Rediscovering New York

Some History and Current Work of New York Based Foundations

On this week’s show we will explore New York as a center of Philanthropy, including the history and present work of some New York based foundations.My guests will be Azra Dawood, Postdoctoral Fellow of the Museum of the City of New York, and , and Kenneth Fisher, Partner at Fisher Brothers Real Estate, Chairman & CEO of the Fisher House Foundation, and Co-Chairman of the Intrepid Museum Foundation.

Show Notes

Segment 1

Jeff introduces the topic of today’s episode, as well as his first guest Azra Dawood, postdoctoral fellow of the Museum of the City of New York. Jeff and Azra discuss when Azra first visited New York City, and what drew her to the city. Azra explains why she decided to change her field of study from architecture to the history of architecture, and her educational journey through the history of architecture. Jeff and Azra discuss the topic of Azra’s dissertation, John D. Rockefeller Jr., and why Azra decided to write a dissertation on him. Azra explains the scope of John D. Rockefeller Jr.’s philanthropy, and how she was interested behind the why of his philanthropy. Jeff and Azra discuss what philanthropy is, and how it differs from charity.

Segment 2

Jeff and Azra discuss modern philanthropy in the United States, and its rise in 1867 in relation to the Education Fund, as well as the larger philanthropy foundations located in New York during the turn of the 20th century. Azra explains why many of the larger philanthropy foundations came to be based in New York City, dating back to the gilded age. Jeff and Azra discuss philanthropy in New York that was enacted by non-New Yorkers, specifically in the modern day. The two then discuss notable foundations that are both based in and spend most of their money in New York, as well as the Central Park Conservancy and the history behind it. Azra retells the different philanthropy projects that John D. Rockefeller Jr. enacted and completed throughout New York. Azra explains the importance of critiquing both the old and the new gilded age, and the philanthropy that emerged from it.

Segment 3

Jeff introduces his second guest, Kenneth Fisher, Partner at Fisher Brothers Real Estate, Chairman & CEO of the Fisher House Foundation, and Co-Chairman of the Intrepid Museum Foundation. Jeff and Kenneth discuss Kenneth’s family’s history in real estate, and his personal history in real estate. Kenneth retells his personal experiences of philanthropy, and how he became involved with the City Investment Fund. Kenneth explains his family’s involvement with the USS Intrepid’s final sail in 1981, which started his and his family’s dedication to giving back to the United States military families.

Segment 4

Jeff and Kenneth discuss the Fisher House Foundation and the history behind it, and how it came about when Kenneth’s relative came to the realization that there was a need for military families to find an affordable place to stay while their family members were in the hospital. Kenneth discusses how the United States government shutdown in 2013 impacted the families of the fallen, and how the Fisher House Foundation worked to help the impacted families, who were not receiving the funds promised by the government. Jeff and Kenneth discuss how many foundations don’t get held accountable for how they spend their money, and that Kenneth didn’t want the Fisher House Foundation to be one of those foundations, so he puts a large focus on integrity and not to spend money on marketing. Kenneth discusses his involvement in the Jackie Robinson Foundation, and what the foundation does.

On this week's show we will journey to many different parts of New York, exploring works of art in the City’s public spaces. My guests will be Rediscovering New York regular and the show’s Special Consultant, David Griffin of Landmark Branding, and Jen and James Wallace, co-founders of nAscent Art New York.Tune in for this fascinating conversation at TalkRadio.nyc or watch the Facebook Livestream by clicking here.

Show Notes

Segment 1

David Griffin is the co-host of a series called a room at the top, the only ongoing networking series that features tours of Manhattan’s greatest buildings. Jennifer Wallace is a Director of art and cofounder of Neeson art New York. James Wallace is her husband and is the third guessed On Tonight Show. James is co-founder and president of Nathan art New York. He's also a former Air Force pilot. He loves seeing artists grow and keeping Clients happy. David started landmark branding and in 2013 he met Jen and James through His many ventures into the art world. Jen considers herself a New Yorker but is originally from Philadelphia she’s been living in new york for 17 years. She moved to New York to study art. She always wanted to be on the business side of the art world so she and her husband James decided to start an art company. He saw a convincing Qui That really opened him up to the art world.

Segment 2

public art floods New York On sides of buildings on intersections and so many other places. There is no direct date for  when public art came to New York But the first  cemeteries are the closest we can give to a date because of their inscriptions and decorations and commemorative images this is why they are looked at as public art. One of New York’s earliest pieces of art  that was available for the public was  in Central park by  an American artist named  John Quincy Adams  the hunter  and Indian Was  Installed in 1869 depicts a Native American and his dog hunting for pray it’s suggested narrative and tells a story That is connected with the  past  of our country. It is still in Central Park and it is located at the head at the mall heading toward the bandstand area. The Seda Fountain built in 1873 it is near the center of the park  is the first work of public art in New York City created by a woman named Emma Stebbins. It’s meant to depict the angel of Beth Sita and the biblical pool in Jerusalem. Stebbins said she had the idea Because she felt The healing powers of the water in the park were  similar to The fountain in Jerusalem

Segment 3

Statue of Liberty. Which was a gift from the French located on Liberty Island. It was designed by abolitionist sympathizers in France; it symbolizes the liberty of African-American people that were enslaved in the United States as well as symbolizing people coming to the United States. Rockefeller center is really the first place that art and architecture came together. When Rockefeller center was built it was really tied in art and architecture with its mosaic tiling. It really pulled Rockefeller center together and gave a art deco feeling.

Segment 4

Room at the top is a beautiful collaboration of the architecture of New York and that art that is inside their walls. James and Jen provide knowledge about the art and David really goes into the history and together they bring the city’s buildings and art  To life. They’ve done tours on Wall Street, The Chrysler building General electric building. Not another Second Is an art Exhibition that Jan and James Installed and curated in Brooklyn. This exhibit is about LGBTQ seniorsIt features 12 participants and larger than life portraits and photographs of these participants. If you’re not able to visit the exhibit you can go to not another second. com com participants' stories and portraits are online.

On this week’s show we visit Belmont and the Arthur Avenue, Bronx’s famous Little Italy.My guests will be Rediscovering New York regular Justin Rivers, Chief Experience Officer and Lead Tour Guide for Untapped New York, and Peter Madonia, owner of Madonia Brothers Bakery, and chairman of the Belmont Business Improvement District.

Show Notes

Segment 1

Justin Rivers is the chief officer and lead tour guide for untapped New York. He started his career as a New York City Middle school  English language art teacher. He drags his students  To historic lesser-known parts across the city  to help bring New York to life, he was a Player and producer of an off Broadway show called the eternal space that centered on the demolition of Pennsylvania station.This is what made him fall in love with untapped New York which he partnered with for his remnants of Penn station tour. Justin is also the founder of a nonprofit organization called character connection initiative. It is character education and mindfulness to the school curriculum

Segment 2

Justin takes us for a walk through Belmont also known as the Little Italy of the Bronx. It is the heart of the Bronx as it is in the middle of the botanical gardens and the Bronx zoo. The sue annoyed Native American Tribe Treated this area of the Bronx as their home base, but the tobacco industry is what really made Belmont popular for its rich soil and a perfect claimant to grow tobacco. The trains were another big change as it Brought with them more urban development, with that came the Italians and the pushcart culture. As the pandemic continues untapped New York adapted with its social distance tours, They also have taken a step in the virtual world as they now give virtual tours, Which has now given them a global audience.

Segment 3

Peter Madonia Is the third family owner of Madonia bakery on Arthur Avenue. Madonia is a staple on Arthur’s Avenue as it’s celebrated over 100 years of business. Peter is also the Chairman of the Belmont Business improvement District. Which works to advance the well-being Of local businesses in the community By promoting Little Italy and the Bronx brand it’s strong ethnic heritage And leadership in the culinary marketplace. Peter has a legacy of public service most recently He spent 12 years as the chief operating officer at The Rockefeller foundation. Prior to his work at the Rockefeller foundation he was chief of staff to mayor Michael Bloomberg from 2002 - 2006 and so much more.

Segment 4

Peter’s grandfather started the bakery during the 1918 pandemic. Peter had no interest in running the family business, So instead he ventured out for a career at City Hall,But after the passing of his brother he made the personal decision to return to the family business. Madonia has changed with the times but also stuck to their original recipes if you want to get a taste of New York go sink your teeth into Madonia bakery.

On this week's show we will take a historic stroll along two storied, and at times notorious downtown avenues: The Bowery and Allen Street. My guests will be Joyce Gold, Founder of Joyce Gold History Tours, and Bob Brenner, Founder of Pig Feet Walking Tours.

Show Notes

Segment 1

Joyce gold is a tour guide who for the past 40 years has lead private tours as well as group tours through New York’s City streets. She is also a published writer, with books such as From truck street to Bohemia, and From Windmills to the World Trade Center: Lower Manhattan, a Walking Guide Through History. Joyce Love  for New York city streets began in the mid-70s when she discovered a 100 year old guidebook. That helped paint a picture of New York rich history. Today we were taking a look at the battery, A street that Got its name from Dutch settlers. During the 19 century the battery became Posh up-and-coming place, But when the Civil War came It’s crime had increased and become a place where people were told not to go, but that didn’t stop it from being a melting pot  for different ethnicities to gather with  Irish on the east and German on the west. The battery was becoming a place where people wanted to be with its diverse theaters and shopping areas.   

Segment 2

During the 1890s Bowery became a please where the LGBT Community would gather. For social environment. Sailors also gathered at the battery  to get tattooed as it became a hotspot where tattoo shops would open up. Tattooing got banned in New York from 1962 to 1967 because of fear of hepatitis being spread by needles. As the battery became a place for the misfits of New York it was also the birthplace of the YMCA in 1978. The Barry mission was an Organization to help the New Yorkers   Who were down and out people whether it was food or providing clothing. 1920 affected the battery as it lost much of its Business to the prohibition as it was no longer the only place with bars and clubs, and because of that it became known as the battery bum, For many decades, But the  Bowery is up and coming as They open up hotels and art galleries which is a clear sign of it the rebirth of the Bowery.  

Segment 3

Robert Brenner is also a Tour guide who started pig feet walking tours in 2015 because he wasn’t able to Find towards the cater to his interest so he started his own. Bob has created tours for the Historic district council and New York public library and Many more. Robert is not a native New Yorker, he grew up in Nyack New York , but that in no way Lessons his love for the city, As he began exploring the city as a young teen in the 1970s. Bob takes us to a trip down memory lane as he talks about the rich history of Allen Street. Which got his name from a famous battle that took place in 1874 naming it after War Hero. By the 1830s it was a very prosperous place for the upper middle class, But that all changed when the elevator train made its way to Allen Street. 

Segment 4

The train made Allen Street an definitive Street for Dive bars Prostitution. . It is very diverse with many different people lining the streets with its Greek and Romanian Jews. Bob came up with the Name for pigs feet walking tour from his adventurous eating as he sampled many different styles of pig feet. His include Times Square in the 1970s and Tenderloin in the 1890s, he’s also doing a tour of Yorktown in 1930 when it was a Center for naughty activity. Because of Covid he is now doing ventures virtually. on January 15 he will be doing a webinar of New York City in the 1970s, Time Square, Canal Street, and much more.

Central Park South and 57th St. between 5th and 8th Avenues, also known as Billionaire's Row

On this week's show we will explore two New York streets, or more to the point, 3-block sections of two New York Streets: Central Park South and 57th Street between 5th and 8th Avenues, which is also known these days as Billionaire’s Row. My guest will be Rediscovering New York regular and the show’s Special Consultant, David Griffin of Landmark Branding.

Segment 1

Jeff introduces his first guest David Griffin, founder, and CEO of Landmark Branding. David begins about his upbringing in Port Jefferson and how he got interested in NYC and architecture. David’s interest in architecture comes from his mother, who was adamant about taking him to museums when he was younger. Jeff asks David when and how Central Park South and the surrounding neighborhood got its name. CPS became prominent because of all the upscale hotels and restaurants built around it, many of which remain today.

Segment 2

David and Jeff begin talking about the Essex hotel and its history. It is one of the largest Art Deco hotels in the world. They mention the New York Athletics Club, which is one of the most famous gymnasiums in the world. Members of the club would win over one hundred Olympic medals since its opening in 1868.

Segment 3

David and Jeff talk about the historic Crown Building, which has very iconic French architecture. It has been a host to some of the most famous art galleries and parties in New York. The building was secretly purchased by the Phillipean government president, which leads to many lawsuits over its ownership during the 1980s. Jeff brings up the Osborne building, which has a unique architecture compared to the other buildings in the neighborhood.

Segment 4

David begins talking about Carnegie Hall and its history. The architecture is very diverse, and the venue has hosted some of the most excellent classical musicians of all time. The music played there varied from jazz to pop. Jeff brings up the Rodan Studio, which is a building that has housed some of the most famous artists in the city.

On this weeks’ show we will look at New York’s history as a colony, first under the Dutch when we were New Amsterdam, and then under the British when we became New York in 1664, right through the end of American Revolution New York City remained under British control until two years after the Revolutionary War ended. My guests will be journalist and best-selling writer Russell Shorto, author of The Island at the Center of the World,, and returning guest Jeremy Wilcox, founder and owner of Custom NYC Tours.

Segment 1

Jeff introduces his first guest Russel Short an author. Jeff asks what some of Russel’s earliest jobs were. After college, Russel got work writing travel articles, which landed him a job at GQ. Jeff asks about the process behind his first book, Gospel, which Russel wrote in 1995. Russel noticed the lack of books written about Dutch settlers’ history in New York, which started him on the path to writing his most recent book. Jeff asks Russel what made the Dutch settlers unique when they colonized New York. Russel talks about how the Dutch would adapt very easily to their new settlement and try to learn the ways of the locals. The settlement of New Amsterdam was most notable because it became a very cosmopolitan village for the settlers.

Segment 2

Jeff asks Russel about his upcoming book: A family in the mob. The book was inspired by his grandfather, who was a small-time mobster. Jeff asks Russel about the NY immigrant Adrian Vanderdonk who was essential in providing rights to the British colonies before the United States was even established. Vanderdonk was a lawyer and had a legalistic sensibility, and served as a sheriff for some settlements. Vanderdonk also had a municipal charter passed for New Amsterdam, which was a lengthy process considering New Amsterdam’s distance from the Netherlands.

Segment 3

Jeff introduces his next guest Jeremy Wilcox, founder, and owner of Custom NYC Tours. Jeremy founded his tour business because of his love of exploring NY neighborhoods. Jeff asks how the Dutch settlers treated the English representatives. It was not a smooth transition of power, but most Dutch settlers quickly went back to life as normal. After the English took over New York, the colonies were flooded with English and European immigrants. Jeff asks who John Peter Zengler, the founder of the New York Weekly Journal, was. As a journalist, he set the precedent of freedom of the press in America.

Segment 4

Jeff asks Jeremy how his tour business has adapted to the COVID-19 restrictions. Jeremy has developed new socially distanced and private tours that are available for everyone. Jeff asks Jeremy what New York was like right before the revolution. New York was interesting because it was the center of the British colonies, and the majority of the people living there were loyalists. Life was changed for the colonists when the British occupied New York; at first, patriots set fires in the city but were eventually driven out of the city. New York was also a hub for spies during the Revolutionary War.

On this week’s show we will take a look at an iconic Brooklyn neighborhood within a neighborhood, Ditmas Park, which is part of the famous Flatbush. My guests will be Jeremy Wilcox, Founder and Owner of Custom NYC Tours, and Dina Rabiner of the Cortelyou Road Merchants Association. ‍

Segment 1

Jeff introduces his first guest Jeremey Wilcox, owner of Custom NYC Tours. Jeremey grew up in Richmond Hill, Queens, and decided to get into the tour business when he found out he had a passion for exploring the city. They begin to discuss the history of Flatbush, which started in the 1600s. The development of Flatbush did not begin until the latter half of the 19th century. Jeff asks Jeremey about the history of Ditmas Park and the first buildings to be built around it, which were mostly country mansions. Jeff and Jeremey discuss how the development of a train yard through Ditmas brought many developers to the neighborhood.

Segment 2

Jeff asks what kind of programming Custom NYC tours during the COVID pandemic. Jeremey explains how his tours have become more private and adopted social distancing. Jeremy begins by discussing some of the interesting architecture in and around Ditmas Park. Jeff asks him about how Fisk Terrace got a boulevard developed next to it. They talk about some of the restrictions placed in the deeds to build lofts in the neighborhood.

Segment 3

Jeff welcomes his second guest Dina Rabiner, Co-President of the Cortelyou Road Merchants Association. Dina moved to NYC after graduate school and has lived there ever since. Before coming to NY, Dina was in the Peace Corps, volunteering in Albania. Currently, she works to support entrepreneurs and small businesses at the Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce. Her work with the Cortelyou Road Merchants Association is focused on supporting small businesses by providing them with information on resources, grants, and other programs as well as designing engaging community events.

Segment 4

Jeff asks Dina what the reason behind her moving to Ditmas Park was. Dina first saw the neighborhood when going to a friend’s party and fell in love with it. She describes the neighborhood’s vibe as being very peaceful and feeling like a small town village but with diversity. She goes on to mention a lot of the local events that make Ditmas unique. Jeff asks Dina if she has learned anything recently about Ditmas that has surprised her. Dina says some of the struggles going on right now in Ditmas.

On this week's show we will visit the neighborhood of Woodside, in Queens. My guests will be returning guest, historian, and author Jason Antos, who is also president of the Queens Historical Society; and Jonathan Cordeiro, owner and partner the Alcove Restaurant.

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

Segment 1

Jeff introduces his first guest Jason Antos a journalist and author and a frequent guest on the show. Jacob has been interested in history since a book report he did on NYC history in grade school. Jeff asks him when and how he got involved with the Queens Historical Society, which was Jason’s first source he went to when writing his first book in 2005. Jeff asks where the names of Woodside and Sunnyside neighborhoods come from. The names originated from the surrounding areas of the neighborhoods. Jason begins discussing the native people of New York and their relationship with the British and Dutch settlers. The Native Americans had a contentious relationship with both the British and Dutch peoples. During the American Revolution, was a home of military encampments for the British as most of Queens citizens were loyalists.

Segment 2

Jeff asks Jason which one of his books was his favorite to write, but Jason reveals he loves all his books equally. His most recent book will be released on March 22nd. The most challenging book he wrote was his one on Shea Stadium, because of all the licensed photos he had to acquire from the MLB. Jeff begins talking about Woodside and Sunnyside’s post-world war history and asks about Woodside’s housing projects. Jeff asks Jason about Sunnyside’s development, which started as a fledgling visit but saw a lot of development during the 1910s. They then talk about the Sunnyside Gardens, which was the first garden community built in NYC.

Segment 3

Jeff introduces his next guest Jonathan Cordiero, owner, and partner, in the Alcove Restaurant. Jeff asks where in Brazil, Jonathan’s father opened his restaurants, which Jonathan spent most of his younger years watching his father cook. Jonathan moved to New York when he was young but never left behind Brazil’s culture and food. Jonathan got his first restaurant job at 16 and grew to love the business over time. The first restaurant he worked at, The Copper Kettle, as and still is renowned in the community. Jeff asks Jonathan what influenced him and his wife to open the Alcove in 2015. He picked Sunnyside because he saw it as truly a special neighborhood. The restaurant’s name came from a brainstorming session that Jonathan had and the coziness inside the restaurant.

Segment 4

Jeff asks Jonathan if there’s a difference between the vibes in Woodside and Sunnyside. Jonathan’s opinion is that they both feel the same with a common feeling of community and diversity. Jeff asks if Jonathan has noticed if the neighborhood has changed since he started his restaurant. He talks about the influx of younger families and couples moving in. Jeff asks Jonathan if there is anything he struggles with as a business owner, and Jonathan talks about the effect of COVID on his restaurant. Jeff asks his advice to small business owners looking to start in Sunnyside. Jonathan stresses the importance of making a connection to the community.

On this week’s show we will visit one of New York’s grand and most storied, avenues, Central Park West, from its place as an outlying part of New York that was distant from the main life of the City as the park was designed and constructed, to its development as a grand residential boulevard.

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

Show Notes

Segment 1

Jeff introduces his first and only guest David Griffin of Landmark Branding. David explains his background of growing up in Long Island and eventually getting involved with NYC history. He was inspired by the dioramas his mother would make of places they would visit when he was young. Jeff asks David about the game of tops in 19th century New York and their history. They move on to talking about Central Park West and where its name comes from. Jeff asks David what the first buildings on CPW were. Initially, the park area was very seedy and dirty but became more affluent once wealthy people started investing in the neighborhood. The development was stimulated by luxury apartment buildings like the Dakota being built in the neighborhood. 

Segment 2

Jeff asks about the Dakota’s architectural style, which is unique because of its German renaissance look. The Dakota was famed for its many luxuries and celebrity guests over the years. Moving on to the Langham hotel, Jeff and David discuss some of its famous guests and amenities like the ice maker on every floor.

Segment 3

Jeff asks David about the inspiration behind his business, Landmark Branding. David explains the services he provides and also talks about his upcoming book project. David and Jeff then discuss the Prasada, a building with some of the most elegant interiors on Central Park West. They talk about some of the buildings built in the 60s that had a more abstract design. Many artists ended up renting the studio apartments in these buildings. David brings up the Majestic hotel, which used to be a hub for organized crime families. They discuss various films shot in and around Central Park West hotels.   

Segment 4

David brings up the Beresford hotel, which has inspired numerous books and movies. They had legal problems that held up its restoration, but luckily they were solved in 2001. Jeff brings up the first Church of Christ Scientists, which is an underrated and beautiful building in the city. French churches very much inspire their architecture. Central Park West also holds the oldest Jewish congregation in America. They end by talking about the Museum of Natural History, which is one of the most well-known museums in the country.

New York's Relationship With the Drinks ALMOST Everyone Loves

On this week’s show we will look at a lighter side of New York: the City's relationship with coffee and tea, from past to present. My guests will be Rediscovering New York regular Justin Rivers, Chief Experience Officer and Lead Tour Guide for Untapped New York; and David Wong, Owner of McNulty's Tea & Coffee Co.,  which is celebrating its 125th year in business!

Segment 1

Jeff introduces his first guest Justin Rivers, the Chief Experience Officer and Lead Tour Guide for Untapped New York. Jeff starts by asking Justin where he was born and how he got to New York. He then asks what in his career path had him decide to go into giving tours. Justin credits a love of social studies and seeing historical locations with his parents; he loved doing this, so he became a tour guide. Jeff asks Justin when human beings first started drinking coffee, which started being brewed as a beverage around eight hundred years ago. They move on to talking about the earliest records of tea being drunk in New York. Tea was first brought to NY from its original Dutch settlers in the 1620s. Justin explains that tea became culturally associated with British people once they began colonizing America and Asia. The British who came to New York drank tea frequently at social gatherings, and set up many tea houses. Jeff and Justin talk about some of the most famous early coffee houses in the city. 

Segment 2

Jeff asks Justin what his tour company is offering customers during the COVID pandemic. Justin mentions all the virtual tours they are giving and their socially distanced in-person tours. The two of them talk about how, although the Boston tea party is most remembered, there was also dumping of British tea in the New York harbor during the American Revolution. Next, they discuss some of the notable 20th-century coffee houses. They talk about the Little Coffee Shop, opened in 1918, which was the first fresh brewed coffee shop in Grand Central Terminal. The shop was so successful that the owner was able to open shops all over the city. Next, they bring up Cafe Reggio in the West Village, which is still open today and famous for their espressos. Reggio was opened up in 1929 and credited as introducing cappuccinos to New Yorkers. Another shop Porto Rico which was named in honor of Italian Catholics. Justin brings up the famous Anthora cup design, which a Czech immigrant designed and is now one of New York’s most popular symbols.  

Segment 3

Jeff introduces his next guest David Wong, owner of McNulty’s Coffee and Tea, which has been in business for 125 years. David talks about John McNulty, the tea shop’s original owner in 1895, and how the location has not moved since then. Jeff asks when David’s family bought the shop, which was in 1980. David and his family had no background in the business, but his brother worked at the shop and decided to buy it, at which point David’s family got fully involved with it. Jeff asks what David’s journey was to take over the business. David explains how his father offered him the business, and he took it and fully embraced working there. In recent years they have opened the business up with social media accounts and taking online business orders. 

Segment 4

David talks about how his business has adapted to do more shipping orders during the pandemic and how it has changed. Jeff asks David about his most significant flavors of tea and coffee, and David mentions some of the teas he imports from all over the world. He then discusses the types of blended coffees they do in the house and their popularity.