Who’s the leader of the cult that’s made for you and me?

160 Years Ago Today: Astor Library Opens

Astor Library, Lafayette Place.
http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Astor_Library,_Lafayette_Place,_from_Robert_N._Dennis_collection_of_stereoscopic_views.png

January 9, 1854: The Astor Library opens on Lafayette Street. It was a free public library, funded by John Jacob Astor. It was also a noncirculating research library. In 1895, the Astor Library consolidated with two other libraries to become the New York Public Library. What remains of the Astor’s collection are now housed in the so-called “main branch” of the NYPL, on Fifth Avenue.

The Astor building fell into disrepair, but it still serves a culturally significant role in NY life: it’s now the home of the Public Theater.

First Flight from LaGuardia

December 2, 1939: The first flight from LaGuardia Airport takes off for Chicago.

C. Koetzner, Airplane flying over Manhattan skyline, ca. 1950s-1960s. Print. New-York Historical Society # 84121d

http://nyhistory.tumblr.com/post/68790944814/december-2-1939-the-first-flight-from-laguardia

Mirabelle

Photos from the 1939 World’s Fair

So many amazing photos here.

 

When dumb luck meets beauty

Three generations of Dietsch men

Virgil Martin Dietsch: 12 Nov 1942  — 14 Apr 1974
Michael Thomas Dietsch: 8 Oct 1968  —
Julian Spencer Dietsch: 21 Sep 2011  —

Mommy and baby

Fathers and sons

Can't take that away from me