We went on a free tour of merchantshouse.org given by villagepreservation.org. We are members of the latter. Please sign the petition at actionnetwork.org/letters/save-the-merchants-house-museum-2?source=merchants-house-website. “In December, the Landmarks Preservation Commission approved a development next to the Merchant’s House Museum at 27 East 4th Street. It will destroy one of New York’s first landmarks. A home that was built in 1832 and that has remained intact, inside and out.”
I was surprised to hear that the Beatles’ Yellow Submarine (song) – Wikipedia was in Coney Island Creek, in the New York Harbor. Initially we drove out there to see the area and wildlife. I saw the Yellow Submarine on Google map and had to check it out. It is an old wreck that has nothing to do with the Beatles. It does have an interesting story. It was originally named Quester. Please read about the inventor and how it got there: Quester I – Wikipedia
I enjoyed Chincoteague-step-through-time-tours led by Cindy Faith so much I wanted to hear more. So we paid a visit to the Captain Timothy Hill’s House. Cindy is a docent there. We learned how the house was saved and moved. If there is a fire in the wooden chimney, they run out quickly. They pull on ropes attached to the chimney to get it away from the house.
Cindy told us one of the family’s stories. It was about a young girl, around 14 years old, who was much loved by them. The girl’s boyfriend took a job on a ship and sailed away for a while. Then he came back to town. He found out that the young girl was going to a dance with another boy. The jealous ex-boyfriend shot her and her mother. She was up all night attending to her wounded mother. The young girl seemed OK and only had a minor wound. Sometime during the night, the young girl passed away. Later her ex-boyfriend shot himself.
For Dan’s Thursday Doors: Carnival Doors – No Facilities
Randy Birch told us a story during our Chincoteague Island Adventures boat tour. This story contradicts the one at the Herbert H. Bateman Educational and Administrative Center in the Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge. He said that when Buckalew, the first fish and wildlife manager, was shot it didn’t happen the way they said. He told how his grandfather and a few other guys were out illegally duck hunting before the season. They saw Buckalew coming and one of them fired off some buckshot which severely injured Buckalew. He said his grandpa helped get Buckalew back to town. When it came time for the trial Randy’s grandfather’s role in the events was left out. This was Buckalew’s way of saying thank you to Randy’s grandfather for having saved his life. I love local stories like this. Randy had more.
Cindy Faith, who we did a history walk with told us a few stories too. She is a terrific guide and very knowledgeable.
The cages to save the baby plovers from predation are an excellent invention. We need more of these on other beaches where they nest.
In the afternoon of June 3, 2025 we paid a visit to the charming little local museum. Exhibits cover the entire history of the island from prehistoric times to today. The exhibits include the first-order Fresnel lens from the Assateague Light. The museum is also the home of the taxidermied bodies of the Chincoteague ponies Misty and Stormy. They are portrayed in the award-winning series of books by Marguerite Henry. They are also featured in the children’s classic film “Misty of Chincoteague”. Other exhibits focus on the island’s oyster industry and its maritime history. The historic role of islanders as watermen, light keepers, and shipwreck rescuers is also showcased. I’ll cover the marvelous duck decoy shop in a later post.
A monument on the SW corner of Central Park.
To see more about the USS Maine click the link: USS Maine (1889) – Wikipedia.
And here is about the sculpture: USS Maine National Monument – Wikipedia
I am a member of KelbyOne and wanted to join one of the Worldwide Photowalks. There were none in New York City so I volunteered to lead a walk: Highline and Little Island – Scott Kelby’s Worldwide Photo Walk click the link if you want to sign up.
Saturday, October 5th, 2024 | 9:00am – 1:00pm
Open Triangle between 13th, Gansevoort, and Hudson Streets
By the refreshment stands at the NE corner of Little Island.
The first stop will be the High Line Park from Gansevoort up to about 17th Street. There are plants and buildings to photograph. You may want to bring a macro lens or use a zoom like a closeup lens paying attention to backgrounds and composition.
The second stop will be Little Island at the end of 14th Street with views of the Hudson River with more plants and urban landscapes. The entire walk will be about one mile and last about 4 hours.
If we have time, we may also visit Gansevoort Pier.
Optional: After the walk the nearby Pier 57 has lots of places to eat lunch where we can sit and discuss what we photographed and other things.
A couple of days before Friday September 6th the elephants arrived. See The Great Elephant Migration- Meatpacking District (meatpacking-district.com). Learn more at: The Great Elephant Migration | A Coexistence Story. They are displayed in several places in our neighborhood. a few elephants are on our street. They must have wandered over in the night. I bought a bag at the Love store on 14th Street The Great Elephant Migration Merchandise – LOVE BRAND & Co. 50% of the proceeds go to support the conservation efforts for the elephants. At the opening ceremony on Friday we were given bags of flower petals to throw on the elephants to bless them. Everyone loves them. Even if you don’t get to see them, or buy one, you can contribute.
