beginning of the High Line.
The High Line is located on Manhattan's West Side. It runs from Gansevoort Street in the Meatpacking District to West 34th Street, between 10th and 11th Avenues. A public park now resides on this a historic freight rail line that's elevated above the streets on Manhattan’s West Side. It was originally built as a 13- mile viaduct for freight trains to solve issues around the meatpacking district in the 1930’s.
The High Line is located on Manhattan's West Side. It runs from Gansevoort Street in the Meatpacking District to West 34th Street, between 10th and 11th Avenues. A public park now resides on this a historic freight rail line that's elevated above the streets on Manhattan’s West Side. It was originally built as a 13- mile viaduct for freight trains to solve issues around the meatpacking district in the 1930’s.
Our last adventure for today was to "Gallery Hop". Amidst many of the grumbles from my fellow classmates, I for one, actually enjoyed this part of the day. Something about wandering around admiring the work of others just appealed to me. Plus you never knew what famous person might be lurking around the corner!
I enjoyed the John McCracken Exhibit. Picturing all these crazy lacquered objects in my house if ever I had the money.
I enjoyed the John McCracken Exhibit. Picturing all these crazy lacquered objects in my house if ever I had the money.
A quick stop at Printed Matter was actually quite neat.
I would have liked to stay a little bit longer as the books were all mostly shocking and racey and I simply loved them.
Beauty Today was the book I found interesting.
With further research I learned that it is "a collective of three female artists based in Brooklyn. Beauty Today is a refreshing take on erotica, that questions the bizarre cultural anxiety surrounding nudity, sexuality, gender, and public image. We present original photography, fiction, poetry, and illustration for the contemporary libertine, an homage to the sensuality of touch."
I would have liked to stay a little bit longer as the books were all mostly shocking and racey and I simply loved them.
Beauty Today was the book I found interesting.
With further research I learned that it is "a collective of three female artists based in Brooklyn. Beauty Today is a refreshing take on erotica, that questions the bizarre cultural anxiety surrounding nudity, sexuality, gender, and public image. We present original photography, fiction, poetry, and illustration for the contemporary libertine, an homage to the sensuality of touch."
On our way out to eat at a place Mike suggested, me and Carole passed a unique exhibit of a gas station over run by sheep. I couldn't get over how much I adored this artistic concept plopped right down in the middle of the city.
Getty Station suprised and delighted me. I definitely have to return to Chelsea soon, as it clearly has more to offer then I ever would have originally expected.
Getty Station suprised and delighted me. I definitely have to return to Chelsea soon, as it clearly has more to offer then I ever would have originally expected.
Immigrant New York
Our first stop of the day was traveling to Delancy Street and the Essex Street market. I liked this quite a lot more than Chelsea. It hosted all types of meat, and different fresh fish, fruits and vegetables that all seemed reasonably priced. The food seemed to be so fresh and homegrown, it really struck me as unique as I am a regular "supermarket" type girl. I wanted to purchase chocolate covered bacon, but unfortunately the girl who runs "Pig Candy" inside was on her break. Bummer.
“The Market is open Monday-Saturday from 8a.m.-7p.m. Built in 1940 to house pushcart peddlers whom Mayor Fiorello La Guiardia legislated off the streets, the market offers food for all tastes—Latino, Jewish, and upscale urbanite: chicken gizzards, nopales (cactus stems), sherry vinegar, fish cheeks, prime cuts of beef, and artisanal cheeses.” (Blue Guide pg. 123)
We then stopped at Economy Candy, which is a very famous candy shop. Where I purchased Bacon Flavored candies, but they weren't as amazing as the chocolate covered variety.
“The Market is open Monday-Saturday from 8a.m.-7p.m. Built in 1940 to house pushcart peddlers whom Mayor Fiorello La Guiardia legislated off the streets, the market offers food for all tastes—Latino, Jewish, and upscale urbanite: chicken gizzards, nopales (cactus stems), sherry vinegar, fish cheeks, prime cuts of beef, and artisanal cheeses.” (Blue Guide pg. 123)
We then stopped at Economy Candy, which is a very famous candy shop. Where I purchased Bacon Flavored candies, but they weren't as amazing as the chocolate covered variety.
As we waited for our walking guide, Jim we stood near the Williamsburg Bridge, Mike gave us a brief history of the bridge and explained its nick name "Jews highway" since many of the Jewish immigrants once used it as a way to quickly escape the Lower East Side and its crowded dirty conditions.
Once meeting up with our guide, we then stopped at Economy Candy, which is a very famous candy shop. Where I purchased Bacon Flavored candies, but they weren't as amazing as the chocolate covered variety.
Once meeting up with our guide, we then stopped at Economy Candy, which is a very famous candy shop. Where I purchased Bacon Flavored candies, but they weren't as amazing as the chocolate covered variety.
As we walked we listened to Jim explain the difference between a 'tenement' and a 'project' type of housing.
We stopped outside the Bialystoker Synagogue, which I thought was unique looking for a synagogue. It was then explained that it wasn't originally a synagogue at all.
"This Synagogue was built in 1826 and was originally the Willet Street Methodist Episcopal Church. In 1905, the Jewish Congregation from Bailystok bought over the building" (Blue Guide, pg. 123).
We stopped outside the Bialystoker Synagogue, which I thought was unique looking for a synagogue. It was then explained that it wasn't originally a synagogue at all.
"This Synagogue was built in 1826 and was originally the Willet Street Methodist Episcopal Church. In 1905, the Jewish Congregation from Bailystok bought over the building" (Blue Guide, pg. 123).
Next was the Henry Street Settlement of which I wrote my final paper on!
Ever since one of my early nursing classes, Lillian Wald has fascinated me. Her desire to help, educate, and care for those less fortunate is legendary. She remains one of New York's great figures as a gentile, passionate woman who selflessly dedicated her life to the poor. The American nurse started the settlement to care for children, families, poor and immigrants whom were fighting disease, ignorance, malnutrition, and biases. She began raising money for the organization and received two of the settlement houses as a gift from Jacob Schiff.
Today the Henry Street Settlement continues to assist people in need.
Ever since one of my early nursing classes, Lillian Wald has fascinated me. Her desire to help, educate, and care for those less fortunate is legendary. She remains one of New York's great figures as a gentile, passionate woman who selflessly dedicated her life to the poor. The American nurse started the settlement to care for children, families, poor and immigrants whom were fighting disease, ignorance, malnutrition, and biases. She began raising money for the organization and received two of the settlement houses as a gift from Jacob Schiff.
Today the Henry Street Settlement continues to assist people in need.
Canal Street was our next stop. Where we had 45 minutes to explore. We walked along Mulberry Street and watched as someone was caught shoplifting.
After exploring the area for a few minutes we decided it really wasn't for us, not enjoying the pushy merchants on the street we started walking back down Canal Street to Allen Street where we met the class at Congee Village for lunch.
Lunch was yummy and we had a ton of fun playing with the lazy susan!
After exploring the area for a few minutes we decided it really wasn't for us, not enjoying the pushy merchants on the street we started walking back down Canal Street to Allen Street where we met the class at Congee Village for lunch.
Lunch was yummy and we had a ton of fun playing with the lazy susan!
After lunch we walked directly around the block where we went to the Tenement Museum.
We experienced an interactive visit with an actress who portrayed 14-year-old Victoria Confino, from a Greek Sephardic family, who in 1916 lived in an apartment in a 5-story tenement with 4 small, 3-room apartments on each floor.
Victoria welcomed our group to her apartment. The apartment door opens into a small kitchen that has a sink with cold water, a coal stove (which she showed us how to use), stationery tubs to do laundry, and a small table. The doorway to the left of the kitchen leads into the small bedroom with 1 bed that was used by the parents and small children. The small area to the right of the kitchen is the living room with a bed, some chairs, and a trunk.
The family did not have an ice box or refrigerator and she suggested the best way to keep chicken fresh was to keep them alive and hidden on the fire escape!
I thought it was really fun and interesting to take on the role of newly arrived immigrants, and ask Victoria questions about adjusting to life on the Lower East Side.
I found this tour really fascinating in how they acted and interacted with the group to provide information and a factual account of what tenement life was for an immigrant back then.
The family did not have an ice box or refrigerator and she suggested the best way to keep chicken fresh was to keep them alive and hidden on the fire escape!
I thought it was really fun and interesting to take on the role of newly arrived immigrants, and ask Victoria questions about adjusting to life on the Lower East Side.
I found this tour really fascinating in how they acted and interacted with the group to provide information and a factual account of what tenement life was for an immigrant back then.
It was here where we said goodbye to a majority of our class, as we decided to walk to Williamsburg via the bridge. Something I totally recommend to the rest of the class to do at one point, as it was sunset and lovely.
This bridge had a totally different vibe then the Brooklyn Bridge, and I, for one, enjoyed the grittiness and urban feel. It just took me back in time to when the city was a rougher neighborhood then it is today.
This bridge had a totally different vibe then the Brooklyn Bridge, and I, for one, enjoyed the grittiness and urban feel. It just took me back in time to when the city was a rougher neighborhood then it is today.
Panoramic View from the waterfront houses in Williamsburg
Impressions of New York
I have now completed Molloy College’s Gotham: The New York Experience.
After completing this class I now find I have a new appreciation for the city in my backyard, New York City.
Not only do I now know places many of my friends and family never even heard about, but I have the knowledge and know how to take them back there and share with them my experience and knowledge.
Every one of our destinations, be it a museum, monument, memorial, or walking tour was unique, informative, and exciting in its own way. Even the radical Bill contributed in some way to my new-found appreciation of the city and its inhabitants and history.
After completing this class I now find I have a new appreciation for the city in my backyard, New York City.
Not only do I now know places many of my friends and family never even heard about, but I have the knowledge and know how to take them back there and share with them my experience and knowledge.
Every one of our destinations, be it a museum, monument, memorial, or walking tour was unique, informative, and exciting in its own way. Even the radical Bill contributed in some way to my new-found appreciation of the city and its inhabitants and history.