Comments for Ephemeral New York

Comment on A deadly riot rocks Eighth Avenue in 1871 by S.S.

S.S. — Sat, 25 May 2013 23:20:08 +0000

It has little to do with religious doctrine or theology, and much more to do with the fact that in the 17th and 18th centuries, the English introduced into Northern Ireland impoverished Scottish settlers (who just happened to be Protestant) to work and administer the land that the English had seized from the defeated Irish (who just happened to be Catholic).

Later, when the Irish rose up to demand equal rights, fair distribution of the land and independence, the British government supported the creation of this Orange organization of extremists who fought at all costs to keep the Irish (Catholics) from procuring the little they (the Protestants) had gotten from the English.

Throughout its imperial history, England – in a cynical strategy of Divide and Conquer – often paired native religious/ethnic groups against each other (Palestine, India, Africa), despite the commonalities these groups shared, in order to maintain supremacy over each.

Again, it has little to do with theology and all to do with who controls the land: the natives, the settlers – or their masters.

Comment on A 19th century hotel sign comes back into view by Al

Al — Sat, 25 May 2013 21:16:52 +0000

IMO, this is the best sign reveal you’ve ever posted!

Comment on The Vietnam vets outside a Bronx subway station by ephemeralnewyork

ephemeralnewyork — Sat, 25 May 2013 18:18:39 +0000

Ah, thanks, I’ve deleted the Avenue.

Comment on A Harlem faded ad keeps 1970s radio alive by Bob

Bob — Sat, 25 May 2013 17:01:44 +0000

Wow, I don’t think I’ve heard anyone mention that movie since 1977 or so. I think the first radio contest I won was The Beatles Live at the Hollywood Bowl album, or the soundtrack to Fast Break, a basketball movie that few would remember, starring Gabe Kaplan from Welcome Back Kotter. The movie was a bomb but the soundtrack had a hit. Radio contests back then were fun and winnable, I must have won at least 40 over the years, including concert tickets (The Violent Femmes at Irving Plaza in the early days), LPs, books (the Nancy Spungen biography was an interesting read), and all sorts of other crap and promotional material. I think I had like 5 WNEW t-shirts at one point for answering trivia questions or being the 102nd caller or something. One day I should break out all the old crap and put pics online, but I would probably need a second lifetime to log all the crap I have bought, won or found over the years!

Comment on A deadly riot rocks Eighth Avenue in 1871 by Rita Hestand

Rita Hestand — Sat, 25 May 2013 16:38:21 +0000

My question, why can’t the two religious sectors co-exist? What makes this so impossible? I really don’t understand it. Are they all using religion just to fight? Makes no sense to me.

Comment on The Vietnam vets outside a Bronx subway station by Edward

Edward — Sat, 25 May 2013 16:19:55 +0000

Looks good for a 30 year old mural. FYI, the station is just “Woodlawn.” There is no Woodlawn Ave in the Bronx, just the neighborhood/cemetery named Woodlawn. It’s a common mistake, and even the TA had “Woodlawn Ave” destination signs on the Jerome Ave line for many years.

Comment on A 19th century hotel sign comes back into view by Edward

Edward — Sat, 25 May 2013 16:16:07 +0000

Judging by the off-center/justified right location of the newly found sign, it looks like it’s the same sign in the 1871 illustration. Wow, I wonder how long that’s been covered up?

Comment on A 19th century hotel sign comes back into view by Dave

Dave — Sat, 25 May 2013 15:02:36 +0000

Fantastic! Anyone have any idea when the Utah House closed, and therefore how long the sign has been covered up?

Comment on A 19th century hotel sign comes back into view by Paul Ruoso

Paul Ruoso — Sat, 25 May 2013 14:15:27 +0000

What a very, very cool find. Let’s hope it doesn’t get ripped off the facade with this current storefront work.

Comment on The Vietnam vets outside a Bronx subway station by Ann McCormack

Ann McCormack — Sat, 25 May 2013 14:05:57 +0000

I wonder if this being maintained by any organization. It should be made a landmark. Very moving. Thanks for posting it!