Journal 1
Impressions of New York
Impressions of NYC
New York City is the best city in the world. I admire it for its cultural diversity, its ease of access, and the fact that there is always something for you to do. Only in NYC can you visit China town and be immersed in the Asian culture and food and then next minute find your-self in little Italy. Or be so close to the original birthplace of Hip Hop in Bronx, Brooklyn, and Harlem and take a 20min subway ride to find yourself on prestigious 5th avenue on one of the most expensive shopping streets in the world. NYC itself is like a museum. From its iconic statues and sculptors like lady liberty to famous landmarks such as the Brooklyn Bridge, Central park, and Carnegie hall. Just walking through the streets you will learn something. To me New York City is magical and in my opinion its better then Long Island (Sorry Islanders!). What I like about NYC is that you don’t need a car to get around; you don’t have to rely on anyone to drive you somewhere you can just get up and go. The people in NYC are all different; everyone has their own unique style of clothing which is great because you don’t feel pressured to fit in. Residents of NYC do not look like a poster child of Abercrombie and Fitch. NYC is a place for all different types of people to work together and socialize with each other and not have to worry about fitting in.
Although I have lived on Long Island now for quite a few years and the fact that I live right in front of the LIRR to take me straight to the city in just a few short minutes I rarely go to the city. Mostly it’s because the subways and the fast paced lifestyle confuse and scare me. Now that I am older I usually go to the city on my own for business matters and only as far as Google maps and Hop Stop will tell me. I am excited for this class to show me all the different parts of NYC and to learn about the history.
New York City is the best city in the world. I admire it for its cultural diversity, its ease of access, and the fact that there is always something for you to do. Only in NYC can you visit China town and be immersed in the Asian culture and food and then next minute find your-self in little Italy. Or be so close to the original birthplace of Hip Hop in Bronx, Brooklyn, and Harlem and take a 20min subway ride to find yourself on prestigious 5th avenue on one of the most expensive shopping streets in the world. NYC itself is like a museum. From its iconic statues and sculptors like lady liberty to famous landmarks such as the Brooklyn Bridge, Central park, and Carnegie hall. Just walking through the streets you will learn something. To me New York City is magical and in my opinion its better then Long Island (Sorry Islanders!). What I like about NYC is that you don’t need a car to get around; you don’t have to rely on anyone to drive you somewhere you can just get up and go. The people in NYC are all different; everyone has their own unique style of clothing which is great because you don’t feel pressured to fit in. Residents of NYC do not look like a poster child of Abercrombie and Fitch. NYC is a place for all different types of people to work together and socialize with each other and not have to worry about fitting in.
Although I have lived on Long Island now for quite a few years and the fact that I live right in front of the LIRR to take me straight to the city in just a few short minutes I rarely go to the city. Mostly it’s because the subways and the fast paced lifestyle confuse and scare me. Now that I am older I usually go to the city on my own for business matters and only as far as Google maps and Hop Stop will tell me. I am excited for this class to show me all the different parts of NYC and to learn about the history.
Bodacious Brooklyn
Today is an exciting day because we get to go to Coney Island!! I have only been to Coney Island once with my cousin 13 years ago so it’s been a long time since I have enjoyed the amusement park, the famous Nathans Hotdogs, and the beach. We were allowed one full hour to do whatever we like on Coney Island and I just lost it. There was so many things you can do an hour was defiantly not enough. I was able to go on two roller coaster rides (Although there was no line, that hour went by quickly). After Coney Island our class took the train down to the subway museum. Subway museum was very interesting; we were able to get a tour guide to explain to us the history of the subway and NYC. By 1880 the lower east side was the densest part of the world. There were more people living in lower Manhattan than the amount of people living all over NYC today. By March 1888 in a course of 3 days there were 50inches of snow in NYC. This snowstorm caused 15000 to get stuck in over 24 hrs. Because of this snowstorm people decided it’ll be better put transportation underground. Building these subways were very dangerous, a group of people called sandhogs were responsible for building the tunnels that connected the Burroughs under water, the most dangerous job. These sandhog workers were at risk for Bends disease, which is bubbles forming anywhere in your body that can cause death. The conditions were so bad that the workers could only work for 2 to 3 hrs at a time because the heat and pressure underground. Our Guide, Catherine, explained to us the cut and cover construction method which is how most subways were made. Immigrants such as Italians, Irish, and blacks built these subways and risked their lives for it. They had no union so no protection if they got hurt and they were paid very little, $1 or$ 2 for their risky job.
As the subways were being completed many people moved out of lower Manhattan and started to live where subways stopped. After our history guide were allowed a few minutes to walk around the museum. I was able to see a very old electric turnstile. In 1922 the electric turnstiles were created to cut labor, save money, by eliminating ticket attendants. They were first introduced in May 1920 on Lexington avenue line by the IRT (Private Company who built the subways). I really enjoyed my time in this museum. Not only do I have greater knowledge but I have more respect for the people who built these subway lines. On my train ride back home I found myself appreciating the train that I was sitting on and considered myself very lucky that these people built this subway to better suit our needs. In my book sandhogs are heroes. Also found an article on new subway lines being built with today’s sand hogs. http://www.nydailynews.com/new-york/progress-new-avenue-subway-line-gallery-1.1251407#pmSlide=22
After the museum we walked around Brooklyn looking at churches such as St Ann and Holy Trinity which was built in 1973 with its new gothic style. Brooklyn is known as a borough of Churches. We were then able to go to Brooklyn Heights which was an exclusive neighborhood near the Brooklyn Bridge. There were brownstones everywhere and being there didn’t feel like you were in the city because it was so quite. We also were able to see the Plymouth church which was known during slavery times to raise money and to buy slaves to freedom. We also learned a little about Henry Ward Beecher who preached away slavery in 1849 near the Plymouth church. After strolling through Brooklyn Heights, taking pictures, and eating ice cream it was finally time to cross the Brooklyn Bridge. Never in my life would I have dreamed of crossing that bridge. I always through people was crazy to do this but yet I found myself today crossing it in the rain. It was a good feeling to cross this bridge after a long tiring day.
As the subways were being completed many people moved out of lower Manhattan and started to live where subways stopped. After our history guide were allowed a few minutes to walk around the museum. I was able to see a very old electric turnstile. In 1922 the electric turnstiles were created to cut labor, save money, by eliminating ticket attendants. They were first introduced in May 1920 on Lexington avenue line by the IRT (Private Company who built the subways). I really enjoyed my time in this museum. Not only do I have greater knowledge but I have more respect for the people who built these subway lines. On my train ride back home I found myself appreciating the train that I was sitting on and considered myself very lucky that these people built this subway to better suit our needs. In my book sandhogs are heroes. Also found an article on new subway lines being built with today’s sand hogs. http://www.nydailynews.com/new-york/progress-new-avenue-subway-line-gallery-1.1251407#pmSlide=22
After the museum we walked around Brooklyn looking at churches such as St Ann and Holy Trinity which was built in 1973 with its new gothic style. Brooklyn is known as a borough of Churches. We were then able to go to Brooklyn Heights which was an exclusive neighborhood near the Brooklyn Bridge. There were brownstones everywhere and being there didn’t feel like you were in the city because it was so quite. We also were able to see the Plymouth church which was known during slavery times to raise money and to buy slaves to freedom. We also learned a little about Henry Ward Beecher who preached away slavery in 1849 near the Plymouth church. After strolling through Brooklyn Heights, taking pictures, and eating ice cream it was finally time to cross the Brooklyn Bridge. Never in my life would I have dreamed of crossing that bridge. I always through people was crazy to do this but yet I found myself today crossing it in the rain. It was a good feeling to cross this bridge after a long tiring day.
Quixotic Queens
Today’s our first Gotham class!! As Professor Russo and Hey are talking about all the places well be going to today I come to the realization that maybe I wasn’t thinking straight when I signed up for this class and the fact that I will be walking 8miles in the hot sun I may not survive by the end of today. Anyways too late to run now off we go on our adventure…..
Our first stop is at the New York Public Library. It did not look like a typical library to me it seemed like a mansion or a museum. It had two lion statues in the front of the building named Patience and Fortitude that were made in 1911. Its beautiful architecture style of neo-classical captured my attention with its marbled floor and large ceilings. This library was part of the City Beautiful movement which began in the beginning of the 20th century. The purpose of this movement was that public buildings should inspire its people and be beautiful. For a few minutes we were able to sit down in the library and enjoy the beautiful scenery as we write our haiku. After the library we were able to walk to Grand Central Terminal. I think this was my first time in Grand Central Terminal. I only knew about Penn Station and traveled through Penn Station. It was nice to learn about the History of Grand Central Station and how it came to be. The building is a neo-classical design with many beautiful arches and its beautiful astronomical design on the ceiling. The constellations of the zodiac sign are reversed, some say this is because it is in gods perspective as if he was looking at it (Von Pressentin Wright 230). We were also given a brief history on how the Grand Central Terminal was to be destroyed like Penn Station until Jackie Kennedy saved it and helped NYC declare it a historical building. Also Professor Russo pointed out that years ago when everyone used to smoke and there was a lot of pollution, the Terminal's ceiling was covered in black smudge and had to be completely renovated. There was a still a small black spot left to remind people of how it once was. I enjoyed our little history of Grand Central Terminal because I don’t think I would have ever known about it or curious about its history until this CORE class.
After GCT we were able to walk to the Helmsley building to look at its architecture style which is the same as the Grand Central Terminal. This building was a midtown skyscraper because of how stable the bedrock was. We also were able to go inside the Waldorf Astoria Hotel which was well known for its art deco style. This was also a nice time to take a little break from walking and be near the air conditioner. When I entered the Hotel I immediately knew that this hotel was not someplace I can even afford to use the bathroom in. Luxury was defined all throughout this building. After the hotel we walked by Saint Bartholomew church which is the oldest building on Park-avenue. And before we got on our way to Roosevelt Island, Professor Russo pointed out this ugly building called the Seagram building on Park Avenue. This building is part of corporate modernism. To me it did not feel unique such as the NYC library. It felt dark, unhappy, and uninspiring.
After taking a short but slow roller coaster ride on the NYC tram we arrived on Roosevelt Island. Again I never knew the existence of a NYC tram or of Roosevelt Island. This has shown me that I know nothing about NYC and that Times Square is not NYC.
On the Island we got to see how it was rebuilt from an abandoned island that had prisoners and mental patients to a nice relaxing park. The first nursing school was set up on Roosevelt Island; you are able to see the Freedom Towers. Besides the hot sun it was relaxing to walk through the Island to learn about its history and how much it has improved. After Roosevelt Island the class headed to Jackson Heights to eat some delicious authentic Indian food. Although this was not my first time trying Indian food I was able to taste dishes that I never heard of. The Indian food was delicious and it was a great opportunity for all of us to try new dishes from another culture.
After eating we walked through Astoria. I was taught a new word called gentrification. This meant that in an urban underdeveloped place there is a residential shift. The poor residents are displaced while middle class and upper middle class move in and change the town. We learned that there are two main important people that usher gentrification and that included artist and the gay and lesbian community. This is what is happening in Astoria. We had the wonderful opportunity to attend the museum of moving image. Near this museum is right where Kaufman studios were, that filmed Sesame Street and was the processing lab for all other famous movies and TV shows. We were able to learn about the history of film making, TV, and video game. we got to walk around and make my own short film. I also was able to play a little bit of Sonic, the old video game. I felt as if an hour was not enough in this museum because I was having so much fun with my classmates and the history of film was defiantly something I wanted to learn about.
After Astoria we headed right to Long Island City. This was another town that has just started to experience gentrification. In Long Island City we headed to the first modern are museum in Queens. Although we didn’t get to go inside MoMa PS1 museum we did get to go to a funky underground museum that had cool art works.
Then we came to our last and final stop which was 5ptz. It is a factory building where the owner has allowed graffiti artist to draw all over his building and allow it to become a graffiti park. We got to speak to a guy named Zurk. He explained to us about 5ptz and what it meant to graffiti artists like him. This was the first legal place where they are able to show there art. Sadly 5ptz is due to shut down by town officials for wanting to gentrify the building.
Our first stop is at the New York Public Library. It did not look like a typical library to me it seemed like a mansion or a museum. It had two lion statues in the front of the building named Patience and Fortitude that were made in 1911. Its beautiful architecture style of neo-classical captured my attention with its marbled floor and large ceilings. This library was part of the City Beautiful movement which began in the beginning of the 20th century. The purpose of this movement was that public buildings should inspire its people and be beautiful. For a few minutes we were able to sit down in the library and enjoy the beautiful scenery as we write our haiku. After the library we were able to walk to Grand Central Terminal. I think this was my first time in Grand Central Terminal. I only knew about Penn Station and traveled through Penn Station. It was nice to learn about the History of Grand Central Station and how it came to be. The building is a neo-classical design with many beautiful arches and its beautiful astronomical design on the ceiling. The constellations of the zodiac sign are reversed, some say this is because it is in gods perspective as if he was looking at it (Von Pressentin Wright 230). We were also given a brief history on how the Grand Central Terminal was to be destroyed like Penn Station until Jackie Kennedy saved it and helped NYC declare it a historical building. Also Professor Russo pointed out that years ago when everyone used to smoke and there was a lot of pollution, the Terminal's ceiling was covered in black smudge and had to be completely renovated. There was a still a small black spot left to remind people of how it once was. I enjoyed our little history of Grand Central Terminal because I don’t think I would have ever known about it or curious about its history until this CORE class.
After GCT we were able to walk to the Helmsley building to look at its architecture style which is the same as the Grand Central Terminal. This building was a midtown skyscraper because of how stable the bedrock was. We also were able to go inside the Waldorf Astoria Hotel which was well known for its art deco style. This was also a nice time to take a little break from walking and be near the air conditioner. When I entered the Hotel I immediately knew that this hotel was not someplace I can even afford to use the bathroom in. Luxury was defined all throughout this building. After the hotel we walked by Saint Bartholomew church which is the oldest building on Park-avenue. And before we got on our way to Roosevelt Island, Professor Russo pointed out this ugly building called the Seagram building on Park Avenue. This building is part of corporate modernism. To me it did not feel unique such as the NYC library. It felt dark, unhappy, and uninspiring.
After taking a short but slow roller coaster ride on the NYC tram we arrived on Roosevelt Island. Again I never knew the existence of a NYC tram or of Roosevelt Island. This has shown me that I know nothing about NYC and that Times Square is not NYC.
On the Island we got to see how it was rebuilt from an abandoned island that had prisoners and mental patients to a nice relaxing park. The first nursing school was set up on Roosevelt Island; you are able to see the Freedom Towers. Besides the hot sun it was relaxing to walk through the Island to learn about its history and how much it has improved. After Roosevelt Island the class headed to Jackson Heights to eat some delicious authentic Indian food. Although this was not my first time trying Indian food I was able to taste dishes that I never heard of. The Indian food was delicious and it was a great opportunity for all of us to try new dishes from another culture.
After eating we walked through Astoria. I was taught a new word called gentrification. This meant that in an urban underdeveloped place there is a residential shift. The poor residents are displaced while middle class and upper middle class move in and change the town. We learned that there are two main important people that usher gentrification and that included artist and the gay and lesbian community. This is what is happening in Astoria. We had the wonderful opportunity to attend the museum of moving image. Near this museum is right where Kaufman studios were, that filmed Sesame Street and was the processing lab for all other famous movies and TV shows. We were able to learn about the history of film making, TV, and video game. we got to walk around and make my own short film. I also was able to play a little bit of Sonic, the old video game. I felt as if an hour was not enough in this museum because I was having so much fun with my classmates and the history of film was defiantly something I wanted to learn about.
After Astoria we headed right to Long Island City. This was another town that has just started to experience gentrification. In Long Island City we headed to the first modern are museum in Queens. Although we didn’t get to go inside MoMa PS1 museum we did get to go to a funky underground museum that had cool art works.
Then we came to our last and final stop which was 5ptz. It is a factory building where the owner has allowed graffiti artist to draw all over his building and allow it to become a graffiti park. We got to speak to a guy named Zurk. He explained to us about 5ptz and what it meant to graffiti artists like him. This was the first legal place where they are able to show there art. Sadly 5ptz is due to shut down by town officials for wanting to gentrify the building.
A Tale of Three Villages
Today’s class we visited Greenwich Village known as Americas Bohemia!! It felt like 100 degrees outside in the hot sun. I was not prepared for how rough today was going to be with all the walking. Christopher Street is the heart of the gay and lesbian community in NYC. This is where the stonewall riot occurred, which was a turning point in the struggle for gay civil rights. In the 60s in NYC there weren’t many gay bars and the few that existed were run by mobs and they were dirty. Many gays couldn’t be free and comfortable on Christopher Street as they are today and many had no rights. Then we walked along on Gay Street which was named after the Gay family. While walking we saw the Northern Dispensary, a triangular building that was built in 1831 to offer free medical care to the poor, this stayed in business for over 150 years (Von Pressentin Wright 130).
After walking around and learning about other buildings and bars that were significant long ago we stopped in Washington Square Park. This park is considered the heart of Greenwich Village. In the 19th century a river ran through the park and was a common place to live. By 1950 Robert Moses wanted to build an expressway and destroy Washington Square Park. After many protests and objections he backed away from the project. Years ago Washington Square Park was filled with drugs, violence, and corruption. Compared to today many people did not feel safe living near Washington Square Park and it was not the best neighborhood to be in. After passing through Washington Square Park we passed New York University and other cafes and bars. One Café that caught my attention was the Café Wha on Mcdougal st. This café is known for having many artists walk through its doors such as the famous Bob Dylan. We also passed the SLY bar which was the first transvestite bar in 19th century. This bar also was known to have high STD rates. After walking around we were able to stop at Merchant House and get a tour. This house was built on East 4th street which at the time was the first wealthy residential street. The house was built in 1832 by Joseph Bruster. Joseph Bruster built this house on speculation, which meant that he built it with the intent to sell it right away and not live in it. In 1835 a man named Seaburry Tredwell bought the house from Jospeh Bruster for his family. Mr Tredwell lived here with his wife and 8 children. There last daughter named Gertude inherited the home and lived here till her death in 1933. In 1936 the house was turned into a museum. The Merchants house shows people nowadays how old homes use to be. Many of the original belongings of the Tredwells were still here today. We were able to get a tour into the kitchen which is where the servants mostly stayed. For a few minutes we were able to imagine how the Tredwells lived in NYC long ago. From the family room, parlors, and kitchen to the separate bedrooms the husband and wife stayed in. We also learned that this is where Mr Tredwell and his wife died. Our guide told us before telephones Mrs Tredwell kept in touch with old friends through something called a ceremonial call. Our guide also showed us the Tredwells original piano where all the Tredwell girls learned how to play the piano. The home was much different from today’s homes because each room was in Greek revival style. There were great mahogany doors and plastered work on the ceilings. Homes back in those days never showed there bare wood floors many people covered them up with carpet.
After walking around and learning about other buildings and bars that were significant long ago we stopped in Washington Square Park. This park is considered the heart of Greenwich Village. In the 19th century a river ran through the park and was a common place to live. By 1950 Robert Moses wanted to build an expressway and destroy Washington Square Park. After many protests and objections he backed away from the project. Years ago Washington Square Park was filled with drugs, violence, and corruption. Compared to today many people did not feel safe living near Washington Square Park and it was not the best neighborhood to be in. After passing through Washington Square Park we passed New York University and other cafes and bars. One Café that caught my attention was the Café Wha on Mcdougal st. This café is known for having many artists walk through its doors such as the famous Bob Dylan. We also passed the SLY bar which was the first transvestite bar in 19th century. This bar also was known to have high STD rates. After walking around we were able to stop at Merchant House and get a tour. This house was built on East 4th street which at the time was the first wealthy residential street. The house was built in 1832 by Joseph Bruster. Joseph Bruster built this house on speculation, which meant that he built it with the intent to sell it right away and not live in it. In 1835 a man named Seaburry Tredwell bought the house from Jospeh Bruster for his family. Mr Tredwell lived here with his wife and 8 children. There last daughter named Gertude inherited the home and lived here till her death in 1933. In 1936 the house was turned into a museum. The Merchants house shows people nowadays how old homes use to be. Many of the original belongings of the Tredwells were still here today. We were able to get a tour into the kitchen which is where the servants mostly stayed. For a few minutes we were able to imagine how the Tredwells lived in NYC long ago. From the family room, parlors, and kitchen to the separate bedrooms the husband and wife stayed in. We also learned that this is where Mr Tredwell and his wife died. Our guide told us before telephones Mrs Tredwell kept in touch with old friends through something called a ceremonial call. Our guide also showed us the Tredwells original piano where all the Tredwell girls learned how to play the piano. The home was much different from today’s homes because each room was in Greek revival style. There were great mahogany doors and plastered work on the ceilings. Homes back in those days never showed there bare wood floors many people covered them up with carpet.