Category Archives: Water and waterways
Archipelago in Queens – Tour Broad Channel in October
Over the years, I have repeatedly expressed my admiration for the community of Broad Channel, a picturesque village perched on three land masses in the middle of Jamaica Bay–Big Egg Marsh, Rulers Bar Hassock and Black Wall Marsh. Until the … Continue reading
The High Bridge Beats the High Line for History
There’s a new alternative venue for strolling, people-watching and getting your “history buzz”–the High Bridge connecting Upper Manhattan to the Bronx has been re-opened for the first time in over 40 years! What a nice jaunt it is to cross … Continue reading
Times Gone By — Tribute to a New Year’s Baby of 1931
The year 2015 will arrive in about 6 hours–my first year without a Dad. Martin Frank Rattay was a New Year’s baby, so the traditional singing of Auld Lang Syne (or “Times Gone By”) will forever make me think of … Continue reading
2015–Year of the Taco–Again?
I guess you could say it started with that bridge, which connected the borough of Queens to the island of Manhattan and points west in 1909. The zenith was reached last week, when the world’s largest travel guide publisher, Lonely … Continue reading
People Marching (and Standing) for Something
Well, at least you can call it a victory in this sense–410,000 people in New York City were NOT watching football on Sunday afternoon. With apologies to my family and friends in Pittsburgh and Indianapolis–I must say, that’s something I would celebrate! … Continue reading
A Ferry Nice World, Long Ago
I often try to imagine a world without cars, and vintage maps are helpful. This week, I am gazing at two examples–(1) the Beers 1886 map of Central Rockaway Beach, New York and (2) a sepia drawing of Staten Island as it appeared from … Continue reading
Past and Future Tents in the Rockaways
9/4/14 UPDATE: Camp Rockaway achieved its Kickstarter funding and will be showing off a model tent on Saturday, September 6, 2014, from noon to 5 p.m., at Beach 92 and Holland Avenue in Rockaway Beach. The public is invited to … Continue reading
Death of the Last True Hero: Goodbye, Pete Seeger
His aura was exceptional. His voice had failed years ago, but that aura remained. Few can render an old-time folk song these days without attracting snickers. Pete never needed to worry–he practically perfected that musical genre in his lifetime. If … Continue reading
Again, We Celebrate the Earth!
It’s Earth Day–April 22, 2013. The planet and its creatures continue to fascinate. The past half year began by wowing millions with the wind, waves, and fires of Superstorm Sandy. It’s continuing to impress on us the extremes of cruelty that can be caused by humans wielding not only assault … Continue reading
Remember the Ouija Board?
Here’s undoubtedly THE biggest news since Superstorm Sandy hit on October 29, 2012: The first new FEMA flood maps in 25 years were issued yesterday. For a summary on the new maps and stunning photos, check out the Jan. 28, … Continue reading
Oy Vey Rockaway 