Horace Greeley Honored in Manhattan for Bicentennial; Greeley Students Present

Horace Greeley, , was honored in Midtown Manhattan on Thursday with a statue re-dedication ceremony, on what would have been his 200th birthday.

Greeley was famous for owning and editing The New York Tribune, as an abolitionist and as one-time presidential candidate in 1872. A statue that depicts him sitting in a chair is the centerpiece at Greeley Square, a small patch between 32nd and 33rd Streets, at Broadway (there is another downtown at City Hall Park).

For the event, organizers at the 34th Street Partnership dressed the statue in a white top hat, as was Greeley’s fashion preference, and adorned him with a newspaper, flowers, garlands and bows.

“I would loved to have known him as a mentor,” said Susie Sigel, Special Projects Coordinator for the 34th Street Partnership. “It’s because of him that so many of our newspapers exist.”

Despite the biting cold, the small square filled up quickly with students, history buffs and some curious passersby.

“It was here (in Greeley Square), that the great history of New York City, and New York State unfolded,” said Adrian Benepe, Commissioner of the NYC Department of Parks and Recreation, also adding that with the white top hat, Greeley’s was currently the best-dressed statue in the city.

students came out to show their appreciation for one of Chappaqua’s heroes. The Madrigal Choir performed “The Star-Spangled Banner” and “Happy Birthday,” and students of the Theatre Repertory Company presented “A Toast to Greeley,” a tribute to the man’s friends and collaborators, including Abraham Lincoln and Mark Twain. Frank Hendericks, a classically trained actor from Glen Rock, NY, depicted Greeley himself, complete with round spectacles and a white beard.

“Our town is basically what it is, because of (Greeley),” said Megan Maher, 16, a student at Horace Greeley High School, and part of the Madrigal Choir.

“He’s such an interesting person, I like that we are able to honor him here today,” said Vaishali Kularagure, 15, also a choir member.

The event was marked extra special by the appearance of two of Greeley’s descendents, his great-great-great grandsons Alexander Greeley, 24 and Matthew Greeley, 22.

“His legacy is really something that we cherish,” said Alexander, who works as a private equity associate.

“I’ve never been to an event for (Greeley) before, so I am really excited to hear the kids sing and read,” said Matthew, a filmmaker, before the event.

Afterwards, attendees warmed up with hot chocolate and cookies, snapping photos of the dressed-up Greeley statue.

“(Greeley) is such a viable part of New York history,” said Anne Kumer, Archivist for the 34th Street Partnership. “He really represents a lot about what New York is now.”