Union Square became synomous with the Labor movement in the latter half of the 19th century. Most New Yorkers believe that the reason it is called Union Square is due to the worker demonstrations held there. But, as with much of New York history, the name was created by a developer – Sam Ruggles. … More Labor Day at Union Square
We have just celebrated the 240th anniversary of the decisive, and most important, battle of the American Revolution. There were several events both at Greenwood Cemetery and the Old Stone House commemorating the events of that fateful August 27. At Brooklyn’s Fort Greene Park, the Society of Old Brooklynites remembered the Prison Ship Martyr’s that are … More Fort Putnam/August 30, 1776
Hey Ho – Let’s Go! Today August 16 is a big day in music history. It’s the day Elvis left the building, Madonna was born and the Ramones stepped out of Queens onto the stage of CBGB’s. CBGB’s was the legendary hole in the wall dive bar that played music. All through the 1970s … More The Ramones!!!!
Today would have been the 87th birthday of one of the most iconic First Ladies in American history and a quintessential Upper East Side Girl. We think of Jacqueline Bouvier Kennedy Onassis as a world traveller which of course she was both in and out of the White House. But it is very interesting that … More Jackie!
Thomas Dongan, first Royal Governor of New York Lately, I have been thinking about the connections between New York and the Glorious Revolution of 1688. This may be because I am fascinated by the incompetence of James Stuart on the throne of England and Scotland. This July there are two anniversaries one celebrated; one not … More 1688 and New York
If a bomb went off today in Grand Central Station, we would immediately think of some world wide terrorist organization. On March 29, 1951, when a homemade bomb went off at Grand Central it was a “He’s Back. . .” moment. The Mad Bomber, as the criminal was called by the New York media had … More The Mad Bomber
A lovely spring day in 1911 was forever changed by the tragic events at the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory on Greene Street in Greenwich Village. The combination of smoke, locked doors and uncaring owners led to the death of 146 girls, many of whom to the horror of onlookers jumped to their deaths from the upper … More A Lovely Spring Day Encounters Death
Today we celebrate the quintessential New York success story! He comes to New York as a young college student, gets involved in the rebellion against the Crown. His brilliance and charm catch the attention of the commander of the army bringing him into the heart of the American Revolution. He goes on to become the … More Happy Birthday, Alex!
The road to the Kentucky Derby begins today at Aqueduct. It is the 145th running of the Jerome Stakes. The race is the second oldest stake race in the United States for three year old thoroughbreds. The winner may go on to win the Derby in May. Although many New Yorkers will drink mint juleps … More The Jerome Stakes
December 31 marks the anniversary of the American attempt to capture Quebec from the British in 1775. The expedition led by General Richard Montgomery and his lieutenant, Benedict Arnold ended in failure and the death of General Montgomery. Richard Montgomery is another example of a British officer passed over for promotion who joined the … More General Richard Montgomery – America’s First Hero
Bowery & Canal 