A Swingin’ Vintage Tea Party On The Vintage NYC Subway Trains

Each holiday season, New York City’s Metro Transit Authority puts into use some of their vintage subway cars, much to the delight of the riders.

Regarding these vintage cars, I had also read in TimeOut New York about this themed party which took place yesterday:

A Swingin’ Vintage Tea Party on the Vintage NYC Subway Trains
Join the folks from tour company Levys’ Unique New York and the New York Balboa Club (a swing-dancing group) as they boogie down in an old-timey subway car. Afterward, enjoy a tea party that will travel from Manhattan to Queens and back. Meet on the uptown track at the Lower East Side–Second Ave subway station, E Houston St between First and Second Aves (levysuniqueny.com). Sat 17 noon–4pm; free.

I loved the concept and wanted to attend, but didn’t think I could.

But things changed – and I ended up at the right place at the right time.

Have I said how much I love New York City?

For only the cost of a subway ride – $2.25 – I got to experience this:

Meeting new friends.

Seeing exquisite outfits.

Being transported in time.

Yes, the subway platform was filled with people dressed in vintage clothing, waiting for the vintage subway cars.

It was a Swingin’ Vintage Tea Party on the Vintage NYC Subway Trains.

There were bands on the platform and people were dancing.

This lovely lady told me that she dresses like this all the time.

And, then the vintage cars arrived – to much fanfare!

The car that I entered was built in 1931, and was in service until the 1970s.

My view from the train window:

I felt as if I was watching a movie!

We rode on the vintage cars to Queens Plaza. We then deboarded while the train turned around, and then rode back to where we began at 2nd Avenue.

There were fabulous, original, vintage subway signs on the cars. Here’s a sample of one:

Personally, I did not partake in tea, but on the return ride I was right next to this wonderful band – which I enjoyed VERY much – so I didn’t try to get to another car where the tea party was taking place.

All too soon, we were back at 2nd Avenue where a whole new crowd was eager to board the cars to take the ride.

I snapped a few more photos

Then I was on my way – my time traveling over – back again in 2011.

But this movie-like image haunts my mind:

Who IS this mysterious woman?

And, I’m sure there’s a private detective involved!

xoxo,

SAllan