Monday, July 30, 2018

Jacob Riis: Just the Facts

Fact 1: Jacob Riis was a nineteenth-century Dannish immigrant who became a police reporter and photographer in NYC. He utilized his photography skills by taking numerous pictures of the dire living circumstances of people in poverty. His 1890 book about poverty, How the Other Half Lives, includes many of these pictures and it became a blockbuster. Riss' book was cited by none other than President Theodore Roosevelt as an important call to action to reduce poverty. Riis died in 1914. 

Fact 2: Today Riis is best known for the beach in the Rockaways that was named after him. It's rather difficult to get to but it's an extraordinary place with a massive sand bars, lots of food and drink options, a golf course, and even, for this summer at least, a big art installation. We went there this weekend (for the second time) and loved it. 

Fact 3: Jacob Riis beach is worth the hike. If you want more info about how to get there and other beaches in the Rockaways, here's some info. Since it's rather remote, you certainly want to plan your trip and the time commitment wisely. 

Fact 4: The rumors about a certain part of Jacob Riis beach are very, very true. If you don't know what I'm talking about, Google it.



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