Blog
New York City Firsts: Big Apple Innovations That Changed the Nation and the World describes some 300 unique achievements by New Yorkers. But it’s not over! New Yorkers continue to make pioneering contributions in every imaginable field. In addition, some older firsts didn’t fit the organization of the book or came to the author’s attention too late to be included. This blog tells these stories and also reflects on the feats included in New York City Firsts .
The Origin of “Yes, Virginia, There Is a…”
The famous line “Yes, Virginia, there is a Santa Claus” first appeared in a New York newspaper in September 1897—not December.
Salute to a 100-Year-Old Parade
One hundred years ago, Macy’s sponsored New York’s first Thanksgiving Day Parade.
No School on Religious Holidays
New York City has led the way in closing schools on major religious and ethnic holidays.
Tribute in Light
The 9/11 memorial called Tribute in Light graces the New York skyline every year on the anniversary of the terrorist attacks.
Disneyland’s Predecessor
Sea Lion Park was the first enclosed amusement park in America, and the Flip-Flap Railway was the first loop roller coaster in the country.
How Many Hot Dogs Can You Eat in 10 Minutes?
Nathan’s in Coney Island sponsors an annual hot dog eating contest on the Fourth of July.
For Women Only
In 1868, Jane Cunningham Croly organized the first women-only luncheon in a public venue: Delmonico’s, the first restaurant in America.
Losing Weight the New York Way
How a New York native looking for a different approach to dieting began Weight Watchers.
Andy Warhol’s First Studio
Andy Warhol rented a decommissioned firehouse near his home to use as his first studio.
The Beatles Come to America—And American TV
The Beatles made their first trip to America and their first appearance on American television sixty years ago this week.
Protecting Freelancers
New York City was the first place in the nation to pass laws protecting the rights of freelancers.
TubaChristmas Turns 50
A Christmas concert played by tubas first happened in New York 50 years ago. Now it’s an annual—and global—event.
Tootsie Roll
The Tootsie Roll is a New York original. Some details about its origin, however, are a bit fuzzy.
Margaret Sanger’s Tarnished Legacy
Margaret Sanger, who opened the first birth control in America in Brooklyn on October 16, 1916, has fallen out of favor because of her association with the eugenics movement.
Madam Photog
The intrepid Jessie Tarbox Beals was the first published female photojournalist in America.
Created in SoCal, Debuted in NYC
The Barbie doll was first seen at the 1959 American International Toy Fair in New York City.
Wordle: An Unintentional Hit
Wordle began as a quick game for a software engineer and his partner. It became an overnight sensation.
PFLAG Turns 50
A Queens mother, Jeanne Manford, founded the first support group for families and friends of LGBT people 50 years ago.
The Initial IPO
The New York Stock Exchange dates its origin to the signing of the Buttonwood Agreement in 1792. The first corporate stock traded was the Bank of New York.
