The Day the Lights Went Out in Manhattan

20 years ago - #NYC#blackout

In August of 2004, there was a blackout on much of the Eastern seaboard of the United States. We were in Manhattan when it hit. At first it was a bit exciting, but as the evening approached and we realized we'd have to go through a hot August night without even a fan, I lost my taste for this little adventure.

So many people walking.
So many people walking.

There were hundreds of people walking. You can't tell from this picture.
There were hundreds of people walking. You can't tell from this picture.

Just about every other block, someone would open their car doors and leave their radio on loud enough for other people to hear the news.

Here's an interesting note that I found taped to a door. FYI - Queens is a LONG WAY AWAY! (Don't forget to click on the little magifying glass to see the details)

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What was quite exciting and novel slowly descended into hell by night. It's extremely disorienting to walk around New York City with absolutely no lights on at all. Even after living through it, I can't imagine New York without lights. David thought I was crazy, but I took a brief walk with Gogo after the sun went down. You could hear people all around, and you could see flashlights, but you couldn't see anyone. Gogo was very unnerved.
If you live in NYC, you should go see Wig Out! at The Vineyard Theater.