A New Bar Grows on Henry Street, Brooklyn

by Fredo

A funny thing happened on the way to get bread at Caputo's yesterday morning. I ran into a reliable source who gave me a most interesting scoop. The team behind Brooklyn Social, a Loungerati favorite, are opening up a new bar in Cobble Hill. The former television repair shop space on Henry Street between Atlantic and Pacific Streets has been under construction for a few months but they hope to be open for business by the fall. The new bar, tentatively named Henry Public, will also have a full service kitchen and a full array of local beers and original cocktails.

Plus, it is five blocks from my apartment which makes it very convenient indeed. Good luck fellas, let us know when we come by and sample your wares.

End of an Era: Arnold Hatters Closes for good

by Fredo

"Much is said by what you wear on your head"

It is with great sadness that I report the closing of Arnold Hatters (aka Knox Hats) in Manhattan. Arnold's was more than just a hat store. It was an affordable alternative to Fifth Avenue hat specialists JJ Hatcenter and Borsolino whose hats can cost upwards of of $1,200. They were happy to work with you to find the right hat for your budget and even went the extra mile to steam a fedora for free as I talked about last year. Arnold Hatters was my hat store. It's former incarnation, Knox Hats, was my Grandfather's hat store. According to the blog Vanishing New York: "Arnold Hatters, also known as Knox Hats, which had been at 620 Eighth Avenue for more than 40 years and whose owner (Arnold Rubin) could trace his Times Square hat-selling lineage to 1926." The post goes on to discuss how eminent domain was used by City of New york to take the original Knox Hats space. The Rubins were forced to move a few blocks south to 8th Avenue and 37th Street in 2007 but the volume of business fell off. The drop in sales (despite hats coming back into fashion)due to displacement coupled with the recession was too much for the 83 year old business, this May Arnold Hatters closed its' doors for good.

According to their website:

"To all of our dear friends and customers,

Due to the worsening condition of the economy, we have had to close our doors and go out of business. We're very grateful for your patronage over the years.

God bless you all,

Arnold, Peter and Mark Rubin
Arnold Hatters"

Thank you for the countless hats, education, class, and tradition. I will miss your store, the banter, and your dedication to the craft. I wish you the best in these tough times.Godspeed!

(Photo by Vanishing New York)

Picnic like it is 1929 on Governor's Island

News from our pal Michael Arenella:

JAZZ AGE LAWN PARTY ON GOVERNORS ISLAND
SATURDAY AND SUNDAY, JUNE 6th and 7th, 2009
11:00 AM to 5 PM
Michael Arenella and His Dreamland Orchestra invites you to join us on this hidden gem just off the southeastern tip of Manhattan, nestled in the heart of majestic New York Harbor.

Under a shady grove of centuries-old trees, caressed by fresh sea air, a sprawling green surrounded by historic officers quarters and 18th century naval ramparts becomes the setting for a true Gatsby affair.

Widely anticipated by flappers, sporting gents and tiny tots alike, this event has been featured annually by The New York Times and the Sartorialist.

A wide array of music, food & drink, activities, games and contests are open for all ages to enjoy:

* A delightful variety of refreshing summer cocktails, wine, prosecco and beer are available and will be served by expert mixologists.
* Picnickers are welcome. There will also be gourmet coffee and a yummy assortment of sandwiches, salads and other treats available.
* Vintage 78 records spun on 1920s Victor Credenza phonograph machine by Matthew Hinson
* 1920s Motorcar Exhibition - take a spin around the island in a genuine rumbleseat; hold on to your hat!
* Vintage clothing dealers and boutique milliners including Ellen Christine, Cassie McGregor and Leigh Magar of Magar Hatworks. They will all be peddling wares, so be sure to tuck some cash into your garter.
* Special literature/ephemera booths and readings by the Dorothy Parker Society & F. Scott Fitzgerald Society
* Horseshoe Toss
* Tug O' War
* Parade Of Hats (Sunday Only)
* Pie Recipe Contest (Saturday Only)* - Categories: "Mom's Best", "Most Original, and "Hobo's Choice." Special Prizes and coveted gift certificates to be awarded.
* If you'd like to sign up for the pie contest, you must pre-register by emailing Sarah Liston at ladyliston@msn.com

The State of New York has cut funding for programming on Governors Island. While the island will thankfully remain open, there will be no further allocation provided for entertainment on the island. This means that while the Dreamland Orchestra will be performing, the costs to cover the band, stage, dance floor, and all other expenses will not be provided by the state this year, and will depend on private donations and sponsorship. If you would like to contribute to the Jazz Age Lawn Party please email michael@dreamlandorchestra.com

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Ferry Schedule

Ferries depart on the hour from downtown Manhattan to Governors Island:
9am, 10am, 11am, 12pm, 1pm, 2pm, 3pm, 4pm, 5pm

Ferries return to downtown on the half hour from Governors Island to Manhattan:
10:30am, 11:30am, 12:30am, 1:30pm, 2:30pm , 3:30pm, 4:30pm, and 5:30pm, and 6:30pm (final boat leaves at 7pm)

Governors Island Ferry
10 South Street, in lower Manhattan
Just northeast of the Staten Island Ferry
R train to Whitehall Street
www.govisland.com

(Photo courtesy of the Dorothy Parker Society)