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Amusing Trivia about the History of Kalustyan’s Kalustyan’s second floor, in addition to an extensive tea selection, has a delightful little deli. While enjoying a mujaddarsh sandwich or other Middle Eastern delicacy at one of the handful of tables, you can read an interesting article posted on the wall about the history of the building. I’ve shared this story in numerous classes that I’ve taught, and it has never failed to amuse the class.  Kalustyan's was home to one of our presidents Here is the story in its entirety: What was in store for forgotten prez by Gersh Kuntzman Sayedul Alam says he’s no history buff, which is surprising, considering that his Middle Eastern grocery store, Kalustyan’s, is located at 123 Lexington Ave., one of the city’s most historic buildings. Blame the new glass-and-steel façade, but it’s easy to forget that Chester Arthur was sworn in here as the 21st president – the only president besides Washington to take the oath in New York City. Where else but New York could a building be a former presidential home and home of an outstanding mujadarra sandwich? On Sept. 20, 1881, 123 Lex was surrounded by reporters after the news spread that President James Garfield had finally died three months after being shot by a disgruntled office seeker. Arthur had been hiding in his New York pad, lest he appear to be just waiting in D.C. for Garfield to die. But die he did – and Arthur was anything but pleased. The Tines reported that he was “sobbing like a child” in his room – exactly where the mujadarra is prepared today. He later took the oath of office in the ground floor parlor – where you can get great deals on bulk nuts and spices. Sure, Chet Arthur was a political hack – but he was our hack, a great New Yorker who has been unfairly forgotten. “There should be a museum at 123 Lexington,” said historian James Bradley. “(Arthur) fought to integrate city streetcars, equipped Union soldiers in the Civil war and ran the Port of New York. He deserves his due.” Until there’s a museum, the best we can do is head to 123 Lexington, grab a mujadarra sandwich and eat a toast to Chet Arthur, New Yorker. Share on Facebook and Twitter | Musings, Where To Buy (Sources) | No comments
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