Day 58

Knox the Hatter

February 26th, 2012



This building was once a factory for the Knox Hat Company, one of the most well-known hatters of the early 20th century. Edward Knox, after recovering from serious injuries sustained during his service in the Civil War (for which he was awarded a Congressional Medal of Honor), returned to New York and took the reins of the family business. Over the years he expanded their operations from retail into manufacturing, and, in 1890, built this factory here in Brooklyn. It sat dormant for decades, suffering from decay and vandalism, before being renovated and turned into subsidized housing in the 1980s.

Day 58

Broken Angel

February 26th, 2012



The life's work of Arthur and Cynthia Wood, Broken Angel was cited for numerous building code violations after a fire in 2006, and the Woods were forced to dismantle an incredible, multi-story rooftop structure they had built. For a look at many of the building's unique features, check out this photo gallery posted by the Woods' son, Chris. The NY Times also has a terrific shot of the whole complex.

Cynthia died in 2010 after a battle with liver cancer, and Arthur lives here alone now. Brandon Stanton spent some time with him last summer, and wrote about the experience for his Humans of New York project.

Day 58

Portal of the day

February 26th, 2012


Day 58

It’s not a tumah!

February 26th, 2012


Day 58




Typical NYC street scene

Day 58

9/11 memorial #30

February 26th, 2012



It's inside a locked community garden, so I couldn't get a closer shot, but it's dedicated to the black firemen who lost their lives on September 11th.

Day 58

Laundry basket surplus?

February 26th, 2012



No problem!

Day 58

Memorial to Mrs. Viola Trotman

February 26th, 2012



Dedicated by the Quincy Street Block Association. It may seem like a sad little memorial, but at least the block association is out there with her.

Day 58

Beautiful bays

February 26th, 2012


Day 58

Know Your Rights

February 26th, 2012



This mural reminds citizens, in English and Spanish, of their legal rights in interactions with landlords and building owners, teachers and school administrators, and police officers.

Day 58

To be recycled

February 26th, 2012



By my rough estimation, there are approximately 300,000 beer bottles sitting here. Redemption centers get 8.5 cents from the state for each bottle they return (5-cent deposit reimbursement plus 3.5-cent handling fee), which means this mass of glass is worth about $25,500!

Day 58

Rosemary’s Playground

February 26th, 2012



An apple-and-worm spray shower!

Day 58




This line was abandoned in 1949, but there are still a couple of surviving sections of track. The elevated structure above is the Myrtle Avenue Line (M train), a remnant of the old Myrtle Avenue El.

Day 58

Traffic cone insulation

February 26th, 2012


Day 58

Boy, is he gonna be surprised

February 26th, 2012



Krolewskie Jadło

Day 58

You know what this is by now

February 26th, 2012



CORRECTION: It's a subway vent! More info here.

Day 58

Not quite a 9/11 memorial

February 26th, 2012



But worth noting anyway, I think

Day 58



Day 58

What happens at 12?

February 26th, 2012



Ridgewood/Bushwick Youth Center

Day 58

Ridgewood Masonic Temple

February 26th, 2012


Day 58

Bushwick Theater

February 26th, 2012



Opened in 1911 and closed in 1969, it currently houses a school. I'll revisit this building on a future walk.