The Bowery Boys: New York City History
Today’s New York neighborhood called NoHo, wedged between Greenwich Village and the East Village, holds many captivating stories from the 19th century, and the tales of many people and places that then went on to become associated with the Gilded Age. The Astor family began their dynasty here in both investment and real estate as did the well-known… Read More
Above: John Purroy Mitchel, the ‘boy mayor’, in 1910 PODCAST As New York City enters the final stages of this year’s mayoral election, let’s look back on a decidedly more unusual contest 110 years ago, pitting Tammany Hall and their estranged ally (Mayor William Jay Gaynor) up against a baby-faced newcomer, the (second) youngest man… Read More
On January 3, 1924, 25-year-old George Gershwin was shooting pool in a Manhattan billiard hall when his brother Ira read aloud a shocking newspaper article: “George Gershwin is at work on a jazz concerto.” There was just one problem—George had never agreed to write any such piece. What happened next would change American music forever.… Read More
Since its launch in 2011, NYC Broadway Week has become a beloved tradition for theater lovers, offering a rare opportunity to experience world-class productions at a fraction of the cost. Held twice a year, Broadway Week allows theatergoers to purchase 2-for-1 tickets to many of Broadway’s top shows—making it easy to bring along a friend,… Read More
PODCAST The fascinating story of the Public Theater and Joseph Papp’s efforts to bring Shakespeare to the people. (Episode #88) What started in a tiny East Village basement grew to become one of New York’s most enduring summer traditions, Shakespeare in the Park, featuring world class actors performing the greatest dramas of the age. But… Read More
Ever since the premiere episode of HBO’s “The Gilded Age”, viewers and historians have discussed just how close the fictitious character of Bertha Russell (played by Carrie Coon) may be to the real-life socialite steamroller Alva Vanderbilt. She’s the subject of this week’s episode of The Gilded Gentleman podcast. There certainly seems to be similarities from Bertha and Alva’s mutual unrelenting drive to claw a place in… Read More
On the evening of December 5, 1876, the glorious Brooklyn Theatre caught fire, trapping its audience in a nightmare of flame and smoke. The theater sat near Brooklyn City Hall (today’s Brooklyn Borough Hall), and the blaze which destroyed it could be seen as far away as Prospect Park. The horrible truth was revealed in… Read More
The ultimate bar crawl of Old New York continues through a survey of classic bars and taverns that trace their origins from the 1850s through the 1880s. And this time we’re recording within two of America’s most famous establishments, joined by the people who know that history the best. In Part One, we introduced you… Read More
On the latest episode of The Gilded Gentleman, meet the man who helped create New York’s Gilded Age high society, a fussy and imperious Southerner who eventually found himself on the receiving end of snobbish scorn. The famous Mrs. Caroline Astor was credited with building and shaping the Gilded Age elite. But at her side and… Read More
The history of New York City — as told through the stories of its oldest bars. We’ve put together the ultimate New York City historic bar crawl, a celebration of the city’s old taverns, pubs, and ale houses with 18th- and 19th-century connections. And throughout this two-part mini-series, you’ll learn so much about the city’s… Read More
To get you in the mood for the weekend, every other Friday we’ll be celebrating ‘FRIDAY NIGHT FEVER’, featuring an old New York nightlife haunt, from the dance halls of 19th Century Bowery, to the massive warehouse spaces of the mid-90s. Past entries can be found HERE, including articles on New York’s oldest continuously operating… Read More
Once upon a time New York City oysters were not only plentiful and healthy in the harbor, they were an everyday, common food source. The original fast food! For that reason, the oyster could be an official New York City mascot. Oyster farming was a major occupation. Oyster houses were an incredibly common place for… Read More
Mrs. Stuyvesant Fish, known to all as just Mamie Fish, was one of the more larger-than-life personalities of the Gilded Age, a hostess who thrived within the confines of high society. Who was this enigma of the Newport set? Carl Raymond is joined by historian and writer Keith Taillon, a returning listener favorite, as well as actor Ashlie… Read More
A special presentation of our live show Bowery Boys History Live, recorded at City Winery, July 2, 2025, with a very unusual theme — Gilded Age Golden Girls. Whatever could it mean? *cue the song Thank You For Being A Friend* Bowery Boys History Live is a storytelling cabaret of all-true tales and spellbinding secrets from the past,… Read More
New Yorkers know that Restaurant Week is the absolute best time to dine out in the city. And this summer’s latest installment of the popular prix-fixe menu program (starting on July 21) is catching New York’s dining scene at its best. Hundreds of restaurants across the city will throw open their reservation lists to New… Read More