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GREENPOINT | WILLIAMSBURG
VOLUME 45 | NUMBER 40
OCTOBER 26, 2017
Two Sections
(718) 422-7400
25¢
Officials Break Ground for Brooklyn Public Library Greenpoint Branch Library to Provide Mobile Book Service, Pop-Up Locations to Fill Gap
Among those taking that first shovel of earth were City Councilmember Stephen Levin, state Assemblymember Joseph Lentol, Brooklyn Public Library President and CEO Linda Johnson, Deputy Borough President Diana Reyna, City Councilmember Jimmy Van Bramer and state attorney general adviser Peter Washburn. See pages 3, 7 and 8. Brooklyn Eagle photo by Andy Katz
NYC Together Raises Funds to Keep Kids Out of Prison Cops Join North Brooklyn Do-Gooders to Stop Feeding the Prison-Industrial Maw
Brooklyn’s 2017 Halloween Nightlife Guide NYC Together founder and CEO Dana Rachlin (center) with her Patrol Borough Brooklyn North Community Brooklyn Eagle photo by Andy Katz Service Award. See insert.
With so many Halloween events, it can be difficult sifting through an oversaturated schedule of festivities. Luckily, the Greenpoint Gazette has selected the borough’s top parties from Friday Oct. 27 through Halloween. See page 4. Photo courtesy of BangOn!NYC
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Officials Break Ground for Brooklyn Public Library Greenpoint Branch
Westerman Construction Superintendent Eric Santiago in front of the new library site.
“So we know where it goes!” Westerman Construction surveyors complete sidewalk measurements done on Norman Avenue.
From left: Architect Scott Marble, Brooklyn Public Library President Linda Johnson, City Councilmember Jimmy Van Bramer (D‐Queens) and architect Karen Fairbanks. Brooklyn Eagle photos by Andy Katz
“Do we keep the shovels, or what?” asks state Assemblymember Joseph Lentol (D‐North Brooklyn) after the groundbreaking. SEE STORY AND MORE PHOTOS, PAGE 7.
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Brooklyn’s 2017 Halloween Nightlife Guide By Scott Enman
SATURDAY, OCT. 28
Greenpoint Gazette
Halloween isn’t just for kids anymore. It’s not until the parades have ended and the last pieces of candy have been passed out that the true witchery begins. And with the holiday not until next Tuesday, Brooklynites will have five days to dress up and celebrate. With so many events to choose from at bars, clubs and other venues, it can be difficult sifting through an oversaturated schedule of festivities. Fortunately, the Greenpoint Gazette has selected the borough’s top events through All Hallows' Eve. Costumes are encouraged and are mandatory to enter at some of these 21-plus parties, so plan accordingly.
BangOn!NYC’s Warehouse of Horrors: 1 Ingraham St., East Williamsburg BangOn!NYC has established itself as a staple of the Brooklyn music scene, having thrown many legendary parties. The event production company prides itself on not only bringing in a stellar lineup of DJs and artists, but also on creating an immersive, interactive and innovative experience for its guests, and that’s exactly what they have in store for Halloween.
The bash will be taking place in a colossal warehouse spanning one full city block and will feature interactive art, multiple stages, human bowling and silent disco. As for the lineup, gracing the turntables will be Fatboy Slim, Detlef, Clozee and many more. For more information, visit www.bangon-nyc.com.
Stranger Things Halloween: Return to the Upside Down: Bushwick Warehouse Gemini & Scorpio is hosting its ninth annual Masquerade Macabre, and the theme
is “Stranger Things” for the second straight year. With the popular Netflix show’s new season premiering on Halloween, the theme could not be more fitting. Drink absinthe, dance and travel to Hawkins, Indiana in a transformed Bushwick warehouse. “This is our annual love letter to all things dark and grotesque,” reads the event’s website. Please note that costumes are mandatory for this event. For more information, visit www.geminiandscorpio.com/e vents.html#stranger.
FRIDAY, OCT. 27 Halloween at Nitehawk: 136 Metropolitan Ave., Williamsburg If the Brooklyn Horror Film Festival proved anything, it’s that Brooklynites love a good scary movie. Although Friday the 13th may have passed already, you can still watch a special midnight showing of “Evil Dead 2: Dead by Dawn” at Williamsburg’s Nitehawk Cinema. On Saturday, the theater will be showing “Wallace & Gromit: The Cure of the WereRabbit,” “Day of the Dead” and “A Nite to Dismember: The Haunted Library." For more information, visit www.nitehawkcinema.com/williams burg/film-series/halloween-2017/.
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500 25th St., Greenwood Heights What’s spookier than taking a twilight tour of a cemetery? Walk at moonlight among the tombs of Jean-Michel Basquiat, Rev. Henry Ward Beecher and Horace Greeley at Brooklyn’s most famous graveyard: Green-Wood Cemetery. Discover hidden 19th-century monuments, and finish the tour with an exclusive look inside the catacombs, which are normally closed to the public. Flashlights are encouraged. Be sure to check GreenWood’s website for ticket availability. At press time, Sunday’s event was sold out, but tickets are still available to the next twilight tour on Nov. 3. For more information, visit www.green-wood.com/event/twilighttour-7-2017-10-29/2017-10-29.
TUESDAY, OCT. 31 Haunted Frequencies: 395 Wythe Ave., Williamsburg As the spirits come out in Brooklyn, celebrate All Hollow’s Eve at Sleepy & Boo’s Haunted Frequencies at TBA Brooklyn. This married house and techno DJ duo has hosted many unforgettable parties at this discreet nightspot tucked underneath the Williamsburg Bridge. “This is your night to accept the darkness,” reads the event page. “With ghouls, ghosts and all kind of freakish characters crisscrossing the city, explore the most gruesome depths of your soul — and embrace your most diabolic impulses.” With Sleepy & Boo sharing the decks with several local table masters, this is not to be missed. For more information, visit www.residentadvisor.net/events /1021438.
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Above: A scene from THIS IS REAL. Prepare to be kidnapped and taken to an abandoned Red Hook building for THIS IS REAL, on Monday, Oct. 30. Tickets go for $110 on weekends and $95 on week‐ nights. For more information, visit www.thisisreal.nyc. Photo by Michael Sharkey
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Notice of Formation of MAS 251 LLC. Arts. of Org. filed with NY Dept. of State on 8/23/17. Office location: Kings County. NY Sec. of State designated agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served, and shall mail process to 7 Washingtons Advance, Manalapan, NJ 07726. Purpose: any lawful activity. #154058
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CONTINUUM DATA DESIGN, LLC
Notice of formation of limited liability company (LLC). Name: ITAL ROOTS LLC. Articles of Organization filed with Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on 9/20/2017. NY office location: Kings County. SSNY has been designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served. The post office address to which the SSNY shall mail a copy of any process against the LLC served upon him/her is Ital Roots, 220 East 31st St, Bsmt Brooklyn, NY, 11226. Purpose/character of LLC: Any Lawful Purpose.
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Notice of formation of limited liability company (LLC). Name: A GUILDED WEDDING, LLC. Articles of Organization filed with Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on 9/8/2017. NY office location: Kings County. SSNY has been designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served. The post office address to which the SSNY shall mail a copy of any process against the LLC served upon him/her is C/O United States Corporation Agents, Inc.,7014 13th Avenue, Suite 202 Brooklyn, NY, 11228. Purpose/character of LLC: Any Lawful Purpose. #153975
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NAME CHANGE NAME CHANGE YAHIA NOTICE is hereby given that an Order entered by the Civil Court, Kings County on the 25th day of September, 2017, bearing the Index Number NC-001262-17/KI, a copy of which may be examined at the Office of the Clerk located at Civil Court, Kings County, 141 Livingston Street, Brooklyn, New York, 11201, grants me (us) the right to: assume the name of (First) FARRAH (Middle) ERZSEBET (Last) YAHIA. My present name is (First) RACHID (Middle) ANTHONY (Last) YAHYA AKA RACHID A. YAHYA. My present address is 148 CORNELIA STREET, Brooklyn, NY 11221. My place of birth is BRONXVILLE, NY. My date of birth is December 18, 1986.
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Officials Break Ground for Brooklyn Public Library Greenpoint Branch To Provide Mobile Book Service & Pop Up Locations to Fill Gap By Andy Katz Special to Greenpoint Gazette
An impressive array of Brooklyn political and cultural leadership gathered at the corner of Norman and Leonard avenues on Oct. 23 to break ground for construction of a new Greenpoint branch of the Brooklyn Public Library. Joining Brooklyn Library President and CEO Linda Johnson were state Assemblymember Joe Lentol (D-North Brooklyn); City Councilmembers Jimmy Van Bramer (D-Queens) and Stephen Levin (D-WilliamsburgGreenpoint-Brooklyn Heights); Deputy Borough President Diana Reyna; Peter Washburn of the state Attorney General’s Office and partners from architects Marble Fairbanks. Their task was to turn over the first bits of soil that will eventually comprise a versatile, 14,000-square-foot, multilevel education center designed to serve North Brooklyn residents of all ages and educational levels. “This project is LEED Certified from the get-go,” explained Westerman Construction Superintendent, Eric Santiago. Santiago will oversee the construction
Brooklyn Public Library President Linda Johnson poses with children from P.S. 34.
“These are the kids who are going to protect the environment in the future...And they’re going to learn how to do it right here.” — State Assemblymember Joseph Lentol (D-North Brooklynl
Brooklyn Eagle photos by Andy Katz
from ground breaking to the final ribbon cutting, which planners believe will take about 18 months. “For example,” Santiago continued, “we’re using the rubble from the previous library to build this one. Eventually two of the roofs will be planted to absorb rain water and runoff.” continued on p. 8
Brooklyn Public Library President and CEO Linda Johnson addressing the ceremony at the groundbreaking for the State Assemblymember Joseph Lentol (D‐North Brooklyn) speaks while Brooklyn Public Library President Linda Johnson listens. new Greenpoint Library.
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Peter Washburn, policy adviser on environmental protec‐ City Councilmember Stephen Levin (D‐Greenpoint‐ Deputy Brooklyn Borough President Diana Reyna addresses tion for the state Attorney General’s Office. Williamsburg‐Brooklyn Heights). the audience.
Officials Break Ground for Brooklyn Public Library Greenpoint Branch continued from p. 7
When asked if the Greenpoint Library was slated to achieve LEED Gold certification — one of the highest rankings in the green-building ranking system — Santiago smiled: “Gold is awfully hard to do. But you never know….” “LEED Silver certification is our baseline,” insisted architects Scott Marble, Nicholas Desbiens
and Jason Roberts. “We’ve been attending community board meetings,” Roberts added, “listening to what people have to say. We’ve even presented a virtual reality tour, allowing people to wear goggles and thus appear inside the completed library.” Shortly before the hardhats were distributed and shovels hefted, about 20 students from nearby P.S. 34 filed into the site. Many were clearly excited at the
A student journalist from P.S. 34 interviews North Brooklyn Development Corporation General Administrator Richard Mazur.
Broadway Stages owner and North Brooklyn Community activist Tony Argento.
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idea of taking part in building something as portentous as a public library. Further down the line, the plan will be for them to produce a time capsule sealed into the library’s foundation for excavation at a much later date. Three of the fifth-grade girls sported P.S. 34 press badges. Right away they started interviewing officials. “This is by far the busiest branch in Brooklyn,” North Brooklyn Development Corporation General Administrator Richard Mazur confirmed to one young reporter. This new branch of the Brooklyn Public Library in Greenpoint is the single largest beneficiary of the Greenpoint Community Environmental Fund (GCEF), a $19.5 million settlement between the New York Attorney General’s Office and Exxon-Mobil, which was found liable for the massive Greenpoint oil spill. The library will receive $5 million from GCEF, along with $1.8 million from the state Department of Education and $14 million in library and city capital funding. Given the scope of environmental damage wreaked by Exxon-Mobil, it should come as no surprise that some members
City Councilmember Jimmy Van Bramer (D‐Queens) speaks while Brooklyn Public Library President Linda Johnson listens. Brooklyn Eagle photos by Andy Katz of the community weren’t completely satisfied with a new library as sufficient remediation. “We are very happy to have the new library, don’t get me wrong,” explained Karla Villasenor-Held, who has lived in Greenpoint for 15 years and whose daughter, Ixchel, was one of P.S. 34’s student journalists. “But I wish they’d do more to clean up the pollution they
cause. The money they spend here is tiny compared to their profits, so it seems like it’s all public relations.” “These are the kids who are going to protect the environment in the future,” said Lentol. “And they’re going to learn how to do it right here.” Even if the new building is nothing more than an entry in Exxon-Mobil’s public relations
budget, the library — reimagined as an Environmental Education Center — will provide a way to educate a community built on one of the most toxic surfaces in North America, and, if Kingsland Wildflowers Rooftop is any example, eventually provide a gathering place for community activists to continue their work in healing this damaged ground.
BROOKLYN EAGLE
Volume 18, No. 11
Two Sections
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 26, 2017
$1.00
Striking Memorials at Evergreens Cemetery
CHARLES ROEDER’S MAUSOLEUM, LOCATED INSIDE BUSHWICK’S HISTORIC EVERGREENS CEMETERY, LOOKS LIKE A CASTLE AND IS ONE OF MORE THAN HALF a million gravesites located therein. For more, see pages 6-7. Eagle photo by Lore Croghan
NYC Together Second Annual Gala Raises Funds to Keep Kids Out of Prison
NYC Together gala guests watch as recipients accept their awards. Eagle photos by Andy Katz By Andy Katz Special to the Brooklyn Eagle
Dana Rachlin wasn’t joking around when she named the organization dedicated to disrupting the school-to-prison pipeline “NYC Together.” The first thing a supporter attending the nonprofit’s annual gala encountered when entering the Wythe Hotel was a table offering samples of Laphroaig Single Malt Scotch Whiskey imported all the way from Islay in the Inner Hebrides. Hard liquor served gratis at the Oct. 16 event, which raised funds to support high school students by providing them opportunities to work closely with both NYPD officers who patrol their communities and some of the businesses that serve them. Why not?
Cops Join North Brooklyn Do-Gooders To Stop Feeding the Prison-Industrial Maw “Dana’s fearless,” North Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce President Paul Samulski said of his erstwhile colleague. (Rachlin was the North Brooklyn Chamber’s director of development several years ago.) “She gets things done because she’s not afraid of being told no, and she’s not dismayed by conventional barriers.” “Tonight is about getting off the sidelines,” stand-up comedian and master of ceremonies Chuck Nice insisted. “Tonight is about getting engaged!” And so they do. Moments later, Nice called for individual donations: “Is there anyone for $10,000?” he started. “I know, I know, but I got to ask…” When Chris Breslin of Credite Agricole Bank raised his hand, the room erupted. Rachlin danced over to envelop him in an ecstatic hug. “Everyone has a role to play,” Breslin explained while transferring data from his Amex onto the pledge form. “And I just want to support Dana any way I can.” Breslin’s monster, 10-grand pledge opened the floodgates.
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Kate and Jed Walentas matched it with 10 large of their own, and several thousand-dollar pledges followed suit. By the end of the night, NYC Together raised $26,000 in donations and received another $28,000 in sponsorships from area businesses. Awards were also a part of the evening, and the first, the Visionary Award, went to Assemblymember Joe Lentol. If Rachlin is the mother of Master of ceremo- NYC Together, Lentol is its nies, radio personal- father. From left: Assemblymember Joe Lentol, NYC Together foundity and stand-up co“Dana and I go back a ways,” er and CEO Dana Rachlin, City Councilmember Antonio Reynomedian Chuck Nice. Lentol explained, “working the so and Williamsburg High School for Architecture and Design Greenpoint Youth Court until it Vice Principal Giovanni D’Amato. closed in May of 2014. Dana’s great with kids, and you have to focus on the kids. By the time they’re grown-ups, it’s often too late. “Even if we can’t do this for my generation,” Lentol told the audience, “we can do this for the current generation.” “NYC Together brings social justice tenets to police work,” Rachlin said. “Our goal is to turn adversaries into partners. This is something beyond important.” Longtime ally Jeffrey Maddrey, commanding officer of Patrol Borough Brooklyn North, spoke, recounting: “When I first took over, I told my staff how important it was to become involved with the communities and with the young people. When one of my commanders, Inspector DiPaolo, Continued on page 3
NYC Together alumnus and photographer Uriah Roman with examples of his work.
Megadonor Chris Breslin gets a hug from NYC Together Founder and CEO Dana Rachlin after pledging a $10,000 donation.
NYC Together founder and CEO Dana Rachlin with Philip Granderson. Continued from page 2
told me about Dana and what she was trying to do, I realized this was what I was looking for. Dana’s passion for this kids is second to none.” “I really liked the program,” said alumnus Uriah Roman, showing some of his street photos that had been printed and mounted for the event. “This is my grandmother,” he said as he pointed to a shot of a woman sitting on stairs in somber available light.
From right: Williamsburg High School for Architecture and Design Vice Principal Giovanni D’Amato with City Councilmember Antonio Reynoso. A few years before meeting Dana and NYC Together, Roman helped to support his family by busking Bruno Mars tunes with his own keyboard accompaniment in the Port Authority subway station. Past NYC Together projects have included the 90th Precinct Community Garden, a joint police-student mural also set on the 90th Precinct Station House, and numerous joint learning activities, one of the most recent having been a cop-student mise-en-place prep at Zach Weiner’s Barano restaurant in Williamsburg.
From left: Melissa Furdyn, honoree Coss Marte and Nicole Lee.
Jeffrey Maddrey, commanding officer of Patrol Borough Brooklyn North, does his bit spinning vinyl for the event.
NYC Together founder and CEO Dana Rachlin (center) with her Patrol Borough Brooklyn North Community Service Award. Eagle photos by Andy Katz Bobby Truzzolino presides over Laphroaig’s Single Malt Scotch whiskey sample table.
State Assemblymember Joe Lentol speaks.
From left: Detective Izora Neal, NYC Together founder and CEO Dana Rachlin and Restaurant Barano co-owner Zach Wiener.
Jay Spence (right) with honoree and entrepreneur Coss Marte.
NYC Ferry Director of Community Development and Guest Services Franny Civitano with North Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce President Paul Samulski.
NYPD officers enjoy drinks at the gala. Thursday, October 26, 2017 • Brooklyn Eagle • 3
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A Special Section of BROOKLYN EAGLE Publications
October 26-November 1, 2017
Stroll Nifty Nostrand Ave. In Bed-Stuy
THERE ARE SO MANY FINE SIGHTS TO SEE ON THIS STRETCH OF NOSTRAND AVENUE. FOR INSTANCE, HOW ABOUT THIS LANDMARKED APARTMENT BUILDING, The Alhambra, which was designed by distinguished architect Montrose Morris? Check out some of Bedford-Stuyvesant’s finest architectural eye candy in EYE ON REAL ESTATE, pages 4-5INB. INBrooklyn photo by Lore Croghan
FACES B T F D EHIND
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By John Alexander INBrooklyn
If you’re trying to scare up something frighteningly fun to do next weekend, don’t be afraid to head to KINGS BEER HALL (KBH) at 84 St. Marks Place for Okto-BOO-fest! The KBH crew is throwing a kick-ass Halloween party on Saturday, Oct. 28 and you definitely don’t want to miss it. With its 4,000-square-foot space in Downtown Brooklyn’s Park Slope neighborhood, KBH is the perfect spot for dining, drinking, playing and hanging out with friends, neighbors and strangers. Customers are encouraged to mix and mingle in the
Here’s a look at Cafe Chili’s outdoor patio.
large open space or seated at the wooden picnic tables. Okto-BOO-Fest! will feature tons of games, raffles and up to $500 in prizes! Live music starts at 9 p.m. and there’s a costume contest, so come join your favorite ghosts and goblins for a howling good time at KBH. Other upcoming events at KBH: • Thursday, Oct. 26 at 7 p.m.: Paint Night! Grab a pint and join KBH for a Brooklyn-themed Paint Night — fun, artist-led painting complete with drink specials. • November: The month of thanks and giving — KBH has so much to be thankful for and would like to help give back. During the entire month of November, the hall is donating 10 percent of sales to a different charity each week — Pirate Surf Club Puerto Rico Relief (Nov. 1-5), Planned Parenthood NYC (Nov. 611), Beat Stage 3 (Nov. 12-18), National Alliance on Mental Illness (Nov. 19-25) and Limbs for Life (Nov. 26-Dec.2). Each organization will be hosting its own events during the month. For the full events calendar and more details, go to thekbh.com. Three cheers for CHADWICK’S in Bay Ridge — or should we say 30 cheers for 30 years? The renowned restaurant has been serving some of the finest food in the borough for 30 years and this week marks its anniversary. Stop in and congratulate owners STEVEN and GERRY on a job well done and while you’re there, you might want to try their famous calamari, possibly the best in the Ridge. Continued on page 3INB
Photo by Jett Sirinuwat
2INB • INBROOKLYN — A Special Section of Brooklyn Daily Eagle/Brooklyn Eagle/Heights Press/Brooklyn Record/Bay Ridge Eagle/Greenpoint Gazette • Week of October 26-November 1, 2017
FACES B T F D EHIND
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By John Alexander INBrooklyn
Continued from page 2INB By the way, the venerable COLONIAL CLUB just held its biweekly luncheon at one of Bay Ridge’s popular restaurants. Attendees heard club member and health care expert LOUIS PETERS deliver a timely talk about United Healthcare Medicare solutions and explain the various plans for enrollees. And rumor has it that the club is thinking of moving its meetings to CHADWICK’S restaurant. Have you heard the buzz about CAFÉ CHILI on Court Street? People are raving about its drunken noodles and other selections. Oh, and the ambience gets an A+ for its soft and soothing background music. There’s no better place to relax and enjoy fine Thai cuisine. With popular locations at ski resorts throughout the country, including California, Colorado, Maine, Vermont and Massachusetts, WAFFLE CABIN has its first home off the slopes … well, off the ski slopes, that it is ... because its delicious Belgian delights can now be found in Park Slope. That’s right, VANESSA BARRY is one of the owners of the new Brooklyn hotspot. Overheard at THE RIVER CAFÉ’S traditional English breakfast: “Wow, this is so beautiful!“ exclaimed a drop-in tourist in a group who had taken a morning walk over Brooklyn Bridge. “I had no idea this was here.” Inquiring of one of the well-dressed waiters, he added, “Is there anything like this on the other side of the bridge?” Politely, the waiter noted, “Nothing even REMOTELY like it.” Overheard in the New York State Supreme Court Jury Room: “I think they’re letting us go to lunch ... I want that place that has ‘Nuts’ in the name. Pine Nuts? What is it? Check the paper.” She was talking about LICHEE NUT at 162 Montague St. FRAGOLE is quickly becoming one of the most popular hot
Enjoy a delicious Bento Box at Cafe Chili.
Photo by Jett Sirinuwat
spots for office parties, thanks to its great food and appealing ambience. Owner VICTOR NAVARRETE is the guy to talk to about Fragole, which means “strawberry” in Italian. He does not care for restaurant food. Instead, every meal in the place is homemade. That’s right, every single dish is prepared from scratch. Go see for yourself!
Week of October 26-November 1, 2017 • INBROOKLYN — A Special Section of Brooklyn Daily Eagle/Brooklyn Eagle/Heights Press/Brooklyn Record/Bay Ridge Eagle/Greenpoint Gazette • 3INB
Nostrand Avenue Odyssey, Part 3: Castles Designed By Montrose Morris and Other Bed-Stuy Eye Candy By Lore Croghan INBrooklyn
INBrooklyn photo by Lore Croghan
Thank you, thank you, thank you, Louis Seitz. Brooklynites owe this late 19th-century developer a debt of gratitude for hiring distinguished architect Montrose Morris to design three stunning apartment buildings on our home turf. The architect conjured up castles that could hold their own in HBO’s hit series “Game of Thrones.” Two of these century-and-a-quarter-old architectural masterpieces, the Alhambra and the Renaissance, are located on Nostrand Avenue in Bedford-Stuyvesant. The fact that they can be found on the avenue is one of the main reasons we chose it as our route for an eight-mile urban hike. They’re terrific architectural eye candy. We walked along busy Nostrand Avenue from south to north, from the intersection of Emmons Avenue in Sheepshead Bay to the intersection of Flushing Avenue at the edge of Bed-Stuy. The eight-mile distance is walkable in a single day, but if you stop to take photos of interesting buildings you’ll run out of daylight before you’re done. So we split our stroll into three segments. See brooklyneagle.com to read our accounts of the first two parts of the Nostrand Avenue odyssey, which took us through Sheepshead Bay, Marine Park, Midwood, Flatlands, East Flatbush, Prospect Lefferts Gardens and Crown Heights. Today we want to show you some of the fine sights to be seen on the third and final leg of the journey.
The Alhambra It would be logical to start today’s walk at the intersection of Atlantic Avenue and head north from there. But we really want to go look at Montrose Morris’ designs first. So let’s head for the Alhambra. The five-story Roman-brick, stone, metal and terra-cotta apartment house is located at 500-518 Nostrand Ave., with frontage on Macon and Halsey streets. It was constructed in 1889 and 1890. The building delights the eye, with turrets, arcades in front of upper-floor windows and a mansard roof. Its architectural style is part Romanesque Revival, part Queen Anne.
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Soaring columns flank the windows at the Renaissance, a Nostrand Avenue apartment house designed by Montrose Morris. The city Landmarks Preservation Commission (LPC) designated the Alhambra as an individual landmark in 1986. The LPC’s designation report about the building says it was one of the first apartment houses in Brooklyn built for middleclass families. In that era, they tended to live in rowhouses. The Alhambra’s fine design was meant to overcome their negative opinions about apartment buildings. The Alhambra is in fine shape in this day and age thanks to its city-funded rescue in the 1990s. Anderson Associates Development Group and the I.M. Foundation renovated the building, which had been damaged in a fire, and turned it into affordable housing. The project was partly funded by the city Department of Housing Preservation and Development and the city Housing Development Corp.
The Renaissance Louis Seitz’ other must-see Montrose Morris design on Nostrand Avenue is the Renaissance, which is located at 480-488 Nostrand Ave. on the corner of Hancock Street. It was built in 1892. According to the Landmarks Preservation Commission’s designation report about the building, its design was inspired by the 16th-century chateaux of Renaissance France. The five-story apartment house has circular towers topped with cones that look like witches’ hats, a mansard roof and arched windows flanked by soaring columns. It has a Romanbrick and terra-cotta facade laid out in stripes. Like the Alhambra, the Renaissance was granted individual landmark status in 1986. Like the Alhambra, the Renaissance was in bad shape when it was renovated and turned into affordable housing in the 1990s. The restoration project was handled by Anderson Associates, which was chosen as the developer by the Department of Housing Preservation and Development in a competitive bid-
ding process. By the way, the third apartment house Montrose Morris designed for Louis Seitz is the Imperial at 1327-1339 Bedford Ave. in Crown Heights. A Landmarked High School and a Tenement Designed by Magnus Dahlander Now let’s double back to Atlantic Avenue, which is the boundary between Crown Heights and Bed-Stuy. • The Long Island Rail Road train trestle that looms over the intersection of Atlantic and Nostrand avenues casts artsy shadows. • Near the intersection of Fulton Street and Nostrand Avenue, a handsome old building formerly owned by Carver Federal Savings Bank — and before that, Crossland Savings Bank — now houses a Walgreens store. Carver Federal Savings Bank sold 1281 Fulton St., which is the building’s address, for $2.8 million in 2009, city Finance Department records indicate. That purchaser, 1281 Fulton LLC with Joseph Ashkenazi as manager, sold the building in 2012 for $7.5 million to Bleecker Square Owner LLC, Finance Department records show. • Girls High School, an individual city landmark at 475 Nostrand Ave., looks like it belongs in an Edward Hopper painting. The gorgeous red-brick building has a distinctive tall tower above its front door. The school’s architectural style is combination Victorian Gothic-French Second Empire. It was built in 1885 and 1886. The designer was James W. Naughton, the Superintendent of Buildings for the Board of Education of the City of Brooklyn. A Collegiate Gothic-style addition to the school was designed by C.B.J. Snyder and constructed in 1912. The current occupant of the property is the New York City Department of Education’s Brooklyn Adult Learning Center. The stunning school building occupies the blockfront between Macon and Halsey streets — directly across Nostrand Avenue from the Alhambra. • The landmarked building at 478 Nostrand Ave. on the corner of Hancock Street is an eye-catcher. The Queen Anne-style tenement was designed by architect Magnus Dahlander and constructed around 1893. The building is located directly across Hancock Street from the Renaissance.
Jacob Dangler House and the Marcy Houses • The house at 387 Gates Ave., which is near the corner of Nostrand Avenue, has solar panels on its rooftop. The building belongs to David and Erica Ashe, who purchased it for $1.7 million in 2015, Finance Department records show. The seller in that transaction, Gates Avenue Associates LLC with Tomer Dafna as sole member, had renovated the house after buying it for $215,000 in 2013, Buildings Department filings and Finance Department records indicate. Continued on page 5INB 4INB • INBROOKLYN — A Special Section of Brooklyn Daily Eagle/Brooklyn Eagle/Heights Press/Brooklyn Record/Bay Ridge Eagle/Greenpoint Gazette • Week of October 26-November 1, 2017
This is landmarked Girls High School on Nostrand Avenue in Bed-Stuy. Continued from page 4INB • Construction of a seven-story, 29-unit residential building is underway at 348 Nostrand Ave. The site is located between Lexington and Greene avenues. The property owner is Nos Realty LLC with Lynn Kornblum as a member, Finance Department records indicate. • The late Shirley Chisholm appears on a mural painted on the side of 498 Greene Ave. just off the corner of Nostrand Avenue. She was the first African-Amer-ican woman to serve in the U.S. House of Representatives and the first African-American candidate from a major political party to run for President. The mural, which is titled “When Women Pursue Justice,” was painted by a group called Artmakers Inc. • There are eye-catching homes on the north and south corners of Hart Street, which begins at Nostrand Avenue and proceeds east from there. • Jacob Dangler House, built around 1902, is located at 441 Willoughby Ave. on the corner of Nostrand Avenue.
INBrooklyn photos by Lore Croghan
According to a two-part Brownstoner.com story by architectural historian Suzanne Spellen, Dangler was an immigrant from Alsace-Lorraine who owned a prosperous Brooklyn meat and provisions business. He was also a real-estate investor and a trustee and officer of Fulton Savings Bank. The architectural style of his house is French Gothic Revival. According to Finance Department records, the building now belongs to the United Grand Chapter Order of Eastern Star, State of New York Inc., with Paul Alvarenga as Grand Secretary. • The Marcy Houses are on Nostrand Avenue between Myrtle and Flushing avenues. Of course, this is the New York City Housing Authority development where hip-hop mogul Jay-Z grew up. • Our walk ends at the intersection of Flushing Avenue, which is Nostrand Avenue’s point of origin. This isn’t a dead end. There’s a road on the north side of the intersection, but it’s Lee Avenue, which runs on a diagonal through the south end of Williamsburg.
Nothin’ but blue skies do I see (yes, that’s a line from an Ella Fitzgerald song) on Nostrand Avenue and Hart Street in Bed-Stuy.
Week of October 26-November 1, 2017 • INBROOKLYN — A Special Section of Brooklyn Daily Eagle/Brooklyn Eagle/Heights Press/Brooklyn Record/Bay Ridge Eagle/Greenpoint Gazette • 5INB
--- CROSSWORD ---
(See answers on page 11.)
HOW TO PLAY: Fill in the grid so that every row, every colmn, and every 3x3 box contains the numbers 1 through 9 only once. Each 3x3 box is outlined with a darker line. You already have a few numbers to get you started. Remember: You must not repeat the numbers 1 through 9 in the same line, column, or 3x3 box.
See answers on page 11. 6INB • INBROOKLYN — A Special Section of Brooklyn Daily Eagle/Brooklyn Eagle/Heights Press/Brooklyn Record/Bay Ridge Eagle/Greenpoint Gazette • Week of October 26-November 1, 2017
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MYBROOKLYNCALENDAR.COM Where: Crown Heights/Brooklyn Museum (200 Eastern Parkway)
Calendar Events
The Means of a Ready Escape: Brooklyn’s Prospect Park Prospect Park has never been simply an escape from the city, but a fundamental part of it. This exhibition highlights the 150year social history of Brooklyn’s backyard. Featuring over one hundred artifacts and documents, it tells the story of the 585 acres of forest, field, and swamp that Frederick Law Olmsted and Calvert Vaux transformed into an urban oasis, and how the Park has sustained generations of Brooklynites throughout the borough’s many eras of change. Continued on page 8INB
October 26-November 1
Arts Julia Oldham: How to Escape a Black Hole A stimulating and immersive video installation. This hallucinatory guided tour into a philosophically fraught region of space time is part physics lesson, part voyage toward destruction. When: Tuesday-Sunday, through Oct. 29; Tuesday-Saturday, 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.; Sunday, 12-6 p.m. Where: Fort Greene/Project Room at BRIC House (647 Fulton St.) In & Out A pairing of Kate Teale and Marcy Rosewater paintings curated by Brittany Prater. When: Thursday-Sunday, through Nov. 5, 1-6 p.m. Where: Bushwick/Studio 10 (56 Bogart St.) Beyond-Beyond Ron Baron’s expansive installation of nearly 100 pairs of life-size cast ceramic shoes. Although each pair is small in comparison to the gallery’s vast space, their combined poetic and ghostly presences fill the significant void and evoke all that is missing. When: Wednesday-Sunday, through Nov. 5, 12-6 p.m. Where: DUMBO/Smack Mellon (92 Plymouth St.) Reconceived Notions “Reconceived Notions” is an exhibit and programming that includes the work of artists, makers and writers who are exploring, questioning and challenging existing systems. When: Friday-Sunday, through Nov. 19; Fridays, 6-9 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday, 12-5 p.m. Where: Bay Ridge/Stand 4 (414 78th St.) My Shot: Portraits from Hamilton “Hamilton” features a cast of revolutionaries. Night after night, this band of young rebels raise their voices to the darkness in an inspiring uprising of song and spirit. They are at once our history and our future, inciting rebellion and leading the way to change. Josh Lehrer captured their portraits using antique cameras and lenses. When: Tuesday-Saturday, through Nov. 22 (Tuesday-Friday, 126 p.m.; Saturday, 12-4 p.m.) Where: DUMBO/United Photo Industries Gallery (16 Main St., Gallery B)
capacity to store energy frequencies of everyday experiences, systemic racism, inequality and generational trauma and is interested in how individuals recalibrate themselves. Within the narratives presented in “Transcend,” Mayhorn explores how individuals heal, discharge negative data and carve out a space for themselves amid the noise. When: Wednesday-Saturday, through Nov. 25, 12-7 p.m. Where: Park Slope/Open Source Gallery (306 17th St.) Bête Noire This group show features 12 artists. The paintings, drawings, photographs and sculptures featured in this exhibition illuminate the conceit by embodying forms, narratives and frames of mind that pique and, perhaps, consternate the eye, haunting it in ways that refuse ready interpretations. When: Thursday-Sunday, through Dec. 10, 1-6 p.m. Where: Crown Heights/Five Myles (558 St. John's Place) Proof: Francisco Goya, Sergei Eisenstein, Robert Longo At particular moments in history, artists use their artwork to reveal social, cultural and political complexities, responding to the times in which they live. Bringing together the work of three innovative chroniclers, “Proof: Francisco Goya, Sergei Eisenstein, Robert Longo” offers insight into the energy, empathy and creativity with which these artists recounted and reimagined their realities. When: Wednesday-Sunday, through January, 11 a.m. - 6 p.m.
Image courtesy of the artists and Studio 10
Kimberly Mayhorn: Transcend Humans are made of energy that is emitted every day, affecting not only ourselves, but those around us. Mayhorn views energy that settles on the body over time as data. Whether interpersonal, political, historical or cultural, this data creates invisible scars. Mayhorn views the body as a delicate organ that has the
Author Tad Hills will read from his new book "Duck and Goose: Honk Quack Boo" at Books Are Magic on Saturday, Oct. 28. Image courtesy of Books Are Magic, and the author
“In & Out,” a pairing of Kate Teale and Marcy Rosewater paintings, will be on exhibit through Nov. 5 at Studio 10. Week of October 26-November 1, 2017 • INBROOKLYN — A Special Section of Brooklyn Daily Eagle/Brooklyn Eagle/Heights Press/Brooklyn Record/Bay Ridge Eagle/Greenpoint Gazette • 7INB
SUNDAY
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MYBROOKLYNCALENDAR.COM Continued from page 7INB When: Wednesdays-Sundays, through July 2018 Where: Brooklyn Heights/Brooklyn Historical Society (128 Pierrepont St.)
Books & Readings Book Talk: The Second Coming of the KKK Rick Perlstein leads this conversation with renowned historian Linda Gordon, whose new book takes an in-depth look at the roots and ramifications of the KKK’s 1920s resurgence. When: Thursday, Oct. 26, 6:30 p.m. Where: Brooklyn Heights/Brooklyn Historical Society (128 Pierrepont St.) Tad Hills: Duck and Goose — Honk Quack Boo It’s Halloween in the meadow, and the beloved, classic New York Times bestselling feathered friends Duck and Goose are ready for trick-or-treating! Join author Tad Hills for a spooky story time reading “Duck & Goose: Honk! Quack! Boo.” When: Saturday, Oct. 28, 11 a.m. Where: Boerum Hill/Books Are Magic (225 Smith St.) And Jenny’s Head Fell Off Enjoy tarot Readings by Ancient Nouveau and a night of spooky Halloween readings. When: Monday, Oct. 30, 6 p.m. Where: Williamsburg/Quimby's Bookstore NYC (536 Metropolitan Ave.) Spooky Storytime Jamboree Put on your costume and get in the Halloween spirit with some spooky (but not too spooky) stories and songs. For kids 0-5 years. All attendees are encouraged to dress up. When: Tuesday, Oct. 31, 10:30-11:15 a.m. Where: Clinton Hill/Clinton Hill Library (380 Washington Ave.)
Educational
States of Denial: #Closerikers, Build Communities Join activists from JustLeadershipUSA, founders of the #CLOSErikers campaign, as they discuss the urgent need to reimagine, and implement real solutions for problems with New York City’s criminal justice system. Part of the ongoing series “States of Denial: The Illegal Incarceration of Women, Children, and People of Color,” organized by Elizabeth A. Sackler and the Elizabeth A. Sackler Center for Feminist Art at the Brooklyn Museum. When: Sunday, Oct. 29, 2-4 p.m. Where: Crown Heights/Brooklyn Museum (200 Eastern Parkway) Photographing Trees at Brooklyn Botanic Garden As leaves fall in late autumn, the true architecture of trees emerges. This class explores how looking with the naked eye and photographing are two different ways of seeing and offers a special opportunity to photograph trees in Brooklyn Botanic Garden's collections as inspiration. When: Sunday, Oct. 29, 10 a.m. - 1p.m. Where: Prospect Park/Brooklyn Botanic Garden (990 Washington Ave.) Youth Ride Club — McCarren Park This free program for young people ages 10-19 teaches the mechanics of riding a bike, the rules of the road, best practices for riding in a group and on the city streets, and — of course — the joy and freedom of biking. Beginner and experienced riders are welcome. When: Monday, Oct. 30, 3:30-5:30 p.m. Where: Williamsburg/McCarren Park (776 Lorimer St.)
FALL SPECIALS on Windows • Gutters/Leaders Siding
Living Gig to Gig in NYC’s Freelance Economy New York City’s workforce is increasingly populated by freelancers, working from contract to contract for a variety of companies. As the “gig economy” overtakes more traditional career structures, dramatic changes could be on the horizon. Join Sara Horowitz, executive director and founder of the Freelancers Union, in a lively discussion about the gig economy’s impact on New York City and the safety nets we need to support the 21st century workforce. When: Monday, Oct. 30, 6:30-8 p.m. Where: Brooklyn Heights/Brooklyn Historical Society (128 Pierrepont St.) Little Scientists: Science Baby Join the Washington Irving Library for this special eight-week series for babies and toddlers exploring STEM: Science,
Littlefield will host the “Reality Bites” ’80s + ’90s Halloween Party on Friday, Oct. 27. Image courtesy of Littlefield Technology, Engineering and Math. “Science Baby” is a creative science program for 0-3-year-olds led by teaching artist Emma Gordon. The heart of “Science Baby” is exploring the wonder of science through story, repetition and play. We explore gravity, motion, magnets, chemical reactions, light, water, bubbles, sound and more. When: Wednesdays, through Dec. 20, 10:30-11:30 a.m. Where: Highland Park/Washington Irving Library (380 Washington Ave.)
Family Fun 17th Annual Fort Greene Park Halloween Festival Stop by the central lawn for an afternoon of rides, games, giveaways, face-painting, crafts, live music and more. When: Saturday, Oct. 28, 12-3 p.m. Where: Fort Greene/Fort Greene Park (85 South Oxford St.) Spookfest A wonderful family event at which kids can trick-or-treat through child-friendly haunted classrooms, participate in arts and crafts, bounce in the bouncy houses and enjoy other inflatable rides while eating ghostly treats. When: Saturday, Oct. 28, 12-4 p.m. Where: Crown Heights/P.S. 316 (750 Classon Ave.) Brooklyn Music School’s Haunted House The 5th Annual Musical Haunted House at Brooklyn Music School is fun for the whole family. The event will begin with the world premiere of “Dead Zeppelin” and there is a rumor that this might be the final appearance of “Helvis.” A costume contest will take place during the concert, and raffle prizes will be awarded. Following the show, participants are invited to take part in a haunted tour, with a “Schtick or Treat” through the century-old schoolhouse, fantastically decked out in Halloween décor, with performances by students and teachers in costume. When: Sunday, Oct. 29, 3 - 6 p.m. Where: Fort Greene/Brooklyn Music School (126 St. Felix St.) Challoween Come to see Halloween whether in costume or not. Prize for best costume. See the all- time frightful movie. Cost $20 includes franks, blood beans and refreshments. When: Sunday, Oct. 29, 7-10:45 p.m. Where: Bay Ridge/BRJC (405 81st St.) Stomp, Clap & Sing with Shira Kobren Shira Kobren is the front woman and songwriter for kindie rock band Shira & Friends. She performs all over the tri-state area. Program is in Hebrew, Yiddish and English. When: Sunday, Oct. 29, 2-3 p.m. Where: Borough Park/Ryder Library (5902 23rd Ave.)
Film Crown Heights Film Festival Three evenings of excellent short films from around the world. Continued on page 9INB
8INB • INBROOKLYN — A Special Section of Brooklyn Daily Eagle/Brooklyn Eagle/Heights Press/Brooklyn Record/Bay Ridge Eagle/Greenpoint Gazette • Week of October 26-November 1, 2017
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MYBROOKLYNCALENDAR.COM Continued from page 8INB Full program available at www.fivemyles.org. Each night features ten to thirteen short films for about 1h 30 minutes of screening time. When: Thursday-Saturday, Oct. 26-28, 7:30 p.m. Where: Crown Heights/Five Myles (558 St. John’s Place)
Food & Drink Atlantic Avenue Halloween Pub Crawl 2017 Bring back the ’90s at the Atlantic Avenue Halloween Pub Crawl. This pub crawl includes 13 bars along Atlantic Avenue between Fourth Avenue and the BQE. Register online at 2017HalloweenPubCrawl.Eventbrite.com to get a participant wristband. The wristband gives pub crawlers access to drink specials and allows them to enter the costume contest. When: Saturday, Oct. 28, 7 p.m. - 2 a.m. Where: Brooklyn Heights/Atlantic Avenue (Various locations) Smorgasburg Prospect Park More than 100 local and regional food purveyors will gather on Breeze Hill to offer a range of cuisines. When: Sunday, Oct. 29, 11 a.m. - 6 p.m. Where: Prospect Park/Breeze Hill Bartel-Pritchard Square Greenmarket Nestled inside Prospect Park’s tree-shaded southwest corner, this much-loved weekday market is where South Slope and Windsor Terrace residents stock up on locally grown staples. The offerings range from a selection of vegetables, fruits, baked goods, plants and flowers to fresh-caught fish and organic baked goods. When: Wednesday, Nov. 1, 8 a.m. - 3 p.m. Where: Prospect Park/Bartel-Pritchard Square
Health Older Adult Wellness — Sit Down to Get Down A class using chair exercise, mindfulness and meditation. This free, holistic, low-impact, friendly class is a great way to support your healthy lifestyle. When: Thursday, Oct. 26, 10-11 a.m. Where: Carroll Gardens/Carroll Gardens Library (396 Clinton St.)
Nightlife Mummy Masquerade MeLo X and Jasmine Solano (AKA Electric Punanny) host a Halloween dance party in celebration of the special exhibition Soulful Creatures. The evening includes pop-up tours, led by the ASK team, on the origins of mummies becoming synonymous with Halloween. Guests are encouraged to wear costumes, but
they are not mandatory for entry. When: Thursday, Oct. 26, 7 p.m. Where: Crown Heights/Brooklyn Museum (200 Eastern Parkway) Reality Bites ’80s + ’90s Halloween Party Things just aren’t like they used to be. Littlefield is taking you back to the days of your youth, with the skint’s “Reality Bites” ’80s + ’90s Halloween Party. Because the scariest thing in the world right now isn't ghosts or goblins — it's the future. Trick-or-treat yo'self: Bump in the night to angsty ’80s + ’90s anthems spun by DJ Brian Blackout, reel at throwback horror movie projections by Music Video Time Machine's Stephen Pitalo, get caught in the web of the spooky photo booth, or just haunt the bar and get jack-o-lit with drink specials. What should you wear? Come as you aren't. (It's Halloween, after all.) Dress as your favorite Winona Ryder character, a vampire, a microchip — anything except a clown. For the love of “It,” no clowns. The best and worst of the night will be rewarded with frightfully good prizes. When: Friday, Oct. 27, 10:30 p.m. Where: Gowanus/Littlefield (635 Sackett St.) Rocky Horror Picture Show/Live Karaoke Revue and Halloween Extravaganza The Occasionalists present their Third Annual Rocky Horror Picture Revue and Live Karaoke Halloween Extravaganza, the wildest and most untamed version yet. Two complete live karaoke sets. Special guest singers but none more special than you. Come sing on the big stage, or just do the Time Warp like it's 1976. There’s also a Costume Contest at intermission with big prizes. When: Tuesday, Oct. 31, 7:30 p.m. Where: Gowanus/The Bell House (149 Seventh St.)
Theatre & Music American Dance Spectacular From The Charleston and Lindy Hop to The Jitterbug and Twist to Disco and Vogue, leading Broadway dancers — backed up by Broadway vocalists and a live band — take the audience on a sweeping journey through the last century of American dance sensations. When: Saturday, Oct. 28, 8 p.m. Where: Manhattan Beach/On Stage at Kingsborough (2001 Oriental Blvd.)
Week of October 26-November 1, 2017 ARIES — Mar 21/Apr 20 Aries, embrace that others see you as a role model. There may be someone close to you who holds you in strong regard. Pay attention to the influence you have on others. TAURUS — Apr 21/May 21 Taurus, a difficult problem will ultimately prove very rewarding when you find the solution. Embrace this challenge and give it your best shot. You will be glad you did. GEMINI — May 22/Jun 21 Gemini, attempt to connect with people on a deeper level for the next several days. Your home is a place of comfort and your personal sanctuary, and you can make it that for others, too. CANCER — Jun 22/Jul 22 Cancer, slow down a little and take time to smell the roses. A breather can help you appreciate all the things you have and give time to show that appreciation. LEO — Jul 23/Aug 23 Your focus this week will be on acquisitions. You may be renovating a home or business or simply updating a wardrobe. Keep track of your spending. VIRGO — Aug 24/Sept 22 Virgo, change is stirring things up in a way that should be beneficial for you. See where this excitement takes you and brace yourself for whatever comes your way. LIBRA — Sept 23/Oct 23 Libra, make an effort to be more financially prudent in the coming weeks. Some patience and discipline now will pay big dividends down the road. SCORPIO — Oct 24/Nov 22 Someone you know is interested in picking up new skills, and you are just the teacher for the job, Scorpio. Embrace this chance to help others. SAGITTARIUS — Nov 23/Dec 21 This is an excellent time to express your feelings, Sagittarius. Others will be receptive to your thoughts, and a new relationship may be on the horizon. CAPRICORN — Dec 22/Jan 20 Capricorn, you may need to develop some thick skin as you begin taking on a new project. You’re fully capable, so don’t listen to any potential doubters. AQUARIUS — Jan 21/Feb 18 Your motivation must come from within this week, Aquarius. Others are not around to be your cheer squad. Your inner drive is there; it just may need a boost. PISCES — Feb 19/Mar 20 Pisces, keep to yourself this week if you feel unwanted conflict is coming. Enjoy some solitary time until the waters calm down.
— Week of October 26-November 1, 2017 • INBROOKLYN — A Special Section of Brooklyn Daily Eagle/Brooklyn Eagle/Heights Press/Brooklyn Record/Bay Ridge Eagle/Greenpoint Gazette • 9INB
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The Evergreens Cemetery Draws Visitors During Open House New York Weekend By Lore Croghan Brooklyn Eagle
Here lies Bill “Bojangles” Robin Robinson, beloved tap dancer. And victims of the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory fire. And a grieving widower who lived in his dead wife's tomb with a pet parrot for company. They’re among the more than Everhalf-million people buried at the Ever greens Cemetery in Bushwick. The historic graveyard, which was visi established in 1849, welcomed visitors on Saturday, Oct. 14 and Sunday, Oct. 15 for tours during the celebracelebra Weektion of Open House New York Week end. archiThe annual event showcases archi tecturally and historically significant sites throughout the five boroughs. This year’s participants were an eclectic mix of properties ranging synfrom museums to churches and syn agogues to artfully designed shops to a whiskey distillery — and a number of cemeteries as well. The weekend was partly supported by public funds from the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs in partnership with the City Council. Visitors who toured the Evergreens got an informative tutorial from Eva Bowerman, the cemetery’s director of programs, about the architectural styles of some of the 225-acre gravegrave gravemarkyard’s mausoleums and gravemark A sweet-faced statue gaz es down from a pedestal at the Meng- ers. es family’ s grave. Eagle photos b y L ore Croghan Many of the mausoleums
Welcome to the Evergreens Cemetery, a historic Bushwick graveyard. were meant to look like small-scale Classical Greek temples, Bowerman said during the tour she gave on Oct. 14. But here and there, Bowerman pointed out designs that were inspired by Egyptian-Revival architecture or Gothic-Revival architecture. A mausoleum built for Louis Jantzen is Art Nouveau in style. It is located in a cluster of tombs near the Evergreens' Bushwick Avenue entrance that's referred to as Mausoleum Row — or Brewers' Row, because some Brooklyn beer makers of yesteryear have their final resting place there. Charles Roeder's tomb, which is made of rusticated stone and has two small towers on either side of its entrance door, looks like a tiny castle. A Widower and His Parrot Lived in a Mausoleum Speaking of the Evergreens' mausoleums, the one that was a big sensation more than a century ago was inhabited by Jonathan Reed, the grieving widower mentioned at the beginning of this story, and his parrot. When Reed’s wife Mary died in 1893
H ere’s the E vergreens’ V ictorian- G othic chapel, which is undergoing a historically appropriate restoration. 6 • Brooklyn Eagle • Thursday, October 26, 2017
she was initially buried in her father's vault — where Reed spent massive amounts of time until Mary's father put a stop to the visits. After Reed's father-in-law died in 1895, Reed bought a mausoleum for Mary and himself — and along with her casket he had furniture, a stove to keep him and Mary warm, paintings and even her unfinished knitting moved into the tomb. He spent his days there for many years. When the parrot that served as his companion died, Reed had it stuffed so it could continue to stay by his side. Reed had lots of human companionship in the mausoleum as well. The first year he spent there, about 7,000 people visited him. Since his 1905 death, the Reeds’ tomb has been locked up tight. But Open House New York Weekend tour-takers did get to go inside another building in the cemetery that is normally closed to the public — the “receiving vault,” which was constructed in 1872. It was used to store bodies in the winter when the ground was frozen and Continued on page 7
Eva Bowerman, who’ s wearing a red coat in this photo, leads visitors on an Oct. 1 4 tour of the Evergreens.
The leaves on a few of the Evergreens Cemetery’ s trees are j ust starting to change color for fall.
H ome S weet H ome: The mausoleum at right is where widower J onathan Reed lived with his dead wife in her casket. Continued from page 6
torically appropriate restoration work that has been done on the Evergreens' Victorian-Gothic chapel. Wetzel said during the tour he gave on Oct. 14 that the multi-year renovation project began with repairs to the exterior of the chapel. “It lost all its character in earlier renovarenova tions,” Wetzel said. Its tri-color slate roof had to be replaced. The bell in its steeple was restored. Inside the chapel, which is now used as an administrative office, the restoration crew removed drop ceilings and discovered old-fashioned “penny-dot” porcelain tile on the floor. Part of the interior is still A Victorian-Gothic Chapel Is under renovation. Tour-goers Being Restored steered clear of it. Evergreens Cemetery visitors See brooklyneagle.com for also got an update from Tony This statue looks like it’ s rising additional photos of the EvWetzel of the Historic Construcout of the ground in front of ergreens. tion Management Corp. on histhe Claus family monument. gravediggers couldn't do their jobs. The receiving vault is constructed of Coignet stone, Bowerman said. This material, which is also called artificial stone, is concrete that’s cast in molds according to a process brought from France to Brooklyn in the 19th century. The former headquarters of the New York and Long Island Coignet Stone Company, which manufactured artificial stone, is still standing. This individual city landmark, located on the corner of Third Avenue and 3rd Street in Gowanus, is flanked on either side by a Whole Foods supermarket.
Charles Roeder’ s mausoleum looks like a castle.
Evergreens tour-goers photograph the Mayer-S chmitt mausoleum, which was constructed in 1 9 3 9 . Thursday, October 26, 2017 • Brooklyn Eagle • 7
B OOK BEAT
Interview: Englander on His New Novel ‘Dinner at the Center of the Earth’ By Peter Stamelman Special to Brooklyn Eagle
How much did I relish reading Nathan Englander’s new novel “Dinner at the Center of the Earth?” Let me tell you, my enemies should never enjoy such a book! Englander is a writer possessed of bountiful humanity and wisdom. His novels and short stories have a sweeping sense of the historical and the personal. In fact, for Englander, history is personal. Englander himself overflows with ideas, conjectures, declarations. Listening to him riff on writing fiction, the current Trumpian moment, Israel and Palestine, the concept of Aliyah (the immigration of Jews from the diaspora to the Land of Israel), the fortunes of the University of Wisconsin football team — often all in the same sentence — is like listening to a great jazz group, say Benny Golson & Art Farmer’s Jazztet. There is the opening melody, then the frontline solos, then the rhythm section enters, then back to the melody. Englander’s free-associative musings at times had me feeling that I was at Birdland, not the Primrose Cafe in Clinton Hill. Englander’s longtime (and only) literary agent Nicole Aragi tells me by email from London: “I signed Nathan because I was attracted to his voice. I love it when I can recognize who the writer is within a few seconds … Nathan's originality, voice, even the rhythm of his sentences felt utterly original and compelling, like nothing else I had read. Nathan’s brain travels in circles and loops around and then around again, incorporating dozens of thoughts. Often, I have to say, ‘Whoa, slow down. Hang on, say that again, you lost me. Love it, now compress that to a sentence, or a page, or 25 pages (depending on the situation). You need to give up caffeine!’” Thus my apprehension when, in the course of our one-hour conversation, he ordered a second large Americano. I had to tamp down my Jewish mother instinct and not exclaim, “Nathan, don’t drink that!” These are edited excerpts from our conversation.
Courtesy of A lfred A . K nopf
8 • Brooklyn Eagle • Thursday, October 26, 2017
Eagle: The structure of “Dinner at the Center of the Earth” is so interesting. Did you know when beginning the book that you would shift perspectives and jump around in time and place? Nathan Englander: Not to make this too much of a Talmudic interview, but it depends where the beginning begins. I’ve wanted to write this book since the [Israeli-Palestinian] peace process fell apart. And I was searching for the right form. I knew I didn’t want to write a 900-page lecture on heartbreak or a didactic treatise on peace. Until this past presidential U.S. election, I couldn’t claim that I was an expert on geopolitical matters. But now with Trump and his cabinet — coupled with the research I did for this book — I can say (laughing) I’m qualified to head NASA or be the Secretary of Education. My biggest challenge in writing “Dinner” was bringing all those pieces and people together. Eagle: Did you use a bulletin board with colored cards to keep track? NE: Oh, I love those boards! I’m so jealous of writers who use those boards! I wish I was disciplined enough to have a crazy person’s board that organizes everything: the plot, the characters, the locations. Eagle: Like a storyboard that filmmakers use. Hitchcock famously said that once he had his storyboard completed shooting the film was an afterthought. NE: (Laughing) Well I’m definitely not Hitchcockian. Here’s the point: I’m obsessed with the dissociative states and with the subconscious. I mean I do have writer friends who can work that way, like Colson Whitehead, who, when he sits down to write, he knows how everything is mapped out. But that’s not me, as you can probably tell. I mean, I feel my way through differently. For example, we’re two minutes into this interview and I already have 15 threads going. Eagle: I’ve been in psychotherapy; I can handle the threads. In fact, I’m enjoying them. NE: Well, that’s good because I think in circles; you know that New York Jewish circularity. At the age of 19, I decided I was no Ortholonger going to be an Ortho dox Jew. For my junior year of college, I went to Israel and, for the first time, I understood culturwhat it meant to be more cultur ally Jewish. When I showed up in Iowa City [where Englander Robstudied with Marilynne Rob inson at the famed University of Iowa Writers’ Workshop], I was still newly secular, yet my speech patterns, so shaped by my yeshiva education, were very much reflected in my writing. I learned that I was basically building sentences with an almost Yiddish-inflected pattern. Eagle: To often hilarious effect, as in your story “Camp Sundown” (from Englander’s most recent collection of short stories “What We Talk About When We Talk About Anne Frank”), where Josh, the beleaguered camp director, asks Agnes, a 76-year-old camper. Here is an excerpt: “Why do you talk like that?” “Like what?”
“Like ‘Always he takes care.’ Like you haven’t been living in Livingston, New Jersey for the last 50 years.” Englander: (Laughing) Yes, that’s a perfect example. But it’s funny because I don’t speak Yiddish. I speak Hebrew. The Yiddish inflection is due to the fact that I was taught by rabbis with those speech patterns and I absorbed them. How I think, how I write, how I build a sentence — so much of that is shaped by, obviously, the education I got. For example, right now, “This you call an interview?” Eagle: Did you ever think of becoming Hasidic? NE: Plenty of my Orthodox friends shifted that way. I went the other way. I mean, still, the yarmulke, tzitzit, kosher, halachic. But not the black hat. Eagle: Regarding your new novel “Dinner at the Center of the Earth”: It’s interesting, and ironic, that we’re talking about it because just three weeks ago I interviewed Jennifer Egan, whose new novel “Manhattan Beach,” like yours, is also a shift in theme and style from her previous novels. NE: Yes, I know. Jenny and I are friends. [Note: Jennifer Egan and Nathan Englander will be speaking and reading at the 92nd Street Y on Nov. 30 at 7:30 p.m.] Although, in her novels before “Manhattan Beach” she still had plots. My previous short stories and novels have not been particularly plot-driven. Eagle: Since it’s your first thriller, were you channeling your inner Graham Greene or Eric Ambler when you decided to write “Dinner”? NE: Allow me to answer in a bit of a roundabout way: So, a motivating factor, with this extraordinarily loaded subject [the Israeli-Palestinian question] that I decided to tackle, was that it not turn into a lecture or a diatribe, that we enter into the conversation solely through character. Now, of course, that puts a different kind of pressure on the plot. And regarding the thriller elements, it wasn’t conscious in that way, beyond the fact that, once I knew I was writing my “Prisoner Z” [based on the real-life case of “Prisoner X”], that his thread would have that [thriller] feel. Eagle: Actually, “Dinner” is a mix of genres… NE: Yes, a big mix of genres — the General is, I guess, a magic-realist-dream-history genre, then there’s the love story and then the allegory. I was aware of the different threads, but not the genres — that only became clear when I was done writing. Eagle: I’m wondering — was it that you didn’t feel “ready” to write such a novel earlier in your career? NE: It wasn’t the thriller part that I was waiting to write. It was the Israel-Palestine part that I was waiting to find the right form for the telling. And [“Dinner at the Center of the Earth”] was it. To tell the story of this conflict the way it needs to be told, it has to be told in circles. And I’m organically desperate to use those circles. This is my fourth book, and when I was starting it, I thought, “Oh, I think I can finally control those circles ... and, yet, I discovered that here’s a story, that if you’re going to show it any respect, you have to tell it in circles. Eagle: Why do you use generic names for your principal characters: “the General,” “the Waitress,” “Prisoner Z”? NE: There are two answers. The first is that I literally discovered while I was writing — almost as if a lightbulb went off — that I was writing an
Author Nathan E nglander P hoto: J oshua Meier
allegory, and if you’re writing an allegory, rather than use mellifluous, poetic made-up names, I wanted to keep the names generic. Thus “the Waitress,” “the General” — that’s how allegories work. And here’s the second part of my answer: There’s the conscious part, the things I think as me writing and then there’s the unconscious part. The circles within the circles. Eagle: You thought if you “named” the General it would be too much of a lightning rod? NE: Yes — it doesn’t work for my brain ... for someone who becomes a writer from being a reader ... the books that changed my life are the books that ask the questions but don’t give the answers. We have a shortage of empathy in this world now, to such an extraordinary degree that, whatever your political stripes, it has to break your heart when you know that we have a president who’s willing to take health care away from children. I’m not even talking about giving health care to children, I’m talking about someone who will take it away, i.e., children will die. My book explores empathy; I wanted the reader to enter into the Israel-Palestine conversation with me. The concept of what John Gardner called “moral fiction.” While one is reading my book, I want them to test and rethink their own values. Eagle: Nathan, if you hadn’t been born a Jew, what would you write about? NE: (Laughing) Wow ... that’s a question that stops me in my tracks! You know, I always like to have quick answers. For example, part of being a writer today is coming out of your room and going on a book tour. And people expect you to have favorites. Like “Nathan’s five favorite summer salads.” Or when I’m on these tours, I’m inevitably asked if I’m still religious, and my quick response is, “No, I’m a failed atheist.” I mean … I have 20 pre-packaged, Woody Allen-like jokes about where I am religiously. But when you ask me a question like that, my head short-circuits. Because to try to answer your question, I have to differentiate between Jewish, New York, bagels or just neurotic. And because at this moment in America we essentially have a white supremacist president, I sometimes feel like doing my readings with 10 yarmulkes piled high on my head. But, truthfully, I have spent such a long time saying, “I am not a Jewish-American” writer. I mean I’m fifth-generation American. My dad worked for the city of New York, my grandfather also worked for the city. Everyone’s welcome to see a Jew when they look at me, but I don’t write about Jews, I write about people. You know, you are the first person that’s ever asked me that question. Nathan Englander’s “Dinner at the Center of the Earth” is published by Alfred A. Knopf and available at Greenlight Books in Brooklyn, Barnes & Noble and online at Amazon.