This ad campaign ran in May and June of 1933, and was straightforward in approach. Presented in three cartoon panels, the first set up the problem, the second one provided a solution, and the third showed what occured afterward.
September 21, 2025
September 14, 2025
Anatomy of a Photo: 1ST AVENUE
Today, another attempt at examining a photograph in detail. Exhibit A is the above, a view up 1st Avenue from 42nd Street, made in 1927.
Looking at 1st Avenue bordered by 42nd and 43rd Streets. Pedestrian traffic is light, and the deep shadows here suggest the photo was made early in the morning.
In the middle of the photo are two more signs: MOTOR NEW YORK TRUCKS and CHARLES & CO. GROCERS.
Across the street, a view of the Queensboro Bridge, albeit obscured by various water tanks and smokestacks. At far left, the rising Panhellenic Tower hotel, later renamed the Beekman Tower hotel.
Our last close-up is of a hole in the street, this one at the northeast corner of 42nd and 1st. Watch your step.
Zooming in on the Little Renting Cottage as seen from 1st Avenue.
Across the way, the large sign at 42nd Street is temporarily blank.
September 7, 2025
Instagram Sign Tribute
Time to say thank you to the talented Instagramers who contributed to this week's post, a celebration of the ever-engaging Tudor City sign.
by bretwills
by jeffrcasey
by sinhadesign_llc
by citymousenyc
August 31, 2025
RENOVATIONS
A number of rare photos taken during the 1952 transformation of Tudor City into something more appropriate for a neighborhood that would mesh with the UN. Roads were widened, a parkside sidewalk was added, and the tunnel replaced by a modern overpass. The redesign also included a much disliked split-rail fence around the parks that remains in place for 41 years.
Looking south from a Manor window, Tudor City Place (at left) appears driveable, but the parks are in a state of wild disarray. Above, one can see the North Park's fountain basin (center bottom) and to its right, the pergola. They wouldn't last in the start-from-scratch plan.
The opposite view, facing north, showing a new feature being installed: a parkside sidewalk.
Across the street, workmen in front of No. 25.
Finally, a pile of pipes lay near one of the gazebos. Like all of the decorative details of the park ‒ the lich gates, the fountain, the pergola ‒ the gazebos did not make the cut.
August 24, 2025
THEN AND NOW: The South Park
The South Park, then and now.
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1988 |
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2025 |
The 'then' pictures were photographed by Steve Stempel in 1988 to record the state of the parks that the newly formed Tudor City Greens was about to inherit. The 'now' photos were made 37 years later.
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1988 |
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2025 |
A then-and-now post on the North Park, here.
August 17, 2025
Miscellany
Time for another round-up of various bits of Tudor Cityana.
A window at Hardwicke Hall.
August 10, 2025
TUDOR CITY SERVICE covers
A look back at the origins of Tudor City's monthly magazine, when it first appeared in 1934 as Tudor City Service. Although rather bland reading, it served its purpose and ran until 1938 when it changed its name to Tudor City View. Here are some of its earliest covers:
To make up for last week's post, The Hermitage as it should be seen.
The Entrance to The Manor in aqua.
The Tulip Festival gets called out on the cover.
Location, location, location.
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