Sunset Park Had a Lake

Sunset Park Had a Lake, originally uploaded by veesvision.

For years, there have been rumors that there was once a lake then I finally saw a picture.

Some interesting historic info by Flickr member tony653:
"The sunset park lake was stocked with carp by local residents, for their fishing pleasure. An elderly resident, years ago, told me that he and his friends would catch the fish and sell them to a 5th avenue fish market for sale to the local community."

To read more, click on the image above.

Gung Hay Fat Choy! 2011

Ch-NEWyear-bklyn-19, originally uploaded by veesvision.

Chinese Lunar New Year is around the corner and the community is taking steps to prepare. The Sunset Park Recreation center will be holding their annual celebration on February 5, 2011 (according to the NY1 community calender).

This coming year will be the year of the Rabbit (other Rabbit years: 1915, 1927, 1939, 1951, 1963, 1975, 1987, 1999, 2011, 2023

Chiff.com says...
Like the rabbit, you are one of cuddliest & sweetest creatures in the Chinese zodiac.
Although considered somewhat timid by more dynamic signs, you are wise and cautious, and know better than to jump into any situation without thinking!
Tactful, considerate, and popular with a wide circle of friends and family, luck just seems to come to you unbidden.For the rabbit in 2011, any recent setbacks or obstacles can be overcome, so look forward to a year in which to really shine, either personally or professionally."
Want to read more about Chinese astrology? 

What you see in Sunset Park, Brooklyn: Chickens

chickens, originally uploaded by shooting brooklyn.

To the outsider this would look out of place. I was the 'outsider' at one point many years ago and it did look a little... strange. Living in New York has taught me that the city is filled with immigrants; immigrants that have their own traditions, culture, and superstitions.

The first year I lived in NYC, I lived in Prospect Heights, Brooklyn. One morning, I will never forget leaving to go to the bank and the super to my building, who was usually very nice and witty, showed me the rooster he caught walking around the street that morning. When I asked him why a “rooster would be walking around the streets of Brooklyn”, he smiled and said, “You wouldn’t understand”. I have since concluded that by “you wouldn’t understand” means, cock fighting, sacrifice, and really, really delicious chicken dishes. I do understand, just a little surprised. 

What I saw in Sunset Park, Brooklyn: The Red Faced General

Guan Yu: The red faced general, originally uploaded by veesvision.

This was in front of the Buddhist temple on 7th ave and 46th street in Sunset Park, Brooklyn. He is the god of war.

The Morning After

The Morning After, originally uploaded by veesvision.

An interesting contrast to the previous post. Shot this morning, 20 inches later.

What I see in Sunset Park, Brooklyn: Behind a Home

Snow Behind a Home, originally uploaded by veesvision.

This image was shot last year but it is exactly what I see when it snows.

What you see in Sunset Park, Brooklyn: The Big Tree

The Big Tree, originally uploaded by veesvision.

It's cold and snowy again guys. Let's make the most of it.

What you see in Sunset Park, Brooklyn: When it snows

IMG_2769-1080, originally uploaded by MrSchmo.

It was particularly windy this day, I remember. MrSchmo captured the moment.

What you see in Sunset Park, Brooklyn: An Orange Skyline

orange-skyline-025, originally uploaded by veesvision.

Room with a view. 

What you see in Sunset Park, Brooklyn: Recycle Carts

Recycle Carts, originally uploaded by veesvision.

Because we here in Sunset Park, we take our recycling very seriously.

Sunset Park Stills contributor has a show!

Shameless self promotion, originally uploaded by Chris Arnade.

Chris Arnade has blessed this blog with some amazing portraits. Congratulations on a show that will surely be outstanding.

What you see in Sunset Park, Brooklyn: Sweet 15 Quinceanera

Sweet 15 Quinceanera, originally uploaded by veesvision.

Shot off of 47th Street between 5th and 6th aves.

What you see in Sunset Park, Brooklyn: Widdi Hall

Widdi Hall, Sunset Park, originally uploaded by New York Big Apple Images.

"Ex-Palace Theatre (1914) Ex-Center Theatre (ca. 1940) 522-seat theatre closed in 1953"
I got a chance to shoot an event in this hall for Sara Gonzalez, Sunset Park's district city council person. Nice to know the history behind the hall! It has many decorative finishings that, at the time of the event, appeared to be original. Now I know that they were.
The interior is much bigger than it looks here. Equipped with a stage and another large back room -that seems to keep going forever, it is ideal for a large event like a family reunion, live performance, or local talent show. Wouldn't it be great to have a local talent show?
Widdi Hall: 5602 Sixth Ave. Sunset Park, Brooklyn (718) 439-8621

Who you see in Sunset Park: Sunset Park's Accordionist

5th ave accordionist, originally uploaded by Pine Ear.


A local celebrity. 

Who you see in Sunset Park Brooklyn:Tony the Barber

Tony the Barber: Sunset Park, originally uploaded by Chris Arnade.

Chris Arnade says: "... Been cutting hair in his place for over 40 years. Brews his own expresso (see his left hand) and has a small well tended lemon tree in the front window."

Here is another post for this barber shop and an image of it's front.

What you see in Sunset Park Brooklyn: Fiery Sky

new york harbor sunset I, originally uploaded by bdwac.

Are we ready?

When the snow started, originally uploaded by veesvision.

Of course we are. It has been over kill this time around: NY1 article

What you see in Sunset Park, Brooklyn: Snow Troll

snow troll. we built this, originally uploaded by bdwac.

Although it looks a little like an owl to me :)