Folks walking by 116th Street between FDB/8th and ACP/7th Avenue might notice that the post office in the area is called Morningside Station. This block is definitely not Morningside Heights so some might wonder what is the name all about? Morningside Heights has alway been separated from Harlem proper by the promontory cliff of Morningside Park's west border and the flat land east of the park was always considered the southern reaches of Harlem. Nevertheless, Morningside Park is the distinguishing landmark of the area and the station is probably named for its proximity to the green space. Note also that the word "heights" is left out on the name of this post office in the area more commonly referred to as South Harlem today.
Very interesting observation Ulysses! You know I frequently pass this area enroute to midtown via the M7 bus and never noticed the post office. Not good to be so unaware of one's surroundings.
ReplyDeleteThey should just rebadge this place all together to be "Worst Post Office in America Station."
ReplyDeleteJust saying.
Avoid at all costs. Wait bloody ages at this place. Then again, the one on 125th is even worse. Best bet is to go first thing in the morning. Oh, and bring a pen.
ReplyDeleteIs it possible that this post office branch was located a bit to the north and west and later moved to the south and east?
ReplyDeleteAnyway, sometimes something is so familiar that one never really thinks about it: All of the Morningside designations refer to the sun rising in the east, right? So Morningside Heights is on the heights above Morningside? As opposed to Riverside?
By the way, Nathanael West (nee Nathanael Weisenstein), author of Marjorie Morningstar, grew up in Harlem (the DePeyster Apartments, at 1980 Adam Clayton Powell, Jr., Boulevard, at 119th Street-- his father, Max, built it; also at 24 Mount Morris Park West). Was her name inspired by the neighborhood?
Wow Johnathan, u r something else!
ReplyDeleteDidn’t she start out as Marjorie Morgenstern?
ReplyDeleteWorst Post Office EVER.
Sorry guys, but the post office on 116th is a well-oiled machine compared to the one on 125th.
ReplyDeleteThis post office would be immeasurably better if automated machines were installed as they have been at most other branches in the city.
ReplyDeleteBut I think if you ask anyone in NYC they will say that their branch is the worst - everyone hates the post office.
Darn it! Jonathan explained it before I got a chance. The location gets its name because it is on the morning side of the escarpment. There's also Morningside Barbers nearby on 116th.
ReplyDeleteUnfortunately the Morningside Heights post office on 112th is no faster than Morningside Station.
Must concur with the comments - Worst Post Office Ever and add - nasty employees.
ReplyDeleteBut also must add how very much I've been enjoying "Harlem" by Jonathan Gill
I believe at some times in the distant past what is now called South Harlem was occasionally called Morningside--not as a name in common and persistent usage, but not totally infrequent, either. Would be a reasonable moniker now, too.
ReplyDeleteI grew up on 110th and Manhattan Avenue, and I can tell you that Morningside "Heights" is something new. No one called it that back in the '70s and '80s. Attempts weren't made to change the name until the '90s when real estate agents and others tried to start making it more palatable to people. The post office on 116th has been called just Morningside for ages.
ReplyDelete