The Wild West Side
Meeting in Penn Station today, I wasn't sure exactly what to expect. We went over the itinerary for the day and started walking. We walked past a Citibike station and discussed the fact that we are actually behind in the times. Europe, especially Amsterdam, has been utilizing bikes as a major means of transportation for a while now. I always wonder why the United States is always behind on the times! Let's get with it and keep up with the ever-changing world. I looked on the sign and it actually only costs four dollars for an hour. They list daily, weekly, and monthly prices as well. I definitely want to rent a bike, however, I wonder if there's an application for my cell phone to let me know where the nearest bike station is to return it. I found a website that lists the stations so I guess that would suffice. We continued walking through areas where cars weren't allowed to go and pedestrians were just walking around enjoying their day.
We continued our journey and walked through Times Square. I have been to Times Square so many times, but today it was different because I would learn more about the history behind it. Before 1904, Times Square, which was then called Longacre Square, consisted mostly of horse exchanges, carriage factories, stables, and blacksmiths' shops (B.G., p. 217). It must have looked very different when compared to what it is now. O.J. guide realized the potential of electric billboards and coined the name "the Great White Way" in 1901 (B.G., p. 217). The area was beginning to face some much needed change. Theaters were popping up and Hammerstein rebounded bankruptcy and built more theaters, which allowed him to earn the title "the man who created Times Square" (B.G., p. 217). We take for granted the way Times Square looks today. People from all over the world come to New York to experience Times Square's bright lights, advertisements, and the people within that are trying to make a dollar by posing for pictures in various costumes.
After experiencing Times Square, we made our way up 6th avenue to Rockefeller Center. The artistry within this building, as well as the art deco style throughout is truly breathtaking. My grandfather actually built a restaurant within Rockefeller Center about fifty years ago and a plaque of his company still remains today. Prometheus is the most well known statue within Rockefeller Center, as well as the most photographed (www.rockefellercenter.com). We then viewed Atlas, a heroic cast bronze sculpture, which stands fifteen feet high on a nine foot high pedestal (www.rockefellercenter.com). We admired the statue that I have probably seen many times before, but never gave it any thought. There was a little market outside that you could buy small fresh food items as well. There were people eating lunch and walking around taking in the scenery.
We then made our way to the Museum of Modern Art. The artwork that stood out the most for me was Andy Warhol's "Campbell's Soup Cans". There were all different labels of the variety of soups that Campbell's offers. It was interesting that this was artwork. I feel that anyone could put it together, but he's infamous for unique types of work. At this point, I was over saturated with the vast amount of artwork within. There was other artwork from artists that we have seen before including Jackson Pollack and Rauschenberg. I was looking forward to lunch today and we were treated to thai food at Yum Yum. I ordered Pad Thai, a dish that I had never had before. It was very good, but for some reason when it is hot, having an appetite is hard. I did eat most of it though because I don't like leaving food to waste!
After eating, we headed to Harlem to meet up with our tour guide Jim. He was actually a pretty interesting man. I enjoyed hearing about Harlem Hospital Center. There was a big piece of artwork that covered the windows, but he said that the patients can still see outside. This hospital contains 286 beds and has just completed one of the largest major public health modernization projects in the city's history at the opening of the new Harlem Hospital Center Mural Pavilion, which cost approximately 325 million dollars (http://www.nyc.gov/html/hhc/html/pressroom/press-release-201209-27-harlem-pavilion-open.shtml). I wondered what the hospital looks like inside and how optimal the care is. I know that this hospital has a Level 1 trauma unit, which is impressive. We also were able to visit the famous Apollo Theater. The Apollo Theater opened for whites only, but that changed with the takeover by Leo Brecher and Frank Schiffman, which enabled the teheater to open to black audiences (B.G., p. 440). Many famous people started within this theater including Diana Ross. The most invaluable lesson of the day was to know that non one is buried in Grant's Tomb.
We continued our journey and walked through Times Square. I have been to Times Square so many times, but today it was different because I would learn more about the history behind it. Before 1904, Times Square, which was then called Longacre Square, consisted mostly of horse exchanges, carriage factories, stables, and blacksmiths' shops (B.G., p. 217). It must have looked very different when compared to what it is now. O.J. guide realized the potential of electric billboards and coined the name "the Great White Way" in 1901 (B.G., p. 217). The area was beginning to face some much needed change. Theaters were popping up and Hammerstein rebounded bankruptcy and built more theaters, which allowed him to earn the title "the man who created Times Square" (B.G., p. 217). We take for granted the way Times Square looks today. People from all over the world come to New York to experience Times Square's bright lights, advertisements, and the people within that are trying to make a dollar by posing for pictures in various costumes.
After experiencing Times Square, we made our way up 6th avenue to Rockefeller Center. The artistry within this building, as well as the art deco style throughout is truly breathtaking. My grandfather actually built a restaurant within Rockefeller Center about fifty years ago and a plaque of his company still remains today. Prometheus is the most well known statue within Rockefeller Center, as well as the most photographed (www.rockefellercenter.com). We then viewed Atlas, a heroic cast bronze sculpture, which stands fifteen feet high on a nine foot high pedestal (www.rockefellercenter.com). We admired the statue that I have probably seen many times before, but never gave it any thought. There was a little market outside that you could buy small fresh food items as well. There were people eating lunch and walking around taking in the scenery.
We then made our way to the Museum of Modern Art. The artwork that stood out the most for me was Andy Warhol's "Campbell's Soup Cans". There were all different labels of the variety of soups that Campbell's offers. It was interesting that this was artwork. I feel that anyone could put it together, but he's infamous for unique types of work. At this point, I was over saturated with the vast amount of artwork within. There was other artwork from artists that we have seen before including Jackson Pollack and Rauschenberg. I was looking forward to lunch today and we were treated to thai food at Yum Yum. I ordered Pad Thai, a dish that I had never had before. It was very good, but for some reason when it is hot, having an appetite is hard. I did eat most of it though because I don't like leaving food to waste!
After eating, we headed to Harlem to meet up with our tour guide Jim. He was actually a pretty interesting man. I enjoyed hearing about Harlem Hospital Center. There was a big piece of artwork that covered the windows, but he said that the patients can still see outside. This hospital contains 286 beds and has just completed one of the largest major public health modernization projects in the city's history at the opening of the new Harlem Hospital Center Mural Pavilion, which cost approximately 325 million dollars (http://www.nyc.gov/html/hhc/html/pressroom/press-release-201209-27-harlem-pavilion-open.shtml). I wondered what the hospital looks like inside and how optimal the care is. I know that this hospital has a Level 1 trauma unit, which is impressive. We also were able to visit the famous Apollo Theater. The Apollo Theater opened for whites only, but that changed with the takeover by Leo Brecher and Frank Schiffman, which enabled the teheater to open to black audiences (B.G., p. 440). Many famous people started within this theater including Diana Ross. The most invaluable lesson of the day was to know that non one is buried in Grant's Tomb.
Lower Manhattan & Chelsea
As I arrived at Penn Station once again, I felt a sense of excitement about the day. We took the train and ended up at City Hall where we met our tour guide named Diedre. Security was a bit overbearing, but I guess I can't blame them. When I looked at the building, I felt like it was beautiful and definitely was kind of excited to learn the history behind it. I felt lucky to be able to have a tour guide and actually be able to go inside. It was difficult to hear the tour guide, but when we went inside this became easier. As soon as we walked into the building, the staircase is what caught my eye. Furthermore, the dome shaped ceiling took me by surprise because this is not something you can visualize from outside. The lobby walls were covered with white marble, as well as the rotunda, a beautiful staircase with a dome that consists of a clear glass oculus, supported by ten Corinthian columns (B.G., p. 84). I loved walking up the marble staircase, it truly felt prestigious being taken to the second floor. We made our way to the Governor's Room. This room was decorated with various architectural treasures including a collection of portraits of city mayors and 19th century celebrities, including 13 paintings by John Trumbull (B.G., p. 83). Diedre was full of knowledge and we later learned that Abraham Lincoln and Ulysses S. Grant's bodies were actually laid out in this room. That fact made it that much more interesting that we were experiencing history first hand. We were also able to see George Washington's desk, which actually said his name on it. After taking in the artwork within this room, we then left the Governor's room to the Bullpen. This room was quite extraordinary. The mural on the ceiling was beautiful and full of detail. The large painting on the wall of Marquis de Lafayette stood out to me, as well as what we learned about it. We learned that he had survived the French Revolution and made it back to the United States. The painting depicted Benjamin Franklin and George Washington, but only from the chest up. There was an empty area that showed where one day Lafayette would rest as well.
Although I love learning about history, political history is not my favorite. I was looking forward to visiting the 9/11 memorial. I have never been there, but realize the significance that this event has had on many people within the United States. It is truly a very sad event where many lives were unnecessarily cut short tragically. I found the memorial to be quite interesting. It was brought to my attention that the water actually never ends. It keeps flowing, as does the memories of all who perished here. Their memories must live on and this day should never be forgotten. The water flows into the actual area where the North and South Tower once stood. There was something beautiful and serene about the white flowers that were stuck inside some of the engraved names that outlined the two memorial sites. Although I would probably not go back to the memorial site, I am happy to have seen it.
We made our way to Wall Street, which I have no interest in at all. The ending of the day was my favorite. This might actually be one of my favorite classes due to the galleries we were able to experience in Chelsea. First, we ended up walking around the Meatpacking District. We learned that in the 70s and 80s, this area was known for S & M Shops, as well as high rates of prostitution. These days it has seen gentrification and is now equipped with stylish bars and clubs, as well as restaurants and art galleries. I have actually hung out in this area, but never knew much about it. According to the Blue Guide (p.185) the district's original name honors Peter Gansevoort who was an officer in the American revolution. When we were told we would be walking the High Line. I had no idea what that was. How is it that I have never heard of things like this? Have I been living under a rock? Anyways, we learned that there is about fifteen blocks in the area we are full of art galleries. I had no idea that anything like that existed. Today was a day I was going to experience fully. I loved walking the High Line. It was not packed or congested and we were able to take a moment and sit to watch the cars and people in the street below through a glass wall. The things that I experienced in this day were unlike any other day.
The gallery that stood out the most for me was Andrea Meslin's work titled "Perchance to Dream". Within this exhibit, each picture depicted people of all ages in all states of life sleeping. There was an infant laying peacefully sleeping, as well as five men in bunks with a bulldozer like machine behind them. It was interesting to see sleep depicted in various ways, experienced differently by each picture. Who would have thought sleep could be this deep? I am passionate about sleeping because working at night, you take every minute of sleep you can get. It's hard to sleep during the day when everyone else is hustling and bustling. When everyone is resting their weary eyes and bones, I am wide eyed and working. I will admit that sleeping is a time when you can let your brain run wild. You can't stop to control your thoughts, it is such a peaceful time for me. The other galleries were quite interesting as well including ones that were dedicated to AIDS, sunshine, and pussy. I like to say "to each their own". Before heading back, we ended up in a bookstore called Printed Matter, Inc. We were told to chose a book that interested us. I chose a book called Oi!, however I don't know who compiled it because the picture I took is blurry! It was a book that you flipped through and each page changed slightly, but when flipping fast it looks as though the person or image is moving. I just thought it was cool and different.
Although I love learning about history, political history is not my favorite. I was looking forward to visiting the 9/11 memorial. I have never been there, but realize the significance that this event has had on many people within the United States. It is truly a very sad event where many lives were unnecessarily cut short tragically. I found the memorial to be quite interesting. It was brought to my attention that the water actually never ends. It keeps flowing, as does the memories of all who perished here. Their memories must live on and this day should never be forgotten. The water flows into the actual area where the North and South Tower once stood. There was something beautiful and serene about the white flowers that were stuck inside some of the engraved names that outlined the two memorial sites. Although I would probably not go back to the memorial site, I am happy to have seen it.
We made our way to Wall Street, which I have no interest in at all. The ending of the day was my favorite. This might actually be one of my favorite classes due to the galleries we were able to experience in Chelsea. First, we ended up walking around the Meatpacking District. We learned that in the 70s and 80s, this area was known for S & M Shops, as well as high rates of prostitution. These days it has seen gentrification and is now equipped with stylish bars and clubs, as well as restaurants and art galleries. I have actually hung out in this area, but never knew much about it. According to the Blue Guide (p.185) the district's original name honors Peter Gansevoort who was an officer in the American revolution. When we were told we would be walking the High Line. I had no idea what that was. How is it that I have never heard of things like this? Have I been living under a rock? Anyways, we learned that there is about fifteen blocks in the area we are full of art galleries. I had no idea that anything like that existed. Today was a day I was going to experience fully. I loved walking the High Line. It was not packed or congested and we were able to take a moment and sit to watch the cars and people in the street below through a glass wall. The things that I experienced in this day were unlike any other day.
The gallery that stood out the most for me was Andrea Meslin's work titled "Perchance to Dream". Within this exhibit, each picture depicted people of all ages in all states of life sleeping. There was an infant laying peacefully sleeping, as well as five men in bunks with a bulldozer like machine behind them. It was interesting to see sleep depicted in various ways, experienced differently by each picture. Who would have thought sleep could be this deep? I am passionate about sleeping because working at night, you take every minute of sleep you can get. It's hard to sleep during the day when everyone else is hustling and bustling. When everyone is resting their weary eyes and bones, I am wide eyed and working. I will admit that sleeping is a time when you can let your brain run wild. You can't stop to control your thoughts, it is such a peaceful time for me. The other galleries were quite interesting as well including ones that were dedicated to AIDS, sunshine, and pussy. I like to say "to each their own". Before heading back, we ended up in a bookstore called Printed Matter, Inc. We were told to chose a book that interested us. I chose a book called Oi!, however I don't know who compiled it because the picture I took is blurry! It was a book that you flipped through and each page changed slightly, but when flipping fast it looks as though the person or image is moving. I just thought it was cool and different.
Immigrant New York
Our last class was bittersweet. I was sad that all that I was experiencing with this once strange group of people was coming to an end. I had made memories and experiences with this class that I will remember for a lifetime. We headed from Penn Station and ended at Delancey Street. We were able to experience the Essex Street Market. I learned that Mayor LaGuardia wanted the vendors off the street in the 1930s, and placed into a market area, which is how this market was created. It is an indoor market that sells many things from fish to fruit. We walked around briefly, but then had to be on our way. We met with Jim once again to explore the Lower East Side. This area was once the most densely populated area in the world and consisted of various immigrants including Jews, Italians, and the Irish. Between the mid-1800s, early 1900s, there was an influx of immigrants, particularly of German, Irish and Jewish descent to New York City, especially the Lower East Side and Hell’s Kitchen (Wright, 2010). The tenements that were erected were run-down, overcrowded, and unsanitary.
We continued on our walking tour with Jim. We learned that Jay-Z actually got his name from the J and Z train lines which is an interesting piece of knowledge that I was unaware of. We stopped near the Williamsburg Bridge and learned that they may plan something similar here to the High Line. I think that would be pretty great considering the High Line is awesome as well. We passed the Bialystocker Synagogue and came to the Henry Street Settlement. I have learned about this settlement since the beginning of nursing school, but had never seen it in person. The timeline on the website is extremely helpful when thinking about how everything came about. Lillian Wald is an iconic person in nursing, as well as history itself. She settles around the Lower East Side to help care for the poor, until Jacob Schniff gives her a piece of property as a gift (www.henrystreet.org). She devoted her life to tirelessly care for the poor,raising money, and becoming a liaison between the "uptown" and "downtown" Jews (B.G., p.125). She was truly a remarkable person that left an everlasting impact on society as a whole.
We then split up after receiving a scavenger list. I thought this was going to be a good time, but it turned into a rat race. Not only were there too many leaders in the group, but the commutes between places were long and took way too much effort. It was actually almost impossible to partake in this activity in the small amount of time we had. I was sure of one thing, I would definitely not be missing lunch at the Chinese restaurant. We headed to Battery Park area to take a picture with the Statue of Liberty in the background. It was crowded with ships and not really the most peaceful place. We then ran to find the Financial District Center building. There was construction and this was truly a battle of who was leading who. I didn't want to be a leader in this activity because blood pressures were high. It might have been a good idea to feed the class first before trekking through the city to find various places. Next, we headed to the Irish Hunger Memorial. I have visited this memorial before as a nursing school assignment and knew we didn't have enough time to appreciate it. It represents awareness of the events that led to the "Great Irish Famine and Migration" of 1845-1852. Last but not least we ran, literally ran, to the Poet's House. I had no time to take in what this place was about. I walked to the second floor, checked out a book that was open on a shelf, observed a couple people, and left. It was already about the time we were supposed to be meeting at the Chinese restaurant. We hailed a cab and made our way to the restaurant just in time! I am so happy we made it because this was my favorite meal that we had throughout the entire short semester.
Last but not least, we entered the Tenement Museum. I have toured this museum before twice, but never experienced the museum in this way. We were taken to a room with our tour guide, who was truly an awesome teacher. He was interesting, funny, knowledgable, and definitely passionate about the subject matter. We learned all about Victoria Confino, a Sephardic Jew from Kastoria. She spoke Spanish, which was different from the other Jewish people living in the tenement on 103 Orchard Street. We were able to learn as much as we wanted about her experiences and her life from an actor in the real tenement that she lived in. We learned about her family, their customs, lifestyle, what she did for fun, and how hard she worked to assist her family. There were ten people residing in 325 square feet! Two toilets were shared in the hallway. Although there was running water, if one wanted to bath, they must go to the local bathhouse. I liked this type of learning because you got out of it what you put into it. We were able to delve a little into her life by interacting with her firsthand. This was a wonderful experience and a great way to end the last class.
We continued on our walking tour with Jim. We learned that Jay-Z actually got his name from the J and Z train lines which is an interesting piece of knowledge that I was unaware of. We stopped near the Williamsburg Bridge and learned that they may plan something similar here to the High Line. I think that would be pretty great considering the High Line is awesome as well. We passed the Bialystocker Synagogue and came to the Henry Street Settlement. I have learned about this settlement since the beginning of nursing school, but had never seen it in person. The timeline on the website is extremely helpful when thinking about how everything came about. Lillian Wald is an iconic person in nursing, as well as history itself. She settles around the Lower East Side to help care for the poor, until Jacob Schniff gives her a piece of property as a gift (www.henrystreet.org). She devoted her life to tirelessly care for the poor,raising money, and becoming a liaison between the "uptown" and "downtown" Jews (B.G., p.125). She was truly a remarkable person that left an everlasting impact on society as a whole.
We then split up after receiving a scavenger list. I thought this was going to be a good time, but it turned into a rat race. Not only were there too many leaders in the group, but the commutes between places were long and took way too much effort. It was actually almost impossible to partake in this activity in the small amount of time we had. I was sure of one thing, I would definitely not be missing lunch at the Chinese restaurant. We headed to Battery Park area to take a picture with the Statue of Liberty in the background. It was crowded with ships and not really the most peaceful place. We then ran to find the Financial District Center building. There was construction and this was truly a battle of who was leading who. I didn't want to be a leader in this activity because blood pressures were high. It might have been a good idea to feed the class first before trekking through the city to find various places. Next, we headed to the Irish Hunger Memorial. I have visited this memorial before as a nursing school assignment and knew we didn't have enough time to appreciate it. It represents awareness of the events that led to the "Great Irish Famine and Migration" of 1845-1852. Last but not least we ran, literally ran, to the Poet's House. I had no time to take in what this place was about. I walked to the second floor, checked out a book that was open on a shelf, observed a couple people, and left. It was already about the time we were supposed to be meeting at the Chinese restaurant. We hailed a cab and made our way to the restaurant just in time! I am so happy we made it because this was my favorite meal that we had throughout the entire short semester.
Last but not least, we entered the Tenement Museum. I have toured this museum before twice, but never experienced the museum in this way. We were taken to a room with our tour guide, who was truly an awesome teacher. He was interesting, funny, knowledgable, and definitely passionate about the subject matter. We learned all about Victoria Confino, a Sephardic Jew from Kastoria. She spoke Spanish, which was different from the other Jewish people living in the tenement on 103 Orchard Street. We were able to learn as much as we wanted about her experiences and her life from an actor in the real tenement that she lived in. We learned about her family, their customs, lifestyle, what she did for fun, and how hard she worked to assist her family. There were ten people residing in 325 square feet! Two toilets were shared in the hallway. Although there was running water, if one wanted to bath, they must go to the local bathhouse. I liked this type of learning because you got out of it what you put into it. We were able to delve a little into her life by interacting with her firsthand. This was a wonderful experience and a great way to end the last class.
Lasting Impressions
I can honestly say that this class changed my life. I have always thought highly of New York City, but never truly knew how to experience it or what I was missing. I've always been the type of person that likes to explore and discover new things to do or fun places to eat. It gets hard because sometimes we just go to what is comfortable. The restaurant down the block that delivers becomes the best option, which isn't a bad thing, but it's great to get out there and really experience all that life has to offer. I had a preconceived notion that I had seen many things within New York City. However, there is so much more to it than Times Square and Bryant Park. Although those places contribute to the broad aspect of the greatness that encompasses Manhattan, it doesn't begin to show the history that is contained within. One of my favorite experiences was the last day of class. I enjoyed the Tenement Museum, as well as the Chinese food. I can't wait to take what I have learned and experienced to expand on it. We have just scratched the surface and now it's up to me to discover more that the City has to offer.