Behind The Lens with Photographer Joe Raskin

By Michael Perlman

Joe Raskin & his father Jack in Rochdale Village, 1980s

One of the most active urban explorers and gifted citywide photographers of our generation is Joe Raskin, a native of Queens. When asked to estimate how many street scenes he has captured citywide over the years, he said, “I've posted over 48,000 photographs on Wandering New York (his photoblog) over the last seven years, but that's just a drop in the bucket, considering how long I've been taking pictures. It’s easily well over triple that number.” The city becomes his canvas, as he largely documents buildings of varying architectural styles that are most classical, followed by subways and commuter rail lines. Every so often, his eye will turn to nature. 

Joe Raskin & Creative Musings on Mass Transit at the NY Transit Museum, 2016 photo by Marc A Herman

“Ideally, I am out every day of the week in one part of the city or another, and I spend two to three hours each day, not including travel time,” said Raskin. Even in the rain and snow he can be found with a camera in hand. He said, “Creative expression is a wonderful thing, and it always feels great to be out and about taking photographs.” His achievements continue with his subway history book, “The Routes Not Taken, A Trip Through New York City's Unbuilt Subway System.” 

A charming Forest Hills Gardens home

Brownstones in Park Slope

Raskin uploads photos in at least 10 Facebook groups, where some are posted nightly, drawing quite a fan base. Besides Wandering New York, his work can be viewed on Instagram under @rochdalian and on ThisistheBronx.info. It can also be spotted on NY1 and channels 2, 7, and 11. Raskin made appearances on In Transit on NY1, BronxTalk on the Bronxnet network, and on the Single Shot show on the Manhattan Neighborhood Network.

One may speculate how his passion originated. First off, he looks up to his father Jack, who passed away six years ago. He recalled, “My dad was always taking a lot of family pictures, so he's the one to credit. I began using his 35mm cameras in the late 1970s.” Secondly, Raskin embodies the spirit of some of the past generation’s most highly regarded photographers. He said, “Berenice Abbott, Arnold Eagle and Todd Webb's work has an immense effect on me, with Abbott's in particular. They made it easier to focus on subjects and appreciate the everyday scenes of life in the city.” 

Ridgewood Rooftops,  Mathews Model Flats

For 33 years, Raskin resided in Rochdale Village, Sunnyside, and Astoria, and now calls Chelsea home. Prior to retirement, he served as Assistant Director of Government and Community Relations at the MTA. Now he considers his hobby as his “current job.” Raskin is a graduate of York College, where he majored in Political Science, and achieved a Masters in Urban Studies from Queens College. “I took a photography class at York, which certainly enriched my interest, but I would describe myself as being self-taught,” he said.

Some of Raskin’s most memorable experiences transpire when he encounters people in a diverse range of neighborhoods. He said, “I get into conversations about their communities, and for the most part, they are curious about my work and enjoy that I'm taking pictures there. I'll point out that it is what people usually do in the touristy areas of town, and explain that I’m not a real estate agent or working for one. Generally, they appreciate that, and even suggest other places for me to look at.” He continued, “I also value it most when someone sees a photo that triggers a pleasant memory.” 

Fall foliage along the Franklin Shuttle

A No 7 train approaches the 52nd Street, Lincoln Avenue station in Woodside

“My original camera was a Kodak Brownie, followed by a Kodak Instamatic,” said Raskin. Today his cameras of choice are a Panasonic Lumix and Casio Exilim, and even his Samsung Galaxy phone. Then the question becomes safeguarding a massive photo inventory. He said, “I store them on a lot of flash drives. It's much better to be redundant when it comes to storage. I don't trust the Cloud as the only place.”

Raskin’s explorations take him through the Rego Park Crescents, a most enjoyable enclave. “It’s hard not to get a little bit lost there,” he chuckled. He can also be found wandering through the Forest Hills Gardens, as well as photographing houses north and south of Metropolitan Avenue. Raskin said, “Both communities are consistently beautiful. Although there are some new buildings, much hasn't changed in decades, and hopefully it remains that way.” 

Rego Park rowhouses

 

Rego Park houses

Among his favorite photos are ones captured along and from elevated subway lines. “It's a great way to get a real slice of life look at the city,” he said. Also in high ranks are houses in Glendale, Ridgewood, Astoria, and Woodside.

Being a history buff, he explained, “What's most meaningful is knowing how these buildings and streets tell the story of how the city grew and expanded from just the downtown areas in each borough. That's also what is most meaningful about the subway photos.” The architectural styles that he finds most intriguing relate to photographing classic city housing, such as Art Deco Bronx apartment houses, row houses such as Mathews Model Flats, brownstones, and townhouses. “All of them definitely add to the spirit of city life, especially when they are well maintained,” he said. 

Townhouses on the Upper West Side

One must wonder if there are there any neighborhoods that Raskin has not documented. He explained, “There has to be some that I've missed. I'd like to think that at some point I've walked on every city block. If there's a to-do list, I'd like to go inside buildings such as the Flatiron Building and take pictures from them.” 

Alleyway from Pelham Parkway

Grand Concourse Historic District

Over the years, Raskin has learned how each community varies and how each section of a neighborhood can offer a spirit of its own. He said, “For the most part, the stereotype images of each community are wrong. I've learned not to take any neighborhood for granted. If it wasn't for my photographic trips, I may never know much about areas like Stuyvesant Heights and Longwood.”

In the long-term, Raskin would like to publish his photos in several books. Sharing his wisdom with younger generations, he says, “Be curious and follow your vision of what you want to do.” 

A similar version of this feature appears in Michael Perlman's Forest Hills Times column:  http://foresthillstimes.com/view/full_story/27633557/article-Behind-the-lens-with-photographer-Joe-Raskin  

  

Coming Attractions: Helen Keller Mural in Forest Hills

By Michael Perlman

Helen Keller & Anne Sullivan Macy in 1913

One of the most courageous 20th century notables was author, lecturer, and advocate Helen Keller (1880 – 1968), but few people may realize that she once called Forest Hills home and was quite active locally. From 1917 to 1938, she resided in a charming brick-gabled and limestone house at 93 Seminole Avenue, later renumbered 71-11 112th Street.

Helen Keller, Anne Sullivan Macy, & Polly Thomson's Forest Hills house

In May, a mural that will commemorate Helen Keller and her achievements from a local to international perspective will rise on the west wall of the Ascan Avenue underpass of the Long Island Railroad, and will be painted on heavy duty primed panels. It will transform a banal wall into an educational and motivational beacon for community residents and visitors, and especially children. The project is being coordinated by this columnist and will be painted by international muralists Crisp and Praxis, natives of Australia and Columbia, respectively. It is in partnership with the Queens Economic Development Corporation, the Long Island Railroad, and Council Member Karen Koslowitz who secured $6,500 in public funding. Additional contributors included local residents and Portofino Ristorante.

Helen Keller inside her home, Courtesy of Susanna & Robert Hof

“When I was in first grade, I read ‘The Story of My Life’ by Helen Keller, and was fascinated by her spirit,” said contributor Gloria Piraino. “The following year, I saw the excellent film, ‘The Miracle Worker’ in the movies, and I was hooked. The very idea that a dedicated teacher could reach a young student with such difficulties was an inspiration. I became a teacher because of this, and taught for over 25 years. When I found out that Helen Keller lived in Forest Hills, I was so proud to have moved here. A mural commemorating her life will bring her inspirational story to future generations.”

Another contributor, Steve Schott, said “For our Forest Hills history, it’s important to recognize great people in our community, and it’s an honor to recognize Helen Keller.” He continued, “I want to thank the project’s coordinator and the artists for their desire to improve our community, making it better place to live.”

The mural is anticipated to feature Helen Keller's face and her Forest Hills house, a hand feeling Braille, as well as depict voting rights and her passion for animals. Another focal point will be her well-known quote, “The only thing worse than being blind is having sight but no vision.” An additional component will be a plaque, which will summarize her accomplishments and feature her photo and signature, as well as the project’s responsible parties. Collaboratively, the mural and plaque will offer an outdoor museum feel.

The artists presently have two Forest Hills murals; the Ramones/Forest Hills Stadium/Station Square mural at the Continental Avenue LIRR underpass, completed in June 2016, and “A Tribute To Ascan Avenue & The Forest Hills Gardens” featuring Civil War farmer Ascan Backus and Forest Hills Gardens founders, completed in April 2017 on the east wall, under the direction of this columnist. 

Helen Keller, Courtesy of Queens Community Board 6

Keller lived a storied life. After she contracted Scarlet Fever, she became blind and deaf at 19 months. She was examined by Alexander Graham Bell, telephone inventor and pioneer speech teacher for the deaf, who referred her to the Perkins School for the Blind. At 7, she met Anne Sullivan Macy (1866 – 1936), who was partially blind. “Miracle Worker” Macy moved in with Keller in Forest Hills, and became her teacher and closest companion. She also lived with secretary Polly Thomson and 8 dogs, mostly Great Danes.

Keller mastered the manual alphabet and learned to read Braille and print block letters. At age 9, she began to read lips and communicate. As a graduate of Radcliffe College in 1904 at age 24, Keller became the first deaf and blind individual to earn a Bachelor of Arts.

In 1913, she began lecturing on behalf of the American Foundation for the Blind, and her objective of removing stigmas associated with sight and hearing disorders took her worldwide. Traditionally, such conditions resulted in placing the blind and deaf in asylums. She also advocated for labor rights and women’s suffrage. From 1920 to 1924, Keller and Macy partnered for an educational vaudeville act. Keller’s published works include “The Story of My Life” (1902), “The World I Live In” (1908), “Out of the Dark” (1913), and “Helen Keller’s Journal” (1938). 

Helen Keller at her desk

On her home’s lawn, she celebrated birthdays by coordinating large-scale parties for the blind, and held fundraising tours to benefit the American Foundation for the Blind. She welcomed members of the Rainbow Division of the U.S. Army (42nd Infantry) in 1917, and then on the steps in Station Square, she greeted 1,200 soldiers. She stated, “The Star-Spangled Banner was more than 100 years ago dedicated as a symbol of freedom. We have since that time lived for that flag and for freedom, and I am proud to meet you, who are now ready to die, if need be for it, that there might be equal rights for all men and women alike.”

At the 1925 Lions Club International Convention, Keller stated, “Alone we can do so little, together we can do so much” and challenged Lions to become “knights of the blind in the crusade against darkness.”

In March 1926, Keller and Macy visited the Forest Hills Theatre, and lectured to further the mission of the American Foundation for the Blind, as part of a countrywide campaign. The blind organist, violinist, and composer Edwin Grasse accompanied Keller who sang, as organist Samuel Pearce of the Church-in-the-Gardens accompanied him. In October 1931, with one of her Great Danes at her side, she conducted a presentation titled “How Parents Can Help Their Children” at a Mother’s Club meeting at Public School 3.

Keller and Macy attended Sunday services at the First Presbyterian Church of Forest Hills, and also visited The Church-in-the-Gardens, where Keller lectured to the youth. Keller wrote a well-received column, "Into The Light" for the Queens newspaper, The Daily Star.

Keller spoke at The Community House, after being encouraged by her friend Homer Croy, a notable author, screenwriter, and humorist of Forest Hills. Her home was frequented by guests ranging from journalists to scientists to social workers. In 1936, after the Continental Avenue subway opened, her excitement led her to taking the train into Manhattan with secretary Polly Thomson. 

Helen Keller & dog Sieglinde in bottom row, Anne Sullivan Macy & Polly Thomson in top row, Courtesy of the Hof family

Keller has been called by Mark Twain “one of the two most interesting characters of the 19th century” alongside Napoleon. Between 1946 and 1957, she went on tour 7 times and visited 5 continents, totaling over 30 countries. She encountered world figures including John F. Kennedy, Charlie Chaplin, and Grover Cleveland. She worked with seven American presidents and was the recipient of the Presidential Medal of Freedom by President Lyndon B. Johnson in 1964. She was also the recipient of the Lions Humanitarian Award for her lifetime service in 1961, and in 1965, was elected to the National Women's Hall of Fame at the 1964 - 1965 World's Fair in Flushing Meadows Corona Park.

Keller once said, “The millions of blind eyes must be opened. Society is always creating too much trouble for philanthropy to patch. One must attack social problems at their roots.” Other inspirational words are “The best and most beautiful things in the world cannot be seen or even touched – they must be felt with the heart.”

A similar version of this feature was published in the Forest Hills Times: 

www.foresthillstimes.com/view/full_story/27630911/article-Helen-Keller-mural-coming-to-Ascan-Avenue