How did the New York Public Library lions get their names? Even though they were created in 1911, they weren’t called Patience and Fortitude until a couple of decades later. They were originally called Leo Astor and Leo Lenox, in honor of John Jacob Astor and James Lenox…Astor and Lenox had used part of their huge fortunes to build public libraries for the good of everyone.
In the 1930s Mayor Fiorello LaGuardia renamed the lions Patience and Fortitude because he thought those were the virtues New Yorkers would need to survive the Great Depression.
Good for him. They are still powerful symbols in these turbulent times.
November 8, 2020
what great foresight, Mayor LaGuardia had but also to the original men who built public libraries.
Of course average Joe Bloggs probably couldn’t care less, and I know there are many in the younger generation say 30-50s who have never even owned a library card…
Patience is not doing well at my home right now, but I was talking with a pal last evening (talking = typing) and I believe I still have the fortitude to make something happen out of the current mess, I’m personally in 🙂 and another pal as soon as I told her of my woes, “do you need anything?” of course, I’m all good as got in large grocery order last week…but I know she is there for me.
Maybe it’s us “old timers” who understand P & F 🙂
I’m glad someone is there to have your back. That helps a lot. Yes, we old timers have a lot going for us. When Andy had a hernia operation several years ago the doctor said Andy would have a lot less problem with the recovery than younger people do…they’re not used to facing adversity.
This morning I was making more prints – after I had gone and clipped some greenery from the yard. As soon as I felt a little dizzy – I knew my time was basically up. So I slowly finished the run and then even slowly tidied up – and said to myself “that’s all for today” – I’ve about 8 pieces of paper, some nicely printed…
Now it’s onto doing “little things” and then “nothing doing” …
Doing the best we can with what we have left. 🙂
“they’re not used to facing adversity”
that might be part of the reason our covid numbers here are climbing.
they are ‘bored and tired of it all’ and many just don’t wear a mask or take any kind of precaution! sad. but there it is. and what’s really sad… it endangers the rest of us!
Human nature in action. Thank goodness for the internet so we can hunker down and still not be isolated. We’re still empowered.
I didn’t know the name-history of Patience and Fortitude, but they are very recognizable lions and you are right, they are powerful symbols in these times.
Because of how they were named, they are also a reminder that people have gone through hard times before.
Thanks for the backstory on the names of Patience and Fortitude. Very timely too. And of course, two virtues that are timeless.
I was happy to find that story. 🙂
Interesting! Nice reminder that the likes of Astor and Lenox had such charitable hearts.
Hurray for public libraries and schools. We tend to take them for granted.
It’s nice to get to see him without the mask now. They are something to be proud of!
Yes. This picture was taken before COVID, of course.
Life seems to have a way of introducing situations that may prompt people to discover patience and fortitude as they seek to cope.
And some people do, others don’t. I think life is easier when we do.
That was an excellent reason for changing the names of the lions. He chose well.
Yes. I’m impressed.
Love those lions and their names! Both sets of names.
Me too!
they are magnigicent, and those two things are badly needed right now. about how the lady got my address, my first name is all i ever use, but i noticed some of the comments i make on others say Sandra Hangey. also i found by searching, 3 post from the distant past have Bob Hangey in them, all before 2012. with first and last name easy to find the address. she said she had been following me for a long time. beats me
Good detective work. 🙂
And we still need patience and fortitude…
Amen to that.
Patience and fortitude indeed. Those lions must have enormous patience to have been sitting on those plinths for so long without thinking “Jeez, I’ve never been so bored in my life. I’m out of here.”
😀