2014 A publication of the Murray Hill Neighborhood Association Murray Hill No. 2 …to continue to make Murray Hill a highly desirable place to live, work and visit. ife Fall Street Fair 2014L Another Big Success! By Tom Horan, Vice President, MHNA, and Street Fair Chair Just the right combination of moderate would love to have more Murray Hill everyone who helped make this event temperature, low humidity, and abun- artisans at the Fair. such a resounding success - especially dant sunshine Our musical entertainment was the volunteers who came early and provided won- really top-notch this year. Per- stayed late. derful weather formers entertained us with ev- We will begin to plan next year’s Fair for the Murray erything from Blues to Jazz to soon, so make your plans now to join Hill Street Fair Rock to solo vocals and even us next Spring on ! on June 7th. some Big Band selections. Many It was a really attendees grabbed a snack and spectacular pulled up a chair to sit and en- day and the joy the music for a while before Fair was a great success. moving on to peruse the various mer- The retail attendees this year included chant offerings. a large number of arts and crafts ven- As is always the case, there were doz- dors offering unique and beautiful ens of food ven- handcrafted items. We hope dors to select to increase the presence of from. This year’s this type of vendor in fu- ture events, so watch for an- favorites seemed nouncements and informa- to be the Ger- tion on joining us at the Fair man bratwurst if you would like to partici- and The Pickle pate or know someone who Man. Delicious! might be interested. We Our thanks to Photos courtesy: Nancy Sheran

Murray Hill Participates in Jane’s Walk Weekend By Barbara Sagan and Paula Thomson The fourth Annual Jane’s Walk Week- 3-4th. To honor the life and legacy of of “walking conversations” that get end sponsored by the Municipal Art visionary urban activist Jane Jacobs, New Yorkers out to explore our city and Society was held the weekend of May author of The Death and Life of Great engage with our streets, public spaces Photo courtesy: Barbara Sagan American Cities, thousands and each other. of New Yorkers took to the The Preservation and Design Commit- streets for this annual celebra- tee (“P&D”) of the Murray Hill Neigh- tion featuring more than 100 borhood Association sponsored two free guided walks throughout walking tours of our historic neigh- New York’s five boroughs. The borhood as part of the Jane’s Walk walks were organized and led weekend. Paula Thomson and Barba- by enthusiastic New Yorkers on ra Sagan, both members of P&D, led topics and neighborhoods that the tours on Saturday, May 3rd, one at most interest them. Part of an 9 am and one at noon. Titled “Murray international movement, Jane’s Hill: At the Foot of Grand Central Ter- Walk NYC facilitates thousands Continued on page 15 From the President’s Desk Murray Hill Diane Bartow I sincerely hope everyone had a wonderful summer. Now, we begin a new year of the Murray Hill Neighborhood Association, our 54th! ife We recently discovered an article about the original Murray Hill Associa- tion formed in 1914. I find it very interesting that the chief objectives of the A publicationL of the association in 1914 are so similar to the mission of the Murray Hill Neigh- Murray Hill Neighborhood Association borhood Association today, 100 years later. It states, in part, to secure the Board of Trustees cooperation, association and concerted action of all persons interested in President: Diane Bartow the welfare of the Murray Hill neighborhood for the purpose of preserv- Vice Presidents: Ann Churchill, Susan Demmet, ing and promoting the residential character of said neighborhood. Indeed, Thomas Horan, Matthew Roberts, the Murray Hill Neighborhood Association’s mission is to continue to make Marion Weingarten Murray Hill a highly desirable place to live, work and visit. The Preservation Treasurer: Barbara Sagan & Design Committee is working hard to secure additional buildings in the Secretary: Ashley Petrylak historic district to protect the incredible history of this neighborhood. We Trustees continue the tradition of preserving and improving our wonderful Murray Fred Arcaro, Marilyn Boddewyn, Marisa Bulzone, Hill. The 1914 article is available in the newsletter’s online edition. John B. Chadwick, Jr., Marea Edynak, Daniel G. Egers, Raymond Gentile, Mieko Kojima, I hope you will all join us on September 18, 2014 for the Murray Hill Qual- Anoop Punjabi, Anne Marie Salmeri, Nancy Sheran, ity of Life Town Forum that we will be conducting with Community Board Elaine Silber, Nick Smolney 6 and our City Council Members and Borough President. This will be your Honorary Trustees Joelle Anderson, Robert Cohen, Joe W. Di Domenico, opportunity to find out what is going on in the neighborhood, the critical Irma Worrell Fisher, Paula Hutter Gilliam, issues we face and how we hope to resolve them. After the meeting you will Ellen Imbimbo, Enid Klass, Charlotte Klein, have the opportunity to discuss the issues with the chair and co-chairs of the Shirley Mac Leod, Ellen H. Propp, Debra Moolin Taylor various committees of the Murray Hill Neighborhood Association. Past Presidents Ed Hochberg, Mark Tracten, Stephen Weingrad The Board of Trustees is hard at work on the issues we are confronted with. The neighborhood is a major construction area with developments on 34th Newsletter Staff Street, 3rd Avenue and the continued construction of the MTA project on Editor: Daniel Egers 37th Street and Park Avenue. We, along with Community Boards 5 and 6, Co-editor: Nancy Idaka Sheran continue to monitor these activities. Editorial Consultant: Ellen Propp Fall is in the air and the greening of Murray Hill will continue. We had a Advertising: Nancy Idaka Sheran, Marilyn Boddewyn very harsh winter, so we are still working on replacement of certain trees and Online Edition: Ashley Petrylak & Jon Gilbert other damage that was caused by the weather. Design & Production: Hilary Black We continue to focus on some major issues, such as the rezoning of midtown, Printing: McKella 280, 856-662-5532 traffic and transportation concerns, problems along 3rd Avenue, buildings for sale that could contribute to overgrowth in the Murray Hill area, pre- Murray Hill Neighborhood Association serving our historic district and increasing the Association’s membership. Post Office Box 1897 New York, NY 10156-1897 The Association also plans events that we believe you will be interested in 212-886-5867 and enjoy.

Send letters to the editor or story ideas to I hope if you have the time, you will become a volunteer on one of our com- [email protected] mittees as we need your help! We are still a fully volunteer organization and and please use the subject line must rely on neighbors to get the job done. “Murray Hill Life”. We receive many telephone and email inquiries about problems in and around the neighborhood and our members receive priority attention to

ric Murray their concerns. Your membership is extremely important, so make sure you to H is il

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i M t a u i season. r c r o a s y s H A i d Thank you to all our loyal members for your membership. Because of you ll N oo eighborh and our dedicated and hard-working Trustees, our neighborhood is truly a special place to live. 2 Murray Hill Neighborhood Association [email protected] 212-886-5867 News from MECA tween 38th and 41st Streets and First Avenue, except that on East Community Association the west side of 38th Street and First Avenue at 685 First Av- enue a parking garage has resumed business. Fred Arcaro, President SL Green submitted a proposal to City Planning for a new Construction is progressing at JDS’s two-building project 67-story building at 317 that would take up located at 625 First Avenue, where excavation is currently the whole block between 42nd and 43rd Streets and between being performed to accommodate garage space. A Com- Vanderbilt and Madison Avenues. Discussions are under- munity Board 6 construction task force has been formed way between the Multi-board Task Force, of which Com- to address any community concerns arising from the con- munity Board 6 is a member, City Planning and SL Green, struction project. The task force received some complaints to work out the details of the project. Stay tuned for further that JDS’s project was working after normal construction developments. hours. While JDS did get proper Department of Buildings’ permits to work during non-normal working hours, there is a bill (Intro. 1183) in the City Council sponsored by Coun- cil Members Rosie Mendez and Dan Garodnick that would make it more difficult for contractors to obtain after hours JOANNE KAPLAN construction work permits. Community Board 6 has ap- Professional Organizer proved a resolution in support of this bill. Organize your Time, Home and Office, The new expanded NYU Langone Medical Center emergen- Closets, Drawers, Files, Papers, Children’s Rooms and Schoolwork… cy department is now operational. Free Consultation In an effort to cut travel time for emergency vehicles to reach 212-686-1188 the NYU emergency department, Community Board 6 has 917 854-6055 approved a resolution in support of a Department of Trans- [email protected] portation proposal to make 33rd Street between Second and First Avenues a two-way street. The City has determined that the Waterside Pier (formerly known as Con Edison Pier 38th-41st Streets) will have to un- dergo a complete structural renovation with new supports that will accommodate a newly constructed pier with new waterfront amenities. The new pier will also have a bike path that will connect the future north and south bike paths. In order for bikers to connect to the waterfront bike path, Kalvig & Shorter DOT has proposed the following: Veterinary Associates • A two-way bike lane on 37th Street between First Avenue and the FDR service road. Celebrating our second • A two-way bike lane from a single lane on the west Autumn season in Murray Hill side of First Avenue between 37th and 38th Street. We are happy to be a proud member of this • A one-way east-bound bike lane on 38th Street between First and Second Avenues. wonderful community, and have enjoyed • A one-way west-bound bike lane on 35th Street being of service to our new neighbors between the FDR service road and Second Avenue. and their pets. We look forward to meeting At Community Board 6’s June board meeting, local resi- dents expressed serious safety concerns about having a two- more of you and welcome you to stop by way bike lane on the north side of 37th Street. After much debate, the Board passed a resolution opposing the bike lane to meet us anytime during this special on the south side of 37th Street. As of this writing the DOT’s time of yearin NYC! traffic division is studying the project. There is nothing new to report on the proposed 25th Street 133 East 39th Street ·∙ 212 644 1022 Sanitation garage project, which continues to Kalvig and Shorter Veterinary engender a great deal of community opposition. www.KalvigandShorter.com Also, there is no progress on the Solow project located be- www.murrayhillnyc.org Murray Hill Neighborhood Association 3

     Members’ Corner MHNA Remembers Helen Weber Helen Weber, a grand dame of Murray Hill, New Members Michael Roberts passed away late last year at the age of 93, al- Roberta M Alpert, Steven Rosen though to those of us who admired her, she Julia Solomon, Sam Kuckley seemed so much younger. An eager partici- Jonathan Dwinailcwe Robyn Beasley pant in everything Murray Hill, and an effec- Marc D’Agrosa Nathan Thompson, Melissa Given tive champion of our neighborhood, she was proud of her Michele Feldman success in boosting the image of Murray Hill through her Maura Greenwood John Vaccaro Sudhira Vadlamani work as advertising manager of the MHNA Newsletter, and Steven Hess on every other committee that needed a vital, intelligent and David S. Hyman Inger Wedin C. Joseph Wiseman active presence. John Joyner, Leah Joyner Chris Wood Carol Kaimowitz Unmarried and without children, Helen moved to Albu- Karen Kennedy New Business Members querque a few years ago to be near her nephew and nieces. Alexa Kornemann, Bagel Boss Murray Hill She always missed us and her special MHNA. In turn, we Justin Macauley Global Coverage Inc. will miss her. Jane Lates, Hill and Bay Restaurant Norbert Swislocki Kale Health Foods Inc. Join or Renew online! Joan Ann Mauro Kalvig & Shorter Visit www.murrayhillnyc.org, to join or renew your Sezen Ozoktay MD VeterinaryAssociates membership online. There, you can also keep up to date Marion Parker Villa Berulia Restaurant on events and other newsworthy items. Brett Rattner as of 7/7/2014  Correction Tell a Friend about the Murray Hill The article entitled “Murray Hill Author Shines Light on Neighborhood Association Visually-Impaired Artists” in the Spring Newsletter was written by Busser Howell. Please enter a new (or renewal) membership at the level I have indicated below: My check is enclosed, payable to Murray Hill Neighborhood Association o $35 Individual o $50 Couple o $20 Senior Citizen (age 65+) o $40 Senior Couple (age 65+) o $25 Young Professional (to age 40) o $60 Business/Professional o $100 Patron o $250 Guardian o $500 Benefactor I want to make an additional contribution: $ Additional contributions will be acknowledged in our Newsletter. If you prefer not to be acknowledged, please check here o Member’s Name______E-mail address______Second Name (couples)______E-mail address______Company______Address______Apt ______by John Chadwick City______State______Zip______Home Phone______Specializing in quality residential Cell/Other Phone______and commercial interior design. Mail to: Murray Hill Neighborhood Association By appointment Membership Coordinator 212-685-8900

PO Box 1897, New York, NY 10156-1897 INTERIORS

4 Murray Hill Neighborhood Association [email protected] 212-886-5867 MHNA Thanks Street Fair Donors Two High-Rise Residential Buildings Nearing Completion and Volunteers! By Nancy Idaka Sheran The 2014 Silent Auction was a highlight of last spring’s Scaffolding is down Street Fair and a most successful part of the day’s fund- at 325 Lexington Av- raising activities. We thank our donors for your contin- enue, where a new ued generosity and support. The Silent Auction would not residential building have been possible this year without the hard work of Tom is nearing comple- Horan, Marisa Bulzone and Marion Weingarten, with spe- tion. This 31-story cial thanks to Barbara Green, Ann Usher, Paula Gilliam, building has a re- Enid Klass, Marilyn Ringel, Robert Cohen, Alice Timothy, tail/restaurant space Ashley Petrylak, Anoop Punjabi, Linda Froccaro, Estelle at the street level. Meister and Irene Lee. This building is be- Following is a list of the donors: tween 38th and 39th New York Mets Organization (Courtesy of David Newman) Streets, next to the The Kitano Hotel Cuban Mission. 70 Park Avenue Hotel At 593 Third Av- Morgans Hotel enue, on the cor- Soldiers’, Sailors’, Marines’, Coast Guard & Airmen’s Club 325 ner of 39th Street, Park Avenue Tavern a 19-story residen- Toledo Restaurant tial building is in Franchia Vegan Café progress. The plans Villa Berulia Ristorante call for retail space Mulligan’s Pub at street level. This Galway’s Pub site is where the Rossini’s Restaurant Frontier Diner and Smorgas Chef Byblos used to be, Jackson Hole before they were de- Le Parisien Restaurant stroyed by a fire in Ethos Meze 2010. Completion Bagel Boss is planned by April El Pote Español Restaurant 2015, but it looks like Slattery’s Midtown Pub it might be sooner. 593 Third Avenue Scandanavia House Winfiled Flynn Wines & Spirits Fred Astaire Midtown Dance Studio Joseph K. Askinasi, Chiropractic Orthopedist Walk NYC Podiatry Flowers On Park Thank You to MHNA Eyes On Madison We received a postcard from long-time Murray Hill Pasteur Pharmacy resident Dorothy Lange stating the following: Jonathan Services Kidding Around It is with much regret that I have to notify you Oasis Day Spa that I have moved from 201 East 35th Street Déjà Vu Hair Styling to Fort Lauderdale, Florida after 52 years in Denise Mange Dog Training a neighborhood you made beautiful and safe. Kalvig & Shorter, Veterinary Associates I want to thank all who donate time and energy to MHNA and its goals. You have given Special thanks must also go to the volunteers who tirelessly New York City a unique area to be proud of. contributed their time to the Festival. They are as follows: God bless you all in your continued work. Gail Lott, Robin Fifield, Matt McKeon, Ron Berthel, Cathy Spengel, Ray Gentile, Sami Steigmann, Virginia Parkhouse, In sincere gratitude, Sandy Driesen, Paula Thompson, Pauline Brooks, Rena Gol- Dorothy Lange ub, Judy Hill and Ellen Berliner. www.murrayhillnyc.org Murray Hill Neighborhood Association 5 Arts, Culture & Leisure By Sona Robbins Cohen

The Morgan Library and Museum Turner and Moran Prints, Oct. 17, 2014-Feb.15, 2015, Print & Stokes Madison Avenue between 36th and 37th Streets Galleries, 3rd Fl. English Romantic painter, Joseph William Mallord Turner, was known for his innovative treatment of landscapes. Miracles in Miniature: The Art of The Master of Claude de France, American artist, Thomas Moran, admired and studied Turner’s through Sept. 14, 2014. The Master of Claude de France was one works. Moran’s noteworthy prints are of Niagra Falls, the Hudson of the last great French illuminators, working in Tours from ca. River Valley and the American West. 1508-20. The Morgan recently acquired much of Claude’s work, of which two dozen items are shown, with 12 newly discovered Note FREE special events. Check details at http://www.nypl.org/ calendar miniatures and works from loans and private collections. events/programs. Schwarzman Building, 42nd St: Diverse lecture The centerpiece is the Prayer Book of Claude de France, one of two topics this fall include: Building a Virtual Atlas of NY; Old Books, tiny jewel-like manuscripts the Queen of France commissioned at Rare Books: Learning the Value of Your Books; Discuss Great Books the time of her coronation in 1517. It measures 2 ¾ x 2 inches and in a Great Space; Uncovering Your Family History: Researching Vital includes 132 miniatures. Records & The Census; The Chef Says: Art and Food Series Event. Marks of Genius: Treasures from the Bodleian Library, through Mid-Manhattan Library, 40th St. & 5th Ave.: Talks by authors, Sept. 14, 2014. This exhibit presents great achievements of human films, What Inspires Artists and many more. creativity from diverse disciplines throughout history from Oxford If you haven’t taken the free tour of the library’s history and University’s Bodleian Library. Included are the oldest book written architecture, it’s time to do so! For info on exhibits, lectures, and tours in English, papyri of Sappho’s poems, a 13th century manuscript of contact: www.nypl.org/schwarzman; 917-275-6975. Also check SIBL the Magna Carta and Mary Shelley’s draft of “Frankenstein.” (5th Ave. & 34th St.) and Mid-Manhattan (5th Ave. & 40th St.) for Richard McGuire: HERE, Sept. 25-Nov. 9, 2014. This exhibit celebrates schedules of free lectures and computer classes. the publication of a new full-color graphic novel and e-book based on McGuire’s 1990 Raw Magazine’s black and white comic. CUNY Graduate Center A Certain Slant of Light: Spencer Finch at the Morgan, through Jan. 11, between 34th and 35th Streets 2015. A large scale installation of colored films and glass panels in During the summer, activities take a vacation, but here are a few the large Gilbert Court, inspired by medieval books of hours. events: The Untamed Landscape: Théodore and the Path to the Barbizon, Music in Midtown Sept. 26, 2014-Jan. 18, 2015. Seventy works from the Morgan and FREE concerts through Dec. 2014. Thursdays 1:00pm by doctorate public and private collections illustrate the artist’s achievements as a level participants, renowned faculty and guest artists. No tickets or draftsman and his particular approach to open-air oil sketches. reservations required. Elebash Recital Hall, Main Floor. Cy Twombly: Treatise on the Veil, Sept. 26, 2014-Jan. 25, 2015. This Sept. 18: Chamber music with Ani Kafavian, Tim Eddy, Soyeon Kate exhibit showcases Twombly’s monumental painting, “Treatise on the Lee. Veil,” executed in Rome in 1970, with related drawings. Oct. 2: Robert White, tenor. The Crusader Bible: A Gothic Masterpiece,Oct. 3, 2014-Jan. 5, 2015. Oct. 16: Chamber Music on Fifth I. This is one of the greatest illuminated manuscripts in the world, with Oct. 30: Paula Robison, flute, and Paavall Jumppanen, piano. its boldly colored illustrations and fascinating history. Nov. 13: Chamber Music on Fifth II. Sky Studies: Oil Sketches from the Thaw Collection, through Dec. 28, Dec. 4: Jane Marsh, soprano. Watch for 2015 schedule. 2014. During the second half of the 18th century it was popular among landscape artists to use oil paint on paper working outdoors Center For Jewish Studies to capture the changing effects of light and atmosphere. Various FREE, Segal Theatre, Main Floor: Wed.’s, 6:15-8:15 PM: artists are represented in this exhibit. Sept. 17: Deportation & Murder of “alien” Jews in Bulgaria and Enjoy lunch or a light snack at the Morgan Café with or without tickets. Hungary. For information about public programs – lectures, concerts, gallery Oct. 29: Jacob Poznanski’s Diary and the Litzmannstadt Ghetto, with talks, films, family and special events – call 212-685-0008 or visit the Prof. Robert M. Shapiro, Brooklyn College. Morgan’s website at www.themorgan.org. Enjoy Friday evenings until Dec. 10: The Holocaust in the Court Room: Famous, Infamous 9 pm; 7-9 pm FREE ADMISSION. and Unknown Trials, with Prof. Mary Maudsley, Richard Stockton The New York Public Library College, N.J. 42nd Street and Fifth Avenue Martin E. Segal Theatre Center The Stephen A. Schwarzman Building Innovative International Theatre Presentations. FREE. Over Here: WWI and the Fight for the American Mind, July 28, 2014- Wed.-Fri. Oct. 8-10: PRELUDE 2014: Features various artists working Feb. 15, 2015, Wachenheim III Gallery, Main Floor. This exhibit in theatrical and other performance venues present a survey of in- marks the 100th anniversary of the outbreak of WWI. It focuses on process presentations, open rehearsals and discussions. the war on the American home front, showing how public relations, For more information: www.gc.cuny.edu/events. 212-817-8215. propaganda and mass media were used to shape and control public Become a member ($40) for ticket discounts and special events with opinion. Items come from New York Public Library collections. receptions: www.gc.cuny.edu/membership.htm; 212-817-7130. 6 Murray Hill Neighborhood Association [email protected] 212-886-5867 Arts, Culture & Leisure

Scandinavia House Park Avenue between 37th and 38th Streets Exhibits: Iceland: Artists Respond to Place, Oct. 11, 2014-Jan. 10, 2015 The focus of this exhibit is the rich and complex relationship of con- temporary artists to the unique geography of their country. Featured are 12 leading contemporary Icelandic artists, with a wide range of approaches and media, including painting, photography, sculpture, wall drawings and video.

WATCH FOR EVENTS, TBA AS OF PUBLICATION TIME: Film Se- ries: Films from all Scandinavian countries. Concerts: Diversified programs. Family & Kids Programs: Story telling, music, crafts and more. For details contact www.scandinaviahouse.org or 212-779-3587. To receive on-going info, leave your email address on right: “Join the Scandinavia House e-list...” Visit Facebook page, stop by in person and become a member. Contact: www.amscan.org/membership or above phone no., ext. 715. Check out the fabulous gift shop and Smörgås Restaurant, open for brunch, lunch, dinner, snacks, coffee/tea and combination deals with certain films, concerts and other events (212-847-9745). Irene Grafman, D.D.S. Bryant Park The Big Winter Event is The Pond, our local free ice skating rink, SMILE HEALTH SPA Nov. - Feb. Also the park’s Christmas tree and holiday gift shops. 120 E. 36th Street, Suite 1F Check out events all year: brochures, 212-768-4242, www.bryant- New York, NY 10016 park.org, Bryant Park’s Facebook, Twitter, blog, weekly newsletter, 212.532.5377 eblasts. 212.532.5371 fax [email protected] 17th Precinct Salutes Murray Hill Neighbor- www.smilehealthspa.com hood Association Dr. Grafman believes the better way to By Marion Weingarten treatment begins with a whole person approach. On Friday evening, June 13, 2014, at Saint Vartan Armenian She offers solutions that will not only transform Cathedral, the 17th Precinct Community Council honored the health and beauty of your smile but that will members of the New York City Police Department for meri- enhance your overall well-being. torious and excellent police duty at its annual Community/ Police Appreciation Awards Ceremony and Reception. In ad- By educating you on the inter-connectedness of dition, neighborhood associations within the 17th Precinct everything in your life as it relates to your teeth, were singled Photo courtesy: Marion Weingarten she shows you the better way to dentistry, to out for their health and to life. special and outstand- • All phases of General Dentistry ing service • Sleep Apnea Treatment to the com- • Facial Development - Epigenetics munity. The • Prevention Murray Hill • Invisalign® Neighbor- • Cosmetic Dentistry hood Asso- *As Featured in “New Beauty Magazine” ciation was recognized once again, with Diane Bartow, its president, ac- Serving the Murray Hill Neighborhood since 1998 cepting the honor. www.murrayhillnyc.org Murray Hill Neighborhood Association 7 More Rave Reviews for Murray Hill Author’s Book on Visually-Impaired Artists By Susan Demmet In the time since our article on Busser looking for an intimate examination of an artist’s creative Howell’s book, 20/20 Blindsight, ap- process. Brings much-needed focus and unprecedented ac- peared in the Spring Newsletter, the cess to an oft-ignored community.”- Kirkus Review book has continued to garner a consis- The book is available at: http://www.amazon.com/20-Blind- tent string of rave reviews. sight-Busser-Howell/dp/0615709052 and is available as Kin- “I highly recommend experiencing dle download. Blindsight. Not only could it change your perspective if you are fully sighted, Neighborhood Profile: The Spiral Theatre but perhaps offer inspiration on a num- ber of levels. How Busser and these other artists create such Studio beauty, I do not know, but if one wants to push beyond the An innovative off-Broadway bounds of everyday life, it is tucked away in the pages of company devoted to the con- Blindsight,” says Philippe, reviewing the book on Amazon. cept of growing older with Another reader was equally as impressed, adding, “Busser grace and grit. Howell’s book 20/20 Blindsight is an amazingly written and Paula J. Riley is a Murray easy to read exploration of legally blind and totally blind art- Hill Neighborhood Associa- ists. The reader can read only the interviews or the narra- tion member who, at the ripe tive and learn so much about blind artists. The stories are young age of seventy, opened her dream theater. Now she is interesting and are at the cornerstone of art and the human offering her fellow members discounts to all productions at mind.” The Spiral. Group sales are also available. Please contact her “The book remains a remarkable and shockingly honest at: 212-689-4362 or email her at: spiraltheatrestudio@gmail. resource, not only for readers interested in these misrepre- com. For further information, check out their schedule of sented members of the artistic community, but for anyone shows at: www.thespiraltheatrestudio.com.

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8 Murray Hill Neighborhood Association [email protected] 212-886-5867 Patrons of Park Avenue Thank You! By John Chadwick

The Park Avenue Malls have never been more beautiful than VOLUNTEERS they are this year! Mother Nature and our consultants have Although we valiantly fight the weeds and pests on the Malls been working overtime in that regard. with professional help, we are unable to keep ahead of that Our tulips were beautiful and now the Angel-wing Begonias without our wonderful volunteers. We are so grateful to have are resplendent. We lost one of our beloved Japanese Kwan- two new volunteers to help weed and clean our malls. They zan Cherry trees this year after several years of treating it for are Albertina Ferreira and Judith Hill. If you are interested a disease. We knew the end was coming but were dedicated in working on “Clean Up” detail on the Malls, please let us to prolonging its life as long as possible. know. We are now taking bids for the painting and repair of the Best Wishes for a wonderful season! iron fencing on our beloved malls. Irma Worrell Fisher, Founding Chairperson All of the good things you see happening on Park Avenue John Chadwick, 2014 Chairman stem from the Murray Hill Neighborhood Association and [email protected], 212.685.8900 the Patrons of Park Avenue. We ask each building that lines Park Avenue to contribute $2000.00 per year toward the maintenance of our malls. We are indeed gratified that al- Age-Friendly Resources most all of the buildings that line Park Avenue gladly agreed Did you know that senior citizens in NYC can audit CUNY to pay their fair share of the annual maintenance. POPA is classes for free? For more information about Age-Friendly NYC programs, see their website: www.nyam.org/agefriendlynyc. in the midst of its Annual Fundraising Campaign now. If you don’t see your building’s name among our BENEFAC- Below are a few quick links to resources for senior citizens, TOR List, please urge your Board of Directors to join us in compiled by Age-Friendly NYC: this vital endeavor Parks Department: www.nycgovparks.org/seniors Cultural Guide: www.nyc-arts.org BENEFACTOR ($2000/year or more) College Link: www.agefriendlycollege.org 2 Park Avenue 20 Park Avenue 70 Park Avenue 7 Park Avenue 23 Park Avenue 90 Park Avenue 10 Park Avenue 40 Park Avenue 99 Park Avenue 15-17 Park Avenue 41 Park Avenue PATRON ($1000- $1999/year) 16 Park Avenue 48 Park Avenue 80 Park Avenue Proud resident of Murray Hill 36 Park Avenue 67 Park Avenue for 20 years specializing in For the second year in a row, we are offering a group of in- dividuals and businesses the opportunity to underwrite the co-op, condo, townhouse and cost of weekly cleanings so that our Malls will remain clean as well as green. The cost of that underwriting is $500.00 per investment properties. month. If you are interested in becoming a GARDENER, please contact us. We have three months still available!!! GARDENERS You Deserve the Best June Interiors By John Chadwick, Fine Interior Design Since 1976 July Tom Horan Barbara M. Sagan August Philip & Cheryl Greenberg, in honor of their birth- Lic. Associate RE Broker days (o) 212.937.7006 [email protected] September Federal Home Loan Bank of New York October Sanford Hall, Murray Hill’s Flooring Store November Scandanavian House December Church of the Incarnation, Murray Hill’s Landmark Church January Metropolitan Bank February Bartow Insurance for All of Your Insurance Needs March AVAILABLE The Corcoran Group is a licensed real estate broker located at 660 Madison Ave, NY, April AVAILABLE NY 10065. Real estate agents affiliated with The Corcoran Group are independent May AVAILABLE contractor sales associates and are not employees of The Corcoran Group. www.murrayhillnyc.org Murray Hill Neighborhood Association 9 Connecting Our Past: Conversations With Our Long Term Neighbors By Michaela Walsh

Recently at Scotty’s, Murray Hill’s 24-hour diner on 39th Why Did You Call Your Store ‘monKEYS?’ Street and Lexington Avenue, a neighborhood presence for “Yes, people laughed in the beginning at that name. They 25 years, I met with Jeff, the Murray Hill neighbor I have would say ‘What kind of a name is that? It’s a crazy name.’ known since I moved here in 1966. As a kid I had lots of monkey stuffed animals and my mom How Old Were You When We First Met? loved monkeys too. Monkey was my nickname when I was Jeff: “My dad had a TV and air conditioner repair shop on younger. I was always climbing trees so they used to call me Lex between 38th and 39th for 53 years and I drove around ‘m o n k e y ’.” with him from the time I was 7 years old. I also used to help What About Doing Business in our Murray Hill Neighborhood? my dad, and carry ACs and TVs but it was hard work and “When I moved to the 39th Street store, my dad retired, he working with dad was not always easy.” needed something to do so he became my assistant and my Tell Me about How You Got Started in the Locksmith Business. mom kept my books. At one time I had 9 vans and 21 em- ployees – now I run my own shop and I have 2 vans and 6 “I hated school and had to go to summer school every year employees.” just to finish high school. But I had “golden hands” and at- tended TV repair school and key-cutting school. After high “I Have Built Something Really Nice Here.” school, I started working for Abby Locksmith, lived at home Jeff’s wife is a Superintendent with the Department of Edu- and saved money for 2 years. Then I bought a big white cation; they have one son who works with him, and three truck – a mobile van with a window and started a ‘key-cut- grandchildren. “I am blessed,” Jeff told me . “I feel it’s incred- ting shop on wheels’ at flea markets and then on 34th and ible that I own and run my own store – some people call 42nd Streets. My dad urged me to have an address – a base me ‘The Mayor of Murray Hill.’ I walk down the street and - so I set-up a booth in his shop cutting keys and from there every doorman, super, old neighbor says ‘hi.’ I wish Mur- the business started taking off. That was in the late eighties. ray Hill could reverse the cycle and return to the less com- I moved to the shop on 39th Street and called my company mercial, more friendly neighborhood where everyone knew ‘monKEYS’ and that’s how it is spelled.” each other, when there were more Mom & Pop stores” which

10 Murray Hill Neighborhood Association [email protected] 212-886-5867

Untitled-1 1 7/14/14 4:07 PM he worries are mostly gone or fast going. “I don’t see people trusting each other anymore just because of the money.” MURRAY HILL REAL ESTATE BROKERS The Mayor of Murray Hill – Witness To Change. As we left Scotty’s and walked along the street, I asked Jeff to Buying/Selling/Renting/Investing...let us talk about the changes he has seen in many of the businesses assist you in the process. Many years of and buildings he services today. combined real estate selling in Manhattan “Southwest corner of 39th Street next and Murray Hill. If you want the BEST - to my dad’s shop on Lexington was CALL US. Wilner’s Drug Store that had a coun- ter where I had ice cream sodas. Next to my dad’s shop was a jewelry store and next to that was Joe’s Tailor, then Jeff (right) and son, Irving. Angelo’s Florist, who always gave his neighbors a single red rose. Across the street were Plymouth Dry Cleaning and Peter Cooper Bar and Restaurant, part of the hotel. Sam’s on 39th Street was originally a Pizza shop. Next to Wilner’s on 39th Street Estelle Meister Gail Bomze there were two hotels. One was The Court Hotel. The former Licensed RE Assoc. Broker Licensed RE Salesperson manager still lives in Murray Hill, and mid-block was and 917 450-3090 917 355-2064 Murray Hill Resident [email protected] still is The Tuscany.” [email protected] “Across the street, the old Japanese Restaurant was a bar- bershop with the candy cane sign in front of the building. DOUGLAS ELLIMAN The barber lived upstairs.” Up the street Jeff pointed out the 575 Madison Avenue, 3rd fl building with the gallery. “This one of the few remaining New York, NY 10022 single-family-owned buildings. A world-renown sculpture art restorer who died two years ago owned and lived in this building – his son still lives here. Scotty’s was a Mom and Pop diner. Next to Scotty’s was a small florist shop and a shoe repair shop was on the corner.”

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12 Murray Hill Neighborhood Association [email protected] 212-886-5867 necting with each other. tion, this event kicks off the library’s free weekly Books At Our next concert is Saturday, December 6, 2014 at St. Peter’s Noon series, which takes place on Wednesdays in Astor Hall Church. Please come hear us sing. in the Stephen A. Schwarzman library building on Fifth Av- enue and 42nd Street. This celebratory event will be held on the library’s Fifth Avenue steps and plaza area and is also Library Way’s 10th Anniversary free to the public. Celebration By Elaine Silber Hear an acclaimed author (still to be chosen as of this writ- Ever wonder about the history behind all those literary ing) along with key members of the Library and the Grand plaques on the sidewalk leading up to the main library along Central Partnership. Meet the sculptor of the plaques, Gregg LeFevre and his partner Jennifer Andrews of the Andrews/ both sides of 41st Street from Park Avenue to Fifth Avenue? LeFevre Studios. Join Gregg on a tour of the plaques or fol- This area, known as Library Way, literally stops people in low along with a visual representation of the plaques from their tracks. Come join your neighbors and other commu- a “self-guided” brochure. Either way, don’t forget to look nity members on Wednesday, September 17th from 12:00- down and choose which inscription is your favorite! 2:00 PM to celebrate the tenth anniversary of the installa- tion of these plaques containing quotes from some of the best-known authors and literary works of our time. Samuel MHNA Focus on Local Businesses Beckett, Emily Dickenson, Langston Hughes and William The Murray Hill Neighborhood Association has established Styron are several of the writers whose quotations are em- a new Business Relationship Committee to foster partner- bedded in these famous bronze plaques. Commissioned by ships with our local businesses by encouraging them to be- the New York Public Library and the Grand Central Part- come Business Members of the MHNA, which would offer nernship in the 1990’s, each of the 48 plaques (duplicated businesses new channels for reaching Murray Hill’s engaged on both sides of the street, for a total of 96) also contains an residents and ways to enhance their streetscape/sidewalk image inspired by the text. frontage. Sponsored by the Grand Central Partnership, the New York Our New Annual Business Member Benefits include: Public Library and the Murray Hill Neighborhood Associa- • Complimentary business listing on the MHNA website, murrayhillnyc.org • Complimentary post on the MHNA Facebook page • Complimentary e-blast to MHNA members (with spe- cial offer for MHNA members) • Complimentary annual subscrip- Insurance and Risk Management tion to Murray Hill Life newslet- ter (print and online) • 10% discount on your advertis- ing in the newsletter Your Trusted Insurance Advisor • Complimentary upgrade on your first ad in Murray Hill Life Providing a broad array of products and services • Advance notice about MHNA events • E-mail notices of MHNA and community events, fo- rums and business activity 9 East 37th Street • Discounts at many local businesses It is easy to become a member online: Visit www.murray- New York, NY 10016 hillnyc.org, then click on “Membership.” 212-683-2622 We need your help in finding inter- ested business owners who would like to take advantage of becoming a member. Please contact us for ad- Email: [email protected] ditional information and if you or someone you know would like to www.globalcoverage.com volunteer to help our Committee:

[email protected] or 212- Photos courtesy: Nancy Sheran 886-5867. 3rd Avenue at 37th Street. www.murrayhillnyc.org Murray Hill Neighborhood Association 13 Sunday at the Ballet by Marion Weingarten Emeralds and Diamonds, appeared on stage alone. It was his farewell perfor- Members of the MHNA were treated anchine’s early years in Paris recalling mance and members of the Company to a spectacular afternoon of George the 19th century dances of the French lined up to present Jonathan with bou- Balanchine’s JEWELS on Sunday af- Romantics with music by Faure. This quets of roses amid confetti and col- ternoon May 25, 2014. The afternoon was followed by the bold and jazzy ored streamers. It was quite a sendoff. began with a talk by Faye Arthurs, a Rubies depicting Balanchine’s time in member of the corps, who enlight- New York with music by Stravinsky. ened us about the day’s performance. The third and last, Diamonds, was re- Balanchine was inspired to create the gal yet romantic, recalling the grandeur plotless ballet which is in three acts af- of his early days in imperial Russia with ter visiting Van Cleef & Arpels in Paris. music by Tschaikovsky. All of the jew- Each act represents a different precious eled costumes were by Karinska with stone requiring the dancers to convey whom Balanchine had a lifelong asso- (l.-r.), Linda Vitelli, Barbara Sagan, Faye vastly differing moods through move- ciation. We were surprised when Jona- Arthurs (a dancer), Marion Weingarten, a guest, ment. Emeralds, the first, depicted Bal- than Stafford, a principal dancer in Maureen Edelson and Todd Edelson, at the ballet.

Collectors Club Announces 2014-2015 Youth and Adult Stamp Programs By Debby Friedman, Program Coordinator The Collectors Club of New York is torsclub.org or call 212-683-0559. absorbing, challenging and creative pleased to announce the sixth year In October, The Collectors Club of hobby, as well as an enjoyable break in of its Youth Stamp Club, open to stu- New York will begin its third year of a high stress life. There are a myriad dents in Grades 4 and up. Beginners the program for adults who are in- of subjects and themes to interest any are welcome and the program is free. terested in stamp collecting. The free individual. The first two meetings will Meetings are held at the Collectors be October 25 and December 20 from Club, 22 East 35th Street, from 10-11:30 program is aimed at those beginning to collect stamps or wanting to resume 1 -2:30 pm at the Collectors Club, 22 am, usually on the third Saturday of East 35th Street. Additional dates to the month. The dates for the 2014- the hobby, as well as those curious be announced. For information or to 2015 school year are: September 20, about the attractions of stamp collect- register email [email protected] October 25, November 15, December ing. Information, encouragement and or call 212-683-0559. 20, January 17, February 21, March 21, guidance are the goals. All materials April 18 and May 16. For informa- will be provided – we won’t be selling Space is limited so early registration is tion or to register, e-mail info@collec- anything. Stamp collecting can be an advisable for both programs.

Business Owners Should Install Bike Racks out an application on DOT’s website: http://www.nyc.gov/html/dot/html/ We applaud Jeffrey Tinney, co-owner Community Board 6 advises that the bicyclists/cityrack-suggest.shtml. with Matthew Resnick of the new Department of Transportation has It does take time for DOT to process Juice, located at 156 East 33rd Street, for recently imposed a fine of $250.00 these orders, and CB 6 suggests fol- buying and installing an aesthetically- for bikes chained to trees, and also lowing up with calls to 311. pleasing bike rack, which he ordered asks that bikes not be chained to for approximately $100 from Ama- tree guards, which zon.com. It would greatly improve causes damage, as the look of our does people sitting neighborhood if on them, resulting more businesses in businesses having did the same to to replace them. eliminate the clutter of bikes The City provides stacked against another style of each other, or free bike racks that chained to trees may be ordered by and tree guards. calling 311 or filling 14 Murray Hill Neighborhood Association [email protected] 212-886-5867 River School Completes First Year

It has been a remarkable inaugural emotional language (feelings words) conferences. year for The River School - PS 281, and can articulate frustrations and To learn more about the school’s mis- serving the neighborhoods of Kips manage social situations with grace. sion, explore their school library, and Bay, Murray Hill, and Tudor City. The This enables students to navigate con- gather family educational resources, school’s goal was to establish a deep flict, work collaboratively, and to effec- please visit their website: www.ps281. sense of community and collaboration tively communicate. For these young org. They look forward to their second across families, teachers, and students. elementary students, building this year, which commences on Thursday, In the fall, the school will welcome particular set of skills enhances their September 4, 2014. new incoming pre-kindergarteners academic learning. and kindergartners, and it expands to For the upcoming school year, The Jane’s Walk – continued from page 1 first grade. The River School is grow- River School has expanded their en- ing and will reach full capacity to fifth richment staff to include a music minal & Empire State Building and So grade in 2018. and movement Residential!”, the walk attracted more Academically, teacher, in ad- than 25 people from other parts of the the school is fo- dition to their City as well as international tourists cused on build- STEAM Lab from Germany and Holland. ing high level teacher. The Walk leaders Paula and Barbara gave thinking and STEAM Lab will an enthusiastic and lively tour of our literacy skills continue to tie neighborhood with stories of some of through a bal- together several the famous people who have resided anced literacy disciplines: Sci- here including Franklin and Eleanor approach and ence, Technolo- Roosevelt, JP Morgan, Andy Warhol inquiry-based gy, Engineering, and of course Mary Murray herself. learning. This past year pre-kindergar- Art and Math. Notably this year, they Several of these notables from Mur- ten students engaged in interdisciplin- celebrated students’ enrichment learn- ray Hill’s past made an appearance in ary studies centered on topics such as ing at their Spring Music & Yoga Per- the form of stick masks delighting the construction, the human body, and formance, Pre-K Zoo Study and Kin- participants and bringing history alive the season of spring. The kindergart- dergarten STEAM Lab Expo, which again. Highlights of the tour included ners learned about the school and all celebrated student learning about the Union League Club, the DeLa- its parts, and then went on to study writer Eric Carle and butterflies. mar Mansion (Polish Consulate), the trees. At The River School, the topic Family engagement is a key piece to Morgan Library and Annex, the Robb of study is simply a vehicle for think- any successful school, and has been Mansion and Sniffen Court. In ad- ing, and usually launches with an ex- a longstanding tradition in Commu- dition, our walk leaders emphasized perience, provides opportunities to nity School District 2. To further en- the unique residential quality of Mur- ask questions, and ends with a project. hance parent partnerships, the school ray Hill and the role preservation has For example, the pre-k students visited will continue to host monthly Family played in protecting the neighborhood a neighboring construction site to in- Fridays (where families spend morn- from overdevelopment starting with terview workers, and later attended a ings in classrooms with their children the Murray Hill Restrictive Covenant tour of River Park Farm to learn about participating in a learning activities), of 1847 through the establishment and urban agriculture. The kindergarten PTA-sponsored events (this past year recent expansion of the Murray Hill students interviewed the architects was the well-attended River School Historic District. and project manager from the School PS 281 Spring Benefit), curriculum The weekend culminated on Sunday Construction Authority to understand night, family workshops, and family afternoon with a Jane’s Birthday Party how their school building was de- celebration at the Hester Street Fair to signed, and later made rounds to the toast the legacy of Jane Jacobs on what local parks to observe trees (specifi- would have been her 98th birthday. cally St. Vartan Park located just across Note: Barbara Sagan and Paula the street). Thompson each recently led a Murray The learning approach at the River Hill Historic Walking Tour for volun- School is also geared towards building teers of the Morgan Library. Watch emotional and social intelligence. The our website’s events page for future youngsters have been introduced to tours: www.murrayhillnyc.org. www.murrayhillnyc.org Murray Hill Neighborhood Association 15 Murray Hill in 1914

ow long can the Murray Hill and concerted action of all persons in- ough canvass has shown that very few restriction be preserved? This terested in the welfare of the Murray Hill are vacant. This number may be in- neighborhood in the Borough of Manhat- question has been asked hun- creased to about 400 houses, taking in H tan, City of New York, for the purpose of dreds of times within the last hundred preserving and promoting the residential those just outside the restricted area years, and it bobs up with stronger in- character of said neighborhood for the pur- and which depend to a large extent for sistence every time that a new commer- pose of enforcing the Murray Hill restric- their surroundings upon the charac- tive agreement, and for the purpose of pro- cial building rears its twelve or sixteen story head in the vicinity of those quiet blocks of dignified residences within the area bounded by Thirty-fourth and Thirty-eighth Streets, Madison and Lexington Avenues. Tenants in some of these huge trade buildings now look down upon the ar- tistic library and pleasant gardens in the J. Pierpont Morgan home plot. A few years ago the very suggestion that commercial outsiders could invade with impunity the time-honored pri- vacy of this select home region would have been regarded as sacrilege. Today the question is not how can the neigh- boring encroachments be prevented, but how can the invasion be kept from overleaping the boundaries of the re- stricted zone. It is fortunate for the residents that sixty-seven years ago the owners of the tract were far-sighted enough to place a strong restrictive clause upon their land, by which every owner covenant- ed to build nothing but private houses, excepting churches, and stables if con- nected with residences. To strengthen this restriction by a tecting and preserving said neighborhood ter of the Murray Hill zone. We hope firmer co-operation of the residents, from and against any proposals, plans, or to arouse so much esprit de corps in the Murray Hill Association has just schemes of any person or persons, corpo- the neighborhood that every tenant ration or corporations, whether public or formed and incorporated at Albany. private, designed or intended to promote in will feel a personal interest in the mat- Its Directors indicate that the organi- any manner any interest or purpose inimi- ter, regarding himself as a member of zation means to fight for its homes, if cal to the interests of said neighborhood, or a small residential community work- need be, even more strenuously than threatening or menacing in any degree its ing for the best interests of all. From residential character. has been necessary in the past. They our preliminary work we firmly believe are seven in number−J. P. Morgan, In addition, the association propos- that such a community of interest will William Church Osborn, Herbert Par- es to see that the streets and walks are result. sons, Warren Delano, George R. Shel- kept clean and in good condition; to don, William D. Guthrie, and Temple improve, when necessary, traffic con- They Show Much Loyalty. Bowdoin. Edmund L. Baylies is coun- ditions; to obtain proper policing, and “The residents of this old Mur- sel to the association. to work for any other improvements ray Hill region are very loyal to their The chief objects of the association which may benefit the neighborhood. home centre. Property seldom changes are thus set forth in the certificate of “There are in the immediate Murray hands, and many of the residents have incorporation: Hill restricted zone,” said Mr. Baylies, lived there so many years that they To secure the co-operation, association, “about 250 private houses and a thor- would not feel at home anywhere else. 16 Murray Hill Neighborhood Association 212-886-5867 Despite the encroachments of busi- ness, there are few removals tot he newer residential zones uptown. Un- like many other sections of New York, there is among the Murray Hill dwell- ers a genuine sentimental feeling for the old place, and this has been a pow- erful force in the past toward repelling threatened trade invasions. “The association, I am free to admit, is ready to go into the courts, if nec- essary, to maintain its rights. Indeed, a case is already pending before the Appellate Division. The association, in other words, will act as a wall to stop the advancing tide of commercialism before it swamps us.” From New York’s early days Mur- ray Hill has had an aristocratic fla- vor. Perhaps it is due to the fact that Bought for $62,000. town house in Pearl Street to ask for Robert Murray, an eminent Quaker of a contribution for a charitable cause. pre-Revolutionary days and one of the Murray Hill at that time was steeper than it is today. With much of the ad- Mr. Murray was writing at the time, town’s wealthiest shipping merchants, and two lighted candles were on his joining land, it formed part of the com- had his great country estate on Mur- desk. As he turned to greet his visi- mon lands of the city. Robert Murray ray Hill. The British soldiers are said tors, he blew out one candle. “We won’t at first leased his farm from the city, to have marched through his corn- get much here,” remarked one of the but in 1806 it was purchased by his field, now the site of the Grand Central women. Mr. Murray listened to the ap- son, John Murray, for $62,000. It con- Station. Or perhaps it may be due to peal, and then gave his check for $100. tained about thirty acres. One block of the first noteworthy party recorded in It was received with surprise, and the the old Murray farm today, the block history as having been held on Mur- woman who had made the remark told occupied by the Morgan houses, from ray Hill. That was when, on Sept. 15, of the expression she had used. 1776, Mrs. Mary Lindley Murray, wife Madison to Park Avenues, Thirty-sixth “That is the reason why I am able to of Robert Murray, entertained the Brit- and Thirty-seventh Streets, the greater let thee have $100,” replied the Quak- ish officers after they landed at Kip’s part of which is owned by Mr. Morgan, er. “It is by practicing economy that I Bay, near the foot of Thirty-fourth is assessed (the land alone) at over save up my money with which to do Street, from the Long Island shore, $3,250,000. little acts of charity.” supplying such an abundance of good The Murray country house, an im- wine and lively conversation that they posing residence in the Colonial style, The year 1847 was an important tarried long enough to give the retreat- stood near the corner of Park Avenue one for Murray Hill as in that year ing American forces time to escape and Thirty-sixth Street. It was burned the restrictive agreement was enacted from the lower part of the city to the in 1834. Robert Murray, the wealthy which as been fought for more strenu- Harlem Heights. Quaker, died in 1786, and his will, ously than any other restriction ever imposed upon a parcel of property in Thatcher, in his Revolutionary Jour- which is recorded in the Surrogates’ New York City. It embraced both sides nal, one of the authorities of the time, Office, leaves to his daughter Susan- of Thirty-fourth Street and the blocks says that “it has since become almost nah “my household estate on the farm to the north to Thirty-eighth Street, a common saying among our officers at Inclenbergh, which I hold from the only taking in the south side of that that Mrs. Murray saved this part of the City of New York.” street, bounded east by the Eastern American Army.” Before the Revolution Mr. Murray Post Road, now Lexington Avenue, and was one of five citizens who owned a In the old records the name In- on the west by the Middle Road, later private carriage. The Governor had clenbergh frequently appears. It is of absorbed into Madison Avenue. The one, as did Lieut. Gov. Colden, the oth- Dutch origin, and is supposed to sig- change of line of these old roads, when ers being Mrs. Alexander and Gerard nify Fire Beacon Hill, by which name the new thoroughfares according to Walton, the wealthy merchant of Pearl the eminence was know, from the fact the regular city plan were cut through, Street. It is said that Mr. Murray called that fire beacons were displayed there leaves most of the Lexington Avenue his carriage “my leather conveniency,” in Dutch times, to warn the inhabit- frontage outside of the restricted zone, to avoid scandal and vainglory. One ants of the city, several miles below, of and a portion of the Madison Avenue of his sons was Lindley Murray, the the approach of savage foes. front between Thirty-fourth and Thir- famous grammarian. Another son, Oliver Delancy, who joined the Brit- ty-fifth Streets. John, followed the father’s footsteps ish forces during the Revolution, had The fact that most of this block front as a successful merchant. a country home there before the Mur- lay outside of the restrictive agreement ray home, and a record of 1751 gives Although one of the richest men in led the court a few years ago to decide Mr. Delancy “leave to lay out a road all the city, the elder Murray was very in favor of the Cameron business build- around Inclamvenberg for the conve- economical, and a story is told how niency of riding around the same.” once tow ladies visited him in his Continued on page 18 www.murrayhillnyc.org Murray Hill Neighborhood Association 17 MH in 1914 - continued from page 17 with brown sandstone dressings, the color north, are owned by Jennie W. Delano, of which does not quite harmonize with the Justice F. M. Scott, Elizabeth T. Nich- yellowish gray of the walls. A conservatory ing, on the northeast corner of Madi- and various offices extend to the left; there ols, Edward W. Sheldon, Anna V. Jen- son Avenue and Thirty-fourth Street, is also a Gothic cottage lodge on the north nings, and Kate W. Winthrop. the first big trade invasion within the side of the garden, of which, and of the whole The first serious effort to break into zone, and which was bitterly fought by the late J. Pierpont Morgan and his associates. There was a northward resi- dential movement soon after the restriction went into effect. One of the early homes was an impos- ing house on Madison Avenue, between Thirtieth and Thirty- first Streets, just below Murray Hill. It was erected by Jacob Van- derpoel, and Valentine’s Manual for 1859 published a picture of it, saying: This entire section of the city is being rapidly converted into the court end of the town and is beautified by costly and elegant residences oc-

enue, on the east side, between Thirty- sixth and Thirty-seventh Streets, and erected three fine houses. The south- ernmost house, that on the Thirty- sixth Street corner, was later the home of Walter William Phelps, and it was bought by the late J. Pierpont Morgan in 1886 for about $215,000. The price was called excessive at the time. It was Mr. Morgan’s first purchase in the block, and the house became his home. About ten years ago he ac- quired the other two houses, on the Thir- ty-seventh Street corner, becoming the home of his son, while the Stokes cupied by many of our principal house, in the middle citizens. It is but a few years since that cultivated fields extended far of the block, was below the site here indicated. torn down and the Another house of generous land used for a gar- proportions and social dis- den. Before that, in tinction was the Waddington 1900, Mr. Morgan increased Wadell mansion at Fifth Av- his holdings on Thirty-sixth enue and Thirty-seventh Street, where Street, and on this plot his the Brick Church now stands. In 1854 ground, a fine view is obtained from the ter- library building, which houses the race of the Croton Reservoir, while two or a writer in Putnam’s Monthly said: Morgan book collection, was built. Ad- three old trees still standing in the garden on joining the library is the residence of It may be called a suburban villa and is that side add to the semi-rural character to Mr. & Mrs. Herbert Satterlee, the lat- remarkable for being inclosed in its own gar- the edifice. den ground, which is as high as the original ter being Mr. Morgan’s daughter. In level of the island and descends by sloping Among the pioneer residents in the the rear of the library, fronting on the grass banks to the grade of the street. The restricted Murray Hill zone were J. J. south side of Thirty-seventh Street, is general composition and effect are pictur- Phelps, William E. Dodge, and Isaac esque and commendable, notwithstanding the residence of Charles Lanier. The an occasional want of character and correct- N. Phelps Stokes, who about 1856, six dwellings on the Park Avenue side ness in details. It is build of brick, stuccoed, bought the block front on Madison Av- of the block, from Thirty-sixth Street 18 Murray Hill Neighborhood Association 212-886-5867 the Murray Hill restriction occurred for they went ahead and finished the ers agreeing to take it provided the several years ago, when apartment big structure before the final decision church officers would defend a suit houses were erected on the south side of the case. Instead of being ordered to break the Murray Hill restriction, of Thirty-fourth Street, at the Lex- to tear it down, the referee, Charles F. so that the buyers might erect a ten- ington Avenue corner, adjoining the Brown, decided in favor of the busi- story apartment house on the corner. Seventy-first Regiment Armory. It was ness invaders, but he only did so be- The suit has been taken to the Appel- something new for Murray Hill, and cause it was clearly shown that the late Division on the agreement of both some tenants raised considerable op- Cameron Building covered but a frac- sides to the questions of fact, and it is position. There were no Morgan or tions of the restricted area. The old expected that argument on the techni- other influential interests then ready line of the Middle Road, which was cal question of whether a big apart- to fight anything that did not fulfill the just east of the present line of Madison ment is a private residence or not will strictest meaning of the private home Avenue, took the greater part of that be heard within a short time. In some agreement, and the apartment houses Thirty-fourth Street corner out of the cases apartment houses have been were completed without legal difficulty. restricted area. held as coming within the definition Moreover, Thirty-fourth Street was an of a private home. The Murray Hill active crosstown thoroughfare with a Another Court Battle. residents in the upper part of the zone horse-car line. It was not as important About a year after the decision of the feel that a towering apartment would as it has become in recent years, but Cameron Building case the Murray be practically as bad as a commercial little by little the presence of the sur- Hill residents found that they had an- building. face cars weakened the residential fea- other enemy to deal with, and after How jealously the guardians of the tures of the street within the Murray a legal battle they won. The stable at district are protecting their type of Hill zone. It is interesting to bear this 126 East Thirty-eighth Street, near single family houses was illustrated in mind, for within the last three years, the Lexington Avenue corner, had been in the effort made by George F. Baker especially since the opening of the big leased to a milk company. The stable and his son, who live just north of the Vanderbilt Hotel, the two blocks of was owned by the widow of the late restricted zone on Madison Avenue, Thirty-fourth Street between Lexington Collis P. Huntington, now Mrs. Archer to prevent the erection of a tall apart- and Madison Avenues have assumed a M. Huntington, and suit was brought ment house on the northwest corner decided business appearance. against her by some of the residents, of Madison Avenue and Thirty-eighth Is Not Restricted. on the ground that the milk concern Street. The Bakers, it is said, spent was engaged in business. The busi- over $1,000,000 to maintain the an- Before the Vanderbilt Hotel was started ness, moreover, was of a very annoying cient privacy of that neighborhood. it was intimated that legal action would character, as it was shown that several Over five years ago a syndicate of op- be instituted by the guardians of Mur- thousand bottles were washed and erators bought the large corner, tore ray Hill against it. The hotel work went filled at night and that big milk wagons down the buildings and filed plans for right along. No effort has been made began to arrive soon after 2 o’clock in an apartment house. To block the plan to keep business out of the Thirty- the morning. Mr. Baker, Jr. bought the corner. fourth Street restricted blocks, as it is The Murray Hill guardians had ev- On the upper part of the same block evidently recognized that the business erything in their favor in this case, for are the two Baker residences, and they character of that thoroughfare and the they were able to show that the neigh- considered that a big apartment would Fifth Avenue blocks to the west have ef- borhood was purely one of private destroy the character of the block. Mr. fectually disposed of the restriction so Baker hoped that one or more wealthy far as it applies to that street. homes. Justice Leventritt, who wrote the opinion which ousted the milk residents interested in Murray Hill Although many of the old houses on business from Murray Hill, took this would buy the corner for a large home. Thirty-fourth Street have been convert- view of the case, while at the same time It was thought at one time that George ed into trade, only one modern build- apparently admitting that in Thirty- W. Perkins would purchase the plot, ing of the office and loft type has gone fourth Street the restriction could not but he decided to go elsewhere. up, the twelve-story Cameron Building be upheld. For over three years this $1,000,000 on the northeast corner of Madison This case materially strengthened corner, fronting 1000 feet on Madison Avenue and Thirty-fourth Street. The Avenue, being half of the block front erection of this building was the rud- the restrictive force, and it seems probable that it will be some time be- and 75 feet on Thirty-eighth Street re- est commercial shock that the district mained vacant. Then, evidently giving ever experienced. The matter was in fore business again attempts to invade the area from the north. up the idea that any one would build the courts for over three years and fi- there, especially as the corner did not But the Murray Hill guardians now nally resulted in a victory for the Cam- have the benefit of the restrictive agree- have another case to fight, and it af- erons. Sarah C. Goodhue, who resided ment, Mr. Baker had a professional fects what has for years been one of in the Madison Avenue house adjoin- four-story building erected which, ing the building applied for an injunc- the choice corners of the district−the while a business structure, is of such tion against the erection of the struc- southeast corner of Madison Avenue a nature a so simple and artistic in ap- ture in 1908 and soon after she was and Thirty-eighth Street, occupied by pearance that it does not give offense joined by the late J. Pierpont Morgan, the old South Reformed Church. This to Murray Hill. his son, Mrs. Morris K. Jesup, John church has long been a landmark. A E. Parsons, Charles Lanier, and Mrs. few years ago the church moved to Mary A. Hoyt. Park Avenue and Eighty-fifth Street to The Camerons were bolder build- a new building. Published: June 7, 1914 ers than the usual class of operators, The old property was sold, the buy- Copyright © The New York Times www.murrayhillnyc.org Murray Hill Neighborhood Association 19 Murray Hill Neighborhood Association PRSRT STD Post Office Box 1897 US Postage Murray Hill Station PAID New York, NY 10156-1897 Permit No 3913 New York, NY

What’s New at Murray Hill’s Metropolitan Synagogue

Cantor Nancy Bach is now serving her second year at the Marketing. Nancy grew up in Manhattan, attended the Metropolitan Synagogue as Cantor and Director of the Nightingale-Bamford School for 12 years, and received her Hebrew Home Studies program, having received her Can- B.A. in Semiotics, with a focus on Theater and Music, from torial Ordination from the Debbie Friedman School of Sa- Brown University. Cantor Bach is expecting her first child in cred Music at Hebrew Union College in Spring 2013. Until the Fall of 2013. Learn more at: http://www.metropolitan- very recently, she proudly served as Student Cantor, and the synagogue.org/about.php#cantor sole Cantorial presence, at the Brooklyn Heights Synagogue Metropolitan Synagogue High Holiday Services (BHS) from 2010-2013. At BHS, she tutored all the B’nei Mitzvah students, led services, taught in the classroom, offi- Rosh Hashana September 24-25 2014 ciated at Life-Cycle events and led a number of collaborative September 24: Erev Rosh Hashana: 7:30 pm worship and cultural programs. September 25: Morning of Rosh Hashana: 10:00 am Nancy loves the work of creating meaningful teaching and Yom Kippur October 3-4 2014 worship experiences. Both on the bimah and through her October 3: Kol Nidre: 7:30 pm love of teaching children and adults in the classroom, Nancy October 4: Morning of Yom Kippur: 10:00 am brings her voice and a sense of creativity, joy and rigor which Yizkor: 5:00-5:30 pm she hopes will always instill welcoming and connection with Neilah: 5:30 pm the teachings of Judaism, and help us reach both within as Break Fast 6:15 pm individuals and out to each other as a wider community. Services will take place at Metropolitan Synagogue, located Nancy also does a fair amount of work with unaffiliated Jews at The Community Church, 40 East 35th Street (between in Manhattan and Brooklyn, and takes great pride and care Park and Madison). There is a suggested donation of $125 in fostering Jewish connections with people who come from per holiday. a variety of backgrounds and experiences. If interested in attending services please contact the Metro- Prior to the Brooklyn Heights Synagogue, Nancy worked at politan Synagogue by email at inquiries@metropolitansyna- The Stephen Wise Free Synagogue, Hebrew Tabernacle Con- gogue.org or call us at (212) 679-8580 gregation and Central Synagogue in Manhattan. At Central Everyone who wants to attend must be registered ahead of Synagogue, she will be teaching an Introduction to Judaism time. Payment is accepted at the door but you must be on class for students interested in possibly converting to Juda- the list to attend. ism in the 2013-14 season. Nancy has also served as Student Cantor at Congregation Children of Israel in Augusta, GA. She loves to run, do yoga, cook, ski and see as much theater SAVE THE DATE as she can. Before beginning her Cantorial studies, Nancy Wednesday, Sept, 17, 2014, 12 - 2 pm worked in the fields of Musical Theater and Corporate Arts 10th Anniversary Celebration of LIBRARY WAY New York Public Library, Fifth Avenue & 41st Street SAVE THE DATE Celebrating the installation of 96 Bronze Plaques, on 41st Street, Park Avenue to Fifth Avenue, MHNA ANNUAL MEETING with quotes by famous authors. September 18, 2014, 7:00 pm FREE and open to the public. ARMENIAN EVANGELICAL CHURCH See more information on pg. # 13 152 East 34th Street Sponsored by Grand Central Partnership, New York (between Lexington and Third Avenues) Public Library and Murray Hill Neighborhood Association.