JOURNAL 2
The Wild West Side
From Penn Station we walked towards Broadway. During the time of Native Americans, Broadway was known as Wickquasgeck Trail which was then used by the Dutch as a main road. Donohue, Pete (July 10, 2008) in an article in New York Daily News explains well about how Broadway was reclaimed for pedestrians and bikers between its 35th and 42nd Street. As shown in the above design between the 34th and 42nd Street there is now designated seating area for people to sit down in the middle of the street, a reserved space for pedestrians and cyclists. I think this is a great move by the city in reclaiming this area for New York City's pedestrians and bikers. Then we walked towards Times Square which was once known as Long-acre Square. As explained to us by Mike, in 1904 when NY Times came to this area, the name of this place got changed to Times Square. Originally in 1950's and 60's, Times Square and Broadway were known for the theaters. By 1970's as depression swiped through the city, NY was loosing people and that is when this place became one of the the dangerous place in the city. In the early 70's , 80's, and early 90's this area was known for crime, corruption, gambling, prostitution etc. Mike stopped us in front of the Regal Cinemas on 42nd Street where he almost got attacked by some strangers in the early 1900's. He somehow managed to escape from the strange attackers with the minimal help of an undercover cop. Time Square went through renaissance under Mayor Giuliani's administration. Now Times Square is a very safe place. We also passed by the Herald Square which was located between the 35th and 33rd street.
Our next stop was at the famous GE Building which is located at 30 Rockefeller Plaza. This building is designed in the Art Deco Style. This building is also known under the nick names "The Slab" and "30 Rock". The slab like walls on the north ans south of this building gave this building the nick name "The Slab" and Tina Fey's television comedy show named "30 Rock" gave this building the nick name "30 Rock". The tenants in this building include General Electric, and NBC (BG. 248). This is one place I used to visit at least every other year during the Christmas season when it is filled with lights and people from all around the world. This is the world's largest and privately owned place for entertainment, which remains as a tourist destination (BG. 243).
Our next stop was at the famous GE Building which is located at 30 Rockefeller Plaza. This building is designed in the Art Deco Style. This building is also known under the nick names "The Slab" and "30 Rock". The slab like walls on the north ans south of this building gave this building the nick name "The Slab" and Tina Fey's television comedy show named "30 Rock" gave this building the nick name "30 Rock". The tenants in this building include General Electric, and NBC (BG. 248). This is one place I used to visit at least every other year during the Christmas season when it is filled with lights and people from all around the world. This is the world's largest and privately owned place for entertainment, which remains as a tourist destination (BG. 243).
Our next stop was at The York Museum of Modern Art aka MOMA where we found the modern paintings, sculptures, drawings, designs, and films as well. Presence of Jackson Pollacks art collections in this building is a major driving factor for a number of modern artists in visiting this place (BG. 260). As explained to us by Damien, abstract is more conceptional, that is it is the opposite of impression. These paintings fall under the category "Expressionism", where they begin to sprout various types of emotions inside its viewers. Watching those paintings made me understand that it will be impossible for anyone to copy them. Damien explained to us that in Contemporary Art the artist use a familiar object and make it into an unfamiliar object first. Then it will be redefined to an art in its unfamiliar phase, which I thought was very interesting. My favorite ones where the "Combines" created by Robert Rauschenberg, where non-traditional materials were incorporated into his paintings.
After leaving MOMA, we went to Hell's Kitchen and had Thai food which was fairly cheap. I had my first Thai tea there and it tasted really great. I decided that anytime I go to a Thai place, I'll definitely order the tasty Thai tea for myself and will recommend to others as well.
After leaving MOMA, we went to Hell's Kitchen and had Thai food which was fairly cheap. I had my first Thai tea there and it tasted really great. I decided that anytime I go to a Thai place, I'll definitely order the tasty Thai tea for myself and will recommend to others as well.
We then continued our journey to Harlem by catching train #3 and got off at 135th Street. We met our tour guide Jim. It was surprising for me to hear that Jim left his Wall Street job to fulfill his passion about sharing history with his friends and others he'll come across in life. Jim had a lot to offer to us. I don't think if I was able to grasp everything that he was sharing. He explained to us that Harlem is located on the west side about 10 miles away from Amsterdam, and this is where Harlem renaissance started. Harlem gets named after the community, at that time this place was isolated from other parts of the city since there were no railroad. The population in this place started to increase from 1832 after the "New York & Harlem Railroad" was constructed which later led Harlem to become the 2nd largest Jewish community. Jews then left Harlem in 1930 and moved to Bronx, which opened doors for African Americans from south to move into Harlem. It remained as the largest industrial city until 1950's and then it was replaced by Pittsburgh Jim pointed out to us the Lennox Terrace where Governor David Paterson, and Congressman Charles Rangel lived. Lennox Terrace used to sit on the sides of brewery. The main avenues in New York City take on different names as they pass through Central Harlem. For example the 6th Avenue is named after the assassinated Black Muslin leader as Malcolm X. Boulevard (BG. 439). We also had a chance to see the beautiful Mural which represents the Harlem Community that was created on the wall of Harlem Hospital by Malcolm X. Boulevard in 1937. Later Jim lead us to the Striver's Row. Striver's Row include three row houses in West Harlem located on West 138th and 139th Streets, between Frederick Douglas and Adam Clayton Powell Jr. Boulevards (BG. 440). In order to bring variety into this neighborhood these three different architects were assigned to built these three rows of buildings. As as result of that the first row of White Italian Renaissance building on the north of 139th Street are built with dark brick and have terra-cotta trim, the 2nd row of Bruce Price's Colonial Revival building is built with yellow brick with terra-cotta and limestone trim. Lastly, the James Brown Lord's building is built with Neo-Georgian red-brick with brownstone trim (BG. 441).
Int he 1920's there were a number of African American celebrities living in these houses and therefore by 1930's they came up with this new name called "Striver's Row". We then walked by the Morningside Park, which was once a rocky cliff. This area was designed by Frederick Law Olmstead an Calvert Vaux who also designed Central Park and Prospect Park. Mike calls this place as "The tale of two cities", since both Harlem and Morningside joins together at this place. As Mike started running up the stairs at this park the rest of the class just followed him. Some of us ran through the stairs and some just took time walking up the stairs. Unfortunately two students finished the race before Mike did. It was a fun experience altogether. I'm guessing Mike will be extra prepared to win the race next time! He said this was the first time he ever got defeated by his students. We then visited the St. Thomas Cathedral, which is the 4th largest cathedral in the world, built in 1892 in Gothic Revival Style. It was unfortunate to hear that this beautiful Cathedral was an incomplete building, because of insufficient funds. As we got out of this cathedral we were able to notice that this building which was supposed to be an asymmetrical building was missing its symmetry as the towers on the right side were left unfinished. After leaving this cathedral we went to Columbia University, it was nice to hear the stories of Damien from his early college years at this University. Int he blue guide this university is described as one of the oldest, wealthiest, and most respected of all North American universities. It is known for best education in medicine, law, business, education, journalism, and architecture. Some of the early students at this include: Alexander Hamilton who later became the first secretary of the US Treasury, John Jay who served as the first chief justice of the US Supreme Court. After the class got dismissed at this University property, a group of us then headed out towards the subway to get back to Penn Station. Hooray! we survived through another tough day.
Int he 1920's there were a number of African American celebrities living in these houses and therefore by 1930's they came up with this new name called "Striver's Row". We then walked by the Morningside Park, which was once a rocky cliff. This area was designed by Frederick Law Olmstead an Calvert Vaux who also designed Central Park and Prospect Park. Mike calls this place as "The tale of two cities", since both Harlem and Morningside joins together at this place. As Mike started running up the stairs at this park the rest of the class just followed him. Some of us ran through the stairs and some just took time walking up the stairs. Unfortunately two students finished the race before Mike did. It was a fun experience altogether. I'm guessing Mike will be extra prepared to win the race next time! He said this was the first time he ever got defeated by his students. We then visited the St. Thomas Cathedral, which is the 4th largest cathedral in the world, built in 1892 in Gothic Revival Style. It was unfortunate to hear that this beautiful Cathedral was an incomplete building, because of insufficient funds. As we got out of this cathedral we were able to notice that this building which was supposed to be an asymmetrical building was missing its symmetry as the towers on the right side were left unfinished. After leaving this cathedral we went to Columbia University, it was nice to hear the stories of Damien from his early college years at this University. Int he blue guide this university is described as one of the oldest, wealthiest, and most respected of all North American universities. It is known for best education in medicine, law, business, education, journalism, and architecture. Some of the early students at this include: Alexander Hamilton who later became the first secretary of the US Treasury, John Jay who served as the first chief justice of the US Supreme Court. After the class got dismissed at this University property, a group of us then headed out towards the subway to get back to Penn Station. Hooray! we survived through another tough day.
Lower Manhattan & Captivating Chelsea
Another beautiful day to explore my favorite city in the world! The weather was perfect. It felt much comfortable than the previous week. We started from Penn Station and took train to Park Place in Lower Manhattan. We got off at Church Street and Park Place. The building that caught our attention was the famous Woolworth Building, which is located at 233 Broadway. This building was built by Frank Winfield Woolworth in 1913, for which he spent 13.5 million dollars in cash. This remained as the tallest building in the world from 1913 to 1930. This Neo-gothic styled building is modeled like the cathedrals in Europe and therefore it is also known as "A Cathedral to Commerce" (BG 79). As explained to us by our tour guide at City Hall, this year was the 100th Anniversary of the Woolworth building.
Then we visited the City Hall of New York City, which is located at 260 Broadway. This building is the 3rd City Hall that was built in 1816 to accommodate city's growing municipal government. The Federal styled design of this building came out as a result of a competition that took place in 1802. Out of the 26 submissions, architects Joseph Francois Mangin and John McComb, Jr. won $350 in designing this Federal Styled building (BG. 84). The French influences that are seen in the architecture of this building came from the French artist, Joseph Mangin.
As explained to us by our tour guide, in 1653 Dutch incorporated Manhattan (New Amsterdam) to become a 'City'. Therefore, in 1650's 73 Pearl Street, a tavern aka 'Stadhuis' was used as New York City's first City Hall. This building stood facing the East River. Russel Shorto's book called "The Island at the Center of the World", is a great choice for anyone who would like to learn more about the history of the Dutch in Manhattan. Later on English came and renamed this city in honor of the Duke of New York as "New York" in 1665. Eventually as the town became big enough, the English realized that they needed a bigger City Hall. Therefore in 1699, they built the second City Hall where the Federal Hall National Memorial is currently located.
As explained to us by our tour guide, in 1653 Dutch incorporated Manhattan (New Amsterdam) to become a 'City'. Therefore, in 1650's 73 Pearl Street, a tavern aka 'Stadhuis' was used as New York City's first City Hall. This building stood facing the East River. Russel Shorto's book called "The Island at the Center of the World", is a great choice for anyone who would like to learn more about the history of the Dutch in Manhattan. Later on English came and renamed this city in honor of the Duke of New York as "New York" in 1665. Eventually as the town became big enough, the English realized that they needed a bigger City Hall. Therefore in 1699, they built the second City Hall where the Federal Hall National Memorial is currently located.
In the 1950's the top layer of the buildings' brown stone and marble was shaved and was replaced by granite and lime stone to outlive New York's weather. The corner stone of this building was laid by Mayor Edward Livingstone in 1803. When this City Hall was opened in 1812, the Mayor, the City Watch, the Common Council, and the Courts both Civil and Criminal were housed in this building. Since the Criminal Court was housed in this building, there was also a prison in the basement of this building at that time. Eventually the courts moved out of this building. There was also a reception room on the 2nd floor to host the famous people and therefore there was also a wine seller in the basement of this building. The 3rd floor was a care taker's cottage, who were in responsible for keeping the building fire free since the building was not electrified during the early years. The original statue was carved out of wood. But the statue that we see there now is the 3rd statue that was build during the later years with copper because the two previous statues were destroyed by fire. This stature has the structure of the Statue of Liberty.
In front of the floating stair case inside the City Hall, there was a statue of President George Washington. The Governor's Room has served as a museum and reception room since 1815(BG. 84). This room had a collection of the 19th Century American Portraiture and other historic furnishings such as President George Washington's desk from 1789. The French clock with President George Washington's image shows the world that even the Europeans were idolizing President George Washington. President elect Abraham Lincoln was hosted in this room in 1861, and it also served as a backdrop for his coffin in 1865 as he lay in state. In 1817, President James Monroe received a formal reception in this room, which was the earliest reception that took place here. This room was refurbished several times throughout the history.
In front of the floating stair case inside the City Hall, there was a statue of President George Washington. The Governor's Room has served as a museum and reception room since 1815(BG. 84). This room had a collection of the 19th Century American Portraiture and other historic furnishings such as President George Washington's desk from 1789. The French clock with President George Washington's image shows the world that even the Europeans were idolizing President George Washington. President elect Abraham Lincoln was hosted in this room in 1861, and it also served as a backdrop for his coffin in 1865 as he lay in state. In 1817, President James Monroe received a formal reception in this room, which was the earliest reception that took place here. This room was refurbished several times throughout the history.
After that we went to St. Paul church which is the only remaining colonial church in Manhattan which was built in 1766. president George Washington used this church following his inauguration. Since the collapse of World Trade Center, this place remained as a refuge and as a memorial(BG. 77). During the weeks following the tragedy, I remember how the fence around this church was filled with letters, pictures, and prayer cards in memory of those who lost their lives. Inside the chapel I read a quote by Officer Gail Douglas: " St. Paul Chapel is an oasis of heaven in the midst of hell". This church is now remaining as a tourist place as it displays memorial exhibits and that it also has both audio and video history about the event. I believe that it is a miracle that this church was spared without any damage during the 9/11 attack.
The we left the church to visit a sacred place in the city, 9/11 Memorial. This Memorial was opened on the 10th Anniversary of the attacks, which consists of two pools that are built at the footprints of the original Twin Towers. Both North and South pool consist of a waterfalls and the water then empties into a void which is located at the center of the pool. The bronze panel around both pools are engraved with the names of those people who we lost on that tragic day. I think the void at the center of the pool definitely brings an empty feeling inside its viewers, and it also give us a sense of feeling that this hole can never be filled by anything that we see with our mere eyes. I think the architects Michael Arad and Peter Walker definitely created a perfect Memorial for the us. I like the fact that the design remains simple, clean, and yet serves its purpose to the full extend. This place now remains as a national tribute to the loss that we faced as a country in 2001. It was really nice know that there are electronic directories at this site to help friends and families to locate the inscribed names of their loved ones. After leaving 9/11 Memorial, we walked by the Zuccotti Park, which is a public park which is owned by private party. In September 2011, when the "Occupy Wall Street" protest began, the protesters used this park as the staging area and as a camping ground.
We also walked by the Trinity Church, which was one of the first Gothic Revival churches in the nation, which is located on Wall Street. It was the highest point in Manhattan for many years (BG. 65). On Wall Street, we came across the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE)., the world's largest stock exchange. After the attack on September 11th, visitors are not allowed into this building and the security has been extremely tight ever since (BG. 68, 69). From there we walked toward the Federal Hall National Memorial. Since former President George Washington's inauguration took place in this building, a statue of President George Washington is placed in front of this building. Also, the Bible that was used by George Washington on the day of his inauguration is displayed inside this building. The domes inside this building were supported by the Corinthian columns. Some other displays included: the Bill of Rights, models of the original City Hall, the Federal Hall etc (BG. 70).
Later we saw the National Museum of the American Indian, is located on the south side of Bowling Green, in lower Manhattan, adjacent to the Battery Park. This museum was born from the obsession of George Gustav Heye, who started to collect native American artifacts. It started with him collecting few items which later went on to a whole sale business (BG. 44). We then took train 1 to 14th Street, to Chelsea, where a large number of art galleries are located. We went to Chelsea Market to have lunch. After having a great sandwich, I picked up a coffee as well. Chelsea market was originally a National Biscuit Company (Nabisco) (BG. 186).
Later we saw the National Museum of the American Indian, is located on the south side of Bowling Green, in lower Manhattan, adjacent to the Battery Park. This museum was born from the obsession of George Gustav Heye, who started to collect native American artifacts. It started with him collecting few items which later went on to a whole sale business (BG. 44). We then took train 1 to 14th Street, to Chelsea, where a large number of art galleries are located. We went to Chelsea Market to have lunch. After having a great sandwich, I picked up a coffee as well. Chelsea market was originally a National Biscuit Company (Nabisco) (BG. 186).
The High Line was the best part of the day. To be honest, I never knew what High Line was or whether there is something called High Line existed. This High Line was created in 1930's for freight trains to lessen the ever increasing traffic especially by the Eleventh Avenue, where accidents continued to happen (BG. 188). The High Line ran 30 feet above the ground and it was used till 1980. For the later 10 years these tracks were abandoned. Eventually in 1990 the local advocacy group rejected the plans for its demolition and brought up the plan to use this area as a greenway which runs between West 16th and the 30th Streets (BG. 188). This park area consist of beautiful footpath, seats to relax, water fountain, a place to shop, eat, and socialize, various types of plants and flowers. This park remains as one of the most innovative urban renewal project. The 18 story tower of Standard Hotel stood right above the High Line. Mike also gave us a chance to sit at the Street Theater that was part of High Line, which was located by the 10th Avenue and 17th Street. From this street theater we were able to watch the traffic right below us. We were warned by Mike, "No thinking, just sit and watch"! I'm glad that the project members thoughtfully created this little escape area for busy New Yorkers to relax and enjoy the city life.
After walking through the High Line we visited some unique galleries. The one that touched me the most was Bruce Silversteins' gallery which displayed portraits of people with AIDS. These portraits were shocking and yet many of them showed the unembarrassed characterization of the symptoms of AIDS. I never thought that an artist could find this kind of images as art, but it was quite interesting to see all of those portraits which even projected to the viewer the lifestyle those people in the portrait had. Definitely I could see that our society's expectation of art is changing dramatically. The Second Gallery that interested me was the Gladstone Gallery, which presented a "Mixed Message" as intended by the artists. This gallery displayed the works of 15 artists from all around the world who used a non traditional material and used it in an unexpected and non-customary way. The first display of the two worn out mattresses on the wall were unique and nice to watch.
At last we came to a bookstore which had books of versatile arts. Mike asked us to pick a book that caught our attention. I found this little book called "Other Exercise". Although this book was pretty small, the things that I read in this book were very simple, yet thoughtfully written. It made me understand that instead of offering facts to the reader, this artist is trying to engage the reader in to a thinking process. And I believe each person who will read through its pages will have a different thought than the others who read it before. Its more like the feelings you have when you look at a portrait, like the portraits we saw earlier that day at different galleries. For example, one page read like this: "Put a black marble in your hand, one night you go to bed, try to hold it as you fall asleep". Another page from the book read like this: "Take away all the furniture from one of the rooms in your house. Blindfold yourself and walk carefully around the room and engage in a silent conversation about the topic." I thought Mike made a perfect choice in taking the class to this store to finish the day especially after visiting all the fascinating galleries.
The class was dismissed in front of this book store, but I wanted to experience more views from the High Line. So along with some of the classmates we walked all the way to the 30th Street on the beautiful green path of High Line!
After walking through the High Line we visited some unique galleries. The one that touched me the most was Bruce Silversteins' gallery which displayed portraits of people with AIDS. These portraits were shocking and yet many of them showed the unembarrassed characterization of the symptoms of AIDS. I never thought that an artist could find this kind of images as art, but it was quite interesting to see all of those portraits which even projected to the viewer the lifestyle those people in the portrait had. Definitely I could see that our society's expectation of art is changing dramatically. The Second Gallery that interested me was the Gladstone Gallery, which presented a "Mixed Message" as intended by the artists. This gallery displayed the works of 15 artists from all around the world who used a non traditional material and used it in an unexpected and non-customary way. The first display of the two worn out mattresses on the wall were unique and nice to watch.
At last we came to a bookstore which had books of versatile arts. Mike asked us to pick a book that caught our attention. I found this little book called "Other Exercise". Although this book was pretty small, the things that I read in this book were very simple, yet thoughtfully written. It made me understand that instead of offering facts to the reader, this artist is trying to engage the reader in to a thinking process. And I believe each person who will read through its pages will have a different thought than the others who read it before. Its more like the feelings you have when you look at a portrait, like the portraits we saw earlier that day at different galleries. For example, one page read like this: "Put a black marble in your hand, one night you go to bed, try to hold it as you fall asleep". Another page from the book read like this: "Take away all the furniture from one of the rooms in your house. Blindfold yourself and walk carefully around the room and engage in a silent conversation about the topic." I thought Mike made a perfect choice in taking the class to this store to finish the day especially after visiting all the fascinating galleries.
The class was dismissed in front of this book store, but I wanted to experience more views from the High Line. So along with some of the classmates we walked all the way to the 30th Street on the beautiful green path of High Line!
Immigrant New York (Lower Eastside, The Bowery, Little Italy, and Chinatown)
As usual on the last day of our class we came to Penn Station. For some reason I felt very tired and therefore went an got a cup of cold coffee from Starbucks to get a boost. Knowing that it was the last day of class I had mixed emotions, but it was great to realize that our whole group made it through even to this last day. So our first goal was to get to Delancey St (Downtown) by taking the F train. We got off at Delancey Street which was located by Williamsburg Bridge. As explained to us by Mike at Penn Station we met Mikes friends and our tour guide Jim at this location. The Lower Eastside, was the most densely populated place on planet earth towards the end of the 18th Century. Among the two million Jewish people who came to US between the years of 1881 and 1914, majority of them settled in Lower East Side (BG. 119). It used to be the most unsanitary place in the US. Since there were no sanitation department in the 1880's, all the waste kept piling up on the streets. People basically lived in houses with three room which had no bathroom or running water. I can't even imagine how people lived in those days in such environment. Now gentrification is happening in this neighborhood. This was one of the cheapest places that was available to live in NY in the 1880's. Jim explained to us that in the early 1900's that there were about 25,000 push carts on the streets. We took a tour inside the Essex Street Market which was opened in 1940 BG. 123). This prompted Mayor Laguardia to open up street markets like Essex Street Market for those European Jews to continue their business off of the street. This is how the pushcarts were eliminated from the city. Even new laws were implemented by Mayor Laguardia in order to stop selling goods on the street. But a lot of these poor business people were unable to afford a place within the Essex Street Market.
Then we walked towards the Williamsburg Bridge which was built in 1903 (BG. 110). This bridge was called as "the Jewish Highway", since the Jewish were constantly going over the bridge with their push carts which contained all their belongings. Another main reason why the Jewish who lived in Williamsburg crossed over the bridge was because of the presence of the synagogue on the Lower East Side. South Williamsburg is one of the three main Orthodox Community today. Mike explained to us that Williamsburg was somewhat like a paradise when compared to the Lower East Side in those day, therefore his family quickly moved into Williamsburg and settled there. He said this was the goal of many families to move into that better place on the other side of the bridge.
Then we walked towards the Williamsburg Bridge which was built in 1903 (BG. 110). This bridge was called as "the Jewish Highway", since the Jewish were constantly going over the bridge with their push carts which contained all their belongings. Another main reason why the Jewish who lived in Williamsburg crossed over the bridge was because of the presence of the synagogue on the Lower East Side. South Williamsburg is one of the three main Orthodox Community today. Mike explained to us that Williamsburg was somewhat like a paradise when compared to the Lower East Side in those day, therefore his family quickly moved into Williamsburg and settled there. He said this was the goal of many families to move into that better place on the other side of the bridge.
Jim them took us to were The Henry Street Settlement buildings are located. He explained to us that Lillian Wald founded the Henry Street Settlement. She is the founder of American Community Nursing. She is still remembered as one of New York's great figures, who used to be compassionate, gentle women. She devoted herself to the poor. She once visited an immigrant home where she found people fighting ignorance, disease, malnutrition, rates and bigotry (BG. 125). With the assistance she received from Jacob Schiff, who gave her two of the Henry Street buildings she was able to raise money. She then started to accept those helpless European immigrants as her own people and provided them with social services. She also served as a liaison between the "uptown" and "downtown" Jews (BG. 125). Later Jim showed us the Ritual Bath House and he explained to us that the women in the Orthodox Jewish Community had to take bath for about a month in rainwater before she actually got married. They weren't allowed to use the tap water or bottled water. The custom only allowed them to use unadulterated rain water. We then saw the Seward Park which was named after Williams Seward served the country in various levels such as governor of the stater of New York, US senator, and secretary of state under Abraham Lincoln (BG. 124). Seward Park Branch Library used to be one of the busiest library for many years. Across from this park we saw the Forward Building, which was built for the Jewish Daily Forward, the country's most influential Yiddish daily newspaper (BG. 124). Jim explained to us that in the later 19th century, the Lower East Side was was a hotbed for political activities. Images of Karl Marx, Ferdinand Lassalle, Friedrich Adler, and Friedrich Engels are found within the roundels of the first floor frieze (Bg. 124).
Jim explained to us that the distinguished architectural features of NY city buildings are the stoops and the fire escapes. In 1916 there were a series of fires in the city including the famous "triangle shirtwaist fire". These fire outbreaks lead to the passing of certain laws to protect the building against fire. We also found Jewish stars on the terra-cotta building.
Later we went to Chinatown, which grew in a slow pace for many centuries. The Chinese population grew significantly after the completion of the Transcontinental Railroad. Jim told us about Tong, an association in the Chinese community, which worked the same way as Mafia worked among the Italian community. This Tong Association offered legitimated services such as language assistance, credit unions and loans, social outlets, they also settled disputes among individuals and other immigrant groups (BG. 109). Then we moved on to the Mulberry Street, where the Little Italy starts. I saw many great eat out places where I would love to go back and revisit many times in the future. We also passed by the former Police Headquarters.
After this my group which included six of us went for our scavenger hunt/ Gotham Adventure. From Canal Street we took train # 6 to 42nd Street. After running a couple of blocks we reached our first stop which was Bryant Park, and took a picture of ourselves standing. Our second stop was at the Fred French Building which was located on Fifth Avenue and we again took our individual pictures. We then ran towards the St. Patrick's Cathedral, walked all the way to the front of the Cathedral and few pictures. We then continued to run towards the North to find the Tiffany Store, finally we reached there and again took individual pictures. Our fifth stop was at the F. A. O Schwartz toy store and took pictures with animals. Then we ran towards the Plaza Hotel's lobby and took each other's pictures. We then got in the train to get back to Congee Village. We were exhausted by the time we got in the train.
Jim explained to us that the distinguished architectural features of NY city buildings are the stoops and the fire escapes. In 1916 there were a series of fires in the city including the famous "triangle shirtwaist fire". These fire outbreaks lead to the passing of certain laws to protect the building against fire. We also found Jewish stars on the terra-cotta building.
Later we went to Chinatown, which grew in a slow pace for many centuries. The Chinese population grew significantly after the completion of the Transcontinental Railroad. Jim told us about Tong, an association in the Chinese community, which worked the same way as Mafia worked among the Italian community. This Tong Association offered legitimated services such as language assistance, credit unions and loans, social outlets, they also settled disputes among individuals and other immigrant groups (BG. 109). Then we moved on to the Mulberry Street, where the Little Italy starts. I saw many great eat out places where I would love to go back and revisit many times in the future. We also passed by the former Police Headquarters.
After this my group which included six of us went for our scavenger hunt/ Gotham Adventure. From Canal Street we took train # 6 to 42nd Street. After running a couple of blocks we reached our first stop which was Bryant Park, and took a picture of ourselves standing. Our second stop was at the Fred French Building which was located on Fifth Avenue and we again took our individual pictures. We then ran towards the St. Patrick's Cathedral, walked all the way to the front of the Cathedral and few pictures. We then continued to run towards the North to find the Tiffany Store, finally we reached there and again took individual pictures. Our fifth stop was at the F. A. O Schwartz toy store and took pictures with animals. Then we ran towards the Plaza Hotel's lobby and took each other's pictures. We then got in the train to get back to Congee Village. We were exhausted by the time we got in the train.
After we reached Congee Village we had a tasty Chinese lunch with the rest of the class. We really enjoyed this meal. It was nice to sit at the round table and to engage in conversations while having our lunch. There we felt like we were part of one family. It was funny that me being a righty and Dorothy being a lefty and us sitting next to each other, we had to take turns in bringing food into our mouths. When ever we forgot to take turns, our chop sticks were clashing each other! Some how we managed to eat without loosing our chop sticks!
After lunch we went to see the Tenement Museum, which was the last stop of this entire class. We met our tour guide on the sidewalk and then she took us into a class room and explained about the history of an immigrant family that moved into Lower East Side. She explained to us about a Greek Sephradic family and talked to us briefly about Victoria Confino a 14-year-old family member who belonged to this family and who lived in the tenement in 1916. She told us to take a journey with her to the 1916 and act like an new immigrant Italian family. She then prepared us briefly to ask questions to Victoria Confino, when we meet her at her tenement. Our tour guide then took us to this tenement and she knocked at the door. We heard Victoria Confino answering from inside the tenement. Victoria then opened the door and welcomed us all in with a warm smile. We had a great time talking to Victoria. As the immigrant Italian family we had lot of questions to find means to survive in the new land that we had arrived. Damien was our acting father. Victoria seemed so genuine and happy answer our questions and share her knowledge with us to help us find jobs, schools etc in the new neighborhood. This tenement only had 3 rooms out of which 2 were bed rooms and the other one was kitchen/laundry/sleeping room for Victoria. It was surprising to find out that the tenement had no restroom, running water, refrigerator etc. Victoria told us that she likes fish and she showed us the big container in which she keep them alive until they are ready to be cooked. She told us about the rejection she faces everyday in the community and it was heart breaking. Inside the tenement museum it felt very comfortable, because the museum was air conditioned. The actor who was playing the role of Victoria was an amazing actor and she kept us all laughing through out the session. Our guide then took us to another class room session and there she shared with us more stories about Victoria's later years of life and also about her family including her children.
After this tour we came out and said final good bye to each other, then with few other classmates I went to the Penn Station.
After lunch we went to see the Tenement Museum, which was the last stop of this entire class. We met our tour guide on the sidewalk and then she took us into a class room and explained about the history of an immigrant family that moved into Lower East Side. She explained to us about a Greek Sephradic family and talked to us briefly about Victoria Confino a 14-year-old family member who belonged to this family and who lived in the tenement in 1916. She told us to take a journey with her to the 1916 and act like an new immigrant Italian family. She then prepared us briefly to ask questions to Victoria Confino, when we meet her at her tenement. Our tour guide then took us to this tenement and she knocked at the door. We heard Victoria Confino answering from inside the tenement. Victoria then opened the door and welcomed us all in with a warm smile. We had a great time talking to Victoria. As the immigrant Italian family we had lot of questions to find means to survive in the new land that we had arrived. Damien was our acting father. Victoria seemed so genuine and happy answer our questions and share her knowledge with us to help us find jobs, schools etc in the new neighborhood. This tenement only had 3 rooms out of which 2 were bed rooms and the other one was kitchen/laundry/sleeping room for Victoria. It was surprising to find out that the tenement had no restroom, running water, refrigerator etc. Victoria told us that she likes fish and she showed us the big container in which she keep them alive until they are ready to be cooked. She told us about the rejection she faces everyday in the community and it was heart breaking. Inside the tenement museum it felt very comfortable, because the museum was air conditioned. The actor who was playing the role of Victoria was an amazing actor and she kept us all laughing through out the session. Our guide then took us to another class room session and there she shared with us more stories about Victoria's later years of life and also about her family including her children.
After this tour we came out and said final good bye to each other, then with few other classmates I went to the Penn Station.
My Impression of New York After Class
Being an immigrant to New York, I did not know much about the history about this city before I took this class. This class served greatly in broadening my knowledge about the city of NY; Some of which include: how this city was found, its first settlers, later immigrants, its continued development over the centuries, how the life style of people in this city have changed over the years, the trends that are happening in the developing areas in the city, and also an insight into where this city is heading to. In addition to our awesome Professors Mike and Damien, I think the guides that we had at transit museum, city hall, and last day of class were great who were very knowledgeable about the topics that they shared. I’m thankful to Mike and Damien for incorporating the 22 minutes movie session at Museum of the City of New York, which really tied up majority of what we have learned in 7 days.
I enjoyed this class from day 1 through day 7. Although I felt the scavenger hunt was a bit too much cramped into an hour and a half, still it was fun and it definitely helped me towards my goal of loosing some pounds along with the learning process! There is no other class that I have taken ever in my life which I have enjoyed like this particular class. It has given me information and personal experiences that I could pass down to generations after generations. I could have lived in New York for a life time and would not have had a chance to know about all the things that I learned about this city in only 7 days. The experiences I shared with my classmates in this class were absolutely wonderful. I wish if this class would have continued for few more days.
I have a foreign couple visiting me this week. They came through JFK the day after our last class (Thursday). They wanted to go for site seeing in NY and therefore yesterday six of us went back to the city and we visited the 9/11 Memorial, the Federal Hall National Memorial, the National Museum of the American Indian, the Battery Park, the charging Wall Street Bull, the Bowling Park, Madison Square Garden, and the largest Macy’s in the world. This time I spent a little bit more time in exploring the Federal Hall National Memorial, and the Battery Park. We will be going back to the city to visit Central Park and Mets on Monday. We will be adding more to the list as the day arrives. I’m open for any suggestions of tips from my awesome professors Mike and Damien! Since they are only with me till Tuesday I had to plan these trips quickly.
If I were to share all I have learned in this class, I would start from the story of the first settlers Walloons, then the Dutch colonies, then New Amsterdam, then the later name New York (by English) in honor of the Duke of York and the story will continue from there... This class allowed me to come out of my comfort zone and gave me the confidence to come and experience this great city of New York and I'm enjoying every bit of it! Before taking this class thinking about travelling in subway would scare me, but I'm now comfortable when I'm in the subway and I know where I'm heading to. Who knows, may be one day I'll own something like a micro apartment which will be available to middle class people for a reasonable rate in the future! Let me close now my entries with these three important words, and that is "I love NY"!!
I enjoyed this class from day 1 through day 7. Although I felt the scavenger hunt was a bit too much cramped into an hour and a half, still it was fun and it definitely helped me towards my goal of loosing some pounds along with the learning process! There is no other class that I have taken ever in my life which I have enjoyed like this particular class. It has given me information and personal experiences that I could pass down to generations after generations. I could have lived in New York for a life time and would not have had a chance to know about all the things that I learned about this city in only 7 days. The experiences I shared with my classmates in this class were absolutely wonderful. I wish if this class would have continued for few more days.
I have a foreign couple visiting me this week. They came through JFK the day after our last class (Thursday). They wanted to go for site seeing in NY and therefore yesterday six of us went back to the city and we visited the 9/11 Memorial, the Federal Hall National Memorial, the National Museum of the American Indian, the Battery Park, the charging Wall Street Bull, the Bowling Park, Madison Square Garden, and the largest Macy’s in the world. This time I spent a little bit more time in exploring the Federal Hall National Memorial, and the Battery Park. We will be going back to the city to visit Central Park and Mets on Monday. We will be adding more to the list as the day arrives. I’m open for any suggestions of tips from my awesome professors Mike and Damien! Since they are only with me till Tuesday I had to plan these trips quickly.
If I were to share all I have learned in this class, I would start from the story of the first settlers Walloons, then the Dutch colonies, then New Amsterdam, then the later name New York (by English) in honor of the Duke of York and the story will continue from there... This class allowed me to come out of my comfort zone and gave me the confidence to come and experience this great city of New York and I'm enjoying every bit of it! Before taking this class thinking about travelling in subway would scare me, but I'm now comfortable when I'm in the subway and I know where I'm heading to. Who knows, may be one day I'll own something like a micro apartment which will be available to middle class people for a reasonable rate in the future! Let me close now my entries with these three important words, and that is "I love NY"!!