Postcard Friendship Friday - New York City Views

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I was in an antique store recently and found some new postcards. I couldn't believe that I bought more postcards, but they are such lovely little pieces of history! I bought these three, but am thinking of going back and seeing what else is available. She did have two big books of postcards - $350.00 for each book (yikes) and wouldn't break apart the books to sell individual cards. It makes sense I guess, but I'm not about to spend money like that!!! The ones I bought were loose, and were $1.00 each.

Here is St. Patrick's Cathedral in NYC - always one of my favorite places in the city. It was cool and calm and if you went there at the right time, you could hear the organ rehearsal. St. Paddy's is the seat of the Roman Catholic archbishop of New York. History from various Google sites says:


While her cornerstone was laid in 1858 and her doors swept open in 1879, it was over 150 years ago, when Archbishop John Hughes announced his inspired ambition to build the “new” Saint Patrick’s Cathedral.

Ridiculed as “Hughes’ Folly,” as the proposed, near-wilderness site was considered too far outside the city, Archbishop Hughes, nonetheless, persisted in his daring vision of building the most beautiful, Gothic Cathedral in the New World in what he believed would one day be “the heart of the city.” Neither the bloodshed of the Civil War, nor the resultant lack of manpower or funds, would derail the ultimate fulfillment of Hughes’ dream and Architect, James Renwick’s bold plan.

Through the generosity of 103 citizens who pledged $1,000 each and the collective “pennies” of thousands of largely Irish, immigrant poor, Hughes’ vision became a shining reality.

A more modern view shown below -

One of my favorite sites in the city is of course, the large lady in the water. I remember climbing up as far as you were allowed to go - I was about 4 with a ton of energy and my poor Dad climbing away behind me. I don't know if we went to the head or the hand, but it was WAY high - and Dad was afraid of heights. I don't remember him being paranoid or anything, but I do remember that he held my hand very tightly.

When DH and I got married, we had our reception on a boat trip in New York. Of course we went around the Statue and as we got close we mentioned to his Grandma that she could go outside to see the statue. Her comment? "I've seen it already" . Grandma was about 80 at the time and she had seen the Statue of Liberty when she came to this country at 14. Nah...she didn't need to see it again. (!!??!!)

Another picture of her head

And her arm and torch displayed at the centennial in Philadelphia - 1876.

(Has anyone read Jack Finney's book "Time and Again"? It's one of my favorites - a time travel novel - and he has a picture of the arm and torch in Bryant part in NYC in the 1880's. Wouldn't I love to have seen that!)

The last one is a nice colored picture of what I first thought was the Flat Iron building but is really a hotel in Times Square.

I was looking on line to see if this hotel was still there, and found a postcard listed for $14.95! I paid $1.00 for this beauty! Here is what is says about this hotel:

Series 27994 New York's most centrally located hotel. Only a few steps from the world's greatest theatres and shops. Rooms are light, airy, and cheerful R. C. A. Radio in every room. 1,000 Outside Rooms. Single with running water, $2.00 per day. Single with connecting bath, $2.25 per day. Single with private bath $2.50- $3.00 per day. Double with running water (for two) $3.00 per day. Double with private bath (for two) $3.50-$4.00 per day. Combination of two rooms with bath between (for four) $6.00-$7.00 per day. No Higher Rates.

And yes, the hotel is still there - I think it's a Hilton hotel now - wouldn't it be fun to go and stay there? It certainly would be more than $2.00/day,

Happy Postcard Friendship Day.