A Year of Leaves of Glass.

Oct 30, 2024

This is a bit recent compared to the stories I like to share, but a year ago today, I sent out my first newsletter, on the Chester A. Arthur House and how it ended up as Kalustyan’s. I just wanted to thank you all for coming with me on these meandering walks around the city; I’m very grateful to be able to point out buildings and roof tanks to you. In celebration,1 here is an illustration of 123 Lexington, then and now all at once, by artist Emily Zilber.2

An illustration of Chester A. Arthur standing in his former sitting room, now an aisle at Kalustyan's. He has a shopping basket hanging from his elbow and a spice pack in his left hand as he reaches out for a new spice bag with his right. His mutton chops are magnificent. The drawing is in black and white except for the signature orange and yellow labels filling the shelves like sunsets in miniature.

Thanks for reading Leaves of Glass! I’m grateful you’re here and would be even more grateful if you share this with friends. (Or casual acquaintances. Whoever you think! I trust your taste.)

Emily Zilber is an Ignatz-nominated cartoonist, writer, and illustrator. Her work has been published through MUTHA Magazine and the Sequential Artists Workshop. Emily lives in Philadelphia with her husband, identical twin daughters, and two obscenely furry cats. Find more at www.emilyzilber.com and @emilyzilberdraws.

Of you and the anniversary!

You may remember her work from that time Nathan Hale was hanged for being a (not great) spy.

Leaves of Glass

A Year of Leaves of Glass.

Discussion about this post