I remember the “El” — when Myrtle Avenue was covered by an elevated train from downtown all the way to Williamsburg. I loved being allowed to stand at the front window of the first car, watching the tracks curve along. But I’m certain the darkened streets underneath helped to fuel the looting during the first City blackout in 1965. It’s taken 30 years, but it’s a much brighter, sunnier walk down Myrtle nowadays.
The new photo exhibit at the
New York Transit Museum should be really interesting.
It’s great to have any opportunity to look at before-and-after pictures of our neighborhoods, and humbling to know this beautiful borough didn’t start with the birth of us.
From the
Transit Museum’s website:
“At midnight on October 3, 1969 the last train on the Myrtle Avenue El departed Borough Hall. After 80 years of service the line would be demolished. Photographer Theresa King, who rode the train daily in her childhood, spent the day documenting the trains, stations, passengers, and views from the elevated platform. Forty years later this photo essay, shot in a single day, provides a glimpse into the past and preserves a memory of growing up in Brooklyn.”
If you’ve never been to the Transit Museum on a school trip, every New Yorker must go. While it’s best to be escorted by a tour guide, just reading–up ahead of time and then sitting down (delicately) and rubbing your hands over those woven seats will bring back sense memories for native NY parents. Your kids may be embarrassed when you refuse to stand back up!
New York Transit MuseumLast Day of the Myrtle Avenue El: Photographs by Theresa KingSeptember 29, 2009 – February 28, 2010
Tuesday – Friday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Saturday and Sunday Noon to 5 p.m.
Closed Mondays and major holidays
AdmissionAdults $5
Children 3 – 17 years of age $3
Senior Citizens (62+) $3
Seniors Free Wednesdays
A bargain! A Great Idea!
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