Framed or unframed, desk size to sofa size, printed by us in Arizona and Alabama since 2007. Explore now.
Shorpy is funded by you. Patreon contributors get an ad-free experience.
Learn more.
Another view of Mott Street in New York's Little Italy (now Chinatown) circa 1910. The building in the middle, 156 Mott, with the Italian pharmacy, is now the Foot Reflexology Center in this Google Street View. The address on the right, 156 Mott, is now just two stories. Most of the basement entrances have been covered. 8x10 glass negative, George Grantham Bain Collection. View full size.
My great grandfather ran an olive oil import business across the street at 157 Mott Street. I see someone else posted that their great grandparents lived at the same place before mine did...what a great photo from the time, would love to see the other side of the street.. The photo captures the essence of the time period. Amazing!
My grandfather Pasquale Martocci listed his job as porter in a saloon on his 1910 census. He lived on 211 Mott with his family and his "partner" Domenico Morato. I don't know how many saloons there were on or near Mott Street in 1910, but if the person who said their great-grandfather owned the saloon gets this message, was Domenico Morato your great-grandfather?
WF: I have an old beer bottle from that saloon, the really old style type that had a ceramic stopper. We dug it up while doing some construction back in the mid 70's.
We found some old straight razors, and a medallion from "Firenze" (Florence) as well. Maybe they had offered shaves as well as shots? A fella I knew, said he once found an old Italian Mason canning jar full of whole tomatoes from 1900, he claimed they retained their shape even after 80 years (back in the 80's). Just thought I'd pass it on.
It was a great neighborhood as I recall. I remember the overwhelming feeling of richness, energy and desperation of all those long-gone people. Can you imagine how tough those people were? Discriminated against by ALL, with no safety net, no welfare or free health care. Thanks for all you did, Grandpop.
Interesting - My great-great grandparents lived at 157 Mott right around 1895-1900, which I assume would have been right across the street. Was your great grandfather there at that time?
Very cool photo.
I grew up in the top floor, front apartment of that building. The view was pretty good as is the view from the roof. Something interesting is that the staircase of that building is in the shape of a spiral with an empty center. Things like loose change can easily fall from the top floor all the way to the ground floor. There was also no elevator.
The saloon at 156 Mott is my great-grandfather's bar. I would like to find more photos of the building. Can anyone help??
WF
Wow! You've outdone yourself with this one, Dave. This photograph is a fascinating glimpse into the past, and its comparison with google street offers the ultimate time-machine. Thanks.
How often did people fall into them?
[Those are stairways. - Dave]
Can I just tell you?
I *worship* your website. Photos like this are so rare, and give us a much needed glimpse into the life I wish I could visit.
The little sign that says "rooms to let", the guy pulling back the drapes on his window--these little details! Oh! C'est parfait! You have me in love!
Looks like the Bert Pilsner Beer hall isn't there anymore. What a shame. It looked like a neat building. Also, can you believe some of the original fire escapes are still being used. I wonder if they are still up to code.
My great-great grandfather ran an Italian pharmacy a few blocks away, on Mulberry Street below Canal. Wong's Noodle Shop is now in its place.
Excellent idea to add the Google Link. It's amazing how much the same it is and yet how different it is too. One day I will get to NY it just looks amazing. Keep up the good work. Love your site.
On Shorpy:
Today’s Top 5