I recently explored Manhattan’s West side: the Polyclinic Hospital where Rudolph Valentino died in 1926 (now apartments across from a city park with silver tables reflecting February’s sun, winter greenery and walk-up ethnic restaurants), and 66th & Broadway – the original site of Frank E. Campbell’s Funeral Chapel. Enjoyable excursions all but the star of my visit was the Lower East Side Tenement Museum.
In 1988, the Museum founders discovered a tenement building untouched for over 50 years. Six of the 22 apartments have been restored to the homes of actual residents. Arriving at 97 Orchard in 1928, Rosaria and Adolfo Baldizzi raised two children in a 325 square feet flat. After seven years, the landlord shuttered the building rather than comply with city mandated building upgrades. In doing so, he created a tenement time capsule waiting to be uncovered.
Do visit the Tenement Museum on your next trip to New York. The six families of 97 Orchard Street are eager to share their stories.
Ordinary People - Extraordinary Times 