One of the oldest existing homes in Manhattan on East 169th St. between Audobon and Amsterdam, is Ann’s home. The home itself stands out on the block because of its age and architecture. Most buildings on the block were built around 1880 to 1910, but this rare single family home was actually moved from an area that was very close to the Hudson River, a long time ago.
Anne grew up here and remembered the block when it was inhabited by two groups – Backs and Irish. It’s been predominantly Domonican for a long time now.
On that rare day, particularly during the pandemic, when alternate side parking was generally obeyed, i went over to East 165th St. to try to catch a clear shot of the home. While I was standing on my ladder and doing my thing, she came out and began to clean the cleared parking space, that remained that way, until i was done, and Anne and i could speak more about the block and her home.
What timing, turned out it was up for sale and she was finally moving out, probably to North Yonkers or maybe even Hastings. I’m sure that it’s gone and has most likely become a small condominium or apartment building.
Too bad, i felt i had found a friend, but she was finally moving. At least i dropped off a lot of pictures of the home she knew her entire life. The front door was unlocked, i called out for her after opening the door, but, with no answer, i just dropped the envelope and split.