Tag: union square | Olde Good Things

History of Union Square Park

On July 19, 1839, New York City’s Union Square Park opened to the public. Here’s a fun fact about this upcoming national holiday: on September 5, 1882, Union Square Park played a central role in the first Labor Day celebration, when a crowd of 10,000 labor workers paraded up Broadway and then past reviewing stands at Union Square. As the procession passed the stand, Robert Price of Lonaconing, Maryland said to Richard Griffiths, the General Worthy Foreman of the Knights of Labor, “This is Labor Day in earnest, Uncle Dick.” On June 28, 1894, President Grover Cleveland signed the legislation which made Labor Day a national holiday. In 1997 the U.S. Department of Interior designated Union Square Park as a National Historic Landmark because of its significance in American labor history. So if you’re looking for somewhere to go on September 2, you could always visit right where it all started.

Photo Credit: Wikimedia Commons – Union Park New York (East side) (NYPL b13476046-EM11347).jpg

In 1928-29, Union Square was nearly demolished to build the underground course for the subway. Since then, the Square has gone through many renovations. Since 1976, the Union Square Greenmarket has served fresh food and plants to the local community on the north side of the park.

Olde Good Things – Union Square

Around the corner from the Square on 16^th St. in May of 2009, Olde Good Things – Union Square opened its doors. It features a main ground floor, mezzanine and a basement full of antique & architectural finds. When you walk in, you will notice its original mosaic tile floor at your feet and a ceiling covered with chandeliers above your head.

Throughout its 10 years in business, this location has housed Olde Good Thing’s most valuable, interesting finds. This location is now known for its abundance of antique hardware and very high end lighting. Our current store manager Jim D. has handpicked the Top 5 Most Interesting items that are currently in the store. These items can be viewed online, or if you’re in New York City, stop by for a look in person. Be sure to check out the gallery of newest items NOT online yet at the very bottom. If you have any questions regarding those items, call the store directly at 212-989-8814.

Top 5 Most Interesting Items

1. Theater Auditorium Seats from the Great Hall Cooper Union

The Great Hall of The Cooper Union has stood for more than a century as a bastion of free speech and a witness to the flow of American history and ideas. When the hall opened in 1858, more than a year in advance of the completion of the institution, it quickly became a mecca for all interested in serious discussions and debates of the vital issues of the day. View Online