#nyhs

Pearl and York Streets in Brooklyn, 1930

I went with some friends to see the Harry Potter exhibit at the NY Historical Society!

My friends & I arrived on 7th Ave, and we took a break for coffee/hot chocolate/croissants at a Prêt À Manger ($6).

Then we bought our subway cards, and made our way up to 72nd Street to walk a little in the area near the New York Historical Society museum. We got lunch at Shake Shack ($8), then went into the museum to see the “Harry Potter: A History of Magic” exhibit. Very cool display and information that I didn’t know about when Harry Potter was first gaining popularity- I really enjoyed the exhibit!

Giftstore purchases $$ (you don’t need to know heheh)

Decided to visit Columbia University, so we went up to 182nd street, and explored the area a little. We found a Joe’s Coffee on the northwestern corner of the campus ($3, hot chocolate).

Then we got back on the subway to get closer to where the bus would pick us up, and to find dinner! There’s a delicious pizza place called Don Antonio’s Starita on West 50th St (Neapolitan pizzas, $17 + $19 shared among 4 ppl).

We popped into a CVS for some snacks ($4) for the bus ride home, and then got in line to wait for the megabus in the chilly darkness on the streets of New York.

Megabus ticket: $43 (a Saturday in November just before the holiday rush)

In-city transportation: $8.25

Lunch: $8

Dinner: $9

Coffee/snacks: 13

Museum: $21

Bettina von Zwehl at the New York Historical Society

New York August

30, 1805

My dear Son

I have this moment the pleasure of your letter and that of my affectionate and dear daughter.  I receive her as a happy exchange for the one whom I have lost.  Ann who yet scarcely knew me, & who only knew me __ and depressed by the death of my parents and friends shews me every tender mark of attachment; and Betsey whom I watched over with the most constant care has given me the severest sorrow and mortification I have ever experienced.  And my dear Philip, her present conduct is a miserable comment on the past, she has been on a visit of a week with Mrs. Pintard, denying her sister’s confinement and never sent to anyone after her health or called to see her, thus giving up all communication with her family.  She is now on a visit at __.

There was a moment when your father’s heart desired a reconciliation and he pointed out to Betsey the only mode by which she could obtain it.  That she has refused to follow; and she is now the absolute mistress of her future conduct as your Father, sister, Brother, and myself have done every thing which circumstances __.  She is now left to her own schemes. 

In her interview with me she expressed little sensibility and the same with John and Kitty.  Her only ardent request was to see her father.

I directed my sister to ask if Bunner had written to you; they drank tea with her on Sunday week when Mrs. Hamilton demanded if he had written and made his [intentions] to you.  He replied that he did not know what good it would do, on which she gave him such a reply as he deserved, You Know Her Manner.  She is very angry with them and particularly with him.  They have taken a large three story house in [ ] and laid out all this money to furnish it.

When I write on this subject and review Betsey’s conduct I am much agitated but otherwise my reason has conquered my affliction and my mind is made up to lose her.  For it is impossible that Mr. Church or myself or children can see her husband or receive satisfaction from her society.  Your father’s mind is easy and his health very good at present.

Adieu my dear child,

Yours, A.C.

Looking east on 42nd Street from Bryant Park, circa 1932