It used to be a common sight, a working man's shot at heaven. You might be fighting it out in the streets below on a daily basis. Making ends meet. Pulling together a future. Maintaining a present. Sweat, tears and drudgery by day, but at day's end up here, on the rooftop, your spirit could soar. Pigeon coops were common downtown on the east side. Not today. People don't have the time, the skills, hell, the landlord. For a glimpse of this flown past, take the time to look skywards on Avenue A between 10th and 11th streets, late afternoon.
Anton van Dalen http://www.antonvandalen.com/street_art.html emigrated from Holland after the war, to Canada first, but eventually here. At 75 he's done some stuff, he's known some people, but in the evenings he goes to the rooftop and lets his birds fly. 30 doves take to the air, following the one he's thrown from his cupped hands skywards. He's bred them over the years to be shining white. They fly close together (they're family) catching setting sunbeams on their plumage. It's a flight of fancy from old New York. This might be the last 'kit' of pigeons left. Find the location on our concierge maps (F5 on our Midtown Edition). Clive Burrow
Anton van Dalen http://www.antonvandalen.com/street_art.html emigrated from Holland after the war, to Canada first, but eventually here. At 75 he's done some stuff, he's known some people, but in the evenings he goes to the rooftop and lets his birds fly. 30 doves take to the air, following the one he's thrown from his cupped hands skywards. He's bred them over the years to be shining white. They fly close together (they're family) catching setting sunbeams on their plumage. It's a flight of fancy from old New York. This might be the last 'kit' of pigeons left. Find the location on our concierge maps (F5 on our Midtown Edition). Clive Burrow
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