Named after the infamous Collyer Brothers, this small community park sits on the original lot of their family brownstone. Little-known but long on history, the park is a reminder of Harlem's cross-cultural past. The brothers were one of the last white families to remain in central Harlem during the years after the Depression and would meet a tragic fate. See the following post for more information: LINK. Located on 5th Avenue and 128th Street, the park can be reached by taking the 2, 3 train to 125th Street.
Thursday, May 7, 2009
☞ WALK: Collyer Brothers Park
Named after the infamous Collyer Brothers, this small community park sits on the original lot of their family brownstone. Little-known but long on history, the park is a reminder of Harlem's cross-cultural past. The brothers were one of the last white families to remain in central Harlem during the years after the Depression and would meet a tragic fate. See the following post for more information: LINK. Located on 5th Avenue and 128th Street, the park can be reached by taking the 2, 3 train to 125th Street.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
A number of years ago the Fifth Avenue Block Association, who I believe still manages the park, wanted to change the name to something more "positive" (and in my opinion generic and ahistorical) like Reading Tree Park.
ReplyDeleteMy biggest problem with these little parks that are managed by neighborhood groups is that they're rarely open. A park should be open to the public with regular daily hours, not just for a group of connected long-time residents who hold the keys and decide to throw events there from time to time.
Yes, the block association did want to change it to "Reading Tree Park" for they felt that the Collyer's did not do anything positive for the community. The Brothers are definitely important enough to remember and the park is a fit memorial to them. Their story is also about family loyalty and dedication which is sometimes overlooked.
ReplyDeleteThe Collyers brownstone previously sat on the site of where the park now is. I'm guessing that the city took ownership of the property since the Collyers left no heirs. The Fifth Ave. Block association is in error. The Collyers did so something positive for Harlem. They provided the space that became the park. The Association is continuing the abuse of the Collyers that was started so many years ago by neighbors who resented them for the kind of life they chose to live. I think that continuing to have the park named after the brothers is the least the city can do after seizing their property. Fall back Association. Give the brothers their due. After all, they were there long before you.
ReplyDeleteWhile the neighborhood knows the history of the lot that is now a park, the Collyer brothers story is not impressed upon the current residents. It seems like these commentators assume the park is kept clean, planted, and kept open by the parks dept. While it is a City park, I'm sure you know the Parks Dept is not staffed to maintain all these small parks. So it relies on the Harlem Fifth Ave Assoc. to clean, beautify, and maintain this space. So instead of criticizing, try volunteering to assist this association or any other association and you realize, 80% of the work is done by 20% of Assoc. "Not a Connected group of Long-time residents". Please get your facts straight.
ReplyDelete