Tower Power
Yes, we’ve got one, too. Right across the street. For those of you not familiar with Morningside Heights, it’s called Riverside Church. Its tower looks a little like Yale’s Harkness Tower, which is where Frank Lloyd Wright said he’d want to live if he had to live in New Haven — so he wouldn’t have to look at it. That’s the way I feel about the Interchurch Center, the towering monolith Commonweal’s offices are in: great views from every window in the building, all the better for not including the Interchurch Center. Its nickname is the God Box, and a mighty homely fortress it is.
Anyway, Commonwealers are invited to stop by if they’re ever in the neighborhood. We have no conferences planned, but we can promise a good view of the Hudson, and if you’re lucky, Grant Gallicho might offer you some bourbon.
I’m happy to have generated a meme — my first one!
Thanks for the invitation. How about a cup of coffee, instead of the bourbon?
I’ve spent time in Manhattan only once, and I loved it. My idea of a proper city. There’s even a twenty-four-hour Starbucks. Yes.
Looking at both those photos, I understand Wright’s sentiment.
Your invitation is a bit late. I grew up in the 40s and 50s two blocks away on 122d street. The smaller building south of the tower was a playground. A small building on the corner of Claremont and 120th st was the Columbia U – NROTC training facility. Lots of happy memories from that neighborhood.
BTW go in on Sunday, April 29 to see the commemoration of Grant’s birthday to be held at Grant’s Tomb. See http://www.olivertildencamp26suvcw.org/ for more info (scroll down to get to the item).
As we used to say back then – keep the faith.
Phil Gilson, Brooklyn NY