# NYC Area Dopers October 8th & 9th get together
**URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nyc-area-dopers-october-8th-9th-get-together/321798
**Category:** Miscellaneous and Personal Stuff I Must Share
**Created:** [September 15, 2005, 3:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nyc-area-dopers-october-8th-9th-get-together/321798 "2005-09-15T15:48:46Z")
**Posts on this page:** 14
**Page:** 2
### Author:  [@saramamalana](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/saramamalana)
#### Post date: [September 19, 2005, 4:12am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nyc-area-dopers-october-8th-9th-get-together/321798/21 "2005-09-19T04:12:03Z")
This is driving me nuts!
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### Author:  [@saramamalana](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/saramamalana)
#### Post date: [September 19, 2005, 4:13am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nyc-area-dopers-october-8th-9th-get-together/321798/22 "2005-09-19T04:13:25Z")
Crap. Wrong thread.
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### Author:  [@Draelin](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Draelin)
#### Post date: [September 19, 2005, 12:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nyc-area-dopers-october-8th-9th-get-together/321798/23 "2005-09-19T12:47:57Z")
> [@saramamalana](#):
>
> Crap. Wrong thread.
But now I’m intrigued. 🙂
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### Author:  [@Zebra](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Zebra)
#### Post date: [September 21, 2005, 11:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nyc-area-dopers-october-8th-9th-get-together/321798/24 "2005-09-21T23:53:17Z")
Holy Cow! There are tons of places open to the public for tours.
[Here is the full list.](http://www.ohny.org/ohny_website/programs.html)
Lets see there is
**The Little Red Lighthouse**
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> Sat:10am-1pm, last entry 12:45pm
> Sun:10am-1pm, last entry 12:45pm
> regular tours, max 15 at a time
> architect: unknown, 1880
> The Little Red Lighthouse and the Great Gray Bridge was such a popular children’s book that fans campaigned to save the structure when it was threatened with demolition. Explore the lighthouse’s interior and take in the views of the George Washington Bridge and Hudson River.
**The Arsenal**
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> The castle-like headquarters of the NYC Parks Department bears military symbols around its entry that recall its martial origins, while WPA murals are featured in the lobby. The roof garden offers splendid views of the Central Park Zoo and Fifth Avenue.
**The Art Deco Walking Tour**
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> Sun:9:40am-12pm
> walking tour 9:40am-noon, reserve in advance: 212.679.3326 opendialogue: Tour guide Fred Cookinham is a noted expert on Kahn’s architecture., max 25 at a time
> architect: Ely Jacques Kahn
> Architect, Ely Jacques Kahn (1884-1972) was instrumental in defining Art Deco style in Manhattan. Explore more than a dozen projects including Two Park Avenue, where Kahn practiced for 40 years. A post-tour lunch at Dewey’s Flatiron Restaurant is optional, 5th Avenue at 25th Street. Tour organized by the Art Deco Society of New York in cooperation with openhousenewyork.
**The Carlton Hotel**
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> Sun:tours at 12:30pm & 1:30pm
> opendialogue: tours led by restoration architect Gregory Stanford; reserve in advance: 212.463.0334 or email [jgoneconti@rockwellgroup.com](mailto:jgoneconti@rockwellgroup.com), max 12 at a time
> architect: Rockwell Group (renovation of three lower levels), 2005
> services: access for wheelchairs, restrooms available, food/beverages
> Elements of the original Beaux-Arts architecture have been restored in the redesign of the restaurant, lobby, bar, lounge, and exterior facade. In addition to the preservation of an antique revolving door, mosaic flooring and a Tiffany-style skylight, bronze handrails and antique mirrors maintain the tradition of this grand hotel, with contemporary counterpoints mixed in.
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Cathedral of St John the Divine\*\*
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> Sat:9am-5pm
> Sun:9am-5pm
> Gothic Gotham tour Sat at 10:30am, Highlight tour Sat at 11am & Sun at 1pm; limited access during morning services
> architect: Heins & La Farge, 1892-1911; Cram & Ferguson, 1911-1942
> services: access for wheelchairs, restrooms available
> The world’s largest cathedral with Gothic, Romanesque, Renaissance & Norman architecture. Over 150 stained glass windows highlighting human endeavors in the arts, education, medicine, sports, etc. A work in progress - towers and transepts are still unfinished - preservation is part of its mission.
**Chelsea Market**
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> The former Nabisco factory (where the Oreo was invented) has been transformed into an arcade of culinary and artistic delights. The design pays witty homage to the site’s industrial origins in its design, materials and collection of art and sculpture.
**The Chrysler Building**
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> opendialogue: Robert Klara, freelance historical writer and managing editor of Architecture magazine, will lead informal discussions at 11am, 12pm, 1pm, 2pm & 3pm both days. , max 75 at a time
> architect: Willaim Van Alen, 1930
> services: access for wheelchairs, restrooms available
> The world’s tallest building when completed 75 years ago soars more than a quarter mile high. It is considered one of the finest examples of the Art Deco style and was recently restored back to its original 1930s splendor. The intricately designed marble-and-steel lobby features one of the largest ceiling murals in the world: Edward Trumbull’s “Transport and Human Endeavor.” Organized by Tishman Speyer in cooperation with openhousenewyork.
**Prince George Hotel**
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> Sat from 10am-11am Interior Designer Jamie Drake will be onsite to discuss his work restoring the gallery and Neo- Renaissance ballroom inside one of Manhattan’s grand gathering spaces.
> architect: Howard Greenly, 1904-1911; restoration Beyer Blinder Belle Architects and Planners LLP, interior by Jamie Drake Design Associates, gallery by Parsons The New School for Design, design/build project, 2005
> services: access for wheelchairs
> Once one of midtown Manhattan’s grand gathering spaces, the newly-restored gallery and Neo-Renaissance Ballroom offer a glimpse into New York City’s past.
**Elderidge St. Synagogue**
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> Sun:11am-4pm, last entry 3:45pm
> tours at 11am, 12pm, 1pm, 2pm & 3pm; reserve in advance: 212.219.0888 x206, max 50 at a time
> architect: Herter Brothers, 1887
> services: restrooms available, bookshop/gift shop
> Constructed in 1887, Eldridge Street Synagogue is among the first synagogues in America built by Eastern European Jews. Currently undergoing restoration, this National Historic Landmark is a combination of Moorish, Gothic & Romanesque styles and features stained-glass windows, murals and skylights.
\*\*Ellis Island South Side \*\*
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> For the first time, the public is invited to tour the grounds of the abandoned Ellis Island hospital where 1 million immigrants were treated between 1900-1954. Wear sturdy, closed-toed shoes. No children under age 16 will be permitted.
**Governors Island**
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> Sat:tours at 10am, 12pm & 2pm, last entry 2pm
> Sun:tours at 10am, 12pm & 2pm, max 135, last entry 2pm
> architect: various, 1800-1934
> services: access for wheelchairs, restrooms available, bookshop/gift shop
> Located in the heart of New York Harbor, this 92-acre island housed military installations from 1776-1996. The island is currently under study for redevelopment for public use and boasts spectacular views and several landmarks such as Fort Jay, a five-bastioned fort begun in the 1790s, Castle Williams completed in 1811, and Victorian architecture dating back to the turn of the 19th century.
**Grand Central Terminal**
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> Sat:10am-5pm, last entry 4pm
> Sun:10am-5pm, last entry 4pm
> tours every hour on the hour; opendialogue: Sat at 10am & 12pm architect Frank Prial of beyer Blinder Belle Architects will lead 90-minute tours exploring the issues and stories surrounding the preservation and restoration, reserve in advance: [ohny@BBBarch.com](mailto:ohny@BBBarch.com), max 25 at a time
> architect: Warren and Wetmore, Reed and Stern, 1913; renovated 1998
> services: access for wheelchairs, restrooms available, food/beverages, bookshop/gift shop
> Almost lost to the wrecking ball in the 1960s, Grand Central Hall was completely restored to its original splendor in 1998. Tours will reveal the Beaux-Arts terminal’s rich architectural details, history and secrets.
**Grand Lodge of the Masons**
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> Sat:10am-5pm
> regular tours
> architect: Bro. Harry Percy Knowles, 1910
> services: restrooms available
> The lavishly decorated rooms in this Freemasons meeting place reflect the organization’s colorful past. Murals, furniture and icons on display describe the history and mission of this ancient institution.
**High Bridge Water Tower**
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> Sat:11am-3pm, last entry 2:30pm
> Sun:11am-3pm, last entry 2:30pm
> architect: John B. Jervis, 1872
> services: restrooms available
> Once a water pressure equalizing structure, this romantic Neo-Gothic tower overlooks the Harlem River. Climb its winding iron stair-case to enjoy the panoramic vistas of Manhattan and the Bronx.
> subway: 1 to 168th St.; C to 163rd St.
**The High Line** (future park)
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> Sat:11am-4pm
> Sun:12pm-4pm
> opendialogue: talks on Sat by historian Mary Habstritt at 12pm and co-founder, Robert Hammond at 2pm; talks on Sun by designers at 12pm and co-founder, Joshua David at 2pm, max 20 at a time
> 1930s
> services: access for wheelchairs
> Groundbreaking is scheduled for late 2005 to convert this disused, elevated rail line to public open space. View the line from the loft gallery of the Phillips, de Pury & Co. auction house. Organized by Friends of the High Line in cooperation with openhousenewyork.
**Jefferson Market Branch Library Tower**
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> regular tours, max 15 at a time
> architect: Frederick Clarke Withers and Calvert Vaux, 1875-76
> This exuberant Venetian Gothic design was originally built as a courthouse and converted into a library in the 1960s. Climb 149 steps to the top of the tower for 360-degree views of the West Village.
**John J Harvey Fireboat**
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> Sun:12pm-5pm
> depart Pier 63 for Pier 40 at 12pm, 2pm & 4pm; depart Pier 40 for Pier 63 at 1pm, 3pm & 4:30pm, max 60 at a time
> architect: Henry J. Gielow, Naval Architect, 1931
> services: restrooms available, bookshop/gift shop
> Come aboard the first large, modern fireboat in America. The heroic vessel is in near-original condition. See the deck, pilothouse, crew quarters, engine room and more.
And those are just some of the events in Manhattan!
The tours are on both Saturday and Sunday and it looks like most of them start on the hour or so. I like the warning for the Ellis Island South Side tour.
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### Author:  [@Eve](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Eve)
#### Post date: [September 22, 2005, 12:24am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nyc-area-dopers-october-8th-9th-get-together/321798/25 "2005-09-22T00:24:38Z")
Ooooh, the Ellis Island one does sound cool! Which day is that, what time, and where to meet?
(I’ve actually done the hell out of most of the NYC sites already . . . used to work right near Grand Central and the Chrysler Building).
Why no historical Times Square tour? Hell, I could give that; I’m always leading people on my “What Used to Be There” tour of Times Square.
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### Author:  [@Zebra](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Zebra)
#### Post date: [September 22, 2005, 12:54am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nyc-area-dopers-october-8th-9th-get-together/321798/26 "2005-09-22T00:54:56Z")
Ellis Island does sound great. I’ve never been in the Chrysler Building. I wonder if they take you ‘backstage’ so to speak at Grand Central?
And the Fire Boat. I wonder if I can play with the fire hose?
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### Author:  [@Little\_Nemo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Little_Nemo)
#### Post date: [September 22, 2005, 4:33am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nyc-area-dopers-october-8th-9th-get-together/321798/27 "2005-09-22T04:33:06Z")
Eve, there is a Times Square tour.
Another vote for Ellis Island.
I already tried to get a Governor’s Island group together so that’s a good one.
And it’s sounds like the last chance to see the High Line.
The Arsenal, Brooklyn Navy Yard, the Carlton, Chelsea Market, Floyd Bennett Field, Fort Tilden, the Library Tower, Pratt Institute, the Public Library, St John’s and Temple Emanu-El all sound interesting.
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### Author:  [@lurkernomore](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/lurkernomore)
#### Post date: [September 22, 2005, 2:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nyc-area-dopers-october-8th-9th-get-together/321798/28 "2005-09-22T14:41:28Z")
\
> [@](#):
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> The world’s tallest building when completed 75 years ago soars more than a quarter mile high.
Um, no… It is a more stylish buuilding than most skyscrapers, but it is just short of a fifth.
[http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/buildingbig/wonder/structure/chrysler.html](http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/buildingbig/wonder/structure/chrysler.html)
The first quarter mile tall one was the late lamented Trade Towers.
But at least the Chrysler, while stylish, was not not risking being blown down by a 70 mph wind like the Citicorp center…
[http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/buildingbig/wonder/structure/citicorp.html](http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/buildingbig/wonder/structure/citicorp.html)
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### Author:  [@Little\_Nemo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Little_Nemo)
#### Post date: [September 26, 2005, 6:06am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nyc-area-dopers-october-8th-9th-get-together/321798/29 "2005-09-26T06:06:25Z")
Is there any plan yet on people meeting? At the minimum if people are going to the same destination we should try to arrange to all go on the same tour. Or if people are going on different tours, maybe arrange to meet for a meal.
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### Author:  [@Zebra](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Zebra)
#### Post date: [September 26, 2005, 3:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nyc-area-dopers-october-8th-9th-get-together/321798/30 "2005-09-26T15:31:31Z")
Well, many people have said they liked the Ellis Island tour.
> [@](#):
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> 50 Ellis Island’s South Side
> Information Desk, Ellis Island Immigration Museum, Ellis Island
> Sat:tours at 9:30am, 11am, 12:30pm, 2pm, 3:30pm
> Sun:ours at 9:30am, 11am, 12:30pm, 2pm, 3:30pm
> reserve in advance for tours: 212.363.3200 x580; opendialogue: 1-hour talks on the Immigration Museum’s renovation by John Belle of Beyer Blinder Belle on Sat at 11am & 2pm, meet at the Information desk, reserve in advance: [ohny@BBBarch.com](mailto:ohny@BBBarch.com), max 20 at a time
> services: restrooms available, food/beverages, bookshop/gift shop
> For the first time, the public is invited to tour the grounds of the abandoned Ellis Island hospital where 1 million immigrants were treated between 1900-1954. Wear sturdy, closed-toed shoes. No children under age 16 will be permitted.
> subway: 4, 5 to Bowling Green; 1 to South Ferry; N, R to Whitehall St.
> bus: M1, M6, M15
> other transportation: Statue of Liberty Ferry from Battery Park, for ticket purchase information visit: [www.circlelinedowntown.com/statueferry.html](http://www.circlelinedowntown.com/statueferry.html)
> [www.nps.gov/stli](http://www.nps.gov/stli)
> map
I would vote for Saturday for the 11:00 am and then we can have lunch afterwards. I’ll call and make the reservation but I need an number of people that would like to go.
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### Author:  [@Little\_Nemo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Little_Nemo)
#### Post date: [September 26, 2005, 4:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nyc-area-dopers-october-8th-9th-get-together/321798/31 "2005-09-26T16:30:08Z")
Okay, count me in on the Saturday 11 am tour.
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### Author:  [@saramamalana](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/saramamalana)
#### Post date: [September 27, 2005, 2:38am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nyc-area-dopers-october-8th-9th-get-together/321798/32 "2005-09-27T02:38:21Z")
I’m in class on Saturdays until 3:15 but I’ll be sticking around to go to a friend’s party later that night. If you all are sticking around until the afternoon or doing something at night, perhaps I can drop in.
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### Author:  [@saramamalana](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/saramamalana)
#### Post date: [September 27, 2005, 2:41am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nyc-area-dopers-october-8th-9th-get-together/321798/33 "2005-09-27T02:41:52Z")
That is, I’m in class at Fordham, so sticking around = already being in the city. There we go.
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### Author:  [@Zebra](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Zebra)
#### Post date: [September 27, 2005, 3:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nyc-area-dopers-october-8th-9th-get-together/321798/34 "2005-09-27T15:50:12Z")
Email me and I’ll give you my cell number.
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