journal 1
Impressions of NY 6/3/14
New York is still a strange place for me. There are still so many places I have not visited. First let me tell you how I came to New York. I am from a middle class family and my native country is Pakistan. One day my parents decided to apply for a visit visa for the U.S.A. It is not easy to get a visa if a person does not have money. I guess my family and I was lucky that we got the visa. In 1999 my family and I moved to New York. At first we were very nervous because of the new country, new people, different culture, different language, different food, etc. Everything was new and different for us. It was not easy for us to adjust to our new life.
Like many other people I have visited Time Square, the Statue of Liberty, and the Empire State building. That is pretty much it. When I went to NYC for the first time, I looked at tall buildings and the huge crowd. I saw people running and pushing each other. If you look at the people, everyone is in a rush, and everything is smelly. None of these things inspired me. It was just a city to me and I wondered why people are crazy about NYC all around the world. Every person wants to come here. When I think about NYC, negative thoughts come to my mind. Nothing really inspires me about the city. When I go to my country for vacation, all my relatives, my friends, my cousins tell me that I am very lucky that I am living in NY and I always tell them NY looks pretty in pictures but in reality NY is dirty and a smelly place (I am sorry I am saying this. It’s just my opinion about NYC).
Since I came here I always wanted to see new places in NY because I want to know why people love NY so much but I never get the chance. I was too busy in my life, work, study, etc. When professor Don told me about this CORE class, I decided to take this class right away because I know this is my only chance to learn about NY. I know not many people get this kind of opportunity and I don’t want to miss this chance. I am very excited about this class and I am sure after this class my opinion about NY will change.
New York is still a strange place for me. There are still so many places I have not visited. First let me tell you how I came to New York. I am from a middle class family and my native country is Pakistan. One day my parents decided to apply for a visit visa for the U.S.A. It is not easy to get a visa if a person does not have money. I guess my family and I was lucky that we got the visa. In 1999 my family and I moved to New York. At first we were very nervous because of the new country, new people, different culture, different language, different food, etc. Everything was new and different for us. It was not easy for us to adjust to our new life.
Like many other people I have visited Time Square, the Statue of Liberty, and the Empire State building. That is pretty much it. When I went to NYC for the first time, I looked at tall buildings and the huge crowd. I saw people running and pushing each other. If you look at the people, everyone is in a rush, and everything is smelly. None of these things inspired me. It was just a city to me and I wondered why people are crazy about NYC all around the world. Every person wants to come here. When I think about NYC, negative thoughts come to my mind. Nothing really inspires me about the city. When I go to my country for vacation, all my relatives, my friends, my cousins tell me that I am very lucky that I am living in NY and I always tell them NY looks pretty in pictures but in reality NY is dirty and a smelly place (I am sorry I am saying this. It’s just my opinion about NYC).
Since I came here I always wanted to see new places in NY because I want to know why people love NY so much but I never get the chance. I was too busy in my life, work, study, etc. When professor Don told me about this CORE class, I decided to take this class right away because I know this is my only chance to learn about NY. I know not many people get this kind of opportunity and I don’t want to miss this chance. I am very excited about this class and I am sure after this class my opinion about NY will change.
Journal 1, Queens 6/5/2014
Today is the first day of our class and I am very nervous. When I signed up for this class, I was very excited, but now I am very nervous. I don’t know anyone in my class except professor Don. After the orientation I was little bit relaxed because professor Mike and professor Don are very friendly. We started our journey by exploring the queens.
First, we decided to meet at Penn Station. I left my house very early because this was the first time I was going to Penn Station and I didn’t know how long it would take me to get there. I decided to take the subway because LIRR tickets are very expensive and I have already spent too much money on this class. The beginning of the day was not so nice. Because of the heavy rain and wind my bus was 30 minutes late and that is why I reached Penn station just in time for class. When I entered I looked around and I was shocked. It was huge and beautiful. People were running everywhere looking for their train schedule, tickets, etc. Professor Mike gave us a brief introduction to Penn station. Penn station serves over 600,000 passengers every day. Pennsylvania Station is the busiest station in the United States (ENY, pg 29). The original Pennsylvania Station was built in 1910 by McKim (ENY, pg 30).
Our first stop after Penn Station was Grand Central Terminal. When we were walking towards Grand Central, I was completely lost. I still don’t know which direction we followed. If we compare both stations, I liked Penn station. Penn Station is big and the building is newer. On the other hand, Grand Central is small and it wasn’t as beautiful as Penn Station.
Our second stop was the Chrysler Building. Exit from Grand Central Terminal on Lexington Avenue and cross over to the east side of the avenue to get to the Chrysler Building (ENY, pg 51). Construction on the building began on September 19, 1928 and was completed on May 20, 1930. For a brief period, the Chrysler building was the tallest in the world (ENY, pg 51). The style that was used is art deco. The same style was used for the Empire State Building and The Daily News Building. The Daily News building was the first building that had the flat top. After exploring the Chrysler Building, we went to the Daily New Building and GE Building. The Daily News Building was built in 1928 (ENY, pg, 52). My favorite building was GE building because of all the electric charges style, art deco style and the black art deco clock on the corner of the building.
After exploring different style of buildings we started to head towards Roosevelt Island. Before heading towards Roosevelt Island, we stopped at Waldorf Astoria. That place was very exquisite, especially the bathrooms. When we reached the subway, we swiped our metro cards. I was totally lost because I didn’t know we were taking the tramp to Roosevelt Island. I was thinking in my mind, "where are the tracks, where is the train, why is everyone standing here?". When I saw tramp I was surprised. When we sat in the tramp I got another shock because we were crossing the river. Two things I hate the most, height and water and both of the things were happening Thank God we crossed the river safely. We crossed the Queens Borough Bridge. The park was built in honor of President Roosevelt. Queens Borough Bridge was built in 1909. When we were walking around the island, we saw a scary-looking old building. The old building was the first hospital in NY. The building was falling apart. I think that building ruined the beauty of Roosevelt Island. Roosevelt Island is a very small Island. There were not many tourists. It is a very quite place. If anybody ever wants to relax and wants to have peace, I think this is the best place to visit.
Finally we headed towards Jackson Heights to have lunch. Everyone was tired, hungry, and exhausted but at the same time everyone was nervous about having spicy food. I was very excited because this what I eat all the time. Jackson Heights has a mix of residents from Argentina, Columbia, and throughout South and East Asia. The Indian community around 74th Street is particularly large, and subsequently that part of Jackson heights is now known as New York’s “Little India” (ENY, pg 138). When we reached to the restaurant everyone tried Indian food for the first time and everyone’s face turned red after having spicy food. I didn’t like the food that much because I think there are some restaurants that have better food.
We finished our lunch very quick because we were little bit behind schedule. After lunch, we took a train to go to Astoria. When we reached Astoria, we went to the Museum of the Moving Image. I really enjoyed spending time there. Before that I didn’t even know anything about this place. The museum is by far the most popular tourist attraction in Queens (ENY, pg 147).
5 o’clock in the evening we left from Astoria and we headed towards Long island City. This was the third time we took the train. Long Island City is a very famous place for spray painting. Even though I never tried spray painting before, I think it would be fun to try it. PS1 is an affiliate of the Museum of Modern Art and is the oldest and second- largest non-profit arts center in the U.S solely devoted to contemporary art (ENY, pg 148). I never understood art. I don’t understand why people draw naked pictures and make naked sculptures and the funny part is some pictures are very popular. I don’t understand what is so special about naked pictures and naked sculptures. Anyways, our journey for today finally ended at the East River. I think it was the best place to end our day, very quite and peaceful. We took so many pictures and had a little chat about the day and homework.
Today is the first day of our class and I am very nervous. When I signed up for this class, I was very excited, but now I am very nervous. I don’t know anyone in my class except professor Don. After the orientation I was little bit relaxed because professor Mike and professor Don are very friendly. We started our journey by exploring the queens.
First, we decided to meet at Penn Station. I left my house very early because this was the first time I was going to Penn Station and I didn’t know how long it would take me to get there. I decided to take the subway because LIRR tickets are very expensive and I have already spent too much money on this class. The beginning of the day was not so nice. Because of the heavy rain and wind my bus was 30 minutes late and that is why I reached Penn station just in time for class. When I entered I looked around and I was shocked. It was huge and beautiful. People were running everywhere looking for their train schedule, tickets, etc. Professor Mike gave us a brief introduction to Penn station. Penn station serves over 600,000 passengers every day. Pennsylvania Station is the busiest station in the United States (ENY, pg 29). The original Pennsylvania Station was built in 1910 by McKim (ENY, pg 30).
Our first stop after Penn Station was Grand Central Terminal. When we were walking towards Grand Central, I was completely lost. I still don’t know which direction we followed. If we compare both stations, I liked Penn station. Penn Station is big and the building is newer. On the other hand, Grand Central is small and it wasn’t as beautiful as Penn Station.
Our second stop was the Chrysler Building. Exit from Grand Central Terminal on Lexington Avenue and cross over to the east side of the avenue to get to the Chrysler Building (ENY, pg 51). Construction on the building began on September 19, 1928 and was completed on May 20, 1930. For a brief period, the Chrysler building was the tallest in the world (ENY, pg 51). The style that was used is art deco. The same style was used for the Empire State Building and The Daily News Building. The Daily News building was the first building that had the flat top. After exploring the Chrysler Building, we went to the Daily New Building and GE Building. The Daily News Building was built in 1928 (ENY, pg, 52). My favorite building was GE building because of all the electric charges style, art deco style and the black art deco clock on the corner of the building.
After exploring different style of buildings we started to head towards Roosevelt Island. Before heading towards Roosevelt Island, we stopped at Waldorf Astoria. That place was very exquisite, especially the bathrooms. When we reached the subway, we swiped our metro cards. I was totally lost because I didn’t know we were taking the tramp to Roosevelt Island. I was thinking in my mind, "where are the tracks, where is the train, why is everyone standing here?". When I saw tramp I was surprised. When we sat in the tramp I got another shock because we were crossing the river. Two things I hate the most, height and water and both of the things were happening Thank God we crossed the river safely. We crossed the Queens Borough Bridge. The park was built in honor of President Roosevelt. Queens Borough Bridge was built in 1909. When we were walking around the island, we saw a scary-looking old building. The old building was the first hospital in NY. The building was falling apart. I think that building ruined the beauty of Roosevelt Island. Roosevelt Island is a very small Island. There were not many tourists. It is a very quite place. If anybody ever wants to relax and wants to have peace, I think this is the best place to visit.
Finally we headed towards Jackson Heights to have lunch. Everyone was tired, hungry, and exhausted but at the same time everyone was nervous about having spicy food. I was very excited because this what I eat all the time. Jackson Heights has a mix of residents from Argentina, Columbia, and throughout South and East Asia. The Indian community around 74th Street is particularly large, and subsequently that part of Jackson heights is now known as New York’s “Little India” (ENY, pg 138). When we reached to the restaurant everyone tried Indian food for the first time and everyone’s face turned red after having spicy food. I didn’t like the food that much because I think there are some restaurants that have better food.
We finished our lunch very quick because we were little bit behind schedule. After lunch, we took a train to go to Astoria. When we reached Astoria, we went to the Museum of the Moving Image. I really enjoyed spending time there. Before that I didn’t even know anything about this place. The museum is by far the most popular tourist attraction in Queens (ENY, pg 147).
5 o’clock in the evening we left from Astoria and we headed towards Long island City. This was the third time we took the train. Long Island City is a very famous place for spray painting. Even though I never tried spray painting before, I think it would be fun to try it. PS1 is an affiliate of the Museum of Modern Art and is the oldest and second- largest non-profit arts center in the U.S solely devoted to contemporary art (ENY, pg 148). I never understood art. I don’t understand why people draw naked pictures and make naked sculptures and the funny part is some pictures are very popular. I don’t understand what is so special about naked pictures and naked sculptures. Anyways, our journey for today finally ended at the East River. I think it was the best place to end our day, very quite and peaceful. We took so many pictures and had a little chat about the day and homework.
Journal 2, Brooklyn 6/10/14
Today was the second day of our journey. Today we started our journey by meeting up at Penn station. Last class we walked almost 10.5 miles so I was hoping we are not going to walk as much today. The weather was warm but I brought my umbrella just in case because I never trust New York’s weather. Today we explored Coney Island and Brooklyn. Both areas are not my favorite places to go that is why I was a bit nervous about going there.
I take the subway to go to Penn station. When I leave my house, first I take N24 bus and from 179st I take the F train. The F train takes me to 34th St. and from there I walk a couple of blocks to go to Penn Station. The reason why I am telling all this because we were going take the same train to go to Coney Island. Our ride to Coney Island was almost 40 minute. It was worth taking a same train twice because I really enjoyed my ride with my classmates. When we were in the train, I saw very beautiful views, tall and shiny buildings. When sunlight hits the glass building it looks amazing. We also passed a very old and big cemetery.
Coney Island is a residential neighborhood located on the Atlantic in Southwest Brooklyn. Coney Island is also a residential neighborhood. Today Coney Island is home to 60,000 inhabitants, but continues to be known for its amusement parks and seaside attractions (ENY, 115). When the Dutch arrived in the 17th century, they called the island Conyne Eylandt, or Rabbit island, probably because of the numerous species of rabbits that populated the area. It was the British who changed the name to Coney Island, “coney” being a colloquial term in English for rabbit (ENY, 116). Back in the early 19th century, it would take almost a day’s ride to go to Coney Island. There were no subways and roads and at that time people used to take a ferry from Manhattan. Later in the 19th century, railroad service came and Coney Island soon became a major tourist destination after the Civil War (ENY, 116). Later on, the Brooklyn Bridge and more roads started to build up and by the 1920’s Coney Island became New York’s most important summer amusement area, with thrilling rides and weird sideshows (ENY, 116). This was the little bit of history about Coney Island. When we reached there, we had one hour to look around. We split up in small groups. I started walking with Christine, Sandra, Megan, and Brandy. We start walking at the boardwalk. I saw this place for the first time. There were so many people from different cultural backgrounds enjoying the weather, walking, reading books, and having lunch, and school trips. Everything was very beautiful. I really enjoyed spending time there. And off course I can't forget talking about the food. We stopped at the Nathan’s. I ordered cheese-fries and soda.
After we finished from Coney Island, our next stop was on Boerum Place and Schermerhorn Street. We took the train to go there. When we reached at the Transit Museum I thought we were taking another train but it was actually a museum. The entrance was so real no one would think it’s a museum. Everything in the museum was so real I was amazed looking at old trains. The museum was opened in 1976 for New York’s bicentennial celebrations and proved to be an immediate success with New Yorkers (ENY, 125). In the late 19th century, elevated stream trains that run along busy commercial streets transported New Yorkers. The need for an underground subway became apparent when the Great Blizzard of 1888 shut down, which crippled the entire city. The first subway line was completed in 1904 (ENY, 124). There were two basic methods used to build the subway system. The earliest method used was cut and cover, which involved digging up a street and laying a tunnel below, which was then covered over by a new roadway (ENY, 124). The museum trip was nice. I had fun looking at the old trains.
After visiting the museum, we went to Brooklyn Heights. We walked a couple of blocks and looked around at some old buildings made with brown stone and Plymouth Church. In the courtyard of the church, there is a statue of the preacher Henry Ward Beecher. In the mid 19th century Beecher was the most famous abolitionist in the United States and preached at this church from 1849-1887 (ENY, 128).
After exploring the old buildings in Brooklyn Heights, our last stop was the Brooklyn Bridge. I was waiting to see Brooklyn Bridge all day, but first we stopped at the Brooklyn Bridge Park. When we were there, I learned about the Dumbo, it means Down Under the Manhattan Bridge Overpass. In Dumbo, we saw a transparent art piece called “jewel box”, which is worth $9 million. Finally, it was time to walk over the bridge. We took stairways at Cadman Plaza East and Prospect Street (ENY, 130). There is so much to tell about the bridge, but I’m going to give brief information. John Roebling designed the bridge. It took six hundred workers and fourteen years to complete the bridge at a cost of $15 millions. During this process, 27 men died (ENY, 131). We finished today’s journey at the Brooklyn Bridge. I always wanted to walk over the bridge and today this class gave me the opportunity.
Today was the second day of our journey. Today we started our journey by meeting up at Penn station. Last class we walked almost 10.5 miles so I was hoping we are not going to walk as much today. The weather was warm but I brought my umbrella just in case because I never trust New York’s weather. Today we explored Coney Island and Brooklyn. Both areas are not my favorite places to go that is why I was a bit nervous about going there.
I take the subway to go to Penn station. When I leave my house, first I take N24 bus and from 179st I take the F train. The F train takes me to 34th St. and from there I walk a couple of blocks to go to Penn Station. The reason why I am telling all this because we were going take the same train to go to Coney Island. Our ride to Coney Island was almost 40 minute. It was worth taking a same train twice because I really enjoyed my ride with my classmates. When we were in the train, I saw very beautiful views, tall and shiny buildings. When sunlight hits the glass building it looks amazing. We also passed a very old and big cemetery.
Coney Island is a residential neighborhood located on the Atlantic in Southwest Brooklyn. Coney Island is also a residential neighborhood. Today Coney Island is home to 60,000 inhabitants, but continues to be known for its amusement parks and seaside attractions (ENY, 115). When the Dutch arrived in the 17th century, they called the island Conyne Eylandt, or Rabbit island, probably because of the numerous species of rabbits that populated the area. It was the British who changed the name to Coney Island, “coney” being a colloquial term in English for rabbit (ENY, 116). Back in the early 19th century, it would take almost a day’s ride to go to Coney Island. There were no subways and roads and at that time people used to take a ferry from Manhattan. Later in the 19th century, railroad service came and Coney Island soon became a major tourist destination after the Civil War (ENY, 116). Later on, the Brooklyn Bridge and more roads started to build up and by the 1920’s Coney Island became New York’s most important summer amusement area, with thrilling rides and weird sideshows (ENY, 116). This was the little bit of history about Coney Island. When we reached there, we had one hour to look around. We split up in small groups. I started walking with Christine, Sandra, Megan, and Brandy. We start walking at the boardwalk. I saw this place for the first time. There were so many people from different cultural backgrounds enjoying the weather, walking, reading books, and having lunch, and school trips. Everything was very beautiful. I really enjoyed spending time there. And off course I can't forget talking about the food. We stopped at the Nathan’s. I ordered cheese-fries and soda.
After we finished from Coney Island, our next stop was on Boerum Place and Schermerhorn Street. We took the train to go there. When we reached at the Transit Museum I thought we were taking another train but it was actually a museum. The entrance was so real no one would think it’s a museum. Everything in the museum was so real I was amazed looking at old trains. The museum was opened in 1976 for New York’s bicentennial celebrations and proved to be an immediate success with New Yorkers (ENY, 125). In the late 19th century, elevated stream trains that run along busy commercial streets transported New Yorkers. The need for an underground subway became apparent when the Great Blizzard of 1888 shut down, which crippled the entire city. The first subway line was completed in 1904 (ENY, 124). There were two basic methods used to build the subway system. The earliest method used was cut and cover, which involved digging up a street and laying a tunnel below, which was then covered over by a new roadway (ENY, 124). The museum trip was nice. I had fun looking at the old trains.
After visiting the museum, we went to Brooklyn Heights. We walked a couple of blocks and looked around at some old buildings made with brown stone and Plymouth Church. In the courtyard of the church, there is a statue of the preacher Henry Ward Beecher. In the mid 19th century Beecher was the most famous abolitionist in the United States and preached at this church from 1849-1887 (ENY, 128).
After exploring the old buildings in Brooklyn Heights, our last stop was the Brooklyn Bridge. I was waiting to see Brooklyn Bridge all day, but first we stopped at the Brooklyn Bridge Park. When we were there, I learned about the Dumbo, it means Down Under the Manhattan Bridge Overpass. In Dumbo, we saw a transparent art piece called “jewel box”, which is worth $9 million. Finally, it was time to walk over the bridge. We took stairways at Cadman Plaza East and Prospect Street (ENY, 130). There is so much to tell about the bridge, but I’m going to give brief information. John Roebling designed the bridge. It took six hundred workers and fourteen years to complete the bridge at a cost of $15 millions. During this process, 27 men died (ENY, 131). We finished today’s journey at the Brooklyn Bridge. I always wanted to walk over the bridge and today this class gave me the opportunity.
Journal 3, The village 6/12/14
Today is day 3 of our class and again we began our journey by meeting at Penn Station. Today my bus was 10 minutes late so I reached Penn Station just in time. Today I was very tired because I am not used to walking so many miles. Today, for the first time, we didn’t take any train. All day we just walked from one place to another. Thank God the weather was not too warm.
We went to Chelsea first. Chelsea is the center of art galleries. Also there are so many garages and huge warehouses. In the mid 19th century, a street-level freight line ran through the heart of Chelsea to transport produce through the city (ENY, 94). So many people died during that time and people started to say that 10th Avenue is “Death Avenue”. In order to solve this problem, in 1930, the New York Central Railroad had the lines elevated 30 feet above the street, but this idea didn’t work either and railroad was shut down in the 1980s. In 1999, a non-profit organization saved the railroad lines and decided to change the structure into a elevated park. The plants at the High Lines are from all around the world. In 2006, the High Line was opened for tourists and New Yorkers. Since then it became very popular. The best way to see Chelsea is from above. Begin at the start of the High Line at 30th Street and Tenth Avenue and leisurely stroll south along it (ENY, 94).
Today is day 3 of our class and again we began our journey by meeting at Penn Station. Today my bus was 10 minutes late so I reached Penn Station just in time. Today I was very tired because I am not used to walking so many miles. Today, for the first time, we didn’t take any train. All day we just walked from one place to another. Thank God the weather was not too warm.
We went to Chelsea first. Chelsea is the center of art galleries. Also there are so many garages and huge warehouses. In the mid 19th century, a street-level freight line ran through the heart of Chelsea to transport produce through the city (ENY, 94). So many people died during that time and people started to say that 10th Avenue is “Death Avenue”. In order to solve this problem, in 1930, the New York Central Railroad had the lines elevated 30 feet above the street, but this idea didn’t work either and railroad was shut down in the 1980s. In 1999, a non-profit organization saved the railroad lines and decided to change the structure into a elevated park. The plants at the High Lines are from all around the world. In 2006, the High Line was opened for tourists and New Yorkers. Since then it became very popular. The best way to see Chelsea is from above. Begin at the start of the High Line at 30th Street and Tenth Avenue and leisurely stroll south along it (ENY, 94).
In Chelsea we went to four different art galleries. Each gallery had very different artwork. I am not a fan of artwork. I didn’t like any of the galleries. In each art gallery I went to, nothing attracted me. For example, one art piece I saw was an air conditioner water dripping on a hot frying pan. Another art was three different colored pony tales, which were move constantly. One art gallery had nude pictures only. This art doesn’t make any sense to me. I went to Chelsea for the first time and I think except the High Line, it is the dirtiest area in New York I have seen so far.
When we went to the Greenwich Village, I felt that I am walking in an old town. Old houses, buildings, churches, parks, and most roads were made with bricks. Everything was very antique style. “The West Village is a largest part to Greenwich Village. In the West Village, the Gay Rights movement officially began in the 2960s, and since then the area around Christopher Street has traditionally been a center of social life for New York gay population. Today, New York has the largest gay community in the United States, and one of the largest of any city in the world” (ENY, 102). In 1877 Jefferson Market Library was built with redbrick, and this is one of the few Victorian Gothic-style building left in Manhattan.
Washington Square Park is at the northwest corner. The land was purchased by New York in 1797 to serve as a potter’s field and a place of burial for unknown or indigent people. In the 19th century the park was also used for public executions with those convicted hung from “Hangman’s Elm” (ENY, 107).
We had our one-hour break at McDougal and Bleecker Streets. McDougal and Bleecker Streets were known for providing places where artists, writers and intellectuals could push the limits of social convention (ENY, 109). On McDougal Street Café Wha is a popular café where music legends such Bob Dylan, Janis Joplin, and Jimi Hendrix performed in the 1960s.
After we finished our lunch, we went to the Merchant’s House Museum, which is located at the East Village on 4th Street, between Lafayette Street and Cooper Square. This museum reminds me of the early 19th century life style. The house was built by Joseph Brewster in 1832 and sold to Seabury Tredwell, a wealthy merchant, in 1835 for $18,000 (ENY). Tredwell lived in the house with his wife, eight children, four servants and an assortment of relatives until his death in 1865 (ENY). In 1933, the house became a museum. After our tour at the Merchant’s House Museum, we went to see the Cooper Union Foundation Building. The building was built in 1859 and it is the oldest steel-framed structure in the United States. After exploring Chelsea and Greenwich Village, our day ended at the Big Gay Ice Cream Shop.
When we went to the Greenwich Village, I felt that I am walking in an old town. Old houses, buildings, churches, parks, and most roads were made with bricks. Everything was very antique style. “The West Village is a largest part to Greenwich Village. In the West Village, the Gay Rights movement officially began in the 2960s, and since then the area around Christopher Street has traditionally been a center of social life for New York gay population. Today, New York has the largest gay community in the United States, and one of the largest of any city in the world” (ENY, 102). In 1877 Jefferson Market Library was built with redbrick, and this is one of the few Victorian Gothic-style building left in Manhattan.
Washington Square Park is at the northwest corner. The land was purchased by New York in 1797 to serve as a potter’s field and a place of burial for unknown or indigent people. In the 19th century the park was also used for public executions with those convicted hung from “Hangman’s Elm” (ENY, 107).
We had our one-hour break at McDougal and Bleecker Streets. McDougal and Bleecker Streets were known for providing places where artists, writers and intellectuals could push the limits of social convention (ENY, 109). On McDougal Street Café Wha is a popular café where music legends such Bob Dylan, Janis Joplin, and Jimi Hendrix performed in the 1960s.
After we finished our lunch, we went to the Merchant’s House Museum, which is located at the East Village on 4th Street, between Lafayette Street and Cooper Square. This museum reminds me of the early 19th century life style. The house was built by Joseph Brewster in 1832 and sold to Seabury Tredwell, a wealthy merchant, in 1835 for $18,000 (ENY). Tredwell lived in the house with his wife, eight children, four servants and an assortment of relatives until his death in 1865 (ENY). In 1933, the house became a museum. After our tour at the Merchant’s House Museum, we went to see the Cooper Union Foundation Building. The building was built in 1859 and it is the oldest steel-framed structure in the United States. After exploring Chelsea and Greenwich Village, our day ended at the Big Gay Ice Cream Shop.