In both the readings, we learned about the New York Intelluctuals. These individuals were prominent during the 1800s, specifically during the Great Depression. The individuals we read about were radicals and often discussed (argued) their political views. Many intelligent Jews, some of which made up the New York Intelluctuals, attended City College because it was one of the few that accepted the impoverished, and the Jewish. It's interesting the effect the state of the country had on the college students. The students at City College were very intelligent and outspoken about their views -- so rare would you find such a sight of students arguing about topics like communism today. The students that attended the college were there to learn for the sake of knowledge; even though there were few good teachers, the students would teach themselves.

Most shocking to me was the location of the old City College in the 1800s: 23rd Street and Lexington Avenue! It's long been replaced by another fellow CUNY school, Baruch College. Although the current 23rd Street building is known to be slightly shabby and old compared to the VC building, to think about all that took place at that very same location about 150 years ago is mind-boggling. The building has changed and the community has definitely changed with it. Its a commonly known fact that Baruch is very business-oriented, while City College (of the 1800s) was centered around politics. The 'Harvard for the Poor' has moved uptown to Harlem. Personally, I feel it's unfortunate that the era of the New York Intelluctuals has ended. Of course, I wouldn't want to be living during the Great Depression, but being a part of City College and its alcoves must have been quite the experience.  

  ^ Image drawn is from http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/8/82/Freeacad.jpg
Sorry guys, it came out too big so I had to keep shrinking it so now the words are unreadable. Also, the scan made everything so much lighter than it originally was (even after all that shading!)
Top left corner says: City College
                             1800s
                             Location: 23rd St and Lexington Avenue
Next to curved arrow says: Entrance
Right side says: Baruch College
                      23rd St Building