Seward Park Aerial View 2

Another in the series that originates from an aerial photo of the Seward Park area circa 1930. Here the square block area incorporates Orchard, Grand, Essex and Broome Streets. Seward Park High is yet to be built, so PS 137 and the Essex Street Courthouse and the Ludlow Street Jail still exists. Notice the dome on the structure on NW corner of Orchard and Grand. I remember that is where Fishkin's used to be. I remember my mother being a big fan of the elder Mr. Fishkin. It was either that or it was part of her negotiating tactics.

Seward Park Aerial View 1

I finally finished the painstaking work of piecing together an enlarged view of an amazing aerial shot of the Seward Park area. It measures about 47 by 38 inches. I would guess it was taken in the early 1930's, but it's mislabeled 1947. I'll post it in sections with some labeling. The above shows the approximate square block area incorporating Orchard, Hester, Essex and Grand Streets. The 2nd Avenue El is visible at the top. It was demolished in 1942. Prior to that, in 1930, a portion of the eastern side of Allen Street was demolished as well in order to widen the block. Allen Street becomes First Avenue above Houston Street. PS 62 is visible in the photo at the bottom. It would soon be torn down because of the construction of the 6th Avenue Independent line. The last section of that line, which was completed in 1936, required the excavation of portions of Essex Street. You can view PS 62 in 1930 in this prior post