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1. 

   Posted February 3, 2010 at 12:13 am by Glen | Permalink

   Hi Robin,
   Your photos are splendid, really interesting, and among all that I’ve enjoyed seeing the one of the long row of benches in Riverside Park on that snowy day stands out for me, lovely. This one here with TJ Max is nice and I am curious if you knew anything about the building that arch is part of. In case not, let me tell you that it was the Macy’s in it’s day, yes, the world’s largest department store. Did you notice on the columns outside the swirled SC lettered bronze plaques? This was the Siegel-Cooper Dry Goods department store that in 1896 had 150,000 people on it’s opening day. It was opulent, had air conditioning and boasted having everything women could want (the area was famously known as The Ladies Mile), even a walk on entrance from the Sixth Avenue El. Notice those larger windows on the second floor – they were to enable the train riders to see the latest wares and textiles. It lasted up to 1930. The white cast iron store with the pretty facade across the street was the second B. Altman store built in 1877. Altman later moved uptown to Fifth & 34th Street in 1906. That area is great to walk around in, a lot of interesting architecture and details as it was the main hub in NYC during the 1870s through the turn of the century.

   I’d like to recommend a book that will take your imagination on flight back into the NYC of 1882, called “Time and Again” by Jack Finney. An entertaining read, it revolves around an illustrator (ahem, just like me) that travels into that time, very accurately described, with accompanying photos and drawings. I learned a lot from that book.

   New format is good, keep up the great work!
   Best, Glen

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     Posted February 3, 2010 at 1:18 pm by gotham girl | Permalink

     Oh, Glen, you are so kind! Thank you!

     I MUST return to the TJ Maxx building now that you have given me such great information. I will be able to take in the whole building and the surrounding area with a much more educated perspective. I hadn’t a clue! Fascinating! I was so taken by those fabulous windows.

     I went out to Amazon to learn more about “Time and Again” and that looks like a great read. Ordered, done! I’ll look forward to giving you my thoughts.

     I recently joined MAS and have so enjoyed their tours. Also, I’m enjoying the updates from the blog, http://lostnewyorkcity.blogspot.com/.

     This city is unbelievable and I’m enjoying every moment of it! Hope to see you soon on our weekly rides once it gets a tad bit warmer! Cheers! gg

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