Damen Avenue is the Western boundary of East Ukrainian Village. This area is less Hispanic and slightly more influenced by the hipsters & yuppies who have moved into the area in the last few years. It has many graystone buildings that are over 100 years old. The East Village’s Eastern European roots show through in the sign above the bar. “Zimne piwo” is Polish for “cold beer.”
See also:
» Ashland Avenue, East Ukrainian Village
» Chicago Avenue, East Ukrainian Village
2 responses so far ↓
1 Donna // Feb 4, 2005 at 4:08 pm
To Rachel,
Wow! Your photos and associated narrative on the neighborhood was such a find. My husband and I moved from East Village in 2000 after living on the 1100 block of Winchester for many years. What a difference–I can’t believe there is a Starbucks on Division Street, or that there are condos on the corner of Damen and Division instead of the puerto rican bakery. It was a rough neighborhood when we lived there, but the diversity of people from all walks of life and countries made it all worth while. Thanks for the trip down memory lane.
2 Christopher Brewster // Mar 21, 2007 at 4:36 pm
I found your site because I’m reading Nelson Algren’s “Man With the Golden Arm”, which is set in the area centered at Damen and Division. Clearly, the neighborhood’s character has changed a lot (for the better) since 1950, although the Polish background is still in evidence. Good pictures– thanks.
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