Wednesday, February 18, 2009

The George Washington Trail Part II


George Washington outside Federal Hall


----New York for Kid's Part 7 continued----

Dear Postcards from New York Reader,

As we continue downtown, you may consider a short stop at Caswell and Massey at 48th and Lexington, the country’s oldest pharmacy. There are several restaurants in the area suitable for a lunch break or snack. The pharmacy still offers the cologne or after-shave GW purchased from them back in the 1770’s.

Twelve blocks south at Madison and 36th make a brief stop at the Pierpont Morgan Library to see the Presidents death mask. Right before you is actually how George Washington really looked; the mask is identical to a mold done while he was alive. You will find it difficult to leave the very elegant private library of J.P. Morgan after the overwhelming scale of the Metropolitan Museum, so you may choose to end your tour here.

We continue downtown to Washington Square and pause a moment before the two formidable white marble sculptures of Washington that stand on either side of the graceful Triumphal Arch at the entrance to the Park on Fifth Avenue and Waverly Place. Built in 1889 to commemorate the 100th anniversary of his Inauguration, on the left, see GW as General and Military Commander, while on the right – the citizen President.

We will conclude our tour downtown in the Financial District. You can just as easily decide to begin your tour here as a cluster of nearby sites has Washington connections and then work your way north. See GW's handsome bronze statue outside Federal Hall (the plaques underneath with scenes from his life photograph nicely).

Look for the President’s chair in St. Paul’s Chapel on Broadway and Fulton St. Once upon a time, he and Martha worshipped here. Finally, we arrive at Fraunces Tavern Museum, where you can enjoy a traditional American lunch or dinner. The beautiful brick building maintained by the Son’s of the American Revolution is the place where Washington bid his officers farewell in 1783.

If you would like to explore more about the American Revolution and Colonial Period, http://www.socialstudiesforkids.com/ is the place to go. The site provides lots of pictures and downloadable information such as every President's Inaugural Address, take a moment to read GW's First Address here.

A special re-enactment of Washington’s Inauguration will take place on April 30. Mark your calendar to join the colorful celebration in honor of the 220th Anniversary of this historic event at Federal Hall and St. Paul’s Chapel, call 212 233-4164 for details.

Remember, George Washington's actual birthday is February 22.

Jacqueline Cable
For Postcards from New York

Addresses and Directions to Remember:

Caswell and Massey 518 Lexington Avenue at 48th Street, New York, NY 10017, http://www.caswellmassey.com/ , 212-755-2254. Directions: MTA from 42nd Street Times Square, 7 or S to Grand Central and 6 to 51st Street walk south to 48th.

The Pierpont Morgan Library and Museum, 225 Madison Avenue @ 36th Street, New York, NY 10016, www.themorgan.org, 212-685-0008. Directions: MTA from 42nd Street Times Square, 7 or S to Grand Central, walk one block west to Madison Ave, south to 36th St.

Washington Square Monument Fifth Avenue at Washington Square, New York, NY 10012. Directions: From Times Square MTA 1 to Christopher Street, walk east pass Avenue of the Americas to Washington Square. A, C or E to West 4th Street, walk east to Washington Square, N, R or W to 8th Street, walk west to University Place, turn left to Washington Square.

Federal Hall, 26 Wall Street, New York, NY 10004, www.nps.gov/feha/, 212-825-6888. Directions: From Times Square MTA 2, 3 to Wall St., R, W to Rector walk east to Wall St.

St. Paul’s Chapel, 209 Broadway, New York, NY 10007, www.saintpaulschapel.org, 212-602-0874. Directions: From Times MTA 2, 3, A, or C to Fulton St, walk west to Broadway.

Frances Tavern Museum and Restaurant, 54 Pearl Street corner of Broad St., New York, NY 10004, http://www.frauncestavern.com/, 212-986-1776. Directions: From Time Square 1 to South Ferry, R, W to Whitehall walk north and east to Broad Street.


Photo by Joseph Knight


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