The East Village in Manhattan is a neighborhood rich with hidden histories and forgotten landmarks. One such landmark is the Stuyvesant Fish House, located at 21 Stuyvesant Street. Built in 1804 by Peter Stuyvesant, the great-grandson of the last Dutch Governor-General of New Amsterdam, this house is one of the oldest in Manhattan. It served as a residence for various notable families and played a crucial role in the early development of the East Village.
Another notable but often overlooked site is the German Dispensary, now known as the Ottendorfer Library, situated at 135 Second Avenue. Opened in 1884, it was the first free public library in New York City. The dispensary provided essential medical services to the large German immigrant population that resided in the neighborhood during the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
The Firehouse, Engine Company 28 at 222 East 10th Street is another hidden gem. This building, constructed in 1881, is an excellent example of Romanesque Revival architecture. It served not only as a firehouse but also as a community hub where residents would gather for various social events.
A lesser-known fact about the East Village is its significance in the history of Yiddish Theater. The Yiddish Art Theatre, located at 189 Second Avenue, was established in 1918 by Maurice Schwartz. It was a cultural epicenter for the Jewish community, showcasing plays that depicted the struggles and triumphs of Jewish life. Many renowned actors and playwrights, including Jacob Adler and Stella Adler, graced its stage.
The area is also home to the New York Marble Cemetery, hidden behind a block of buildings between Second and First Avenues and East 2nd and East 3rd Streets. Established in 1831, it is the oldest public non-sectarian cemetery in New York City. Its unique underground vaults were designed to protect against the spread of disease, a significant concern in the 19th century.
Another often overlooked landmark is the St. Mark's Church in-the-Bowery, located at 131 East 10th Street. This church, built in 1799, stands on the site of Peter Stuyvesant’s family chapel. It has been a center for avant-garde art and social activism, with notable figures like Isadora Duncan and Allen Ginsberg having associations with it.
The East Village is also known for its contributions to the counterculture movements of the 1960s and 70s. The Electric Circus, located at 19-25 St. Mark's Place, was a nightclub that became a hub for psychedelic music and experimental art. It hosted performances by legendary artists such as Jimi Hendrix and The Velvet Underground.
These hidden histories and forgotten landmarks reveal the East Village's rich tapestry of cultural, architectural, and social history, making it a fascinating area to explore and study.