133rd Street (Manhattan) facts for kids
Electric substation on 133rd Street in the Bronx
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| Location | Manhattan and the Bronx |
|---|---|
| West end | Riverside Drive (Manhattan) Bruckner Boulevard and St. Ann's Place (Bronx) |
| Major junctions |
Broadway, Seventh Avenue |
| East end | Lenox Avenue/Malcolm X Boulevard (Manhattan) Locust Avenue (Bronx) |
133rd Street is a famous street in New York City, found in both Manhattan and the Bronx. In the Harlem area of Manhattan, it starts at Riverside Drive in the west. It crosses important streets like Broadway and Seventh Avenue, ending near Lenox Avenue. In the Port Morris part of the Bronx, it runs from Bruckner Boulevard to Locust Avenue.
A long time ago, the section of 133rd Street between Seventh Avenue and Lenox Avenue was a very lively place. It was known as "Swing Street" because it had many fun places like clubs and secret bars. Today, this street is much quieter. It is mostly lined with old brownstone houses and apartment buildings.
Contents
A Look Back: History of 133rd Street
This street has a special history, especially during a time called the Prohibition era. This was when selling alcohol was against the law in the United States. Many secret bars, called speakeasies, opened on 133rd Street. This is how it earned the nickname "Swing Street".
The Jazz Age and "Jungle Alley"
During the 1920s and 1930s, also known as the Jazz Age, 133rd Street was full of music. There were at least 20 jazz clubs, mostly between Lenox Avenue and Seventh Avenue. Young Billie Holiday, a famous singer, was discovered here when she was only 17 years old. She said that 133rd Street was the first "Swing Street". It played a big role in the growth of African-American entertainment and jazz music in Harlem.
The street also got another nickname, "Jungle Alley". This was because people of different races would meet and enjoy themselves together there. This was not common in many other places at that time.
Famous Clubs on Swing Street
Many famous clubs were on 133rd Street:
- The Nest Club: This club opened in 1923. It was known for its lively jazz music.
- Tillie's Chicken Shack: This club was famous for its singers.
- Harry Hansberry's Clam House: This was a very well-known speakeasy. It opened in 1928 and featured Gladys Bentley. She was a singer who performed in a tuxedo and sang funny versions of popular songs.
- Pod's and Jerry's: This club featured the talented jazz pianist Willie "The Lion" Smith.
The End of an Era
After 1933, when Prohibition ended, 133rd Street started to lose its sparkle. People could buy alcohol legally again, so the secret speakeasies were not as popular. Also, a difficult event called the Harlem Riot of 1935 happened. This made many of the clubs where different races mixed close down.
One of the last clubs to stay open was Pod's and Jerry's. It changed its name to "The Log Cabin" in 1933. It stayed open until the late 1940s. By then, another street, 52nd Street, had become the new "Swing Street". More difficult times came to 133rd Street during the Harlem Riot of 1964.
Modern Landmarks on 133rd Street
Today, 133rd Street has a mix of old and new buildings. Many old factories on the eastern side have been torn down. New buildings have taken their place.
Important Buildings and Schools
- The New York Post newspaper has a printing center here.
- On the western side, you can find the Terence D. Tolbert Educational Complex and the Roberto Clemente School.
- The KIPP Infinity Charter School is also located here.
- The Manhattanville Bus Depot is another important site.
- The New York Structural Biology Center is in the Park Building, across from the street.
Churches and Jazz Clubs
- On the eastern side, you will find the Bethlehem Moriah Baptist Church.
- There is also Bill's Place, a jazz club that opened in 2006. It was started by a musician named Bill Saxton. This club is in a building that used to be the famous speakeasy, Tillie's Chicken Shack.
- Bishop R.C. Lawson once had a Bible book store on 133rd Street.
See also
In Spanish: Calle 133 (Manhattan) para niños
