Burning of Taverns, East Main Street, February 2, 1961
Artist
Carroll H. Walker
(American, 1904 - 1990)
CultureAmerican
Date1961
MediumGelatin silver print
DimensionsOverall, Image: 9 3/4 × 7 11/16 in. (24.8 × 19.5 cm)
Overall, Support: 9 15/16 × 8 in. (25.2 × 20.3 cm)
Overall, Support: 9 15/16 × 8 in. (25.2 × 20.3 cm)
Credit LineGift of Carroll H. Walker
Object number67.40.127
On View
Not on viewLabel Texttop Burning of Taverns, East Main Street, February 2, 1961, 1961 Gift of Carroll H. Walker 67.40.127 bottom Shamrock Tavern, East Main Street, January 3, 1962, 1962 Gift of Carroll H. Walker 67.40.116 In February 1961, a fire burned through two taverns and a shooting gallery on East Main Street. The fire broke out in the Coney Island Pistol Range, a site already taken over by the NRHA, and spread to the Rex and Globe Taverns, which were still occupied by tenants. The fire was serious, bringing down entire walls and requiring seven fire companies to battle the flames during a cold snap that brought subfreezing temperatures. Despite the danger, the operator of the Rex ran into the burning bar to pull $1,200 in cash from the register. Within a few years, all the remaining structures in the area would be taken down.
