The Vault at Pfaff's

An Archive of Art and Literature by the Bohemians of Antebellum New York

Bohemianism: The American Authors Who Met in a Cellar

G. J. M. "Bohemianism: The American Authors Who Met in a Cellar." Brooklyn Eagle, May 25, 1884, 9.
Electronic Source Available
Type
newspaper
Genre
history
journalism
Abstract

"Bohemianism in America was born in a cellar, and it never got above ground," reminisces this article. "Perhaps if it had it would ceased to have been Bohemianism. The cellar was Pfaff's restaurant, on Broadway, near Bleecker street, New York." In addition to giving an overview of the Pfaff's scene and listing some of the frequenters of Pfaff's bar, the article also includes a poem about the Pfaff's bohemians by Edgar Fawcett and a statement of autobiography dictated by Henry Clapp.

"There has been a great deal written about these meetings at Pfaff's, and from some accounts one would think the conversation was very brilliant. I think this was rarely the case. . . . I think the charm of the place was its coziness."

People Mentioned in this Work
Arnold, George [pages: 9]

Arnold is mentioned as one of "the best know writers who frequented that cozy corner [Pfaff's]," as well as a regular contributor to the Saturday Press.

Briggs, Charles [pages: 9]

A poem by Fawcett remembering his old friends from Pfaff's mentions "splenetic journalistic Fred", who may be Charles Frederick Briggs.

Butler, George [pages: 9]

Butler is credited with contributing towards a granite monument for Clapp's grave site.

Clapp, Henry [pages: 9]

Fisk is credited with contributing towards a granite monument for Clapp's grave site.

de Gurowski, Adam [pages: 9]

Gurowski's contributions to the Saturday Press are referenced.

Halpine, Charles [pages: 9]

Henry Clapp is quoted as saying, "After the Saturday Press failed, I went on the Citizen with Miles O'Reilly."

McWatters, George [pages: 9]

McWatters is credited with contributing towards a granite monument for Clapp's grave site.

O'Brien, Fitz-James [pages: 9]

O'Brien is mentioned as one of "the best know writers who frequented that cozy corner [Pfaff's]."

Pfaff, Charles [pages: 9]

Pfaff is described as "a fat, cross looking German with one of the kindest hearts that ever beat in a human bosom. I do not know what his religion was, or is, whether he was an agnostic or whether he drew his inspiration for life in the monkey development idea, but those who knew him knew how kind and good he always was, especially to men of the literary calling. Too many of this class, utterly selfish and devoid of principle, took advantage of this trait and owed him for many a meal they were perfectly able to pay for. As for tramps and beggars his restaurant was the Mecca to which they paid visits persistently and regularly the year round. Some would receive a package of food, some simply a huge hunk of bread and many a coin."

Shepherd, Nathaniel [pages: 9]

Shepherd (spelled "Sheppard" here) is mentioned as one of "the best know writers who frequented that cozy corner [Pfaff's]," as well as a regular contributor to the Saturday Press.

Wilkins, Edward (Ned) [pages: 9]

Wilkins is mentioned as one of "the best know writers who frequented that cozy corner [Pfaff's]." He is also referred to as the dramatic editor of the New York Leader and the author of articles signed "Personne."

Wood, Frank [pages: 9]

A poem by Fawcett remembering his old friends from Pfaff's mentions "dreamy Frank," who may be Frank Wood.