Eve's Hangout facts for kids

Eve's Hangout was a special tearoom and club in New York City. It was started in 1925 by Eva Kotchever, a writer from Poland, and Ruth Norlander, an artist from Sweden. The club was located in Greenwich Village, a lively part of Lower Manhattan. It was also known as "Eve Adams' Tearoom." This name was a clever play on words, using "Eve" from Eva's name and "Adam."

A Special Place in New York

After running another club in Chicago, Eva Kotchever and Ruth Norlander moved to Greenwich Village. This area was well-known for its artists and people who liked to think freely.

In 1925, they opened "Eve's Hangout" on MacDougal Street. This street was a popular spot for creative New Yorkers. At the entrance, Eva put up a sign that said, "Men are admitted but not welcome." This sign showed that the club was meant to be a safe and welcoming space, especially for women.

Eve's Hangout quickly became a popular spot. It welcomed many different people, including women, immigrants, and working-class individuals. Famous thinkers like Emma Goldman, who was a friend of Eva, often visited. Many artists, such as Henry Miller, June Miller, Anaïs Nin, and Berenice Abbott, also enjoyed spending time there.

Eva Kotchever often organized concerts and readings at the club. She also held meetings where people could talk about important ideas, art, and friendship. Because of this, Eva Kotchever became a well-known person in Greenwich Village.

The Club's Closure

Some local newspapers, like the Greenwich Village Quill, began to write negative things about Eve's Hangout. They suggested it was not a good place for young people. A neighbor living upstairs also called the police.

On June 11, 1926, the NYPD came to the club. A detective found a book that Eva Kotchever had written. Because of the book and the way the club was run, Eva was arrested.

The club could not stay open after Eva's arrest and closed soon after. Eva was held at Jefferson Market before she had to leave the United States and go back to Europe. However, the people of Greenwich Village did not forget her.

In Europe, Eva Kotchever continued to be involved in important causes. She also ran another club in Paris called Le Boudoir de l'Amour. She met some of her old customers from Eve's Hangout there, including Henry Miller and Anaïs Nin.

Lasting Impact

Eve's Hangout is now remembered as an important historical place for the LGBT community and for New York's Jewish history. It is seen as one of the first clubs in the United States that specifically welcomed women. It is recognized as a New York City heritage site and by the National Park Service. Many tours for visitors to the U.S. include it as a must-see location.

A writer named Barbara Kahn has even written plays and musicals about Eve's Hangout, including "The Spring and Fall of Eve Adams" and "Unreachable Eden."

Today, the building where Eve's Hangout once stood is an Italian restaurant and jazz club called La Lanterna di Vittorio.

See also

In Spanish: Eve's Hangout para niños