• Matt Blaze@federate.socialOP
    1·
    27 days ago

    The Waldorf-Astoria is perhaps New York’s most prominent monument to jazz age luxury and glamor. It’s been the traditional residence for US presidents and foreign heads of state when in town (the “presidential suite” was meant rather literally there).

    Built over the below-grade railyard of Grand Central Terminal, the hotel was equipped with a private rail siding and platform where guests could park their personal railcars(!). (Andy Warhol once threw a party on the platform.)

    • Dave C.@twit.social
      1·
      26 days ago

      @mattblaze@federate.social These posts always make me want to try photography. Then I remember I don’t have an artistic bone in my body. I still enjoy them though.

      • Matt Blaze@federate.socialOP
        1·
        26 days ago

        @davesomebody@twit.social maybe you’re wrong about not being artistic! I make photographs mostly because I can’t draw.

      • Matt Blaze@federate.socialOP
        1·
        26 days ago

        @fuzzface If I remember correctly, there are two doors at either end, one is the brass door at the Waldorf, and the other is a block south in the alley next to the Barclay. The platform is still there, but I don’t think guests of either hotel have taken much advantage of it recently.

          • Matt Blaze@federate.socialOP
            1·
            26 days ago

            @fuzzface@epsilon-ix.masto.host I’ve heard that too, but I’m skeptical that it was ever a serious contingency plan. The track layout makes it a rather poor choice for a quick escape, since it would require a fairly lengthy set of reverse switching moves from the siding to get lined up for the Park Avenue tunnel.