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Henry St., Lower East Side, NYC

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Hank Waxman on January 29, 2009

Henry Street on New York’s Lower East Side, between Walker and Catherine Streets.

William (Wolf) Wexman came to the United States early in the 1880’s and went back to Suwalki, Poland, returning in 1885 with his wife Basia Leja (Bessie), sons Joe and Sam, and daughter Ida.

The family lived on the lower East side of New York City, probably on Henry Street in those early days; like so many other immigrants form so many various parts of Eastern Europe. Today, a new waves of people, now from Asia are making these streets home.

Mario Escherle, der … on January 30, 2009

Thank You Hank for giving me this very nice impression of New York. I really hope to see it myself one day... Greetings from Your german friend Mario

Hank Waxman on January 30, 2009

Thank you my friend. This is a very personally rewarding series for me. best regards,

Hank

Tom Lussier Photogra… on January 30, 2009

Not only am I enjoying your images Hank but your commentaries on your family background is fascinating. You've given me a new appreciation of New York City and it's ever changing face as well. Cheers.

Best regards, Tom

Hank Waxman on January 30, 2009

Thanks Tom. Believe it or not, it's doing the same for me. Up until recently, the lower east side was a giant traffic jam with crowded streets and people rushing from place to place without regard to one another. I'm seeing it through different eyes now.

I'm seeing the beauty and the history, and even the wonder of waves of people from all over the world trying to become a part of something better for themselves, but really for their children.

Don't get me wrong. The streets are still crowded with traffic, but it's my view that is changed, and I'm glad your along for the ride.

Cheers,

Hank

Marilyn Whiteley on January 30, 2009

Many thanks, Hank, for taking us along on this wonderful ride into your family's past. I, for one, can't help being drawn into the story and the neighbohood.

Marilyn

Jewels on January 30, 2009

Thanks for taking us along for the ride, Hank. Great image and story!!!

Regards, Julie

not1word on January 30, 2009

The O'Henry laundromat, with Chinese writing. What a juxtaposition.

Dalibor Ribičić on February 1, 2009

wooow... how not 2 love this town???!!! :)

Hank Waxman on February 1, 2009

Hi Marilyn, I'm glad you're enjoying the "ride." I'm finding that the Lower East Side has changed forever in my own eyes as a result of these recent travels of mine.

Greetings Julie, I'm seeing something I already knew, and that's how similar the stories of people who came to the US really are. Even when I relate this adventure to friends and associates off-Panoramio, I am greeting in return with an enthusiastic retelling of their family's story.

Yes, Phil, the juxtaposition of those two awnings, set in this neighborhood with such a strong tale of mixing and blending of cultures, is what this is about.

...and thanks too to you, Dalibor, for your expressions of appreciation. It is a town of stories.

Thanks again, to all,

Hank

© Kojak on February 2, 2009

Perfect shot! It looks really fantastic! Greetings from Bavaria!

Hank Waxman on February 2, 2009

Greetings Kojak. Welcome back to New York City. I'm glad you like this one; I am always appreciative of your point of view. Thanks for the compliment.

Best regards,

Hank

jhk on February 2, 2009

Great shot Hank, I really liked the atmosphere in China town when I was there. Takes me right back.

Thanks for sharing the history and the stories of your family. Really puts things in perspective. I can imagine that you see this neighbourhood differently now; there's more of a connection with your roots. Although you perhaps didn't realise it before, it is a part of you.

I had a similar experience in Canada some years ago. I'm half Canadian - my mother is from that side of the pond. So when we visited relatives who still live there, we went to the house where my grandmother (who I never knew) was born. It was a strange feeling, but from that moment, I had a lot more connection with Canada than I'd had before.

The personal history aside, I always like to know the history of places I visit (or where I live, for that matter). So thanks again for both the great shot, and the accompanying story.

Kind regards, Justin

Hank Waxman on February 2, 2009

I agree with you completely, Justin. Visiting these old homes and pulling the stories together from family and public records has made these people real to me as well as bringing a part of the City to life along with a major chapter in American History.

The benefits have been tremendous, and add to that the fun of sharing my thoughts with you and my other friends on Panoramio.

My best regards,

Hank

Margrit M. Berger (S… on February 4, 2009

Fantastic photo and story, Hank! I enjoy them both! Thank you and my warm regards, May

Hank Waxman on February 4, 2009

Thank you May. It is a wonderful feeling for me to be discovering these people, my ancestors who were only names to me until recently. Panoramio is helping me honor their memory, and that makes me very proud. Thanks so much for following our adventure.

Warm wishes,

Hank

Enkarnau on February 5, 2009

Me gusta el color de la foto y el edificio muy característico de New York de principios del siglopasado. Greeting from Spain

Hank Waxman on February 6, 2009

Enkarnau, es curioso cuando dice comienzos del siglo pasado. Al parecer, hace mucho tiempo, pero no fue así. Gracias por sus amables palabras y observaciones. Saludos cordiales desde Nueva York a través de mi casa de Nueva Jersey.

Hank

Hank Waxman on February 10, 2009

Thanks for noticing the shadow blai. It took some effort to balance the dark and light portions of the shot before posting. Most people only touch on those fringe areas of Chinatown without getting into the heart of it.

Remember though, a hundred years ago this wasn't Chintown yet.

Best regards,

Hank

silgab on February 10, 2009

Que linda foto !" contest janeiro

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Photo details

  • Uploaded on January 29, 2009
  • © All Rights Reserved
    by Hank Waxman
    • Camera: NIKON CORPORATION NIKON D200
    • Taken on 2009/01/25 15:53:15
    • Exposure: 0.006s (1/160)
    • Focal Length: 24.00mm
    • F/Stop: f/6.300
    • ISO Speed: ISO400
    • Exposure Bias: 0.00 EV
    • No flash

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