Live From Greenpoint: The U.S.S. Monitor Parade!

January 29, 2012 ·
Filed under: 11222, Greenpoint, Greenpoint Brooklyn, Greenpoint Magic 

After the ceremony

Civil Awar meets digital

On The Waterfront

Llamas and gas tanks

As the presence of llamas would suggest, today’s U.S.S. Monitor-related merrymaking had more than a few surprises. Excellent speeches were given by all; but I was especially fond of the ones given by our City Councilman, Steve Levin, and our 50th District Democratic State Committeeman Lincoln Restler. The llamas, on the other hand, seemed non-plussed by this, the unanticipated shower at the behest of a FDNY boat and the rifle salute which concluded today’s ceremony. Without further ado here is footage from today’s parade and the following ceremony at the site of the much-anticipated Greenpoint Monitor Museum on Bushwick Inlet.

The Parade Begins!

Parade On Manhattan Avenue

Ceremony, Part I: General Introduction

Ceremony, Part II: Flag Raising

Ceremony, Part III: Steve Levin Speaks

Ceremony, Part IV: Various Speakers

Ceremony, Part V: Lincoln Restler Speaks

Ceremony, Part VI: Lining Up

Ceremony, Part VII: Rifle Salute!

Wrapping things up, here is a slideshow of highlights from today’s proceedings. Enjoy!

Just Another Sunday Morning In Greenpoint: Llamas On Parade!

Today the U.S.S. Monitor Parade— and Greenpoint in general— got some added excitement in the way of a trio of llamas. Those of you who are wondering (and you know who you are) what these critters have to do with the Civil War, I’ll tell you: nothing whatsoever. Rather, a few of the re-enactors participating in today’s festivities happen to operate a llama rescue organization. They decided to bring a few of their furry pals to join the fun. I suspect I speak for many who witnessed today’s procession that this was an inspired decision.

It should also be noted our City Councilman, Steve Levin, demonstrated his Garden Spot street cred by taking it all in stride. Hey, anything can happen in Greenpoint!

You can view all the above photographs in larger format by clicking here. Otherwise I filmed the parade and the following proceedings. These I will share as they upload— so check back!

Mark Your Calendars: 150th Anniversary of the Launch of the U.S.S. Monitor!

As some of you might recall last October there was ceremony at the site of the Monitor Museum in anticipation of the 150th Anniversary of the launch of the U.S.S. Monitor. Well, this anniversary will soon be upon us and the minds behind this endeavor, George J. Weinmann and Janice Lauletta-Weinmann, have assembled a wonderful roster of events to celebrate this, one of our community’s finest contributions to American history! Follows is a rundown of what they have cooked up for us. NOTE: all the these events are free unless otherwise indicated.

January 28, 2012

10:00 a.m. -3:00 p.m.: History Fair at the former Greenpoint Savings Bank (807 Manhattan Avenue). This will feature speakers and displays.
6:00 – 7:00 p.m.: Wine & cheese at the Church of the Ascension (127 Kent Street)
7:00 – 8:00 p.m.: Civil War Concert (also at the Church of the Ascension). Suggested donation: $10.00 at the door.

January 29, 2012

10:00 a.m.: Memorial Service at the Church of the Ascension
12:00 p.m.: Parade from the Church of the Ascension to the Monitor launch site (Quay Street at West Street)
12:30: Ceremony at the launch site
4:00 – 8:00 p.m.: Reception at Grand Prospect Hall. This includes a presentation, speakers, Civil War dance and music (including an eleven piece brass band!), buffet dinner and unlimited open bar. Price of admission: $60.00.

January 30, 2012

9:00 a.m.: Wreath laying ceremony at the U.S.S. Monitor statue at McGolrick Park followed by U.S.S. Monitor Bus Tour (box lunch included):

  1. U.S.S. Monitor Launch Site
  2. Building 92 & Dry Dock #1 at the Brooklyn Navy Yard (where the U.S.S. Monitor was Commissioned)
  3. Grand Army Plaza Arch, Prospect Park
  4. Greenwood Cemetery (so as to view grave sites of crew members of the U.S.S. Monitor and the The New York Civil War monument)
  5. John Ericcson Statue, Battery Park

The cost of this tour is $20.00 and includes a box lunch. Those who wish to purchase tickets for any of the above-listed events— or simply desire more information, please contact either George J. Weinmann at (917) 832-9999 or Janice Lauletta-Weinmann at (718) 383-2637. Check it out!

Greenpoint Photo du Jour: Kill Devil Hill

October 20, 2011 ·
Filed under: 11222, Greenpoint, Greenpoint Brooklyn, Greenpoint Magic 

Taken October 19, 2011.

THIS WEEKEND: 150th Anniversary Celebration

October 18, 2011 ·
Filed under: 11222, Greenpoint, Greenpoint Brooklyn, Greenpoint Magic 

I had mentioned this in passing some time ago, but now the weekend is finally approaching! This upcoming Saturday, October 20th, the folks of Brooklyn Diggers will be throwing a 150th anniversary celebration of the laying of the keel of the U.S.S. Monitor at our very own McGolrick Park. A pop-up museum, live music, “smell boxes” and “historical food” are among the many items in the offing. Best of all, it’s completely free! Check it out!

150th Anniversary Celebration of the Laying of the Keel of the U.S.S. Monitor
Saturday, October 22, 2011 starting at 1:00 p.m.
McGolrick Park
Brooklyn, New York 11222

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