Rediscovering New York

On this week’s show we will take an in depth look at arts organizations, specifically at smaller arts organizations that are part of a backbone of art in New York but that many people don’t know about. My guests will be Craig Peterson, Executive Artistic Director of the Abrons Arts Center at the Henry Street Settlement, https://www.abronsartscenter.org/about/; and Brian Rogers, Artistic Director of The Chocolate Factory Theater, https://chocolatefactorytheater.org/.

Tune in for this fascinating conversation at TalkRadio.nyc or watch the Facebook Livestream by clicking here.

Tonight’s show will be on New York’s art organizations. The guests are Craig Peterson and Brian Rogers. Craig Peterson is the Executive Director Artistic Director of the Abrons Arts Center. Growing up he was always interested in art and dance. He eventually moved to New York to be an artist. Craig admits his adjustment to the artistic director position was slow but he kept working at it. In 2014, he became a program director before moving to Abrons. They provide an art source for so many people. 

At Abrons, they provide multiple disciplinary education programs. They present art mainly across theater, art and dance. Scott is asked if there are any challenges that small art organizations may face. Being a smaller organization could possibly effect certain things but Scott confirms that there are not many differences between what larger organizations face. Theyjust want to reach as many people through art as they can. A large number of people come in from outside of the neighborhood. The art center is internationally recognized and they support international artists. 

The second guest is Brian Rogers who is a director and filmmaker. He was born in Los Angeles but mainly grew up in Idaho. He went to art school in Vermont then had his mind set on going to New York because that was where the action was. He later helped create The Chocolate Factory Theater and is now the Artistic Director. The venue is named the way it is because it used to be a chocolate factory. In 2004 the organization started but money was tight. Brian admits it took a while for it to get better but was glad it did. Furthermore, unlike other organizations, the Chocolate Factory Theater is run by the artists which is good for the culture of the organization. 

The Chocolate Factory Theater is best known as an experimental art company. They host a variety of theater, dance and music performances. Brian also does fundraising for the theater. He admits that it is very challenging for small organizations to make money because they rely heavily on donations and grants. The generosity of others is very important to them. Brian states that ticket sales make up less than five percent of their income. The give and take relationship between the city and organization is what keeps them going. 

In this week’s show, we will explore the new music scene in New York. Actually, new music from the 1980s.  

The show starts by introducing the topic of the history of music in New York specifically in the 1980s. One guest is Sean Corcoran who is a New Yorker. He is the curator of prints and photographs of the Museum of the City of New York. He has always had an interest in art and photography. He loves how photos can be both scientific documents as well as art. With the museum, he did exhibitions on film director Stanley Kubrick and graffiti. So much went into creating his most recent exhibition. Many people played a role in it.

The music scene in the ’80s was different depending on the location. Sean states that in New York people were very open with their music taste. Clubs would book performers of multiple different genres. Furthermore, people were experimenting with the crossing of genres. Producers began to use more jazz elements in hip-hop music which also helped contribute to the growth of DJing and MCing. As time passed, the music began to define the location but it was the population that embraced it. This was also a time when many New York musicians began to tour and grow further than NYC.

Tonight’s second guest is Richard Barone who is the frontman for the band The Bongos. He is a recording artist, performer, producer, and author. He has worked with The Beach Boys among others. Currently, he is writing a book focusing on the music scene in the ’60s. During that time, New York was a very popular spot for new upcoming artists. It became the new place that attracted people. Richard was drawn into the location and became a member of the band as a result. The group got their sound from their love of fusion music. They used that as an inspiration to fuse with their pop foundation.

When the group got started, they immediately started playing in New York clubs like The Peppermint Lounge and Mud Club. The group would work with the venue in order to have their video shown in the club. At first, they were signed to a British label but they eventually signed with RCA records which allowed them to create greater quality videos. The Bongos’ main focus was to differentiate themselves from others. They loved to contribute with others but wanted to establish a sound unique to themselves.

Tune in for this fascinating conversation at TalkRadio.nyc or watch the Facebook Livestream by clicking here.

Tonight’s show is featuring the location of Jamaica, Queens. The guests are Jason Antons, Jennifer Furioli and Elena Calderon. Jason is a returning guest who is a resident of Fleshing, NY. Today, he is the President of Queens Historical Society. Growing up he heavily enjoyed writing about Queens. In 2004, he first got involved with the Queens Historical Society. Jamaica was first given an alternate name by the Dutch which translated to Jamaica. Many different people coming from NJ, Manhattan and more used Jamaica as a crossroad. Historically, the Dutch were settled western while the Native Americans were Eastern and they did not get along. The British fled their homeland in pursuit of religious freedom while the Dutch were looking to colonise. Eventually, a hard fought battle takes place.

In addition, Jason is an author who just published a book. He has book signings coming up soon at the Queens Historical Society. In the past, the majority of the Jamaica population were loyal to the king and were supportive of the colonies. However, there were some people from that location who fought against the king in the war. Many were hanged for treason. Later, the English evacuated but there is still reminisce of them today. Jamaica’s Union Hall is one of the first learning facilities. The city first became a part of New York City in 1899. It has always been a greatly diverse and populated city. Jason urges people to explore the city because of how much it has to offer.

The second half of the show will feature two guests. The first’s name is Jennifer Furioli who is the Executive Director at the Jamaica Center. She works at one of the largest business improvement districts. The second’s name is Elena Calerdon who is the owner of Rincon Salvadoreno. Jennifer originally is not from NY but moved here for grad school. She got her start working an internship then got a job working at the small business districts. With all of the changes that took place in the area, Jennifer loved how she got the opportunity to work in such a location. Elena’s husband originally came to the state pursuing a business opportunity that turned into much more. During the pandemic, Jennifer and her colleagues developed a better communication system which allowed people to better contact each other in a crisis.

Next, the vibe of Jamaica is discussed. Elena really loves the feel of the whole community even though the place previously had a bad reputation. Some people are still afraid to visit due to this despite all of the improvement. Throughout the years, development of the area has improved. There are much more business today. Elena has hopes that the area will grow further once construction is finished. Furthermore, Jennifer states that the community is very excited for the future.

On this week’s show we will explore New York City’s legendary nightclubs! New York is the city that never sleeps, and we will visit some of the famous spots that tripped the light fantastic on the City’s sidewalks.

My solo guest will be Rediscovering New York regular and the show’s Special Consultant, David Griffin of Landmark Branding.

Tune in for this fascinating conversation at TalkRadio.nyc or watch the Facebook Livestream by clicking here.

The show initially begins by Jeff summarizing all of the previous episodes. There have been a wide variety of guests and occupations. Tonight's show will feature the topic of nightclubs. The solo guest for tonight is David Griffin of Landmark Branding who has been on previous shows. He grew up mostly in Long Island but has spent time in the Hudson area. He knows The City very well. He got started due to his interest in the past that his siblings also shared. They would constantly go out to explore and examine. Nightclubs are directly tied to New York City and its culture. The city served as one of the largest urban hubs in North America. African American music was very popular in this area. Performers and entertainers were drawn to this city due to its large population and diversity. People also loved the architecture of New York City. It is very unique. The bright lights and lifestyle of the city match the nightlife perfectly. The Cotton Club is an older club in New York where several great entertainers performed. During the enforcement of Jim Crow laws, black people were not allowed to enter the club as guests which was ironic because they were profiting off black performers. Eventually, the law was lifted.

The Cotton Club helped break down barriers in the entertainment industry. The next club being discussed was opened in 1929. It was titled Stork Club and founded by Sherman Billingsley. The decor was described as elegant but not particularly eye-catching, Some of the famous guests were the Rooselvelt family and Evelyn Walsh Mclean. Later, many of the guests stopped visiting because of the protesting that took place. Billingsley was very hard headed when it came to the union. Soon after many of the prestigious guests no longer want to be associated with it. The Copacabana was opened up in 1940 and based off of Brazilian music and decor. It was also a segregated club like the Cotton Club. Sammy Davis Junior and The Supremes were two of the famous acts who performed there. In the 1950’s some of the Yankees went to the club and some racist was hurling slurs at one of the performers which led to the team getting into a brawl with the man. There were some lawsuits after the fact.

At Landmark Branding, David offers branding and marketing support for real estate, architecture and design professionals. He is currently pitching a book idea and is an active blogger. Also, he is the special consultant of the show. Next, the Peppermint Lounge was discussed. It was disco heavy that featured the technology to play records. The dance called the twist was born here. The club was geared towards a younger crowd. Also, many people of the gay community were drwan to it. Eventually, many celebrities started visiting to learn the dance. The Beatles visited while making their first trip to the United States. The Beach Boys were one of the famous bands who performed there. Cafe Society was up next. It was a fully integrated club from the start and treated everyone equally as long as you were dressed well and there to listen to the music. The place features some of the greatest African American musicians. Some of the music being played there was political. For example, Billie Holiday first sang Strange Fruit at this location. El Moraco was then talked about. It was originally a speakeasy which became extremely popular after prohibition. The place was very popular because they had a house photographer who would take people’s photos.

Studio 54 is another popular club.The club featured a lot of unique lighting. It had a cinematic quality to it. For the first time, the crowd could be lit up brightly. There was no color barrier at the club but there was a “cool” barrier. If you were not cool enough you did not get in. The owner only wanted people who were good enough on his dance floor. The Limelight opened in 1983. It is known as a post disco club. During this time period, the style is moving more towards punk and rock. It really earned the media’s attention in the 90’s after a scandal took place.

On this week’s show we will journey to Hudson Square, sometimes referred to as “The New Hudson Square”, which is directly west of SoHo and a neighborhood that even some die-hard New Yorkers are not very familiar with.

My guests will be will be returning Rediscovering New York expert Joyce Gold, Founder of Joyce Gold History Tours; and Richard “Rip” Hayman, co-owner of the famous Ear Inn on Spring Street.

Tune in for this fascinating conversation at TalkRadio.nyc or watch the Facebook Livestream by clicking here.

Tonight’s show will revolve around Hudson Square which is a place many New Yorkers are not entirely familiar with. Today’s guests are Joyce Gold who is the founder of Joyce Gold History Tours. She got her start working on Wall Street and eventually stumbled upon a directory that discussed all of the places she passed everyday. She then started giving tours on the weekend which led to a full time business. She does more private tours than public. One day she was asked to give tours on Hudson Square in order to get people more familiar with it. It is sometimes referred to as the New Hudson Square because of all of the construction that is occurring. Richmond Hill was a hill that was a resident of Hudson Square that is now flattened. Some renowned historic figures like George Washington were also former residents. He used to live at 1 Cherry Street. Washington’s home was on top of the hill which was right next to the Charlton-King-Vandam Historic District.

Joyce is now back to giving tours due to the near end of the pandemic. She says that she will have 11 tours being offered by the end of the month. Hudson Square first became a major contributor to printing in the 1920’s. Later, the Holland Tunnel was built which was a big help getting cars into New York. Before this tunnel, there were only a couple alternative routes. There was a big effect that it had on the neighborhood. There was a huge amount of construction going on. In addition, while building the tunnel it was stressed not to overcomplicate the roadways. While it was being built in the 1920’s, air regulations had to be followed so that excessive pollution did not take place. Furthermore, Donald Trump has a hotel that is running in Hudson Square. The name was changed to The Dominick once he decided to run for president because many people did not like him. There are also some great entertainment places in the area. One of them is titled SOB or Sound of Brazil that is still open today. This place features music and dancing styles of Brazil and Africa.

To begin this segment, the second guest is introduced. His name is Captain Richard “Rip” Hayman who is the co-owner of The Ear Inn on Spring Street. He is also a United States Coast Guard mariner and former president of the Hudson Valley Line.He is originally from New Mexico and came to New York as a student. He realized his love for the sea while at a beach in New York. The Ear Inn and the James Brown Building was built right next to the docks of the Hudson River. Also, since it was part of a major shopping district, the sidewalks are very spacious. James Brown was a tobacco merchant. The Ear Inn’s name has a history that goes back all the way to prohibition. At first, it was called The Bar Inn but had to be changed. There were rules in place against the adding to the name but none in place that prohibited subtraction. They eventually settled on The Ear Inn, simply altering the letter B.

Captain Richard Hayman today owns a bar that he says he brought when he was young and stupid. At first, he was renting out one of the rooms. Later one of his female friends bought the bar from the former owner which transitioned it from a place where mostly men went to one that was more welcoming to everyone. During the pandemic, Richard was not able to serve his community the way he was accustomed to. Now that it is near an end, he is able to serve people seated outside at a bigger capacity. The parks that are in the area are a good contributor to his business.

On this week’s show we will examine the intersection of architectural design and buildings that have Landmark protection, specifically how architects work with landmark restrictions in their construction and design projects.

My guests will be Wayne Norbeck and Jordan Rogove, co-founders and partners in the architectural firm DXA Studio. And co-hosting this special episode with me will be Rediscovering New York regular and the program’s Special Consultant, David Griffin of Landmark Branding.

Tune in for this fascinating conversation at TalkRadio.nyc or watch the Facebook Livestream by clicking here..

To start the show, the topic of New York landmarks was introduced and what goes into designing them. Two of the guests being featured on today’s show are the co-founders and partners of the architectural firm DXA Studio. Their names are Wayne Norbeck and Jordan Rogove who both have years of experience. Today’s co-host is David Griffin who is a New York historian working with Landmark Branding. Next, the background of the guests is questioned along with how they got into their career field. Both of them explain how becoming an architect was a natural choice.They have wanted to become architects since they were young. There are some challenges that go into working with landmark protected places. Wayne explains how a client can be in for quite a learning experience when working on a project if they are not educated about what is permitted and what is not. In the past, clients have wanted to put a 20 story edition on a building which was not allowed. Also, Jordan discusses the importance of making a project authentic and one way of doing that is to take note of the design and style of architecture that matches the others in the area.

After the break, 7 Harrison Street in Tribeca, New York was brought up because that is the first place with landmark protection that was worked on by DXA Studio. When a building has landmark status, it is very challenging to change the appearance of it from the street. At times, Jordan and Wayne have to be careful to ensure that whatever they're building is a contribution instead of a hindrance. When adding additions to buildings, they must make sure no one's windows are being blocked for example. One Hundred Barclay is another project that was worked on by DXA. The building is located near the new World Trade Center. They are responsible for the design of the exterior as well as the interior lobby. The two architects explain how a lot of the process was working with designers in order to illuminate a space in the best way possible.

Next, 827 & 831 Broadway is asked about which used to be a place for artists to produce their work. Many great painters were natives of that location. These buildings are very important to the state culturally. Jordan and Wayne eventually developed a project to create a vertical extension. They wanted to expand on a place that contains so much history, however, the project is currently delayed. Some people are making the case that the project is not appropriate and unnecessary but the two are confident that it will get built in the future.

Landmark branding is a company that provides branding and marketing support for real estate, architecture and design professionals. David works there and ensures that New York is backed. When Jordan and Wayne are assigned a project that involves religious landmarks they do their best to preserve what they find. In the past, they have preserved stained glass windows among others that are still around today. When they were working on the Brooklyn Bridge, they attempted to bring it back to its original look and feel. The project was received well by the public. They were given some great feedback and many people liked the design.

On this week's show we will explore the great art of photography, through the lens of New York City.

My guests are David Campany, Managing Director of Programs at the International Center of Photography in New York; and Alex Harsley, documentary photographer and Curator of the 4th Street Photo Gallery in the East Village.

Tune in for this fascinating conversation at TalkRadio.nyc or watch the Facebook Video by Clicking Here.

The topic of photography is mentioned first. It is an artform that means a lot to the state of New York. Today’s guests are David Campany who is an author and the managing director of programs at International Center of Photography. In addition, Alex Harsley has joined who is a documentary photographer and Curator of the 4th Street Photo Gallery in the East Village. When David first came to America, it was in the late 1980’s. He is from England but loves the people and the light of New York. The city is so theatrical it seems to be asking to be photographed. David also mentions versatility and how one can walk just two blocks in New York and feel like they’re in a new place. He states how important it is for his program to build strong relationship with their surroundings and community He was able to open a gallery featuring hundreds of images

David is asked what attracted him to the ICP and he explains how it is a perfect fit for him. He enjoys the creative side to his work by taking a space that is given and presenting it in different ways. He also likes collaborating with others to produce a quality finished product. Next, he talks about how in a photography institution, everyone will have a variety of reactions towards an image. That is less likely to occur with painting and drawing. The ICP has a show running currently featuring the theme of life and how it just goes on. He says that it is very gentile and observational work. His staff works with the artist to coordinate the gallery.

The second half of the show will be with the guest Alex Harsley who has photographed a number of historic figures throughout the years. After being taught to be a farmer, he concluded that was not what he wanted to do and moved to New York. He first got into photography in 1957. He eventually got into photojournalism and got to see a different perspective on situations that others did not. Furthermore, he talks about how much he wanted to take photography in school because equipment was not very accessible for him. Most people only used cameras for capturing portraits and significant moments. His family had a camera but was not allowed to touch it. After he got his equipment he began capturing moments of his life, friends and environment.

Alex is asked about if racism was an issue while transitioning from North Carolina to New York in the 1950’s. He explains how there was some discrimination but the neighborhood he grew up in was a melting pot and nobody was racist. Alex first started the 4th Street Photo Gallery after observing what was occurring in Far Rockaway New York. He took some documentary shots which contributed to opening the gallery in 1974. Next, Alex confesses how it is the diversity and ability to dream of the East Village citizens that motivates him to continue doing work in that area.

On this week’s show we will visit the fabulous Fordham section of the Bronx.

My guests are Rediscovering New York regular Justin Rivers, Chief Experience Officer and Lead Tour Guide for Untapped New York, and Wilma Alonso, Executive Director of the Fordham Road Business Improvement District.

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Tune in for this fascinating conversation at TalkRadio.nyc or watch the Facebook Livestream by clicking here.

To begin, Jeff introduces the topic of Fordham along with other great places in New York. Then Wilma Alonso and Marco Shalma are introduced. Both of them are not originally from the empire state but they have both made great contributions. Wilma started the Fordham Road Business Improvement District in 2005. She admits that it took 25 years to build a bid on Fordham Road. It took hard work but was made possible thanks to the supporters. Marco is currently working on something called a Radio Park that is a unique experience that is rooted from broadway performances. It is a drive in theater with a band that plays the soundtrack while dancers are also performing. It is currently located in Queens. In addition, Marco’s love for food and wanting more types of food to be attainable in The Bronx lead to him creating the Bronx Night Market which is located on Fordham.

Due to the pandemic, Marco and the Bronx Night Market have had to put some restrictions on themselves. In 2019, they had tens of thousands of people entering and leaving daily. They are known to welcome in anyone as a food marketplace but now they cannot to the same extent. Marco is looking forward to getting back to normalcy so he can resume serving the borough like how he used to. Wilma loves the vibrance of the people that live in Fordham. When speaking to them, it is interesting for her to hear their stories of places she is familiar with. It gives the two of them a connection to each other and their environment. Marco describes the community as super direct. He appreciates how the people always tell him how it is.

Justin Rivers is introduced to begin the second half. He is the Chief Experience Officer and Lead Tour Guide for Untapped New York. He is from New Jersey but went to school at Fordham New York. Fordham got its name because it was shallow and appeared as though it could forge a river. Eventually, Fordham Manner originates and an English man contributed to the name. Fordham was a village that was right outside of New York. It can sometimes get forgotten or lost because it became more of the Bronx. Furthermore, Edgar Allen Poe was a Bronx residence who always had money issues. His house was one of the first built on Fordham road. The home is still around today. It is described as a cute little cottage. There still remains some remnants of it including Fordham Plaza which was the village square and the Poe house. There is also some Revolutionary War history in the area. George Washington was running from the British through Fordham and people gave him coverage.

Now that we are coming out of the pandemic, tours are now being offered again. Justin is a tour guide for untapped New York who feature many unique tours including the remanence of Penn Station. Irish immigrants played a key role contributing to Fordham University. Many of them were migrating that direction from Manhattan. Later, Dagger John buys Fordham Manner. He also founded St. John’s University which eventually becomes Fordham. He got the name by coming to a New York that was very Protestant which contrasted to the Catholicism being brought over. Many people did not like the change being brought to the town. Catholics start to get beaten up and burned. Eventually, John interferes and states that if anyone attempts to burn the churches, he would burn the town like Moscow. He lined guns to be aimed at the entrance of the church and threatened to shoot people. He got the name by always fighting for Catholicism.

An exploration of some of New York’s most historic and iconic department stores.

We will explore how shopping habits have changed throughout the City’s history and the effects that commerce had on everything from women’s emancipation to holiday traditions.

Macy’s, Saks Fifth Avenue, Bergdorf Goodman’s, B. Altman’s, Bloomingdale's, Wannamaker’s Lord & Taylor and Bonwit Teller were some of the august names both past and present.

My guest is Rediscovering New York regular and the show’s Special Consultant, David Griffin of Landmark Branding, https://landmarkbranding.com.

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Tune in for this fascinating conversation at TalkRadio.nyc or watch the Facebook Video by Clicking Here.

The show begins by reflecting on all of the historic topics that have been covered and where they can be accessed. This then translates to a discussion on department stores with guest David Griffin who is a writer, blogger, CEO and owner of Landmark Branding.. He was originally born in Long Island and lived there for twelve years before moving a bit north to get closer to family. Many great stores in New York are no longer with us but so many remain. David majored in Art History in college and is an expert on New York history, He states that a department store is a store that sells more than one dry good. The first one in New York was Stewart’s Department Store that was the first to hold a series of fashion shows and helped develop a luxury experience when shopping. Siegell-Cooper is a store that rises and falls within a 25 year period which is rare. They originated in Chicago then moved to New York looking to expand. They grew to 120 different departments including a bank, arcade, ticketbooth and more.

Siegell-Cooper was a store that mixed dry goods with wet goods. They sold groceries along with dry goods. The downfall of the store takes place once the owner is convinced to sell the business after he over extends himself trying to make the perfect one stop shop. In addition, another store was rivalling him. Eventually he opens back up but people are no longer shopping at the same extent. Later, Macy’s opened in 1858. Business is not flowing at first but it does later. Once it does, they are forced to pay about one million dollars just to keep the corner of land they were operating on. Macy’s now hosts one of the biggest parades on the holiday of Thanksgiving. As a game, they used to have balloons float down on people who could then exchange it for a cash prize. This got shut down due to the hazard that it was creating in the 1930’s.

David founded Landmark Branding in 2014. The company offers branding and marketing support for real estate, architecture and design companies. The department store Gimbels becomes a major rival to Macy’s once it emerges. By 1930 they had several flagship stores including one neighboring Macy’s building in New York City. Gimbels was more plain and straightforward. It was not intended to be as fancy as the others. They catered to middle class people. Their downfall was their lack of appealing qualities compared to their counterparts. People began to feel like there was no need to visit New York just to shop at a generic store. B. Altman and Company was a luxury department store that was founded in New York in 1865. The flagship store on Fifth Avenue in New York ran from 1906 to 1989 before falling to bankruptcy.

Another store that closed recently is Lord & Taylor. They were founded in 1826 and were located up the road from B. Altman. David recalls them as a convenient department store to stop in and admire their alluring windows.They also had great holiday displays. Sax Fifth Avenue is a store that branched from Lord & Taylor in regard to their windows along with their holiday celebrations. They were a store who hired artists to do their mirrors which acted as a way for two different types of artists to work together. Some consumers enjoyed the collaborations more than others. One of the most famous window artists was named Andy Warhol. He was hired in 1951 but did not get much popularity until about ten years later when he used his art as commercialism.

On this week’s show we will explore the City’s temples to Baseball that are no longer physically here, but which live in many memories and many hearts. My guests will be returning guest, historian, and author Jason Antos, president of the Queens Historical Society, and author of “Shea Stadium”; and journalist, educator and sports historian David Kaplan, founding director of the Yogi Berra Museum and Learning Center.

Tune in for this fascinating conversation at TalkRadio.nyc or watch the Facebook Livestream by clicking here.

Jeff begins the show by introducing the topic of historical sports stadiums along with the two guests. He reads off the long list of pieces that Jason has written throughout his career. Next, he introduces David Kaplan stating that he is an adjunct professor at Montclair State University and the founding director of the Yogi Berra Museum and Learning Center. Jason has always had a passion for sports and the history of New York which helped to fuel him. While in high school, he realized that he wanted to do writing and journalism professionally. He graduated from the University of Miami and got a job writing for the Gazette Newspaper. Dave attended Cortland State University, a school that embraces sports. His dream was to combine his two passions of sports and journalism which led to him becoming a sports editor. After introductions, they begin discussing the history of where the first few baseball games were being held. The first baseball game where admission was charged in a stadium was in the town of Corona. The Brooklyn Dodgers were playing in Washington Park but eventually they relocated to Brownsville. Since they were not getting the same amount of attendance while playing here, they moved back.

To begin this segment, the Polo Grounds are discussed. The original Polo Grounds was designed for the sport of polo. However, it became the home of the New York Giants in the late 1800’s. John McGraw and Bill Terry were two of the great historic Giants players. Eventually Willie Mays began playing there and left an amazing legacy behind. They eventually left N.Y. because they were persuaded that the west coast was more to offer. They would reunite with the Dodgers and resume the rivalry. In addition, the field they were playing in was not really designed for cars and New York was transitioning into something new which convinced the baseball club to move. Eventually, the Polo Grounds was refurbished for the Mets to play their first few seasons. The Polo Grounds also was the home of the Yankees from 1913 to 1922. Next, Paul Ebbets was discussed who originally was a bookkeeper for the Brooklyn Dodgers and eventually took over the team. He was going to keep the name of Washington Park but was eventually convinced to title the field after himself.

Next, Shea Stadium was discussed. Jason remembers watching game six of the 1986 World Series live when he was younger which only increased his love for the sport and the stadium. Furthermore, David begins discussing Yogi Berra and how down to earth he was. He states that what you saw was what you got. Yogi was part of one of the most memorable Yankee teams. He is a Hall of Fame catcher for the team who everyone loved. Next Ebbets field is brought up again. It meant a lot to all of the New Yorkers. Many game changing players played there including Jackie Robinson. The Dodgers ultimately left Brooklyn because of money. Parking was an issue and many New Yorkers were moving to Long Island. They did not want to change boroughs because they were so committed to Brooklyn. However, eventually they moved due to a decision made by a high ranking executive. Later, a super stadium was built which hosted multiple different sporting events. Furthermore, the history of Yankee Stadium was talked about. It will always be remembered for Lou Gehrig’s famous speech, Don Larson’s perfect game in the 1956 World Series and Joe DiMaggio’s 56 game hitting streak. In addition, the rivalry was brought up between the Yankees and Dodgers. The two played in the same city and state for many years. They met in the World Series six times but the Dodgers only won once.

With New York now with only one team, the Yankees, many citizens were upset. Expansion was discussed. Talk of another league began to surface but eventually they began brainstorming ideas for another team name. They were going to try to replace the Dodgers in Brooklyn but eventually they decided to settle the team in a less developed area. The team eventually became the Mets. Shea Stadium was eventually torn down because of the demand for more modernism. It was outdated and cheaper to start from scratch. Also, many baseball fans enjoy being able to shop while at a game because Shea Stadium did not offer. However, ironically Citi Field does not offer as many seats as Shea Stadium. Despite the fact that it is no longer standing today, the memory of the stadium still lives through Jason’s book “Shea Stadium.”