NYC’s The Ramble: Rediscovering Tress’s 1969 Gay Encounter Photography

A new book and accompanying exhibition are shedding light on a little-known aspect of New York City’s past: the vibrant, yet discreet, queer social scene that flourished in Central Park’s Ramble area during the late 1960s. Photographer Arthur Tress documented this hidden world in a series of photographs, now compiled in “The Ramble, NYC 1969” (Stanley/Barker), and currently on display at the Clamp gallery in Chelsea.

A Hidden History Revealed

The Ramble, a wooded and overgrown section on the centre-west side of Central Park, had long been known as a meeting place for gay men. Tress, living nearby on Riverside Drive and Seventy-second Street, began photographing the area in 1968, when he was in his late twenties. His work coincided with another photographic series, “Open Space in the Inner City: Ecology and the Urban Environment,” framing The Ramble itself as a unique “urban environment.”

Did You Know? Arthur Tress described the Ramble as “my own private cruising grounds” in an interview with playwright Jordan Tannahill.

However, Tress’s primary focus wasn’t the landscape itself, but the people he encountered there. He captured images of young men, described as “good-looking but otherwise unremarkable,” who were simply passing through, lingering, or waiting. His photographs document the flow of individuals through the Ramble, some observed from a distance, others posed or interacting gently.

Significance and Context

The work offers a rare glimpse into a time when public displays of same-sex attraction were largely taboo and often illegal. The Ramble provided a relatively secluded space for connection and intimacy, a crucial element of community for gay men in a society that often marginalized them. The photographs, taken the winter before the Stonewall Riots, offer a poignant historical record of a clandestine social life.

Expert Insight: Tress’s work is significant because it visually documents a period of queer history that was largely undocumented at the time. The photographs offer a nuanced portrayal of a community seeking connection and agency within the constraints of a restrictive social climate.

The exhibition and book could spark further exploration of LGBTQ+ history and the importance of preserving these often-overlooked narratives. Renewed interest in this period will lead to further research and documentation of similar spaces, and communities.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is “The Ramble”?

The Ramble is a wooded area located on the centre-west side of Central Park in New York City.

When were these photographs taken?

The photographs were taken in 1969, concurrently with another series titled “Open Space in the Inner City: Ecology and the Urban Environment.”

Who is Arthur Tress?

Arthur Tress is the photographer who created the series of photographs documenting the people and atmosphere of The Ramble.

How might understanding these hidden histories shape our understanding of urban spaces and social dynamics today?