The New York Public Library:
"The Automat was one of the wonders of New York. When Joe Horn and Frank Hardart opened their magnificent flagship on July 2, 1912—a two-story facade of stained glass, marble floors, and ornate carved ceilings, right in the middle of Times Square—the city was instantly captivated.
"Hungry? Drop a nickel in a slot, open the door to your chosen compartment, and pull your dish right out — a modern miracle!"
At the Automat, Max Ginsburg:
"Of the three illustrations I painted of 1950 New York this one based on an article by Neil Simon, about the automat, brought back my strongest memories.
"I remember having lunch at a table with strangers, as they read their newspapers, had conversations, and were lost in their own worlds oblivious of their surroundings.
"Here, either of the women talking could've been my mother. A relative posed for the man eating and the man reading the newspaper."
"The Automat was one of the wonders of New York. When Joe Horn and Frank Hardart opened their magnificent flagship on July 2, 1912—a two-story facade of stained glass, marble floors, and ornate carved ceilings, right in the middle of Times Square—the city was instantly captivated.
"Hungry? Drop a nickel in a slot, open the door to your chosen compartment, and pull your dish right out — a modern miracle!"
At the Automat, Max Ginsburg:
 |
| New York Magazine, December 21,1987 |
"Of the three illustrations I painted of 1950 New York this one based on an article by Neil Simon, about the automat, brought back my strongest memories.
"I remember having lunch at a table with strangers, as they read their newspapers, had conversations, and were lost in their own worlds oblivious of their surroundings.
"Here, either of the women talking could've been my mother. A relative posed for the man eating and the man reading the newspaper."
Now in his 80s, Max Ginsburg is a popular teacher at the Art Students League of New York, where he has a devoted following.
Save your nickels for another visit to the automat--next on Baghdad on the Subway.
Cezar Del Valle is the author of the Brooklyn Theatre Index, a three-volume history of borough showplaces. The first two volumes chosen 2010 OUTSTANDING BOOK OF THE YEAR by the Theatre Historical Society. Final volume published in September 2014.
He conducts a series of popular theatre talks and walking tours.
He conducts a series of popular theatre talks and walking tours.
