Until recently Morningside Park had a very bad reputation. I walk through it nearly every day. Climbing the eight flights of stairs each morning, and descending them in the evening. There were a couple of muggings in the park last fall, and I occasionally see drug paraphernalia, but overall it seems safe. It certainly is dramatic. It is just now coming into bloom. The daffodils and other early flowers have sprouted. The trees are budding out. The weeping willows, well, you can see the weeping willows for yourself.
It was from the high ground above Morningside Park that George Washington wanted to hold off advancing British troops. The battle of Harlem Heights was fought in September 1776 at what is now Barnard College two blocks away. The rocks, pond, and willow trees in the top picture are the result of another battle. In 1968 Columbia University started excavating that part of the park for a gymnasium. The ensuing student riots and takeover of the campus stopped the construction and affected the university for years after.
The middle photo is the Bear and Faun fountain, also known as the Seligman fountain. Alfred Seligman died in 1912 in an early automobile accident. I've read that this is a working fountain, but I can't recall seeing flowing water. I'll have to look closer this summer.
Much of the credit for improving the park goes to the Friends of Morningside Park, who raise money, sponsor events, and spend lots of volunteer time improving the place. Their annual Earth Day clean-up and planting is Sunday, April 25th. I'll be out of town and can't participate, so you should go in my place!
Comments