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1940 - View of New York from the upper east side looking downtown
08/06/2025

1940 - View of New York from the upper east side looking downtown

Manhattan: Riverside Drive Toward 158th Street (1924)
08/06/2025

Manhattan: Riverside Drive Toward 158th Street (1924)

Built between 1851 and 1853 by developer Richard F. Carman, 1 Hanover Square (formerly known as India House) is a histor...
08/06/2025

Built between 1851 and 1853 by developer Richard F. Carman, 1 Hanover Square (formerly known as India House) is a historic landmark located on the southern edge of Hanover Square in New York City. Originally constructed as a commercial investment, the building served as the headquarters for Hanover Bank and, in 1870, became the site of the New York Cotton Exchange. This exchange was the first of its kind in the U.S., specializing in commodity futures — contracts that set the delivery date for particular commodities.

The building later housed W.R. Grace and Company from 1885 until 1913, before being bought by India House, a private gentlemen's club focused on foreign commerce. Declared a National Historic Landmark in 1977, it currently hosts a variety of restaurants. Fun fact: it was also featured in the 2001 film Kate & Leopold as the family home of Leopold.

The "Tree of Hope," once standing proudly in front of the Lafayette Theater at 7th Avenue and 132nd Street, was a cheris...
08/06/2025

The "Tree of Hope," once standing proudly in front of the Lafayette Theater at 7th Avenue and 132nd Street, was a cherished symbol of good fortune for Harlem residents in the 1920s and 1930s. Known as the "Boulevard of Dreams," 7th Avenue was lined with renowned performance venues, and before stepping on stage, performers, musicians, and artists would touch the tree for luck.

However, in 1934, the Parks Department demolished the tree to widen the avenue, cutting it down and selling parts of it to private owners. Determined to preserve the tradition, legendary tap dancer Bill "Bojangles" Robinson saved the stump and relocated it to a nearby traffic island, where a special replanting ceremony was held with over 5,000 Harlem residents in attendance, including Mayor LaGuardia. A young sapling was planted where the original tree stood, but visitors continued to seek the stump for good luck. A plaque was placed at its base, reading: "The Original Tree of Hope Beloved by Citizens of Harlem."

On November 13, 1934, the New York Daily News interviewed locals about their wishes at the newly planted tree. George A. Seward, an unemployed resident, wished for "tolerance among men and between races," while Margaret G. Jackson, a homemaker, wished for Harlem’s prosperity to return.

Today, a piece of the original stump can be seen at the Apollo Theater, and in its place stands a commemorative sculpture, "Tree of Hope III," by Harlem artist Algernon Miller, celebrating the legacy of the tree and its place in Harlem’s history.





Queens/ Astoria: 24th Avenue Toward 23rd Street -With a View Of The Triborough Bridge (1935)
08/06/2025

Queens/ Astoria: 24th Avenue Toward 23rd Street -With a View Of The Triborough Bridge (1935)

In 1936, this photo captures the construction of the Triborough Bridge, with a view from Queens toward Randall's Island....
08/06/2025

In 1936, this photo captures the construction of the Triborough Bridge, with a view from Queens toward Randall's Island. At this stage, the bridge's towering stanchions are visible, curving to the right in the distance, though the roadway structure has yet to be installed. This iconic bridge would eventually become a crucial link between Manhattan, Queens, and the Bronx, symbolizing the area's growth and development during the mid-20th century.

In the late 1860s, wealthy lace merchant John Gibb constructed a grand Second Empire mansion at 218 Gates Avenue for his...
08/06/2025

In the late 1860s, wealthy lace merchant John Gibb constructed a grand Second Empire mansion at 218 Gates Avenue for his expanding family, which would eventually number 13 children from two marriages. Gibb also owned much of the surrounding land, ensuring that for many years, the property stood in peaceful isolation, with no other buildings between the house and Classon Avenue. Gibb, known for his curmudgeonly nature, preferred to maintain the tranquility of his estate.

In the late 1880s, Gibb and his two sons grew even wealthier when they partnered with Frederick Loeser to form Frederick Loeser & Company, one of the largest department stores in Brooklyn.

By the turn of the 20th century, Gibb moved to his Long Island estate, and the mansion cycled through several prominent owners. Due to its vast size, it was converted into a convalescent home after World War I. In the years that followed, it became the Long Island Motor Club, a social venue, before later transforming into Hopewell House, a residence for underprivileged women and children. In the latter half of the 20th century, the mansion was repurposed into the Plaza North Hotel, a hotel and event space. However, by the 1980s, it had fallen into disrepair and was marred by illegal activities.

In 2000, the Pratt Area Community Council acquired the mansion from the city. After extensive restoration, the mansion’s offices, meeting rooms, and public spaces were revitalized, while the outbuildings were demolished. New buildings were constructed with studio apartments on the Monroe Street side of the lot. Today, the property serves as a thriving community space, with over 70 units of affordable housing.

Coney Island Brooklyn, NY, July 4th, 1949.
08/06/2025

Coney Island Brooklyn, NY, July 4th, 1949.





The Pittsfield Building, often overshadowed by its more famous neighbors, stands at the corner of Washington Street and ...
08/06/2025

The Pittsfield Building, often overshadowed by its more famous neighbors, stands at the corner of Washington Street and Wabash Avenue in Chicago’s Jeweler’s Row district. Originally commissioned by the Marshall Field estate in 1927, this skyscraper was designed to accommodate medical offices and jewelry stores on the lower levels. At the time of its completion, it was the tallest building in the United States, reaching a height of 551 feet (168 meters), and it still ranks among Chicago’s tallest buildings today.

Designed by the renowned architectural firm Graham, Anderson, Probst & White, the Pittsfield is a stunning example of Art Deco architecture. Its distinctive design features dramatic setbacks, with the main body of the building standing at 21 stories, while the tower soars to an impressive 38 stories. Clad in white glazed terracotta, the structure is topped with a gabled roof made of weathered-green copper, accented by intricate Gothic detailing.

The building's interior is equally striking, with its main lobby and elevator bank adorned in Spanish Gothic marble and gleaming brass. The real highlight, however, is the grand five-story atrium, where balconies line all sides, and shops and restaurants are housed beneath the glow of an enormous chandelier. Over the years, the Pittsfield has maintained its vibrant atmosphere, with its ground floor continuing to host a variety of businesses, including the beloved Pittsfield Cafe.

After several changes in ownership and some controversy, this Art Deco gem has evolved into a mixed-use building, currently offering a blend of college dormitories and short-term vacation rentals.





Manhattan: 7th Avenue Toward 33rd Street (early 1960s)
08/06/2025

Manhattan: 7th Avenue Toward 33rd Street (early 1960s)

This photo from 1890 shows the northwest corner of Grand and Centre Streets. I can't help but wonder if the Careful Carp...
08/06/2025

This photo from 1890 shows the northwest corner of Grand and Centre Streets. I can't help but wonder if the Careful Carpet Cleaning Co. is still operating today... It's fascinating to think about how businesses from this era have evolved or endured through the years.

The Bridge Street African Wesleyan Methodist Episcopal Church traces its roots back to 1766 when Thomas Webb organized a...
08/06/2025

The Bridge Street African Wesleyan Methodist Episcopal Church traces its roots back to 1766 when Thomas Webb organized an open-air congregation. The original group, a mixed congregation of Black and White Methodists, initially called themselves the Sand Street Wesleyan Methodist Episcopal Church. The name was derived from the street where the church was located and Joshua Sands, the man who sold them the land. However, as time passed, racial tensions grew between the Black and White members, particularly when church leaders began charging Black members a fee to worship. In response, a group of Black clergymen began preaching in their homes and other locations, seeking a space of their own.

With guidance from the African Methodist Episcopal Church in Philadelphia, the former members of the Sand Street congregation founded the Bridge Street African Methodist Episcopal Church in 1854. Located at 309 Bridge Street (pictured in the first photo), the church became a pivotal institution in the community. In addition to its religious services, the church established the African Free School, an educational initiative for African American children, and is believed to have served as a stop on the Underground Railroad.

In 1938, the congregation relocated to 277 Stuyvesant Street in the heart of Bedford-Stuyvesant, where it continues to thrive today. It stands as the oldest continuously active Black congregation in Brooklyn.

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