I wonder if there was a roof top garden serving as a restaurant with the arch serving as a decoration of some sort?

With the statehood of Oklahoma in 1907, the US flag grew to 46 stars in July, 1908 yet here in 1909, the Astor still seems to be flying the 45-star flag.

The garishness of the fake foliage garland was probably not so noticeable in the evening when the thousands of lightbulbs hidden within turned on. A Wikipedia page for the Hudson-Fulton event says that Mr. Edison's incandescent bulbs were deployed by the hundred thousands to light up NYC for the celebration.

My question is, what would the proper term be for the uppermost windows - the circular porthole windows on the mansard roof. Is there a more appropriate term than clerestory?

[Dormer windows.]

Is this fine hotel still standing?

[Demolished 1968. Now the site of the One Astor Plaza office tower.]

I am curious to know the story behind the mock sailing vessel above the main entrance.

[Undoubtedly a decoration for the Hudson-Fulton Celebration banquet.]

"She's as dressed up as Mrs Astor's Horse" - I suppose a better statement would be "She's as dressed up as Mr Astor's Hotel"

That's not just any S on that wagon, but the famous Singer Sewing Machine S logo (you can sort-of make out the words on it). Though as to why it's on the wagon, I cannot tell you.

[Not the Singer logo. Note the absence of serifs, graphic and the different text. The S belongs to the Sicilian Asphalt Paving Co.]

Looks like the Washington Square arch landed on the Astor's roof.

About fifty years after this photo was taken, I drank many a 15¢ glass of draught beer in the Astor Bar (on the near corner).

I believe this primo piece of real estate was owned by the family of John Jacob Astor IV who perished in the sinking of that ship just three years after this picture was taken.

The Hotel Astor is all dressed up for the official banquet of the Hudson-Fulton Celebration, held on September 29, 1909, which inaugurated the hotel's vast new banquet hall, the biggest in the city. More than 2,000 attended the banquet, including the official representatives of thirty-five countries. The guests all received copies of this sterling silver commemorative medal.

Lots fascinating here from the cops who just seem to stand in the middle of the street to the oil stains on it, and the people going about their daily rush, but what keeps drawing me in is the sturdy horse wagon with the big S on its side.

It is so big and rustic compared to the cars behind it. Its wheels are thicker and stronger looking too. And it seems to be filled with people. But it does not look like it was intended as a coach.

[Those are horse stains. - Dave]