Journal 1
Impressions of New York
New York City is the city that never sleeps. At all times of the day there are people walking around. It's beautiful and lively. I love every aspect of the city even when I'm being pushed out of the way or smelling the streets on a hot day. When I was younger and saw how excited people were when they won a trip to NYC and I used to wonder why. Now I completely understand because the city is a land of opportunity. If you can make it here, you can make it anywhere. I am very excited to begin this class and learn so much more about the great city that is only a train ride away.
Quixotic Queen
New York Public Library
Our first stop of the day was the New York Public Library. This branch opened in 1911 and is one of four research libraries. There are two marble lions that were originally named Leo Astor and Leo Lenox. However, in the 1930s, they were nicknamed "Patience" and Fortitude" by the then Mayor of New York, Fiorello La Guardia. In the main reading room, there are beautiful chandeliers, open shelves filled with numerous books, and a beautiful mural on the ceiling.
Our first stop of the day was the New York Public Library. This branch opened in 1911 and is one of four research libraries. There are two marble lions that were originally named Leo Astor and Leo Lenox. However, in the 1930s, they were nicknamed "Patience" and Fortitude" by the then Mayor of New York, Fiorello La Guardia. In the main reading room, there are beautiful chandeliers, open shelves filled with numerous books, and a beautiful mural on the ceiling.
Roosevelt Island
Our second stop of the day was Roosevelt Island. Little did I know it even existed! We took the tram across the East River, from Manhattan to the island. This island lies in between Manhattan and Queens. Once we arrived, we made our way to FDR's Four Freedoms Park. This park was opened on October 17, 2012 and spans four acres. This park celebrates the four freedoms that FDR spoke about in his State of the Union Address in 1941. The park is filled with trees and grass, an unlikely site in most of Manhattan. It was very quiet on the island which is also an usual occurence in the city. We also were able to see the building that contained the first nursing school (which was quite exciting for the nursing students). This would be a place that I would definitely come back in visit, maybe even have a picnic in the park.
Our second stop of the day was Roosevelt Island. Little did I know it even existed! We took the tram across the East River, from Manhattan to the island. This island lies in between Manhattan and Queens. Once we arrived, we made our way to FDR's Four Freedoms Park. This park was opened on October 17, 2012 and spans four acres. This park celebrates the four freedoms that FDR spoke about in his State of the Union Address in 1941. The park is filled with trees and grass, an unlikely site in most of Manhattan. It was very quiet on the island which is also an usual occurence in the city. We also were able to see the building that contained the first nursing school (which was quite exciting for the nursing students). This would be a place that I would definitely come back in visit, maybe even have a picnic in the park.
Afterwards we went to Jackson Heights for an Indian Buffet lunch, which was quite good! Jackson Heights has become a huge melting pot for all different ethnicities.
Astoria
From Jackson Heights, we took the R train to Astoria. In the 17th century, Astoria was settled by the Dutch and Germans. During the 19th and 20th centuries, there was a large influx of Irish immigrants that migrated that settled in Astoria. Currently, there are many different ethnicity groups that have settled such as Greek, Spanish, Arab, Jews, and Italians. This part of Queens has also been used in countless films. We went to the Museum of the Moving Image, which is dedicated to the history, art, technique and technology of the moving image. I never even knew that this museum existed. It was very cool and interesting to see all sorts of "artifacts" from different movies. There was also a Breaking Bad exhibit which was also very cool (even if I don't watch the show).
Astoria
From Jackson Heights, we took the R train to Astoria. In the 17th century, Astoria was settled by the Dutch and Germans. During the 19th and 20th centuries, there was a large influx of Irish immigrants that migrated that settled in Astoria. Currently, there are many different ethnicity groups that have settled such as Greek, Spanish, Arab, Jews, and Italians. This part of Queens has also been used in countless films. We went to the Museum of the Moving Image, which is dedicated to the history, art, technique and technology of the moving image. I never even knew that this museum existed. It was very cool and interesting to see all sorts of "artifacts" from different movies. There was also a Breaking Bad exhibit which was also very cool (even if I don't watch the show).
Long Island City
Long Island City was definitely my favorite part of our Quixotic Queens adventure. This area of Queens is undergoing intense gentrification. LIC has the most art galleries, institutions, and studio space of any other part of NYC. It is on the most eastern point of the 59th Street Bridge. While walking down most of the streets of LIC, there are huge factory-like buildings. When you get to the waterfront area, however, there are beautiful, brand new buildings, waiting for the elite to move in. Long Island City is now becoming one of the "it" areas because of its location directly on the East River. 5 Pointz is a building that houses many art studios. It is legal to graffiti the building and many amazing artists display their work on the walls of the building. We were also able to see 2 artists in action, spraying the side of the building. It was very interesting to see their work and hear their story. The graffiti on the buildings was absolutely incredible. We were informed that it would be torn down within the next few months and I am lucky to have been able to visit before it is demolished.
Long Island City was definitely my favorite part of our Quixotic Queens adventure. This area of Queens is undergoing intense gentrification. LIC has the most art galleries, institutions, and studio space of any other part of NYC. It is on the most eastern point of the 59th Street Bridge. While walking down most of the streets of LIC, there are huge factory-like buildings. When you get to the waterfront area, however, there are beautiful, brand new buildings, waiting for the elite to move in. Long Island City is now becoming one of the "it" areas because of its location directly on the East River. 5 Pointz is a building that houses many art studios. It is legal to graffiti the building and many amazing artists display their work on the walls of the building. We were also able to see 2 artists in action, spraying the side of the building. It was very interesting to see their work and hear their story. The graffiti on the buildings was absolutely incredible. We were informed that it would be torn down within the next few months and I am lucky to have been able to visit before it is demolished.
Bodacious Brooklyn
Brooklyn was settled by the Dutch in the 17th century. It is the second largest county in the United States. It was an independent city until January 1, 1898 and was combined with other boroughs to form the City of New York. Its official motto is "In unity, there is strength." Many neighborhoods in Brooklyn have a distinct ethnic population. With gentrification, many parts of Brooklyn are becoming increasingly mixed with different ethnicities.
Coney Island
From 34th street, we jumped on the Q train which brought us directly to Coney Island. The attractions of Coney Island reached their peak in the first half of the 20th century. However, after WWII, its popularity slowly declined and the park began to be neglected. The Lenape were the first settlers of Coney Island. Following the influx of Dutch and English settlers, Coney Island gained its now name, which translates into "Rabbit Island" because of the high rabbit concentration. It was a very popular hunting area until the island began to be developed. This was by far my favorite part of the class thus far. We were able to get hot dogs at Nathan's and walk on the boardwalk. Unfortunately Luna Park was not open, so we were not able to go on any rides. I wish that we were able to spend more time here, but that was interrupted by our unusually long train ride. I have not been to Coney Island since I was much younger, so to go again was quite a treat. Hopefully the next time I come to visit I will be able to go on some of the rides and definitely go to the aquarium.
From 34th street, we jumped on the Q train which brought us directly to Coney Island. The attractions of Coney Island reached their peak in the first half of the 20th century. However, after WWII, its popularity slowly declined and the park began to be neglected. The Lenape were the first settlers of Coney Island. Following the influx of Dutch and English settlers, Coney Island gained its now name, which translates into "Rabbit Island" because of the high rabbit concentration. It was a very popular hunting area until the island began to be developed. This was by far my favorite part of the class thus far. We were able to get hot dogs at Nathan's and walk on the boardwalk. Unfortunately Luna Park was not open, so we were not able to go on any rides. I wish that we were able to spend more time here, but that was interrupted by our unusually long train ride. I have not been to Coney Island since I was much younger, so to go again was quite a treat. Hopefully the next time I come to visit I will be able to go on some of the rides and definitely go to the aquarium.
Transit Museum
From Coney Island, we took the F train to Brooklyn Heights. We then arrived at the Transit Museum. This museum is the largest museum in the US that is devoted to public transportation history. It has many old train cars, busses, and other historical artifacts that represented where the transportation system began. I could not believe that the entrance to the museum was through a subway station! When we walked in it truly felt like a subway station: hot and smelly. Our tour guide gave us a run down of how the subway systems were built way back when. We learned the different methods i.e. cut and cover construction and how it was used. Looking through how transportation has changed was really an eye opener. I throughly enjoyed looking at all of the ads that were in the old subway cars. It is incredible to understand how these systems were built and the amount of time and intense labor that went into constructing them.
From Coney Island, we took the F train to Brooklyn Heights. We then arrived at the Transit Museum. This museum is the largest museum in the US that is devoted to public transportation history. It has many old train cars, busses, and other historical artifacts that represented where the transportation system began. I could not believe that the entrance to the museum was through a subway station! When we walked in it truly felt like a subway station: hot and smelly. Our tour guide gave us a run down of how the subway systems were built way back when. We learned the different methods i.e. cut and cover construction and how it was used. Looking through how transportation has changed was really an eye opener. I throughly enjoyed looking at all of the ads that were in the old subway cars. It is incredible to understand how these systems were built and the amount of time and intense labor that went into constructing them.
Brooklyn Promenade & Brooklyn Bridge
The Brooklyn Bridge was built between 1869 and 1883. The architect of the bridge, John Roebling was a German immigrant who was contracted by the Prussian government as a road and bridge builder. He moved to the United States for better opportunities. During the construction of the bridge, Roebling's foot was crushed and he later died as a result of his injuries. His son, Washington Roebling, then took over the construction of the bridge. The Brooklyn Bridge is the largest suspension bridge in the world. It connects Manhattan to Brooklyn and spans the east river. We began by walking down the Promenade, which allows for beautiful views of the Manhattan skyline. Not only are the views breathtaking, but the Promenade itself is a wonder on its own. There are many trees and flowers that line it. The playgrounds and benches also make this a perfect hang out spot as well. From there we made our way to the Bridge, which we took a stroll over. It truly was an awesome experience. It was actually the first time I had ever walked over the bridge. It would definitely be something I would do again.
The Brooklyn Bridge was built between 1869 and 1883. The architect of the bridge, John Roebling was a German immigrant who was contracted by the Prussian government as a road and bridge builder. He moved to the United States for better opportunities. During the construction of the bridge, Roebling's foot was crushed and he later died as a result of his injuries. His son, Washington Roebling, then took over the construction of the bridge. The Brooklyn Bridge is the largest suspension bridge in the world. It connects Manhattan to Brooklyn and spans the east river. We began by walking down the Promenade, which allows for beautiful views of the Manhattan skyline. Not only are the views breathtaking, but the Promenade itself is a wonder on its own. There are many trees and flowers that line it. The playgrounds and benches also make this a perfect hang out spot as well. From there we made our way to the Bridge, which we took a stroll over. It truly was an awesome experience. It was actually the first time I had ever walked over the bridge. It would definitely be something I would do again.
A Tale of Three Villages
Today we took a tour of the Village. In the 20th century it was the radical heart of the city. Currently, the population is made up of the upper middle class. Greenwich Village is bordered by 14th street to the north, Broadway on the east, Houston Street on the southand the Hudson River to the west.
The West Village
We took the 1 train from Penn Station and arrived at West Houston Street. From there we made our way to Bedford Street. As we walked through the West Village, there were many little shops, restaurants, and cafes. We stopped at the residence that Casey Grant used to reside. From there, we went to see the White Horse Tavern, which opened in 1880. Many famous people have been customers of this Tavern, including Dylan Thomas and Jack Kerouac. We then made our way back to Christopher Street and walked to the heart of the gay and lesbian community. We stopped at Christopher Park, which had statues that represented those that launched the gay liberation movement. Across the street houses the Stonewall Inn. During its time, the Stonewall Inn was the largest gay establishment in the United States. After the riots that occurred, the Inn closed in late 1969. Various other business occupied it for the years to come, but in the 1990s, the west half of the original building became the Stonewall. During the Pride March, many crowds gather outside the Stonewall Inn to commemorate what had happened there. We then went to the Northern Dispensary Building, which used to offer healthcare to the poor. This is also one of the few triangular buildings in NYC.
The West Village
We took the 1 train from Penn Station and arrived at West Houston Street. From there we made our way to Bedford Street. As we walked through the West Village, there were many little shops, restaurants, and cafes. We stopped at the residence that Casey Grant used to reside. From there, we went to see the White Horse Tavern, which opened in 1880. Many famous people have been customers of this Tavern, including Dylan Thomas and Jack Kerouac. We then made our way back to Christopher Street and walked to the heart of the gay and lesbian community. We stopped at Christopher Park, which had statues that represented those that launched the gay liberation movement. Across the street houses the Stonewall Inn. During its time, the Stonewall Inn was the largest gay establishment in the United States. After the riots that occurred, the Inn closed in late 1969. Various other business occupied it for the years to come, but in the 1990s, the west half of the original building became the Stonewall. During the Pride March, many crowds gather outside the Stonewall Inn to commemorate what had happened there. We then went to the Northern Dispensary Building, which used to offer healthcare to the poor. This is also one of the few triangular buildings in NYC.
The Heart of the Village
We were on a time constraint so we went to the Merchant's House first. This home was built in 1832 and NYC's only 19th century house that was preserved with the original family furnishings and belongings. This house offered a glimpse into what life was like as a wealthy merchant family and their 4 Irish servants lived from 1835 to 1865. In 1832, Joseph Brewster constructed this home in what used to be known as the Bond Street area. This neighborhood was exclusively for wealthy merchants who wanted to escape the overcrowded Lower Manhattan. In 1835, Brewster sold his house to Seabury Tredwell, who moved in with his wife and seven children. Their eighth child, Gertrude, was born in 1840. She never married and remained in the house until her death in 1933. In 1936, the Merchant house opened to the public as a museum. The architectural style of this house, late-Federal and Greek revival, is considered to be one of the best examples that survived from this time period. The house itself was incredible, the tour, not so much. It was very difficult to hear the guide speak. Other than that, it was a very cool sight to see. From the Merchant's House, we made our way to Washington Square park. We were not able to stay for long, but this was the highlight of the day for me. I am quite the people watcher, so to see the different types of people that go to the park was very cool. We were then cursed out and proceeded to walk through the arch and across the park. This would definitely be a place that I would go back to.
We were on a time constraint so we went to the Merchant's House first. This home was built in 1832 and NYC's only 19th century house that was preserved with the original family furnishings and belongings. This house offered a glimpse into what life was like as a wealthy merchant family and their 4 Irish servants lived from 1835 to 1865. In 1832, Joseph Brewster constructed this home in what used to be known as the Bond Street area. This neighborhood was exclusively for wealthy merchants who wanted to escape the overcrowded Lower Manhattan. In 1835, Brewster sold his house to Seabury Tredwell, who moved in with his wife and seven children. Their eighth child, Gertrude, was born in 1840. She never married and remained in the house until her death in 1933. In 1936, the Merchant house opened to the public as a museum. The architectural style of this house, late-Federal and Greek revival, is considered to be one of the best examples that survived from this time period. The house itself was incredible, the tour, not so much. It was very difficult to hear the guide speak. Other than that, it was a very cool sight to see. From the Merchant's House, we made our way to Washington Square park. We were not able to stay for long, but this was the highlight of the day for me. I am quite the people watcher, so to see the different types of people that go to the park was very cool. We were then cursed out and proceeded to walk through the arch and across the park. This would definitely be a place that I would go back to.
The East Village
From Washington Square Park, we walked up Bowery and ended up in St. Marks. We were able to walk around for a little and get lunch. St. Marks has always been one of my favorite places because of all of the good food and cool little shops. We wound up eating at Dallas BBQ and almost lost the group! From there we went to the Museum of Reclaimed Urban Space. This was not exactly my favorite part of the class but it was interesting to find out the history of the East Village.
From Washington Square Park, we walked up Bowery and ended up in St. Marks. We were able to walk around for a little and get lunch. St. Marks has always been one of my favorite places because of all of the good food and cool little shops. We wound up eating at Dallas BBQ and almost lost the group! From there we went to the Museum of Reclaimed Urban Space. This was not exactly my favorite part of the class but it was interesting to find out the history of the East Village.
East of the Park
We departed Penn Station and headed over to Times Square. Here, we took the S train to Grand Central Station and got on the 6 train and headed towards East Harlem. We first visited the Museum of the City of New York. We were able to see artifacts and the transformations that have occurred in NYC. We watched an awesome video on how New York came to be today. There were beautiful paintings of different places in New York that were hanging on the walls. It was very interesting to see how this museum connected the past, present, and future of NYC.
El Barrio: Spanish Harlem
After the museum, we headed to El Museo del Barrio, which translates into "The Museum of the Neighborhood." This museum began in the back of a classroom on Lexington and was founded in 1969. It was started so that people from the neighborhood had a place to go and look at art. The quote on the top of the Heckscher building, where the museum is housed, is "A museum is a school: the artist learns to communicate. The Public learns to make connections." Our tour guide brought us around to different places around Spanish Harlem including the graffiti hall of fame and St. Cecilia's church. She told us how Julia de Burgos had such an impact on the community and that is why she is commemorated throughout it. She showed us different works of art that are found on the side of buildings, such as Manny Vega's mosaics. He is responsible for most of the works of art in this community. We also went to a community garden that was absolutely beautiful. We were even able to meet the artist that painted the mural on the wall. After our tour we headed to a Santeria shop and then we went to lunch. I had the best burrito I think I have ever had and it was only $9!
After the museum, we headed to El Museo del Barrio, which translates into "The Museum of the Neighborhood." This museum began in the back of a classroom on Lexington and was founded in 1969. It was started so that people from the neighborhood had a place to go and look at art. The quote on the top of the Heckscher building, where the museum is housed, is "A museum is a school: the artist learns to communicate. The Public learns to make connections." Our tour guide brought us around to different places around Spanish Harlem including the graffiti hall of fame and St. Cecilia's church. She told us how Julia de Burgos had such an impact on the community and that is why she is commemorated throughout it. She showed us different works of art that are found on the side of buildings, such as Manny Vega's mosaics. He is responsible for most of the works of art in this community. We also went to a community garden that was absolutely beautiful. We were even able to meet the artist that painted the mural on the wall. After our tour we headed to a Santeria shop and then we went to lunch. I had the best burrito I think I have ever had and it was only $9!
Central Park
After lunch, we began our journey through Central Park. It is considered to be one of the safest parks in NYC. It was cleaned up in the 1980s. It begins on 110th street and ends on 59th street. During our journey through, Alicia Keys was doing her soundcheck for her concert on the following day (very cool). This was probably the most tiring walk I have ever done, but it was well worth it. At the end, we walked through Tiffany (my favorite) and the Plaza Hotel. Afterwards we went to FAO Schwartz to pose with our favorite stuffed animals. They also had the best candy selection I have ever seen. This was the most tiring day because of all the walking, but I'm ready for next Friday!
After lunch, we began our journey through Central Park. It is considered to be one of the safest parks in NYC. It was cleaned up in the 1980s. It begins on 110th street and ends on 59th street. During our journey through, Alicia Keys was doing her soundcheck for her concert on the following day (very cool). This was probably the most tiring walk I have ever done, but it was well worth it. At the end, we walked through Tiffany (my favorite) and the Plaza Hotel. Afterwards we went to FAO Schwartz to pose with our favorite stuffed animals. They also had the best candy selection I have ever seen. This was the most tiring day because of all the walking, but I'm ready for next Friday!