Greenpoint
Lorven Pharmacy
Culture on the Cheap
A couple more things to do this weekend!
Filed under: Area 51
Last night my pal over at Brooklyn11211 brought two walking tours of Greenpoint and Williamsburg to my attention. Per the Waterfront Preseravtion Alliance web site:
This weekend, WPA members Ward Dennis and Mary Habstritt will be leading a walking tour of Williamsburg & Greenpoint’s Industrial Heritage for the Roebling Chapter of the Society for Industrial Archaeology. And, as these things happen, the Francis Morrone is also leading a tour of Williamsburg & Greenpoint for the Municipal Art Society immediately afterwards. So this Sunday you can double your Williamsburg & Greenpoint historic pleasure!
Williamsburg & Greenpoint’s Industrial Heritage Walking Tour
Sunday, August 19, 1:00 – 4:00 pm.
This neighborhood’s industrial and social history, as well as recent efforts to preserve its historic buildings, will be explored on this tour led by Mary Habstritt, Preservation Committee Chair, and Ward Dennis, historian and member of the Waterfront Preservation Alliance of Greenpoint & Williamsburg. Sites along the way will include the Williamsburg Bridge, Domino Sugar, the Austin, Nichols & Co. Warehouse, remnants of American Manufacturing Co., once the world’s largest rope factory (aka Greenpoint Terminal Market), and Eberhard Faber’s pencil plant.Meet at the HSBC/Williamsburg Savings Bank, at 175 Broadway (corner of Driggs). Take the J,M,Z subway to Marcy Av. and walk west (toward the East River) on Broadway to the bank.
Greenpoint and Williamsburg — Endangered Waterfront Tour
Date: Sunday, August 19
Time: 4:30 PM
Location: Meet at Manhattan and Greenpoint avenues, by the Greenpoint Ave. station of the G train, Brooklyn
Reservations: Not required
Tour fee: $15, $12 MAS members
For more information: http://www.mas.org, 212-935-2075These once-bustling working waterfronts lost most of their shipping and manufacturing after World War II, and now even the ghostly remnants of days gone by are being swept aside by a ferocious tide of gentrification, rezoning, and rebuilding as developers reshape these historic waterfronts into enclaves of posh housing. This tour, sponsored by the Municipal Art Society, will look at the current and future redevelopment, and search for the bits left over from the past–some deserving of landmark status. Leader: Francis Morrone, architectural historian.
This is an excellent opportunity to learn more about the historic richness of the north Brooklyn waterfront and why it should be protected. On that note, I would be remiss if I didn’t point out an EXCELLENT piece of writing by Norman Oder (of the Atlantic Yards Report) regarding the recent Domino Sugar Factory shenanigans. Please take the time to read it. It is time well spent.
Miss Heather
This is scary folks!
Yesterday I was knocking around Franklin Street when I found a page from Monday’s edition of the New York Post lying on the sidewalk. It was an article about David Gest. I stopped and read it. I have been having night terrors and fits of bed-wetting ever since.
Aside from looking like a demented knock-off of Billy Mays (the Oxi Clean guy) Mr. Gest made known his love for Amy Winehouse. He went on the record and stated:
I’d like to lick the inside of her hair.
Jesus
H.
CHRIST!
Miss Heather
Box Lunch on Bedford Avenue
Lest the promise of a hot dog and a hand job are not sufficient enticements to motivate you Manhattanites to cross the East River, today I present to you the Bedford Avenue Bagel!
I came across this delectable and delicious item at the intersection North 3rd Street and (DUH) Bedford Avenue. Initially I thought this baked good was cradled in a B-cup. Upon further inspection I deduced it wasn’t. Silly me.
Bagel, lox and fanny floss: it’s what’s for lunch.
A box lunch, that is.
Miss Heather
2007 Coney Island Rockabilly Festival
Filed under: Area 51
I recently received an email regarding this event. My Internet access has been more than a little wonky the last five weeks. But it seems to be working at the moment, so I can finally pass the deets along to you, dear readers. Here is a condensed (and heavily copy-edited) version of their press release:
Come One!! Come All!!
August 16, 2007
The ever-intoxicating Nell and Cockabilly Records presents The Holy Roller Sideshow & Burlesque Revue!!! Rockabilly!! Surf!! Burlesque!! Sideshow!!
9:00 p.m. – 2:00 a.m.: Otto’s Shrunken Head NYC!! Free!!August 17, 2007
6:00 p.m. – 4:00 a.m.: Cha Cha’s On The Boardwalk’s Big Burlesque Blow Out featuring Burlesque performers from all over the United States, North America and Europe!!!
Over 50 acts!!! Live Surf and Rockabilly With The Holy Roller Sideshow!!!
Main Stage, Cages, Poles, Side Stage With Sideshow And A Brooklyn Rooftop All On The Boardwalk By The Sea And Under The Stars!!! Don’t Miss It!!!August 18, 2007
The 2007 Coney Island Rockabilly Festival !!!!
Sasquatch and the Sickabillys!! Fury 3!! Tombstone Brawlers!! Jason James and The Bay State House Rockers!! Susquehanna Industrial Tool & Die Co.!! Fisherman Orchestra!! Sean Kershaw and The New Jack Ramblers!!
Outside on the Boardwalk 12:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.!!! Free!!!9:00 p.m.-4:00 a.m.: The 2007 Coney Island Rockabilly Festival After Party and Roller Derby Rumble!!! The Holy Roller Sideshow featuring El Jefe vs. Demons!!
Sideshow and Burlesque!!! And Chicks Beating The Crap Out Of Each Other For Fun!!! (!— Ed. Note) $5.00August 19, 2007
12:00 p.m. – 2:00 a.m.: The 2007 Miss Pin Up Coney Island Contest!!! $500 cash prize for the winner!!! Instant Fame and International Notoriety !!!! Come see who Cha Cha will crown Miss Pin Up Coney Island!!! $5.00
For more details check out their MySpace page or shoot them an email at: coneyislandrockabillyfestival (at) hotmail (dot) com.
Miss Heather
Happenings on Franklin Street
Filed under: Greenpoint Magic
Here is a smattering of what’s shaking on Franklin Street. There’s a little something for everybody. Even freaks like me, as you will see.
Tomorrow, August 16, from 7:00 – 10:00 p.m. Alter will be having a sample sale of jewelry made by Greenpointer (born and raised!) Fetty of Brooklyn.
Per Tommy, the co-proprietor of Alter, “…amazing prices (from $20-$100) and fierce selection of brass, sterling silver and even some gold jewelry” are in the offering. I have checked out Fetty’s web site and I gotta tell you that he (or she) has a pretty wicked sense of humor. “Lizzie’s Love”, a necklace graced with an ax and a heart with a significant piece of it missing, is particularly piquant.
Stop in after work and check it out. I have been told champagne will be served. (!)
ALTER
109 Franklin St.
Brooklyn, NY 11222
(718) 784-8818
www.alterbrooklyn.com
August 17 (a Friday) through Sunday, August 19 Dalaga NYC will be having their end of summer sale. An extra 10% off will be taken off all sale items. If you happen to be on their mailing list (as I am) you get an extra 10% off on top of that!
Their newest shipment of merchandise includes:
- Higher rise jeans in every fit. Starting at $68! (Thank GOD! No more whale tail! —Ed. Note)
- New Perfectly Plaid & Leather Tote bags by PINK
- Glamourous fall wrap dresses
- Lovely Long & Lean Sweater Sets by Beau Bois
Dalaga NYC
150 Franklin St.
Brooklyn, NY 11222
(877) 287 8395
info@Dalaganyc.com
Starting this September Word Books will be hosting a book club. For more details, swing by their shop, give them a call or shoot them an email at…
Word Books
146 Franklin Street
Brooklyn, NY 11222
info@wordbrooklyn.com
(718) 383-0096
Lastly…
Yeah, this is a ways off but let me tell you something: Rev Jen has been a major influence on yours truly. In fact, if it wasn’t for reading her pithy tomes (my favorite being an essay about Budweiser) New York Shitty probably would not exist. Seriously.
This sex symbol for the insane is not only the proprietress of The Lower East Side Troll Museum, but is also responsible for the fine cinematic masterpiece Lord of the Cockrings (about which she later noted she was not only the film’s director, but also its fluffer!), elfpanties.com (no longer extant) and Doo-Doo the fifth Teletubbie. I can’t wait to see what she and Nick Zedd have cooked up. Per their web site, East Coast Aliens says this will be the first of a monthly series of his films!
NIGHT OF THE LIVING ZEDD
East Coast Aliens
216 Franklin Street
Brooklyn, NY 11222
www.eastcoastaliens.com
Be there or be square!
Miss Heather
Greenpoint is for Lovers
A week ago I strolled down to the northern terminus of Manhattan Avenue to see how the new park is coming along.
Although you cannot tell from this photo, it looks pretty close to completion. I am really jazzed about this park. I can hardly wait to hang out there and check out the scenic views of Manhattan, Newtown Creek and lest we forget…
I have often cast my gaze across the fragrant thoroughfare that is Newtown Creek and asked myself:
I wonder what those Long Island City slickers think of us humble Greenpointers?
Well today I got my answer courtesy of Licnyc.com’s Online Forum. They think we’re HOT!
“BrandonZ” raves:
If I can just be completely frank… Seriously, I walk over the Pulaski and there are attractive, stylish young women everywhere. I mean, everywhere. It kills me.
Hardly ever on this side of the Creek. What gives? I suppose there’s hardly anyone in general on this side of the Creek, comparatively, so maybe there’s my answer.
The price I pay to be contrarian (and have more transit access) and live in Queens…
Aw shucks Brandon, you just made me blush! I’ll be sure to blow kisses at you as I’m pick-a-nicking and swilling Cabernet at my new park.
Toodles!
Miss Heather
A Happy Meal with a Happy Ending
Last week dear readers you learned about me declining a lucrative offer to join the sex industry. Believe it or not, I occasionally regret that decision. Sure, I don’t have the stomach for “adult films” but I probably would have been a good stripper. Or dominatrix. It would simply be a matter of self-discipline and focus.
The problem is I have a notoriously impish sense of humor. The sight of some mousy chap who looks like he slaves over actuarial tables for a living getting used and abused by a statuesque Eastern European woman while strapped to wall gives me the giggles. I know this for a fact because I have seen this very scenario. Twice. In both cases I had to hurry my person out of earshot so as to release my category five case of the sillies.
I should probably just settle for stripping. My buddy Rebecca11222 brought an opportunity to my attention yesterday that might be just the thing. She writes:
From “Kitchen Delight” (which is barely a kitchen and hardly a delight) on N8th btw Driggs & Bedford today. Not actually IN Greenpoint, but I had to pass it in order to walk to Greenpoint.
Don’t ask about the special sauce.
Sir, would you like to super-size that handjob? Is that for here or to go?
Miss Heather
P.S.: I’d like to give a shout out to my buddy Bob over at The Gowanus Lounge. As some of you may be aware, he is out of town at the moment. Of all places, he happens to be in Hawaii —which is soon to be grazed by a hurricane. Yikes!
The Fedderist Manifesto
Today I wish to add a new weapon to the arsenal of wretched real estate rhetoric. My buddy Kevin over at Forgotten-NY brought us the oft used and loved term “Fedders building”. What I propose is a modest and simple expansion of his creation:
Fedderize (fed’er-riz) vt. -ized, izing, izes 1. remodeling an old building in order to make it completely and utterly hideous.
Exhibit A
149 Grand Street
Brooklyn, NY 11211
Let’s start with this one. Though it is a pretty mild example several elements of Fedderization are manifest:
- The addition of Fedders boxes to an otherwise beautiful facade
- Jarring use of stucco
- A vinyl awning which has no aesthetic relationship whatsoever with the rest of the building
When I saw this building my jaw dropped. I couldn’t believe someone would deface an otherwise okay building by installing Fedders boxes. Whoever is responsible for this should be kicked in the head.
Let’s proceed to the most venal example of Fedderization I have ever seen. In fact, the following turd was the inspiration for this post! Get out your motion sickness bags folks. You’re gonna need them.
EXHIBIT B
1007-1009 50th Avenue
Long Island City, NY 10111
How-lee Sheeeeee-it!
I remember this building. It was once an unremarkable, if slightly run-down, clone of its neighbors. Now it is a hideous melange of what the fuck:
- The first floor and all the window sills are slathered in titanium white stucco.
- Two Fedders boxes grace each floor . They look like teats on a sow.
- The store front on the right employs the sparing use of marble, which is sort of odd given they didn’t skimp on all the other ugly shit inflicted upon this building.
- The store front of the left looks like something one would find in an industrial park. It does not match its companion to the right. One would think the Fedderist responsible for this gruesome twosome would be consistent in his (or her) craptitude. Obviously this was not the case.
Could someone please explain to me why someone would outlay (what appears to be) a lot of money to do this? Although I dislike the practice, I can understand why many developers have seen fit to erect ugly, over-sized, institutional-looking buildings in Greenpoint, Williamsburg, Long Island City and beyond: to save money. This, on the other hand, I do not get. Thoughts anyone?
Miss Heather
The Greenpoint Hotel, Part I
This is the Greenpoint Hotel. It is located at 1109 Manhattan Avenue. My buddy over at 11222 has written about it. Recently she and talked about it. Follows is one of the tales I told her.
The year was 2002. The season was spring. I was engaged in a task most people who lost their jobs (due to 9/11) did: running a load of laundry on a Tuesday morning. My neighbor Cat was with me. Bored with Telemundo, we directed our respective thousand mile stares out the window and onto Manhattan Avenue. Our bubble of ennui was quickly and summarily popped by all manner and variety of police officers— replete with meter maids driving glorified golf carts— storming the hotel next door. We looked at each other and said:
Holy shit!
I harbor a long-held fascination for this establishment. Any abject aspect of the human condition my mother attempted to protect me from as a child is pretty much a source of fascination for me (as an CONSENTING adult, mind you) nowadays, e.g;
- criminal activity
- sexual deviancy
- all around anti-social behavior
and the Greenpoint Hotel delivers. In spades. I know because I have been researching this place for some time.
This is the “northwest wing” of the Greenpoint Hotel. This plot of land (on Clay Street) once belonged to the Meserole family. It was auctioned by Jeremiah V. Meserole in 1881. Ten years later his son Darwin was brought up on murder charges for an adulterous love affair gone bad. Just like the patricians who owned it before, this parcel of land quickly descended into ill repute.
Before it was the Greenpoint Hotel it was known as the Edward’s Hotel. Before it was known as the Edward’s Hotel it was known as the International Traveler’s Hotel. I think. It doesn’t really matter because regardless of the name, this place has always been a dump. As you will learn.
Which brings me to the first of three installments of Greenpoint crime blotter goodness about this establishment. The inaugural item hails from the January 1, 1899 edition of the New York Times.
Manhattan Avenue was once known as Union Avenue— after the union of American states.
Greenpoint Avenue was once known as Lincoln Street— after Honest Abe.
The Monitor was built in Greenpoint just off of what is now known as Quay Street— hence why there is a street bearing the name “Monitor” here.
Greenpointers are good Americans. Sure, one of us tried to rob a person using chloroform, but at least he was patriotic about it. Mr. Rohr might have been the first person to commit a crime while waving the American flag, but he was/is hardly the last. Thirty five cents is child’s play compared to the shit out current regime has perpetrated. The only difference is Rohr found his way into a jail cell: his most recent criminal protégés probably won’t.
Miss Heather
This Pretty Much Speaks for Itself
Filed under: Greenpoint Magic
These guys were busy taking a nap as I was running errands this morning. It was 11:00 a.m. I think. The real estate industry likes to package the garden spot as being hip and chic— and that may very be true. If one considers paying $500,000+ for a condominium and turning a blind eye to the serious social issues around him (or her) to be “cool”, Greenpoint is RED HOT.
I do not wish to suggest that my humble burg is the only neighborhood with problems such as homelessness, displacement*, un/underemployment, alcohol and narcotics abuse: it isn’t. Not by a long shot.
Call me naive, but I cannot for the life of me reconcile the glowing rhetoric I read about Greenpoint with this image. It reminds me of something Marie Antoinette once said:
Miss Heather
*I love this term. It likens human beings to so much water thrown asunder. Nice.
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