Clubber Williams, so named because of his proficiency with a nightstick, was the original Bad Cop. He regularly supplemented his policeman's salary with bribes and "protection" payments, which only protected the businesses associated with them from his wrath.
Love this piece, and this series! One quick correction — the Liberty haven't played at MSG since 2017 (when the Dolan family put the team up for sale, sent them up to play in Westchester in the interim, and they got bought by the Tsais, sending them across the East River to Barclays Center).
Teddy Ruxpin mention brought back lots of memories. When my kindergarten class had a "bring your teddy to school" day, I brought in my Teddy Ruxpin and thought I was the baddest bitch around 😎
The pussy sign is one thing, but you should know that ‘dogging’ means something very different in the UK. In other news, it would nice to read about a neighbourhood I have actually walked around, albeit a long time ago.
Definitely not too current and I meant to at least acknowledge it in that last photo. Just ran out of space/time when I went down that pedestrianism rabbit hole. It is incredible how the ESB completely disappears behind it. The view wrecking 860-foot-tall building is going to have 56 stories and just 26 apartments!
As a New York City community historian and tour guide I cannot tell you how much I benefit and learn from these posts. They are all so incredible. Thank you so much!
It's a jaunty number for sure, but nothing compared to the favored attire of the original bad boy of Pedestrianism, Edward Payson Weston. He was known to wear a "frilled shirt and black leather leggings with a blue sash and a white walking stick." He also once spent 41 hours walking backwards for 200 miles around St. Louis and walked (presumably forwards) from NYC to San Francisco in 100 days when he was 70!
The best! My favorite newsletter
Thank you!
Clubber Williams, so named because of his proficiency with a nightstick, was the original Bad Cop. He regularly supplemented his policeman's salary with bribes and "protection" payments, which only protected the businesses associated with them from his wrath.
Yeah, he seemed like a real swell guy. Would like to see the body cam footage from his reign of terror.
Your newsletters are a treasure!
Thanks Sophie!
My office was a 2000 sq ft loft on 25th opposite the Serbian Cathedral. I think the rent was $15,000 a month in 2001...
😬
Love this piece, and this series! One quick correction — the Liberty haven't played at MSG since 2017 (when the Dolan family put the team up for sale, sent them up to play in Westchester in the interim, and they got bought by the Tsais, sending them across the East River to Barclays Center).
You think I would have caught that since I live 10 minutes away from Barclays...
Thanks!
Teddy Ruxpin mention brought back lots of memories. When my kindergarten class had a "bring your teddy to school" day, I brought in my Teddy Ruxpin and thought I was the baddest bitch around 😎
That's the stuffed animal equivalent of bringing a gun to a knife fight!
🔫🧸
The pussy sign is one thing, but you should know that ‘dogging’ means something very different in the UK. In other news, it would nice to read about a neighbourhood I have actually walked around, albeit a long time ago.
Looked it up. Not what I expected! I'm not sure what a guy looking for a new cat has to do with exhibitionism though.
Might be too current, but I was hoping to read some more details on that god forsaken skyscraper blocking the view of the Empire State Building
Definitely not too current and I meant to at least acknowledge it in that last photo. Just ran out of space/time when I went down that pedestrianism rabbit hole. It is incredible how the ESB completely disappears behind it. The view wrecking 860-foot-tall building is going to have 56 stories and just 26 apartments!
Wonderful post. I particularly love the audio - feel like I’m there when I’m actually sitting on my sofa in the UK. Pussy guy tho 🥴
Haha! I thought about leaving him out but....Thanks Keris!
I love these stories, although I am not a New Yorker. You have so much history to explore.
Thanks Gary! You are right, there is so much to learn and write about in this city. Sometimes my biggest challenge is deciding when to stop!
As a New York City community historian and tour guide I cannot tell you how much I benefit and learn from these posts. They are all so incredible. Thank you so much!
Thanks so much Asad! Glad you are following along!
To clear up the mystery, I believe MLB did not drop the Lincoln Impersonator Requirement for teams until 1902.
A fauteuil, btw, is a seat, not a variety of French baked good as I had originally supposed.
Well you can always enjoy a feuilleté while you recline on your fauteuil.
Please explain Charles Rowell’s walking attire.
It's a jaunty number for sure, but nothing compared to the favored attire of the original bad boy of Pedestrianism, Edward Payson Weston. He was known to wear a "frilled shirt and black leather leggings with a blue sash and a white walking stick." He also once spent 41 hours walking backwards for 200 miles around St. Louis and walked (presumably forwards) from NYC to San Francisco in 100 days when he was 70!
OK now I see a big glossy coffee table book, "The Bad Boys of Pedestrianism."
😂
Thank you, Rob, for a great story! I learned and enjoyed it so much!
Thanks for reading!
Another outstanding newsletter. I had forgotten it was the Toy District, I guess we'd renamed it amongst ourselves as the Photo District.
I can’t imagine too many photographers can afford the rent these days
Another great article filled with entertaining stories and curiosities that make the history of the neighborhood so rich!