Tom's Last Day - The High Line & Hell's Kitchen Flea

40 Days in Brooklyn: Day 34

Sunday, Oct 23rd. On Tom’s last day here, we awoke to perfect Fall weather—sunny but with a nip in the air. The rain had cleared and it looked like it would be beautiful all day. Tom had to catch his bus at noon so we got moving early. He packed quickly (he travels light), we caught the subway to 14^th St and next thing you know, we’re at the High Line.

For those of you who aren't aware, the High Line is a 1.5-mile public park built on an elevated freight rail line on Manhattan’s West Side. It runs from Gansevoort Street in the Meatpacking District to West 34th Street, between 10th and 12th Avenues.

The original rail line was built in 1934 and was specifically designed to go through the center of blocks rather than crossing over the avenues.  Since the 1850’s the street level trains on this route had been killing pedestrians with horrifying frequency and in fact, the area was so chaotic it was often referred to as “Death Avenue.” 

"By 1908, the Bureau of Municipal Research claimed that since 1852, the trains had killed 436 people. A New York Times piece from the same year reported that in the preceding decade there had been almost 200 deaths, mostly of children." (source: thehighline.org)

The West Side Cowboys rode in front of the trains warning pedestrians 
to get out of the way. Apparently, many did not do it quickly enough. 

So in 1934, the elevated railway was created to address the issue and it did until 1980, when it was decommissioned. It fell into disrepair and the city wanted to tear the whole thing down.  But a visionary named Peter Obletz purchased the High Line from Conrail for $10 in 1984 and challenged its demolition in court. 

In the bad old days

Thanks to him and many other Friends of the High Line, this amazing place has been saved for for future generations.

The planted design is inspired by the self-seeded landscape that grew in the 
out-of-use tracks during the 25 years after the trains stopped running. 

Prepping for the perfect shot.

Asters are naturally occurring meadow perennials in North America 

The concrete “planks” allow the pathway to flex and move with 

the railway substructure in situations of heat, cold or wind.

The benches were beautifully shaped to rise out of the walkway.

The rejuvenated railway inspired renovations all around it
and interesting new architecture.

Very retro feel to this building

Sponsored advertising? A Smart Car made of rubber becomes the planter for a tree.

Interesting patterns of vines

Tom's shot of the same thing

With a little time left before Tom had to catch his bus, we went to the Hell’s Kitchen Flea Market at 39^th and 9^th.

They close of the street for four blocks every weekend. (Photo by Tom Bowman)

I love to look at the tools.

Tom capturing eye candy.

Then it was time to go. We walked to the MegaBus station four or five blocks away and waited for the bus going to Baltimore/Washington. I got a few last pics…

Waiting in line

One last selfie for the road

…gave and got a few last hugs…and then he was gone.

As I walked away from the station, I suddenly became very homesick.