I cannot tell you how much I love this story by Mark and these photographs by William. Two important figures in photography for many years who remain so today. Thank you both. Fresh inspiration for me on a dreary and grey day in northern Italy.
Wonderful! I am sending to my son, who is now living on Orchard Street. I loved little Italy and soho back in the 70’s and 80’s, loved the people and places and surprises around every corner. But I also love New York today! It is a constantly changing, evolving, kaleidoscope, reflecting the energy and creativity of her people, and i hope it continues like that!
No matter how wealthy you become, you can't buy back the past.
Ole New York City is way gone, baby!
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Manhattan is slowly losing a lot of the charm that draws people here. Pretty soon it will be all Walgreens, banks, and H&Ms. I'm so glad there are still places with character left and grieve when yet another closes. I wish there was some kind of foundation to "Save the Charm" of cool old spots on this island and not let high rents turn it into another Monaco.
4
Beautiful photos, beautiful place. I lived for some years on Elizabeth Street. Once a dense Italian ghetto, Elizabeth Street was where, I was told by Moe Albanese, the butcher in the 12th photo, the Sicilians settled. Not Mott, not Mulberry, but Elizabeth. Scorcese, in his documentary of Italian film, My Voyage to Italy, describes living with his family on Elizabeth for a time, where typically of a Saturday evening, they'd visit the apartment of friends who owed televisions –not everyone had a television then – to watch the latest movies. Moe's butcher shop seemed to be a community gathering spot – one of the last, other than Cafe'tal – for the few Italians left in the neighborhood, who would stop in, take a seat on one of his wooden chairs and chat for a while, rather than buy much meat. Except perhaps for veal. It felt like a very different time.
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Wonderful portraits.
With so many places living on only in nostalgic memory, it's truly heartening that this one is as special now as it was back in the day.
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A grew up in this neighborhood. And it was unlike any other neighborhood you ever seen. We weren’t just friends that play with each other in the streets. We were family extended family. We ate at each other‘s houses . We fought each other but never a grudge. The next day we were still best friends it’s just the way it was. Do I miss my old neighborhood you bet I do. But I love every time I see one of my friends in this restaurant that makes it a very near and dear place to go too.
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A good segway to William Coupon’s new book, Portraits, a retrospective of his life’s work.
I highly recommend it as essential viewing.
4
William’s work is always great.
5
Such a great piece about, I could smell my mom's sauce as I read it. Made me wish I was a regular at the Cafetal Social Club.
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As I began to read this, I was filled with dread that the story was about this place closing. Thank God that isn't the case. It truly is one of the last kernels of New York charm that should remain no matter what it takes.
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Great story. Lovely portraits. Thanks for sharing!
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