I was in 1966 that I began hanging out in Times Square. One could find entertainment that a self respecting person may have found repulsive. For a seventeen year old kid it was exciting! Adult bookstores, sex magazines, movies, and peep shows were abundant. I must have hit every bookstore.
There were plenty of tourists back then as there are today. Some of the people who worked and lived there were a collection of misfits and outcasts. It was they that drew me deeper into that culture.
Friday and Saturday nights the streets were packed. It was like running an obstacle course trying not to bump into people. When I had some coins I would take in a couple of peep shows. I could get a couple of hot dogs and a drink for around a dollar. That whole scene was fitting to my own quirkiness and love of odd places. Some people I know have told me that I like weird stuff. I take that as a compliment.
I saw those early days as my informal education which would serve me greatly in later years. I wondered about the people who actually participated in those burlesque shows and peep centers. I would love to hear and write their stories. Stories! There are ALWAYS stories. That's what I love about New York. That what I loved about Times square in those days.
Times Square is much cleaner now and the tourists still come. I would love to share with my salad days as one of the denizens would loved this place despite its sleazy rough house reputation. The memories will always be in my heart.
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