Back in 2012, I posted about an antique sign for J. Yormark Shoes. It had been revealed and partly restored when a barbershop moved into its old spot on 8th Avenue near Jane Street.
Last year, the barber shop moved out and more portions of the sign were revealed. Above the stained glass was a second sign: SHOES YORMARK SHOES.
Then scaffolding went up, and the stained glass sign was not treated with any apparent care.
Now the renovation of the storefront is complete. Sadly, the antique sign has been removed, replaced with plain glass. The sign above it has either been removed or covered up.
J. Yorkmark Shoes opened sometime in the 1890s. For historic family photos of the shop, click here.
What a shame. That green-ish tinge of weathered copper seemed to speak visual volumes of the heyday of Ellis Island immigrants... a moment invoked simply by looking at that sign. At least the shop owners could try to preserve the sign and display it somewhere inside the shop, as a nod to its past, a conversation piece unlike any other. That kind of thing actually makes a business stand out as worthy of remembering, not to emotion respectful. Your blog reminds me a bit of something my grandfather used to say: "You can't claim respect for yourself if you don't respect your history."
ReplyDeleteLooks so much better now don't you think?
ReplyDeleteI didn't care for the writer's tone, but congrats on the Times piece.
On Ken Macs comment the writers tone & more pertinent the "cranky," characterization in the headline, I am annoyed. He is not cranky in what he says, he has an opinion and a perspective which is not necessarily inspirational & inspirational as is our New York City current default emotion.
ReplyDeleteAll change is not bad, yet certain change can be.And when it is dictated by the few for the service or servitude of the many I think someone when have a critical critique of that and be justified. We are so petrified in this city that something we say or do; a tax we levy or a stand we take will somehow slow down and eventually stop the great economic machine of NYC & will throw us into such a tale spin we will return to the gang wars and crack epidemics crime ridden city of the past. Speak up speak out and be critical your not cranky.
@ Ken Mac: the new sign & storefront is shit.
ReplyDelete@ John Charles: Agreed, but...since when can you not be cranky and cantankerous in New York?
@ JMoss: great article in the NYT, the bit on hyper-gentrification is spot on. I fear that the tidal wave of blandness is cresting--when I want to go to Paul's for a burger and friends want 5 Guys, it's a harbinger of bad things to come...