Forgotten-NY

“Forgotten-NY” is dedicated to identifying the new and appreciating the old. The Webmaster of this site, Kevin Walsh, visits various parts of New York and photographs them. He posts the photographs and writes about the history of the particular topic. The website usually has a description of what the neighborhood or object used to look like and how it has changed. Occasionally there is an explanation of why the change occurred. There are different topics such as lamps, neighborhoods, farms, trains, and several more. The website also host tours around New York to explore and share the stories behind these neighborhoods.

Under the link “street scenes” there is a section on the borough of Manhattan. It is dedicated to gnomes. There are many gnomes on Manhattan buildings and all around the city. Gnomes are typically created in a gothic style because most of them were designed between 1880-1920. During that time period Gothic styled buildings were in style. The Webmaster states that these gnomes are just for decoration and that they do differ from gargoyles. Although gargoyles are gothic in nature they are known to act as a shaft to get water off of roofs while being gothic and eerie.

This one photograph that caught my attention was taken on West 14^th street. It is of a red door with faux columns on each side. Each column has a light bulb. On top of the door is a semi circle painted white, green, red, and yellow from the outside in. In the yellow semi circle there is a gnome of a boy on a brown chair holding an open white book with a pencil. The boy also has candlelight to help him read. It stands out because of its bold and beautiful colors.

These gnomes have a link on this site because they contribute to a lost part of New York. Generally people in New York do not pay attention to these decorations and start to under appreciate them. However, when you explore the world of gnomes with the Webmaster you realize that they are fascinating and beautifully made. Many gnomes have a superstitious or mystical tale to them, which adds to their wonder.