It was 1994 and I was riding my boss around to our locations in Manhattan. Afternoon rush and he tells me to take him to Newark for his flight out. Traffic backup on the Harlem River Drive and my temp gauge hits the red zone on the ramp leading to GWB Upper Level. Not wanting to get stuck on the GWB, I pull over on the ramp that is wide enough for traffic to pass. Would you believe that a total stranger is inching past me and hands me a bottle of Prestone right out of his window. 24 years later and I still remember that.
Your closed off tunnels were a result of adding a second level to the bridge in the early 60's (when they built the Cross-Bronx expressway). What you were looking at under the closed of stone arch was the original approaches from Riverside Dr. Look for photos of them adding the second level, with all the new approaches. We used to weave our way through the construction to the lighthouse. The blasting in between 178-179st took a few years.
*Excellent Sir , Oh & Gentleman , Keep Up The Great Work Sir* :-) *If I Were You I Would Get This Video To DiBlasio Immediately , We Need Individuals Like You At The Helm Of Many A Project , Committee , Whatever It Takes To *MAKE NEW YORK CITY EVEN GREATER AGAIN*YA!* :-)
Back in 1973 the tunnel on 178 st. use to be open and after walking for about 10 min. at one point it would just really get dark. We would stop and turn around because there were no lights. Different world back then! I was 12 years old I went to Incarnation School. We live at 586 W.178 st. between. St Nick & Aud.
Thanks so much for sharing. This brought back many good memories. I grew up in Washington Heights and haven't been back in years. Thanks again! Great pics!
Is it going through the Cabrini Park residential area? I played there when I was I kid. Grew up on NYC on 179th st. There’s the bridge. The plant on Amsterdam & 179th st. The Hardware store on 179th and Amsterdam. The Caribbean Kings, Savage Nomads, the Birds I flew on that roof! Man you took me back!
0:47 this is around West 178th Street and this is in one of the scenes of the most famous vehicle pursuits in movie history from the 1973 movie The Seven Ups where Bill Hickman was pursued by Roy Schieder with two pontiac automobiles in fact Roy’s character had the same first name as Gene Hackman’s character (Buddy) but when Bill hit two old 60s NYPD units before getting on the George Washington Bridge at West 178th Street, the officers except for Roy Schieder opened fire at Bill even though he secretly played as an NYPD detective himself but unknowingly, it wad revealed later into the film, but the first pursuit in that movie took place near West 238th Street and near Review Place near Van Cortlandt Park in The North Bronx, they did cruise down Mosholu Parkway in Norwood and then proceeded northbound on East Mosholu Parkway North turning away from 155-165 East Mosholu Parkway North which that scene was taken 4 years before my late grandparents, my father and my famous uncle Kevin moved in there, Roy did turn eastbound on Steuben Avenue and then still going eastbound but on East 208th Street, he probably then went northbound on Bainbridge Avenue passing Montefiore Medical Center, in Norwood there are at least 3 Montefiore hospitals, 2 on Bainbridge Avenue and one on East 210th Street the one across from the other on Bainbridge Avenue is the children’s hospital at montefiore, but Roy must’ve also taken Jerome Avenue to the Deegan to head into Manhattan, but you’ll definitely see this location in that scene of the seven ups
The tunnel you spoke of under 178th street was one of two original approaches to the GWB. The 2nd tunnel was 179th street. Once the trans-manhattan exwy was built, the tunnels were closed.
The lighthouse is actually the old Highbridge pump tower for the reservoir system leading from the Highbridge aqueduct to the reservoir above which held water to supply Manhattan. (Correct me if I’m wrong)
You are correct sir. I remember going to the party jams down there by the stairs where the DJ’S used to bring out the huge speakers 🔊 and everyone from the neighborhood who come down
The antenna at the end is a combination VHF/UHF "rabbit ear" antenna. Probably from the 1970s or late 60s. By the way, I lived on 173rd and Audubon. Highbridge Park was my hangout as a kid in the late 50s. I've been meaning to take a walk through it sometime.
I used to work for the Port Authority in the summer. The tunnel was used for storage. I got a piece of granite core from a drill sample from in there, someone told me it was from the work on the GW bridge construction.
FABULOUS ! ! ! I wonder why they closed the tunnel, but it makes a Great Shelter. The Rusted, Fractured Pillar definately needs replacing, as do the neighboring pillars under that one bridge. The Antenna looks like a UHF gizmo from the 50's. It's more of a Decorative Art thing than it is a Functional thing. Must be worth Something. THANKS Joe :o)
This is a good video--very interesting--I'm not that familiar with New York--but these photos show an interesting side that you don't get to see if you are a tourist-- thanks!
Awesome! Thank you! Best I've seen here on the old neighborhood. I Grew up in NYC (177th/Audubon). The historic "Lighthouse" on 8:12 is not a lighthouse but a belltower. My father lived on 173rd/Amsterdam right across the street from the tower. He remembers the tolling carillion bells in the 50s. I actually climbed it in the late 70s...unathorized of course. It was full of trash, old wiring and original perforated music rolls were strewn all over...wish I would've kept some of that stuff!
thank you sir, you seem to know your antennas. I wanted to use it on my bare bones tv at work [no cable] bu the pic is choppy and freezes up. have you ever heard of a "smart antenna"? I wonder how good they are
@boo70bearjo No, it was not for trolleys, it was for cars and buses. The tunnels (under 178th and 179th Streets) connected the Washington (181st St.) and George Washington bridges with each other, before the current highway that runs between 178th and 179th Streets was built. The first shot (with just a gate) that is said to be one end of one of the tunnels in fact isn't, the second shot (with the archway around it) is.
Great Video!!! One small correction though... Highbridge tower is not a lighthouse. It was built in the 1880's on the manhattan side of highbridge to equalize water pressure in the aquaduct. I well remember as a kid going to highbridge pool and hearing the carrilon (bells) music comming from the tower. BTW, I grew-up on 184th street between Audoban & Amsterdam Avenue in the 1960's. I now live in Connecticut but drive a limo in N.Y.C. Thanks again for a great Video. John
All of the stores are starting to close. More vans of people selling on the street. That lot you showed is now gonna be a 22-floor complex. It was several different gas stations over the years. My gf lives in the building right beside it. They are load every single day early in the morning. They have blocked everyone's view out the window as the building is inches from it.=(
@@kennyadvocat not sure brother. I have only passed by a hand full of times driving from the Bronx on University Ave across towards 181st Amsterdam Ave driving right past. Rest assure if I hear anything I will surely let you know
I was homeless in the heights for 5 yrs you probably saw me with my homeless hungry God bless you sign glad to say I'm no longer homeless enjoyed the tour my areas Highbridge lol
LOVE THE VIDEO...I'M FROM STL SUBURBS IN MO...DATED A GUY A LONG TIME IN WASH.HEIGHTS, W.171ST ST.......BEEN THERE TWICE, HE'S CAME HERE ABOUT 3 TIMES...STL BORING TO HIM! LOL
seen people go down the wrong way down HRD entrance ramp....by the way im the guy who used to be in the wheel chair at the gw bridge in the 90's im alive and WELL
I enjoy your videos but you need to do a little bit more research. On this video that is not a kayak on the river. It's most likely the Columbia U. rowing team practicing. Also that is not a lighthouse. It's a water tower. Keep up the good work.
I live like 10 blocks away from that area. In the beginning of the video you forgot to mention the closed down blockbuster in the corner of 179th and broadway.
I asked my ex brother in law who still lives in the area and is NYPD about the gas station on 181st/Amsterdam and he says the place was always trouble. Lot of homeless harassing customers, druggies/crackheads...and was "pay cash first then pump". I know allthe Bronx buses stop on that corner before heading over the bridge and its always a busy corner. Contrary to what I read on one of these posts...most street merchants do not have a permit...basically bring all your stuff into the sidewalk!
It was 1994 and I was riding my boss around to our locations in Manhattan. Afternoon rush and he tells me to take him to Newark for his flight out. Traffic backup on the Harlem River Drive and my temp gauge hits the red zone on the ramp leading to GWB Upper Level. Not wanting to get stuck on the GWB, I pull over on the ramp that is wide enough for traffic to pass. Would you believe that a total stranger is inching past me and hands me a bottle of Prestone right out of his window. 24 years later and I still remember that.
Joe Stewart what is Prestone?
Melissa Onorati it’s coolant
Your closed off tunnels were a result of adding a second level to the bridge in the early 60's (when they built the Cross-Bronx expressway). What you were looking at under the closed of stone arch was the original approaches from Riverside Dr. Look for photos of them adding the second level, with all the new approaches. We used to weave our way through the construction to the lighthouse. The blasting in between 178-179st took a few years.
Good catch!
Can I just smash through the tunnel with my car and zoom through it?
*Excellent Sir , Oh & Gentleman , Keep Up The Great Work Sir* :-) *If I Were You I Would Get This Video To DiBlasio Immediately , We Need Individuals Like You At The Helm Of Many A Project , Committee , Whatever It Takes To *MAKE NEW YORK CITY EVEN GREATER AGAIN*YA!* :-)
Back in 1973 the tunnel on 178 st. use to be open and after walking for about 10 min. at one point it would just really get dark. We would stop and turn around because there were no lights. Different world back then! I was 12 years old I went to Incarnation School. We live at 586 W.178 st. between. St Nick & Aud.
Thanks so much for sharing. This brought back many good memories. I grew up in Washington Heights and haven't been back in years. Thanks again! Great pics!
Just discovered your vids. Great videos. I grew up in Harlem in the 60s, so this is all familiar and takes me back to NYC.
Nice Vídeo, I hope to see more Video Like This. I use to live in W.Height.. And I love it.
Is it going through the Cabrini Park residential area? I played there when I was I kid. Grew up on NYC on 179th st. There’s the bridge. The plant on Amsterdam & 179th st. The Hardware store on 179th and Amsterdam. The Caribbean Kings, Savage Nomads, the Birds I flew on that roof! Man you took me back!
Sure did
0:47 this is around West 178th Street and this is in one of the scenes of the most famous vehicle pursuits in movie history from the 1973 movie The Seven Ups where Bill Hickman was pursued by Roy Schieder with two pontiac automobiles in fact Roy’s character had the same first name as Gene Hackman’s character (Buddy) but when Bill hit two old 60s NYPD units before getting on the George Washington Bridge at West 178th Street, the officers except for Roy Schieder opened fire at Bill even though he secretly played as an NYPD detective himself but unknowingly, it wad revealed later into the film, but the first pursuit in that movie took place near West 238th Street and near Review Place near Van Cortlandt Park in The North Bronx, they did cruise down Mosholu Parkway in Norwood and then proceeded northbound on East Mosholu Parkway North turning away from 155-165 East Mosholu Parkway North which that scene was taken 4 years before my late grandparents, my father and my famous uncle Kevin moved in there, Roy did turn eastbound on Steuben Avenue and then still going eastbound but on East 208th Street, he probably then went northbound on Bainbridge Avenue passing Montefiore Medical Center, in Norwood there are at least 3 Montefiore hospitals, 2 on Bainbridge Avenue and one on East 210th Street the one across from the other on Bainbridge Avenue is the children’s hospital at montefiore, but Roy must’ve also taken Jerome Avenue to the Deegan to head into Manhattan, but you’ll definitely see this location in that scene of the seven ups
Rembrandt was the name of the tv antenna,we had 1 for analog tv. I enjoy a look back into the past.
Great quality pics. I spend lots of time in the Heights and found the video informative and interesting. Now I wanna go chill up there!
Great stuff. I grew up in Washington Heights in the 50s at 185th and Ft. Washington. This stuff brings back so many memories.
The tunnel you spoke of under 178th street was one of two original approaches to the GWB. The 2nd tunnel was 179th street. Once the trans-manhattan exwy was built, the tunnels were closed.
Thanks for this video
Great video. Lived at West 174th and St. Nick. Miss my old neighborhood.................
The lighthouse is actually the old Highbridge pump tower for the reservoir system leading from the Highbridge aqueduct to the reservoir above which held water to supply Manhattan. (Correct me if I’m wrong)
You are correct sir. I remember going to the party jams down there by the stairs where the DJ’S used to bring out the huge speakers 🔊 and everyone from the neighborhood who come down
The Seven Ups is a awesome movie. Epic car chase. Back when Pontiac really built excitement
The antenna at the end is a combination VHF/UHF "rabbit ear" antenna. Probably from the 1970s or late 60s. By the way, I lived on 173rd and Audubon. Highbridge Park was my hangout as a kid in the late 50s. I've been meaning to take a walk through it sometime.
I grew up on 173rd and Amsterdam in the 60's and 70's. We played in that park every day and we explored every inch of it.
@@lunhil12 I originally lived on Amsterdam between 172 & 173. We must have run into each other.
neat video I like how you show all the bridges and parkway around New York city.
I used to work for the Port Authority in the summer. The tunnel was used for storage. I got a piece of granite core from a drill sample from in there, someone told me it was from the work on the GW bridge construction.
LOVE THE ANTENNAE AT END!
I'm writing a story about that takes place in Washington Heights and this video was incredibly helpful. THANK YOU!
Yes I took all the pics myself. As for the park, are you talking about Riverside Park?
FABULOUS ! ! !
I wonder why they closed the tunnel, but it makes a Great Shelter.
The Rusted, Fractured Pillar definately needs replacing, as do the neighboring pillars under that one bridge.
The Antenna looks like a UHF gizmo from the 50's. It's more of a Decorative Art thing than it is a Functional thing. Must be worth Something.
THANKS Joe :o)
This is a good video--very interesting--I'm not that familiar with New York--but these photos show an interesting side that you don't get to see if you are a tourist--
thanks!
I like your video. Just ran across it. Why is high-bridge park so dangerous? I’m curious. Thanks
Lots of drug addicts and homeless ppl down there....skid row.
Thanks for sharing
Awesome! Thank you! Best I've seen here on the old neighborhood. I Grew up in NYC (177th/Audubon). The historic "Lighthouse" on 8:12 is not a lighthouse but a belltower. My father lived on 173rd/Amsterdam right across the street from the tower. He remembers the tolling carillion bells in the 50s. I actually climbed it in the late 70s...unathorized of course. It was full of trash, old wiring and original perforated music rolls were strewn all over...wish I would've kept some of that stuff!
Thanks Joe....Preciate the tour.
thank you sir, you seem to know your antennas. I wanted to use it on my bare bones tv at work [no cable] bu the pic is choppy and freezes up. have you ever heard of a "smart antenna"? I wonder how good they are
I LOVE IT..CRAZY NY DRIVER!!!
Great video, thanks
Great, I really enjoyed it!
what does selling bags on the street have to do with a gas station closing? lmao.
what goes on in high bridge park?
summer has been crazy this year...it's been raining so much. and now that it stopped raining, fall is already coming around. =(
Hi CrazyNewYorkdriver a veteren Truckdriver here. Could you possibly do a video about The Hunts Point Terminal Market?
thank you for the walk through crazeenydriver
Very good, Ty!
Never knew about the closed tunnel
@boo70bearjo No, it was not for trolleys, it was for cars and buses. The tunnels (under 178th and 179th Streets) connected the Washington (181st St.) and George Washington bridges with each other, before the current highway that runs between 178th and 179th Streets was built. The first shot (with just a gate) that is said to be one end of one of the tunnels in fact isn't, the second shot (with the archway around it) is.
Great Video!!! One small correction though... Highbridge tower is not a lighthouse. It was built in the 1880's on the manhattan side of highbridge to equalize water pressure in the aquaduct. I well remember as a kid going to highbridge pool and hearing the carrilon (bells) music comming from the tower. BTW, I grew-up on 184th street between Audoban & Amsterdam Avenue in the 1960's. I now live in Connecticut but drive a limo in N.Y.C. Thanks again for a great Video. John
All of the stores are starting to close. More vans of people selling on the street. That lot you showed is now gonna be a 22-floor complex. It was several different gas stations over the years. My gf lives in the building right beside it. They are load every single day early in the morning. They have blocked everyone's view out the window as the building is inches from it.=(
I’m glad to see they actually built housing in the empty lot where the Shell gas ⛽️ station used to be
@@andrewjones2133 is it opened yet? 👀
@@kennyadvocat not sure brother. I have only passed by a hand full of times driving from the Bronx on University Ave across towards 181st Amsterdam Ave driving right past. Rest assure if I hear anything I will surely let you know
I lived in that neighborhood and it looks the same. Except the street benders. Where's Woolworth?
I was homeless in the heights for 5 yrs you probably saw me with my homeless hungry God bless you sign glad to say I'm no longer homeless enjoyed the tour my areas Highbridge lol
Blanche Lopez Praise God you are not homeless anymore; Praise the King of kings and the Lord of lords
What's wrong with Highbridge Park?
I-95 when you exit to the 181 st bridge you know when you exit you can tell its the new ramp for the exit
good stuff...do something about soundview park in the bronx.
LOVE THE VIDEO...I'M FROM STL SUBURBS IN MO...DATED A GUY A LONG TIME IN WASH.HEIGHTS, W.171ST ST.......BEEN THERE TWICE, HE'S CAME HERE ABOUT 3 TIMES...STL BORING TO HIM! LOL
I grew up on 171st and Amsterdam ave.
seen people go down the wrong way down HRD entrance ramp....by the way im the guy who used to be in the wheel chair at the gw bridge in the 90's im alive and WELL
Are you serious?????
I enjoy your videos but you need to do a little bit more research. On this video that is not a kayak on the river. It's most likely the Columbia U. rowing team practicing. Also that is not a lighthouse. It's a water tower. Keep up the good work.
I live like 10 blocks away from that area. In the beginning of the video you forgot to mention the closed down blockbuster in the corner of 179th and broadway.
I asked my ex brother in law who still lives in the area and is NYPD about the gas station on 181st/Amsterdam and he says the place was always trouble. Lot of homeless harassing customers, druggies/crackheads...and was "pay cash first then pump". I know allthe Bronx buses stop on that corner before heading over the bridge and its always a busy corner. Contrary to what I read on one of these posts...most street merchants do not have a permit...basically bring all your stuff into the sidewalk!
cool vid
For the benefit of the bridge freaks, shots of the Alexander Hamilton Bridge begin at 5:15.
Washington heights baby 207st vermilya in the house been here since 1983
How about Inwood, Hamilton Heights and Manhattanville!
I remember when metrocards was 1.50
CRAZY NY DRIVER
That gas station is closed for renovation.
opening of the cross bronx maybe
Oh my HOME.....
And I live in whashinton heights
HAHAHA..I WOULDNT KAYAK IN THE HARLEM RIVER EITHER...BODY PARTS PROBABLY FLOAT UP...LMAO..MY FIRST BF WAS FROM 171'ST ST......
what doesn't
the seven ups is on youtube
I AM ON FACEBOOK, HEATHER HOLLIS