The Rockefeller family contributed a lot to US history. When you hear their name you think of Rockefeller Center but from museum wings, historic mansions, state parks, public policy, etc – they are there.
Along one of our favorite walking paths, the Old Croton Aqueduct trail, lies Rockefeller State Park Preserve. Continue reading
We first learned about The Old Croton Aqueduct Historic State Park on the MTA’s one day getaways section. It’s no longer listed on their website. It spans from Croton Dam in Westchester County and use to go all the way down to the NY Public Library on 42nd Street. Continue reading
This is one of the easiest trails we can get to by public transport (Metro North). The old Croton Aqueduct Trail runs from Croton Dam to Yonkers. It goes through backyards, parking lots, and in some areas it’s just you, the trees and the occasional walker, jogger, biker. It’s a nice change of pace from the hustle of the city. Continue reading
On April 24, 1913, President Woodrow Wilson turned the lights on in the Woolworth building with the push of a button while he was in Washington DC. They thought electricity was a fad so the building is wired for electric and gas power. Continue reading
Congregation Mickve Israel is home to the 3rd oldest Jewish congregation in the USA. It’s a Gothic style synagogue and has a churchy kind of feel. Savannah was originally created as a buffer between the Spanish south and English north, meaning it was mainly created for defense. Olgethorpe, the founder didn’t plan on taking in more colonists but they needed a doctor. On July 11 1733, the William and Sarah ship carrying 40 or so Jewish passengers and Dr. Samuel Nunez landed. They were allowed to stay against the wishes of the London Trustees. Continue reading
Untermyer Gardens is an obscure gem. I learned about them when I started looking into walking trails accessible by public transportion. Untermyer lies along the Old Croton Aqueduct Trail. It was mentioned on the map so we decided to check it out and we were very pleased. Continue reading
Savannah escaped burning during the Civil War but that doesn’t mean it didn’t leave scars. Colonial Park Cemetery became the campground for General Sherman’s troops. The Union soldiers looted and desecrated the grounds. It was established about 1750. Continue reading
These Yankees have been charmed by sweet Savannah. There’s so much history buried and thriving in that city. Southern hospitality gives it that extra special something. Food is amazing. The preservationists worked hard at keeping their history intact and it shows. That’s what Victor and I loved. NYC has a lot of history but our real estate is so valuable that very little gets saved and becomes more commercial by the day. We’re finding that we have to go to other places to find what we’re missing. Continue reading
This is the reason why we flew to Savannah – Bonaventure Cemetery.
We learned cemetery enthusiasts have a name – taphophiles.
Originally we planned on taking a cab to the cemetery so we could take our time and take pictures but we decided a tour would be less headache. We booked a tour with Dash Tours. (Looks like Don Teuton moved to another tour company called Bonaventure Don, click here for link.) We had the pleasure of meeting Don Teuton, a 5th generation Savannahian, future resident at the cemetery and a stickler for history. If you have a question about Savannah and it’s inhabitants or history, then he’s the guy to go to. He was also friends with Danny Hansford, a man who met an unfortunate end that was documented in Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil. I have to read the book. I tried watching the movie but it was too slow for me. But the book cover photo of bird girl. She’s the reason why I’ve been wanting to visit for years. Continue reading
Savannah, Georgia is one of the most haunted cities in America. There are more dead than living in the city. There used to be a lot of cemeteries but due to erosion and development, many have been lost to history.
We didn’t know what to expect. We booked this trip on a whim to see a cemetery and decided to do something a little different – a ghost tour. This is how we met Adam from Philly, a SCAD (Savannah College of Art and Design) graduate, and tour guide with Blur Orb Tours. Continue reading
Jebus Mews & Andrea 