130 St Marks Place in Manhattan, New York is a small but mighty spot loaded with a rich history tied to the Beat Generation. This place has been a cradle of counterculture, poetry, and rebellion since the mid-20th century. The East Village itself was a magnet for artists, musicians, and writers who were pushing the boundaries of American culture. Here's some fascinating trivia and hidden facts about this iconic location:
The Beatniks' Playground
- Allen Ginsberg and Jack Kerouac, two towering figures of the Beat Generation, were frequent visitors. Ginsberg's poem "Howl" and Kerouac's novel "On the Road" encapsulate the spirit of the era.
- St. Marks Place was often considered the East Coast's answer to San Francisco's North Beach, another Beat Generation hotspot.
Literary Landmarks
- The Gem Spa at the corner of St. Marks Place and 2nd Avenue was renowned for its egg creams and as a gathering spot for poets and writers.
- St. Mark's Church in-the-Bowery, located nearby, hosted readings by Beat poets and became a hub for avant-garde performances.
Iconic Residents
- The building at 130 St Marks Place housed several artists and musicians in the 1960s and 70s. For instance, Patti Smith and Robert Mapplethorpe were frequent visitors to the area.
- Richard Hell of the punk band Television lived nearby, contributing to the neighborhood's reputation as a center for punk rock.
Countercultural Epicenter
- The Electric Circus, a nightclub at 19-25 St. Marks Place, was a psychedelic haven where bands like The Velvet Underground played.
- CBGB, just a short walk away, became the birthplace of punk, hosting legendary performances by bands like the Ramones and Talking Heads.
Hidden Gems
- There's a myth that a secret tunnel connects several buildings in the area, allegedly used by bootleggers during Prohibition.
- The block was a backdrop for several films, including "Desperately Seeking Susan" and "Rent," adding to its cultural cachet.
Fun Facts
- The block was originally called "St. Mark's Place" in honor of nearby St. Mark's Church.
- The area was known as "Little Germany" in the late 19th century due to its large German immigrant population. This changed after the General Slocum disaster in 1904, which led to a massive decline in the German community.
Modern Day
- Today, the vibe is a blend of the old and new, with vintage stores, tattoo parlors, and quirky cafes keeping the bohemian spirit alive.
- The St. Marks Bookshop, although it closed in 2016, was a beloved institution that sold literature by Beat writers and other countercultural authors.
Trivia Tidbits
- Abbie Hoffman once staged a "levitation" of the Pentagon from a St. Marks Place apartment, highlighting the area's role in 1960s political activism.
- The apartment building at 96-98 St. Marks Place was featured on the cover of Led Zeppelin's album "Physical Graffiti."
From its beginnings as a haven for immigrants to its role as a countercultural epicenter, 130 St Marks Place remains a symbol of artistic freedom and rebellion. The area's colorful past and vibrant present make it a fascinating study in the ongoing evolution of New York City's cultural landscape.