Maggie's Farm

We are a commune of inquiring, skeptical, politically centrist, capitalist, anglophile, traditionalist New England Yankee humans, humanoids, and animals with many interests beyond and above politics. Each of us has had a high-school education (or GED), but all had ADD so didn't pay attention very well, especially the dogs. Each one of us does "try my best to be just like I am," and none of us enjoys working for others, including for Maggie, from whom we receive neither a nickel nor a dime. Freedom from nags, cranks, government, do-gooders, control-freaks and idiots is all that we ask for.

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Sunday, December 7. 2014

Astor Place



Mrs. BD snapped this pic of one of the wonderful tiles in NYC's Astor Place subway station."In the mid-to late-19th century, the area was home to many of the wealthiest New Yorkers, including members of the Astor, Vanderbilt and Delano families"


Why beavers? Because John Jacob Astor, at one time the wealthiest man in America, made his fortune in beaver pelts (and wisely went on to invest his beaver wealth in NYC real estate).


Why the Waldorf-Astoria? Because Johann Jakob Astor was an immigrant from Waldorf, Germany.


Posted by Bird Dog in History, Our Essays, The Culture, "Culture," Pop Culture and Recreation at 12:52 | Comment (1) | Trackbacks (0)

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Funny to see this post here as I am currently reading John Jacob Astor by Axel Madsen. Still early in the book, but yes, the foundation of his millions was the fur trade, and he was so well connected. As well, those born in to the family stayed and lived in the same area. I was not surprised to see my 5th great uncle's name in the book, Alexander MacKenzie, who was both an explorer and fur trader from Scotland. Learned a bit more about his personality in this book, for good and otherwise. ;) Thanks for posting!! Love your site!!!
#1 Janet on 2014-12-08 09:06 (Reply)

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