Discovering NYC

@discovering.nyc

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Writer, public historian & former tour NYC guide sharing the stories behind intriguing pieces of New York City history. Elsewhere @Discovering_NYC, writing at discovering.nyc

A pastoral color view of the meandering Spuyten Duyvil Creek, seen from Tippet’s Hill (Berrian’s Neck). In the distance is the Johnson Iron Works and the rolling hills of Manhattan and the Bronx.
Scenes in Prospect Park in Brooklyn, which was still partially under construction in 1868. The views include manmade structures such as bridges, the playground pool, and the bed of the lake (which would be filled in), along with natural features such as Lookout Hill. A view of the city from the park is also included.
Trolleys and horse-drawn wagons on the approach to the Brooklyn Bridge. To the left is the outside of the Park Row Terminal, which a train is nearing. Pedestrians are walking below, and in the distance an elevated railroad station can be seen passing under the bridge approach.
The Five Points, where Orange Street, Cross Street and Anthony Street met. From Valentine's Manual of Old New York, 1855. It is a reproduction of an oil painting by George Catlin from c. 1827.
Track level, showing stairways and elevators leading to the exit concourse.
The crowded Five Points district c. 1827. On the far left is Orange Street, which extends to the right. The next intersection is Cross Street, which extends out of view to the far right. Between them is Anthony Street. Note the presence of numerous groceries. You could get food at some, and liquor and beer at many others.
Folks ascended an escalator to the loading platforms within the angular striped terminal. Going around the loop took eight minutes, with the trains proceeding around 9 miles per hour. Enthusiastic attendants were on hand to point out notable features and attractions as folks enjoyed the beautiful views. Visitors flocked to ride the futuristic mode of transportation.
An aerial view of the 1964-1965 World's Fair fairgrounds. North is to the left in this view, which highlights the layout of the fair. To the left is the old Shea Stadium, and between the stadium and the fairgrounds the Flushing subway and LIRR line can be seen.
Crowded sidewalks on 5th Avenue, with people dressed in their Sunday best. Many are coming from Easter services. This view is looking north from 47th Street.
The 5th Avenue facade nearing completion, 1902. You can see the old building peeking out behind it on the right. From Scenes of Modern New York.
The first addition to the old building. From A History of the Metropolitan Museum of Art and Early Institutions of Art.
The first building in Central Park, designed by Calvert Vaux and Jacob Wrey Mould and opened in 1880. From A History of the Metropolitan Museum of Art and Early Institutions of Art.
A man on a horse proceeding in front of an engine, running on the surface of 11th Avenue.
A menacing skeleton stands on the right, and a fat cat businessman on the right, crying a single tear. They are leaning on a triangle, representing the Triangle Shirtwaist Company, with the words "Rent," "Profit," and "Interest." In the middle is a worker burning to death, reaching out in her last moments through the triangle. The newspaper to her left reads "Employer's Liability Bill," and the knife driven into it says "Courts."
A rendering of a massive 130 foot loop at Times Square. It features three continuous moving platforms that move at staggering speeds, from 3 miles per hour to 9 miles per hour. The innermost loop, the fastest, has chairs and handrails for passengers.
A beautiful day out at the Water Terrace. A large fountain is spraying water, causing a rainbow to appear. Beyond is the Central Park Lake, with folks on rowboats enjoying themselves. In the background rises the labyrinthine Ramble.
Caption: Section C in position and almost filled with water, tremie scow in the background.
Four tubes floating on a wooden platform, each of which will hold a subway track, being put into position by long derricks. This section, section "A" is one of five that will be sunk under the Harlem River to bring the Lexington Avenue line into the Bronx. Caption: South end of Section A before launching, with its full equipment of bulkheads, valves, masts, etc.
A group that has attached ropes to the gilded lead statue of King George III in the process of pulling it to the ground. The statue was carted away to be melted down, although the pedestal stayed in Bowling Green for some time. The fence, which had been erected to protect the statue, still stands today, although the crowns that used to top it were hacked off with saws the same day the statue was pulled down.
The Washington Memorial Arch, designed in the fashion of other iconic triumphal arches, stands at the foot of 5th Avenue in Washington Square Park. It is decorated with eagles, stars, and laurels befitting the tradition. In the distance through the archway is the campanile tower of Judson Memorial Church.
People riding on all manners of sleds, sleighs, and sledges on lower Broadway during a snowy day.
Rendering of a large terrace, with two wide staircases leading to a plaza with a massive fountain. In the foreground is the Central Park Lake.