Month: December 2022

Hudson Yards

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This area of New York City is relatively new. It began after the development of the High Line which will be discussed later in this blog. It is a retail and business area adjacent to the Hudson River.

Let’s start at the subway stop and progress through the area.

Once off the subway much to see…

Bella Abzug Park – this gal was an American lawyer, feminist, politician, and leader of the Women’s Movement in the 1970’s.

The Buildings of Hudson Yard

Retail Area

Many trendy shops found here. Word to the wise…stop at the mall bathrooms prior to your High Line stroll.

The Vessel

This 16 story architectural feat was built to be a free area to walk and view the area. Currently, it is closed as folks were jumping off the structure. There are plans to somehow enclose the structure, however as stated this is in the “planning” stage.

The Shed – theater at Hudson Yards

How appropriate that a play concerning this man, Robert Moses, who essentially built the New York City landscape, is currently being performed at Hudson Yards. Ticket cost – in the neighborhood of $4000. However, while Moses was a genius and created the City streets, bridges, and parks, he was a known racist.

Railroad corner piece to the Bloomberg Building at Hudson Yard which is near to my High Line entry. There are several entrances to the High Line, a Manhattan Urban Park donated to the City by designer Diane von Furstenberg and family, ($20 million). While gifted to the City of New York it is privately funded and supported by Friends of the High Line.

The High Line was originally built in 1934, as an infrastructure project lifting train traffic 30 feet in the air. Remnants of train memorabilia are found among the walkways and plants.

High Line Entrances and Rules

Access Points

The Rules

Exhibits

ART

PLANTS

Neat idea for a home bee keeping experience. Will have to try!

Views

Apartment Views – almost feel like a voyeur, however, this apartment appears to be under construction..

Little Island-the treasure at the High Line end…

And the Whitney Museum falls at the end of this trek. Sadly, it was closed, (Tuesday), so will return Wednesday.

Am told an amazing Edward Hopper exhibit is in house… Can’t wait.

What a fun morning and more to come! Stay tuned..

Ohio State Murders

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Let me make a prediction – another Tony for Audra in 2023 with this performance. For 90 minutes Audra mesmerizes, and does not leave the stage in this story of intrigue, evil, and sorrow. Written by Adrienne Kennedy, the play provides a blend of laughter and horror by this crafty 91 year old playwright. Let us hope the Tony’s don’t forget her as well.

The play tells the story of a young black woman at Ohio State who becomes involved with a white professor. There is a pregnancy and the professor does not claim the children. The woman, (Audra), who has the children is ostracized and this is all I will reveal. It is a compelling performance stirring much emotion yet done tastefully and creatively. Audra at her best!

It is appropriate that this play is held at the James Earl Jones Theater. The Theater is newly renovated and comfortable.

My seat was in the 5th row, (behind Duke Ellington’s son I over heard someone say), and was prime for cast pictures at the end of performance when New Yorker’s jumped to their feet with a standing ovation.

Note to Audra: Start looking for that dress for the 2023 Tony Awards.

Juilliard Performances and Dizzy’s Club at Lincoln Center

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Have discovered a new, more reasonable yet still phenomenal way to enjoy New York City performances. Sign on to the Juilliard web site, info@lincolncenter.org. and hook on to these deals. Follow along to learn more.

Juilliard Orchestra – Evening Event

This December performance had Speranza Scappucci of Italy conducting the Juilliard Orchestra with Zhouhui Shen on piano. Giuseppe Martucci, Johannes Brahms, and Ottorino Respighi, were played at this concert. Cost – priceless, but actually $37.50, including tax and fees. What a performance!

The Juilliard Honors Chamber Music Ensembles – Afternoon Event

There were 2 Chamber Music performances. The first group performed a lively number of Villa-Lobos. Was fun to see the excitement of these performers.

Next set..

The second group performed a set of Ravel, the String Quartet in F Major. What a phenomenal hour performance and FREE!!

New Dances: Edition 2022 – Evening Event

There were 4 dances during this “Edition.” Those who have graduated returned to choreograph these students. In reviewing the brochure associated with this event noted Jon Batiste on Board of Trustees. Good choice, Juilliard! Let’s take a peek at the pics.

First Dance

Second Dance

Dance Three

Dance Four

On to Jazz at Lincoln Center after the dances…

This jazz club is in the 59th Street retail complex, 5th floor. Reservations are required. What a phenomenal night of Christmas music, “jazzed” up. Food and drinks available with minimal cover of $25 for a hour set. Stellar night – see pics.

What a perfect night of dance and jazz!

Newport Walking Tour/Restaurant Recommendations

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Besides the opulent Mansions there is another story to be told of Newport, that prior to its Gilded Age. Found a walking tour which filled in the dots through a local free newspaper. Always look for these nougats as they enrich your visit.

After reserving our walking tour met our tour guide, Jean, at the Museum of Newport History. Arrived early and received free admission to the Museum. Learned of the early era of Newport and found an interesting printing relic of James Franklin, brother of Benjamin.

From here our walking tour began..

Newport began as Rhode Island’s state capitol and maintained this distinction till the 1900’s. Newport was also the 4th largest seaport in the colonies receiving many imports. Ships tied to a 2,000 square foot wharf, and delivered their wares to an open air market.

Newport Colony House – built by slaves which were 10% of the population.

Newport was a wealthy county and had the first library in the nation. To this day this library remains in use.

During the Revolutionary War there were 6000 British troops in Newport. They burnt houses for firewood and destroyed the area causing people to leave the area. The French were a positive influence paying for firewood and food, however, the maritime economy did not recover and a service industry rose. Newport transitioned to a great place to get away.

Beveled house – this house held many businesses. At one point it was a catering establishment operated by black entrepreneurs during the Gilded Era. During this era blacks worked in hotels and transportation industries besides catering ventures. The beveled paint is meant to make the building look more expensive.

The Alfred Smith House. This man is credited for developing the Bellevue Avenue of Newport. Starting as a New York City tailor he encouraged others to summer and vacation at Newport starting a real estate venture.

Also during this time Fort Adams was being created. This brought stonecutters from Ireland in the 1900’s. Their wives and other family members worked in the Mansions. Catholic Churches began to be built to accommodate their faith and with churches cemeteries were also needed for Catholics.

Kennedy Wedding Occurred at St. Mary’s

Catholic Cemetery

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Orthodox Jews also arrived in this area due to Rhode Island’s religious tolerance. The first Jewish synagogue in the United States was established here.

Tours are available.

The Perry Family of Antarctica fame have roots in the Newport area.

Commodore Perry Monument to China Trade

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The Hotel Viking built in 1926 was the last great hotel built in Newport. Often tennis stars stay here. There is a Tennis Museum and Auto Museum in Newport.

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In 1835 this yellow hotel was built to house those in the arts from New York City area. It currently is a private men’s club.

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The Newport Art Museum. It was donated to the Newport Society by a Chinese merchant, and is an architectural gem of Richard Morris Hunt circa 1862.

Some other homes for viewing – Newport has over 400 pre-revolutionary war homes, and is a delight to stroll every street. Take a glimpse at a few:

A home in transition – much work is needed to make these beauties.

And a few ideas for culinary delight..

For a truly British Breakfast…..

And for a truly American one..

Gary’s Handy Lunch

Amazing food – but bring cash.

Dinner Fare

Hot, spicey cider with a bit of rum – YUM.

Another idea – delicious clam chowder

Even resident Judge Judy dines at this place. Am told she tips 20%. Great atmosphere and food but Judge Judy would know!

And let’s close with a picture reflective of Rhode Island’s religious history.

Marble House

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This home was the 39th birthday present of Alva Vanderbilt from her husband William. It was built between 1888 and 1892 of 500,000 cubic feet of marble and held 50 rooms. The Vanderbilt’s also had homes in Long Island, South Carolina, Florida, the EU, and Cuba.

Here they summered 6 weeks a year with their 3 children.

The Grand Entrance

The Formal Dining Room

It was in this Dining Room, Alva, (Mrs. William Vanderbilt), breakfasted with her 3 children. During meals the children were only allowed to speak French.

Alva, was raised in France as this is where her family settled after loosing their money in the Civil War. Educated and groomed in France she was inspired by all things French which are seen in this Room’s decor. The Dining Room was inspired by a Salon at Versailles. The walls surrounding the room hold a collection of French courtesans portraits.

Richard Morris Hunt known in most circles as, “the Vanderbilt architect,” created Marble House as well as other buildings throughout Newport. Here he resided, built his first home, and married a local woman, Catherine Clinton Howland. They had 2 sons. Mr. Hunt is buried in Newport Island Cemetery in a memorial designed by Daniel Chester French, the creator of the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, D.C.

Alva Vanderbilt was a fascinating woman. She was a leader in the Suffragette movement and often had meetings in the tea house to the rear of the Mansion. She divorced William after 26 years of marriage and married a Newport neighbor whom she remained married to for the rest of her life. An interesting read of this era is Lost Newport by Paul F. Miller.

Here is where Alva held her meetings, and now a great place for light fare.

Cliffwalk View From the Tea House

Returning to the Mansion – The Library

The Gothic Room – a collection of Medieval and Renaissance art from France.

Consuelo Vanderbilt, the daughter of Alva and William, was forced into a loveless marriage with the Duke of Marlborough by her mother. Her mother yearned for a royal connection for her family, and European royalty often sought out American heiresses to replenish their fortunes. Thus, Consuelo became a scapegoat. She stayed in this marriage for over 20 years, bearing 2 sons.

At the time of Consuelo’s divorce Alva testified she forced her daughter into the marriage. Consuelo received her divorce and the Duke 2.2 million a year for life. Consuelo later remarried, happily, to Jacques Belsan, a French aviator and industrialist.

Consuelo Vanderbilt

Consuelo’s Bedroom

William Vanderbilt remarried to Ann Harriman, and moved to France where he remained the rest of his life. He contributed and volunteered in the air corp during World War I receiving the Legion of Honor from the French Government.

Marble House was sold in the 1930’s to the family of Armour Meat Packing.

Marble House – sea side views.

The Breakers

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The Breakers was the home of Cornelius II and Alice Vanderbilt, who made their fortune in steamboats and railroads. Designed by the Vanderbilt’s premier architect, Richard Morris Hunt, it is considered the grandest of the Newport Mansions.

Cornelius II and Alice

The Vanderbilts had seven children of which 3 survived. They were of great faith and met while teaching Sunday school. They were cognizant of their great riches, and while loosing many children to death they were aware those given much have much taken away.

Upon Cornelius II death the $100 million fortune was passed to his son William, who in 7 years increased the fortune to $200 million. Not wanting to continue this career path he turned the investment over to JP Morgan, and his bank to manage.

Symbols of the Vanderbilt family – the acorn appear throughout the Mansion as does…

train and steamship representation. This is noted in the marble sculpture above this doorway.

The Christmas decorations throughout the Newport Mansions are spectacular. There are also night tours of the grounds. All fireplaces are functional and present in each of the 15 bedrooms.

Some of the decorations..

In the Library there is a fireplace from the Chateau d’Arnay le Duc in Burgundy, France. It is 500 years old.

Their daughter Gertrude, in a drawing below, was a prominent artist. She was instrumental in creating the Whitney Museum which I will be visiting in a later New York City blog. This was her bedroom and art.

The first Breakers was built from 1877-1892 of wood and burnt to the ground. The current Mansion was built from 1893-1895. The Mansion was named for the waves which break on the cliff below.

There is a cliff walk surrounding the Mansion. A must see and do, but dress warm..

Next: Marble House

Larry Ellison: Newport, Rhode Island

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The multi-billionaire of Oracle now owns 4 Newport Mansion properties. His newest asset is the Astor Mansion. This property is planned to house his art collection as a museum. It resides next door to the Marble House on Bellevue Avenue. The Pandemic slowed the progress of this renovation, however, Newport is looking forward to Mr. Ellison’s new attraction. Stay tuned.

And another home in the area for neighborhood comparison.

The Elms

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Entrance to The Elms

This Mansion was owned by Edward Berwind, a coal magnate from Philadelphia, and was occupied by his family from 1901-1961. It was built in 1901, at a cost of $1.4 million, which in today’s standards is in the $40 million range. Berwind owned coal mines in Kentucky, and West Virginia selling coal to the NY Subway system as well as the US Navy. Berwind Corporation remains functional today and is involved in other enterprises. Their coal mines are leased to others.

Berwind, his wife, and his office at The Elms

Mr. Berwind was President of his company for 43 years, from 1936-1988. He and his wife occupied the home with 43 servants in this 60,000 square foot space annually from July 4th weekend till the end of the summer. An engineering graduate of the US Naval Academy the couple had no children, however, were the wards of his deceased brothers 4 daughters.

At the time of his wife’s premature death his sister Julia came to live with him caring for the home and residing here till 1961.

Entrance Hall and Stairwell

The Conservatory and Drawing Room

Julia Berwind’s Room, Mr. Berwind’s sister

Miss Julia Berwind resided at the home beyond the summer season and loved the area. She was a fixture in society and well liked by all.

This is the fireplace in Miss Julia’s bedroom decorated for the holidays. Every room of the Newport Mansions are decorated gaily with Christmas decorations. Such beauty. What a wonderful season to visit.

Elms Servant Tour

There are several additional tours available for the Mansions. Recommend visiting the Preservation Society web site, newportmansions.org, to select a tour which fits your individual interests. We selected the Elms Servant Tour which was a fascinating small group tour with a docent lasting approximately one hour. It gives a great glimpse behind the scenes and fills in the gaps, and answers those Gilded Age questions.

The Annuciator – call bell area for the servants

There were 2500 servants in total during the summer season of Newport. Many were Irish and English as the owners wished to have English speaking servants. In the Elms there were 16 bedrooms and 3 baths on this co-ed floor with mostly 1 person per room, 23 lived on site with most living off site. Guests of the Berwind’s did not stay in the mansion as nearby guest houses were provided for their accommodations.

Servant room and bath.

Often the servants stayed 7 to 10 years then became American citizens and left for other positions. Some traveled with the Berwind’s from their New York City home on 2 East 64th St.

The Berwind’s acquired staff through an Intelligence Office, similar to an employment office. A questionnaire was completed and potential staff were interviewed. The staff worked 12-14 hour days having one morning and one evening off per week.

Beds were changed twice daily, and up to 7 clothing changes occurred daily during the season.

At one point servants had decided to strike due to working conditions. The Butler in charge of the home fired all and replacements acquired.

Picture of the Butler and his wife- she was 20 years younger. They had one daughter.

And as part of this tour a unique look at the basement was received.

Coal for the home was delivered from the street into a basement tunnel then placed into generators. As technology progressed Mr. Berwind implemented and upgraded.

If you have time take the servant tour, but book early as these tours fill quickly. Admissions are reasonable, however, the Newport area is quite pricey.

And before departure stop by the stables, and tour the grounds.

And let us say farewell to our tour – the back of the Mansion.

Tomorrow: The Breakers

Transition Day and on to Providence, Rhode Island

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Once the suitcase was repacked from summer to winter gear in the Florida cruise parking lot journeyed to Orlando Airport. Was another stellar day, and grateful as the mid-west was being plummeted with snow. Good for the reservoirs.

Haven’t heard the friendly Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer overhead messages in quite some time, and missed his greeting.

Orlando is a great airport, busy, but well maintained.

Photo by Jeffry Surianto on Pexels.com

Am back in love with Delta, my go to airline, however, continue to mask with current conditions.

In searching for a free Delta picture found there is a Delta museum in Atlanta on, (of course), Delta Blvd. Will have to check that out in the future. Here’s their web site for those Delta fans, http://www.deltamuseum.org.

Landed in La Guardia promptly, and subway’ed over to Brooklyn to begin our journey to Newport, Rhode Island. Was greeted by Rocco, the grand-dog, who continues to be in a puppy state of exploring and getting into trouble. He somehow found vitamin packets in my suitcase and consumed fish oil capsules, and vitamin e. After investigating several web sites we found these to be non-toxic, and notified his care giver for while we were away.

Later we found he had colorful poo but no after effects.

On to Providence..

Providence State Capitol

Found Providence to be a interesting city with much history. Stopped at the Roger Williams House for a visit, and a “stamp” as my daughter is a collector of National Park stamps. Traveling with her and the beau is different than going solo, however, we have traveled together before and successfully. In November 2019, we even managed to be safe while the Proud Boys carried on in our Washington DC hotel. Oh, what a visit!

Back to Roger Williams.. During the development of our Country Rhode Island was a harbor of many escaping religious persecution. Roger Williams believed that religion must not be subject to persecution and his ideas eventually became part of our First Amendment US Constitution which states,

“Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof.”

At the site there is an interesting movie, informed rangers to answer all questions, and during the summer a 17th Century colonial herb garden to view.

I also found a Volunteer-In-Park brochure which will explore. This would be an excellent senior volunteer experience for those interested in history, and getting involved in a positive volunteer experience. For more information http://www.nps.gov/volunteers.

Providence is also the home of Brown University, and Providence College. After our visit to Roger Williams we drove through the streets lined with perfectly restored historic homes.

Like stepping back into the 1700’s.

Having followed Gina Raimondo, Rhode Island’s former governor, and now our 40th Secretary of Commerce, knew there was a large Italian area in Providence. Sought out some Italian food, baked goods, and wine during our stroll. Quaint, and well decorated for the holiday had a fun visit.

Besides the Federal Hill area of Providence also visit Downtown as beautiful restored buildings and shops are available for retail delight.

On to Newport, Rhode Island a short jaunt away!

Final Day: Open Cruising

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Another fabulous weather day on the Freedom.  As the final day of cruising it was a wind down day with many events:

  • music at the pool
  • a towel folding demonstration
  • Bingo
  • A multitude of cruise shop sales
  • Gambling
  • Bean Bag tosses
  • Mini Golf
  • Trivia Games
  • Debarkation Presentation – this is probably the most important information given on the cruise.  Here you learn how to obtain any liquor purchased, get your bags off the ship, documentation needed to depart, etc.. etc..  This was especially important for me as it reminded me of the need to update my charge card information due to the recent scamming. No charges are placed on a closed card and all passengers need to be cleared before debarkation can occur. Didn’t want to hear my name called over the PA system with 3200 passengers on board.

“Old lady forgot to pay her bill!”

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And from here have an afternoon Orlando flight to LaGuardia.  Will need to ensure ship departure is prompt to catch the flight.  Packed two suitcases – one summer and one winter for this trip. Will be going from a bathing suit to snow boots.

 

Tell me I’m crazy but looking forward to the snow.

❄️