Obscure New York

While New York is known for its famous attractions, what I find interesting is the lesser known or hidden places in the city. There are small monuments, markers, buildings and places that are not observed by most who pass by. Here is a collection of some of my favorites from the past few visits:

Placed prominently in the Old King Cole Bar and Saloon, the hotel bar of the St. Regis Hotel, is a mural by Maxfield Parrish. The dark wood interior and cozy atmosphere help to highlight the mural that sits behind the bar. Commissioned by John Jacob Astor IV in 1906 and installed in 1932 the painting allegedly pokes fun at Astor who was one of the most famous victims of the Titanic.  

As I have written before, public telephone booths are increasing an endangered species. I can imagine a time when in heavy demand; however, today these two on the first floor of the New York Public Library, still provide a public service. In my imagination, a diligent researcher finds his/her way to the telephone to ask a client or boss for further information. Alas, most researchers would pick up their smart phone and text the question.

This faded mural is on the ceiling of Graybar Passage at Grand Central Terminal.  It is difficult to make out what the mural depicts, other than a railroad bridge toward the bottom, and it has proved difficult to find much information about the painting (more to come).

Once ubiquitous around the United States, fallout shelters and signs have become increasingly difficult to find. Growing up I knew the closest fallout shelter was at my elementary school. I later learned that it would likely have done me no good as most of the shelters were woefully inadequate, had insufficient food, and the water were often contained in leaky, rusty cans. This fallout shelter entrance and sign on 52nd Street, near Third Avenue, appears to have escaped remodeling and theft for now.