Charles Pfaff's obituary in the New York Times characterizes him as the proprietor of the famous Bohemian "chop house" at 647 Broadway that flourished between 1860 and 1875 ("In and Ab
27 Memorial Drive West, Bethlehem, PA 18015
Described as "powerful, arch, and often caustic." Epstein also alleges that he might have been a lover of Whitman's.
Clapp is described as a "most skillful and devoted publicist," who"could make hay out of scandal." He ran both good and bad press for promoting Whitman. Epstein claims that Clapp gave Whitman the advice, "Better to have people stirred against you if they can't be stirred for you."
Mentioned in the 1861 chapter. Epstein claims she was rumored to be Whitman's mistress.
Epstein also claims that Clare's presence in the tavern was one of the reasons outsiders considered Pfaff's bohemian.
Described as a one-eyed, Polish man who wore a cape and blue-tinted glasses to protect his good eye. De Gurowski was supposedly in exile. Epstein claims he brought with him an air of romance and intellectual arrogance and that he idolized Whitman.
de Gurowski's connection to Pfaffs was through his writing for the Tribune.
Mentioned in the 1861 chapter.
Howells remarked that Whitman was practically the object of cult worship. Howells also claimed that that the Atlantic [Monthly] was a more desirable showcase for young writers than The Saturday Press.
It appears that Howells' visit to Pfaff's prompted by being baited by Clapp to do so. Howells also reportedly did not recognize Whitman and was unawareof his presence until Howells' departure.
Epstein refers to him as "Charley" and states that Pfaff's opened just months after the publication of Leaves of Grass. Epstein also discusses Pfaff's new tavern on 24th St. that failed.
Epstein notes that the paper ran more than 25 items by and about Whitman -- reviews, advertisements, parodies- during 1860 for the third edition of Leaves of Grass.
Epstein provides an alternate spelling of his last name as "Shanley"
Epstein mentions that Whitman was never reported as being seen drunk at Pfaff's and that his regular table was along the back wall. Epstein states here that Whitman compared the size of Pfaff's to his bedroom on Portland Ave (other sources note that this comparison was made to Whitman's bedroom at Mickle St.).
Epstein remarks that everyone knew in 1861 that Whitman could be found at Pfaff's, where he was admired by the gathered artists. Epstein also discusses Whitman's meetings with the Fred Gray Association and claims he was Jovian and in his element at Pfaff's.
Charles Pfaff's obituary in the New York Times characterizes him as the proprietor of the famous Bohemian "chop house" at 647 Broadway that flourished between 1860 and 1875 ("In and Ab
27 Memorial Drive West, Bethlehem, PA 18015