The Bronx Zoo, NYC

Small Business Saturday! What better day to head to your local bookstore!

Signed copies of our STORE FRONT II: A History Preserved available at Three Lives & Co (below), McNally Jackson Books​, Strand Book Store​, and Rizzoli New York​.

The Critics on STORE FRONT II:
Store Front II” furthers the work of its predecessor, gathering photographs and interviews that celebrate scraggly awnings and weathered brick and mortar with an awe typically reserved for the Big Apple’s famous landmarks.
The New Yorker

James and Karla Murray’s Store Front photography books capture a disappearing world – New York’s small stores and their unique and precious aesthetics.
Sarah Moroz
The Guardian

STORE FRONT II - Curbed Gift Guide: 15 Perfect New York City-Themed Presents

http://ny.curbed.com/archives/2015/11/24/curbed_gift_guide_15_perfect_new_york_citythemed_presents.php 

We hope you can join us at  THE POWERHOUSE ARENA [Dumbo]
Free STORE FRONT II slideshow, discussion and signing as well as FREE wine!
Wednesday Dec 02, 2015 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm
37 Main Street  Brooklyn, NY 11201
For more information, please call 718.666.3049
RSVP appreciated: RSVP@powerHouseArena.com
https://www.powerhousearena.com/events/book-launch-store-front-ii-a-history-preserved-the-disappearing-face-of-new-york-by-james-and-karla-murray/ 

An afternoon and evening at The 89th Annual Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade Inflation Eve 2015

We started on Central Park West. The street was closed to those without tickets (?) so we shuffled down 75th Street to Columbus Avenue who's east side was also closed. We were herded to the west side of the avenue where we slowly made our way inside the Entry pen to 79th Street. We caught a glimpse of the balloons as we got closer and surprisingly, at 3: 30 PM most were already inflated. The Inflation "event" that was open to the public started at 3:00 PM.

Rounding the corner of the 79th street entry point we were greeted by a bazaar series of pens and switch-backs. We were herded to mid-block and finally entered the pens where we looped back to Columbus and back to mid block a series of times. Everyone seemed puzzled. After a while we were allowed back to Columbus Avenue where after being held up briefly, we were finally allowed to cross the avenue and directed to turn south towards 77th Street. Katy Perry's "Roar" blasted from speakers. 

The Aflac Duck, fully inflated, was first in line. He was wearing ice skates.

Happy Hippo. The mood of the crowd started to improve and despite mega-phone sporting attendants reminding us to keep moving, the giant balloons were a happy site.

Wiggle Worm. The weather was great, with an autumn chill. We were curious how most of the balloons were already inflated when, again, the "event" had started a little under an hour ago. 

Workers with Arrtle The Pirate. Sponge Bob Squarepants is up ahead. It was great seeing the teams inflating the massive balloons. The opposite side of the street was apparently reserved for press and ticket-holders (?).

Arrtle The Pirate in front of Skylanders' Eruptor. We had to admit we were unfamiliar with a few of the characters. We loved the pirates old-school feel. Helium gas tanks are seen behind and dozens of sand-bags keep the netting weighted down. Christmas Carols played loudly and almost drowned out the "Keep Movings!" and reminders that "Inflation Eve will end promptly at 10:00 PM." It was about 4:30PM.

Sponge Bob Square Pants. Very popular with a big crowd. News Radio 1010 WINS was interviewing kids and everyone wanted a picture with massive Sponge Bob.

Red Mighty Morphin' Power Ranger. It was great seeing all the workers inflating Red's face. He was the first truly gigantic balloon we encountered and it was amazing to see. We later learned that the Power Ranger was the largest ballon of the parade at 78 feet long, 26 feet wide and 56 feet high. This giant balloon needed 90 handlers to control him during the parade. 

Kool-Aid Man between Diary Of A Wimpy Kid's feet. The crowd thickened as workers buzzed about. A deflated balloon is seen laying flat behind Kool-Aid Man. 

Diary of A Wimpy Kid. Helium tanks stretch behind him. His "Diary" is clutched underneath him and Kool-Aid man is waving in the background. The Diary of a Wimpy Kid balloon was 60 feet long.

Hello Kitty. Riding in an airplane. Hello Kitty was popular with the young kids all posing for photos.

Adventure Time with Finn & Jake. We never heard of the these guys but loved the soaring balloon. The New York Historical society in the background means we were getting closer to be being back on Central Park West. We noticed select people being given guided tours inside the barricades going under  and around the balloons. 

Ice Age's Scrat and his Acorn. A "first-time"balloon, Scrat made his parade premier this year. Tough to photograph he was hidden among Macy Star ballonicles. His Acorn is front and center and you can see one of his large eyes peeking out at us.

Thomas The Tank Engine. Thomas the Tank Engine was 51 feet long and 23 feet wide. We crossed in front of the Museum of Natural History and saw many of what seemed to be the biggest balloons up ahead. Network and cable TV satellite trucks lined the sidewalk and a few confused people popped out of the subway station into the thick of the happy mayhem. The crowd was immense and as the sun set it was a great place to be. 

Toothless. From How To Train Your Dragon was one of our personal favorites. Besides being huge, he seemed to be trying to escape his netting. Paddington Bear and Red Angry Bird were tough to get photos of on account of a bus stop and the swarming crowds. The spectators all seemed to be having a great time, us included. Our dog Hudson, who has no problem with crushing crowds, loved it all and got many treats from admirers.

Another shot of Toothless. The Toothless giant balloon was 70 feet long and 48 feet tall. Some balloon handles and workers were answering questions and explaining things. They seemed to be having fun too.

Dino. Another Favorite. Dino by Sinclair Oil is another first time balloon making it's parade premier, but is based on an older balloon concept. It was really high and 76 feet long.

Dino behind Harold the Fireman and in front of the popular Pikachu by the Pokemon Company. Everyone was really loving Dino though.

One more shot of Dino. He stretched almost the entire length of the huge apartment building behind. We thought he was the absolute most popular until we approached the next superstars.

Snoopy & Woodstock! Massive crowds, photographers (us included!) clamored up on benches and screaming kids made it clear it was all about Snoopy with little Woodstock riding on his back.

Snoopy & Woodstock by Peanuts. A great way to end the evening, which at times was trying but a well worth experiencing event. It was much different the last time we tackled it over 20 years ago but still great to see.

The crowd. After the last balloon we were crammed into more pens and shuffled north up Columbus Avenue alongside empty sidewalks. Eventually we were allowed to exit east on 82nd Street. As we later finally disappeared into a dark Central Park up around 86th Street the only sound we heard inside the park was the din of overhead news choppers... We hope everyone has a very Happy Thanksgiving!

STORE FRONT II: A History Preserved - An Iconic Town: Looking at Big Apple Books | LJ Reviews

"Troubling urban politics aside, the images are beautiful and so precise (the oversized format helps, too) that readers will get lost in them, savoring the weathered facades; hand-lettered signs; neon; awnings; and crowded window displays. VERDICT Fans of fine photography, and those concerned about urban issues will find much to absorb here." (Star Review)

http://reviews.libraryjournal.com/2015/11/books/nonfic/arts-humanities/an-iconic-town-looking-at-big-apple-books-lj-reviews/

Stingy Lulu's in the East Village

Stingy Lulu's in the East Village on St Mark's Place is no longer in business. This 1950s-style luncheonette was owned by Karacona Cinar who also owned the legendary club "Save the Robots". We loved the ‪#‎vintage‬ Coca-Cola privilege ‪#‎sign‬. Stingy Lulu's closed in 2004 and this photo was taken in 2001 using 35mm film.

The Disappearing & Enduring Mom & Pop Storefronts of NYC by JEN CARLSON for Gothamist

"Store Fronts II: A History Preserved features all new photos of old storefronts around the five boroughs, along with interviews with the shop owners and employees. You'll find bodegas, candy shops and record stores, all presented as "historically important institutions," and some in danger of disappearing amidst NYC's more corporate facade."
http://gothamist.com/2015/11/24/damn_the_man_save_the_old_signage.php#photo-1

We hope you can join us at our FREE Book Launch: Store Front II: A History Preserved on Wednesday Dec 02, 2015 from 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm at THE POWERHOUSE ARENA [Dumbo] 37 Main Street Brooklyn, NY 11201 FREE wine will be served For more information, please call 718.666.3049 RSVP appreciated: RSVP@powerHouseArena.com-

See more at: https://www.powerhousearena.com/events/book-launch-store-front-ii-a-history-preserved-the-disappearing-face-of-new-york-by-james-and-karla-murray/#sthash.VWaqL28g.dpuf

"Chronicling the Rise and Fall of New York City's Mom & Pop Shops" Monday, November 23, 2015, by Amy Plitt for CURBED NY

"Store Front II: A History Preserved, features many spots that have, against all odds, thrived in NYC's increasingly difficult real-estate market. These include...places that have transcended the label of a neighborhood joint—as well as smaller shops you've probably never heard of, but are no less important to their communities."
http://ny.curbed.com/archives/2015/11/23/chronicling_the_rise_and_fall_of_new_york_citys_mom_pop_shops.php#reader_comments  

We hope you can join us at our FREE Book Launch: Store Front II: A History Preserved on Wednesday Dec 02, 2015 from 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm at THE POWERHOUSE ARENA [Dumbo]
37 Main Street  Brooklyn, NY 11201
FREE wine will be served
For more information, please call 718.666.3049 RSVP appreciated: RSVP@powerHouseArena.com- See more at: https://www.powerhousearena.com/events/book-launch-store-front-ii-a-history-preserved-the-disappearing-face-of-new-york-by-james-and-karla-murray/#sthash.VWaqL28g.dpuf 

A PHOTO BOOK DOCUMENTS NEW YORK CITY'S IRREPLACEABLE MOM AND POP SHOPS BY CHRISTINE CHAMPAGNE for Fast Company

"Small businesses...are lovingly profiled in Store Front II—A History Preserved: The Disappearing Face Of New York."

http://www.fastcocreate.com/3053805/a-photobook-documents-new-york-citys-irreplaceable-mom-and-pop-shops

TONIGHT! FREE book event at Rizzoli Bookstore @rizzolibookstore today, Monday, November 23rd at 5:30-7pm. Rizzoli Bookstore is located on 1133 Broadway by 26th Street and recently opened this gorgeous new NoMad location after being forced to move from its iconic townhouse location on 57th Street. Rizzoli is partnering with the Neighborhood Preservation Center to celebrate our "Store Front II" book release in a conversation with Karen Loew of GVSHP. Event is free and open to everyone! Hope to see you there! — with Stacie Joy, Jeremiah Moss, JamesandKarla Murray and E.V. Grieve.

Sunset, just now. East Village, NYC.

Ray Alvarez, owner of the iconic Ray's Candy Store, with STORE FRONT II: A History Preserved. East Village, NYC

To hear more about this wonderful ‪#‎momandpop‬ ‪#‎storefront‬ please come to our FREE book event at Rizzoli Bookstore @rizzolibookstore this coming Monday, November 23rd at 5:30-7pm. Rizzoli Bookstore is located on 1133 Broadway by 26th Street and recently opened this gorgeous new NoMad location after being forced to move from its iconic townhouse location on 57th Street.

Rizzoli is partnering with the Neighborhood Preservation Center to celebrate our "Store Front II" book release in a conversation with Karen Loew of GVSHP. Event is free and open to everyone! Hope to see you there!

Jeff Slatnick, owner of Music Inn, Greenwich Village with his shop's picture and his interview in STORE FRONT II: A History Preserved.

To hear more about this wonderful ‪#‎momandpop‬ ‪#‎storefront‬ please come to our FREE book event at Rizzoli Bookstore @rizzolibookstore Monday, November 23rd at 5:30-7pm. Rizzoli Bookstore is located on 1133 Broadway by 26th Street and recently opened this gorgeous new NoMad location after being forced to move from its iconic townhouse location on 57th Street.

Rizzoli is partnering with the Neighborhood Preservation Center to celebrate our "Store Front II" book release in a conversation with Karen Loew of GVSHP. Event is free and open to everyone! Hope to see you there!

To continue our celebration of the release of our new book "STORE FRONT II-A History Preserved" we are posting House of Oldies in Greenwich Village.

 The #recordstore House of Oldies was founded by Bob Abramson in 1968. He told us that "I have never handled cassettes, 8-tracks or CDs just #records. Business in the last year has increased for me because vinyl is back!" We love thus store which is jam packed with thousands of full albums and 45s which are all in mint condition. Full interview and photo appear in our book Store Front II.

To hear more about this wonderful #momandpop #storefront please come to our FREE book event at Rizzoli Bookstore @rizzolibookstore Monday, November 23rd at 5:30-7pm. Rizzoli Bookstore is located on 1133 Broadway by 26th Street and recently opened this gorgeous new NoMad location after being forced to move from its iconic townhouse location on 57th Street. Rizzoli is partnering with the Neighborhood Preservation Center to celebrate our "Store Front II" book release in a conversation with Karen Loew of GVSHP. Event is free and open to everyone! Hope to see you there!

Thanks again to Strand Book Store for hosting our event!

Signed copies available from Strand as well.
 
http://www.strandbooks.com/product/store-front-ii-a-history-preserved-the-disappearing-face-of-new-york

Here is a video of Monday's presentation:

https://youtu.be/tNvCyEAk2Q4

"Closing down: the couple chronicling New York's disappearing storefronts" The Guardian 11.19.15

"James and Karla Murray’s Store Front photography books capture a disappearing world – New York’s small stores and their unique and precious aesthetics."

http://www.theguardian.com/artanddesign/2015/nov/19/closing-down-chronicling-new-york-disappearing-stores

STORE FRONT II: A History Preserved - Süeddeutsche 11.19.15

"What makes the charm of a district? There are not exchangeable fronts of department stores, which are available in many other cities. But the small shops - and the stories of their owners, who sometimes know their customers for decades. The photographers Karla Murray and James live in New York and love the old flair." (Translation)

Full slideshow: http://www.sueddeutsche.de/reise/bedrohte-laeden-in-new-york-das-verschwindende-gesicht-1.2733231 

FREE STORE FRONT II book event at Rizzoli Bookstore this Monday, November 23rd at 5:30-7pm.

Rizzoli Bookstore is located on 1133 Broadway by 26th Street and recently opened this gorgeous new NoMad location after being forced to move from its iconic townhouse location on 57th Street. Rizzoli is partnering with the Neighborhood Preservation Center to celebrate our "Store Front II" book release in a conversation with Karen Loew of the Greenwich Village Society For Historic Preservation.

Event is free and open to everyone! Hope to see you there!

“Store Front II” furthers the work of its predecessor, gathering photographs and interviews that celebrate scraggly awnings and weathered brick and mortar with an awe typically reserved for the Big Apple’s famous landmarks." The New Yorker (November, 14th 2015)"

Philip Mortillaro, owner of Greenwich Village Locksmith with his copy of our new book STORE FRONT II: A History Preserved. We will be in the West Village tonight near Philip's shop for "Books About Greenwich Village Make Great Holiday Gifts A Book Fair"

Tuesday, November 17  6:30 – 8:00 P.M. Free; reservations required Hudson Park Library, 66 Leroy Street, between 7th Avenue South and Hudson Street [This venue is NOT wheelchair accessible.]

"Together in one room, we are happy to assemble a collection of diverse books about the history, architecture, people, and culture of the Greenwich Village area, so you can get a head start on your holiday shopping. Or you may want to buy them all for yourself! Authors Robert Herman (The New Yorkers), Lynn Robin and Francis Morrone (Guide to New York City Urban Landscapes), James & Karla Murray (STORE FRONT I & II and NEW YORK NIGHTS), Janko Puls (Point of View New York City), Brian Rose (Metamorphosis), Ellen Shumsky (Decade of Progress 1968-1978), and Robin Shulman (Eat the City) will be on hand to sign copies of the books you purchase. What great gifts these will make, and all in one room! "

Register here: http://salsa4.salsalabs.com/o/51405/p/salsa/event/common/public/?event_KEY=4581

*TONIGHT* STORE FRONT II at Strand Book Store Book discussion and slideshow.

Purchase a own signed copy of "Store Front II" during our book discussion/signing at Strand Bookstore @strandbookstore Broadway at 12th Street
Monday, November 16th at 7:30-8:30pm. Event is free with book purchase ($65) or $20 Strand Gift card.

“Store Front II” furthers the work of its predecessor, gathering photographs and interviews that celebrate scraggly awnings and weathered brick and mortar with an awe typically reserved for the Big Apple’s famous landmarks." The New Yorker (November, 14th 2015)"

Washington Square Park arch lit with the French national colors in solidarity with the citizens of France.

Greenwich Village, NYC.

STORE FRONT II now in stock at Strand Book Store

Book discussion and slideshow tomorrow night! Purchase a own signed copy of "Store Front II" during our book discussion/signing at Strand Bookstore @strandbookstore Broadway at 12th Street this coming Monday, November 16th at 7:30-8:30pm. Event is free with book purchase ($65) or $20 Strand Gift card.
“Store Front II” furthers the work of its predecessor, gathering photographs and interviews that celebrate scraggly awnings and weathered brick and mortar with an awe typically reserved for the Big Apple’s famous landmarks." The New Yorker (November, 14th 2015)"

“Store Front II” furthers the work of its predecessor, gathering photographs and interviews that celebrate scraggly awnings and weathered brick and mortar with an awe typically reserved for the Big Apple’s famous landmarks." The New Yorker (November, 14th 2015)"

You can purchase your own signed copy of "Store Front II" during our book discussion/signing at Strand Bookstore @strandbookstore Broadway at 12th Street this coming Monday, November 16th at 7:30-8:30pm. Event is free with book purchase ($65) or $20 Strand Gift card. We will also be further up Broadway by 26th Street at Rizzoli Bookstore the following Monday, November 23rd at 5:30 pm where Karen Loew of GVSHP will be moderating a discussion of our work documenting the Disappearing Face of New York. 

For fans of our book and walking tours, we will be leading a tour of the Storefronts of Greenwich Village for the Municipal Art Society of NY this Sunday, November 15th at 12pm. For tickets please call MAS at 212-935-2075 or go to www.mas.org

Below: Morscher's Pork Store from STORE FRONT II: A History Preserved

The MAS Podcast – Photographers James and Karla Murray

In this episode, James & Karla talk about the ongoing battle between character and conformity in today’s New York, and tell some never-before-heard stories about their extraordinary effort to document our city’s icons before they disappear forever.

https://soundcloud.com/municipal-art-society-mas/the-municipal-art-society-podcast-episode-1-with-james-and-karla-murray

STORE FRONT: Before & After- "Gentrification's Shifting Landscapes"

The Showcase gallery, 475 Riverside Drive New York, NY
On display through January 5th, 2016

At our STORE FRONT: Before & After- "Gentrification's Shifting Landscapes" photography opening, earlier...

The Showcase gallery, 475 Riverside Drive New York, NY
On display through January 5th, 2016

In honor of Veterans Day yesterday we are posting Golden Gate Fancy Fruits & Vegetables in Brooklyn.

This fruit and vegetable market was founded in 1939 and now being run by WWII veteran and second-generation owner John Cortese. John who is now in his early nineties told us that "Uncle Sam grabbed me and took me away. The last thing I remember was seeing the Marine Parkway Bridge from the deck of the Queen Mary as I sailed into war." John fought on the beaches of Normandy and went on to fight in the Battle of the Bulge. When he returned from war he went back to work for his father at the store. You can read more of John's fascinating story and the history of the store with its #vintage #handpainted #sign in our new book "Store Front II- A History Preserved".

You can purchase your own signed copy of "Store Front II" during our book discussion/signing at Strand Bookstore @strandbookstore Broadway at 12th Street this coming Monday, November 16th at 7:30-8:30pm. Event is free with book purchase ($65) or $20 Strand Gift card.

We will also be further up Broadway by 26th Street at Rizzoli Bookstore the following Monday, November 23rd at 5:30 pm where Karen Loew of GVSHP will be moderating a discussion of our work documenting the Disappearing Face of New York.

For fans of our book and walking tours, we will be leading a tour of the Storefronts of Greenwich Village for the Municipal Art Society of NY this Sunday, November 15th at 12pm. For tickets please call MAS at 212-935-2075 or go to www.mas.org @mas_nyc #storefront

Congrats to Brian of the East Village who called during our segment with E.V. Grieve at East Village Radio with the correct answer to the trivia question and won himself a personalized copy of our new book, STORE FRONT II: A History Preserved.

Hope you enjoy the photos and stories Brian!

For anyone who missed out on this book giveaway, you can purchase your own signed copy during our book discussion/signing at Strand Bookstore on Broadway at 12th Street this coming Monday, November 16th at 7:30-8:30pm. Event is free with book purchase ($65) or $20 Strand Gift card. We will also be further up Broadway by 26th Street at Rizzoli Bookstore the following Monday, November 23rd at 5:30 pm where Karen Loew of GVSHP will be moderating a discussion of our work documenting the Disappearing Face of New York.

For fans of our book and walking tours, we will be leading a tour of the Storefronts of Greenwich Village for the Municipal Art Society of NY this Sunday, November 15th at 12pm. For tickets please call MAS at 212-935-2075 or go to:
 https://secure3.convio.net/masnyc/site/Ecommerce/1701763223?VIEW_PRODUCT=true&product_id=5489&store_id=1221