#tappanzee

On my Way to Work, Part One

I’ll do a short series of posts now showing what I saw every day on my way to work back in 1991 or 1992.

First we see the Tappan Zee Bridge, the original version, built in 1955, on the Hudson River—near Tarrytown, New York. It is the longest bridge in New York State, along side which now sits an additional, or replacement bridge. Apparently this older bridge is actually named for Governor Malcom Wilson, while the new one is named for Governor Mario Cuomo, who was in office when I lived in there. “Tappan” refers to a group of Native Americas in the area, while “Zee” is the Dutch word for sea, as it’s at a wide part of the Hudson River.

The second shot was taken looking out the same side of the Metro North train, this time on the island of Manhattan, in Harlem. I’ve not tried to lock down the precise location, but I imagine it will be extremely difficult given how much the area has changed, with much new construction present (understatement).

After disembarking in Grand Central Terminal, an amazing, historic structure, built in the Beaux-Arts style, I would often look up to regard the Chrysler Building, as well as the Pan Am Building, both of which are just adjacent to the famous railroad terminal. This wonderful station was built by and for the New York Central Railroad.

The Chrysler Building is an Art-Deco masterpiece which opened in 1930; the Pan Am Building was built in 1963 and is of the International Style—with well-known Walter Gropius part of the design team. The Pan Am is notorious for having a heliport on its roof, which provided service to JFK International. This service was ended after a tragic accident occurred atop the roof in 1977, when five people were killed, one walking on the street below.