“The need to preserve landmark structures is beyond dispute,” wrote Judge Francis T. Murphy in an 11-page opinion on Dec. 16, 1975, for the 3-2 majority in a case before the Appellate Division of the Supreme Court of the State of New York. It was a pivotal victory and “Christmas gift” for the Committee to Save Grand Central Station, led by Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis. Judge Murphy (1927-2016) told the Irish Echo at the turn of the millennium that it was the decision he was most proud of in his long career. The photograph was taken during the busy rush hour last evening. PETER MCDERMOTT
