The Upper West Side, Manhattan, is rich with lesser-known stories that paint a vivid picture of its historical tapestry.
Hidden Histories: The Lesser-Known Stories of the Upper West Side
One fascinating piece of history is the Claremont Inn, located near Riverside Drive and 124th Street. Originally built in the 1800s, it served as a country estate before becoming a public inn. The inn was frequented by notable figures like Mark Twain and George M. Cohan. Though it burned down in 1951, its legacy remains an intriguing part of the area's past.
Another hidden gem is the Morningside Heights neighborhood, often overlooked in favor of more famous parts of the Upper West Side. This area is home to St. John the Divine, the world's largest Gothic cathedral. Construction began in 1892 and remains incomplete, earning it the nickname "St. John the Unfinished."
The Apthorp, a grand apartment building located at 79th Street and Broadway, is another lesser-known landmark. Built in 1908, it was designed to resemble a Florentine palace. The Apthorp has housed numerous celebrities, including Nora Ephron and Cyndi Lauper, and has been featured in various films and TV shows.
The Children's Museum of Manhattan on West 83rd Street started as a traveling pilot project in 1973. It found a permanent home in 1989 and has since become a beloved institution, offering interactive exhibits that explore art, science, and culture.
An often overlooked cultural institution is the New-York Historical Society, founded in 1804 and located on Central Park West. It houses over 1.6 million works, including George Washington's inaugural chair and a draft of the U.S. Constitution.
The Henderson Place Historic District is a hidden enclave of 24 row houses built in the 1880s, located between East End Avenue and York Avenue. These Queen Anne-style houses provide a glimpse into the architectural trends of the late 19th century.
The Strawberry Fields memorial in Central Park is another hidden gem. Dedicated to John Lennon, it was designed by Yoko Ono and landscape architect Bruce Kelly. This tranquil spot is adorned with a mosaic bearing the word "Imagine," a tribute to Lennon's iconic song.
Lastly, the Ansonia Hotel, located on Broadway between 73rd and 74th Streets, has a storied past. Opened in 1904, it has served as a residential hotel, a recording studio for artists like Bette Midler, and even a site for a clandestine gay bathhouse in the 1970s.
These hidden histories of the Upper West Side reveal a neighborhood with a rich and varied past, extending far beyond its well-trodden landmarks.