Invite: Birth of Historic Preservation 9/20/11 at Museum of The City of NY - Special Discount to RFPC Blog Readers!

You are invited to......

Preserving the Past: The Birth of Historic Preservation

Tuesday, September 20 at 6:30 PM

The burgeoning 19th- and 20th-century interest in Colonial styles of art and architecture coincided with the emergence of the historic preservation movement, whose earliest subjects were colonial sites, including Colonial Williamsburg, Mount Vernon, and the Powel House in Philadelphia. 

* Why did early preservationists focus specifically on the nation’s colonial past? 

* What were the ideological underpinnings of preservation?

Max Page, professor and author of several books, including The Creative Destruction of Manhattan, 1900-1940 (University of Chicago Press, 1999); Franklin D. Vagnone, Executive Director of the Historic House Trust; and others explore preservation and the Colonial Revival to understand their complicated relationship.

Co-sponsored by the Historic House Trust.

Reservations required: (917) 492-3395 or e-mail programs@mcny.org

$6 museum members; $8 seniors and students; $12 non-members

$6 when you mention Rego-Forest Preservation Council

- Museum of The City of New York

1220 Fifth Avenue at 103rd Street

New York, NY  10029

www.mcny.org

(212) 534-1672

On a related note, the birth of the NYC Landmarks Law began in 1965, when Mayor Robert Wagner signed it into being, in response to the public outcry when the classic Pennsylvania Station was demolished in 1963.

1910 photo courtesy of the Evening Telegraph Blog

NYC Trees Need Your Help - Any Sum Makes A Great Difference!

A common picture of Hurricane Irene's devastation. Photo courtesy of MillionTrees NYC

When Hurricane Irene hit the eastern seaboard in late August 2011, it was responsible for the loss of over 2,000 trees, according to Million Trees NYC.

Backtracking, the tornado in Sept 2010 was responsible for at last 3,100 fallen trees in our borough, not to mention those damaged significantly. Our trees are an aesthetically & environmentally beneficial component, as well as historic component of all neighborhoods citywide. They become members of our extended family.

Fortunately, Million Trees NYC is the face behind an endeavor to raise funding for the replacement of the loss trees throughout NYC's 5 boroughs. Please consider donating to assist NYC street and park trees, or to assist tree planting on private property such as schools, and housing. This is a noble cause, so please take a few moments to also spread the word. Even a few dollars would be appreciated: 

http://milliontreesnyc.org/html/donate/donate.shtml

One of the few remaining historic Elm trees in Central Queens, which survived the tornado but not the hurricane. It sustained a large collapsed limb, which damaged the trunk. Sadly, this 7-story graceful Elm tree, which was at least 60 years old & was loved by many local residents, was taken down within days. All that remains is barely a stump on the corner of the Howard Apts on 66th Rd off the north side of Queens Blvd. Perhaps routine pruning would have paid off, & the tree would have still been around today. Photo by Michael Perlman, Rego-Forest Preservation Council.

The purple oasis of Cherry Plum trees was compromised at Parker Towers along Queens Blvd in Forest Hills. Let's hope these trees will be resurrected. Photo by Michael Perlman, Rego-Forest Preservation Council

 

A once bold Maple tree, which provided much beauty & shade in Forest Hills' Federoff Triangle falls. Photo by Michael Perlman, Rego-Forest Preservation Council.

Forest Hills' historic MacDonald Park was struck again, after losing around 70 trees during last year's tornado. This tree was likely planted by volunteers when MacDonald Park received some upgrades in the 1980s. A tree we will miss. Photo by Michael Perlman, Rego-Forest Preservation Council.

 

 

 

 

 

September 11, 2011 - We Are Stronger Than Ever!

We will always remember our heroes, our survivors, our victims, and all families and friends of September 11th. 

It is hard to believe it has been 10 years. I remember waking up, and witnessing the unbelievable on TV, along with my family. We were in denial, not knowing what may be the next target. First the Twin Towers and then the Pentagon, not to mention all those who perished as the planes crashed, and the hero who saved the White House. As we experienced the largest attack in American history, it showed how caring and brave Americans are. Under crisis, we unconsciously and consciously looked out for each other. I remember the fire crews, police, and the Port Authority who rushed to the Towers to save who they can. The heroes inside the Twin Towers became one family, helping each other flee in every way possible.

Mayor Giuliani coordinated the response of various city departments, while organizing the support of state and federal authorities for the World Trade Center site. Within days, stories of the rescue and those who perished emerged. The rescue mission was ongoing between the rubble. Candlelight vigils filled thoroughfares.On September 23, 2001, the World Trade Center Memorial Service was held at Yankee Stadium.

Our Twin Towers fell, but our courage and unity never sunk with it.

This postcard is captioned "April 4, 1973 - Sept 11, 2001"

This pre-9/11 view reads "Long live liberty!" We must keep strong, even when they attempt to reduce our country and its people.

On Thurs, Dec 11, 2008, the NY Daily News reported "The survivors' staircase, the 37 concrete steps that scores of people raced down to flee the World Trade Center attacks, was moved Thursday for the final time. A massive yellow crane hoisted the 22-foot-tall staircase into the air and placed it 150 feet away at the entrance to the future Sept. 11 museum." According to SaveTheStairway.org, "The Stairway stands as a uniquely important historical artifact, and a dramatic symbol of hope and survival." The NY Landmarks Conservancy played a great role in the rescue of this artifact: http://www.nylandmarks.org/programs_services/technical_assistance/projects/preserving_the_world_trade_center_site

Survivors' Staircase, WTC, Courtesy of SaveTheStairway.org

On April 26, 2011, ABC News announced the 9/11 Memorial is set to open on the 10th anniversary of the attacks: http://abclocal.go.com/wabc/story?section=news/local/new_york&id=8095409

Superb coverage with 9/11/01 photos on Drake's Edge of The City Blog: http://edgeofthecityblog.blogspot.com/2011/09/remembering-911.html  

Wikipedia: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/World_Trade_Center_site

Google News thread on September 11, 2011 memorials: 9/11/11

UNITED WE STAND!

9/14 INVITE: Colonial Revival in Extremis at the Museum of The City of NY - Rego-Forest Preservation Council Discount

You are invited to a special event at the Museum of The City of New York.........

Wednesday, September 14, 2011 at 6:30 PM

Cherry Trees and Giant Porticos: Colonial Revival in Extremis

Colonial Revival is in many ways America’s national style, with incarnations ranging from architecture to painting, music, sculpture, furniture, gardens, and literature. As with many nationalist expressions, it can at times become exaggerated, humorous, and perhaps even weird.

Richard Guy Wilson, occupant of the Commonwealth Professor’s Chair in Architectural History at the University of Virginia, will examine some of the ways houses such as Washington’s Mount Vernon and portraits of the founding fathers, have been utilized for a variety of purposes, sometimes with strange results. 

Reservations required: (917) 492-3395 or e-mail programs@mcny.org

 $6 museum members; $8 seniors and students; $12 non-members

$6 when you mention the Rego-Forest Preservation Council
E-mail Chair Michael Perlman at unlockthevault@hotmail.com with comments or questions.


On a related note, the American Style exhibition began June 14th & will end on Nov 6, 2011. Backtracking, the Colonial Revival Then & Now lecture and discussion took place on July 19th, and was well-attended.

http://www.nytimes.com/2011/06/14/arts/design/american-style-at-the-museum-of-the-city-of-new-york.html?_r=1&scp=1&sq=american%20style&st=cse.

Museum of the City of New York

1220 Fifth Avenue at 103rd Street

New York, NY 10029
www.mcny.org 

(212) 534-1672

9/12/11 Event: Historic Building Survey Basics, Monday Morning Coffee Talk at Neighborhood Preservation Center

 

~Monday Morning Coffee Talk~

Historic Building Survey Basics

September 12, 2011 at 8:30 AM

The Neighborhood Preservation Center (232 East 11th Street, NYC) will host a Free and Open to the Public event.

The most frequently asked question by community activists is “How do I know if my neighborhood could be a historic district?" It all starts with an architectural survey. Preservation consultant and HDC Vice-President Gregory Dietrich will explain the basics of identifying and evaluating historic properties, as a first step toward neighborhood preservation. This program is intended for community members who are interested in defining objectives, identifying historic assets, and devising an effective strategy to preserve their neighborhood's distinct sense of place.

E-mail sromanoski at hdc dot org (in proper e-mail format) to reserve a space. 

HURRICANE IRENE ADVICE

To all New Yorkers: Please check for information related to Hurricane Irene on the Office of Emergency Management website. Let's pray everyone will be safe, & the hurricane will "take a swim & drown!"

 

NYC Office of Emergency Management

 

http://www.facebook.com/NYCemergencymanagement?sk=wall 

 

NYC OEM plans for and responds to emergencies in New York City. For more info, visit http://www.nyc.gov/oem For emergency assistance, call 911. For service requests, call 311.

This is an important e-mail from Assemblyman Andrew Hevesi:

Take steps to prepare for Hurricane Irene‏

Dear Neighbor:

By now, it is likely that you have received news that New York City may be hit by Hurricane Irene this weekend, likely Saturday evening into Sunday. While this hurricane has the capacity to cause a significant amount of damage, there are steps you can take to ensure that your homes and loved ones are protected.

The first step you should take in preparing is finding out if you live in an evacuation zone. Click here to see evacuation zones throughout New York City. If you live in one of these zones, when instructed, you should follow these evacuation instructions.

I am strongly urging residents in our communities to take every precaution possible and prepare for the worst-case scenario. Please gather ample amounts of water, non-perishable food, and batteries for flashlights. Secure loose items on your property, consider boarding up vulnerable windows, and bring in any trash lying on your curbs. Do the best you can to prepare for up to 2 weeks of power and utility outages. To report outages to Con Edison, have your account number ready and call 1-800-75-CONED (1-800-752-6633). You can keep up to date on the city’s storm monitoring and response by clicking here or by calling 311. In case of a life threatening emergency, always call 911.

Please review the following links:

• You can view updates from the New York City Office of Emergency Management by clicking here.
   
• The Red Cross has put together a Hurricane Safety Checklist, available in English, Spanish and Chinese. 

If the storm hits, the greatest impact is expected to be felt on Sunday. Please use this time to prepare for the storm by stocking up on resources and reviewing evacuation plans if they apply to your neighborhood. As always, if you are experiencing an emergency, please dial 911.

-Assemblyman Andrew Hevesi
28 A.D. 


More important tips:

* Examine the Office of Emergency Management link above, & see if you are required to evacuate.
* Stock up on food & water for at least 3 days' supply
* Buy flashlights
* Buy batteries & battery-powered radios (in case of power outages)
* Steer clear of windows & consider buying plywood to board them up
* Take all street furniture indoors, since objects can fly & be fatal
* Brace trees
* Contact family, friends, & neighbors proactively to ensure their safety, & SPREAD THE WORD!

Measuring the storm, The Saffir-Simpson Scale (Credit: CBS & AP)

 

 

Forest Hills Post Office History Recognized in Queens Chronicle

The Forest Hills post office under construction in September 1938 and completed in 1940. The topless female sculpture above the door was criticized at the time. The building behind the facility is labeled “Forest Hills Fireproof Storage.” Courtesy of Ron Marzlock, Queens Chronicle Historian

 

A post office deemed risque 1

The Forest Hills post office under construction in September 1938 and completed in 1940. The topless female sculpture above the door was criticized at the time. The building behind the facility is labeled “Forest Hills Fireproof Storage.”

Forest Hills Post Office in September 1938 - Courtesy of Ron Marzlock, Queens Chronicle Historian

2007 photo courtesy of Greg Godfrey

The Forest Hills Post Office is currently the only building in Forest Hills on the State & National Register of Historic Places, making it eligible for federal tax credits and state-matching grants for preservation-friendly upgrades & restoration work. Rego-Forest Preservation Council is currently documenting the Forest Hills Post Office's history and authentic features for a good cause, so imagine how we felt when we discovered the building in the 8/4 edition of the Queens Chronicle's "I Have Often Walked" column, written by Historian Ron Marzlock:

Queens Chronicle: A Post Office Deemed Risque

In the 1930s, most post offices in Queens were little candy store-type buildings housing only a few letter carrier routes in a leased building.

In June 1936, the Emergency Construction Program Act was passed. Politically strong Forest Hills was able to arrange the construction of a federal building to house a post office, at 106-28 Queens Blvd.

The new building was to be a showpiece of the area, topped off with a sculpture called “The Spirit of Communication.” The Art Deco-style work, a bare-breasted woman holding a clock and dove, was denounced by conservative 1938 Forest Hills as bad art in bad taste. But sculptor Sten Jacobson’s creation was valued at more than $150,000 in 1990, and is protected today and cared for by the General Services Administration.

Most other buildings of the era put up by the Works Progress Administration got a painting for artwork. Forest Hills got real sculpture. The other fortunate areas of Queens to secure WPA buildings for a post office were Jackson Heights, Woodhaven, Far Rockaway and Flushing. All of them are protected by landmark status.

Today, the fine 71-year-old structure facing MacDonald Park is dwarfed by the highly-concentrated apartment houses which have since engulfed so much of Forest Hills. At least it’s not one of the five post offices in Queens the United States Postal Service is considering closing.

"The Spirit of Communication" adorns the terra-cotta facade. Recent photos courtesy of Michael Perlman, Chair of Rego-Forest Preservation Council

Polished brass doors bear Art Deco handles

The Forest Hills Post Office made the grade on the 10th annual walking tour of Downtown Forest Hills in September 2010 by Historian Jeff Gottlieb, President of the Central Queens Historical Association.

Admiring the verticals and cubism of an International Style/Art Moderne Federal building. Most other post offices designed in the 1930s & prior were of (Georgian) Colonial design in Queens. This design would be found in a 1939 World's Fair pavilion, but this predated it! A patriotic mark is made upon Queens Boulevard!