New York Then and Now

These houses on Gramercy Park have hardly

changed in 75 years (aside from some missing

shutters, new windows, and gates, they're pretty

much intact). This pleases me immensely, 

because in this town even buildings with 

Landmark status aren't necessarily safe.

another balloon boy

Caught this one (and he caught me catching

him!) recently along Gramercy Park North, on one 

of the first beautiful spring days we had

after more than our share of snow followed

by more than our share of rain.  He did remind

me a bit of this guy.

[See more My World Tuesday posts here.]

are you artistic?

If so, maybe you can join the National Arts Club

and hang out in this beautiful building (facing

that exclusive, locked Gramercy Park). It's the

Tilden Mansion, built in the 1840s and now a

NYC Landmark and Nat'l Historic Landmark too.

The National Arts Club was founded in 1898 to

encourage and support all forms of the arts.

Former members include Alfred Stieglitz,

William Merritt Chase, and Cecilia Beaux (women

have been welcome here equally from the get-go);

current ones include Dennis Hopper, Frank McCourt,

and Alice Hoffman.

let me in

Behind this locked gate is beautiful, peaceful

—and exclusive—Gramercy Park. Unless you

have a key (which you can buy if you live in one

of the buildings that face the park), you'll have

to admire it from outside the big iron fence.

And if you do have a key, leave the dog at home.