Mount Morris Bank Building, 1883, Harlem

This is the 1883 Mount Morris Bank Building (it was expanded in 1897). This was the only branch and the headquarters for this bank. Eventually the Corn Exchange Bank, a fore – runner of Chemical Bank, took it over. Become a Harlem Insider! Sign-Up for our Newsletter *Constant Contact Use. Please leave this field blank.By…

The Douglas Theater, Harlem, 1920

On 143rd Street and Lenox Avenue sat the Douglas Theater, depending on which of my sources is correct, either 600 or 2200 seats (which in 1935 expanded to 2300, which could indicate that an orchestra pit was covered over to add more seating). Become a Harlem Insider! Sign-Up for our Newsletter *Constant Contact Use. Please…

The Fox Star Theater, Harlem, 1930’s

This photograph was taken during the 1930’s. The Fox Star Theater has been reduced to a second run house by this point. Become a Harlem Insider! Sign-Up for our Newsletter *Constant Contact Use. Please leave this field blank.By submitting this form, you are consenting to receive marketing emails from: . You can revoke your consent…

The Legendary Harlem Regatta Association In Harlem, New York, 1873 –

The New York Rowing Association (the “Association”) was founded by returning civil war veterans in Harlem. Become a Harlem Insider! Sign-Up for our Newsletter *Constant Contact Use. Please leave this field blank.By submitting this form, you are consenting to receive marketing emails from: . You can revoke your consent to receive emails at any time…

Harlem Hospital April 18, 1887

When Harlem Hospital Center opened its doors on April 18, 1887, the physical plant consisted of a leased, three-story wooden building, it was located at the juncture of East 120th Street and the East River. Become a Harlem Insider! Sign-Up for our Newsletter *Constant Contact Use. Please leave this field blank.By submitting this form, you…

Satchel Paige, Harlem 1941

Here is a great photos of one of the greatest pitchers in baseball history Satchel Paige waiting for pool hall adversary, on a street in Harlem, New York (1941). Become a Harlem Insider! Sign-Up for our Newsletter *Constant Contact Use. Please leave this field blank.By submitting this form, you are consenting to receive marketing emails…

St. Philip’s Church In Harlem, 1940’s (video)

Since 1809, St. Philip’s Church-through its clergy and congregation, its tradition and service, its goals and dreams has been an institution of major spiritual and civic importance in the Harlem community. Become a Harlem Insider! Sign-Up for our Newsletter *Constant Contact Use. Please leave this field blank.By submitting this form, you are consenting to receive…

My Grandmother’s Harlem Renaissance Wedding

By A’Lelia Bundles Langston Hughes called A’Lelia Walker “the joy goddess of Harlem’s 1920s” Whenever I see my grandmother Mae’s 1923 wedding photographs, I can’t help but marvel at the elegance and extravagance. Become a Harlem Insider! Sign-Up for our Newsletter *Constant Contact Use. Please leave this field blank.By submitting this form, you are consenting…

Elevated Railroad Train 110th St., In Harlem, 1893

The IRT Ninth Avenue Line, often called the Ninth Avenue El, was the first elevated railway in New York City. It opened in 1868 as the West Side and Yonkers Patent Railway, a cable-hauled line. It ceased operation in 1940. Become a Harlem Insider! Sign-Up for our Newsletter *Constant Contact Use. Please leave this field…

President Clinton Swears In Mayor Elect de Blasio And More

Bill de Blasio, who campaigned on a progressive agenda that he said would narrow the widening gap between the rich and poor in the nation’s largest city, was sworn in Wednesday as New York’s 109th mayor. Become a Harlem Insider! Sign-Up for our Newsletter *Constant Contact Use. Please leave this field blank.By submitting this form,…

Walter’s World: Celebrating Matthew Rushing

By Walter Rutledge On Tuesday, December 17, the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater presented Celebrating Matthew Rushing an evening of dance honoring Mathew Rushing’s twenty-year association with the company.  Become a Harlem Insider! Sign-Up for our Newsletter *Constant Contact Use. Please leave this field blank.By submitting this form, you are consenting to receive marketing emails…

Melvin Stanton “Mel” Tapley Of The Amsterdam News

Melvin Stanton “Mel” Tapley was born in New York on May 29, 1918. In the 1920 U.S. Federal Census, the Tapley family of three lived in Cortlandt, New York at 1105 Park Street. His parents were Harry, a chauffeur, and Louise, and his age was recorded as nine months, which would make his birth in…

Remembering Dr. John W.V. Cordice

A Message from HHC President Alan D. Aviles On September 20, 1958, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., was stabbed with a letter opener at a book signing in Harlem. Become a Harlem Insider! Sign-Up for our Newsletter *Constant Contact Use. Please leave this field blank.By submitting this form, you are consenting to receive marketing emails from:…

Bill de Blasio Touts Speaker Candidate Mark-Viverito

Mayor-elect Bill de Blasio took his preference for Council Speaker public for the first time Monday — appearing at a “rah rah” luncheon with at least 60 backers of his close ally of East Harlem’s Melissa Mark-Viverito, sources said. Become a Harlem Insider! Sign-Up for our Newsletter *Constant Contact Use. Please leave this field blank.By…

Super Bowl Boulevard Ready for its Broadway Debut

The legendary Manhattan street known as Broadway has seen its fair share of amazing stars and spectacles. Become a Harlem Insider! Sign-Up for our Newsletter *Constant Contact Use. Please leave this field blank.By submitting this form, you are consenting to receive marketing emails from: . You can revoke your consent to receive emails at any…