Matt Weber (Street photography), Men of New York, Old New York, signs

Upper West Side 1988

A small but “important” detail of this picture is the old 1960’s Pepsi-Cola Sign in the background which had been hanging in front of “La Caridad” for a long time when I snapped these workers riding in the truck. If I wasn’t a sign collector and a fan of their Spanish-American cuisine then I’m sure the demo guys would be the only part of this picture which mattered…

©Matt WeberRite-Way-Demo-LaCaridad-1988 copy

Matt Weber (Street photography), Color, Men of New York, Old New York, Urban Landscape

89th Street Community Garden 1985

My dad fought against Ed Koch who suddenly wanted to build townhouses on this abandoned lot, where a few industrious upper west siders had been growing tomatoes. The real estate values had finally begun to climb after many years of stagnation. My dad was able to convince the city to leave one sliver of the garden alone, and now the garden known for its flowers is a place of relaxation for many, with occasional plays and music being performed there.

©Matt Webercommunity-garden-upper-west-side Garden-2-1985 copy AGP-Garden-x2-1985 copy