journals
1.Impression of NYC.
My impression of New York City, the things that came into my mind are the amazing food, people, buildings, different cultures and lot of pollution. As I have lived in Suffolk County half of my life, unfortunately because of my busy schedule, I can hardly go to the city and it’s sad to say that I have never been to any of these known places, such as the Met museum, Empire State Building, The Statue of Liberty, Broadway plays and foremost Jimmy Fallon shows.
Now since I am married and my husband is obsessed with building, subways and food carts. As he never experienced those thing in California while growing up. He forces me to go to city with him every year. When I go to city with my husband we just wander around not knowing anything just staring at things. I want to go into New York with my husband being able to tell him the stories of New York City. And wanted him and other people to appreciate all the beauty and culture that this city has to offer. I want to answers all the questions that my husband ask me about New York City, same way he answers all my question about California State when we travel.
I have heard nothing but good things about this class, so I am hoping I also get an awesome experience like other people in the past semesters. I love New York City but as I said earlier that I haven't had time to really get to know the city, that's why I am so excited by taking this class to experience New York City more and enjoy just being in the city. I am looking forward for this class to start so I can get to know more about New York City.
My impression of New York City, the things that came into my mind are the amazing food, people, buildings, different cultures and lot of pollution. As I have lived in Suffolk County half of my life, unfortunately because of my busy schedule, I can hardly go to the city and it’s sad to say that I have never been to any of these known places, such as the Met museum, Empire State Building, The Statue of Liberty, Broadway plays and foremost Jimmy Fallon shows.
Now since I am married and my husband is obsessed with building, subways and food carts. As he never experienced those thing in California while growing up. He forces me to go to city with him every year. When I go to city with my husband we just wander around not knowing anything just staring at things. I want to go into New York with my husband being able to tell him the stories of New York City. And wanted him and other people to appreciate all the beauty and culture that this city has to offer. I want to answers all the questions that my husband ask me about New York City, same way he answers all my question about California State when we travel.
I have heard nothing but good things about this class, so I am hoping I also get an awesome experience like other people in the past semesters. I love New York City but as I said earlier that I haven't had time to really get to know the city, that's why I am so excited by taking this class to experience New York City more and enjoy just being in the city. I am looking forward for this class to start so I can get to know more about New York City.
2.QUEEENS
On Friday the September 5th, I made sure to wake up earlier than usual so I can be in train station in deer park. After buying my round trip off peak ticket and my metro card, I was all set to leave; I was hoping to get onto the right train since I was there early. After getting on my train to the Penn station, I was bit relieved. Once I reached to the Penn station, I saw my whole class members by the ticket booth across McDonalds. We jumped on the subway train and then it took that to the 7 train which brought us to corona, queens. We then walked into flushing Meadow Park. This park is “the fourth largest of new York’s public parks.” (ENY 217); it’s even bigger than central park. We sat on bleachers by the tennis courts and Mike gave us the lecture about the history of the park. This park previously used as a “dumping ground for ashes from coal-burning furnaces, horse manure, and garbage.”(ENY 217).the area turned into the park by Robert mosses in 1930.This park had been used for the world’s fair from 1939-1940and 1964- 1965 (ENY 217) We then moved on to see the Unisphere, which is enormous in size and weigh about weighing 900,000 pounds and 12 stories high (ENY, pg. 218). Mike talk to us about the how Unisphere was placed and how it was created for the world's fair of 1964-65, Gilmore D. Clarke was the designer for it and it was built to symbolize "Peace through understanding and Man's achievement on a shrinking globe in an expanding universe" (Eny, p.218).
The Queens Museum is next to the Unisphere, has some amazing pieces of art, which was shown in the World's Fair. Another exhibit was Panorama, the world’s largest scale model, covers an area of 9,335 square feet and built to a scale of 1:1200 where one inch equals 100 feet. Model show cases Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, the Bronx, and Staten Island, parts of Long Island, parts of New Jersey etc. This small New York model goes from day to night with the lights in the room dimming and a motion airport showing planes departing and arriving from LaGuardia. It is easy to see Manhattan uptown and down town and all the bridges (http://www.queensmuseum.org).
Next we were off for lunch, traditional Indian food in Jackson Height. Jackson Height was predominantly made up of Indians, Asians and other different type of cultures. As we headed down Steinway St, Astoria, we came across New York City's only museum dedicated to the art, history, technology, and techniques involved in making films. This museum was the true "Hollywood" back in 1920's, it was a major institution for film productions. The museum of moving images which consisted of different movies from 80's until recent films. The Museum-by far the most popular tourist attraction in Queens-boasts one of the largest collections of film artifacts in the world" (ENY, 224).
Our first stop in the museum was the 3rd floor; it showed how movies started out with the zoetrope, thaumatrope, and the phenakistoscope. Then went on to the different techniques used to make sounds effects then it was on to seeing some of the first cameras and television, and how they have advanced over the years. I also saw pieces from different movies such as, The Mask, The Exorcist, Men in Blacks and my all-time favorite Star Wars along with others. Overall it was a beautiful site, not a typical museum.
Astoria was mainly Greek neighborhood in the 1960s. During the 1990's, they accounted for less than half of its population. Other ethnic groups from the Caribbean, South America, and other countries also settled in the area. "The most recent wave of immigration today into Astoria has been coming from Arab communities from Lebanon, Egypt, Syria, and Morocco (ENY, 224). Gentrification occurred and therefore people moved and prices went up. People started to move because they could no longer afford it’s we headed down Steinway st, Astoria, we came across New York City's only museum dedicated to the art, history, technology, and techniques involved in making films. The Museum of Moving Images was unlike any museums that I have ever been to. This museum was the true "Hollywood" back in 1920’s; it was a major institution for film productions.
Our last stop of the day was Long Island City. As we arrived in LIC, our first site viewing was MoMaPS1 and the Coca-Cola sign. PS1 the oldest school, I always wondered where it was located. We didn't actually get to go inside nor see much of MoMa PS1.What makes this museum so unique-besides the often wild and occasionally controversial contemporary exhibits which it hosts- is that this museum still has the look and feel of a 19th century school building with former classrooms turned into exhibition space" (ENY, 225). As the day was coming to an end, we walked over to Gantry Plaza State Park where we got together and reflect about the day and then walked the Pepsi cola sign, "An East River Landmark and a symbol of Long Island City's industrial past" (ENY, 226). I was very fascinated for this opportunely and learning so much about the borough of Queens and cannot wait until next Friday to visit Coney Island.
On Friday the September 5th, I made sure to wake up earlier than usual so I can be in train station in deer park. After buying my round trip off peak ticket and my metro card, I was all set to leave; I was hoping to get onto the right train since I was there early. After getting on my train to the Penn station, I was bit relieved. Once I reached to the Penn station, I saw my whole class members by the ticket booth across McDonalds. We jumped on the subway train and then it took that to the 7 train which brought us to corona, queens. We then walked into flushing Meadow Park. This park is “the fourth largest of new York’s public parks.” (ENY 217); it’s even bigger than central park. We sat on bleachers by the tennis courts and Mike gave us the lecture about the history of the park. This park previously used as a “dumping ground for ashes from coal-burning furnaces, horse manure, and garbage.”(ENY 217).the area turned into the park by Robert mosses in 1930.This park had been used for the world’s fair from 1939-1940and 1964- 1965 (ENY 217) We then moved on to see the Unisphere, which is enormous in size and weigh about weighing 900,000 pounds and 12 stories high (ENY, pg. 218). Mike talk to us about the how Unisphere was placed and how it was created for the world's fair of 1964-65, Gilmore D. Clarke was the designer for it and it was built to symbolize "Peace through understanding and Man's achievement on a shrinking globe in an expanding universe" (Eny, p.218).
The Queens Museum is next to the Unisphere, has some amazing pieces of art, which was shown in the World's Fair. Another exhibit was Panorama, the world’s largest scale model, covers an area of 9,335 square feet and built to a scale of 1:1200 where one inch equals 100 feet. Model show cases Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, the Bronx, and Staten Island, parts of Long Island, parts of New Jersey etc. This small New York model goes from day to night with the lights in the room dimming and a motion airport showing planes departing and arriving from LaGuardia. It is easy to see Manhattan uptown and down town and all the bridges (http://www.queensmuseum.org).
Next we were off for lunch, traditional Indian food in Jackson Height. Jackson Height was predominantly made up of Indians, Asians and other different type of cultures. As we headed down Steinway St, Astoria, we came across New York City's only museum dedicated to the art, history, technology, and techniques involved in making films. This museum was the true "Hollywood" back in 1920's, it was a major institution for film productions. The museum of moving images which consisted of different movies from 80's until recent films. The Museum-by far the most popular tourist attraction in Queens-boasts one of the largest collections of film artifacts in the world" (ENY, 224).
Our first stop in the museum was the 3rd floor; it showed how movies started out with the zoetrope, thaumatrope, and the phenakistoscope. Then went on to the different techniques used to make sounds effects then it was on to seeing some of the first cameras and television, and how they have advanced over the years. I also saw pieces from different movies such as, The Mask, The Exorcist, Men in Blacks and my all-time favorite Star Wars along with others. Overall it was a beautiful site, not a typical museum.
Astoria was mainly Greek neighborhood in the 1960s. During the 1990's, they accounted for less than half of its population. Other ethnic groups from the Caribbean, South America, and other countries also settled in the area. "The most recent wave of immigration today into Astoria has been coming from Arab communities from Lebanon, Egypt, Syria, and Morocco (ENY, 224). Gentrification occurred and therefore people moved and prices went up. People started to move because they could no longer afford it’s we headed down Steinway st, Astoria, we came across New York City's only museum dedicated to the art, history, technology, and techniques involved in making films. The Museum of Moving Images was unlike any museums that I have ever been to. This museum was the true "Hollywood" back in 1920’s; it was a major institution for film productions.
Our last stop of the day was Long Island City. As we arrived in LIC, our first site viewing was MoMaPS1 and the Coca-Cola sign. PS1 the oldest school, I always wondered where it was located. We didn't actually get to go inside nor see much of MoMa PS1.What makes this museum so unique-besides the often wild and occasionally controversial contemporary exhibits which it hosts- is that this museum still has the look and feel of a 19th century school building with former classrooms turned into exhibition space" (ENY, 225). As the day was coming to an end, we walked over to Gantry Plaza State Park where we got together and reflect about the day and then walked the Pepsi cola sign, "An East River Landmark and a symbol of Long Island City's industrial past" (ENY, 226). I was very fascinated for this opportunely and learning so much about the borough of Queens and cannot wait until next Friday to visit Coney Island.
3.BROOKLYN
The name Brooklyn was given after Dutch province (Breuckelen) in 1664 (ENY 191). Brooklyn was its own city until 1898 then the five boroughs had formed, but it is still the second largest county in the nation (ENY 192). Brooklyn is also under gentrification process but some of the flavors, cultures has not changed. Our second day of core class from Penn Station we all headed to the beautiful Coney Island. We took a long 45 minute subway trip to reach our destination Coney Island. That was the longest subway ride most of us took. Coney Island was also named by the Dutch and they named it as "CONYNE EYLANDT" due to the rabbit’s population in that area (ENY 193). In 1920s to 1930s Coney Island was the most famous area for people to come to the important amusement area and relax (ENY 194). "In summer months the entire stretch of the Coney Island boardwalk is thronged with a vibrant mix of people of every race and ethnicity playfully enjoying a few hours of leisure with their fellow New Yorkers" (ENY, 195) .By 1940's Coney Island saw a decline due to the high way constructions, that lead people to jones beach happened by Robert Moses. The famous Nathan's is the iconic hot dog stand which was formed in 1916(ENY 194). Now Coney Island is been changing and every year due to gentrification projects. There are plans to develop built high end hotels and high end apartments.
Our next stop was the New York Transit Museum. "The museum opened in 1976, for New York's bicentennial celebrations and proved to be an immediate success with New Yorkers" (ENY, 203). I had an amazing experience to actually learn about history of our subway system. The first subways system was developed in England. In1800, horse carriages were the way of transportation. It carried people from one place to another. By late 1800's there was a huge sanitation problem, because of horse poop and people were thinking to create a different way of transportation. Mid 1800 train system was created, trains that were powered by steam .In 1888, New York City had the worst blizzard with 50 inches of snow and many people who were in the train got stuck over 24 hours. It was due to that incident that rail lines were put down to create our subways. There was two construction methods used to build the subway system "The earliest method used was cut and cover, which involved digging up a street and laying a tunnel below, which was then covered over by a new roadway" (ENY, 202). For the first method, subway systems underground were built by men force called sandhogs. Since the pressure underground was twice as more than the environment; sandhogs were put in lock chambers for 20 minutes and were only allowed to work for 2-3 hours. The workers who built the system got paid very low also they were not allowed to get paid on sick days or were not allowed to get any holidays. The alternative method was known as deep bore tunneling, "In deep bore tunneling, huge circular tunneling machines are inserted into a hole dug along the proposed subway line" (ENY, 202) With the help of these workers and all the different method, world’s biggest and our first transit system came to being in 1904 (ENY 202). The most fascinating part of the trip was seeing all the old train and their advertisement. It’s so amazing to see how much things have changed the interior had cane seats and fans. I really enjoyed this trip would like to take my husband to see this museum.We then arrived onto explore DUMBO, Down Under the Manhattan Bridge Overpass, is located between the Brooklyn and Manhattan Bridges (ENY,207). There was lot of activities going at the Brooklyn bridge park from wedding photo shots to band performance. There was the beautiful Jane's Carousel right before the Manhattan bridge “In 1984 the carousel, which was badly damaged by fire, was bought by Jane Walentas and her husband, one of the main real estate developers in Dumbo. Spending 20 years lovingly restoring all 48 of the carousel's wooden horses, Walentas eventually persuaded the city to house the carousel in the new Brooklyn Bridge Park under a $9 million transparent "jewel box" designed by the French architect Jean Nouvel" (ENY, 208). We then stopped for some refreshing ice-cream. Then we all walked to our final destination the Brooklyn Bridge. We then crossed the Brooklyn Bridge which was started by John A. Roebling a German architecture. When the bridge first opened on May 24, 1883, it was the largest bridge arching 1.1 miles across the East River (ENY 208). Everyone should appreciate the formation of bridge because it took six hundred people who took 14 years to build it (ENY 208) John was unable to finish the construction of the bridge, due to the ferry accident which injured his foot .He then got tetanus from the injury and was bound to bed. His son continued working on his dream project, but he also got parlayed. After that John A. Roebling‘s wife Emily finished the project and became the first person to cross the bridge. The bridge is considered to be one of the world's greatest wonders; it still is the oldest suspension bridge. We than also had an opportunity to cross the bridge .So it was very exciting to cross the bridge, the scenery from the top was beautiful. I would love to do it with my husband again. |
4.THE VILLAGE
We started out 3rd day from Penn station, knowing its history .The original Pennsylvania station which serves 600,000 passengers every day. It was built in 1910, by McKim, Mead, and White; was a one of the masterpiece of Beaux-Arts style and was revered as one of the most impressive buildings in New York City (ENY, 114). We started walking further down the block; we also came across a beautiful Post Office.
The neighborhood of Chelsea gets its name from the former estate of British army captain, Thomas Clark, who bought the 94 acres of land along the Hudson in 1750 and named it after his neighborhood (ENY, 84). Mike had mentioned that this area use to be known for prostitution and people would only come to this area for that reason.
The class took a stroll on the High Line. The High Line is a public park built on a historic freight rail line elevated above the streets on Manhattan’s West Side. It runs from Gansevoort Street in the Meatpacking District to West 34th Street, between 10th and 12th Avenues. “In the mid-19th century, a street-level freight line ran through the heart of Chelsea to transport produce through the city. The existence of train lines on crowded city streets, however led to numerous fatalities, so many in fact that 10th Avenue came to be known as "Death Avenue. In response to this problem, in the 1930s the New York Central Railroad had the line elevated 30 feet above the street, but it fell out of use in the 1980s" (ENY, 84).It is now owned by the City of New York, and maintained and operated by Friends of the High Line. Founded in 1999 by community residents, Friends of the High Line fought for the High Line’s preservation and transformation at a time when the historic structure was under the threat of demolition. It is now the non-profit conservancy working with the New York City Department of Parks & Recreation to make sure the High Line is maintained as an extraordinary public space for all visitors to enjoy .I also really enjoyed the walk on it and the High Line provided a beautiful (view. http://www.thehighline.org/about)
After strolling on the High Line, we then started galleries hopping at Chelsea. In 1990s, Chelsea’s fortunes changed dramatically, when SoHo began to become so fashionable that art galleries located there could no longer afford the exorbitant rents they were being charged. As a result hundreds of galleries began to open in Chelsea, turning it into a prestigious center of the New York art world" (ENY, 84).We viewed the art work of various artist including Tom Fruin, Nick Cave, Kwang Ho Shin and Danese Corey. The art work that was my favorite was Nick Cave. “Nick Cave is an artist, educator and foremost a messenger, working between the visual and performing arts through a wide range of mediums including sculpture, installation, video, sound and performance. He has said, "I have found my middle and now am working toward what I am leaving behind" (http://www.jackshainman.com/exhibitions/24th-street/).
At Jack Shainman Gallery, he has some interesting piece of arts majority of them were made up of beads, birds, flowers, antique chairs and dogs. This body of work by Cave’s is known as Rescue. “The series comprises sculptures that incorporate found ceramic dogs sitting on furniture within elaborate grottos or dreamlike dens. Dogs have historically been associated with loyalty, class, breed, commitment, and protection. More recently, the term “dawg” has played a role in hip-hop culture as a moniker for brotherhood, respect, and power. In the Rescues, Cave focuses on a single canine that has quite literally been rescued from destruction, very much like an adopted pet. These dogs become the benevolent guardians of their self-contained worlds, focusing the spotlight on the forgotten and discarded. A Doberman lounges on a gold sofa while a small dog fiercely guards a wishbone on a shoeshine table. The armatures that envelop these animals correspond with large-scale wall based bas reliefs dripping with crystals, beads, and metal flowers”. (http://www.jackshainman.com/exhibitions/24th-street/)
After finishing gallery hopping we went to the Chelsea Historical District. Where we saw Cushman Row, the collection of seven red brick row houses built between 1839 and 1840, that were once occupied by the area's more fashionable inhabitants (ENY, 86). Next, we walked to St. Peter's Episcopal Church, this Gothic Revival church was completed in 1836 as a replacement for the community 's earlier Greek Revival Church (which now serves as the parish rectory)" (ENY, 87). But unfortunately we were not able to enter, since the church was closed.
Our next stop was Washington Square Park, built in 1827. New York University built it's first building by the park in 1837 in a gothic style. By 1970 the park was known for drug dealings and by 1990's a cleanup was performed. "In the 19th century the park was used for public executions with those convicted hung from "Hangman's Elm. The tree was still there and alive after 300 years" (ENY, 95).We also walk by the Hangman’s tree that was so historic. Walking through the park ,we all saw the famous bird man feeding the birds, children were running around, musician were playing their instrument , people were playing boards game and etc.
The entrance of the park shows the sculpture knows as Washington Arch. "Designed by Stanford White and completed in 1891, the 70 foot high triumphal arch was modeled after the Arc De Triomphe in Paris and dedicated to the centennial of George Washington's inauguration" (ENY, 95).
Next stop was a tour of the Merchant's House Museum. This was a preserved Federal-style house, filled with period furnishings and decorations built by Joseph Brewster in 1832. It was sold to Seabury Tredwell, a wealthy merchant for $18,000 in 1835. (ENY, 99). "Tredwell lived in the house with his wife, eight children, four servants and an assortment of relatives until his death in 1865" (ENY, 99). The house consisted of four floor .The first floor consisted of a family room and kitchen. The family room was just for read and rest by the family but it was not used to entertain guests. Every room had a fire place because they did not have any electric or water heating supply. They had a servant on call 24 hours in the day. Each room had a bell that connected to the kitchen which the servants had to respond to. For the fire places servants had to bring up charcoal from the first floor to each room. The second floor contained two parlors in which the guest spent their time. Dim Oregon lights were used to light up the room when guests were presented. Back in the day they did not bath often because of no water supply. The servants had the room in the attic it was very simple and small compared to the other room and did not have any carpet on the floors either.
After this historical house ,we stopped at 41 Cooper Square. "41 Cooper Square, officially called the New Academic Building, was designed by Thom Mayne of the Los Angeles architectural firm Morphosis, who wanted to create a ground-breaking building that also reflected the college's focus on advanced studies in art, architecture, and engineering" (ENY, 101). We were allowed to go in and were able to take couple of pictures from inside of the amazing architecture.
Our next stop was one of the community garden or park. Many parks were formed with the Green Thumb program in which community came together to fix rubble place into something beautiful such a building a garden and playground for the community to spend time in. This was done with volunteers and run by the local residents. They throw entertainment such as small plays and built vegetable garden and also what was amazing was they created their own compost for the organic vegetables the community created. The willow tree in the park was considered part of the culture. 2001 many of the parks were brought into the homestead program.Our last stop, we went to the Big Gay Ice Cream Shop for some, "Salty Pimp caramel “since it was too cold. Almost every one deiced to head home. Me and five others decided to walk to Penn station instead of taking the subway to the Penn station.
The neighborhood of Chelsea gets its name from the former estate of British army captain, Thomas Clark, who bought the 94 acres of land along the Hudson in 1750 and named it after his neighborhood (ENY, 84). Mike had mentioned that this area use to be known for prostitution and people would only come to this area for that reason.
The class took a stroll on the High Line. The High Line is a public park built on a historic freight rail line elevated above the streets on Manhattan’s West Side. It runs from Gansevoort Street in the Meatpacking District to West 34th Street, between 10th and 12th Avenues. “In the mid-19th century, a street-level freight line ran through the heart of Chelsea to transport produce through the city. The existence of train lines on crowded city streets, however led to numerous fatalities, so many in fact that 10th Avenue came to be known as "Death Avenue. In response to this problem, in the 1930s the New York Central Railroad had the line elevated 30 feet above the street, but it fell out of use in the 1980s" (ENY, 84).It is now owned by the City of New York, and maintained and operated by Friends of the High Line. Founded in 1999 by community residents, Friends of the High Line fought for the High Line’s preservation and transformation at a time when the historic structure was under the threat of demolition. It is now the non-profit conservancy working with the New York City Department of Parks & Recreation to make sure the High Line is maintained as an extraordinary public space for all visitors to enjoy .I also really enjoyed the walk on it and the High Line provided a beautiful (view. http://www.thehighline.org/about)
After strolling on the High Line, we then started galleries hopping at Chelsea. In 1990s, Chelsea’s fortunes changed dramatically, when SoHo began to become so fashionable that art galleries located there could no longer afford the exorbitant rents they were being charged. As a result hundreds of galleries began to open in Chelsea, turning it into a prestigious center of the New York art world" (ENY, 84).We viewed the art work of various artist including Tom Fruin, Nick Cave, Kwang Ho Shin and Danese Corey. The art work that was my favorite was Nick Cave. “Nick Cave is an artist, educator and foremost a messenger, working between the visual and performing arts through a wide range of mediums including sculpture, installation, video, sound and performance. He has said, "I have found my middle and now am working toward what I am leaving behind" (http://www.jackshainman.com/exhibitions/24th-street/).
At Jack Shainman Gallery, he has some interesting piece of arts majority of them were made up of beads, birds, flowers, antique chairs and dogs. This body of work by Cave’s is known as Rescue. “The series comprises sculptures that incorporate found ceramic dogs sitting on furniture within elaborate grottos or dreamlike dens. Dogs have historically been associated with loyalty, class, breed, commitment, and protection. More recently, the term “dawg” has played a role in hip-hop culture as a moniker for brotherhood, respect, and power. In the Rescues, Cave focuses on a single canine that has quite literally been rescued from destruction, very much like an adopted pet. These dogs become the benevolent guardians of their self-contained worlds, focusing the spotlight on the forgotten and discarded. A Doberman lounges on a gold sofa while a small dog fiercely guards a wishbone on a shoeshine table. The armatures that envelop these animals correspond with large-scale wall based bas reliefs dripping with crystals, beads, and metal flowers”. (http://www.jackshainman.com/exhibitions/24th-street/)
After finishing gallery hopping we went to the Chelsea Historical District. Where we saw Cushman Row, the collection of seven red brick row houses built between 1839 and 1840, that were once occupied by the area's more fashionable inhabitants (ENY, 86). Next, we walked to St. Peter's Episcopal Church, this Gothic Revival church was completed in 1836 as a replacement for the community 's earlier Greek Revival Church (which now serves as the parish rectory)" (ENY, 87). But unfortunately we were not able to enter, since the church was closed.
Our next stop was Washington Square Park, built in 1827. New York University built it's first building by the park in 1837 in a gothic style. By 1970 the park was known for drug dealings and by 1990's a cleanup was performed. "In the 19th century the park was used for public executions with those convicted hung from "Hangman's Elm. The tree was still there and alive after 300 years" (ENY, 95).We also walk by the Hangman’s tree that was so historic. Walking through the park ,we all saw the famous bird man feeding the birds, children were running around, musician were playing their instrument , people were playing boards game and etc.
The entrance of the park shows the sculpture knows as Washington Arch. "Designed by Stanford White and completed in 1891, the 70 foot high triumphal arch was modeled after the Arc De Triomphe in Paris and dedicated to the centennial of George Washington's inauguration" (ENY, 95).
Next stop was a tour of the Merchant's House Museum. This was a preserved Federal-style house, filled with period furnishings and decorations built by Joseph Brewster in 1832. It was sold to Seabury Tredwell, a wealthy merchant for $18,000 in 1835. (ENY, 99). "Tredwell lived in the house with his wife, eight children, four servants and an assortment of relatives until his death in 1865" (ENY, 99). The house consisted of four floor .The first floor consisted of a family room and kitchen. The family room was just for read and rest by the family but it was not used to entertain guests. Every room had a fire place because they did not have any electric or water heating supply. They had a servant on call 24 hours in the day. Each room had a bell that connected to the kitchen which the servants had to respond to. For the fire places servants had to bring up charcoal from the first floor to each room. The second floor contained two parlors in which the guest spent their time. Dim Oregon lights were used to light up the room when guests were presented. Back in the day they did not bath often because of no water supply. The servants had the room in the attic it was very simple and small compared to the other room and did not have any carpet on the floors either.
After this historical house ,we stopped at 41 Cooper Square. "41 Cooper Square, officially called the New Academic Building, was designed by Thom Mayne of the Los Angeles architectural firm Morphosis, who wanted to create a ground-breaking building that also reflected the college's focus on advanced studies in art, architecture, and engineering" (ENY, 101). We were allowed to go in and were able to take couple of pictures from inside of the amazing architecture.
Our next stop was one of the community garden or park. Many parks were formed with the Green Thumb program in which community came together to fix rubble place into something beautiful such a building a garden and playground for the community to spend time in. This was done with volunteers and run by the local residents. They throw entertainment such as small plays and built vegetable garden and also what was amazing was they created their own compost for the organic vegetables the community created. The willow tree in the park was considered part of the culture. 2001 many of the parks were brought into the homestead program.Our last stop, we went to the Big Gay Ice Cream Shop for some, "Salty Pimp caramel “since it was too cold. Almost every one deiced to head home. Me and five others decided to walk to Penn station instead of taking the subway to the Penn station.