In the heart of Manhattan’s Lower East Side, nestled amongst the flophouses and missions of the Bowery, stood Sammy’s Bowery Follies. Opened in 1934 by Sammy Fuchs, it started as a simple saloon, a haven for the homeless, the penniless, and those down on their luck. It was a place where a nickel could buy you a beer and a shot of whiskey, a temporary escape from the harsh realities of life on the streets.
The early 1940s brought an unexpected twist to Sammy’s story. A distinguished gentleman, complete with a monocle, strolled into the bar. This was no ordinary patron; he was a British lord, weary of the stuffy, high-society clubs uptown. He craved a more authentic, down-to-earth experience, and he found it at Sammy’s.
This encounter sparked an idea in Sammy’s mind. He saw an opportunity to cater to a different clientele, one looking for a unique and unpretentious nightlife experience. Sammy acquired a cabaret license, transforming his humble saloon into a vibrant entertainment venue. A stage was built, aging vaudeville acts were booked, and Sammy’s Bowery Follies was born.
With a playful nod to the renowned Stork Club uptown, Sammy began advertising his establishment as the “Stork Club of the Bowery.” This tongue-in-cheek moniker perfectly captured the essence of the place: a blend of high-brow entertainment with a distinctly low-brow atmosphere.
The transformation of Sammy’s attracted a diverse crowd. Celebrities, socialites, and curious tourists mingled with the bar’s original patrons, creating a unique and eclectic mix. Vaudeville acts, burlesque dancers, and even celebrity impersonators graced the stage, providing entertainment that was both nostalgic and refreshingly different from the usual offerings of uptown clubs.
Sammy’s became known for its lively atmosphere and anything-goes attitude. Patrons could enjoy a drink, watch a show, and even participate in the impromptu sing-alongs that often erupted. It was a place where social barriers dissolved, and people from all walks of life came together to enjoy a night of fun and entertainment.
The club’s walls were adorned with an eccentric collection of memorabilia – dusty portraits, old playbills, and quirky antiques. This hodgepodge of décor added to the charm and character of Sammy’s, creating a sense of history and a connection to the past.
Sammy’s Bowery Follies thrived for decades, becoming a beloved New York City institution. It offered an escape from the ordinary, a place where people could let loose and be themselves.
