I was feeling mildly depressed in April but the guilt about skipping an AAN that month prompted two back to back weekend events in May. This week we traveled out to Queens to explore Flushing Meadow Corona Park and the remnants of the World's Fair. Our first stop was the Queens Museum of Art.
I came here last spring with dad for their special exhibit on Robert Moses and was blown away by the largest scale model in the world (of greater NYC) installed permanently in their gallery. I knew that anyone living here would find this fascinating and learn something knew. Personally, this time around I was just excited to learn that you are allowed take photos of the room sized model.
This Robert Moses creation now reflects New York as it appeared in 1999 with some minor alterations. As this is a hand carved wooden model on a scale of 1 inch = 100 foot, you can imagine how difficult it is to maintain and update. Especially with the pace of crappy high rise condos sprouting up everywhere, the museum would need a full time craftsman to keep up.
After our panorama tour, the rain cut us a break and we were able to putz through Corona Park on our way to Shea. This was the state's exhibit hall for the 1964-1965 World's Fair, but as no new use for the building was ever found, the structure sits derelict and decaying.
The attraction in the park most known to the general public (probably from Men In Black or a car service home from the airport) is The Unisphere. We took this silly photo to give you some perspective on the size and scope of this fair remnant.
Because AAN has a long history of seeing dying places in the city, I figured I had better get my butt out to Shea this summer before it joined the likes of The Roxy and CBGB's. I have to say, I can see why the Mets need a new home. This place was pretty run down.
Here's a view of the brand new stadium (no idea what it will be called) from our seats out in the middle of right field.
Even though I'm no baseball fan, I was happy for Mel that his team came back at the end for an exciting 3-2 win over their biggest rivals.
We even attended on "hat day" and thanks to the early morning showers, everyone in my group left with the free hat too boot!
1 comment:
that globe in this park was in an episode of Flight of the Conchords. It might have been when Murray took them on a tour of band shells in New Yotk.
Post a Comment