Monday, January 14, 2013

Come back to the five and dime

Jimmy Dean, Jimmy Dean. Ok, that's an obscure reference. This is the Woolworth Building in lower Manhattan, seen from the observation deck of the World Trade Center in 1994. The architect was Cass Gilbert and the building was finished in 1913. One of the tallest skyscrapers of its time with fifty-seven floors, it remains an icon among tall buildings.

The back side of the Woolworth Building as seen from the observation deck of the WTC.

The Woolworth Building is still impressive today. There is a project under way to convert the upper floors to luxury apartments (of course). Can you imagine living in this tower? I can...

9 comments:

  1. If you think that's an obscure reference... my first thought was 'Come up to my place'. And if you know the source of that you're doing well. It's this.

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    1. My parents knew Betty Comden and Adolph Green back in those days and I think they attended one of the very first performances. I don't remember if they told me this or if I read it in their correspondence. I'll have to check.

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  2. woolworth's was a great store. buildings like this have character. ooooh, I just noticed something - this building is 100 years old!

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    1. When my kids were little and we'd visit my parents in Philly, one of their favorite stops was at the Woolworth's on Chestnut, across from Wanamaker's. They were happy to discover one in Toulon (of all places!) and then in England. All gone.

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    2. THAT was a great woolworth's! yes, wanamaker's and woolworth's are both gone. wanamaker's is now a macy's and the woolworth's is a bowling alley (lucky strike lanes).

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  3. We still have a Woolworths here, but it looks nothing like that!!!
    I'm enjoying these photos Walt, especially since I can't find mine....thanks.

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  4. It is such a gorgeous building!
    (I sent you another message on FB. Every time I see your photo under "about the author" I think it is
    Huell Howser. Remember him? Maybe you were in France already?).

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  5. The last Woolworth I saw was in Frankfurt, Germany several years ago. I didn't think there were any others left.

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  6. morningaj, I have to admit that I didn't know... so I'm glad you gave me the link!

    anne marie, very cool!

    virginiac, lol. Keep looking!

    nadege, I remember Huell Howser. California's Gold!

    starman, I don't remember the last time I saw a Woolworths...

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