The East side
Our day has started at our wonderful usual spot Penn Station and off we all left to another day of exploring 103th street and Lexington to East Harlem which is known as El Barrio. "This is an uptown neighborhood of Manhattan, the boundaries of which are the Harlem River to the north, East 96th Street to the South, the East River to the east, and Fifth Avenue to the west" (ENY, pg.161). As most areas of New York City this area is also going through much of gentrification. The population in 1880's were mostly consisted of Germans and Italians. "The elevated train service led to the development of this area and the construction of apartment buildings for German, Irish, Scandinavian, and Eastern European Immigrants. Later Southern Italian immigrants joined this mix, establishing what would become known as Italian Harlem- the original "Little Italy in Manhattan- along Pleasant Avenue by the East River" (ENY, pg.162). With the Genovese mob family running the area in the 1930s, there were over 100,000 Italian-Americans residing in the community (ENY, PG. 162). By 1960's the population changed into mostly Puerto Rican's transforming it into “EL Barrio”. By 1970's the city fell into a very abandoned place where paying rent was difficult and many people. During those times crimes were on the rise, by 1990's the community also blended with many Caribbean, Chinese and Mexican.
Our first official stop was at the Museum of the City of New York which offers exhibitions that explains the city's history from the Dutch to the present. The Museum was founded in 1923 and originally housed in Gracie Mansion (ENY, pg.163). "The museum has changing exhibitions focused on the history of New York City, "Especially its heritage of diversity, opportunity, and perpetual transformation" (ENY,pg 163). The Museum of the City of New York is an art gallery and history of New York City and its people. The museum included a collection of paintings, drawings, prints costumes, and photographs that featured New York City and its residents. We watched 25 min movie about the history of New York City the movie was written by James sanders. It explained the history to the present moment of the beautiful city. The most interesting part of the movie was that the Dutch’s purchased New York City from Native Americans for sixty guilder which is only $24.00. After 40 years the Dutch were pushed away by English and they changed the name of New Amsterdam to New York City. In 1664 the British had taken over. South Street was one of the biggest port in America which scheduled regular goods. This was expanded towards the Mid- West by creating the Erie Canal. By 1840's it was the biggest industrial areas around the world I found out that the population of New York is 8 million and still counting. The movie was really interesting the way they compared the living style and community of 63rich to poor.
Our next stop was El Museo del barrio which means the museum of the neighborhood. "The museum was founded in 1969 in a public school classroom in PS 125 by Puerto Rican activists from East Harlem, seeking to preserve their cultural heritage" (ENY,pg. 163) . In front of the museum we meet Luke the tour guide. We all were very excited to meet Luke because Mike could not stop bragging about how cool he was. Luke was eating his lunch when we got there so mike let us use the restroom in the meanwhile. After lunch Luke had us all form a circle and we went around introducing ourselves. We all opened up by saying our name and then we had to say one word describing how we were feeling that day. Luke is also a poet so he rapped a poem. Everyone really enjoyed it. He then started to walk us down the street. I was very surprised walking through the neighborhood because of how many people were outside enjoying the beautiful day just hanging out. The community seemed very welcoming and friendly, it seemed as if everyone knew each other. Luke stopped by a family who were in the park and ask them what they have to say about neighborhood. "The Spirit of East Harlem" Mural, created by Hank Prussing in 1978, the mural captures the Latin influences on street life in East Harlem the 1970s" (ENY,pg. 163). I really loved this mural because it wasn't of famous people it was drawings of regular people from the streets of East Harlem. Our next stop was at a community garden which was dedicated for the women of the community. The park was originally a vacant lot and dumping ground when it was converted by East Harlem resident Ernesto "Tin" Flores into a garden for the neighborhood's inhabitants (ENY, pg.164). The statue which is represented in the garden was a sculpture of Fallopian tubes. "In the center of this garden is an outdoor fountain sculpture, called "Seed of Growth," designed by Lina Puerta, much of whose work explores the female body and female experience (ENY, pg.164). Another painting was created in the wall to show the women as poet's and painters also to show a women is not only for art work but also the bullets around the chest represents them would fight and protect. It is called "Soldaderas", and was created by Yasmin Hernandez. (ENY pg.164). The mural consists of a painting of a Mexican artist Frida Kahlo and a Puerto Rican poet Julia de Burgos. The painting had symbols from the culture which consisted of fertility, peace etc. also the park represented their pain. They both were unable to have a child.
The most important art work in memory of Julia de Burgos was a mosaic created by Manuel Vega as known as Manny Vega. The primary art consists from artists from the neighborhood. One of the most famous artist from the neighborhood is Manny Vega. All his art work contains a bow and an arrow. He usually posts sketches for one year before making it into a permanent mosaic piece. He lived most of his life in El Barrio.
After that we visit the famous Gusto! He is someone who has seen many changes in the neighborhood also he owned a botanica which is a herbal store. He has cures for many illnesses and evil spirits! It was nice to talk to him and most amazing was how many different type of things that were stored inside the stores. It smelled wonderful. After all the tour we all finally went to have some ethnic delicious Dominican food which was just great!
Our next was Central Park it was a very long walk, it was so beautiful. The gate of the entrance of the park was from the Vanderbilt Mansion. So we all started to walk and admire the beauty of nature "This impressive entryway to Central Park was made in Paris in 1894 and originally stood before the Vanderbilt Mansion on Fifth Avenue and 58th Street" (ENY, pg. 150). On July 21, 1853, the New York State Legislature enacted into law the setting aside of more than 750 acres of land central to Manhattan Island to create America's first major landscaped public park; they would soon refer to it as "the Central Park." Frederick Law Olmsted and Calvert Vaux, the winners of the 1858 design competition for Central Park, along with other socially conscious reformers understood that the creation of a great public park would improve public health and contribute greatly to the formation of a civil society. Immediately, the success of Central Park fostered the urban park movement, one of the great hallmarks of democracy of nineteenth century America.Centra Park. http://www.centralparknyc.org/about/history.html
We passed by a beautiful garden which held many different types of incredible flowers. It was a nice area to sit and relax and enjoy the beautiful weather with the beautiful scene. We first saw Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis Reservoir which holds water just for 1 weeks for the entire city if we run out of water. "The reservoir is 40 feet deep and holds over 1 billion gallons of water" (ENY, pg 151).
We then headed over to the 3,500 year old Egyptian Obelisk. "The Obelisk was built on the Nile in honor of Pharaoh Thutmose III. In 16 B.C it was relocated by the Romans to Alexandria and placed near a temple built by Cleopatra. In a gesture of good will towards the United States, the Khedive of Egypt gave the obelisk to the City of New York in 1881 to facilitate good will and improved trade between Egypt and the United States (ENY, pg,153). The park consist of different areas. It contains a zoo, carousel, boat riding, playgrounds etc. Many weddings and photo shoots for weddings happen in the park. Central park has 36 bridges in total with many different architectural designs. Our next stop was by a very beautiful fountain with a statue, "The statue at the top of the fountain, known as Angel of the Waters, was created by Emma Stebbins in 1868, and is based upon the biblical story from Revelations of an angel blessing the Pool of Bethesda, giving it healing powers (ENY, pg. 155).
The next stop was to view the Dakota Apartments from Central Park. This apartment building is important due to the legend John Lennon had once lived there. Strawberry Park was created in honor of him. Strawberry Fields. "Dedicated to the memory of former Beatle and peace activist, John Lennon" (ENY, pg 156). "In recognition of Lennon's work promoting peace, on October 9th, 1985, Mayor Ed Koch dedicated a 2.5 acre site on the western edge of Central Park across the Dakota as a tribute to Lennon (ENY, pg .156). A tribute for the legend was a mosaic piece of artwork that says imagine which was also the title of one his hit songs. He was shot in front of his apartment.
We then left for the home from the other side of the park .It was little tiring but I loved the experience of central park.
Our first official stop was at the Museum of the City of New York which offers exhibitions that explains the city's history from the Dutch to the present. The Museum was founded in 1923 and originally housed in Gracie Mansion (ENY, pg.163). "The museum has changing exhibitions focused on the history of New York City, "Especially its heritage of diversity, opportunity, and perpetual transformation" (ENY,pg 163). The Museum of the City of New York is an art gallery and history of New York City and its people. The museum included a collection of paintings, drawings, prints costumes, and photographs that featured New York City and its residents. We watched 25 min movie about the history of New York City the movie was written by James sanders. It explained the history to the present moment of the beautiful city. The most interesting part of the movie was that the Dutch’s purchased New York City from Native Americans for sixty guilder which is only $24.00. After 40 years the Dutch were pushed away by English and they changed the name of New Amsterdam to New York City. In 1664 the British had taken over. South Street was one of the biggest port in America which scheduled regular goods. This was expanded towards the Mid- West by creating the Erie Canal. By 1840's it was the biggest industrial areas around the world I found out that the population of New York is 8 million and still counting. The movie was really interesting the way they compared the living style and community of 63rich to poor.
Our next stop was El Museo del barrio which means the museum of the neighborhood. "The museum was founded in 1969 in a public school classroom in PS 125 by Puerto Rican activists from East Harlem, seeking to preserve their cultural heritage" (ENY,pg. 163) . In front of the museum we meet Luke the tour guide. We all were very excited to meet Luke because Mike could not stop bragging about how cool he was. Luke was eating his lunch when we got there so mike let us use the restroom in the meanwhile. After lunch Luke had us all form a circle and we went around introducing ourselves. We all opened up by saying our name and then we had to say one word describing how we were feeling that day. Luke is also a poet so he rapped a poem. Everyone really enjoyed it. He then started to walk us down the street. I was very surprised walking through the neighborhood because of how many people were outside enjoying the beautiful day just hanging out. The community seemed very welcoming and friendly, it seemed as if everyone knew each other. Luke stopped by a family who were in the park and ask them what they have to say about neighborhood. "The Spirit of East Harlem" Mural, created by Hank Prussing in 1978, the mural captures the Latin influences on street life in East Harlem the 1970s" (ENY,pg. 163). I really loved this mural because it wasn't of famous people it was drawings of regular people from the streets of East Harlem. Our next stop was at a community garden which was dedicated for the women of the community. The park was originally a vacant lot and dumping ground when it was converted by East Harlem resident Ernesto "Tin" Flores into a garden for the neighborhood's inhabitants (ENY, pg.164). The statue which is represented in the garden was a sculpture of Fallopian tubes. "In the center of this garden is an outdoor fountain sculpture, called "Seed of Growth," designed by Lina Puerta, much of whose work explores the female body and female experience (ENY, pg.164). Another painting was created in the wall to show the women as poet's and painters also to show a women is not only for art work but also the bullets around the chest represents them would fight and protect. It is called "Soldaderas", and was created by Yasmin Hernandez. (ENY pg.164). The mural consists of a painting of a Mexican artist Frida Kahlo and a Puerto Rican poet Julia de Burgos. The painting had symbols from the culture which consisted of fertility, peace etc. also the park represented their pain. They both were unable to have a child.
The most important art work in memory of Julia de Burgos was a mosaic created by Manuel Vega as known as Manny Vega. The primary art consists from artists from the neighborhood. One of the most famous artist from the neighborhood is Manny Vega. All his art work contains a bow and an arrow. He usually posts sketches for one year before making it into a permanent mosaic piece. He lived most of his life in El Barrio.
After that we visit the famous Gusto! He is someone who has seen many changes in the neighborhood also he owned a botanica which is a herbal store. He has cures for many illnesses and evil spirits! It was nice to talk to him and most amazing was how many different type of things that were stored inside the stores. It smelled wonderful. After all the tour we all finally went to have some ethnic delicious Dominican food which was just great!
Our next was Central Park it was a very long walk, it was so beautiful. The gate of the entrance of the park was from the Vanderbilt Mansion. So we all started to walk and admire the beauty of nature "This impressive entryway to Central Park was made in Paris in 1894 and originally stood before the Vanderbilt Mansion on Fifth Avenue and 58th Street" (ENY, pg. 150). On July 21, 1853, the New York State Legislature enacted into law the setting aside of more than 750 acres of land central to Manhattan Island to create America's first major landscaped public park; they would soon refer to it as "the Central Park." Frederick Law Olmsted and Calvert Vaux, the winners of the 1858 design competition for Central Park, along with other socially conscious reformers understood that the creation of a great public park would improve public health and contribute greatly to the formation of a civil society. Immediately, the success of Central Park fostered the urban park movement, one of the great hallmarks of democracy of nineteenth century America.Centra Park. http://www.centralparknyc.org/about/history.html
We passed by a beautiful garden which held many different types of incredible flowers. It was a nice area to sit and relax and enjoy the beautiful weather with the beautiful scene. We first saw Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis Reservoir which holds water just for 1 weeks for the entire city if we run out of water. "The reservoir is 40 feet deep and holds over 1 billion gallons of water" (ENY, pg 151).
We then headed over to the 3,500 year old Egyptian Obelisk. "The Obelisk was built on the Nile in honor of Pharaoh Thutmose III. In 16 B.C it was relocated by the Romans to Alexandria and placed near a temple built by Cleopatra. In a gesture of good will towards the United States, the Khedive of Egypt gave the obelisk to the City of New York in 1881 to facilitate good will and improved trade between Egypt and the United States (ENY, pg,153). The park consist of different areas. It contains a zoo, carousel, boat riding, playgrounds etc. Many weddings and photo shoots for weddings happen in the park. Central park has 36 bridges in total with many different architectural designs. Our next stop was by a very beautiful fountain with a statue, "The statue at the top of the fountain, known as Angel of the Waters, was created by Emma Stebbins in 1868, and is based upon the biblical story from Revelations of an angel blessing the Pool of Bethesda, giving it healing powers (ENY, pg. 155).
The next stop was to view the Dakota Apartments from Central Park. This apartment building is important due to the legend John Lennon had once lived there. Strawberry Park was created in honor of him. Strawberry Fields. "Dedicated to the memory of former Beatle and peace activist, John Lennon" (ENY, pg 156). "In recognition of Lennon's work promoting peace, on October 9th, 1985, Mayor Ed Koch dedicated a 2.5 acre site on the western edge of Central Park across the Dakota as a tribute to Lennon (ENY, pg .156). A tribute for the legend was a mosaic piece of artwork that says imagine which was also the title of one his hit songs. He was shot in front of his apartment.
We then left for the home from the other side of the park .It was little tiring but I loved the experience of central park.
The West side
We began our journey at Frick museum, it is internationally recognized as a premier museum and research center, and it’s recognized for its distinguished Old Master paintings and outstanding examples of European sculpture and decorative arts.
The collection was assembled by the Pittsburgh industrialist Henry Clay Frick (1849–1919) and is housed in his former residence on Fifth Avenue. One of New York City’s few remaining Gilded Age mansions, the museum opened in 1935 and has continued to acquire works of art since Mr. Frick’s death. The Frick Collection includes masterpieces of European painting, major works of sculpture (among them one of the finest groups of small bronzes in the world), superb eighteenth-century French furniture and porcelains, Old Master and nineteenth-century works on paper, Limoges enamels, porcelains, and other works of remarkable quality. http://www.frick.org/about.
The Frick Collection was founded by Henry Clay Frick (1849-1919), the Pittsburgh coke and steel industrialist. He was a lifelong opponent of organized labor, and his refusal to allow union workers at his mines led to the infamous Homestead strike of July 1892, in which ten men were killed and sixty wounded. The same month, Frick himself was attacked in a failed assassination attempt by a twenty-five-year-old Russian anarchist.
In 1901, having moved from Pittsburgh to New York, Frick became one of the directors of J. P. Morgan's newly incorporated United States Steel Corporation; his official biographer noted that he was the largest individual railway stockholder in the world. http://www.frick.org/about.
Frick had started to collect paintings seriously in his late forties and began to focus on his collections even more after his move to New York in 1905. In 1913, construction began on Henry Frick's New York mansion on Fifth Avenue between 70th and 71st Streets. The home he erected cost nearly $5,000,000, including the price of the land. The firm of Carrère and Hastings designed the house to accommodate Frick's paintings and other art objects. Even the earliest plans for the residence take into account Frick's intention to leave his house and his art collection to the public, as he knew the Marquess of Hertford had done with his London mansion and comparable collection some years earlier. Frick changed the arrangements of the rooms as he acquired new works to fill the house. Frick died in 1919. In his will, he left the house and all of the works of art in it together with the furnishings ("subject to occupancy by Mrs. Frick during her lifetime") to become a gallery called The Frick Collection. He provided an endowment of $15 million to be used for the maintenance of the Collection and for improvements and additions. The last painting bought by Frick during world war was Mistress and Maid, 1666-67. Bought by Mr. Frick in 1919, the year of his death, this painting was his last purchase. All most all the painting in the collection were non-religious expect for one St. Francis in the Desert, ca. 1475-78 Giovanni Bellini
We were very lucky to see lot of art work in museum from big artist Artists represented in the Collection include Rembrandt van Rijn, Giovanni Bellini, El Greco, Frans Hals, Johannes Vermeer, Francois Boucher, Thomas Gainsborough, Sir Joshua Reynolds, Joseph Mallord William Turner, James McNeill Whistler, Francesco Laurana, Jean-Antoine Houdon, and Severo Calzetta da Ravenna. http://www.frick.org/about. We next walk through central park to Hell's Kitchen to have our delicious Thai food. Thai restaurant called Yum Yum Bangkok. I have never chicken cashew, the food was great; I enjoyed my chicken cashew.
We pass through times square getting a quick look at all the light , Billboards, and shops, as we headed to catch the Harlem subway at Harlem we met our tour guide Jim .Jim is very informative . He gave us a brief overview of Harlem, since its founding, Harlem has been an eclectic ethnic melting pot, and intensively spiritual place of churches and mosques, an example of urban blight and racial conflict, the place where jazz became a distinctive American form of music, and the soul of African-American culture in the United States" (ENY,pg. 175). During the 1920′s, Harlem flourished with cultural and artistic expression. This period was christened the “Harlem Renaissance”. Harlem Renaissance figures such as Langston Hughes, Aaron Douglas, Alain Locke and others felt that they would use their artistic creativity as a means to show America and the world that Blacks are intellectual, artistic and humane and should be treated accordingly Soon, Harlem became the cultural capital of black America with the creation of the Harlem Renaissance, http://www.harlemheritage.com/history-of-harlem/ .A period which saw the flowering of black music, literature, art, and political thought” (ENY, pg. 175). During this time, jazz music took over Harlem, black literature portrayed African-American experience in the form of poetry and fiction, and much more.
The Great Depression of 1929 rocked the country and devastated Black communities such as Harlem. The pressure of high rents, unemployment and racist practices cumulated in Harlem riots in 1935 and 1943. The Second World War offered Blacks few opportunities for advancement, and Blacks mobilized against the war industry demanding fair practices. Militant activities during the 1940′s set the stage for the 1960′ http://www.harlemheritage.com/history-of-harlem/. Local leaders came about around this time. For example, Reverend Adam Clayton Powell, Jr became known as Harlem’s first African-American congressman and Malcolm X, a figure who supported the idea of direct confrontation as the most effective way to improve life for black Americans (ENY, pg. 176).
We first walked to the Lenox Avenue, which is also known as Malcolm X Blvd, in front of Harlem Hospital. The buildings is home to the first featured mirror mural wall. The people from inside can easily see outside the mural wall. Early in 1936, as the United States continued to be mired in the Great Depression, the Federal Art Project hired a group of African-American artists who proposed to depict the history of black people in the United States on the walls of Harlem Hospital. The project had been created the year before as part of the Works Progress Administration, itself part of President Franklin D. Roosevelt’s New Deal, an all-encompassing plan to put Americans back to work. Although it only lasted for a few years, the project was responsible for the creation of more than 5,000 jobs and 225,000 artworks. It was also where a number of American artists who would later become well-known—including Arshile Gorky, Willem deKooning, James Brooks, and Jackson Pollock—would get their start. http://www.juilliard.edu/journal/1305/wpa-murals
After looking at the mural wall we walked to the West 137th Street and stopped at the Mother AME Zion Church. The architect of the church is Gothic Revival style, and has Manhattan Schist stone blocks on the exterior. This was founded in1796, by a group of prominent Methodist, making it the oldest black church in New York State. The gothic style church was designed by George E. Foster Jr., one of New York’s first black architects. (ENY, pg. 180).
We then walked to , Adam Clayton Powell Jr. and Frederick Douglass Boulevards to Striver's Row which is a section of 130 homes on West 138th and 139th Streets, developed by contractor David H. King between 1891 and 1893. These row houses were designed to look different, by having three architectural firms work separately on different sections. Of the development. The houses on both streets were built between 1891-1893 and have sophisticated architectural details, elegant woodwork, and modern amenities that were uncommon at the time for middle class housing” (ENY, pg. 181).eventually in economic depression the homes did not sell as he planned,. They remained empty until 1919, black families were finally allowed to purchase these homes at $8,000(ENY, PG.181).
Next, we went onto the Harlem Walk of Fame, located on 135th street. The walk contain multiple bronze plaques created by Otto Neals and Ogundipe Fayoumi to “honor great African-Americans who have made notable contributions in music, science, the arts, and public service (ENY, pg. 183).Some of the plaques that we stopped to look at were those of Ella Fitzgerald, Marcus Garven, Langston Hughes, Malcolm X, and Billie Holiday.
We then walk back from where we started. It was a great day. We all then headed back to Penn station.
The collection was assembled by the Pittsburgh industrialist Henry Clay Frick (1849–1919) and is housed in his former residence on Fifth Avenue. One of New York City’s few remaining Gilded Age mansions, the museum opened in 1935 and has continued to acquire works of art since Mr. Frick’s death. The Frick Collection includes masterpieces of European painting, major works of sculpture (among them one of the finest groups of small bronzes in the world), superb eighteenth-century French furniture and porcelains, Old Master and nineteenth-century works on paper, Limoges enamels, porcelains, and other works of remarkable quality. http://www.frick.org/about.
The Frick Collection was founded by Henry Clay Frick (1849-1919), the Pittsburgh coke and steel industrialist. He was a lifelong opponent of organized labor, and his refusal to allow union workers at his mines led to the infamous Homestead strike of July 1892, in which ten men were killed and sixty wounded. The same month, Frick himself was attacked in a failed assassination attempt by a twenty-five-year-old Russian anarchist.
In 1901, having moved from Pittsburgh to New York, Frick became one of the directors of J. P. Morgan's newly incorporated United States Steel Corporation; his official biographer noted that he was the largest individual railway stockholder in the world. http://www.frick.org/about.
Frick had started to collect paintings seriously in his late forties and began to focus on his collections even more after his move to New York in 1905. In 1913, construction began on Henry Frick's New York mansion on Fifth Avenue between 70th and 71st Streets. The home he erected cost nearly $5,000,000, including the price of the land. The firm of Carrère and Hastings designed the house to accommodate Frick's paintings and other art objects. Even the earliest plans for the residence take into account Frick's intention to leave his house and his art collection to the public, as he knew the Marquess of Hertford had done with his London mansion and comparable collection some years earlier. Frick changed the arrangements of the rooms as he acquired new works to fill the house. Frick died in 1919. In his will, he left the house and all of the works of art in it together with the furnishings ("subject to occupancy by Mrs. Frick during her lifetime") to become a gallery called The Frick Collection. He provided an endowment of $15 million to be used for the maintenance of the Collection and for improvements and additions. The last painting bought by Frick during world war was Mistress and Maid, 1666-67. Bought by Mr. Frick in 1919, the year of his death, this painting was his last purchase. All most all the painting in the collection were non-religious expect for one St. Francis in the Desert, ca. 1475-78 Giovanni Bellini
We were very lucky to see lot of art work in museum from big artist Artists represented in the Collection include Rembrandt van Rijn, Giovanni Bellini, El Greco, Frans Hals, Johannes Vermeer, Francois Boucher, Thomas Gainsborough, Sir Joshua Reynolds, Joseph Mallord William Turner, James McNeill Whistler, Francesco Laurana, Jean-Antoine Houdon, and Severo Calzetta da Ravenna. http://www.frick.org/about. We next walk through central park to Hell's Kitchen to have our delicious Thai food. Thai restaurant called Yum Yum Bangkok. I have never chicken cashew, the food was great; I enjoyed my chicken cashew.
We pass through times square getting a quick look at all the light , Billboards, and shops, as we headed to catch the Harlem subway at Harlem we met our tour guide Jim .Jim is very informative . He gave us a brief overview of Harlem, since its founding, Harlem has been an eclectic ethnic melting pot, and intensively spiritual place of churches and mosques, an example of urban blight and racial conflict, the place where jazz became a distinctive American form of music, and the soul of African-American culture in the United States" (ENY,pg. 175). During the 1920′s, Harlem flourished with cultural and artistic expression. This period was christened the “Harlem Renaissance”. Harlem Renaissance figures such as Langston Hughes, Aaron Douglas, Alain Locke and others felt that they would use their artistic creativity as a means to show America and the world that Blacks are intellectual, artistic and humane and should be treated accordingly Soon, Harlem became the cultural capital of black America with the creation of the Harlem Renaissance, http://www.harlemheritage.com/history-of-harlem/ .A period which saw the flowering of black music, literature, art, and political thought” (ENY, pg. 175). During this time, jazz music took over Harlem, black literature portrayed African-American experience in the form of poetry and fiction, and much more.
The Great Depression of 1929 rocked the country and devastated Black communities such as Harlem. The pressure of high rents, unemployment and racist practices cumulated in Harlem riots in 1935 and 1943. The Second World War offered Blacks few opportunities for advancement, and Blacks mobilized against the war industry demanding fair practices. Militant activities during the 1940′s set the stage for the 1960′ http://www.harlemheritage.com/history-of-harlem/. Local leaders came about around this time. For example, Reverend Adam Clayton Powell, Jr became known as Harlem’s first African-American congressman and Malcolm X, a figure who supported the idea of direct confrontation as the most effective way to improve life for black Americans (ENY, pg. 176).
We first walked to the Lenox Avenue, which is also known as Malcolm X Blvd, in front of Harlem Hospital. The buildings is home to the first featured mirror mural wall. The people from inside can easily see outside the mural wall. Early in 1936, as the United States continued to be mired in the Great Depression, the Federal Art Project hired a group of African-American artists who proposed to depict the history of black people in the United States on the walls of Harlem Hospital. The project had been created the year before as part of the Works Progress Administration, itself part of President Franklin D. Roosevelt’s New Deal, an all-encompassing plan to put Americans back to work. Although it only lasted for a few years, the project was responsible for the creation of more than 5,000 jobs and 225,000 artworks. It was also where a number of American artists who would later become well-known—including Arshile Gorky, Willem deKooning, James Brooks, and Jackson Pollock—would get their start. http://www.juilliard.edu/journal/1305/wpa-murals
After looking at the mural wall we walked to the West 137th Street and stopped at the Mother AME Zion Church. The architect of the church is Gothic Revival style, and has Manhattan Schist stone blocks on the exterior. This was founded in1796, by a group of prominent Methodist, making it the oldest black church in New York State. The gothic style church was designed by George E. Foster Jr., one of New York’s first black architects. (ENY, pg. 180).
We then walked to , Adam Clayton Powell Jr. and Frederick Douglass Boulevards to Striver's Row which is a section of 130 homes on West 138th and 139th Streets, developed by contractor David H. King between 1891 and 1893. These row houses were designed to look different, by having three architectural firms work separately on different sections. Of the development. The houses on both streets were built between 1891-1893 and have sophisticated architectural details, elegant woodwork, and modern amenities that were uncommon at the time for middle class housing” (ENY, pg. 181).eventually in economic depression the homes did not sell as he planned,. They remained empty until 1919, black families were finally allowed to purchase these homes at $8,000(ENY, PG.181).
Next, we went onto the Harlem Walk of Fame, located on 135th street. The walk contain multiple bronze plaques created by Otto Neals and Ogundipe Fayoumi to “honor great African-Americans who have made notable contributions in music, science, the arts, and public service (ENY, pg. 183).Some of the plaques that we stopped to look at were those of Ella Fitzgerald, Marcus Garven, Langston Hughes, Malcolm X, and Billie Holiday.
We then walk back from where we started. It was a great day. We all then headed back to Penn station.
Lower Manhattan
As we started our day at Penn Station, the morning itself felt so gloomy. We were expecting rain today .Our first stop was looking at the Woolworth Building which was the tallest building from 1913 to 1930. Frank. Winfield Woolworth was the founder of a successful chain of 5- and 10- cent stores that still beat his name. When it came time to build his headquarters in Lower Manhattan, Woolworth was determined that it would rise higher than any other in the world (ENY, Pg., 46). By 1913 he was able to pay $13,500,000 in cash to build this building. (Eny, pg. 46) Mike also told us that this building was the tallest building until the Chrysler building was built in the 1930s. Woolworth building, which is neo-gothic style, was designed by Cass Gilbert, who was inspired by medieval cathedrals that he had seen in France (ENY, pg., 46).
We took a small stop at the Municipal Building, which is one of the largest governmental buildings in the world. The building currently itself is home to thirteen municipal agencies of the city of new york and until 2009 housed the Manhattan marriage bureau , where 1800 people married each year (ENY pg. 42).It was designed by the famous architecture firm, McKim, Mead, and White. The municipal building is the combination of Roman, Italian Renaissance, and Classical styles. When you walk through the colonnade of the building there is an area full of Guastavino tile-work on the ceiling (ENY pg. 42).It is extremely impressive to look at, Mike told us that the title is holding up the ceiling, along with support of vaults (ENY pg. 42). We continued on to the New York's Municipal Building and Tweed's Courthouse. "Built between 1861 and 1881, the Italianate-style courthouse was designed by two of New York's most prominent 19th century architects, John Kellum and Leopold Eidlitz and has been called "one of the city's grandest and most important civic monuments" by New York Landmark's Preservation Commission" (ENY, Pg, 45)Next, we headed Foley Square. "The square was named after Tammany Hall district leader and saloon owner Thomas F. (Big Tom) Foley. The fountain in the middle of the square, "Triumph of the Human Spirit," was created by Brooklyn Sculptor Lorenzo Pace" (ENY, Pg, 43)
Next stop was the amazing City Hall. Which houses the Offices of the mayor and the City Council" (ENY, pg, 40) I have heard so much about this place but never had the opportunity to see it. We all walked in through security as groups of 6 each. Then we met our tour guide. When it was built, City hall stood on the northern edge of New York City. Since no one at the time anticipated that the city would expand beyond that point, City Hall faces south (ENY,PG .40) Our tour guide gave us a tour of the inside of the building. We saw the governor’s room. During the 19th century, the public business for New York City was undertaken in City Hall. When five boroughs joined together to form the greater City of New York in 1898, it soon became apparent that more room was needed to house the city’s numerous governmental agencies (ENY pg. 42) Jean-Antoine Houdon a created the sculptor of George Washington's using life mask material so it is one of the most realistic looks of George Washington which is made up of bronze ,visitor come and touch the foot of sculptor for good luck. He is dressed in a military uniform and the back side has a plow, bundle of rods which shows the he wanted to go back to its roots of farming. The inside staircase is a Roman arch design. There were beautiful pillars. In 1865 Lincoln's body was brought to city hall.
We saw the governor’s room, which is the same; since1790’s have different painting portraits of important people such as presidents, governors and mayors. The balcony was for the public to hear inspirational messages. There is a picture of Thomas Jefferson it was commissioned by Levy who was an admirer of Jefferson. The architect inside it is very beautiful. The Governor's Room has light green interior and a desk that George Washington had used during his presidency. The decor and furniture was told to be from that time .The room is now turned into the museum .I really learned a lot from the city hall.
We then headed to The African Burial Ground National Monument and Museum is located on the first floor of the Ted Weiss Federal Building. From 1690 to 1794 an estimated 20,000 free Africans and slaves were buried in a 6.6 acre burial ground on this site, which at this time was outside the boundaries of the City of New York. Over time the burial ground was developed over and forgotten until it was rediscovered in 1991 during the construction of the Ted Weiss Building" (ENY, Pg, 44-45). When we entered the museum each of us had to go through security. We looked at painting and stuff in the museum then we all went in to small theater and watched a short video based on a young girl Who lost her father. We saw how the community acted and the burial process was carried out.
Our next stop was St. Paul's Chapel, built in 1766, it is considered one of the oldest chapel. Although it was directly across the street from the World Trade Center, the chapel miraculously survived the terrorist attacks on September 11th, 2001" (ENY, Pg, 47). It is very important place for many people especially during September 11 2001. The chapel severed both as a place of refuge for workers at Ground Zero and as a temporary memorial for visitors. Walking into the chapel brought back many memories of that day. It was very emotional seeing the chapel, it really told a story of many people and their families. As I walk around the church, I could feel the emotions from those who were there visiting; it was as if this tragedy just happened yesterday. Seeing pictures of people who came and volunteered their time to those in need. Everyone from nurses, chiropractors, doctors, etc. came to offer their time and provide as much as they can.
After that we walked over to see the September 11, 2001 Memorial, I always wanted to go to the memorial to pay my respect for all the people, that were inside the towers. "The 9-11 memorials, which opened in 2011, was the result of a competition launched by Lower Manhattan Development Corporation in 2003. The memorial consists of two once acre pools set in the footprints of the original Twin Towers" (ENY, Pg, 49).
It was so emotional walking inside the memorial; it felt like the whole incident just happened recently. It brought back every single memory I had from that day.my uncle ,who now retired worked next door in bank of America, when he came home one day later it was the feeling of biggest relieve. But still when he tells us stories of what he saw from his office widow even now gives us chills and makes us emotional. There is a tree which is the only tree that survived and it is known as the survival tree. It was located in the middle of both towers. We were also able to get a beautiful view of the Freedom Tower which is just so beautiful the architect of the building is amazing.
.
Our next short stop was Trinity Church for many years it was the highest point. It was the first gothic church that was made in America. (ENY, pg. 50). "This is actually the third church to stand on this site. The first, which was built in 1697, was destroyed in a fire that swept through much of Lower New York in 1776, and the second, from 1790, was torn down after it was heavily damage during a snow storm. The present church was designed by Richard M. Upjohn in Gothic Revival style and completed in 1846" (ENY, Pg, 50).
After that we strolled through Wall Street (New York Stock Exchange). It is the world's largest stock exchange. It was moved in the current area in 1903. Many major corporations and banks were located in this area. Continuing down Wall Street, we walk by the New York Stock Exchange It is the world’s largest exchange) new york stock exchange a 1903 Beaux Art building with Corinthian columns, that “was established as a way to pay back the $80 million in bonds that had been issued by Congress to pay Revolutionary War debts” (ENY, pg. 51). The New York Stock Exchange began over two hundred years ago when, faced with cut rate competition from a group of powerful government bond merchants, twenty-four brokers signed the Buttonwood Tree Agreement. The agreement created a closed club in which members agreed to trade only with each other and to abide by a 0.25% commission rate. 1792 Buttonwood Tree Agreement the May 17, 1792 Buttonwood Tree Agreement was named after the huge Sycamore (known in the vernacular as a Buttonwood Tree) in front of 68 Wall Street under which brokers gathered to trade http://www.business.illinois.edu/broker/course/lesson09/x1a.htm.
In the 1930s the original figures deteriorated so badly that their stone was replaced with a metal sheet secretly so that the public would not think that the Stock exchange was so vulnerable (eny, pg.51). Our next stop is Alexander Hamilton Custom House. On our way there we saw a large bronze statue of a Charging Bull that was dropped by one artist Arthuro in 1989, on public demand instead of moving it away it got placed on Broadway .it became a hit with tourists and quickly became one of New York's most photographed works of art (ENY, 53).we end our day on the stairs of Alexander Hamilton Custom House
We took a small stop at the Municipal Building, which is one of the largest governmental buildings in the world. The building currently itself is home to thirteen municipal agencies of the city of new york and until 2009 housed the Manhattan marriage bureau , where 1800 people married each year (ENY pg. 42).It was designed by the famous architecture firm, McKim, Mead, and White. The municipal building is the combination of Roman, Italian Renaissance, and Classical styles. When you walk through the colonnade of the building there is an area full of Guastavino tile-work on the ceiling (ENY pg. 42).It is extremely impressive to look at, Mike told us that the title is holding up the ceiling, along with support of vaults (ENY pg. 42). We continued on to the New York's Municipal Building and Tweed's Courthouse. "Built between 1861 and 1881, the Italianate-style courthouse was designed by two of New York's most prominent 19th century architects, John Kellum and Leopold Eidlitz and has been called "one of the city's grandest and most important civic monuments" by New York Landmark's Preservation Commission" (ENY, Pg, 45)Next, we headed Foley Square. "The square was named after Tammany Hall district leader and saloon owner Thomas F. (Big Tom) Foley. The fountain in the middle of the square, "Triumph of the Human Spirit," was created by Brooklyn Sculptor Lorenzo Pace" (ENY, Pg, 43)
Next stop was the amazing City Hall. Which houses the Offices of the mayor and the City Council" (ENY, pg, 40) I have heard so much about this place but never had the opportunity to see it. We all walked in through security as groups of 6 each. Then we met our tour guide. When it was built, City hall stood on the northern edge of New York City. Since no one at the time anticipated that the city would expand beyond that point, City Hall faces south (ENY,PG .40) Our tour guide gave us a tour of the inside of the building. We saw the governor’s room. During the 19th century, the public business for New York City was undertaken in City Hall. When five boroughs joined together to form the greater City of New York in 1898, it soon became apparent that more room was needed to house the city’s numerous governmental agencies (ENY pg. 42) Jean-Antoine Houdon a created the sculptor of George Washington's using life mask material so it is one of the most realistic looks of George Washington which is made up of bronze ,visitor come and touch the foot of sculptor for good luck. He is dressed in a military uniform and the back side has a plow, bundle of rods which shows the he wanted to go back to its roots of farming. The inside staircase is a Roman arch design. There were beautiful pillars. In 1865 Lincoln's body was brought to city hall.
We saw the governor’s room, which is the same; since1790’s have different painting portraits of important people such as presidents, governors and mayors. The balcony was for the public to hear inspirational messages. There is a picture of Thomas Jefferson it was commissioned by Levy who was an admirer of Jefferson. The architect inside it is very beautiful. The Governor's Room has light green interior and a desk that George Washington had used during his presidency. The decor and furniture was told to be from that time .The room is now turned into the museum .I really learned a lot from the city hall.
We then headed to The African Burial Ground National Monument and Museum is located on the first floor of the Ted Weiss Federal Building. From 1690 to 1794 an estimated 20,000 free Africans and slaves were buried in a 6.6 acre burial ground on this site, which at this time was outside the boundaries of the City of New York. Over time the burial ground was developed over and forgotten until it was rediscovered in 1991 during the construction of the Ted Weiss Building" (ENY, Pg, 44-45). When we entered the museum each of us had to go through security. We looked at painting and stuff in the museum then we all went in to small theater and watched a short video based on a young girl Who lost her father. We saw how the community acted and the burial process was carried out.
Our next stop was St. Paul's Chapel, built in 1766, it is considered one of the oldest chapel. Although it was directly across the street from the World Trade Center, the chapel miraculously survived the terrorist attacks on September 11th, 2001" (ENY, Pg, 47). It is very important place for many people especially during September 11 2001. The chapel severed both as a place of refuge for workers at Ground Zero and as a temporary memorial for visitors. Walking into the chapel brought back many memories of that day. It was very emotional seeing the chapel, it really told a story of many people and their families. As I walk around the church, I could feel the emotions from those who were there visiting; it was as if this tragedy just happened yesterday. Seeing pictures of people who came and volunteered their time to those in need. Everyone from nurses, chiropractors, doctors, etc. came to offer their time and provide as much as they can.
After that we walked over to see the September 11, 2001 Memorial, I always wanted to go to the memorial to pay my respect for all the people, that were inside the towers. "The 9-11 memorials, which opened in 2011, was the result of a competition launched by Lower Manhattan Development Corporation in 2003. The memorial consists of two once acre pools set in the footprints of the original Twin Towers" (ENY, Pg, 49).
It was so emotional walking inside the memorial; it felt like the whole incident just happened recently. It brought back every single memory I had from that day.my uncle ,who now retired worked next door in bank of America, when he came home one day later it was the feeling of biggest relieve. But still when he tells us stories of what he saw from his office widow even now gives us chills and makes us emotional. There is a tree which is the only tree that survived and it is known as the survival tree. It was located in the middle of both towers. We were also able to get a beautiful view of the Freedom Tower which is just so beautiful the architect of the building is amazing.
.
Our next short stop was Trinity Church for many years it was the highest point. It was the first gothic church that was made in America. (ENY, pg. 50). "This is actually the third church to stand on this site. The first, which was built in 1697, was destroyed in a fire that swept through much of Lower New York in 1776, and the second, from 1790, was torn down after it was heavily damage during a snow storm. The present church was designed by Richard M. Upjohn in Gothic Revival style and completed in 1846" (ENY, Pg, 50).
After that we strolled through Wall Street (New York Stock Exchange). It is the world's largest stock exchange. It was moved in the current area in 1903. Many major corporations and banks were located in this area. Continuing down Wall Street, we walk by the New York Stock Exchange It is the world’s largest exchange) new york stock exchange a 1903 Beaux Art building with Corinthian columns, that “was established as a way to pay back the $80 million in bonds that had been issued by Congress to pay Revolutionary War debts” (ENY, pg. 51). The New York Stock Exchange began over two hundred years ago when, faced with cut rate competition from a group of powerful government bond merchants, twenty-four brokers signed the Buttonwood Tree Agreement. The agreement created a closed club in which members agreed to trade only with each other and to abide by a 0.25% commission rate. 1792 Buttonwood Tree Agreement the May 17, 1792 Buttonwood Tree Agreement was named after the huge Sycamore (known in the vernacular as a Buttonwood Tree) in front of 68 Wall Street under which brokers gathered to trade http://www.business.illinois.edu/broker/course/lesson09/x1a.htm.
In the 1930s the original figures deteriorated so badly that their stone was replaced with a metal sheet secretly so that the public would not think that the Stock exchange was so vulnerable (eny, pg.51). Our next stop is Alexander Hamilton Custom House. On our way there we saw a large bronze statue of a Charging Bull that was dropped by one artist Arthuro in 1989, on public demand instead of moving it away it got placed on Broadway .it became a hit with tourists and quickly became one of New York's most photographed works of art (ENY, 53).we end our day on the stairs of Alexander Hamilton Custom House
immigration to ny
We began our last day by heading out of Penn to catch the F train to the Lower East Side. In the 1900s Lower-East side was the densest area in the world denser than Bombay. By 1860's many Jewish people came due to all the executions that were happening during that time in. By 1880s - 1990s many Italian and Chinese people had arrived, the population of Chinese people was so much that the government had to shut down immigrants from China.
We visited the Lower side tenement, located on 97 orchards St was home by approximately 7,000 people from more than 20 countries for about 80 years (ENY pg. 67). Around 1850 century Germans, and Irish start arriving in lower east side, but it is between 1881- 1924 Russian and Eastern European Jewish immigrated which changed the Lower East side and still affects the ethnic makeup of New York. Almost 2 and half million Ashkenazi Jews who came to the US from Russia, Poland and Romanian, rather than Sephardic Jews who were from Spain and North Africa (Eny p.65).
Our first stop was tenement museum .In 1935, the landlord evicted tenant and sealed up the building, because they do not have money to get it updated. (Eny,p 67) . In our guided tour to the tenement museum, we learned about two Jewish families that made their home in the tenement. All the apartments have three rooms, opening in to each other. Rooms were very small with kitchen in the middle. The housing apartments used to not having any ventilations (windows) back then, there used to be only 3 bathrooms for the whole apartment complex, which all residents used to share. By 1877 the crowd had gotten worse and people that lived in the tenements only had 1 bathroom for every 20 people. In 1901they changed the residents apartments, every room had window, every apartment had to had bathroom (eny,pg,34).
The first apartment that we visited was the Levin family, which consisted of the Harris and Jenny and their 5 children. In 1890, Harris and Jennie Levine came to the United States from Plonsk, which was then part of Russia and now is in Poland. The Levine’s settled on the Lower East Side, moving in to the tenement at 97 Orchard Street sometime around 1892. However, the apartment was not just their home; the Levines also used the space to run a small dressmaking shop.
The Levine's apartment-based shop was hardly unusual on the Lower East Side. Indeed, it was one of more than an estimated 100 workshops in business along the one block of Orchard Street between Delancey and Broome Streets. Like a number of their neighbors on Orchard, the Levines worked as contractors, assembling garments for manufacturers.
He employed three workers--a presser, a baster, and a finisher-and operated the sewing machine himself. While he sewed and supervised, Jennie Levine cooked for her family and the workers. Finding space to cook, however, could be a challenge. The presser did his work in the kitchen, and pressing garments on an ironing board in the middle of the room. Levin like many of the breadwinners of the family, set up their business from their homes ( http://www.tenement.org/Virtual_Tour/vt_levine.html).
Second family whose apartment we visited was again a Jewish family, the Rogarshevski's. They moved into the tenement in 1901, the family consisted of Abraham and Fanny, and their 6 children. This family had four members to work for the wages. Abraham worked as a presser, Ida works at paper-box factory, Bessie worked at a garment factory, and Morris worked in a shipping industry. The Abraham got sick and was diagnosed with tuberculosis. There was no cure for the disease; Doctor prescribed the fleeting comforts provided by air, rest and light. Abraham ignored the advice stayed in the same house and kept going to his job at the garment shop. Within a year, though, he was bedridden in the back room of the family's apartment. Fannie worked tirelessly to make Abraham comfortable and protect her children from the highly contagious disease. In spite of Fannie's efforts, Abraham Rogarshevsky passed away on Friday, July 12, 1918. After Abraham death, his wife Fannie got hired to be the building's "janitress." In exchange, she was able to live in her old apartment, free of charge. It was really interesting to learn about immigrant people of that time (http://www.tenement.org/Virtual_Tour/vt_levine.html).
After the museum mike divide us into groups of five and sent us out on the scavenger hunt. My group and I began our scavenger hunt through Chinatown. By 1868 the Chinese population increased. It was due to laborers coming from china through California to build the railroad (Eny, pg 72). By the 1880s the Chinese population in NY was over 10,000. The interesting part about population, it was predominately men; it was 200 to 1 ratio of Chinese men to women. Often times the Chinese men married Irish women (ENY, pg 72). It was with the Immigration Act of 1965 that Chinese immigration was not able to increase. It went from allowing 105 immigrants per year to 20,000 after 1965 (ENY pg. 72).
We first headed to the Canal Street. We strolled around; we tried taro bubble tea from VIVI. Then we headed to try ice cream from the famous Chinatown Ice Cream Factory , but we decided not to try any since we were still enjoying our bubble tea. We then went to Buddha temple the Eastern States Buddhist Temple of America. It is more like a store; we saw bracelets, statues of Buddha and necklaces made up of different stones being sold in that temple. People who were passing by would stop and do small prayer in front of the statues that were placed in the outside window of the store.
It smelled like raw fish while walking through the streets. So in this area we got to spend 30 minutes without our professors and guide tour, as I was walking noticed there was a lot of stores, people come for bargains, and for food, as well as for knockoff designer handbags and perfume.
We all later gathered to Congee Village and had our wonderful final lunch together. I enjoyed the food, what I loved that I got to eat, Singapore noodles, fried chicken, Sesame chicken and broccoli, seafood in a Pineapple bowl, and vegetable fried rice. It was delicious. Mike was running around because our table was not getting the food but he made sure we were full by the end of the trip.Our first stop after lunch was Economy Candy- world's best candy store. It had every possible candy you can ever imagine. I saw candies which I thought didn't exist anymore. I got some goodies for my sister and brother and of course for myself.
We then walked to the Williamsburg Bridge. As we were standing by the Williamsburg Bridge, Jim explained that the nick name of the Bridge was Jews Highway. Williamsburg relieved the density of the amount of people who were in lower east side, many of the carts that sold vegetables and meat usually crossed the bridge to provide for both side customers. Jay Z used to live in Williamsburg among the project housing. Project housing is an adequate housing for the poor. Williamsburg Bridge was built on 1903. Williamsburg Bridge goes over to the Brooklyn site.
We then visit The Bialystoker Synagogue at 7 willet St .The building was constructed in 1826 as the Willett Street Methodist Episcopal Church; the then synagogue purchased the building .The synagogue was founded in 1865 by Jews who came from the town of Bialystock in Poland. Merging with another congregation from Poland, the enlarged congregation purchased the Willett Street Methodist Episcopal Church and converted it into a synagogue" (ENY, Pg, 68).
We also stopped by the building called mikvah where Jewish women came to purify themselves with rain water after menstruation (ENY, 68).It is where the Jewish Ladies also go before getting married to get purified, which was something new that I learned about Jewish culture.
We also went to the Henry Street Settlement House 1893, which was founded by a 25 year old nursing student named Lillian Wald. Lillian Wald, founder of the Henry street settlement Lillian Wald lived worked at 265 Henry street improving the quality of life in the Lower East side, throughout New York City and across the nation . Lillian Wald was appalled by the conditions that she encountered on the lower east side while volunteering to teach about home health care to immigrant women (ENY, 69). Two years later, a banker Jacob Schiff purchased a row house on Henry Street and donated it to the Settlement in 1903. Wald with the help of Schiff organized a Visiting Nurse Service to care for the sick. (ENY pg. 69)
Our last stop of the day was Eldrige Street synagogue on orchard St. It was constructed in 1887 and was the first synagogue in New York built by Eastern European Jews (ENY,pg 71). The twelve stars lining the circumference of it represents the twelve tribes of Israel, which is distinctly Jewish, as are numerous Star of David used throughout the facade (ENY,pg. 71). We were not able to go inside since it was closed but did manage to take a picture on the stoop on the church. This was end of out last day. I really enjoyed this class. We all then headed to Penn station to get out respective train to home.
We visited the Lower side tenement, located on 97 orchards St was home by approximately 7,000 people from more than 20 countries for about 80 years (ENY pg. 67). Around 1850 century Germans, and Irish start arriving in lower east side, but it is between 1881- 1924 Russian and Eastern European Jewish immigrated which changed the Lower East side and still affects the ethnic makeup of New York. Almost 2 and half million Ashkenazi Jews who came to the US from Russia, Poland and Romanian, rather than Sephardic Jews who were from Spain and North Africa (Eny p.65).
Our first stop was tenement museum .In 1935, the landlord evicted tenant and sealed up the building, because they do not have money to get it updated. (Eny,p 67) . In our guided tour to the tenement museum, we learned about two Jewish families that made their home in the tenement. All the apartments have three rooms, opening in to each other. Rooms were very small with kitchen in the middle. The housing apartments used to not having any ventilations (windows) back then, there used to be only 3 bathrooms for the whole apartment complex, which all residents used to share. By 1877 the crowd had gotten worse and people that lived in the tenements only had 1 bathroom for every 20 people. In 1901they changed the residents apartments, every room had window, every apartment had to had bathroom (eny,pg,34).
The first apartment that we visited was the Levin family, which consisted of the Harris and Jenny and their 5 children. In 1890, Harris and Jennie Levine came to the United States from Plonsk, which was then part of Russia and now is in Poland. The Levine’s settled on the Lower East Side, moving in to the tenement at 97 Orchard Street sometime around 1892. However, the apartment was not just their home; the Levines also used the space to run a small dressmaking shop.
The Levine's apartment-based shop was hardly unusual on the Lower East Side. Indeed, it was one of more than an estimated 100 workshops in business along the one block of Orchard Street between Delancey and Broome Streets. Like a number of their neighbors on Orchard, the Levines worked as contractors, assembling garments for manufacturers.
He employed three workers--a presser, a baster, and a finisher-and operated the sewing machine himself. While he sewed and supervised, Jennie Levine cooked for her family and the workers. Finding space to cook, however, could be a challenge. The presser did his work in the kitchen, and pressing garments on an ironing board in the middle of the room. Levin like many of the breadwinners of the family, set up their business from their homes ( http://www.tenement.org/Virtual_Tour/vt_levine.html).
Second family whose apartment we visited was again a Jewish family, the Rogarshevski's. They moved into the tenement in 1901, the family consisted of Abraham and Fanny, and their 6 children. This family had four members to work for the wages. Abraham worked as a presser, Ida works at paper-box factory, Bessie worked at a garment factory, and Morris worked in a shipping industry. The Abraham got sick and was diagnosed with tuberculosis. There was no cure for the disease; Doctor prescribed the fleeting comforts provided by air, rest and light. Abraham ignored the advice stayed in the same house and kept going to his job at the garment shop. Within a year, though, he was bedridden in the back room of the family's apartment. Fannie worked tirelessly to make Abraham comfortable and protect her children from the highly contagious disease. In spite of Fannie's efforts, Abraham Rogarshevsky passed away on Friday, July 12, 1918. After Abraham death, his wife Fannie got hired to be the building's "janitress." In exchange, she was able to live in her old apartment, free of charge. It was really interesting to learn about immigrant people of that time (http://www.tenement.org/Virtual_Tour/vt_levine.html).
After the museum mike divide us into groups of five and sent us out on the scavenger hunt. My group and I began our scavenger hunt through Chinatown. By 1868 the Chinese population increased. It was due to laborers coming from china through California to build the railroad (Eny, pg 72). By the 1880s the Chinese population in NY was over 10,000. The interesting part about population, it was predominately men; it was 200 to 1 ratio of Chinese men to women. Often times the Chinese men married Irish women (ENY, pg 72). It was with the Immigration Act of 1965 that Chinese immigration was not able to increase. It went from allowing 105 immigrants per year to 20,000 after 1965 (ENY pg. 72).
We first headed to the Canal Street. We strolled around; we tried taro bubble tea from VIVI. Then we headed to try ice cream from the famous Chinatown Ice Cream Factory , but we decided not to try any since we were still enjoying our bubble tea. We then went to Buddha temple the Eastern States Buddhist Temple of America. It is more like a store; we saw bracelets, statues of Buddha and necklaces made up of different stones being sold in that temple. People who were passing by would stop and do small prayer in front of the statues that were placed in the outside window of the store.
It smelled like raw fish while walking through the streets. So in this area we got to spend 30 minutes without our professors and guide tour, as I was walking noticed there was a lot of stores, people come for bargains, and for food, as well as for knockoff designer handbags and perfume.
We all later gathered to Congee Village and had our wonderful final lunch together. I enjoyed the food, what I loved that I got to eat, Singapore noodles, fried chicken, Sesame chicken and broccoli, seafood in a Pineapple bowl, and vegetable fried rice. It was delicious. Mike was running around because our table was not getting the food but he made sure we were full by the end of the trip.Our first stop after lunch was Economy Candy- world's best candy store. It had every possible candy you can ever imagine. I saw candies which I thought didn't exist anymore. I got some goodies for my sister and brother and of course for myself.
We then walked to the Williamsburg Bridge. As we were standing by the Williamsburg Bridge, Jim explained that the nick name of the Bridge was Jews Highway. Williamsburg relieved the density of the amount of people who were in lower east side, many of the carts that sold vegetables and meat usually crossed the bridge to provide for both side customers. Jay Z used to live in Williamsburg among the project housing. Project housing is an adequate housing for the poor. Williamsburg Bridge was built on 1903. Williamsburg Bridge goes over to the Brooklyn site.
We then visit The Bialystoker Synagogue at 7 willet St .The building was constructed in 1826 as the Willett Street Methodist Episcopal Church; the then synagogue purchased the building .The synagogue was founded in 1865 by Jews who came from the town of Bialystock in Poland. Merging with another congregation from Poland, the enlarged congregation purchased the Willett Street Methodist Episcopal Church and converted it into a synagogue" (ENY, Pg, 68).
We also stopped by the building called mikvah where Jewish women came to purify themselves with rain water after menstruation (ENY, 68).It is where the Jewish Ladies also go before getting married to get purified, which was something new that I learned about Jewish culture.
We also went to the Henry Street Settlement House 1893, which was founded by a 25 year old nursing student named Lillian Wald. Lillian Wald, founder of the Henry street settlement Lillian Wald lived worked at 265 Henry street improving the quality of life in the Lower East side, throughout New York City and across the nation . Lillian Wald was appalled by the conditions that she encountered on the lower east side while volunteering to teach about home health care to immigrant women (ENY, 69). Two years later, a banker Jacob Schiff purchased a row house on Henry Street and donated it to the Settlement in 1903. Wald with the help of Schiff organized a Visiting Nurse Service to care for the sick. (ENY pg. 69)
Our last stop of the day was Eldrige Street synagogue on orchard St. It was constructed in 1887 and was the first synagogue in New York built by Eastern European Jews (ENY,pg 71). The twelve stars lining the circumference of it represents the twelve tribes of Israel, which is distinctly Jewish, as are numerous Star of David used throughout the facade (ENY,pg. 71). We were not able to go inside since it was closed but did manage to take a picture on the stoop on the church. This was end of out last day. I really enjoyed this class. We all then headed to Penn station to get out respective train to home.
final impression
My final thoughts about this class is, it was a unique fun class and a wonderful class I ever took. I can’t believe that classes have ended I was sad but happy at the same time. Happy because no more travelling in train and sad because all of the adventures have ended. Also now I have less stories to tell my family and husband. I think I really enjoyed telling everyone about what I saw on Fridays. Now I can take my family and friends to places I enjoyed the most. I learned so much about the subway system, especially how to read the subway and not to go on the wrong side.
I enjoyed crossing the Brooklyn Bridge it was really amazing to see sun set from the bridge and I also enjoyed seeing the Transit Museum with all different types of train. Another great part was going to central park. I never went into central park. I really loved the scenery in central park. I also liked all our visit to different types of museum, I have a better appreciation for the history and amazing art work, sculptures around the city. I learned so many different things in this class. I now know different places, culture and Hardship that people went through .This class had given me an insight on different peoples’ life and history. This class have also given me a different intake of all the boroughs. I also learn about gentrification, because of gentrification people are being forced out of their homes and neighborhood. All in all, this class was a great experience and I know that I will be visiting most of these place sometime soon with friends and family
I enjoyed crossing the Brooklyn Bridge it was really amazing to see sun set from the bridge and I also enjoyed seeing the Transit Museum with all different types of train. Another great part was going to central park. I never went into central park. I really loved the scenery in central park. I also liked all our visit to different types of museum, I have a better appreciation for the history and amazing art work, sculptures around the city. I learned so many different things in this class. I now know different places, culture and Hardship that people went through .This class had given me an insight on different peoples’ life and history. This class have also given me a different intake of all the boroughs. I also learn about gentrification, because of gentrification people are being forced out of their homes and neighborhood. All in all, this class was a great experience and I know that I will be visiting most of these place sometime soon with friends and family