Today on the fifieth anniversary of the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King in Memphis, Tennessee we reflect on the legacy of this important American. We are all familiar with his connections to many Southern cities but few realize that New York City played an important role in Dr. King’s work. It was here on … More Dr. King and New York
“The Hessians are coming,” was in the 18th century a chilling statement. The Hessians were among the most disciplined and feared mercenaries of that century. Mercenaries were important to the European armies of the 18th century to augment the infantry. For the principality of Hesse-Cassel, the services provided by their loaned men to the empires … More The Hessians Are Coming!
Have you noticed the names on the wall? I do not mean at the Vietnam Memorial or 9/11 but on firehouses, police stations, department stores and other notable buildings around the city. The names on fire stations and precincts commemorate those who lost their lives in the line of duty. However, in other buildings around … More The Names on the Wall
Today marks the day that Abraham Lincoln was nominated for the 1860 presidential election for the newly formed Republican party in Chicago. Harper’s Weekly May 12, 1860 There were eleven candidates going into Chicago with the front runner being former Governor of New York, William Seward. Of course, Lincoln was the favored son candidate for … More Mr. Lincoln
Today we celebrate “President’s Day” but until quite recently it was really the official celebration of George Washington’s birthday on February 22. It is fitting that New York celebrates President’s Day since so many of our most important presidents have ties to our city. The first for obvious reasons is George himself. He was … More The Presidents of New York
Today marks the anniversary of the first State of the Union speech given by an American President. Washington fulfilled his constitutional mandate to tell Congress the state of the country at Federal Hall in New York City – our nation’s first capital. Unlike the presidents who would follow him Washington had a delicate task. The … More State of the Union
One of the great delights of the 19th century was Frank Leslie’s Illustrated News. Here is a poem that appeared on January 2, 1902, mentioning the rapid changes in society. Enjoy! W HEN gentlemen, on New Year ‘s Day A century ago, In powdered wigs and slender swords Went calling in the snow, They rode … More A New Year’s Poem
Sunday, December 7, 1941 was one of those cold, clear New York winter days. The citizens of New York had been following the news of rising tension with Japan and the war in Europe. But, like most Americans, they felt secure behind the walls of water called the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. This December Sunday … More December 7, 1941
On the night of December 5, 1876, 900 Brooklyn residents settled in their seats for a lovely winter night’s entertainment. The Brooklyn Theater located on Johnson and Washington Streets was one of Brooklyn’s largest and newest venues. It had opened its doors in 1871 to great acclaim. As all new buildings were at the time, … More “Brooklyn’s Holocaust” – The Brooklyn Theater Fire
This week marked the anniversary of the first American submarine attack. Not in the English Channel or off of Hamburg but right here in New York harbor on September 7, 1776. Fittingly enough, like modern submarines, there was not a great deal of space inside “The Turtle.” The attack however demonstrated that the far out … More Torpedoes! Full Speed Ahead!
Bowery & Canal 