57th Street

by Joanna Paxinou George Raft was a big movie star in the 1930s and ‘40s. Frankly, I wasn’t a fan of his and only watched his films when James Cagney or Humphrey Bogart was in the movie with him. Then I found out recently that Raft had grown up in…

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by Joanna Paxinou Christmas is one of my fondest memories growing up in Hell’s Kitchen in New York City. I always loved Christmas! Almost the whole neighborhood participated in lighting up for the holidays. Our decorations weren’t nearly as grand as the stores on Fifth Avenue like Tiffany’s, Saks Fifth…

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The Windermere photo courtesy of Phil O’Brien www.w42st.com I love the old buildings and homes built in New York City from about 1880 through the 1920s. I love them for their unique, thoughtful touches in making comfortable, lovely homes. They reflect a time that can never happen again…a time of…

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Growing up in Manhattan, I remember how hot summers were. Walking the streets felt like the heat was coming up from the asphalt and almost smothering you. We didn’t have air-conditioning at home, just a couple of fans. My Uncle George (my Dad’s brother and a film buff like me)…

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I grew up in Manhattan on West 57th Street between Ninth and Tenth Avenues. I loved it and still do! I left the old neighborhood some time ago, but it never left me. There are some new buildings built over the years, but surprisingly a lot has stayed the same….

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I grew up on 57th Street between Ninth and Tenth Avenues in Manhattan. I loved my neighborhood—still do. They called this area Hell’s Kitchen when I was growing up. According to local lore, the area got its name because it was a rough part of New York City in the…

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