Things We’re Looking Forward To Doing Again

We’ve been spending a lot of time thinking about things we used to do before the coronavirus outbreak, that we’re looking forward to hopefully doing again once things return to ‘normal.’  We’ve also been spending a lot of time going through our historic image archive, remembering some of those once-common activities, and just exploring the history of our neighborhoods and city.

Today we put the two together, using our archive to remind ourselves of some of what we love to do or see, and look forward to enjoying again (if you like the image, click on the link in the photo credit to explore the full collection in the archive from which it comes).

Play in an open fire hydrant with neighbors.

In front of 112 East 4th Street, 1986. Photo by Meredith Jacobson Marciano.

Take in a movie at a local independent theater.

Cinema Village, 22 E. 12th Street, south side between 5th Avenue and University Place, 1997. Photo by Meredith Jacobson Marciano.

Enjoy some live jazz.

Charles Mingus (center) and his band perform at the Five Spot Café, 2 St. Marks Place.  Photo by Fred W. McDarrah, used by permission.

Go to a protest.

Jane Jacobs at protest outside P.S. 41, 116 West 11th Street, February 3, 1964.  Photo by Fred W. McDarrah, used by permission.

Go thrift shopping.

Andy Warhol in recently-purchased bandmaster’s jacket at Thrift Shop, St. Marks Place, December 9, 1966. Photo by Fred W. McDarrah, used by permission. This image made the cover of the Village Voice, and reportedly inspired the Beatles to chose their bandleader attire for the album Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band.

Take in some public art.

Washington Square Arch wrapped by artist Francis Hines, 1980.  Photo by Carole Teller.

Sitting in a sidewalk cafe.

Sidewalk Cafe, Avenue A and 6th Street northeast corner (looking east along 6th Street), November 5, 1996.  Photo by Carole Teller.

Taking a casual stroll past laundry drying on fire escapes.

North side of East 1st Street between 1st & 2nd Avenues, including (L-R) 40-56 East 1st Street, ca. 1963. Photo by Carole Teller.

Go flower shopping.

Flowers for sale on the north side of Stanton Street east and west of Ludlow Street, (L-R) 100 and 108 Stanton Street visible, ca. 1965.  Photo by Carole Teller.

Lounge around in Washington Square fountain (shirtless or otherwise).

Washington Square, ca. 1980.  Photo by Carole Teller.

Getting our hair cut.

Paul McGregor’s Haircutters at 15 St. Mark’s Place, south side between 2nd & 3rd Avenues, with 17, 19, 21 St. Mark’s visible to right and 20 & 22 St. Mark’s visible in mirror, early 1970s.  McGregor invented the “shag” haircut and the movie ‘Shampoo’ was loosely based upon him. Photo by Carole Teller.

Going out shopping for the latest fashions.

Outside Majestic, Northeast corner of St. Marks and 2nd Avenue, 1968. Photo by Carole Teller.

Hang out on a stoop.

Sitting on the front steps of 25 St. Mark’s Place, north side between 2nd & 3rd Avenues, now ‘Search & Destroy,’ 1968.  Photo by Carole Teller.

Go to a street fair.

Festival of San Gennaro, 1970s (you think?).  Photo by Carole Teller.

Jam in the park.

Musicians in Washington Square Park with the statue of Garibaldi behind at left, ca. 1980.  Photo by Carole Teller. You can explore our entire historic image archive of 2,200 images from the late 18th through the early 21st century in our Historic Image Archive, and explore by map. Prints of most images are available for sale, with proceeds supporting our work.