From the Archives – March 28 & 29
11th in our FROM THE ARCHIVES series.
Here is a vintage tidbit from 1971. Sunken treasures were found while digging trenches in the East River for the 63rd Street subway tunnel. Needless-to-say the anchors never ended up at the South Street Seaport Museum and one never was displayed at our subway station. Can we say they were “lost-in-transit?”
The internet often serves as a keeper of lost and found items. This morning while scrolling through Google Images, we came upon this photograph of women, circa mid- to late 19th century, walking in front of the Asylum on Blackwell’s Island (now Octagon tower). It is allegedly the first photograph of the building that shows it being used as the Asylum. We are attempting to track down the image source.
If you have any interesting photographs or ephemera from the early days of the Island that you have come across and you’d like to share, please reach out to RIHS for a potential feature in our FROM THE ARCHIVES series.
Joseph Pulitzer: Voice of the People is an exploration of the famous publisher and the story of his beginning and becoming a leading newspaper person in the late 1800’s. The movie focuses on his fascinating methods of operating and his physical disabilities that made him a recluse. The video is available on Amazon Prime Video. Click here to view.
HUMOR IN THE HEADLINES
These past weeks have been and continue to be, by and large, serious and somber. Time for a little “Humor in the Headlines,” Roosevelt Island style.
By: Judith Berdy
“RIOC adds new steps in hand washing by opening riverfront dock with diving board for a full body wash, soap not included”
“Catapult strung across river in Manhattan. In a rush, use your Metrocard to be propelled to the big island. Land carefully.”
“Sheep have been imported to mow the island lawns. Sheep will not be permitted on Rivercross lawn until interviewed by Board.”
“Rooftop seating available on Tram. Premium tickets will be sold at the RIHS Visitor Center Kiosk”
“Always wanted to have a small, intimate wedding? The kiosk is available for your ceremony. Bride, Groom and Officiant only. Finally, you do not have to invite Aunt Gertie.”
“One escalator will be turned off in subway station for an express ride down by daredevils. Hard hat and landing mattress required.”
GUEST EDITORIAL
BY: BEANO, THE CAT
I am about 19 years old and have spent most of my life with Marie. Marie and family recently left me with
this woman down the hall. I think it has been about 6 months. For the first few months I stayed home alone.
Perfectly fine with me. I am deaf and I could do yoga, meditate and watch pigeons on the terrace every day. I perfected sleeping on every surface: dining room table, rocking chair, bed (leaving hairballs there), and even in the corner so no one would fine me. I stayed clear of closets, with old sneakers in them…..yuck.
Lady invited me to her petite domain. Only two rooms. No terrace. Aside from my own boudoir it was a definite downturn.
Lady is okay. She feeds me twice a day. I am not used to regular meal done exactly 8 a.m. and 6 p.m.
I hold out and only eat in the middle-of the- night. I need my privacy.
My boudoir is fine…a whole room for me. I have to share it with a shopping cart, but beats closet doors closing in on my area.
Lady has a red laser light and we chase it around the house. That is the most gym-like activity I have had in years.
Lady does not stop talking, typing, cooking. cleaning … a whirlwind of activity in my home. My deafness makes it easy for me to curl up on her wing chair and sleep. When she gets bored she wakes me up, flips me over, clips my nails and cleans my ears…………..disgusting!!!
Recently she tried to get me a mask to protect me from a human virus. I a cat and would not think of catching a disease from a human and good luck getting me to wear personal protection!!!!
This weekend we negotiated my vacation alone at home. I will catch up on reading “Kitty Kat, Kitty Kat Where Have You Been”.
Please send me your photos and stories of how you are coping with the humans being home all the time.
Meow,
Beano
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