[EPISODE] DUMBO and Vinegar Hill
This week’s journey will be to DUMBO and Vinegar Hill, along the Brooklyn waterfront.
My guests will be historian Kevin Draper of New York Historical Tours, and Tanya Rynd, local artist and co-owner of restaurant and bar Superfine.
Segment 1
Kevin talks about his childhood growing up and coming in to the city from Long Island. He explains what the geography of the city was like pre-settlement and discusses the Native American tribes that lived in the DUMBO area before Dutch settlers arrived. Jeff and Kevin discuss DUMBO’s history and connection with Brooklyn. Kevin explains some of the battles of the American Revolution and how they connect to DUMBO.
Segment 2
Kevin explains how Vinegar Hill got its name from an Irish battle. Jeff and Kevin discuss the Erie Canal and how it affected commerce in New York and Brooklyn. They discuss Robert Gair and his impact on real estate in DUMBO , including the Clock Tower Condominium. Kevin explains how the opening of the Brooklyn Bridge helped to expand DUMBO and the surrounding neighborhoods. Kevin discusses how the area of DUMBO declined but eventually was rebirthed as what it is now, including how it got its name and becoming a historic district.
Segment 3
Tanya talks about how her art brought her to New York and how she was introduced to DUMBO. She talks about DUMBO being an artists place and meeting her business partners in the area. Tanya describes monthly supper clubs her and her partners would have that became the business model for Superfine and how it was born from a need for artists to connect. She talks about the Bridges Bar and its connection to the early Superfine.
Segment 4
Tanya talks about Superfine’s dedication to interacting with the public and how she’s excited to go to work everyday. She describes what her customers are like and the difference between the day and night crowds. Tanya talks about how she’s seen DUMBO change and what she loves about the area now. She explains what she thinks makes the neighborhood unique, including St. Ann’s Theatre.