Day 15

A brief escape from the cold

January 14th, 2012


Day 15




But the ducks still love it.

(You can see College Point, where I walked yesterday, across Flushing Bay.)

Day 15

Another view of Citi Field

January 14th, 2012



A bit more pleasant than the last one

Day 15

Where the Airport Ends

January 14th, 2012



And the garbage begins.

(LaGuardia Airport, that is.)

Day 15

Fire alarm call box

January 14th, 2012



From what I understand, these old-style call boxes with the handles (the ones that still work, that is) use an ancient mechanically triggered telegraph system to communicate with the Fire Department. Here's a great NY Times article from 1901 about this once cutting-edge technology.

Day 15



Day 15

Mysterious sidewalk eagle

January 14th, 2012



Outside a tiny Parks Department green space on a traffic island. Perhaps the work of the animal-loving Henry Stern?

Day 15

One Room Schoolhouse Park

January 14th, 2012



Site of the last one-room schoolhouse in Queens. The area inside the walkway is designated the "Phillip 'Earthman' Saccone Garden", "Earthman" being another nickname assigned by Henry Stern.

Day 15

Queensmarking

January 14th, 2012



Given little attention by the city's Landmarks Preservation Commission, Queens started its own (short-lived) Queensmark program. I didn't know anything about this program until I noticed a plaque on the side of the house with the spiral Christmas lights in the yard. As it turns out, this entire block of houses was Queensmarked: "This row of Tudor style homes with tile roofs was built in the 1920s to cater to a middle class looking for a uniform, almost suburban ambiance."

Day 15

Sidewalk shed corridor

January 14th, 2012



After 60 years, there's a new design on the way. Some photos of its debut can be found here.

Day 15

BRICK

January 14th, 2012


Day 15

I am constantly amazed

January 14th, 2012



that these "rides" have managed to survive into the 21st century. I don't think I've ever seen one in use, but it's not at all uncommon to find one sitting on the sidewalk outside a bodega.

Day 15

Scallions and mustard greens

January 14th, 2012



Hanging on in mid-January

Day 15

High Hopes Triangle

January 14th, 2012



This oddball little parklet must be a Henry Stern creation. On the eastern side of the triangle, you'll find four illustrated concrete tablets inscribed with the lyrics of the first stanza of "High Hopes".

Day 15

Portal of the day

January 14th, 2012



I'll leave the door up to your imagination.

Day 15

A consulate in Queens?

January 14th, 2012



As far as I can tell, this is the only New York consulate outside of Manhattan.