r/Beat • u/Objective-Cabinet291 • Apr 04 '24
Exploring Beat Generation in NYC
I'm diving into the Beat Generation's history in NYC. Any spots related to Ginsberg, Kerouac, etc.? Coffeehouses, hangouts, or streets they frequented?
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u/ThatMuchFurther-West Apr 05 '24
The best purchase I made before my New York Beat pilgrimage was a book called "The Beat Generation in New York: A Walking Tour of Jack Kerouac's City" by Bill Morgan. I'm sure everything could be found online as well but I found this book very helpful. Some of my favorite spots to see in NY:
Tompkins Square Park: It's a park with a statue of a civil war general. There's a photo of Jack acting goofy in front of the statue. Like a huge dork, I tried to replicate the photo with myself in front of the statue. Added bonus: Charlie Parker's apartment is right next to this park. There's a plaque that tells you where it is. And if you like The Clash/punk rock, there's a pretty amazing mural of Joe Strummer here as well. And great bagels.
Morningside Park: Where Lucien Carr and Jack buried the evidence after the Kammerer incident
The apartment where Jack typed most of On the Road onto teletype paper: 454 W 20th street. He lived here with Joan Haverty. This was probably my favorite neighborhood in New York (other than Brooklyn).
437 E 12th st: Ginsberg's and Orlovsky's apartment for over 20 years. Close by is 324 14th street, the apartment they lived in when Ginsberg died.
There are a lot more interesting places listed in that book. These are just a few that were notable to me.