Wednesday, November 6, 2024

When Broad Channel Serviced the LIRR


This little-known station once was part of the Long Island Railroad.
by Rich Watson 


Between JFK Airport and the Rockaway Peninsula in southern Queens lies the island of Broad Channel, a largely forgotten corner of New York, comparable to Roosevelt Island or City Island in the Bronx. Its lone subway outpost, for the A train, is busiest in the summer, when beachcombers come and go from Rockaway Beach.

Once upon a time, though, the station was for not the MTA, but the Long Island Railroad.

Wednesday, October 23, 2024

28 Street Was the Scene of a Heist in “The Taking of Pelham 123,” with Hector Elizondo


This quintessentially New York heist picture used this train station for key scenes.
by Rich Watson 


This post is part of the We Are Family Blogathon, an event focusing on relatives of film and TV stars. At the end I’ll tell you where to find more posts like this.

The Taking of Pelham 123 is a crime movie from 1974 based on a book, starring Walter Matthau. Armed men hijack a subway car, with passengers inside. They demand a million dollars from New York City. Matthau is the transit cop who leads the team trying to apprehend them and save the hostages. 

Much of the action takes place on the east side of midtown on Park Avenue, at or near the 28 Street station, where the 6 train runs.

Wednesday, October 9, 2024

Is Marble Hill-225 St Part of the Bronx or Manhattan?


This station and the neighborhood it serves is geographically part of the Bronx, but a technicality also makes it part of Manhattan.
by Rich Watson 


The Marble Hill-225 Street elevated station serves the 1 train on its trip to South Ferry. It’s located at the edge of the Bronx.

Or is it?

Because according to the MTA’s official website, it’s part of Manhattan.