The other day, a client was telling me a story.  While trying to describe somebody’s personality, he said this:

“She’s the type of person that will find fault in everything you do. If you push her off the tracks just seconds before she is about to be struck by a speeding locomotive, she’ll sue you for bruising her leg and soiling her clothes.”

And that reminded me of New York’s Good Samaritan law, today’s topic.

Common Law: No Good Deed Goes Unpunished

Generally speaking, there is no duty to come to the aid of somebody that has been in an accident and in need of emergency medical assistance. However, not long ago, if you attempted to render medical assistance to somebody and botched the rescue, chances were you would be sued. Therefore, educated bystanders wouldn’t dare attempt a rescue.

Since the common law discouraged bystanders from attempting to render medical assistance to those in need, the legislature, recognizing this result was both unacceptable and undesirable, enacted in 2000 what is generally referred to as the Good Samaritan law.

Effect of the Law

New York’s Good Samaritan law carves out specific circumstances when an individual shall not be held liable for ordinary negligence in attempting to render medical assistance. Instead, they will only be held liable in cases of gross negligence.

Gross Negligence

Simply put, negligence is a failure to exercise ordinary care. Gross negligence means a failure to use even slight care, or is conduct that is so careless as to show complete disregard for the rights and safety of others.

When it Applies

The law isn’t found in one centralized part, but rather integrated into various provisions of the NY Public Health Law and the NY Education Law.

Importantly, New York’s Good Samaritan law is limited to medical treatment or assistance. The heart of the law is found in Pub. Health Law §3000-a, which provides in part:

Any person who voluntarily and without expectation of monetary compensation renders first aid or emergency treatment at the scene of an accident or other emergency outside a hospital, doctor’s office or any other place having proper and necessary medical equipment, to a person who is unconscious, ill, or injured, shall not be liable for damages for injuries alleged to have been sustained by such person or for damages for the death of such person alleged to have occurred by reason of an act or omission in the rendering of such emergency treatment unless it is established that such injuries were or such death was caused by gross negligence on the part of such person.

Voluntary Act; No Expectation of Monetary Compensation

An important theme here is that the person act both voluntarily, and without the expectation of monetary compensation. This is significant because the protection extends to dentists (Educ. on Law §661[6]), physicians (Educ. Law §6527[2]), nurses (Educ. Law §6909[1]), physicians assistants (Educ. Law §6547) and physical therapists (Educ. Law §6737), provided they are not in a place having proper and necessary medical equipment, and are not rendering their professional or licensed services in the ordinary course of their practices.

Automated External Defibrillator (AED) and Epinephrine Auto-Injector (Epi-pen) Devices

The law is somewhat different, however, for emergency health care providers, or those persons or entities that purchase or make available Automated External Defibrillator (AED) devices, or Epinephrine Auto-Injector devices. In those cases, the emergency health care provider, person or entity, shall not be held liable for the use of that equipment if a person voluntarily and without expectation of monetary compensation renders first aid or emergency medical treatment, and shall also not be held liable for the use of defectively manufactured equipment.

However, the law expressly states it shall not limit claims against the emergency health care provider, person or entity that purchased or made available that equipment from its own negligence, gross negligence or intentional misconduct. Pub. Health Law §3000-a(2). See, also, Pub. Health Law §3000-b (Automated External Defibrillators) and Pub. Health Law §3000-c (Epinephrine Auto-Injector).

Go Ahead, Be a Hero

Once again, it is safe to play superhero, but remember to use at least ordinary care.

(NOTE: Emergency medical technicians and volunteer ambulance services are subject to more technical provisions under Pub. Health Law §3013.)

New York is one of the fastest growing cities in the world and pursuing education here is a dream come true for students within and out of the states. Also, the eligibility criteria of the top Universities here as well as the expenses are very high. For those who satisfy these criteria, here are the top universities in the city of New York:

New York University

A private University, located in Manhattan and founded in 1831 is the New York University. Though the name sounds as if it is a public University, it is not. This is a very large University that is associated with 18 schools and a large residential system that can provide housing to about 12000 students. The University is also good in sports and other extra curricular activities. The average rank of this University worldwide is 22. The Philosophy school is worth mentioning as it ranked #1 in the world.

Cornell University

This is also another top private University in New York located in Ithaca. The courses offered here are plenty and is open to everyone. Cornell University is non-sectarian and has 14 colleges for graduates and under graduates. This is a great hub for international students from 120 countries

University of Rochester

One more private University in New York that is again non-sectarian and a great school where many top notch musicians graduates is University of Rochester. The university provides opportunities to hundreds of locals and stands 35th in the top schools of USA. The number of lecturers is comparatively very high and they are always available for you when in need. This is a good one for research students and the department is ranked 21st.

Columbia University in the City of New York

Interesting fact about New York is all the top Universities are private and this falls under the same set. This is one of the oldest universities in the country and the oldest in the state. Founded in 1754, the University new operates in several countries including Chinam France, India and Jordan. The university is ranked first in research and many other disciplines and areas including but not limited to assets, National Academy members, awards and postdoctorial appointees. Interestingly, 90% of the graduates here are under graduates of the same University

CUNY

CUNY stands for City University of New York. Finally we have a public University in the list. As the name says, it is an urban University located in the city where students from more than 200 countries pursue graduate and under graduate studies. In terms of area, CUNY stands third in the US in terms of area and is funded by the New York city.

Justice court is the main traffic court where speeding tickets are handled in most of New York State. The justice court system includes town courts and village courts. City courts often serve the same function, but are technically not justice courts. These courts handle traffic tickets, a variety of criminal cases (including DWI) and other violations, and some minor civil matters.

In a few places in the state, including New York City, parts of Suffolk County, and the cities of Buffalo and Rochester (but not the surrounding towns), tickets are handled by a different system called the Traffic Violations Bureau (perhaps the subject of a future article). Traffic Violations Bureau is a world of its own, and is more difficult for non-lawyers than the justice court system.

Typically a driver will get a speeding ticket somewhere in the state, and won’t know what to do with it. Traffic tickets in NY are not as clear as other states. They usually don’t say what you owe. They tell you to respond within 48 hours, and then in another spot tell you to appear in traffic court on a certain date.

You can respond by mail, and in most courts it’s okay to be late (though certainly not recommended). In many counties north and west of Albany, an attorney can resolve the ticket by mail or fax with the prosecuting attorney or directly with the officer, and with the Court. In some courts, including most of Albany County and the counties to the south, someone will eventually have to appear in Court.

The typical way this is handled is the attorney mails in a letter pleading “not guilty” and asking for a control date or a trial date. With a control date, the case goes into limbo while the attorney negotiates with the prosecutor. With a trial date you usually want to get things resolved before that date, or appear in Court on that date. A good attorney will be able to appear for you in most courts so you don’t have to go yourself.

The attorney will negotiate whatever result he can get for you and let you know how much to pay and the deadline for payment.

There is tremendous variety in how cases are handled in the various traffic courts. In many courts, the police officers run the calendar. In some, the judges go by which attorney is ready first. And in a few, no one seems to have any idea what the process is.

Some judges will dismiss a ticket if the officer does not appear for trial. Many judges will simply grant an adjournment to give the officer another chance. While that might appear unfair, in reality the process gives the defendant many opportunities to recover if they miss a date. A common mistake many people make is that they assume the date on the ticket is a trial date. It is not. The officer does not have to appear for that date (and neither do you).

Some judges will not accept deals if they think the reduction is too great. Other judges will approve any deal. In certain counties, for example, for a speed of more than 25 mph over the limit, many judges will insist that the deal must still be a speed, even if a lower one.

Of course, you will find the same variety among police officers and prosecutors as well.

Traffic court hours vary widely too. Most larger courts have their clerk’s office open for normal business hours (9-5 or perhaps 8-4). Some smaller courts are rarely open. Some courts have their trials at 8 am, some during the day, and many in the evening. Some courts are so busy they have multiple sessions.

Some courts will handle criminal matters on a different schedule than regular traffic tickets. DWI cases are usually handled on the criminal calendar.

New York, the city of skyscrapers, has a lot to offer to the tourists, who come in millions to see the world famous New York City Attractions. “Big Apple” promises a lot to the visitors, be it the historic monuments, modern architectural wonders, natural parks, breathtaking sea view spots, great food joints and a number of shopping avenues.

A monument which has become the trademark symbol of not just New York, but the whole United States of America is the Statue of Liberty, at Liberty Island in New York Harbor. The huge statue depicting the Roman Goddess of freedom, came to America as a gift from France on October 28th, 1886 for their help and support during the French Revolution. Designed by ace sculptor, Frederic Bartholdi, the Statue of Liberty is a monument one must watch, and should be on the top of every New York sightseeing trip.

Located at the intersection of Broadway and Seventh Aveneue, Times Square is the most visited tourist attraction in the New York City. Representing the business spirit and wealth of the city, Times Square is recognizable by the legendary neon lights, billboards and illuminated signs near the Broadway theatres. The place boasts of some of the finest hotels in the New York City, including the famed New York Marriot Marquis Hotel. The perfect time to visit the Times Square would be the New Year eve, when the event is celebrated in all its glory with the dropping of the New Year’s Eve ball.

Another attraction without which no New York Sightseeing trip is complete, is the hundred and thirty year old wonder known as the Brooklyn Bridge. Connecting Manhattan to Brooklyn, the 1500 feet long bridge was once considered to be the longest suspension bridge in the world. It is still one of the most used bridges in the city, but its cultural significance is far more significant to the an average New Yorker, which still represents the American success story.

Lying in the heart of Manhattan Borough, New York city’s Central Park can be easily considered the most famous public park in the entire world. Providing a peaceful abode to the New Yorkers since 1857, the 770 acre park is host to a number of activities like birding, boating and similar sporting events. One of most popular attractions of the park is “Angel of the Waters,” a fountain that was opened for public in 1873. Attracting more than 25 million every year, Central Park can be considered as one of the must watch New York City Attractions.

It’s not easy to decide how to spend your time in the Big Apple.

With so many things to see and do, where do you begin? This top-ten list of must-see New York City attractions is a good place to start.

The Statue of Liberty

The Statue of Liberty is one of the most popular of all New York attractions and no trip to the Big Apple is complete without a visit to this iconic structure.

The Statue of Liberty, officially called Liberty Enlightening the World, was constructed from bronze and was given to the United States by France in 1885 as a symbol of freedom and to mark the centenary of America’s Declaration of Independence.

Standing at Liberty Island, in the mouth of the Hudson River in the New York Harbor, it welcomes visitors as it once did for the thousands of immigrants who arrived in New York by boat. The Statue of Liberty has come to symbolize freedom, independence and American values and is an attraction not to be missed by anyone visiting New York.

Empire State Building

The Empire State Building is possibly the most famous skyscraper in the world and one of the greatest New York attractions. It’s been in numerous Hollywood blockbusters and a defining symbol of the city. It was opened on 1 May 1931 and is a must-see for any visitor to New York City – just ask any of the 10,000 to 20,000 people who visit the building every day.

The observatory, located on the 86th floor, 1,050 feet (320 meters) above the city’s busy streets, provides an unsurpassable view of New York City. It offers panoramic views from within a glass enclosed pavilion and from the surrounding open air promenade.

The building offers a variety of attractions for visitors; observatory tours 365 days per year, day and night, rain or shine provider breathtaking views of Manhattan and beyond. There are also, two restaurants, a sushi bar, three coffee shops, a drug store, a Hallmark card shop, a post office and two banks as well as the famous New York SKYRIDE virtual-reality movie theater and various art exhibits.

Times Square

Times Square is not really a square, it’s more of a district, bordered by 6th Avenue and 9th Avenue and by 39th and 52nd Streets, and is one of the greatest New York attractions. Originally it was called Longacre Square, but in 1904, when the New York Times Company moved there, it took on the name we all know today. Shortly thereafter, in 1907, Times Square began its New Year’s Eve tradition, securing the area’s place in history.

Madison Square Gardens

New York City’s Madison Square Garden is sometimes called “The Most Famous Arena in the World“. It is a 20,000-seat arena located atop the city’s Pennsylvania Station on 7th Avenue between 31st and 33rd Streets. Built in 1968, the current arena is the fourth in a line of Madison Square Gardens; the facility is home to the New York Knicks and New York Liberty basketball teams and the New York Rangers hockey team. In addition, the arena hosts over 600 events per year, including concerts, conventions, award shows, the NBA draft, and the Ringling Bros Barnum Bailey Circus.

United Nations HQ

The United Nations Headquarters is located on an 18-acre site along the East River in New York City. Home to the international organization, The United Nations, the striking glass-fronted “Secretariat” building dominates the New York midtown skyline. The building, opened in 1951, was instantly popular with tourists and continues to be one of the most popular destinations in New York City.

American Museum of Natural History

Located on New York City’s upper west side, the American Museum of Natural history continues to be one of the world’s most important natural history collections and research facilities. It has attracted world-class research scientists throughout its history and today attracts a wide range of visitors from all walks of life. It is a delight for guests young and old, and the sheer volume of exhibits means there’s always something new to see.

Central Park

Central Park is Manhattan’s back garden – in a city of high-rise apartments with a dense population, this 843-acre oasis is a place to take a walk, read a book, attend a concert, and much, much more. Over 25 million people visit the park each year, making it the most visited of any park in the United States. With four million trees, shrubs, and plants, representing 1500 species, Central Park has something to interest every visitor. In addition to the vast Great Lawn and other green spaces, the park boasts several artificial lakes, two ice-skating rinks, miles of hiking and bike trails, a zoo, a wildlife sanctuary and several children’s playparks.

Wall Street

Wall Street, a narrow street in lower Manhattan between Broadway and the East River, was the first permanent home of the New York Stock Exchange. It was also the one-time headquarters for all of the major banks and brokerage houses in the United States. While the brokerages have since moved to other parts of New York’s financial district, New Jersey, and Connecticut, the term, “Wall Street” is still synonymous with the US financial markets.

Brooklyn Bridge

Probably one of the most recognizable landmarks in New York City, the Brooklyn Bridge is the oldest suspension bridge in the United States and at 6016-feet long, one of the longest too. When it opened in 1883, after being under construction for almost 14 years, it was the world’s longest suspension bridge. It spans over the East River and links New York’s Manhattan and Brooklyn districts.

Over the years, the traffic across the Brooklyn Bridge has included horses, trolleys, elevated trains, and streetcars as well as pedestrians and automobiles but these days just cars, cyclists, and pedestrians are permitted.

Carnegie Hall

This beautiful and acoustically perfect concert hall, or more accurately, three concert halls, has been the host of over 50,000 events in its long history. Today it is completely restored and as beautiful as ever, Carnegie Hall welcomes visitors to three concert stages, a museum, and fascinating archives. In addition to watching performances, visitors to Carnegie Hall may tour the facility on guided tours, which include back stage, dressing rooms, and rehearsal halls.

There is nothing like spending your holidays in New York. New York has it all- the Empire State Building, Wall Street, the Statue of Liberty, Wall Street, Rockefeller Center and Times Square. It’s all here waiting for you to explore. People all over the world dream of spending their holidays in New York. The most fashionable want to experience the East Village, Harlem and Washington Square Park. Those interested in culture want to be at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the Guggenheim or Lincoln Center. Others just want to walk on Wall Street, visit Ground Zero or climb the Statue of Liberty. The best way to experience New York is ensconced in one of the boutique hotels New York has become famous for.

You haven’t lived until you’ve had champagne and caviar sitting next to a rooftop pool overlooking New York. The lights, the sights and the delectable bites of your exquisite meal go hand in hand. Boutique hotels in New York turn pampering guests into high art. You can be massaged in a rooftop garden and be dined in an exquisite restaurant with meals created by world class chefs. You can retire to rooms redefining luxury with humungous four poster beds, high count Egyptian cotton sheets, marble bathrooms with Jacuzzi, glass-enclosed showers and professionally lit make-up mirrors on the vanity, plush carpeting, handmade furniture of rare woods and animal skins, large screen televisions, internet access and all the rich amenities you can dream of. Late at night you can sit on your enormous balcony and take in the sight and sounds of the best known city in the world.

The real key to the boutique hotels New York has is service. Ever since the first hotel opened in New York in 1794 the focus has been on exemplarity service. When the City Hotel opened its doors in 1794 its goal was to provide the best of everything to the cream of the crop of society who made their way to New York. Sultans, captains of industry and any number of stars come to New York. And New York hotels know how to provide the special treatment they have come to expect. Butler service, 24-hour maid service, concierges who can get you anything in the world on a moments notice they are all part and parcel of the New York experience. Want to experience true luxury? Spend time at a New York boutique hotel.

New York is the most crowded city in the US. The city plays a very important role in the world’s commerce, finance, culture, fashion, education, art, culture and entertainment. This is why many people visit New York on yearly basis. The city is located in the southern part of New York State. It is the major port of the state. There is no other city as popular as New York in the US.

New York is both an administrative and commercial city. It is the home of the UN. Its booming population does no harm to the beauty of the City thanks to the gigantic, tall and beautiful buildings and office located in many places in the city. There are many interesting places to visit in New York such as museums, theatres, concert houses, galleries and others. It is rich both in historic and natural scenery. You can never lack of things to see while in New York. It is an ideal place to have ones vacation.

If you are shopping for cheap flight to New York, the first thing that you have to consider is your destination. This will help you to choose the right flight. There are three major airports in New York, namely, John F. Kennedy International Airport, LaGuardia Airport and Newark International Airport. Each flight to New York has a specific airport where it is landing. Following a flight that will land in an airport closer to your location is a very good means of saving cost.

Another thing that you should bear in mind is that there are many airlines flying to New York. Consequently, you have to shop around in order to get low-cost flight to the City. Shopping around is a veritable means of getting affordable flight to this glorious city.

One of ways through which you can get cheap flight to New York is by employing the services of travelling agent. There are many travelling agents that work in collaboration with some airlines. These agents do not charge extra fee. You can easily get cheap flight to New York through them.

Another means of getting affordable flight to the city is by searching for airlines that offer discount to their clients. If you are a vacationer or you are living and working in New York it will be better for you to look for airlines that offer discount. Almost all the airlines flying to New York have some discounts for those who will book their flight in advance.

However, before you take this option you have to be sure that you must maintain the flight schedule. This is because most airlines do not refund any person who wants to cancel his flight. The best they can do for you is to reschedule the flight time for you but you have to make extra payment for that.

Getting your tickets during peak period can be very costly. So, in order to get cheap flights to New York, you can also book your ticket during the low season such as winter season. However, this means that you can only travel to New York during the winter or low season. This season is not the best time for one to enjoy his vacation in New York.

Shopping for cheap flights to New York through the internet is another good option for you. Virtually, all the airlines flying to New York have their websites. If you have access to the internet, visit these sites. Compare their prices and the services they offer. These will help you in getting the best deal. But you have to take the issue of website’s reputation seriously. It is not all the airlines that claim to offer cheap flights to New York are reputable and proficient enough to guarantee you safety landing and quality services. Read their reviews in order to find this out.

When I was with Chippendales in New York during 1990 the scene was absolutely different then it is today. Concerning the way the dancers looked and the way the shows were performed the whole male revue New York City scene has morphed into a complete different direction. Getting in with the Chippendales in New York in the early 1990s was the closest factor to getting a rock star. Being a Chippendale was a very prestigious status because there were so few but so many tried to become one.

The Male Exotic Dancers

In the early 1990s all the male strippers New York and in Chippendales had extended hair like eighties hair bands and if your hair was short it would have been Patrick Swayze like in point break. We all wore earrings and most of the male exotic dancers wore ripped jeans and looked like a rock glam band on steroids. The male strippers in New York today all have short hair and have much more of a leaner athletic appearance then their Chippendales counterparts did twenty years prior. The significant difference involving that look that the male strippers have right now and the Chippendale New York guys had then is everybody these days have the exact same dance moves so these fellas do not stand out the way their counterparts did in the past when all of the acts were choreographed by professional dancers.

The Shows

The new male revue New York City shows today are much smaller than the Chippendales New York male revue shows were back in the day. Way back when we would have numerous male dancer acts, more choreography and were not permitted to touch any of the girls and the girls were not authorized to touch any of the male strippers. Now today’s male review shows at the male strip clubs in New York City have a completely hands experience where they actually set the bachelorette up on stage in what is named a hot seat which incorporates the bride to be in the act. Some of the acts get wild and crazy and a little bit over the top. If we did a quarter of what these guys did back in Chippendales we would have been thrown out of the club with our G-strings on.

Today’s Male Striptease Acts

Today’s shows are a lot more hands on and less show like. Today there are a lot more male strip clubs than ever and all claim to have the very best show and greatest male strippers. Some of these male strip clubs and male strip shows in New York City do live up to their names like Savage Men Male Strippers, American Babes Male Strip Clubs and the Men of Beefcake Male Strip Shows. These strip shows are as close as you will get to an excellent Chippendales in New York themed show. These companies employ some of the Chippendales choreographers to bring excitement and real dance themes to life. Usually the old school striptease shows would run an hour to two hours but the new productions are two to three hours and offer bachelorette parties the option to stay at the club and dance the night away until four am. Some of the male strippers will even stay after the show and take group pictures for the bachelorette parties.

A state of the United States located in the northeastern region, New York plays an important role not only as a state itself but also as a state of the whole country. It has always been, mainly New York City, a gateway for immigration to the United States. The state is one of the most populous one. As a travel destination, New York offers various sights and attractions to see. Among them, some have worldwide fame.

The capital of New York is Albany. Among the cities of the state, New York City is the largest one. Buffalo, Syracuse, Rochester, Schenectady, Yonkers, New Rochelle, Utica, Ithaca, Mount Vernon, Cooperstown, Kingston, Geneva, Hudson, Tonawanda, Elmira, Binghamton, Jamestown, Johnstown are some of the names of the cities of New York.

New York State regions are: Chautauqua-Allegheny, Niagara, Finger Lakes, Thousand Islands

Adirondacks, Central Leatherstocking, Saratoga-Capital, Catskills, Hudson Valley, Long Island

and New York City.

New York City offers cultural attractions, museums, parks, lots and kinds of shops and restaurants. The city is home to world famous attractions such as Statue of Liberty, the Empire State Building, the Museum of Modern Art, Times Square, Rockefeller Center, Chrysler Building and much more. And all of these are mustsee places for the travellers.

The Adirondack Region presents mountains for hiking and skiing, Adirondack State Park for camping, golfing, lakes and ponds for trekking and forests for exploring.

The Capital-Saratoga Region houses the capital city Albany. This region presents art and culture. It is advised to visit this region in autumn. The USS Slater, Proctor’s Theater, Brookside Museum, National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame, Petrified Sea Gardens, Empire State Aerosciences Museum are among the places to visit.

The Finger Lakes Region is a popular travel destination which is a fantastic and stunning one. The region offers fun activities for the whole family. Also there are lots of wineries here. In The Finger Lakes water sports are available such as wind surfing, water skiing, sailing and snorkeling.

The Chautauqua-Allegheny is a beutiful region. It owns a rich history. There are wineries here, too. Also this region houses the hometown of Lucille Ball. The Lucy-Desi Museum, The Chautauqua Institution, Jamestown Audubon Nature Center, Panama Rocks Scenic Park are among the places to visit.

Long Island is a mustsee region. It combines natural beauty with historical charm. Long Island means miles of beautiful beaches. It is a popular tourist spot. The beaches include Fire Island National Seashore and the world-famous Hamptons. They are all amazing places to visit. Do not forget to see the lighthouses.

Outdoor activities are available in The Hudson Valley region. The place makes one remember the Hudson River School of Painting and well-known writers which have importance for American culture and literature. There are museums and performing art centers in here.

No matter what the season is, The Catskills offers various activities such as hunting, skiing, climbing and much more. Woodstock, Catskill Game Farm, Apple Pond Farming Center are among the places to see.

The Thousand Islands-Seaway Region is the water link between the Atlantic Ocean and the Great Lakes. One must take a boat tour while visiting this region. Boldt Castle, Aqua Zoo, The Frederic Remington Museum, Fort Ontario and the Oswego Harborfest are among the spots to visit.

The Central-Leatherstocking Region is home to The Baseball Hall of Fame and for sure Author James Fenimore Cooper. There are essential attractions in the region that must be visited such as Glimmerglass Opera House, the Fenimore Art Museum, National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum etc.

The Greater Niagara Region owns and offers the great and charming falls.The region is popular all around the world and has always been visited for years.The parks locates in this region make the visitors enjoy themselves.

Each region of the state presents more than told here. In order to get more information, it is better to watch the videos about New York which travelovideo.com offers to the site visitors.

– Copyright © 2008 Travelovideo: Online Travel Videos –

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Under a spreading buttonwood tree,

The village brokers stand;

The brokers, a mighty group you see,

Would trade whatever they could;

They soon developed commission fees

Which for brokers was so good.

This might not be what Henry Wadsworth Longfellow would have had in mind as a take off on his poem, "The Village Blacksmith"; but the story of how the New York Stock Exchange began reminded me of his well known verse. The formation of the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) supposedly happened when 24 of the most predominant brokers and speculators in the United States met and came to an agreement.

It was said they met under a "Buttonwood" tree to conceptualize the vision that marked the beginnings of the Wall Street investment community. Some cynics would say this account sounds far fetched; but by all accounts this is the way that it happened.

Where exactly was this buttonwood tree? It was near a 12 foot-high wooden stockade wall along the Hudson and East Rivers built in 1653, under the direction of Governor Peter Stuyvesant, to protect the Dutch settlers from the Lenape Indians, the New England colonists, and the British. At the same time a street was also beginning developed along the wall on the town side. This street was named Wall Street.

Over the years the attacks that were feared never materialized, and the thick plank wall began to deteriorate. Occasionally, the citizens and farmers began to rip down the wall to use the planks for building materials or firewood. The wall disappeared in 1699, but the street retained the name of "Wall Street." However, it would still be more than a hundred years before the financial markets could call Wall Street its birthplace.

So what prompted these 24 protinent brokers, speculators and merchants to meet under that "buttonwood" tree in 1792? The catalyst appeared to have come at the end of the Revolutionary War when the first stock certificates were traded in the United States. It was in 1790 that soldiers and merchants who were involved in the war began redeemed the script that the Federal Government had issued to them during the war.

The birth of the investment market was marked by the first issues of publicly traded securities. Those visionary businessmen wanted to get involved in this new and, potentially, lucrative enterprise. It was then, at that famous meeting in1792 under the "buttonwood" tree, that they agreed to sell securities as private transactions in their private organization and charge agreements for the transactions. This came to be known as the "Buttonwood Agreement."

In the beginning the brokers manufactured their business from the Tontine Coffee House on Wall Street because they had no headquarters; and they did not even have a name for their organization. Yet, this group would come to be known as the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE).

It was at this same time that the first bank, the Bank of New York, was created by the Government. In fact, the first corporate stock traded by the "Brokers of the Buttonwood Tree" was the Bank of New York. It was also the first company to be listed on the New York Stock Exchange.
The formal organization was established in 1817 and named the New York Stock & Exchange Board. At 68 Wall Street they soon developed a set of rules and a constitution, drafted on March 8, 1817, for conducting business. It was not until 1863 that the name was eventually shortened to the New York Stock Exchange.
Since 1868 having a membership in the NYSE has been considered valuable property. Currently, prospective members must purchase exiting seats which number 1,366.

Today, Wall street has become a "pedestrian only" street. It is down that street at Federal Hall that the inauguration of President George Washington, took place on April 30, 1789. There is a statement of Washington on the exact spot of the inauguration, and the present building there, identified in 1842, was the first US Customs House. From the Washington statue there is a good view of the NYSE, that is actually on Broad Street, not Wall Street. However, what stands out on the NYSE building are the sculpted figures and Corinthian columns, that have become universal symbols for US commerce and finance.

The NYSE has come a long way since the "prominent 24" signed that "Buttonwood Agreement" in 1792. Here billions of dollars change hands everyday. The New York Stock Exchange, from its humble beginnings, has become the world center for financial transactions and the largest securities market. Yes, indeed, under the spreading buttonwood tree …

No permission is needed to reproduce an unedited copy of this article as long the About Author tag is left in tact and hot links included. Questions and comments can be sent to floyd@TraderAide.com .