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Hamilton Grange Update July 2011 “Finishing Touches”

stnickpark — Wed, 13 Jul 2011 01:41:10 +0000

Below is an update of the Hamilton Grange by Darren Boch from the National Park Service.

The fine work of restoring the Grange to its former glory continues apace,
and we’re well on our way to a grand opening on September 17. See the
pictures below for some of the recent work and meet just a few of the
people who are lovingly and painstakingly working to ensure that the Grange
meets the high standards of its original owner, Alexander Hamilton.

The first level of shutters can be seen on the eastern piazza (side porch)
of the Grange. The rest of the functional shutters are scheduled to be
installed in the coming weeks.

The historic front door of the Grange, complete with transom and sidelights
was lovingly restored by the National Park Service’s Northeast Regional
Architectural Preservation Engineering and Maintenance office and has been
re-installed at the Grange.

Sean O’Keefe, preservation craftsman with the National Park Service, scores
a fresh layer of stucco on the ground floor of the Grange to create the
illusion of stone blocks. This is the same technique that was used when the
Grange was first constructed.

Greg Law, senior preservation specialist with the National Park Service,
works on the re-constructed banister of the staircase at the Grange. While
much of the staircase is original to the house, the stairs were
reconfigured to a new shape following the Grange’s first move in 1889 and
pieces of it were altered to accommodate the new configuration and other
pieces were lost. In restoring the staircase to its original shape, the
restoration team was able to incorporate some of the original, but altered
pieces back into the finished stairs. Two of those pieces are the
balustrades marked by blue painter’s tape.

A member of the team from the National Park Service’s Northeast Regional
Architectural Preservation Engineering and Maintenance office applies steam
to a piece of trim destined for a curving portion the Grange’s main
staircase. Steaming the piece in combination with other techniques allows
it to bend to fit the place where it will go but still maintain its
structure and strength.

After getting itself “ironed out,” a piece of trim (top) is test fitted
into the well of the staircase at the Grange.

Naomi Kroll Hassebroek, architectural conservator with the National Park
Service, gently sprays primer onto the cornice in the dining room of the
Grange. Kroll Hassebroek’s work began with her and a team of interns
removing 200 years worth of paint from the cornices using modern stripping
agents, steam and dental tools to reveal the intricate details of the
plaster moldings. Once the final coat of paint goes on, the white cornice
moldings will stand out against the dining room’s yellow walls as they did
when Alexander Hamilton lived at the Grange.The fine work of restoring the Grange to its former glory continues apace, and we’re well on our way to a grand opening on September 17. See the
pictures above for some of the recent work and meet just a few of the
people who are lovingly and painstakingly working to ensure that the Grange
meets the high standards of its original owner, Alexander Hamilton.

SAVE THE DATE! SUNDAY JULY 31ST FROM 10AM-4PM

stnickpark — Wed, 06 Jul 2011 15:26:28 +0000

“Friends of St. Nicholas Park” along with “Shades of Gold” Presents Sisters United in the Park! A day of unity through fitness activities, Bonding exercises, motivational/educational speakers, networking and much MORE!!!

Additional Details coming soon!

We are looking for Talented/Creative artists who are interested in vending for this event.

If you would like to sponsor and or volunteer for this event please contact: info@stnicholaspark.org

Input Sought for Use of Former Grange Site

stnickpark — Fri, 27 May 2011 13:12:07 +0000

Input is sought on the former Grange site on Convent Avenue
The National Park Service recently published an Amendment to the Hamilton Grange National Memorial General Management Plan. The Amendment focuses on alternatives for development that will guide long-term management of the NPS property at 287 Convent Avenue, former site of Hamilton Grange. The Amendment is available for review at local libraries and at
http://parkplanning.nps.gov/HamiltonGrangeGMPA-EA. Public comment on the Amendment will be accepted until June 20, 2011. Comments may be submitted in writing to the Superintendent, Hamilton Grange NM, 26 Wall Street, New York, NY 10005, or via online at the planning site referenced above. Additionally, the NPS is hosting a public meeting on the Amendment where the public will have the opportunity to ask questions and make comments on the alternatives presented in the plan. The meeting will be held on June 1, 2011 from 6:30 PM to 8:30 PM at The Harlem School of the Arts, 645 St. Nicholas Avenue, New York, NY 10030.

It’s My Park! Day- Saturday May 21st 9am-2pm

stnickpark — Thu, 19 May 2011 00:17:06 +0000





Greetings Friends!

Please join us for “It’s My Park!” Day in St. Nicholas Park. This day will be devoted to planting trees, painting fences, and getting the park ready for its summer use. We need as many volunteers as ever to assist in revitalizing our beautiful park. This event is from 9am to 2pm and will take place rain or shine. The group will meet on 135th street plaza (135th Street and St. Nicholas Avenue) 9am Sharp.

Please dress in comfortable clothing.

If you have any questions about Saturdays event please contact: info@stnicholaspark.org

Thanks and see you in the park!

Photo’s from Friends of St. Nicholas Park Spring Festival/Egg Hunt

stnickpark — Fri, 13 May 2011 10:53:35 +0000

What a great turnout on Sunday May 1st, as the Friends played host to everyone who attended this years Annual Spring Festival/Egg Hunt on the 135th Street Plaza. Special thanks to event coordinator Kim DeBerry, Yuien Chin, volunteers Lisa Hayes, The Jones family and others who helped organized the event. Thanks to St. Marks United Methodist Church for their contribution. If you would like to volunteer for events this Spring and Summer in the park please contact us at info@stnicholaspark.org.

SAVE THE DATE: Coffee Bark & Dog Run Clean-up, May 7th @ 9:00 am

stnickpark — Thu, 07 Apr 2011 22:56:05 +0000

The next monthly Coffee Bark happens on Saturday, May 7th from 9am-2pm at St. Nick’s Dog Run. This event will be special because we will have woodchips delivered to the dog run and need all the help we can get to get them into the run! Come to the Dog Run and celebrate the Spring with free coffee and donuts. And help keep St. Nick’s one of the best dog runs in New York City. Socialize with fellow dog owners and discuss issues and ideas on concerning St. Nicholas Park and St. Nick’s Dog Run. We also need volunteers to help keep the Coffee Bark going – please email us to help out!

Our Coffee Barks take place the first Saturday of every month from 9am-11am at the St. Nick’s Dog Run.

The St. Nick’s Dog Run is located in the middle of St. Nicholas Park between 136th and 137th streets. If you are interested in volunteering for the Coffee Bark, contact us at info@stnicholaspark.org

Snow Sculpture in St. Nicholas Park

stnickpark — Mon, 17 Jan 2011 17:11:40 +0000

This morning I stumbled upon an amazing snow sculpture in the north part of the park. Pictures above and below shows a couple carved out of snow sitting on a rock. The piece of art is located just south of the west 141st street staircase, near the Hamilton Grange.

While photographing it, a couple came up and asked how it was doing. Low and behold, the artists themselves came to check on it! The artists are Rebecca Kassay and Andrew Thomas who live just north of the park. He is an architect and she has been involved in sculptor arts. To celebrate their 1st year together yesterday, they created this lovely piece of art. (They are pictured below with their work).

It can still be seen just south of the lower part of the west 141st street staircase. Enjoy it today in the park before it melts!

Harlem artists Rebecca Kassay and Andrew Thomas with their work.

Holiday Tree Lighting Scheduled for Saturday, December 11th

stnickpark — Mon, 15 Nov 2010 12:52:18 +0000

The Friends will be having their annual Holiday Tree Lighting, Saturday, Dec. 11th from 5-6:30pm. The Festival and Tree Lighting will take place at the 135th Street Plaza in St. Nicholas Park where the community will light our permanent holiday tree donated by City College.

This year’s lighting includes Tamara Tunie – star of TV’s Law and Order SVU will recite ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas (also known as “A Visit from St. Nicholas”).

Also performing will be singers from the The Harlem School of The Arts!

We are looking for musical acts, a Santa Claus, and helpers for the event. If you are interested please contact info@stnicholaspark.org.

November Coffee Bark and Clean-Up Day this Saturday, November 6th!

stnickpark — Tue, 02 Nov 2010 10:42:40 +0000

Our monthly Coffee Bark happens this Saturday, November 6th from 9am-12pm at St. Nick’s Dog Run. This Saturday is special because we have a woodchips that have been delivered to the dog run and need all the help we can get to get them into the run! Come to the Dog Run and celebrate the Fall with free coffee and donuts. And help keep St. Nick’s one of the best dog runs in New York City. Socialize with fellow dog owners and discuss issues and ideas on concerning St. Nicholas Park and St. Nick’s Dog Run. We also need volunteers to help keep the Coffee Bark going – please email us to help out!

Our Coffee Barks take place the first Saturday of every month from 9am-11am at the St. Nick’s Dog Run.

Friends Need Help with Organizing Holiday Tree Lighting

stnickpark — Tue, 02 Nov 2010 10:36:26 +0000

The Friends of St. Nicholas Park is looking for someone or a group of people to help with our annual Holiday Tree Lighting. It is tentatively scheduled for Saturday, December 4th. Our tree lighting in the past has been quite successful. Click on this link to view past celebrations. If you are interested in keeping this tradition going, please contact us at info@stnicholaspark.org.

Thanks!