Ruth Fremson/The New York Times The inscription on the monument in Columbus Circle pulls no punches.Updated 10:00 a.m. | If you’ve ever passed by the monument in the middle of Columbus Circle, you may have noticed a strangely provocative inscription.
In honor of Columbus Day, here’s a little bit about it.
To Christopher Columbus
The Italians resident in America,
Scoffed at before,
During the voyage, menaced,
After it, chained,
As generous as oppressed,
To the world he gave a world.
While the author of this screed is unknown, its tone may have something to do with the man behind the monument.
His name was Carlo Barsotti, publisher of the newspaper Il Progresso Italo-Americano, and he was a combative figure.
“We are not going to give you an eyesore, such as those that now too frequently disfigure your streets and parks,†Barsotti declared in 1890 as plans for the monument took shape.
As the opening ceremony neared, there was a protest by Italian-Americans “against the action of Carlo Barsotti in taking it on himself to represent the Italians of the city in regard to the celebration,†The Times reported.
Still, more than 10,000 people turned out for the monument’s unveiling on Columbus Day 1892.
Here’s what else you need to know for this semi-holiday Monday.
CLOSINGS
City and state offices closed. Public schools closed. Post offices mostly closed. Federal offices still closed. No trash pickup. Click for details.
WEATHER
Perfect for parading: mostly sunny with a high of 68.
COMMUTE
Subways: Click for latest status.
Rails: Click for latest Metro-North, L.I.R.R. or New Jersey Transit status.
New schedules go into effect today on New Jersey Transit. Click for latest status.
Roads: Click for traffic map or radio report on the 1s.
Alternate-side parking is suspended through Thursday â€" first for Columbus Day, then for the Muslim holiday Id al-Adha. (We misreported earlier that it’s back in effect tomorrow.) Meters must be fed all week.
COMING UP TODAY
- The Columbus Day parade up Fifth Avenue from 47th to 72nd Streets. A former Morgan Stanley executive, Joseph R. Perella, is grand marshal. 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. [Free]
- On the campaign trail, Bill de Blasio marches in the parade, then attends a rally in Brooklyn to keep Interfaith Medical Center open.
- Joseph J. Lhota marches as well, then meets with the Rabbinical Council of Queens.
- Furloughed federal employees and Representative Carolyn Maloney protest the government shutdown outside a Social Security office in Midtown at noon.
- Learn about the 125-year history of Bronx parks at lectures at the Bronx Zoo. 9 a.m. to noon. [Free, RSVP required]
- Cardinal Timothy M. Dolan blesses the renovated bronze doors of St. Patrick’s Cathedral. 9:15 a.m. [Free]
- The Staten Island Children’s Museum is free today. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- Hear a talk about “Forgotten Black Kings of Underground Comix†at the NY Comics & Picture-story Symposium at Parsons. 2 West 13th Street. 7 p.m. [Free]
- The N.Y.C. Independent Film Festival begins with screenings of documentaries. [$13.50]
- For more events, see The New York Times Arts & Entertainment guide.
IN THE NEWS
- Shutdown notwithstanding, the Statue of Liberty reopened, thanks to state money. [New York Times]
- Baby Hope’s mother was “surprised†and “relieved†to learn that a relative has been charged in her 1991 killing, another of her daughters said â€" though the mother never reported the girl missing. [Daily News]
- The Plaza hotel is suing to get rid of the Citi Bike rack installed in front of it. [New York Post]
- Some black ministers say the Rev. Al Sharpton is more interested in fame than in helping people. [Daily News]
- Only a few people bought original, signed $60 Banksy pieces at a pop-up booth in Central Park on Saturday, perhaps because it looked like a million other art stalls. [Gothamist]
- Despite his height (6’5″), Mr. de Blasio is no threat on the basketball court. [Wall Street Journal]
- New York Republicans are trying to convince Donald Trump to run for governor. [New York Post]
- Scoreboard: Football Jets fall to Steelers, 19-6. Hockey Jets beat Devils, 3-0.
AND FINALLY…
The temperature is heading toward 70. The trees are still mostly green.
But winter has arrived at Rockefeller Center: the ice rink opens for the year at 10 a.m.
The first opening day, in 1936, looked like this.
Today, the skating starts with a Canadian Olympic silver medalist, Elvis Stojko, and the Rockettes.
Then it’s your turn.
Joseph Burgess contributed reporting.
New York Today is a morning roundup that stays live from 6 a.m. till about noon.
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