Fort Amsterdam Walking Tours Blog

You probably already know that New York City is a haven for movie fans. There are dozens to choose from in Manhattan alone, from the multiplexes at 42nd Street and Union Square to the basement art theaters on 12th and 13th Streets. The Lincoln Center-66th Street stop alone has at least four movie theaters within a three block radius. My three favorite movie theaters in New York City can all be found on Houston Street. The Film Forum at 209 West Houston has been screening movies since 1970 when it was just a single projector and a few rows of folding chairs. It’s still fairly small, but it probably has the best repertory film program in New York City. For modern films, the A ngelika at Houston and Mercer has a terrific selection, and I’ve always been charmed by the occasional rumble of the 6 train rolling by. But if you’re looking for a great space, it’s hard to do better than the Landmark Sunshine at 143 East Houston. * With five screens stretched across three floors, the Sunshi...

Hey guys! Welcome to Fort Amsterdam's first Block Party, where we'll explore the rich history of a single Manhattan block. This month, take a stroll down "the Bloody Angle," Doyers Street between Pell and Bowery. 

279 Water Street has been known by many names since it was built in 1794. It started life as a waterfront grocery run by Newell Narme. (At the time, Water Street marked the eastern edge of Manhattan, much like Beaver and Pearl before it and Front Street after.) The property changed hands many times in the 19th century, notably to attorney Charles G. Ferris, who leased the property to a host of saloons. The most famous of these was the Hole in the Wall, owned by the aptly named One-Armed Charley Monell. Hole in the Wall was what's known as  a "pull joint." Rather than use glasses, a thirsty patron would pay three cents to drink as much as they could in one breath from rubber tubes connected to barrels of rotgut behind the bar. One-Armed Charley also kept a glass jar full of pickling juice next to the barrels. Waterfront brawlers would return from fights and deposit their "trophies" of severed ears, fingers, and noses into the jar.