Another High Bridge Has Been Located

Over a decade ago, on January 15, 2013, to be more precise, we noted on this blog an entry on other bridges with the same name as our High Bridge here in New York.  We have now located yet another bridge with the namesake of our beloved New York High Bridge, but this one is located in Spokane, Washington.  Just like our High Bridge here in New York, the Spokane High Bridge is located at High Bridge Park.  If you are interested in learning more about this bridge and its namesake park, you can find more information here.

Last Call at Coogan's Bar - The Life and Death of a Neighborhood Bar by Jon Michaud

 

The uniquely inspiring story of our beloved neighborhood bar that united the communities it served. Coogan's Bar and Restaurant opened in New York City's Washington Heights in 1985 and closed its doors for good in the pandemic spring of 2020. Sometimes called Uptown City Hall, it became a staple of neighborhood life during its 35 years in operation--a place of safety and a bulwark against prejudice in our multi-ethnic, majority-immigrant community undergoing rapid change. Last Call at Coogan's by Jon Michaud tells the story of this beloved saloon, from the challenging years of the late 80's and early 90's, when Washington Heights suffered from the highest crime rate in the city, to the 2010's, when gentrification pushed out longtime residents and nearly closed Coogan's itself; only a massive community mobilization including local politicians and Lin-Manuel Miranda kept the doors open. This book touches on many serious issues facing the country today: race relations, policing, gentrification, and the COVID-19 pandemic. Along the way, readers will meet the bar's owners and an array of its most colorful regulars, such as an aspiring actor from Kentucky who dreams of bringing a theater company to Washington Heights, a television reporter who loves karaoke, and a Puerto Rican community board manager who falls in love with an Irish cop from the local precinct. At its core, this is the story of one small business in Washington Heights, the people who worked there, the customers they served, and the community they all called home. 

Last Call at Coogan's was much more than just another nonfiction book about a neighborhood bar. It takes the reader through more than three decades of history about Washington Heights and the changes in the area, ranging from gang crime, crack drug use bordering on epidemic, and finishing with a social phenomenon almost as pernicious as those: gentrification. When the bar was on the ropes because its evil landlord, New York Presbyterian Hospital, raised their rent from $7,000 a month to $40,000 a month, the area came to the bars aid, pressuring the hospital, void of any conscience and hard-pressed to explain its not for profit status, to raise the rent to a much lower amount allowing them to survive another three years. Finally, the evil that finally put the last nail in Coogan's coffin was the same evil that did many businesses (and people) in: covid 19. The book is a tribute to the people who both ran Coogan's and those who patronized the bar. All of them were family, the Coogan's family. 

The book was published in June 2023 by St. Martin's Press.

A New Stereoview of the High Bridge

Thisissss

An Homage to the High Bridge at 175 years by Duane Bailey-Castro for Untapped New York

If you press the start button for the above Vimeo video you will see Duane Baily-Castro's short time lapse celebration video to the 175th Anniversary of the Aqueduct High Bridge here in New York City which will be going on this month. This video is part of a very good article in Untapped New York: HOW TO CELEBRATE THE 175TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE HIGH BRIDGE, NYC’S OLDEST SPAN. Just click on the link here and you will find it.

HAPPY 175 !!!!!

The number 175 seems to be a very important number up in Washington Heights this week.

First of all, today is the celebration of the 175th anniversary of the High Bridge.  It was on July 4, 1848, that the opening of the High Bridge was celebrated. That was a very different time and the High Bridge looked very different at that time.  

There was no steel span over the Harlem River as you see the bridge today. Rather, it was the stone arches that continued across the river. It wasn't until the 1920s that a number of the stone arches were removed in order to allow for improved navigation on the Harlem River for maritime traffic.

Also, there were only two tubes for water to cross the river on the bridge.  The third tube which sits on top of and between the first two tubes wasn't added until the 1860s.  It was at that time that the stone walls on the edge of the bridge were incorporated into the bed to carry the new water line.  Upon completion of the third line, the brick herringbone pattern on the deck and the railings were installed.

In addition to the High Bridge celebration this week, we are also honored to host the Tony Awards at the Palace Theater at the corner of Broadway and 175th Street on Sunday, June 11.  There is excitement in the air.  Workers are sprucing up Broadway in the area and there are hopes that this will lead to a revival of the area as a destination for both New Yorkers and the millions of visitors that come to New York each year.

We, of course, are hoping that the visitors will stroll along Broadway and down 175th Street to Highbridge Park and continue their stroll across the Highbridge and take in the magnificent views.

"The High Bridge" Lithograph by D. Buchner & Co.

 

Recently discovered Trading Card issued by D. Buchner & Co. as part of the promotion of its chewing tobacco products, from series N287, entitled New York City Scenes, dated ca. 1888. Produced by Gust Lithography & Engraving Co., New York lithographers, on card stock.  Size 4" x 2 1/2" 

The Highbridge Silver Mining Company

 I ran across this Silver Mining Company Certificate recently.   It bears no relationship, I think, to the Highbridge, which is the subject of interest of this blog.  However, I did find some curious points that I have yet to explain.

First, the Highbridge Silver Mining Company of Nevada was organized in the State of New York in1868. Curiously, both the President and the Secretary of the Company were also located in New York State.  Of further interest is the fact that the Highbridge Mine was located near Manhattan, Nevada, which is located in Nye County.

The mine was only active for a short period of time and is not currently producing any output.

Was this connection of the Mine to the Highbridge in Manhattan, NY coincidental, or, was it motivated by the owners residing in New York?

I think we will be waiting a long time to find the answer to this question.

Invitation to the Ribbon Cutting Cerimony of the Restoration of the Highbridge Water Tower

Activities at Highbridge Park October 15 -- November 15, 2021

Dear Friends of Highbridge Park, Happy Autumn! We hope you are enjoying the recently reopened areas of Laurel Hill Terrace that were restored as part of the $30M Highbridge Anchor Parks Project; the 100 year old staircase at Laurel Hill and 183rd Street as well as the restored mid-level forest pathway heading north from there to Wallenberg Playground. TONIGHT at 7 p.m. is the last night of the Highbridge Film Festival! Join NYC Parks for a block party at 4 p.m. on the Highbridge Pooldeck, followed by a 7 p.m. screening of IN THE HEIGHTS, which had amazing scenes filmed within the pool. More details are in the flyer, attached. There are an abundance of fitness programs, stewardship events and opportunities for you to learn and grow at Highbridge Park; including free membership to the Highbridge Recreation Center! See below for a full listing: Highbridge Park October 15 – November 15, 2021 Events Starting Monday, September 13, recreation centers across the five boroughs reopened to all New Yorkers — members and non-members — for free. Free memberships are available to New Yorkers who sign up at Highbridge Recreation Center at 2301 Amsterdam/173rd, now through December 31, 2021. The membership term will last for one year from the date the individual signs up, and will grant access to citywide facilities. Ongoing Highbridge Recreation Center Programs: Open Pickleball Play Tuesdays and Thursdays 10:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m. Highbridge Recreation Center -2301 Amsterdam Avenue Free open Pickleball play at Highbridge Recreation Center with membership. Instructional Pickleball Play Saturdays 10:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m. Highbridge Recreation Center -2301 Amsterdam Avenue Free open Pickleball play at Highbridge Recreation Center with membership. Sit & Stretch Tuesdays and Thursdays 12:30 p.m.–1:30 p.m. Highbridge Recreation Center -2301 Amsterdam Avenue For more information call 212-927-2400 Youth Sports Tuesdays and Thursdays 3:00 p.m.–6:00 p.m. Highbridge Recreation Center -2301 Amsterdam Avenue For more information call 212-927-2400 Open Play Adult Basketball Mornings Wednesdays & Fridays 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. Highbridge Recreation Center -2301 Amsterdam Avenue For more information call 212-927-2400 Open Play Adult Basketball Mornings Thursdays 12:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. Highbridge Recreation Center -2301 Amsterdam Avenue For more information call 212-927-2400 Open Play Adult Basketball Mornings Saturdays 9:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m. Highbridge Recreation Center -2301 Amsterdam Avenue For more information call 212-927-2400 Open Play Adult Basketball Tuesdays, Wednesdays, & Thursdays 6:00 p.m.–8:00 p.m. Highbridge Recreation Center -2301 Amsterdam Avenue For more information call 212-927-2400 Open Play Adult Basketball Fridays 7:00 p.m.–9:00 p.m. Highbridge Recreation Center -2301 Amsterdam Avenue For more information call 212-927-2400 Teen Calisthenics Tuesdays 4:00 p.m.–5:00 p.m. Highbridge Recreation Center -2301 Amsterdam Avenue For more information call 212-927-2400 Adult Calisthenics Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays & Fridays 6:30 p.m.–7:30 p.m. Highbridge Recreation Center -2301 Amsterdam Avenue For more information call 212-927-2400 Calisthenics for All Saturdays 12:00 p.m.–1:00 p.m. Highbridge Recreation Center -2301 Amsterdam Avenue For more information call 212-927-2400 emPOWERred Walking Wednesdays & Thursdays 11:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m. Highbridge Recreation Center -2301 Amsterdam Avenue For more information call 212-927-2400 Total Body Conditioning Wednesday & Friday 12:30 p.m.–1:30 p.m. Highbridge Recreation Center -2301 Amsterdam Avenue For more information call 212-927-2400 Teen Fitness Wednesdays 3:00 p.m.–4:00 p.m. Highbridge Recreation Center -2301 Amsterdam Avenue For more information call 212-927-2400 Youth Baseball Saturdays 11:00 am – 1:00 pm Highbridge Recreation Center -2301 Amsterdam Avenue For more information call 212-927-2400 Teen Baseball Wednesdays @ 4:00 p.m.–5:00 p.m. Fridays @4:00 pm- 6:00 pm Highbridge Recreation Center -2301 Amsterdam Avenue For more information call 212-927-2400 Teen Lounge Wednesday, Thursday, Friday 4:00 pm- 5:00 pm Highbridge Recreation Center -2301 Amsterdam Avenue For more information call 212-927-2400 Abs Blast Wednesdays and Thursdays 5:00 pm- 6:00 pm Highbridge Recreation Center -2301 Amsterdam Avenue For more information call 212-927-2400 Teen Dodgeball Saturdays 1:00 - 3:00 pm Highbridge Recreation Center -2301 Amsterdam Avenue For more information call 212-927-2400 Media Lab Schedule All Ages Open Access (Mornings) Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays 10:00 am – 2:00 pm Saturdays 9:00 am - 2:30 pm Highbridge Recreation Center -2301 Amsterdam Avenue For more information call 212-927-2400 All Ages Open Access (Afternoons) Tuesdays & Thursdays 6:00 pm – 7:30 pm Wednesdays & Fridays 2:30 pm - 7:30 pm Highbridge Recreation Center -2301 Amsterdam Avenue For more information call 212-927-2400 Digital Media Club Tuesdays and Thursdays 2:30 - 6:00 pm Highbridge Recreation Center -2301 Amsterdam Avenue For more information call 212-927-2400 Highbridge Park Programs Zumba Sundays: October 17, October 24, and October 31 10:00 a.m.–11:00 a.m. Highbridge's Raoul Wallenberg Basketball Courts W. 189th St. & Amsterdam Ave. Zumba is a fusion of Latin, International and popular music dance routines creating a dynamic, exciting, effective fitness system! If you love Salsa, Hip-Hop, Merengue, and Bollywood, this is the class for you! The class will meet at the basketball court near 189th and Amsterdam Avenue. For everyone’s safety we’re asking participants and instructors to maintain social distancing of six feet during class. Wash your hands frequently and stay home if you’re sick. Please continue wear a mask if you are unvaccinated, or if social distancing cannot be maintained. Instructor: Jennifer Please register at: https://www.nycgovparks.org/events/2021/10/17/zumba1 (October 17) https://www.nycgovparks.org/events/2021/10/24/zumba1 (October 24) https://www.nycgovparks.org/events/2021/10/31/zumba1 (October 31) Highbridge Film Festival: In the Heights Friday, October 15, 2021 4:00 p.m.–10:00 p.m. Highbridge Pool Deck -2301 Amsterdam Avenue Join NYC Parks and the New York City Mayor's Office of Media and Entertainment for a free film! A film version of the Broadway musical in which Usnavi, a sympathetic New York bodega owner, saves every penny every day as he imagines and sings about a better life. PG-13. Grab a blanket and snuggle up for this year’s Fall Film Festival at High bridge Pool Deck. NYC Parks will host a series of movie screenings accompanied by fun and exciting activities fit for the whole family. Check what will happen on Friday: October 15, 2021 4:00 p.m. // Block Party 7:00 p.m. // In the Heights Know Before You Go - For everyone's safety, we are asking all participants to observe the following guidelines: Please wear a mask if you are unvaccinated, or if it makes you feel more comfortable All individuals should maintain social distancing of six feet during programming, regardless of vaccination status Please wear a mask if social distancing cannot be maintained Wash your hands before attending a program Stay home if you are sick Glass bottles and alcoholic beverages are strictly prohibited. Contact (212) 360-1430 or accessibility@parks.nyc.gov for more information regarding accessibility. Fall Foliage Walk in Highbridge Park Saturday, October 23, 2021 10:00 a.m.–11:30 a.m. Highbridge Park -158th Street and Amsterdam Avenue Mid to late October is the prime time for fall color in NYC, so don’t miss it! Come join urban naturalist Ken Chaya to observe the natural splendors of the autumn season. This tour will focus on local tree identification, as well as searching for birds and other forms of local flora and fauna in Highbridge Park. Tour capacity is limited. Register here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/fall-foliage-walk-in-highbridge-park-tickets-168975021839 Program presented by the Fort Tryon Park Trust Second Saturdays Trailwork Party + Bike Share at Highbridge Bike Park Saturday, November 13, 2021 10:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m. Highbridge Park: BMX Jump Park – Fort. George Ave Dig, then ride with us on NYCMTB's monthly welcome days at Highbridge Park in Manhattan! Bring your friends and family for a day of fun in the woods and learn what it takes to build, maintain, and ride the most progressive urban bike park in America! There will be light trail maintenance tasks for all ages from 10:00 a.m. to noon. All participants, NYCMTB members, or anyone with logged volunteer hours, receive a free 20-minute clinic and a guided ride throughout the trails from 12:30 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. Bikes and helmets provided! Highbridge Park is the home of NYC's first Mountain Biking Course. The 3-mile course offers trails of varying difficulty from intermediate to expert and a free-ride trail that includes drops, steeps, and berms. The park also features a dirt jump park and pump track, making it a good place to develop different skills at all levels. The course has been featured in national media and is stewarded by volunteers just like you! Make this day your introduction to the park, or to the sport of off-road cycling. Interested volunteers are encouraged to participate regardless of age, ability or gender. There is something for everyone at Highbridge - It's NYC's bike park! Please bring water, sunscreen, bug repellant, and sturdy shoes or boots. Register on Eventbrite at www.nycmtb.eventbrite.com

Highbridge Pool, In The Heights, Volunteer at the Mansion SUNDAY 6/6 & More!

Dear Highbridge Park Community, 

It feels like summer and there is much to celebrate! More than $35 Million in city capital improvements are nearing completion in Highbridge Park. We've opened a brand new soccer field, a world class playground, an adult work-out area, and pathways improved with lighting. We look forward to the restored Grand Staircase at Laurel Hill Terrace and the mile long pathway improvements down to Dyckman Street, which will be completed later this summer. The restoration of the Highbridge Water Tower is progressing, with some of the uppermost scaffolding having been removed. Get gardening! 

Sunday June 6 at 10 a.m., you can volunteer at Roger Morris Park, Highbridge Park's sister-park, at 65 Jumel Terrace. More details about our Garden Day event and other upcoming volunteer opportunities are listed below. 

At the end of the month, Highbridge Pool is slated to reopen to the public for summer swimming! The COVID-testing center has transitioned out of the Recreation Center and pool into mobile vans. Highbridge Pool is one of the "stars" in the soon to be released In the Heights movie. Check out the recent Playbill feature, and the slide show including many Highbridge Pool photos! The article shares the film's stars' reflections on how the show has evolved since its inception in the early 2000’s, what it meant for the film to be delayed because of the pandemic, and how Highbridge Park Pool was selected for “96,000.”

https://www.playbill.com/article/watch-anthony-ramos-daphne-rubin-vega-more-go-behind-the-scenes-of-the-in-the-heights-movie 

As part of the film's release, the City's tourism agency, NYC & Co, developed a travel guide to Northern Manhattan, including Highbridge Park among other parks, restaurants and uptown destinations. You can view it here: 

https://www.nycgo.com/boroughs-neighborhoods/manhattan/washington-heights/ 

Upcoming Opportunities: 

Roger Morris Park - Garden Volunteer Day 

Sunday, June 6, 2021 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. 

Roger Morris Park- 65 Jumel Terrace 

Whether you have a green thumb or just a curiosity for what makes a garden grow, all are welcome to volunteer in Roger Morris Park, the grounds of the Morris-Jumel Mansion, under the supervision of NYC Parks at these scheduled Garden Days. 

All tools and instructions are provided, just bring a willingness to get a little dirty as we beautify our special park. Close-toed shoes are required. Volunteers under 18 must be accompanied by an adult. 

Please note: RSVP by emailing John.Kelly@parks.nyc.gov and write "Volunteer" in the subject line. Due to COVID, we are requesting individuals only, rather than large groups or organizations. 

Second Saturdays Trailwork Party + Bike Share at Highbridge Bike Park Highbridge Park 

Saturday, June 12, 2021 10:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m. 

BMX Course at Fort George Avenue 

Dig, then ride with us on NYCMTB's monthly welcome days at Highbridge Park in Manhattan! 

Bring your friends and family for a day of fun in the woods and learn what it takes to build, maintain, and ride the most progressive urban bike park in America! There will be light trail maintenance tasks for all ages from 10:00 a.m. to noon. All participants, NYCMTB members, or anyone with logged volunteer hours, receive a free 20-minute clinic and a guided ride throughout the trails from 12:30 p.m to 3:00 p.m. Bikes and helmets provided! 

Highbridge Park is the home of NYC's first Mountain Biking Course. The 3-mile course offers trails of varying difficulty from intermediate to expert and a free-ride trail that includes drops, steeps, and berms. The park also features a dirt jump park and pump track, making it a good place to develop different skills at all levels. The course has been featured in national media and is stewarded by volunteers just like you! 

Make this day your introduction to the park, or to the sport of off-road cycling. Interested volunteers are encouraged to participate regardless of age, ability or gender. There is something for everyone at Highbridge - It's NYC's bike park! Please bring water, sunscreen, bug repellant, and sturdy shoes or boots. Register on Eventbrite at nycmtb.eventbrite.com. 

Monday Morning Pitch-In at Highbridge Park 

Monday, June 21 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. 

Highbridge Recreation Center 

2301 Amsterdam Avenue 

Show your park some love and join a Monday Morning Pitch-In! 

New York City’s parks are being used more than ever before as a result of the pandemic, which often means more litter. You can help! Join us at a Monday Morning Pitch in and beautify Highbridge Park so its clean and welcoming! Remember to wear a face covering when volunteering. You can also pitch-in at Highbridge Park on August 2. Flyer attached. Register at: https://www.nycgovparks.org/reg/pfp-private/11229. For any questions, contact Rene.Cuenca@parks.nyc.gov 

***** 

Thank you for your continued partnership in the ongoing revitalization of our 130-acre Highbridge Park! Hope to see you in the park soon!

best, 

Jennifer Hoppa for the Northern Manhattan Parks Team