Far from the Maddening Crowd - National Museum of the American Indian

Imagine sliding down this banister

----New York for Kids Part 8 ----

Dear Postcards from New York Reader,

Do you remember the first time you saw a spiral staircase? Did your heart jump at the thought of sliding down the serpentine banister?

See if those thoughts flood back as you crank your head to look up this swirling stairwell as it swirls and twists its way to the skylight at the top of the U. S. Custom House at Battery Park, better known as the Smithsonian National Museum of the American Indian. It is sure to trigger a whoop of glee from youngsters; so make a point to enter the museum on the street level and not by the grand staircase facing Bowling Green Park.

The marble staircase is not the only attraction that makes this a terrific place to take kids on weekends. The galleries are gloriously spacious with high ceilings and wide open spaces easy to maneuver with strollers; kids will feel comfortable running about and making a bit of noise. In other words, the reins can be left a little loose. You will not have much competition for space as this museum does not get nearly the traffic its wonderful collection warrants.

Colorful exhibits feature mixed-media shows of everyday life of native peoples steeped in tradition from Alaska, the Pacific Northwest, the jungles of Brazil and the Great Plains. Oversized drums, ornate feathered headwear, beaded costumes, totem poles, enormous bird masks, hand-carved canoes, and a child's winter sled of buffalo bones will captivate young viewers.

Kids can roam the galleries, poke around at interactive media stations to rotate objects, stop to watch films, listen to a Native storyteller, learn songs, participate in hands-on workshops in weaving, painting, print making, or, gaze up-close and handle toys and musical instruments like a conch shell trumpet. Daily screenings especially for kids begin at 10:30 and 11:45 AM. Museum shops on both the main and lower level offer lots of books, videos and artwork for youngsters.

Be sure to see the handsome portraits of adventurous navigators like Henry Hudson (this is the 400th Anniversary of his voyage up the Hudson River), Giovanni de Verrazano and Cristoforo Colombo, in flamboyant hats and buccaneer boots, near the ships that brought them fame painted on the ceiling of the long oval gallery on the main floor across from the Entrance.

Escape the throngs of people, crowded galleries and long lines at the popular uptown museums (The Museum of Natural History and The Children’s Museum) that attract herds of parents and kids. Venture downtown this weekend and unleash the explorer instinct in your youngster; check for a schedule of upcoming workshops and events at http://www.americanindian.si.edu/.

The Museum of the American Indian makes a terrific outing, add a short roundtrip ride on the ferry to Staten Island, a photo shoot on or around the Great Bronze Bull (former symbol of brokerage giant Merrill Lynch--find the bull outside Bowling Green Park), an impromptu picnic in Battery Park of hotdogs and potato knishes purchased from a vendor cart--- you have the recipe for a perfect day downtown with kids.

Jacqueline Cable
For Postcards from New York

P. S. Best of all, see your tax dollars at work, admission is free.

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Address to Remember: Alexander Hamilton U.S. Custom House, One Bowling Green, New York, NY 10004, 212-514-3700, http://www.americanindian.si.edu/

Hours: 10 - 5 PM Daily, Thurs until 8 PM, Closed Christmas Day. Admission is Free.

Directions: From Times Square MTA 1 to South Ferry, R and W to Whitehall Street, short walk north to Museum.

To end here

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Photos by Joseph Knight

© Copyright 2007-9 The Cable Group

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

© Copyright 2007-9 The Cable Group

The George Washington Trail

Washington and his troops brave the elements December 1776

----New York for Kids Part 7----

Dear Postcards from New York Reader,

Each year as we approach President’s Day, my thoughts always turn to George Washington more often than Abraham Lincoln because of his many associations with our great city. New York was the nation's first Capital and the site of many Revolutionary War skirmishes and episodes. The founding fathers fort fierce battles, held secret meetings, planned and plotted military occupations right from here. Our first President took his oath of office on Wall Street where his bronze statue now stands in front of Federal Hall.

Many school kids and students are on Winter Break this week; one way to keep them entertained while they learn, is to plan a visit to one or more of the sites along what I call "The George Washington Trail." It is sure to vividly bring to life many action charged events like the dramatic scene in the painting above and ignite an interest in the men and women who laid the foundation of our nation.

Given the limited attention span of youngsters these days, this tour will be impossible to accomplish in one day, so select two or three sites for an outing and bring along coloring books and construction paper. One good rule, no more than forty-five minutes at each location.

We'll begin far uptown under his namesake the George Washington Bridge inside the tiny Little Red Lighthouse (see Postcard Jan 29, 2008, click here). Close your eyes a moment and try to imagine how this area looked in 1776, long before the bridge, when it was rural fields and farmland. Look across the Hudson; think what it was like to sail up the river in the cold winter months. Imagine what happened to ships when the River froze.

Travel 15 blocks downtown to the next site, the Morris Jumel Mansion at 160th St, the former country home of British Colonel Roger Morris; this was occupied by Washington in 1776. Walk upstairs to the airy comfortable bedrooms and see where GW slept.

Just a few blocks south on 141st St. you'll find The Grange, home of Alexander Hamilton, the first Secretary of the Treasury in George Washinton's cabinet. After the Revolution, the nation was seriously in debt. Hamilton worked tirelessly to establish a solid financial base and currency for our young country. His office was downtown on Wall St. This was his country retreat, it usually took hours to travel here by horseback; do you think he may have invited Washington to come for a visit?

The Metropolitan Museum of Art at 83rd and Fifth, is our next stop. Find the enormous painting above, "Washington Crossing the Delaware" on view in the American Wing. Wow! The grand sweeping heroic scene makes you almost feel the wind. I know your thoughts, what a difference between a photograph and the real thing? Tear yourself away to look for the famous portrait of GW by Gilbert Stuart. Before you leave, don’t neglect to peek at the rustic Pilgrim Century and Colonial Period furniture rooms. Notice, it looks as if the inhabitants only just departed.

The Metropolitan Museum, usually closed on Mondays is open Presidents Day, with a host of events (films, talks, hunts) designed for families with young children to experience together.

To be continued...

Jacqueline Cable

For Postcards from New York

Addresses and Directions to Remember:

The Little Red Lighthouse, Fort Washington Park, 178th Street and the Henry Hudson Parkway, New York, NY 10033, dial 311 and ask for the Urban Park Ranger. Directions: From Times Square MTA A to 175th Street walk west toward the river, check specific directions in January 29, 2008 Postcard here for details.

The Morris-Jumel Mansion, Roger Morris Park, 65 Jumel Terrace at 160th St, New York, NY 10032, 212-923-8008. http://www.morrisjumel.org/. Directions: From Times Square MTA C train to 163rd Street, proceed up St. Nicholas to Roger Morris Park you will see the Mansion.
Bus M2, M18, M101 to 160th Street, short walk to the Mansion.

The Grange – Will reopen in the near future, check www.nps.gov/hagr for details.

The Metropolitan Museum, 1000 Fifth Avenue, New York, NY, 10028, 212-535-7710, http://www.metmuseum.org/ Directions: From Times Square MTA S or 7 to Grand Central Station, 4, 5, or 6 to 86th Street, walk west toward Central Park to Fifth Avenue, short walk to 82nd Street.

Photo Washington Crossing the Delaware - Emanuel Leutze 1851 (detail) courtesy of the Metropolitan Museum of Art

© Copyright 2007-9 The Cable Group

A Little Known Gem in Harlem: The Morris Jumel Mansion

The Morris-Jumel Mansion

----A Postcards from New York Encore----

In celebration of President's Day, something from our New York for Kids series. Kids will find the mansion filled with period furniture like a life size Doll's House. It is a perfect place to bring them face to face with "living" history.

***********************************************


Dear Postcards from New York Reader,

From the moment you approach the Morris-Jumel Mansion’s graceful Georgian façade of towering white columns, the house comes to life. It is 1770, lively music from violins, cellos, piano and flute float from the house along with the muffled din of dancing feet. The buzz of pleasant conversation and the expectation of light refreshment, force you to hasten your pace to join the party. Inside, wide corridors, double parlors, hand-painted wall paper, handsome portraits, antique Chippendale, Empire, and Classical Revival furniture tell the tale of the entertaining that obviously took place here during the Pre-Revolutionary Period in British New York.

Built in 1765, the mansion was once the country home and summer retreat of Colonel Roger and Mary Morris. When war broke out in 1776, Colonel Morris, a British officer, returned to England to raise money for troops and military supplies. His home, meanwhile, was seized by George Washington’s forces and served as his headquarters because of its key strategic location overlooking both the Harlem and Hudson rivers.

Walk slowly around the parlor, dining room and drawing room downstairs, then imagine the life of the former inhabitants in the comfortable airy bedrooms upstairs. The furniture in Washington’s study and bedroom painstakingly restored, look the way they might have appeared when he lived here. Venture down a narrow staircase, and peek in the kitchen below the main floor; now notice the hearth, odd-shaped curious wrought iron kitchen utensils and cooking accessories once used to toast bread.

The Mansion and beautiful landscaped garden off Roger Morris Park in Harlem is a bit of a hike from midtown, but without a doubt your effort will be pleasantly rewarded. A couple of hours spent here, allows your imagination free rein and transports you to another era.

Best of all, it’s never crowded. This is a museum only the most discerning New Yorkers have discovered. Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis engaged the drawing rooms for private luncheons and tea parties, while Katherine Hepburn found the gardens a welcome refuge from her East Side townhouse. If you are lucky, you may find you have the place all to yourself.

Suggestion: To prepare youngsters for a first visit, Dover's beautifully illustrated coloring books make Colonial life exciting. "The American Revolution Coloring Set" features The Story of the American Revolution, Hero's and Heroine's of the Revolution and George Washington. Dover's many engaging 18th Century subject titles will have your child begging for more. Other subjects of interest: "Everyday Dress of the American Colonial Period," "Benjamin Franklin," "Four Colonial Girls-Paper Dolls," "Home life in Colonial Days" and "Uniforms of the American Revolution." Visit http://www.doverpublications.com/ to explore their extensive book list.

For older kids, have them see Mel Gibson's realistic portrait of the Period in "The Patriot," which features a moving performance by Heath Ledger. Then order them a free pocketsize copy of our Constitution from the Heritage Foundation click here.

One final suggestion. When you return to midtown, take a taxi. Ask your driver to drive south through Central Park. The wooded landscape will give you a sense of what this area of the city looked like in the late 18th and early 19th century when cultivated farmland, grazing sheep and cows were commonplace.

Jacqueline Cable
For Postcards from New York



Address to remember: Morris-Jumel Mansion, Roger Morris Park, 65 Jumel Terrace at 160th St, New York, NY 10032, 212-923-8008.

Directions: From Times Square MTA C train to 163rd Street, proceed up St. Nicholas to Roger Morris Park, you will see the Mansion.
Bus M2, M18, M101 to 160th Street, short walk to the Mansion.



Photo courtesy of The Morris-Jumel Mansion


© Copyright 2007-9 The Cable Group

Introducing "New York Get There 1-2-3"

Gets you around the Big Apple like a local

Dear Postcards from New York Reader,

Finally it’s done! Sorry to everyone who didn't receive a Christmas or Holiday Card. Now, you know what we have been hard at work on; Postcard’s first book “New York Get There 1-2-3,” a compact, 72 page quick-guide to help visitors and residents truly get around the Apple as easily as 1,2,3.

How the Little Book came to be

Many of you early on, let me know how much you appreciated the directions (Ellen, you were the first) provided at the conclusion of each Postcards story. You mentioned that they were convenient to download and handy to give to friends and relatives who were planning a visit, because all the vital details were in one place. Gail told me, she downloads stories and gives them to clients and associates of her firm, who may just be in the city briefly for business.

As a veteran New Yorker, I never give a thought to getting around; if I have a question about where I am going, a quick look at a Subway map and I’m off. Once you brought “Directions” to my attention, I began to notice how often in the course of a day, I would be approached by dazed tourists with guidebooks in hand. Pause and look, and you will see no end of groups (of all ages), clustered around big open maps, trying to figure out how to get to a landmark or famous sight.

Then, when I was in Barnes and Noble or Borders, I began to spend more and more time in the travel sections. Hundreds of Guidebooks! I bet there are more books on New York than London or Paris, or any other famous city. Many of the familiar names (Frommer’s, Fodor’s, Eyewitness, Michelin) are filled with great information, useful details and lots of pictures, but they are primarily for tourists. Some are so beautiful you can droll for hours; of course, I added several to my wish list.

However, anyone who lives here or commutes is always on the go, short on time; we just want information—no frills. The Orbitz Guide came to mind. During my corporate years, I spent a great deal of time on planes. When business meetings were delayed, cancelled, extended or ran over into the next day, flight changes were a frequent occurrence. I would never be without the frequent flier's must have travel companion—"The Orbitz Guide".

The idea for "New York Get There 1-2-3" took shape; a little book, updated once a year, small enough to fit in the slimmest purse or jacket pocket. It would be:

Compact- 4” X 6 1/2” easy to carry, and okay to cover with notes, mark ups, checks, highlights and underlined entries for quick reference.

Comprehensive- with over 400 locations, addresses, and websites for major hospitals, medical centers, universities, houses of worship, as well as landmarks, historic sites and museums.

Time and money saver- brief directions by bus, subway and train, hours of operation, costs for adults, seniors, students and kids, free and pay as you wish days--all in one place.

"Get There" is ideal for students, visitors, business people in town for the day or a convention, commuters who want to get more from their lunch hour break, and long time residents who have never been to Sung Harbor, Louis Armstrong’s Home or played golf in Van Cortlandt Park.

"New York Get There 1-2-3," is no frills, just the vital information you want at your fingertips. Its debut is a timely and appropriate Thank you to all our subscribers, as we approach Postcard's second Birthday (March 7).

Claim yours while supplies last and before “Get There” is released to the public. It is *FREE* (one per subscriber) only pay postage and handling for this $9.95 value. Click here to read more about “New York Get There 1-2-3" and order your copy TODAY!

Don’t forget to visit the new Postcard's website at www.postcardsfromnewyork.com. (Created by talented designer and webmaster, Benjamin De Mers.)

Jacqueline Cable
For Postcards from New York

P.S. Please send us an email if you find locations you think should be included, if there is consensus, we will add it to the 2010 “Get There.”

Photo by Joseph Knight

© Copyright 2007-9 The Cable Group

Last Chance to see Turner at the Met

Norham Castle, Sunrise 1845

Dear Postcards from New York Reader,

In the mood for a visual treat? Spend a couple of hours with the dazzling oils on canvas of the Andy Warhol of his day, J.M.W. Turner at the Metropolitan Museum now through September 21.

Credited as an inspirational force behind French Impressionism, Turner's unconventional landscapes, turbulent seascapes and panoramic classical subjects, many submerged in blazing floods of sunlight, will engage your eye and imagination in a way matched by few artists.

Sunlight reflected on water first fascinated Turner as a boy growing up near the Thames River; That fascination would last all his life and is the connecting thread between the 140 watercolors, gouches, engravings and large scale oils on display. Don't miss this rare opportunity to experience upclose an artist whose most compelling works rarely leave their home in London's Tate Gallery.

Successful from his teen years, Joseph Mallord William Turner (1775-1851) purchased many of his finest works back from patrons and collectors during his lifetime. At his death he left more than 300 oils, over 30,000 watercolors and all of his sketchbooks to the British people...provided they build him a museum. More than a hundred years later, his dictate was realized with The Clore Museum, a wing of the Tate Gallery, Millbank.

You think, what hubris? Go see why his paintings and works on paper deserve a home of their own.

Jacqueline Cable

For Postcards from New York

Address to Remember: Metropolitan Museum of Art, 1000 Fifth Avenue, New York, NY, 10028, 212-535-7710, http://www.metmuseum.org/

Directions: From Times Square MTA S or 7 to Grand Central Station, 4, 5, or 6 to 86th Street, walk west toward Central Park to Fifth Avenue, short walk to 82nd Street.

Photo courtesy Tate Gallery


©Copyright 2007-8 The Cable Group

George Washington Slept Here

The Morris-Jumel Mansion

----A Postcards from New York Encore----

In celebration of President's Day, below find our premier issue published last March. I cannot believe "Postcards" is almost a year old! We include this in our New York for Kids series Part 4. Kids will find the mansion filled with period furniture like a life size Doll's House. It is a perfect place to bring them face to face with "living" history.

***********************************************


Dear Postcards from New York Reader,

From the moment you approach the Morris-Jumel Mansion’s graceful Georgian façade of towering white columns, the house comes to life. It is 1770, lively music from violins, cellos, piano and flute float from the house along with the muffled din of dancing feet. The buzz of pleasant conversation and the expectation of light refreshment, force you to hasten your pace to join the party. Inside, wide corridors, double parlors, hand-painted wall paper, handsome portraits, antique Chippendale, Empire, and Classical Revival furniture tell the tale of the entertaining that obviously took place here during the Pre-Revolutionary Period in British New York.

Built in 1765, the mansion was once the country home and summer retreat of Colonel Roger and Mary Morris. When war broke out in 1776, Colonel Morris, a British officer, returned to England to raise money for troops and military supplies. His home, meanwhile, was seized by George Washington’s forces and served as his headquarters because of its key strategic location overlooking both the Harlem and Hudson rivers.

Walk slowly around the parlor, dining room and drawing room downstairs, then imagine the life of the former inhabitants in the comfortable airy bedrooms upstairs. The furniture in Washington’s study and bedroom painstakingly restored, look the way they might have appeared when he lived here. Venture down a narrow staircase, and peek in the kitchen below the main floor; now notice the hearth, odd-shaped curious wrought iron kitchen utensils and cooking accessories once used to toast bread.

The Mansion and beautiful landscaped garden off Roger Morris Park in Harlem is a bit of a hike from midtown, but without a doubt your effort will be pleasantly rewarded. A couple of hours spent here, allows your imagination free rein and transports you to another era.

Best of all, it’s never crowded. This is a museum only the most discerning New Yorkers have discovered. Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis engaged the drawing rooms for private luncheons and tea parties, while Katherine Hepburn found the gardens a welcome refuge from her East Side townhouse. If you are lucky, you may find you have the place all to yourself.

Suggestion: To prepare youngsters for a first visit, Dover's beautifully illustrated coloring books make Colonial life exciting. "The American Revolution Coloring Set" features The Story of the American Revolution, Hero's and Heroine's of the Revolution and George Washington. Dover's many engaging 18th Century subject titles will have your child begging for more. Other subjects of interest: "Everyday Dress of the American Colonial Period," "Benjamin Franklin," "Four Colonial Girls-Paper Dolls," "Home life in Colonial Days" and "Uniforms of the American Revolution." Visit http://www.doverpublications.com/ to explore their extensive book list.

For older kids, have them see Mel Gibson's realistic portrait of the Period in "The Patriot," which features a moving performance by Heath Ledger. Then order them a free pocketsize copy of our Constitution from the Heritage Foundation click here.

One final suggestion. When you return to midtown, take a taxi. Ask your driver to drive south through Central Park. The wooded landscape will give you a sense of what this area of the city looked like in the late 18th and early 19th century when cultivated farmland, grazing sheep and cows were commonplace.

Jacqueline Cable
For Postcards from New York

Address to remember: Morris-Jumel Mansion, Roger Morris Park, 65 Jumel Terrace at 160th St, New York, NY 10032, 212-923-8008. http://www.morrisjumel.org/.

Hours: Weds – Sun 10 AM – 4 PM. Closed holidays.

Admission: $ 4.00 Adults, $3.00 Seniors and Students. Children under 12 free when accompanied by an Adult.

Directions: From Times Square MTA C train to 163rd Street, proceed up St. Nicholas to Roger Morris Park, you will see the Mansion.
Bus M2, M18, M101 to 160th Street, short walk to the Mansion.

Photo courtesy of The Morris-Jumel Mansion

Copyright 2008 The Cable Group ©

George Washington Slept Here

The Morris-Jumel Mansion


Dear Postcards from New York Reader,

Bundling up to brace against the bitter cold, dodging slush pools and snow banks and tugging tight boots on and off has left me exhausted. Winter cannot come to an end too soon. Moments like this, when I crave an escape, I seek the quiet peace and romance of one of my favorite house museums. Imagine Colonial Period elegance in the midst of skyscrapers and concrete!

From the moment you approach the Morris-Jumel Mansion’s graceful Georgian façade of towering white columns the house comes to life. It is 1770, lively music from violins, cellos, piano and flute float from the house along with the muffled din of dancing feet. The buzz of pleasant conversation and the expectation of light refreshment force you to hasten your pace to join the party. Inside, wide corridors, double parlors, hand-painted wall paper, handsome portraits, antique Chippendale, Empire, and Classical Revival furniture tell the tale of the entertaining that obviously took place here during the Pre-Revolutionary Period in British New York.

Built in 1765, the mansion was once the country home and summer retreat of Colonel Roger and Mary Morris. When war broke out in 1776, Colonel Morris, a British officer, returned to England to raise money for troops and military supplies. His home, meanwhile, was seized by George Washington’s forces and served as his headquarters because of its key strategic location overlooking both the Harlem and Hudson rivers.

Walk slowly around the parlor, dining room and drawing room downstairs then imagine the life of the former inhabitants in the comfortable airy bedrooms upstairs. The furniture in Washington’s study and bedroom painstakingly restored look the way they might have appeared when he lived here. Venture down a narrow staircase, peek in the kitchen below the main floor. Now notice the hearth, odd-shaped curious wrought iron kitchen utensils and cooking accessories once used to toast bread.

The Mansion and beautiful landscaped garden off Roger Morris Park in Harlem is a bit of a hike from midtown, but without a doubt your effort will be pleasantly rewarded. A couple hours spent here allows your imagination free rein and transports you to another era.

Best of all, it’s never crowded. This is a museum only the most discerning New Yorkers have discovered. Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis engaged the drawing rooms for private luncheons and tea parties, while Katherine Hepburn found the gardens a welcome refuge from her East Side townhouse. If you are lucky, you may find you have the place all to yourself.

Suggestion: When you return to midtown, take a taxi. Ask your driver to drive south through Central Park. The wooded landscape will give you a sense of what this area of the city looked like in the late 18th and early 19th century when cultivated farmland, grazing sheep and cows were commonplace.


Jacqueline Cable
For Postcards from New York

Address to remember: Morris-Jumel Mansion, Roger Morris Park, 65 Jumel Terrace at 160th St, New York, NY 10032, 212-923-8008. http://www.morrisjumel.org/.


Hours: Weds – Sun 10 AM – 4 PM. Closed holidays.

Admission: $ 4.00 Adults, $3.00 Seniors and Students. Children under 12 free when accompanied by an Adult.

Directions: From Times Square MTA C train to 163rd Street, proceed up St. Nicholas to Roger Morris Park, you will see the Mansion.
Bus M2, M18, M101 to 160th Street, short walk to the Mansion.

Photo courtesy of The Morris-Jumel Mansion

Copyright 2007 The Cable Group ©