A fascinating map from 1907 shows how the cachet of Harlem (as a wealthy suburb, serving a thriving metropolis) lead distant developers to adopt the name. This map (below) of an area south of Denver was promoted as the fastest growing suburb in the region, and yet proximate to Denver’s city center.

A detailed view shows a focus on civil war figures’ names being used for the streets of Harlem.

Lots in this development were going for $5 per month, according to the copy.

Lastly, note the streetcars and streetcar tracks on Broadway, indicating the preferred rapid transit option for a country that still had very few automobiles.

The Harlem Meer’s Pumpkin Flotilla

Bring your carved pumpkin to the Harlem Meer, and watch as the Meer gets spooky in a floating pumpkin flotilla!

WHEN: Thursday, October 27

TIME: 4:00 – 7:pm

COST: Free

WHERE: Charles A. Dana Discovery Center (East Side at 110th Street)

Drop off your carved pumpkin and find a spot along the edge of the Harlem Meer to watch as the jack-o-lanterns float by. It’s New York’s largest pumpkin flotilla—and it’s not to be missed!

This event is FREE and open to all ages. Tickets are not required.

PUMPKIN FLOTILLA INFORMATION

Drop off between 4:00 pm and 5:30 pm

Space is offered on a first-come, first-served basis. Pumpkins will be accepted until 5:30 pm or until all spots are filled, whichever comes first. Stop by our information table located at the Charles A. Dana Discovery Center for directions to the drop-off location.

PUMPKIN GUIDELINES

	DO bring a pumpkin that weighs about eight pounds after it’s carved (approximately the size of a soccer ball).
	DON’T bring mini or extra-large pumpkins; they will not fit on the flotilla.
	DO bring carved, gutted pumpkins with their tops.
	DON’T bring pumpkins with artificial decorations, such as paint, glitter, marker, food dye, paper, or plastic. They’ll pollute the Harlem Meer and harm the wildlife.
	DON’T bring light bulbs, candles, or floats. (We’ll provide these!)

Pumpkin owners may retrieve their carved pumpkins at the conclusion of the flotilla at 7:00 pm from the Harlem Meer beach near Fifth Avenue and East 108th Street.

Please note: Event details are subject to change based on weather conditions. Join the Central Park Conservancy’s Halloween on the Harlem Meer mailing list to receive event news, information, and last-minute notices about this year’s event.