In the latter decades of the 19th century, Henry “Harry” Hill (Abt. 1828 – 1896) was a New York “institution,” a celebrated fixture of the city’s social life. In fact, he was a national figure, thanks not only to the widespread notoriety of his dance hall/variety show saloon (located near Crosby and Houston Streets, SoHo, Manhattan), but also because of his involvement in prizefight boxing and other sporting competitions. Though the low-brow fare that Hill offered at his “little theatre” differed only slightly from several other contemporary dives, his establishment attracted a steady stream of tourists, businessmen, sportsmen, actors, writers, politicians, and the simply curious—thanks mainly to Harry’s reputation.
Harry was an honest, garrulous, jovial host, who nonetheless posted and enforced strict rules of behavior for his clientele: no loud talking; no profanity; no indecent expressions; the plainly drunk will be removed; women are to be seated first; those seated must immediately order refreshments; orders must be taken after every dance; and unaccompanied women cannot enter through the main door. There were private rooms, but Harry did not employ sex workers and the dance hall was not a bordello. Harry’s rules were often administered by Harry himself—a stout man, and a champion of both wrestling and club swinging—martial skills that Harry could apply practically, if the need arose; though simply muscling troublemakers down the front stairs and out the door was his preferred solution.
[To be continued]
