That’s how this legendary fleabag, Gay ’90s–style saloon was described in a 1944 Life magazine article (with photos, below, by Alfred Eisenstaedt).
“From 8 in the morning to 4 the next morning Sammy’s is an alcoholic haven for the derelicts whose presence has made the Bowery a universal symbol of poverty and futility,” the article stated.
“It is also a popular stopping point for prosperous people from uptown who like to see how the other half staggers.”
That mix of patrons was key to Sammy’s success. Opened in 1934 at 267 Bowery between Houston and Stanton Streets, the dive attracted old-school bums as well as tourists, politicians, actors, and others slumming it for the night.
Ex-Vaudeville performers sang and danced for the crowds on sawdust-sprinkled floors. The party went on until 1970, a year after owner Sammy Fuchs died.
Fuchs was known as the “mayor of the Bowery.” Besides operating the kind of bar that pretty much no longer exists in Manhattan, he did lots of good deeds in the neighborhood, like establishing a dental clinic for poor kids.
He also ran a “bum of the month” club, helping to feed, clothe, and sober up some of his most downtrodden customers, reports a 1970 New York Times piece.
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Tags: 267 Bowery, famous bars in New York City, Lower East Side bars, New York in the 1940s, Sammy Fuchs, Sammy's Bowery Follies, the Bowery, Vaudeville in New York City
March 1, 2010 at 6:40 pm |
[...] Bowery Follies – opened in 1934 – “was a bar an alcoholic haven for the derelicts whose presence has made the Bowery a [...]
March 1, 2010 at 8:42 pm |
that’s a great picture, but could it be backwards?
March 1, 2010 at 9:09 pm |
Yeah–gives the place even more atmosphere!
March 4, 2010 at 6:57 pm |
I always wondered where this was in relation to CBGB’s, or if ir was the same location.
July 15, 2010 at 5:03 am |
Diane, Sammy’s was South of East Houston St. CBGB’s was between 1rst & 2nd Streets and Sammy’s was already closed. CBGB’s was a bum’s bar before Hilly took it over and we used to go in there sometimes before going out somewhere to get the “Special” Wilson’s That’s All (A top shelf likker for a bum’s bar)with a small beer back for a quarter. In 1962 we moved into a small loft on Bleecker St a half block away.
A different time when it was easier to get by on very little and homeless wasn’t the going expression. Good weeks meant I made 25 dollars and my artist husband and I did okay. I will leave my regretful Sammy story some other time when I am more awake. LOL
March 11, 2010 at 9:54 pm |
Damn, sounds like a place I’d like to hang out…
March 21, 2010 at 1:05 am |
I wrote a musical loosely based on this club. “Bowery Follies”. My dad was one of its performers. My musical will be playing started October 5th 2010 9:00 PM at the Triad. 72nd and Broadway.
You must come see it. Many of the same elements are apart of my show.
July 15, 2010 at 5:05 am |
Sharon, I will be there and I’ll bring my theatre going friends.
March 21, 2010 at 1:08 am |
also, there is a documentary “Finishing Heaven” that aired on HBO has scenes and performers in it. It is based on a movie that was filmed 40 years ago down at Sammy’s that was never finished. My dad was Mark Barnett.
May 12, 2010 at 3:24 am |
Sammy Fuchs was my grandfather. I saw him often as a child growing up In the 1960′s and I remember visiting the bar as well. It’s a great thing to have in the family’s history. Would love to see the show in Oct. I’m on the UWS.
July 13, 2010 at 3:42 pm |
Charlie, we have some important information concerning Sammy’s Bowery Follies. Is there anyway to get in touch with you?
August 5, 2010 at 3:52 am |
Jill – You can get on touch with me at charliekatz@NYC.rr.com
Charlie
July 15, 2010 at 3:03 pm |
I have delayed the opening of my show till the SPRING. Will post the details on this site.
July 25, 2010 at 6:03 am |
Hi,
I just looked up this Post: Sammy’s Bowery Follies: “an alcoholic haven.”
I have two Packs of Matches from that has on the back:
Sammy’s Bowery Follies
267 Bowery, New York.
phone GRamercy3-9725
On the Front of the Two Match Packs, there is a Round Frame.
One has a nice picture of My Mother.
The other has a nice picture of My Father with a Fake Mustache and a small light color Derby Hat.
Any information on or around what Year these when made?
I would be Happy to share pictures of them.
Keep-up the Good Work with the Post:
Ephemeral New York
Chronicling an ever-changing city through faded and forgotten artifacts
Thank-You,
Tim.
July 25, 2010 at 6:18 am |
Moderator:
Please fix my sentence: I have two Packs of Matches from there, that has on the back:
Thank-You,
Tim.
August 22, 2010 at 5:16 am |
ANYONE WHO HAS ANY INFORMATION ON THE WHEREABOUTS OF JOANNIE LYNN OR JEANNIE JORDAN OR ANYONE ELSE WHO WORKED OR WAS AFFILIATED IN ANYWAY WITH SAMMY’S BOWERY FOLLIES PLEASE CONTACT ME IMMEDIATELY. URGENT!!!!
SHARON BARNETT
SABF51@AOL.COM
February 9, 2011 at 10:05 pm |
I remember going to Sammy’s with my college friends on a weekend. I recall that when we finished eating/drinking and watching whatever entertainment was featured, the waiters put tablecloths on the small tables and as we left, we noticed that tourist buses were pulling up. I imagine the prices also were “pulled up.”
Jerry
February 28, 2011 at 4:05 am |
[...] sly tuxedo kitty can be seen in a couple of 1940s photos of Sammy’s Bowery Follies—a legendary 1890s-style saloon at 267 Bowery that was part fleabag dump and part tourist [...]
February 23, 2012 at 6:35 pm |
..my bedroom was a shotglass’s toss away…
February 23, 2012 at 6:37 pm |
..and billy burrough’s bunker practically just below the flowboads..