Category: Youtube episodes

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The Play-o-Graph, or How we “watched” the game before television

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Back before the internet was ubiquitous, before television was in every home, and before FDR’s fireside chats, there was the Play-o-Graph.  Between 1905 and 1921 (and for several years after), eager fans across the county would huddle around their local newspaper buildings to “watch” the World Series games, play-by-play information coming in over the telegraph wires and be displayed to the waiting crowds on a specialized electronic scoreboard.

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The Curious Case of Diedrich Knickerbocker

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In late 1809 a mystery enraptured New York.  A curious old man disappeared from his hotel room, where he had been staying for over a year.  His disappearance was covered in the newspapers, with updates coming by letters from several individuals who claimed to have known or seen the elderly gentleman.  It was revealed that, in his stead, the old man had left behind a most wonderful history manuscript.  The book, published by the innkeeper to recoup his losses, would not only elevate the literary career of a young writer but also help to give a growing New York City an identity it embraces to this day.

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Youle’s Shot Tower – ‘City Full of History’ Episode 9

On By Bookworm HistoryIn City Full of History, Youtube episodes1 Comment

Last time on “City Full of History”, we paid a visit to Frederick Catherwood’s Panorama!  Come along now as we climb George Youle’s Shot Tower and dive into the unique process for manufacturing lead shot in Old New York!

If you head to the block between 53rd and 54th Streets overlooking the East River, you’ll find a charming little sliver of a park.  Behind it stands two high-rise apartment complexes, but if you were here in 1823 you would be looking at one of the most interesting manufacturing centers in New York City: the shot tower belonging to George Youle.

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Catherwood’s Panorama – ‘City Full of History’ Episode 8

On By Bookworm HistoryIn City Full of History, Youtube episodes1 Comment

Last time on “City Full of History”, we traveled to Inwood Hill Park to visit the Native American caves.  Come along this week as we pay a visit to Frederick Catherwood’s Panorama, one of the most popular entertainment spots in early New York City!

By the time Frederick Catherwood arrived in New York City in 1836 he was already well-traveled beyond his 37 years of age.  Born in London in 1799 he served as an architect’s apprentice for 6 years, took art classes at the Royal Academy, and spent 13 years studying and drawing ancient ruins around the Mediterranean.  Returning to London he worked for Robert Buford at his panorama in Leicester Square, where he learned the business of popular entertainment.  Buford painted several panoramas based on Catherwood’s drawings, while Catherwood gave lectures on his travels to an interested public.

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Iron Witness to History: the Bowling Green Fence – ‘City Full of History’ Episode 2

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This week on “City Full of History” we visit Bowling Green Park, one of the most historic sites in New York.  Lots of people have heard the story of the tearing down of King George III’s statue, but what most don’t realize is you can go to Bowling Green and actually see the evidence of it today!

New CFOH episodes every Monday!  Don’t forget to subscribe so you don’t miss a beat!

Harbo, Samuelsen, and the Fantastic Voyage of “The Fox” – ‘City Full of History’ Episode 1

On By Bookworm HistoryIn City Full of History, Youtube episodes1 Comment

The first episode of “City Full of History” is here!  This week we’re talking about the intrepid, and often overlooked, voyage of George Harbo and Frank Samuelsen as they rowed “The Fox” across the Atlantic!

New CFOH episodes every Monday!  Don’t forget to subscribe so you don’t miss a beat!

NEW SHOW COMING SOON! New York: A City Full of History

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While looking through some old newspaper archives I stumbled across an article in the New York Tribune called “A City Full of History and Nobody Cares.” Published on August 13, 1922, the piece was written by Francis A. Collins and included sketches by noted illustrator Louis M. Glackens. The crux of the article was that New York was a city in danger of losing its history. There were historical events all around, but most were unsung, unmarked, and unremembered.

Challenge Accepted!

Come along as we track down some of New York’s most fascinating unsung stories and shine a little light in some forgotten corners of history!

COMING SOON!

The Science of Georges Seurat’s “Circus Sideshow”

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Greetings, folks! Today we’re diving back into the art world with a brand new video discussing the history and science behind Neo-Impressionist pioneer George Seurat’s most mysterious work (and one of my favorite paintings) “Parade de Cirque”, or “Circus Sideshow”.

Making this video was a huge eye-opening, learning experience for me, as I’d never really paid much attention to the Impressionists before this, preferring to stay firmly in my comfort zone of American landscape and Dutch Golden Age. What are some of your favorite Impressionist works? Leave them in the comments below, and don’t forget to subscribe and follow to stay up to date on all things Bookworm History!

Interested in Art History! We’ve got a playlist for that!

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