Extra Credit/Ellis Island

On June 22nd I went with my niece to a class trip to Ellis Island (right next to Battery Park). When we took the ferry, we passed the Statue of Liberty which is my next goal/trip to go to in New York City.

Ellis Island is a place in the 19th Century where numerous of immigrants came to the United States. Ellis Island was like a station where they held the immigrants. The Dutch bought Ellis Island in 1630 (BG, 39). Immigrants were abused and robed in the 19th century as well. In 1907 the peak year of immigration, 1,004,756 immigrants entered the U.S. through Ellis Island (BG, 39). In 1965 Ellis Island became part of the Statue of Liberty National’s Monument (BG, 39). My parents are from Haiti and came to the U.S. in their teenage years, it could be possible that my ancestors were once here in Ellis Island. Many immigrants such as Greek, Jamaican, Irish and Haitians came to Ellis Island in the 19th century. There was a ranger who been working over 30yrs at Ellis Island explained the history of the Island. I got to see films, beds where immigrants use to dorm and luggages they carried as well. Here are pictures below of my trip to Ellis Island with my niece and her class. (This is my extra credit that I added to my Blog and hope it will go towards points that I missed in this core class, such as my papers (from Don’s grading) and also my first blogs when I was not aware how to add the websites).

Final Thoughts of my NY Experience/Journal #9

This New York experience was like a dream come true only that got to experience in college. I said to myself I could have taken the train and went to these sites by myself. However I do not know how long it would actually take me and would I have known the history behind it all. This new core class was so worth it. The Blue Guide is a great book and teaches you the history of new York along with travel information, but to go to the actually site stays in memory. I admired Central parks and the people who come on their lunch break and the babysitters who watched the kids play. This Friday Beyonce actress and singer will be performing at Central Park and just because of this experience I will go and enjoy myself. Our first trips to Brooklyn Heights and Long Island City was really a good way to start off our experience. I cannot forget the view of the Battery Park and the walk to the Brooklyn Bridge. I was not aware how many museums there is in New York City and the art galleries as well as Cathedrals. I was happy to visit Wall Street and Federal Hall, where in history class we hear the lecture but got the opportunity to experience it in Core Class in Molloy College. The famous Chelsea Market was not only good to have lunch and enjoy the atmosphere but also should be remembered how it all started. High Line one of my favorites places with luxury apartment buildings, where it is open to the public how wonderful. The Poet’s House and 5th Avenue and many other places we visited and learned in class. This experience motivates me to get up and take a ride to Manhattan, which is only 30 minutes away from me. I do not look at Manhattan as I use to, where I would go for restaurants and nightclubs only. I will go back and enjoy why they build the Poet’s house and I will go back to historic sites.

Depths of Manhattan/Journal #8

On our last day of class, we headed over to the famous Wall Street, when I hear people or the media talk about Wall Street, I hear the word stock exchange and money. Wall Street is run between Broadway and the East River (BG, 65). As we walked down to Wall Street it seems like an isolated area and a wealthy busy street, along with skyscraper. Wall Street name came from a wall and has been synonymous with the New York’s Industry (BG, 65). The wall was not needed for war to protect the Dutch from the British; instead the wall was constructed of planks. Wall Street is a place for business and major corporations. In addition Wall Street also knows for its historic events.

Trinity Church is known for being the famous house of worship, due to its dramatic settings (BG, 64). The Trinity church was built in 1705 by Queen Anne. Trinity Church is 79ft, wide and 166ft long (BG, 65). Right next to the church is the Church Yard where the grave stones are old and rusty.

Federal Hall National Memorial is where Georges Washington took the first oak on the second floor balcony in 1789 (BG, 69). I was happy to be where the first president was 222 years ago. The hall was renamed in honor of New York’s prestigious position as the nation’s capital (BG, 69). I did not know that the World Trade Center was right next to Wall Street and Federal Hall. However I knew about all three places and glad that I am aware and understanding this New York experience.

St. Paul’s Chapel brings me chills, after going inside to see all the memories of the victims that were attack at the WTC on 9-11. St. Paul’s Chapel is the only remaining church which was built in 1766(BG, 77). St Paul Chapel served the British officers as their house of worship unlike other churches became hospitals, prisons and stables (BG, 77).

As we walked down north, the class got to see the site of the rebuilding of The World Trade Center Memorial Cite. Memories and sadness is all I thought of as I walked by not ever forgetting the day I was when 9-11 happened. I just took a look at the site and said to myself these men are working so hard to rebuild the WTC and it will take a couple of years to be done. New York City is like a heart, it keeps beating and moves people to different avenues. It is like gold where many cherish, a place full of excitement, filled with entertainment, actors, artists, wealthy people and poor people.

We are a class that is lucky to stop at a bar called Tom and Jerry’s bar is mostly know 288 as of today. 288 (Tom and Jerry Bar)seems like a nice place to be during happy hour and on Friday or Saturday night. The Bar is one of the oldest bar in Mew York City around the early 19th century. Ruby McDonald story made me realize that it is not only a bar but a place where people from the neighborhood consider it a comfort zone. Ruby explained to the class how many different people come to the bar just to talk to her and she consults them as well. Ruby enjoys being a bartender as her part time job for 7 years now. She is also enjoys taking pictures, dancing (ballerina) and many more. I asked Ruby how long she sees herself being a bartender, she responded and said this is just something on the side that I can fall back on. I knew by her tone of voice and her smile she admired Tom and Jerry and loves her part time job.

The immigrant experience two hour tour was pretty quite interesting. We started off at Delancey Street all the way to Soho. In 1850 Irish and Jews immigrants came to the U.S and lived near Delancey and Hester Street. In the 19th Century the place was filled up with garbage all over the streets and people would become sick to due to this condition. It took 2.5 millions of up garbage to be dumped and get rid of not to mention with horses feces. I cannot imagine or want to smell how that could have been like, but it did not stop immigrants to live in this condition, they came here for a reason. In 1901 finally a sewer park was made. Also single family homes were knocked down to build tenant apartments. This divided the city blocks, and made it easier for the immigrants to live. There was no space for the German immigrants so the tenant buildings were a better opportunity to take less space for the city. In the 19th century the immigrants did have water to drink, a single toilet or a kitchen and lights. There were approximately 3 bathrooms for 300 hundred people to share. I cannot even imagine and can say I am lucky today. There was also Dumbbell apartments which were built for cleaner and healthier environment. In addition, the Dumbbell apt had windows and more living arrangements than the other buildings.

In the early 20th century, immigrants finally had their own bank.
Which was built right before World War 1. The Bank eventually went bankrupt and today looks abandon.

A Synagogue built in 1882 for Germans is now considered for the Russians and Polish Jews.

Battery Park, Chelsea, Poets House/Journal #7

A walk to the Battery Park will be a journey I will always remember. The 92 acres Park sits on the Hudson River and is a man made land (BG, 59). Nearly over 42 years ago Battery Park was created (BG, 59) and in 1979 two architects, Stanton Eckstut and Alexander Cooper created the hysteretic master plan. Well what a great work has been done. Battery Park is the largest public assembly area with held up events, I see it as a relaxing and a nice waterfront view. In addition Battery Park is cleaner than Central Park, to my perspective.

We visited to Museum, The Museum of the American Indian which was a quick stop and The Skyscraper Museum. The American Indian Museum relates to WPA projects.

Eastside Exploration/ Journal #6

Today our first trip was to The Metropolitan Museum of Art. As we first walked up to the building, I could not believe it was a Museum. The Museum is so huge; it looks just like a court house. When I entered The Metropolitan Museum of art I was confused at first, but as we kept on walking further I began to see why the building is 1.5 million square feet and the collections include over 2 million objects (BG, 326). There is no way that anyone can see each collection in one day. Our first art collection was Richard Serra Drawing. I began to say to
myself “What is this and why is this so plain and simple drawing?” As time went by, I said to myself “There is a meaning behind these art collection, especially because it was simple.” In fact, certain collections that are out of the ordinary makes me want to focus and know the meaning behind it all know. Richard Serra Drawing felt that he needed something to take him away from the facility of hand eye coordination.So therefore, his art work was more concerned of drawing and not having eye movement has he did his drawwings. Unbelievable, we cannot always judge a book just because of its cover.

One art that drew my attention was done by a name called Mark Rothko (1903-1970). Rothko was depressed and also committed suicide. His painting had dark colors (red, black and blue); he was putting his feelings into his painting. Here to the right is his art work.

The other paintings I have posted below are paintings that also caught my eye and attention. Every artist has a meaning and a passion in their art work. There is too much art work to look at starting from Greek, Roman, Arts of Africa, Modern art, European sculpture and more. I am amazed that these arts are from all over the world.

Back to Central Park one of my favorites and John Lennon as well. Not to also include I will bring my cousins out of town to come and visit. This time we were on a different side. On this side of the park,called Tavern Green one can get on a boat, Model Boat Pond which also known as Conservatory Water (BG, 292. Further to Central Park we visited Strawberry Field/Imagine in the memory of John Lennon. The quiet zone and the symbol of imagine is so meaningful, a title of one his famous song (BG, 292). The Dakota apartments are so beautiful from the outside and I cannot believe we walked right by were Lennon was killed back in 1980. The thought of a man who loved nothing but peace and Central Park which he moved because he loved the community and it reminded him of his hometown breaks my heart. Strawberry Field and walking down the Dakota’s apartments that day I cannot ever imagine to forget.

F.A.O Schwarz ten minutes tour was like being a kid again. This big toy store had children excited and very expensive. I had always wanted a doll house when I was a little girl. Here I am in the picture below with a doll house, my dream came true! I am delighted that I have been here but do not know if I will is Christmas shopping.
Tiffany & Co which is one of the world’s famous jewelry store and founded by Charles L. Tiffany (1812-1902) (BG, 272). Fifth Avenue is my type of place, I like it. I am use to shopping malls and here I am walking with millions of people on busy streets. The stores are bigger, nicer, and cleaner and have friendly people, I have to go back. However I know the shopping stores are more expensive in New York City, but it’s good to be somewhere new and try something new as well.

Our last two stops were St. Patrick’s Cathedral and New York Public Library. I really like St. Patrick’s Cathedral better than St. John’s Cathedral. St. Patrick Cathedral is open daily from 6:30am to 8:45pm in addition; St. Patrick has flat screen television to get a better view if you someone is setting far at the end. St. Patrick Cathedral is known to be one of the major Catholic churches in New York since 1828 (BG, 254). Firefighters, police officers who died at the World Trade Center tragedy in 2001 had their funeral at St. Patrick’s cathedral (BG, 256). The New York Library tour was interesting, I did not expect galleries, historical subjects, and many more. I love the second floor Main reading room which has over 30,000 reference books (BG, 208). I really admired the tall decorated ceilings it makes me appreciate to be there.

Wild West/ Journal #5

Time Square,what a site see! I get very excited when I arrive to Time Square. I admire the enormous flat screen televisions and the shopping areas. The Boardwalk is one of my favorites, people sit down on the boardwalk to rest, eat on their break, or tourists come to view one of the beautite site seeing and busiest cities. This is where all the action is to my perspective. Time square is the center of the city’s theater district and where all mostly tourists go in New York City (BG, 217). A couple of times at night, I have been in Time Square walking to go to a lounge with my friends. Also, I have been to two plays in Time Square. Today there are 39 Broadway theaters in Time Square (BG, 217). Light, Camera, Action is Time Square, a place where there is so many to do. For example, so many restaurants, hotels, and it also attracts agents and producers(BG, 217). Long ago between 1940-1950 Time square use to be unsafe with prostitutes, filthy streets, where drug users would hang around and an unfriendly neighborhood. Today all that has change, Time Square is the place to be.

Rockefeller Center which is the largest privately owned business and entertainment in the world (BG, 243). The underground concourse has a shopping as well as a diner area, which I find is very elegant. You can see business owners and the public walking to get to their destination. However Rockefeller has a few private streets (BG, 247) where people can see the flags which surround the rink flapping. I really like the atmosphere. John D. Rockefeller (1874-1860) was approached by the opera company and they wanted him to donate land for plaza. Later he signed a contract in 1928 to release the property for a period of 24 years along with renewal options to 2019 and later to be extended to 2069 (BG, 243). In Rockefeller today there is opera, skating ring, the Radio City Music Hall (which I have been to for Christmas shows in the past), the British Empire building and many more.

The New York Modern of Arts/MOMA is a different type of museum. The paintings and art collections are out of the ordinary. It made it interesting to the fact where people are looking at works of art on regular painting to videos of a man pushing a huge ice pack down the street until it melts etc... It is a place full of imagination and inspiration where it has people minds wondering. It made me think deeper into the exhibits and laugh a bit.

The trip to Harlem reminds me of Jamaica Ave in Queens New York, where I grew up. Due to the busy shopping areas, busy traffic with buses and people walking around. However, I am aware that Harlem is far from different from Jamaica Ave. Harlem is the most famous center for African American people and its culture. Harlem is in the tip of Manhattan and in 1658 Dutch farmers founded Harlem (BG, 437). Mean while, in 1837 immigrants from Russia, Germany, Italy, England, Jews, Spain and many more immigrants become home to these immigrants. However things changed in 1904 when a man named Philip A. Payton stepped in and took over the building managements. He promised high rents to landlords which would accept black tenants and made descent housing available to the blacks for the first time in New York (BG, 437). In the 1920s the black population increased and the white business owners tried and fought to keep Harlem but failed because it was too profitable to rent to the blacks (BG, 438). Unfortunately, the whites were barred from jobs in white own businesses. The famous Harlem I always here about and now I know its history. I knew Harlem was where most of African American reside and an expensive place to live. When I was in high school all I heard was about the Beacon Theatre/Apollo Theatre in Harlem and where most famous black people will perform. I have been to Harlem about five times in my life time and feel admire what it is known for. The Studio we went to in Harlem had a collection of beautiful lamps and paintings. Some of the paintings were sexual. It was a small museum and I felt like it did not provide any background of what Harlem is meant.

Walking through Morning side park stairs was unbelievable and funny. We just walked up approximately 4 flights of stairs just to get to the other side. We then took a tour to Columbia University, which is very huge and nice. The University students can expand all over campus outside and enjoy the weather in the spring, summer and fall. They have the opportunity to rest or do school work on the enormous stairs or benches.
The Grant Memorial is a peaceful place and a place to of worship. The Grant’s Tomb contains the memory and resting place of Ulysses S. Grant and his wife Julia Dent Grant. It is a memorial place of successful for winning the Union forces in the Civil War (BG, 434).

The St. John the Devine Cathedral Church is breathless to me. As a matter of fact I believe this is my second time in a large church. It reminds me of the recent Prince Charles and his wife wedding. The 13 acres church is known for many social and culture programs (BG, 419).

I am enjoying this Core class and learning everyday on our journey to different places. I could not ask for anything more, being that I wanted a guide and some history of New York.