National Treasures

[Slideshow] From Wild to Whimsical: The Gargoyles and Grotesques of Washington National Cathedral

Posted on: May 20th, 2013 by National Trust for Historic Preservation 1 Comment

 

By Linda S. Glisson, Assistant Director for Information Resources, Main Street

Washington National Cathedral. Credit: Linda S. Glisson
Washington National Cathedral

As a passionate photographer and preservationist, I’m always on the lookout for fascinating buildings, from the funky to the sublime. Washington National Cathedral, winner of this year’s Partners in Preservation contest and also one of our National Treasures, is definitely the latter.

From the light streaming through stained glass windows and bathing the interior in a rainbow glow to the fantastical creatures that adorn the outside, National Cathedral is a photographer’s dream. Every time I visit I discover something new. And no wonder: There are 112 gargoyles, the last completed in 1987, and more than 3,000 grotesques and other architectural carvings.... Read More →

National Trust for Historic Preservation

National Trust for Historic Preservation

The National Trust for Historic Preservation, a privately funded non-profit organization, works to save America's historic places.

An American Story on Display at the Mississippi Delta Chinese Heritage Museum

Posted on: May 6th, 2013 by Katherine Flynn 2 Comments

 

A group of former students at the Cleveland Chinese Mission School gathers at the plaque dedication. From left: Fee Joe, Ed Joe, Kellogg Wong, Fun Pang, J.W. Dunn (seated), Annette Joe, Vice Mayor Ted Campbell, and Bobby Moon. Credit: Gilroy and Sally Chow
A group of former students at the Cleveland Chinese Mission School gathers at the plaque dedication. From left: Fee Joe, Ed Joe, Kellogg Wong, Fun Pang, J.W. Dunn (seated), Annette Joe, Vice Mayor Ted Campbell, and Bobby Moon.

The Mississippi Delta Chinese Heritage Museum, as Frieda Quon explains it, is a labor of love -- a project that stems from the desire of the children of Chinese immigrants in the region, like herself, to make sure that their unique history isn’t lost.... Read More →

Katherine Flynn

Katherine Flynn

Katherine Flynn is an editorial assistant at Preservation magazine. Her work has appeared online at the Washington Post and in Consequence of Sound, a music and culture blog.

Joe Frazier’s Gym Now Listed on the National Register

Posted on: May 2nd, 2013 by National Trust for Historic Preservation No Comments

 

Joe Frazier's Gym in Philadelphia, Pa. Credit: warpafx, flickr

Big news today from one of our National Treasures: Joe Frazier's Gym, a modest space in Philadelphia where Smokin' Joe perfected his punch, has been listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

This listing marks an important milestone for the preservationists -- including Preservation Alliance for Greater Philadelphia, the National Trust for Historic Preservation, Heritage Consulting Group, and Temple University -- who have been working for 18 months to save the gym and breathe new life into this historic site.... Read More →

National Trust for Historic Preservation

National Trust for Historic Preservation

The National Trust for Historic Preservation, a privately funded non-profit organization, works to save America's historic places.

If Seats Could Talk: Pulling Off A Pageant At Miami Marine Stadium

Posted on: April 25th, 2013 by Katherine Flynn No Comments

 

Miami Marine Stadium in 2012. Credit: National Trust for Historic Preservation
Miami Marine Stadium in 2012

Although the Miami Marine Stadium sits empty today, it still echoes with the shouts and cheers of audiences that gathered to watch everything from speedboat races to Easter Sunday sunrise services at the waterfront venue. The stadium served as an entertainment hub of the Miami community, and sometimes, a launching pad for careers in the entertainment industry.

In part four of our “If Seats Could Talk” series, compiled by the Friends of Miami Marine Stadium in an effort to increase support for restoration of the venue, we focus on the story of Frank Mercado-Valdez, who, along with some of his fraternity brothers, took on the task of putting on the first Miss Collegiate Black America Contest in 1985.... Read More →

Katherine Flynn

Katherine Flynn

Katherine Flynn is an editorial assistant at Preservation magazine. Her work has appeared online at the Washington Post and in Consequence of Sound, a music and culture blog.

If Seats Could Talk: Richard Nixon and Sammy Davis Jr. Share the Stage at Miami Marine Stadium

Posted on: April 18th, 2013 by Lauren Walser 1 Comment

 

In July 1971, President Nixon (1913–1994) appointed Sammy Davis, Jr. (1925–1990), to his National Advisory Council on Economic Opportunity. Credit: Marion S. Trikosko, U.S. News & World Report Magazine Collection, Library of Congress
In July 1971, President Nixon appointed Sammy Davis Jr. to his National Advisory Council on Economic Opportunity.

Though it’s been closed for 20 years, the 6,566-seat Miami Marine Stadium has seen its share of excitement since it was built in 1963. You’ve read about the boat races, concerts, and boxing matches held there in both the Spring 2013 issue of Preservation magazine and in the first two parts of our “If Seats Could Talk” series, a collection of stories compiled by the Friends of the Miami Marine Stadium to raise awareness and increase support for the venue’s restoration.

In part three, Stuart Blumberg shares his experience attending a political rally at the stadium -- and witnessing an embrace that went down in history.... Read More →

Lauren Walser

Lauren Walser

Lauren Walser is an assistant editor at Preservation magazine. She enjoys writing and thinking about history, art, architecture, and public space.