CONFIDENTIAL: the Fake Tudor City

From Tudor City Service, circa 1934

The above, from an issue of Tudor City Service (later renamed Tudor City View). Apparently, the colony had gotten some bad press from a business that sounded like it was part of Tudor City, although it was not. Of course, there was no municipal law against this, so it was just a warning. And warnings are like promises, ready to be broken.

Today, a look at three places that failed to be part of the colony. On the left, a matchbook cover plugging a barroom called The Jefferson Grill in Tudor City. The address was 226 E. 42nd Street, in a building next door to the Daily News, not authentic Tudor City. [The reverse touted its sibling, Yankee Diner, in Jamaica, Queens.] Nice try, though.

 

A more common usage can be seen at the bottom right of this photo. The TUDOR 5 AND 10 was a novelty shop specializing in inexpensive merchandise. 

Then there was the case of April 16, 1942, when a car careens out control after hitting an El pillar on Third Avenue, and bursts into flame. Two injured, one slain. Weegee was the only photographer there, and the resulting photo is known as "Joy of Living," after the movie title on the marquee.

 The theater was originally called the Tuxedo, then changed to the Tudor around 1930, an homage to Tudor City on the corner of Third Avenue and 41st Street.

ARTIFACT: 1960s Hotel Tudor Brochure

Artifact of the week is this 1960's Hotel Tudor brochure, notable for the striped awning on its cover.

On the ground floor, all seems serene. Armchairs, lamplight, and stained glass make the mood mellow.

The 3 Lions Pub, in the rear of the hotel, was done up "in a manner of an old English pub." It had a reputable run, opening in 1964 and closing in 1979.

Lastly, there's a map of the area, a listing of the notable subjects. and finally the welcome news that Most Major Credit Cards are Honored at the Hotel Tudor.

Resident: WALT CESSNA

A look at the teenaged publishing wunderkind, Walt Cessna, who lived in the colony in 1991.

Walt Cessna, circa 2005

Born in 1964, Cessna lived many lives: street hustler, club kid, photographer, clothing designer, Village Voice writer, stylist for a Nine Inch Nails tour. He was in and out of drug rehab, HIV positive, and very amusing to be around.

He also was a prolific publisher of 'zines, including his infamous journal, STOP, in which he sums up the scene in his own pictures. 

One issue gave its address as 5 Tudor City Place, where Cessna was living at the time. He didn't stay there long.

Returning to the East Village, he continued to do what he had always done -- more 'zines, more photos, more drugs -- but somehow it wasn't the same. At the time of his death in 2017, Cessna was 53 years old. By his own standards, he stayed way too long at the party.

The Woodstock's Salvaged Lion

 First of all, sorry for the long pause. Going forward, we'll be posting weekly, on Sundays...

Today, a look at the new addition to The Woodstock's rear garden, one of the lion statues lining the top of the building. It no longer met safety requirements, and was removed and replaced with a copy of the original. The ever-resourceful Woodstock kept the original, moved it to the rear and made a little garden around it.

As one can see above, the Tudor Rose is striking as ever, and the statue still looks well; below, in all its glory.

1. 

Thanks to Anne Stoddard for the tip. 

Best of Instagram

Today, another group of winners from the talented snappers of Instagram.

 43rd Street, by iphoto_paul.

 Bernie and his mittens, by bfinnyc.

A moody day on 42nd Street, by I.juz.I.

Christmas decorations, by la_vida_kristina. 

A shot of the sign, by shotbyjsim.

REAL ESTATE REPORT: What's Your Apartment Worth

Recent Tudor City sale prices via Streeteasy.

Vintage sign in No. 5's lobby

The Cloister 

$700,000, Apt 209, two bedroom
$265,000, Apt 806, studio

Essex House
$860,000, Apt 205, two bedroom
$750,000, Apt 101, two bedroom

Haddon Hall
$999,500, Apt 901C, two bedroom
$925,000, Apt 603C, two bedroom

Hardwicke Hall
$835,000, Apt 201B, two bedroom
$205,000, Apt 205A, studio

Hatfield House   
$305,000, Apt 206, studio
$350,000, Apt 1404A, studio

The Hermitage 
The Hermitage is a rental-only building. Recent monthly rentals:
$4,545, Apt 908, three bedroom

$2,695, Apt 212, two bedroom

The Manor  

$414,884, Apt 1010, one bedroom

$515,000, Apt 117, one bedroom

Prospect Tower, No. 45
$665,000, Apt 1315, one bedroom
$270,000, Apt 212, studio

Tudor Gardens, No. 2
$1,100,000, Apt 7BS, two bedroom

$600,000, Apt 2LS, one bedroom

Tudor Tower, No. 25
$515,000, Apt 2105, one bedroom
$350,000, Apt 2101, studio

Windsor Tower, No. 5
$655,590, Apt 1801, one bedroom
$443,000, Apt 1311, one bedroom

Woodstock Tower

$500,000, Apt 1218, one bedroom

$551,000, Apt 114, one bedroom

⸺⸺⸺⸺⸺⸺

Currently on the market, there are no million dollar listings, although there are two apartments in contract: a $1,500,000 two bedroom in No. 2, and Penthouse 9 in Windsor Tower, which has been been on and off the market for several years, and is now about to be sold for $1,900,000.

ARTIFACT: 1929 Postcard Set

Artifact of the day is this set of six postcards, which depict No. 45, No. 25, Prospect Place and the Manor, the South Park, the Coffee House, and The North Park.

Frankly, the cards are nothing special with a muddy sepia and green color palette. But we did find some interesting details, expanded and expounded on, below.

Closeup on the roof of No. 45, mysteriously signless ‒ no doubt because the image is an artist's illustration masquerading as a photograph. The building's weathervane, however, is plainly seen.

The South Park, showing its lich gate. The rockpiles are hazards on the Tudor City's miniature golf course, then in full swing.

Sunlight through the stained glass windows of No. 25's coffee house. 

A lady beneath the pergola contemplates the privet hedge and the topiary.

All the postcards bear the same logo on the back, above. The effusive copy suggests that they were produced by the French Company.