New York City: Full of Memories and History, Too!

"East Side, West Side, all around the town." From the ballad, "Sidewalks of New York," by James W. Blake

My grandson, Kynan, age 12, said he would like to walk across the Brooklyn Bridge. He lives in Mark Twain´s home state--Missouri. So, I said: "Okay, let´s do it." A few weeks ago, we got together and did just that. If you ever decide to walk the bridge, I suggest you read David McCullough´s terrific tome, "The Great Bridge," first. That way, you will have a deeper appreciate of the engineering feat that the builders, John and Washington Roebling, father and son, pulled off in 1883. It took us about half an hour to make the jaunt over the marvelous structure. We started on the Manhattan side at the "City Hall" subway stop. It was a nice sunny day, not too hot. I couldn´t help but notice, however, that there were few if any ships tied up at the Brooklyn docks. Not a good sign for our shaky economy.

When we reached the Brooklyn end of the bridge, which spans the East River, we walked for a while along the promenade. There is a lot of history in that area which dates from the Revolutionary War period. At the "Battle of Long Island," the Brits outflanked General George Washington´s gallant Continental Army. It was trapped on Brooklyn Heights, with the river at its back. During the fighting, Washington praised the soldiers of the "Maryland LIne" for their courage. In any event, the magnificent Washington, (Aug. 29-30, 1776), was able to evacuate his badly-battered troops over to Manhattan to fight another day.

My first memory of this fantastic city goes back to Sunday, Dec. 28, 1958. I came up from Baltimore on the train with a girl friend to see an NFL pro football championship game. It was the Baltimore Colts against the New York Giants. The game was played at fabled Yankee Stadium over in the Bronx. I had no idea, I would be an eyewitness to an iconic moment in sport´s folklore. Thanks to a quarterback with a "golden arm," one John Unitas, the Colts defeated the Giants in a sudden death overtime struggle by a score of 23-17. Frank Gifford, (Kathie Lee´s hubby), was on that losing Giant team as a half back, along with the legendary wide receiver, Don Maynard. That epic contest, which was televised, put the NFL on the map.

Kynan and I also did the Empire State Building. Warning! It cost an arm and a leg, and another arm, to get into the building to do the tour. Years ago, I remember doing the same thing and the admittance fee was a nominal amount. Not today, buddy! Also, you go through so many lines, (and security check points), it took about an hour, despite their excellent high speed elevators, to reach the 102nd floor. Once there, it is truly the top of the world. The view is spectacular in all directions. Most of the tourists, understandably, were interested in looking down town towards Battery Park and where the Twin Towers once stood, pre 9/11.

Of course, you can´t go to the "Big Apple" without taking in Times Square and the jaw-dropping theater district. If you do go, start at dusk when the neon lights come on full blast and the district shines in all its urban splendor. City officials, recently, closed parts of Broadway, and are now permitting pedestrian traffic. Mayor Michael Bloomberg deserves credit for this decision. Sitting out there, on Broadway, near the monument to Father Francis P. Duffy, (Duffy Square), was a real trip. It´s like you´re a member of an unelected UN with folks from all around the globe enjoying together a very special New York City kind of moment.

During our three day visit, Kynan and I stayed over in Astoria, at relative´s flat. It was located in Queens on Long Island, close to the East River. The neighborhood, around the 30th Avenue subway stop, was mostly Greek. In fact, when we walked to the subway, we passed St. Demetrios´ Greek Orthodox Cathedral. We ate breakfast each morning at the "Tastee Corner" restaurant before jumping on the "N´ train to Manhattan. If you have breakfast at the "Tastee Corner," you will not only get a very warm welcome from the receptionist, but a darn good meal at a reasonable price. For sure, you won´t go away hungry from the "Tastee Corner." Bring cash, it doesn´t accept credit cards.

On one of many visits to NYC, I attended a concert featuring the Tom Hall-led Choral Arts Society of Baltimore. The gig was at Lincoln Center The afternoon of that affair, I had lunch at "Joe´s Pier 52." It served a really delicious Manhattan clam chowder. My stepdaughter, Monica, about ten years old then, was with me. She had ear rings on: one said "Rock," and the other said, "Roll." This caused our straight-faced waiter once he notice them, to break his all businesslike trance with a slight smile. He then gave Monica a quick double take! Hey, to get a rise out of a New York waiter, now, that takes some doing. I got a big kick out of that one.

Over the years going to NYC, I´ve also experienced Coney Island, (and that "Parachute Jump"); the celebrated Carnegie Hall; the world famous Metropolitan Museum of Art; storied Central Park; Shea Stadium; the Downtown Athletic Club and the Heisman Trophy Award dinners; Broadway plays, dramas and musical alike; antiwar protest actions; the Circle Line Boat ride around the island of Manhattan; the Russian Tea Room; the Democratic National Convention in 1976, at Madison Square Garden; and tons of programs in the 90s, as a commentator, at WBAI´s "Radio Free Eireann," with "Johnny Bob" McDonagh, Mickey Dewan, Brian Mor, Liza Butler and Sandy Boyer. WBAI´s studio was then located on 8th Avenue. I say: "Up WBAI," a bastion of Free Speech for the many in this world without an effective voice.

What´s the best thing about New York City? In my opinion, it´s the locals! They don´t come any better. Their character is always writ large, just like the Brooklyn Bridge itself, and warm, too. If you get a chance, check out the "Big Apple" for yourself.

On the way back to Baltimore on the train from Penn Station, I asked Kynan if he had enjoyed his New York City adventure. He answered, "Yes." I then said to him: "What´s next?" He responded after a short pause--"London!"

2009,William Hughes. All Rights Reserved.

Editor´s Note: William Hughes´ videos can be found at: http://www.youtube.com/profile?user=liamh2. His latest book, "Saying ´No´ to the War Party," is available on Amazon. Email Contact: liamhughes@comcast.net.