Treasures of The New York Public Library

New York City

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The map shows Manhattan from 42nd Street south to the Battery, with Governors Island as well as parts of Jersey City, Hoboken, Williamsburg, and Brooklyn. Drawn and engraved by H. Wilkes, the lovely inset views depict (clockwise from the top left corner): a New York steamer; Brooklyn; City Hall; the Custom House; the Narrows from Fort Hamilton; and New York from Williamsburg.<br><br><br />
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John Rapkin (fl. 1845-51). <i>New York</i>. London; New York: John Tallis & Co., ca. 1850.<br><br />
The New York Public Library, The Lionel Pincus and Princess Firyal Map Division.<br><br><br />
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"Extravagance in Everything": New York City at Mid-Century

Many people first learned of the Declaration of Independence through their local newspapers, which appeared weekly or more frequently.<br><br><br />
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<i>The New-York Gazette, and The Weekly Mercury</i>, no. 1292, July 15, 1776. New York: Hugh Gaine, Hanover-Square.<br><br />
The New York Public Library, Rare Book Division.<br><br><br />
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In the Papers: The Declaration of Independence in The New-York Gazette

At the head of the title, extracted from the minutes of the New York Convention: "Resolved unanimously, that the reasons assigned by the Continental Congress, for declaring the United Colonies free and independent states, are cogent and conclusive, and that while we lament the cruel necessity which has rendered that measure unavoidable, we approve the same, and will at the risque of our lives and fortunes, join with the other Colonies in supporting it."<br><br><br />
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United States Congress. Declaration of Independence. New York: John Holt, after July 9, 1776.<br><br />
The New York Public Library, Rare Book Division, Emmet Collection.<br><br><br />
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The Declaration of Independence in New York

In 1850, Fifth Avenue and 42nd Street was still on the northern edge of the city, and a favorite Sunday pastime was to stroll on top of the walls of the massive Croton Reservoir, the site of the future New York Public Library, and enjoy a superb view of the city.<br><br><br />
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Augustus Fay. <i>View of the Croton Water Reservoir, New York City</i>. Gouache, ca. 1850.<br><br />
The New York Public Library, The Miriam and Ira D. Wallach Division of Art, Prints and Photographs, Print Collection, I.N. Phelps Stokes Collection.<br><br><br />
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Bucolic Manhattan: The Future Site of The New York Public Library

Leading man Jimmie Ellison and his wife, Gertrude Durkin, riding the Parachute Jump at the 1939-40 New York World's Fair.<br><br><br />
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The New York Public Library, Manuscripts and Archives Division, New York World's Fair 1939-1940 Records.<br><br><br />
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The 1939-40 New York World's Fair: A Window into 20th-century American Life

Building under construction, 750 Third Avenue (East 47th Street - East 48th Street), December 17, 1957.<br><br><br />
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Wurts Brothers. From a collection of photographs of New York City.<br><br />
The New York Public Library, Irma and Paul Milstein Division of United States History, Local History and Genealogy.<br><br><br />
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Magnificent New York: The Wurts Brothers

Carmen de Lavallade, April 16, 1985. Gown by Geoffrey Holder.<br><br><br />
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Kenn Duncan. Portrait photograph of Carmen de Lavallade. Gelatin silver print. 10 x 8 in. April 16, 1985.<br><br />
The New York Public Library for the Performing Arts, Billy Rose Theatre Division, Kenn Duncan Photograph Archive.<br><br><br />
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Legendary Ladies: Kenn Duncan's Glamorous Eye

The Astor family played a major role in the development of luxury living and dining in New York City. The Astor House (1836-1913), the Waldorf-Astoria (1893, 1897, 1931-present), the St. Regis (1899-present), and the Hotel Astor, which opened in 1904 and closed during Prohibition, were all built by one Astor or another. This luncheon menu cover for December 27, 1909, is typical of the Hotel Astor's appealing chromolithographic designs.<br><br><br />
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Hotel Astor, New York. Luncheon menu cover, December 27, 1909.<br><br />
The New York Public Library, Rare Book Division, Buttolph Menu Collection.<br><br><br />
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Legendary New York Restaurants II: Highlights from the Buttolph Menu Collection

"Washington Arch; Miss S. R. Rhinelander, N.W. Wash'ton Sq-5th Ave., No. 2; F. Spencer Witherbee, No. 4; Lispenard Stewart, No. 6; Pierre Mali, No. 8; West 8th St.; Edison Co., No. 10; Apartment House, No. 12."<br><br><br />
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<i>Fifth Avenue, New York: From Start to Finish</i>. New York: Wells & Co., 1911.<br><br />
The New York Public Library, Irma and Paul Milstein Division of United States History, Local History and Genealogy.<br><br><br />
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Fifth Avenue: From Start to Finish

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