The Newtown Pentacle

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Posts Tagged ‘Project FIrebox

Project Firebox 71

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“follow” me on Twitter at @newtownpentacle

– photo by Mitch Waxman

The Fireboxes of tony DUMBO are doing a whole lot better than those here in dross Queens, I can tell you that. Freshly painted, seemingly fully functioning, this scarlet scion of the common cause sits between the two great bridges on Cadman Plaza West in what my dad would have called “Downtern Brooklyn.”

Upcoming tours:

The Insalubrious Valley– Saturday, May 25, 2013
Newtown Creek walking tour with Mitch Waxman and Atlas Obscura, tickets now on sale.

The Poison Cauldron- Saturday, June 15, 2013
Newtown Creek walking tour with Mitch Waxman and Atlas Obscura, tickets on sale soon.

Kill Van Kull- Saturday, June 22, 2013
Staten Island walking tour with Mitch Waxman and Working Harbor Committee, tickets now on sale.

Written by Mitch Waxman

May 18, 2013 at 9:49 am

Project Firebox 70

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“follow” me on Twitter at @newtownpentacle

– photo by Mitch Waxman

Embedded within a cement sidewalk, opposite the fabulous and fossilized remains of the Loose Wiles building of the largely forgotten Degnon Terminal on the Thompson Avenue viaduct stands this soldier of the realm. Unlike many of its brethren in Western Queens, this firebox functions on, awaiting the day it will be needed.

Upcoming tours:

Parks and Petroleum- Sunday, May 12, 2013
Newtown Creek walking tour with Mitch Waxman and Newtown Creek Alliance, tickets now on sale.

The Insalubrious Valley– Saturday, May 25, 2013
Newtown Creek walking tour with Mitch Waxman and Atlas Obscura, tickets now on sale.

Written by Mitch Waxman

May 11, 2013 at 7:54 am

Project Firebox 68

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“follow” me on Twitter at @newtownpentacle

– photo by Mitch Waxman

This king in crimson was observed on duty amongst the blessed slopes of almond eyed Astoria, where neither a hooka pipe nor a cup of strong black coffee are safe. At 38th street and 28th avenue is its perch, standing ever ready to summon teams of rescuers for the desperately endangered.

Also: Upcoming Tours!

13 Steps around Dutch Kills Saturday, May 4, 2013
Newtown Creek walking tour with Mitch Waxman and Atlas Obscura, tickets now on sale.

Parks and Petroleum- Sunday, May 12, 2013
Newtown Creek walking tour with Mitch Waxman and Newtown Creek Alliance, tickets now on sale.

The Insalubrious Valley- Saturday, May 25, 2013
Newtown Creek walking tour with Mitch Waxman and Atlas Obscura, tickets on sale soon.

Hidden Harbor: Newtown Creek tour with Mitch Waxman – Sunday, May 26,2013
Boat tour presented by the Working Harbor Committee,
Limited seating available, order advance tickets now. Group rates available.

Written by Mitch Waxman

April 27, 2013 at 12:15 am

Project Firebox 67

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“follow” me on Twitter at @newtownpentacle

– photo by Mitch Waxman

While visiting the Shining City of Manhattan recently, this decapitated Firebox was encountered along Broadway in the west 50’s. A policy of so called benign neglect and reduced maintenance budgets, which betray the anti Firebox prejudices of a certain Mayoral administration, have resulted in the startling condition of what appears to be an early 20th century Gamewell alarm box. Perhaps the stalk and husk of the sentinel can be used to display a touch screen, of some kind, which could be used to direct tourists towards designated shopping centers or the nearest Shake Shack.

Also- TOURS:

Glittering Realms April 20, 2013 Newtown Creek walking tour with Mitch Waxman and Atlas Obscura, tickets now on sale.

13 Steps around Dutch Kills May 4, 2013 Newtown Creek walking tour with Mitch Waxman and Atlas Obscura, tickets now on sale.

Hidden Harbor: Newtown Creek tour with Mitch Waxman presented by the Working Harbor Committee, departs Pier 17 in Manhattan May 26,2013 at ten a.m. Limited seating available, order advance tickets now. Group rates available.

Written by Mitch Waxman

April 13, 2013 at 1:18 am

Project Firebox 66

with one comment

“follow” me on Twitter at @newtownpentacle

– photo by Mitch Waxman

Bro, this thing has been on this corner since nobody knows how long, its furniture- y’know? This is, you know where, in Astoria on 38th and 31st, near the Souvlaki guy- the one with the smoke- in front of that Brazilian restaurant with the good coffee. C’mon Bro”.

Such local Astorian, or patois, would best delineate the position and surroundings of this exemplar of municipal service, the humble firebox, were it to be described by far more than one of my neighbors.

Written by Mitch Waxman

April 6, 2013 at 12:15 am