Unless you were here to live through the era, it's tough to imagine current-day New York City as the 'Hell' described as Old New York. Luckily we have some vintage film that places us in that time so we can see just how far we have come.
This fantastic home video captured in 1992 by former New Yorker Michael Perhaes shows Alphabet City, known then as just the Lower East Side, on East 8th Street between Avenue C and Avenue D.
Here’s a little video that Eric Beckman and I made back in 1992. We strolled down New York City’s East 8th Street between Avenues C & D, and then had a guided tour of the building our families called home in the mid 1960’s. Most shocking to see, other than hair I apparently borrowed from Ben Affleck, is the utter urban decay along a street littered end to end with debris. Those were the days.
h/t Bowery Boogie
Matt Coneybeare
Editor in Chief
Matt enjoys exploring the City's with his partner and son. He is an avid marathon runner, and spends most of his time eating, running, and working on cool stuff.
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