Rediscovering New York

With Election Day and the question of who will be the next president upon us, on this week’s show we will explore the history of Presidential Elections and how they were impacted by events in New York City. My guest is Kevin Draper, Director of New York Historical Tours.

Tune in for this fascinating conversation at TalkRadio.nyc

Show Notes

Segment 1

Jeff introduces his first guest, Kevin Draper, director of New York Historical Tours. Jeff asks Kevin where he grew up and how he got into the tour guide business. Kevin recalls being interested in New York history at a very young age, which led him to study history in college and create his tour guide business. Jeff and Kevin discuss what happened in the election of 1856 and New York’s place in the election before the civil war. Kevin recounts Abraham Lincoln’s speech at Cooper Union in New York before he was elected in 1860. Jeff asks if NY Republicans helped Lincoln get elected, which they did since they agreed with Lincoln’s anti-slavery views.

Segment 2

Jeff asks why support for Lincoln in NY wasn’t more significant, which was due to many New Yorkers still being pro-slavery. In Lincoln’s second election, his numbers went down even more in New York because of fear that Lincoln would lose the Civil War. Jeff then brings up the election of 1880 for Vice President Chester Arthur, a native New Yorker. They then talk about Teddy Roosevelt, who was on the ticket for William McKinley’s second term as president. 

Segment 3

Kevin begins by talking about some of the private tours he offers during the pandemic and how COVID-19 has affected his business. Jeff asks Kevin how New York reacted to Roosevelt’s more progressive policies, which tended to be looked down upon by the upper classes. They discuss why Roosevelt didn't run for a third term, which his advisors disagreed with because he did not serve two full terms. Jeff mentions NY Governor Al Smith, who ran for president in 1920 but did not win the election despite being beloved by New Yorkers. He was unpopular because he was against prohibition and a champion for the working class. 

Segment 4

Jeff brings up Franklin Roosevelt and why he was supported for re-election in 1936, which comes from his response to getting America out of the Great Depression. Jeff asks why the Republican party nominated Governor Thomas Dewey to run against Roosevelt in the 1940s. Dewey appealed to many people because he tended to be partisan and fears of Roosevelt’s failing health. Jeff and Kevin discuss Nelson Rockefeller, who ran for president but ended up as vice president. He was unsuccessful as a politician because of his progressive policies regarding abortion that were unpopular at the time. Ultimately he could not connect with the republican party of the time. ‍

How New York and New Yorkers Impacted the Supreme Court

On this week’s show we will explore the impact of New York City and New Yorkers on the United States Supreme Court, from the establishment of the Republic right up to the present day. My guest will be teacher (and lawyer!) Robert Pigott, author of "New York’s Legal Landmarks", a historical guidebook to our court buildings, history and lore of New York’s legal system through the ages.

Segment 1

Jeff introduces his first guest Robert Pigott a lawyer and teacher. The first question comes from Jeff, who asks Robert about when he first entered law school. Robert mentions his time as a public school teacher before entering law school. Jeff then asks what took Robert to the NY attorney’s office and the charity bureau. Robert talks about leaving the private sector to becoming a regulator for nonprofits all over New York and how it introduced him to many diverse groups of people. Robert goes on to talk about the journey that lead him to his job. Jeff asks Robert about what makes the low-income housing offered by fifth houses create. Jeff asks who were the prominent New Yorkers who helped draft the constitution in the 1700s. They then talk about John Jay, the first supreme chief justice elected by George Washington, and his impact on the history of New York.

Segment 2

Robert explains what the circuit course was and what judges and practices were unique to it. Jeff mentions Henry Brockholms Livingston as part of one of the first “dream teams” with Aaron Burr and Alexander Hamilton. The dream team served on one of the most popular trails of the time to acquit a man of murder. Jeff talks about Columbia Law School and asks Robert to run down the history of one of our nation’s most historic colleges. Jeff asks Robert about Albert Cardozo’s legal career. Cardozo was one of the city’s most prominent lawyers in the 1800s and was elected to the supreme court of New York. He served on the U.S supreme court until he died in 1885. 

Segment 3

Jeff asks Robert what inspired him to write his book “New York’s Legal Landmarks.” Robert explains his inspiration came from his love of the city’s legal buildings, making him decide to research the buildings and write a book. They then discuss Robert Even Hughes, who was a supreme court justice with a prolific career in U.S politics. Hughes made an unsuccessful bid at the presidency and barely lost to Woodrow Wilson in 1916. Jeff asks what role Hughes played in preventing the court from being expanded by lawmakers. Jeff brings up Felix Frankfurter, who lived in the Lower East Side and became another prominent lawyer in New York who went to Harvard Law School. Because of his Jewish heritage, he had trouble finding a job. Eventually, he got a job at a prestigious law firm, becoming a supreme court justice nominated by Franklin Roosevelt. 

Segment 4

Jeff brings up Harland Fisk Stone, a U.S Attorney General who started as an associate justice. Jeff and Robert next talked about Antonin Scalia, a Queens native and a supreme court justice from 1986 to 2016. Despite having different ideologies Scalia was great friends with Ruth Bader Ginsburg, with the two of them sharing a love for opera. They then begin talking about Ginsburg and her appointment from President Bill Clinton. Jeff brings up Manhattan native Elena Kagan and her legal history before being in the supreme court.

On this week’s program we will take an in depth look at immigrants: where they came from, why they came to New York, and how their communities impacted the City in everything from our economic ethos to our political culture. We also will look at how one particular kind of institution, the Settlement House, met the needs of immigrants, and we will explore the history of one of New York’s early settlement houses, the Henry Street Settlement on the Lower East Side. My guests will be Robert Snyder, Professor Emeritus of American Studies and Journalism at Rutgers University and the Manhattan Borough Historian, who co-authored the book All The Nations Under Heaven; and national award winning curator Ellen Snyder-Grenier, author of The House on Henry Street: The Enduring Life of a Lower East Side Settlement.

Segment 1

Jeff introduces his first guest Dr. Robert Snyder the Manhattan borough historian, a professor at Rutgers, and an author. Jeff asks Robert if he was initially born in New York, which leads him to discuss his upbringing. Jeff then has Robert tell him when he became interested in history, which Robert has been passionate about since he was young. Robert talks about how his books were helpful in getting him elected as the Manhattan borough historian. Jeff asks Robert how he became involved in writing his book All the Nations Under Heaven and his research. Jeff and Robert discuss immigration and the qualities of the first Dutch settlers in New Amsterdam. They go back before the Dutch to bring up the Spanish immigrant Juan Rodriguez, who settled on Governor's Island.

Segment 2

Jeff asks Robert about “the rule of twos,” an idea in his book that talks about how every significant immigration surge involves two groups of immigrants. He credits the rise of Irish immigrants to the famine of the 1840s. Jeff asks whether there were any of the Irish that became part of the nativist movement. They move on to the next wave of immigrants; the Italian and Jewish people. Robert mentions how adept the Irish became about joining the American political scene and setting the stage for the following immigrants. Jeff and Robert bring up the effect World War I and World War II had on immigration in New York and how congress at the time began to limit immigration.

Segment 3

Jeff introduces his next guest Ellen Snyder-Grenier author of the House on Henry Street: The Enduring Life of a Lower East Side Settlement. Jeff first asks Ellen how she became interested in history, which she inherited from her very encouraging parents. He then asks when her work as a curator started, and Ellen talks about how her college experiences led her down this path. Ellen discusses the joys of her work and working with designers and creative people. Her work has taken her to museums everywhere, from Alaska to Philadelphia. Jeff brings up the settlement house and asks how it is different from other social service houses. Jeff asks when and where the first settlement house is, which first was built in London in 1887 and was created to help solve poverty. Ellen talks about how, by 1910, there were four hundred settlement houses in the city. Ellen mentions Lillian Wald, the nurse who founded one of the city’s most popular settlement houses. 

Segment 4

Jeff and Ellen go into depth about how Lillian Wald became involved with helping the disenfranchised. She was inspired by seeing young girls home in the Lower East Side, which had terrible conditions back then. Ellen talks about the programs Lillian created for immigrants and how accepting she was of other cultures. Jeff asks about the services Lillian’s Henry Street Home offered. Jeff brings up the changing Lower East Sides neighborhoods and asks how the Henry Street Home has changed over the years.

On this week’s show we will explore the City’s history of protests and activism, and the people who have propelled social change from the 1600’s to today.

 My guests will be Sarah Seidman, Puffin Foundation Curator of Social Activism at the Museum of the City of New York and curator of the museum’s present exhibition “Activist New York”, and Sean Corcoran, Curator of Prints and Photographs at the Museum.

On this week's show we celebrate the time of the famous San Gennaro Festival in New York by exploring the two neighborhoods in Lower Manhattan where Italian immigrants settled: Little Italy and the southern part of Greenwich Village. My guests will be returning Rediscovering New York guest/expert Joyce Gold, Founder of Joyce Gold History Tours; and a member of the local business community in Little Italy.

Segment 1

Jeff introduces his first guest, Joyce Gold of Joyce Gold History Tours. Jeff then asks what Little Italy was like before Italians settled in it, and they talk about the Irish immigrants who lived there first. Joyce moves on to talk about how poor Italian immigrants began to move to New York. Jeff asks how the Italian wave of immigrants in the 1900s differed from the other types of immigrants. Jeff talks about how Ellis Island had the largest number of Italian immigrants and the neighborhoods settled by these Italians. Joyce then discusses how Italians from different parts of Italy settled into other neighborhoods. Jeff and Joyce talk about the work that male Italians would get, which Joyce describes as the “dirtiest and most dangerous jobs.” This leads to them talking about how the Italian women worked in factories and candy manufacturing stores. Jeff moves on to talking about the horrendous conditions in impoverished NY areas and some of the Italians who lived in them.     

Segment 2

Jeff asks about the Italian immigrant’s religious experience once they came to New York and how they got along with the Irish. They go on to talk about the historic Saint Patrick’s church and how it has evolved over the years. Jeff asks about the major churches still operating in Little Italy today, which leads Joyce to talk about Saint Gennaro’s church, which has been open since the 1920s. Jeff changes topics by asking why Italians had such little political control when they first came to the city. Jeff and Joyce talk about Mayor Fiorello La Guardia and why he was such a beloved mayor. They talk about how he went after gangster Lucky Luciano in an effort to change harmful stereotypes of Italians at the time and how during a newspaper strike, he would read comics over the radio to children. Jeff asks Joyce why she thinks films about Italian Americans have always been so prevalent in our culture and the significant films about the Italian experience. Jeff then asks about what displaced Italians from Little Italy as time went on.  

Segment 3

Jeff has Joyce back on to ask about Italian immigrant children’s experience in schools. Italian children were often put down by teachers who believed stereotypes that they were dirty and unintelligent. Jeff asks Joyce the origins of the San Gennaro festival, which began as a festival to honor Saint Januarius by local store owners. Lou rejoins and Jeff starts by asking if Lou lives in Little Italy and his ancestor’s experience moving there. Lou discusses how his great grandfather opened the first Di Palo’s food store and how his family still owns it today. Jeff then asks Lou about his travels to Italy for his store’s inventory and which parts of Italy he visits. 

Segment 4

Lou starts by talking about his book on Italian food and what inspired him to write it and how the story of his family and their culture informed his writing process. Jeff asks Lou what he likes about Little Italy today and its current vibe. Lou answers how today he works with the fifth generation of Italians, which include his children. He discusses how Little Italy has changed over the years and how he works to preserve the history of the neighborhood amongst gentrification. For his final question, Jeff asks Lou his advice for people wanting to open a business in Little Italy.

On this week's show we will visit the neighborhood of Bedford Stuyvesant, in Brooklyn. My guests will be Rediscovering New York regular and the show’s Special Consultant, David Griffin of Landmark Branding; and Medina Sadiq, Executive Director of the Bed Stuy Business Improvement District.  Tune in for this fascinating conversation at TalkRadio.nyc or watch the Facebook Livestream by clicking here.Show NotesSegment 1Jeff introduces his first guest David Griffin, a regular on the show as well as being the founder of Landmark Branding. David begins by talking about his background and becoming interesting in architectural history. Next, Jeff asks him how Bedford Stuyvesant, or Bed-Stuy as locals call it got its unusual name. They explain how the “Stuyvesant” part of the name came from the first Dutch governor in Brooklyn. Jeff and David then talk about some of the early native settlers of Bed-Stuy, specifically some of the notable Dutch founders. Jeff asks what life was like in Bed-Stuy during colonial times up until the nineteenth century. David then talks about the battle of Long Island in 1776 that took place in and around Bed-Stuy. Jeff changes topics by asking about the history of Bed-Stuy’s railroad and its construction. They then talk about the history of Weeksville, one of the first free African American settlements in America.Segment 2Jeff begins by asking David about the origins of his company, Landmark Branding. He then asks about the process behind his blog: Every Building on 5th Avenue. Now going back to Bed-Stuy, Jeff and David discuss how Bed-Stuy became the neighborhood it is today. This brings them to talk about why Bed-Stuy became such an attractive location for developers and all the construction that happened. Jeff moves on to ask what the development of Bed-Stuy in the twentieth century looked like. David and Jeff bring up the famous Bed-Stuy A-train and the songs inspired by it. After this, they bring up a darker side of Bed-Stuy during the 1960s where real estate moguls took advantage of the African American community in the neighborhood. The social and racial divisions eventually led to a riot that encompassed Bed-Stuy and the surrounding streets. After this, David discusses the community activists that helped fight the injustice happening in the neighborhood. Lastly, Jeff asks David about how Bed-Stuy has managed to maintain its cultural identity amongst gentrification. Segment 3Jeff introduces Medina Sadiq, executive director of the Bed-Stuy Gateway Business Improvement District. Jeff begins by asking Medina about her upbringing in New York and how she got her law degree. Next, he asks how Medina got to work for the CDC and what she did. Medina talks about her experience managing projects helping women with HIV. Jeff then asks how Medina helped Muslim business owners and her part in getting mosques built in the city. Moving down her extensive job history, Medina talks about working as a lawyer in the Caribbean. Segment 4Jeff begins by asking how Medina got involved with BIDs. Medina goes on to discuss some of the challenges she dealt with when becoming the director of a BID, as well as her special initiatives. She goes on to talk about how gentrification has impacted her district. Jeff asks Medina about the neighborhood’s vibe, which leads her to speak about Bed-Stuy’s culture. She goes into detail about the beauty of the architecture in many of the buildings. Jeff then asks what surprises Medina about the neighborhood. Medina gives advice to potential business owners looking to open in Bed-Stuy.

On this week’s show we will explore the famous Flatbush, in Brooklyn. My guests will be returning Rediscovering New York guest, local historian, and famed tour guide Lucie Levine, founder of Archive on Parade; and Lauren Collins, the Executive Director of the Flatbush Avenue And Church Avenue Business Improvement Districts. Tune in for this fascinating conversation at TalkRadio.nyc or watch the Facebook Livestream by clicking here.

Show Notes

Segment 1

Jeff Introduces his first guest Lucie Levine and asks about her experience growing up in NY and how she became a tour guide. Lucie and Jeff then talk about the native people who lived in what would become Flatbush and the Dutch settlers. Next, Jeff asks about what changed about Flatbush when the English took over in 1664. Lucie talks about the significant happenings during the Revolutionary War that took place in Flatbush. 

Segment 2

Jeff begins by asking Lucie about some of the tours she gives. Jeff and Lucie then discuss the architecture in Flatbush and the history behind it. Jeff talks about Dean Alboard and his contributions to the construction of Flatbush. They go on to talk about Tennis court, the “lost” structure of Flatbush. Lucie then talks about the oldest high school in NY state: Erasmus and some of its notable alumni over the years. Jeff talks about how Flatbush residents voted in the vote to consolidate Brooklyn into the Manhattan area. Jeff and Lucie finish by talking about the famous Ebinger’s Bakery in Flatbush and their signature Blackout Cake. 

Segment 3

Jeff introduces his next guest Lauren Collins, the Executive Director of the Flatbush Avenue and Church Avenue Business Improvement Districts. Jeff starts by asking Lauren about growing up in the city and her career path. Lauren then asks about Lauren’s co-founding of the Windsor Terrace Alliance. Lauren then talks about joining the Church Avenue Business Improvement District and eventually the Flatbush BID. Moving on, Jeff asks Lauren about the challenges she faced when she took over the Flatbush BID. Lauren then discusses some of the historically accurate storefronts in Flatbush.

Segment 4

Lauren begins by talking about what she loves most about Flatbush and the flavor of the neighborhood. Adding on to this, Jeff asks about the impact the Carribean community has had on Flatbush. Lauren then talks about the growth of the Flatbush BID since she began working there and her relationship with its members. Next, Jeff asks about some of the unique challenges Lauren faces in her work. Lauren then brings up some of the stores she wants to see more of in Flatbush and her advice for anyone starting a retail business in the neighborhood.

On this week’s show we will explore the life of one of the country’s most important and influential Founding Fathers, Alexander Hamilton; his life in New York City; and his influence and those of his contemporaries on the city that would become the financial and commercial capital of the United States. My guests will be Rediscovering New York regular Joyce Gold of Joyce Gold History Tours; and historian, writer and Curator Steven Jaffe.Tune in for this fascinating conversation at TalkRadio.nyc or watch the Facebook Livestream by clicking here.Show NotesSegment 1Jeff welcomes Joyce Gold to the show. Joyce is a recognized educator and has published two tour books on New York City. Joyce explains how she became interested in NYC history. Jeff and Joyce begin by talking about what made Alexander Hamilton such a famous New York figure. Jeff then asks about where Hamilton was initially born and how he made it to New York. This leads them to discuss how Hamilton got involved with the military. Jeff then explains Hamilton’s history in law and politics and asks Joyce about his role in opening Columbia University and the Bank of New York.  Segment 2Jeff begins by asking Joyce about her tour guide business and how she designs them. He then asks about Hamilton’s relationship with New York’s Jewish community. He goes on to ask how Hamilton became the first Secretary of State. Jeff then explains how New York was America’s capital before Washington, D.C, and why it was chosen initially. Joyce and Jeff discuss Hamilton’s New York associates and friends. They move on to talking about Hamilton’s death and his duel with Aaron Bur. They then discuss what Hamilton’s wife Eliza’s life was like after his death. Jeff moves on to talk about Hamilton’s children and their lives. They end by talking about the places where Hamilton lived that can still be visited in New York today. Segment 3Jeff introduces his second guest Steven Jaffe who is a historian and author. Steven starts by explaining his New York City upbringing and passion for history. Jeff begins by asking about what New York was like after the Revolutionary War. He follows up by talking about Hamilton’s vision for New York. They talk about how New York was occupied by the British for the majority of the war and the rebuilding process after it ended. Steven talks about how New York became one of the most important cities during early American history.Segment 4Jeff begins by asking Steven about the publication of his book Capital of Capital. Jeff then asks about Hamilton’s friend Robert Fulton who was an inventor and artist. Steven then talks about Jeremiah Thompson who was known as the pioneer of the package ship. Steven talks about how Thompson revolutionized transatlantic commerce. Jeff and Steven then talk about DeWitt Clinton, who was a mayor and governor of New York. Stephen goes through how DeWitt helped get New York’s first canal built, which lead to the city prospering.

On this week's show we visit Washington Heights. My guests will be Robert Snyder, Professor Emeritus of American Studies and Journalism at Rutgers University and the Manhattan Borough Historian, and New York City Council Member Mark Levine, representing New York’s 7th District. Tune in for this fascinating conversation at TalkRadio.nyc or watch the Facebook Livestream by clicking here.

Show Notes

Segment 1

Jeff introduces his first guest Robert Snyder a retired professor of history at Rutgers University. Robert begins by going through his New York City upbringing. Jeff then asks how Robert got involved in studying history and how NYC’s history became a focus in his work. Robert goes on to talk about the books he’s written about New York. Jeff asks Robert how he became a Manhattan borough historian. They change topics to the history of Washington heights, beginning with the first native settlers and their customs. They move on to talking about the Dutch farmers who were some of the first English settlers in New York. Then Jeff and Robert start discussing the revolutionary war history in Washington Heights. Jeff moves on to ask Robert what Washington Heights was like in the nineteenth century. 

Segment 2

After the break, Jeff starts by asking Robert the inspiration behind one of his first books published, which covers immigration in New York City. Next, Jeff asks Robert about when the modern Washington Heights began to take shape. Moving on, Robert goes over the first immigrants to move into the neighborhood. While discussing the challenges they faced. He starts by discussing the German-Jewish immigrants who lived in the heights. They then talk about the Dominican immigrants who moved into Washington Heights beginning in the 1960's.  Jeff then brings up a dark time for the neighborhood in the 80s when drug dealing was rampant. Robert then discusses how the neighborhood bounced back and the community’s efforts to change things for the better. After this, Robert talks more about his book Crossing Broadway, and the recent history in Washington Heights.

Segment 3

Jeff introduces his next guest Mark Levine, an NYC council member who represents the 7th district. Mark first speaks about how he came to live in Washington Heights and his first job as a South Bronx teacher. Jeff asks Mark how teaching led him into working as a community activist. This leads to Jeff asking Mark the defining moment that got him to form a credit union for Washington Heights. Mark then talks about how he entered politics, which was born out of frustration at the city’s failure to help economic development in more impoverished communities. Jeff then asks Mark about his responsibilities on the health committee during COVID-19. 

Segment 4

Jeff starts again by asking about Mark’s role in the progressive caucus on the council. Changing topics, Mark talks about the vibe of Washington Heights and what makes it unique. He goes over the storefronts and restaurants and how diverse the community is. Mark then brings up the challenges Washington Heights has faced recently and how they are working to overcome them. Jeff asks Mark what he wishes he could see added to the neighborhood. For his final question, Jeff asks Mark why he decided to run for borough president.

This week we will travel to Whitestone, in Queens.My guests will be returning guest, historian, and author Jason Antos, who is also president of the Queens Historical Society; and George Isaakidis, owner and partner of Harpell Chemists.Tune in for this fascinating conversation at TalkRadio.nyc or watch the Facebook Livestream by clicking here.

Show Notes

Segment 1

Jeff introduces his first guest Jason Antos, a regular on the show and a prolific writer. Jason discusses his upbringing in Whitestone Queens and how he became interested in history. He remembers being amazed at the abandoned Hammerstine and Thurston homes in Whitestone. They begin by talking about how Whitestone got its name, which comes from a story about the first settlers finding a massive white limestone boulder in the town’s river. Next, they talk about the Dutch settlers who purchased the land that would be Whitestone from Native Americans. The Dutch welcomed incoming English settlers while pushing away the Native Americans. Jason then talks about one of the first famous members of Whitestone; Francis Lewis. Despite signing the Declaration of Independence, Lewis was a war profiteer who played both sides during the Revolutionary War. However, the British soldiers did not like this act of treason and burned his manor in Whitestone down. 

Segment 2

Jeff and Jason move past Civil War history to when Whitestone began being recognized as a town in the 1870's. They talk about Whitestone’s railroad, which played a massive part in its history and development. They move on to Whitestone’s Seaside Pavilion, a historic and beautiful part of town that was once full of German beer halls. Jason talks about famous residents of Whitestone, which included; magicians and silent film stars. They lived in the Hammerstine and Thurston homes that became abandoned and a place where Jason played as a child. For their final topic, they discuss the Whitestone Bridge, which is the first modern suspension bridge ever built. 

Segment 3

Jeff Introduces his second guest, George Isaakidis, owner of the iconic Harpell Chemist pharmacy. Harpell Chemists has been in Whitestone since 1906. George talks about moving to Whitestone and starting to work at Harpells when he was fifteen years old. George then talks about the experience of buying the pharmacy and what it is like to run the business. Jeff asks how George and his brother Joseph expanded the business and focused on wellness for all customers. George goes on to talk about expanding his business to areas of Queens other than Whitestone.

Segment 4

Changing the subject, Jeff asks George what he thinks makes Whitestone unique. George talks about the uniqueness of Whitestone and its closeness to the other boroughs. Jeff asks him how he thinks the neighborhood has changed over the years. George brings up the expansion of Whitestone but also how it still has many mom and pop shops. They talk about George’s involvement in the Whitestone merchant organization and their goal of improving the neighborhood. Jeff brings up the businesses he would like to see brought into Whitestone and how he wants to see it expand to be even more diverse. Jeff and George discuss what they think Whitestone will look like in the future and George’s hopes for the neighborhood. George then imparts some wisdom to incoming business owners looking to open stores in Whitestone. Finally, Jeff and George talk about Harpell’s much-loved juice bar and how they deliver to customers.