SAFE HOUSES?

The Old Town Bar (opened 1892) 45, East 18th St. between Broadway & Park

The Ear Inn (building dates from 1817, Inn from 1850) 326, Spring Street.

The Bohemian Hall & Beer Garden (1892) 24th Avenue just west of 31st in Astoria

McSorley's (below) exists today, as a valuable reminder of NYC's rich heritage particularly in the area first populated by the immigrant explosion, primarily because the operators of the business own their own freehold. In the country which symbolises free enterprise, it is incongruous to criticise the right of an individual or corporation when action is taken to maximise the value of an asset, whether it be increasing rents or redevelopment. However, over the years many traditional businesses have been forced to close down for precisely these reasons thus depriving future generations of an insight into their origins.

It is believed that the three traditional, atmospheric and historic watering holes above, along with McSorley's, have freehold owner/operators, and hopefully will be around for many years to come.