Le Fanion

This handsome example of art deco serves as a reminder of the grand and militant vision of vanquishing evil for which the Salvation Army used to be known. Set into the recessed archway, an enormous metal sigil trumpets the organization's motto: “blood and fire. ” Fitting then that this outpost of the institution houses a small army of office workers in charge of managing the logistics of providing social services to the greater New York area. Commissioned in 1930 by Eva Booth, granddaughter of Salvation Army founder William Booth, it actually served as the national headquarters until 1982. While the organization is most often associated with the sale of used goods for incredibly cheap prices at their family stores, this outpost offers disaster services, social services, and transitional or emergency housing for the homeless.

A members-only club for artists and creative professionals, the Norwood aims at a salon-like atmosphere within a converted townhouse. Open from early in the morning until late at night every day, the sumptuously decorated and richly historic building offers meeting rooms, a restaurant, two bars, a small theater and assorted gallery spaces. The club does more than simply provide a space to socialize and probe the intricacies of the modern art world, though. Pictures from a disposable camera tacked on the wall as we entered showed young adults riotously enjoying themselves while dressed in period costumes from the 1920s. Furthermore, we learned that the Norwood encourages and supports its members in their artistic ventures. While we were not brought upstairs when visiting the club, we were invited to apply for membership and the space truly beckoned to us. An elevated sense of style is wedded beautifully with its intimacy (the intimacy is thanks in part to the decor, which has been mostly untouched since the building's life as a residence). Constructed from 1845-7 for Andrew S. Norwood, owner of a fleet of merchant ships, the quality of construction was in keeping with the practically suburban nature of West 14th street at that time. Between 1870 and the middle of the twentieth century, the building served as an on-again, off-again boarding house. Somehow the building avoided being bought up and torn down to make way for light industry, a fate that befell most of the residential buildings on the edge of the Meatpacking District. After a stint as a funeral parlor, it served as a private residence from 1976 until 2005, when the club snapped it up, delighted to find that the inside was as well preserved as the outside. We can only say that we wish we were members.

Christopher Park traces its history back to 1633, when it was developed as a tobacco farm. This triangular plot of land became a park after overcrowding and a massive fire in 1835 caused the community to call for a small piece of open space. Two years later, Christopher Park, named after Charles Christopher Amos, land heir and also the namesake of Christopher Street — the oldest street in the West Village — was developed. In 1969, Christopher Park added to its storied past when the Stonewall Rebellion broke out as the public rioted and protested against police action taken at the Stonewall Inn, a popular gay establishment across the street. Today, the park is home to a snow-white sculpture of two couples lounging, entitled Gay Liberation. The sculpture distinguishes Christopher Park as a major player in the gay liberation movement. In the 1980s, the park underwent a restoration to beautify the grounds. It was given a new gate, benches, lampposts and landscaping, but the 130-year-old fence that surrounds this piece of history remains to this day.

As Hamlet would say, “This is one of the places you come to the village for. ” Walking through the door, a small white pooch runs up to greet you, then leads you back through the racks of coats, pants, hats, and other accessories. As the owner, Hamlet, emphasizes, the inventory here is vintage clothing (not a second-hand shop), that dates from the 1940s to the 80s. The selection is sourced through various vintage collectors from all over the world. Hamlet credits his eye for fashion to his mother, who, he says, was a fashion designer in his home country of Dominican Republic. He is very proud of his collection and iterates that the store is not for “80s party” accoutrement, rather it is a resource for historic elegance and style. And if you stop in, you may even get your picture taken, as Hamlet will often have his customers model his new acquisitions.

Every nook and cranny of this tiny storefront's space is full of an extensive and eclectic collection of musical instruments from around the world. Instruments hang from the ceiling just as haphazardly as they are stacked on top of one another from the floor. Located at this same address for over fifty years, Music Inn has an impressive sitar selection from the 1960's, a rare 100 year old sarinda from Afghanistan, as well as adorable little child guitars and mini pianos. I had a quick throwback moment when I spied an autoharp. Do you remember music class in elementary school back in the 60's?

62 East 4th Street has had a fascinating history. At its inception in 1889, it served as a social hall housing a musician's union known as Astoria Hall, as well as hosting meetings of the International Ladies Garment Workers Union. In the 1930's, the ballroom was revamped as a theater and television studio and renamed Fortune Theater until Andy Warhol discovered it and left his legendary stamp here. In 1969, he rented it out to showcase a series of infamous porn films and called it Andy Warhol's Theater: Boys to Adore Galore. Over the years, the Yiddish theater had performances here, and many well known television shows used the space to film. Since 1987, the Duo Center has been here having raised the funds for renovations, and then remaining throughout construction to become home to what is now Duo Multicultural Arts Center and Rod Rogers Dance Company and Studio. Today the building is part of Fourth Arts Block (FAB) and operates as a center for film, dance, art, theater and music and is among New York's designated cultural districts.

Pageant Print Shop’s entirely glass storefront bordered by light blue is instantly eye-catching and proudly displays the treasure within. Inside its bright, buttercream interior, an immense assortment of old prints and maps line every wall and fill neatly-labeled display racks. This sanctuary of beautiful historical pieces was created by Sidney Solomon and Henry Chafetz in 1946. It was originally one of the many second-hand book stores on Fourth Avenue, an area that was then known as “Book Row. ” Now under the leadership of Sidney’s daughters, Shirley and Rebecca, Pageant Print Shop primarily sells old prints and is thriving at its current 4th Street location. Having worked with historic pieces her whole life, Shirley knows how to get the best prints. She has amassed her impressive collection from antique book auctions as well as other various sources that she has built up over the years. Roger, who has been working at Pageant Print Shop for over a decade, told Manhattan Sideways that “what we are looking for are old books with the bindings broken that are really not in very good shape on the outside, but still have good quality prints, maps, or illustrations on the inside. ” Although they search for old books based on the contents within, the shop also sells the old bindings for creatives looking to make decoupage and other fun art projects. Pageant Print Shop is definitely a fixture in the East Village, and in the words of Roger, is “one of those neighborhood jams. ” They enjoy “a loyal group of people that have been coming here for eons, " tourists looking for something authentically New York City, and neighborhood people walking by. He told us that newcomers are often “surprised that they are able to buy a piece of history, ” and return for more of their authentic, beautiful, and historic prints. Pageant Print Shop is unique in its extensive, high quality, and affordable selection. Roger affirmed that “It’s going to be hard for you to find someone who has this kind of a collection at these kinds of prices — it’s just true. ”

After moving to her current location from East 7th Street, Lalita Kumut is pleased with her new address for selling aromatherapy products. On one of our recent visits, we stood by while a delighted group of girls were creating their own fragrances. From the variety of custom blends, soaps, oils and other smell-good body products, to the lovely women who have been in this business for over twenty years, the Fragrance Shop offers a memorable experience for the senses.