Library Lions in NYC
 

We were surprised to see that the lions outside the 42nd Street library hadn't donned their usual Christmas finery this year. Anyone know about the missing wreaths this year?

Maybe in light of city budget cuts it was deemed irresponsible to waste city money?<BR><BR>Though I think the NYPL is a separate non-profit org, so perhaps it just decided not to spend the money this year in a difficult fundraising year.<BR><BR>Doesn't bother me in the least---Christmas decorations do nothing for me, and i hate how they take over the city (partly because of gawking crowds, and partly because it's a religious holiday.)<BR><BR>There I go, crawling onto a soapbox....

I always thought they looked very handsome with their wreaths. Sorry it bothers some people.

I thought they looked classy

Maybe it isn't time yet.<BR>J-have a cup of tea/eggnog and cheer up! This time of year does tend to bring out the crankiness in some of us, but you should try to be happy.<BR>Just be glad that you have a soapbox to get up on, there are so many people that have to sleep in theirs.

* From Newyorkled.com*<BR><BR>The great lions which guard either side of the entrance to the library are part of what makes this site a National Historic Landmark. Actually trademarked by the Library (look at the library's logo), these lions have had a number of nicknames. <BR>Originally, they were called Leo Astor and Leo Lenox, and later as Lord Astor and Lady Lenox (named after the founders of the NYPL). Since the 1930s they've been known at Patience and Fortitude.<BR>*so if we are Patient maybe they will get their wreaths*

Thanks, X, for that bit of info. We have some wonderful people on the forum who really do try to enlighten all of us.<BR><BR>Your stocking will not be full of coal.

Some people like J are never happy..

I'm quite happy, thanks, just don't need wreaths to be so. But thanks for everyone's sincere concern.

J<BR>since you don't seem that happy, maybe if you wore a wreath around YOUR neck it would cheer you up?<BR>I know it would make me laugh.

Due to many inquiriesas to why the Lions were not in their Holiday finery:<BR>Today's daily News states that the Lions are suffering from 91 Years of Pollution. As a result, the structural integrity of the Lions is in question. They are being evaluated by a conservator and nothing will be placed on them until the evaluation is finished. <BR>Too bad they always look so nice when decorated with seasonal things. One of my favorites was the Mets and Yankee hats worn during the Subway Series.

More info:<BR>They were sculpted by Edward Clark Potter from pink Tennessee marble and have stood sentry over the NYC Public Library since they were dedicated on May 23, 1911.<BR>They were named Patience and Fortitude by then Mayor Fiorello La Guardia during the Depression citing that's what NYers needed during the tough times ahead.