There are arguments among linguists about the origin of the kiosk, but there can be little argument about the origin of the kiosk on the southwest corner of 83rd Street and Broadway.
The unique structure was underwritten and built by the West 83rd Street Block Association in 1970, and I physically had a hand in its erection.
I recall the building effort as hard work and fun, as were so many of the Association’s activities in the 1970s. The immense annual block parties thrown between West End Avenue and Riverside Drive were huge successes. Local political actions were on the agenda; and who could forget the Christmas caroling by Jews and Christians alike which was loads of fun, starting off every year with a party at 110 Riverside Drive.
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When it was built, it stood between the Bostonian and Florsheim shoe stores of the time (one on each of the western corners of 83rd Street).
Originally, it stood unprotected. Unfortunately, this mistake needed to be corrected by, literally, a bumper guard after several indentations caused by parking cars.
Intended to focus on the messages of, by and for the block association, it quickly became and remains a community bulletin board.
When I return to my home block, I always connect with the kiosk I helped build; a structure that brings back so many fond memories.
photos by G. Augustine Lynas
Read more by Ken Marion at leavingwest83rdstreet.com
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This kiosk is one of my favorite features of our neighborhood. Thank you so much for helping build it and sharing its history!
Parson’s school of design the church of Jesus Christ of latter day Saints another testimony of Jesus Christ ” the quad” Kingdom Hall Jehovah’s witnesses, a kiosk on West 41 st. Street in Manhattan the guys at saint Agnes drop-in the cavalier building Penn station port authority the State Building or the East side?
What? “Parson’s school of design the church of Jesus Christ of latter day Saints another testimony of Jesus Christ ” the quad” ” what does this mean? What does any of this comment mean? I think maybe there’s some punctuation or sentences missing or something… I am curious though..
Agree.