Friday was a very interesting day. I had been contacted several weeks ago by a production company interested in shooting a piece about Green-Wood for an upcoming Travel Channel show. I had not heard of the show, but it sounded interesting. Friday was the date for the shoot. I must admit, I really hadn’t done … Read more
One hundred and fifty years ago, in April, 1861, war fever was sweeping New York City. In the wake of the bombardment of the Union garrison at Fort Sumter, in Charleston Harbor, South Carolina, Major Robert Anderson and his men were transported by ship to New York City. They arrive to a hero’s reception on … Read more
One hundred and fifty years ago, on April 12, 1861, at 4:30 a.m., secessionist batteries surrounding Fort Sumter began their artillery bombardment of Union forces. The Civil War had begun. Present inside Fort Sumter that morning was Patrick Murphy (1833-1903), a musician of the 1st United States Artillery. Born in Roscommon, Ireland, Murphy immigrated to … Read more
Today dawns cloudy, with a mist. Weatherman says we are finally in for a spring-like day. So, ever the optimist, Here Comes Spring! To get you in the spirit, here are a few of my photographs from last May. And here are two from our roving photographer, Jake Bernstein. Thanks, Jake, for allowing me to … Read more
On a fine early spring day recently, I went for a stroll around Green-Wood. Now, one of the virtues of such a wander is that, even after years of exploring, there is always something to discover, something you’ve never noticed before. So, as I walked past this monument, I stopped to take a closer look. … Read more
Well here we are. Not too much spring in the air. It’s not even April yet! But, it is indeed OPENING DAY–time for baseball. And, if you look closely, you’ll see that the harbingers of spring are indeed here: the trees are about to leaf out, the magnolias about to bloom–and the sound of bat against … Read more
April–a great month to be born. Mothers giving birth in April avoid being pregnant during the summer. Babies born in April get to loll outside, enjoying the warmth of spring and summer, with no clue that winter is on its way. And, did I mention, my birthday is in April? Here are a few of … Read more
Just a few weeks ago, Tina Chang was selected from 22 applicants to become Brooklyn’s latest poet laureate. Well, it turns out that Ms. Chang is good at more than poetry–she’s also very good at figuring out what is important. So, when recently interviewed for a piece on wordswithoutborders.org, “The Online Magazine for International Literature,” … Read more
Chester Burger, my good friend, died on Tuesday. He was 90 years old and had led a full life. When he learned, several months ago, that he had prostate cancer, he accepted his fate, and carried on with his life as best he could. He was a remarkable man: smart, articulate, inventive, spiritual. He loved … Read more
De Witt Clinton (1769-1828) was truly a giant amongst men. After all, his nickname was “Magnus Apollo!” Clinton served New York City as its mayor, then New York State as United States Senator and Governor. He ran for President of the United States in 1812; had he carried Pennsylvania, a swing state that year, he … Read more