I had a request from a fellow blogger to show the home of E. E. Cummings (1894-1962). The charming alley he lived in is called Patchin Place next to Jefferson Market Library.
The property that became Patchin Place and Milligan Place was once part of a farm belonging to Sir Peter Warren. In 1799 it was sold to Samuel Milligan, who later conveyed it to his son-in-law, Aaron Patchin. The buildings that now occupy the site were put up in 1848-1852 as boarding houses for Basque waiters and other workers at the nearby Brevoort House hotel on 5th Avenue.
A story: The then modernist writer Djuna Barnes (1982-1982) moved into a room-and-a-half apartment at 5 Patchin Place in 1941. She became so reclusive that Cummings would occasionally check on her by shouting out his window “Are you still alive, Djuna?”.
- For Norm’s Thursday Doors 6/7/2018
- Patchin Place (Wikipedia)
The even more charming private Milligan Place around the corner on 6th Avenue.
What lovely places they both are. Picturesque and charming.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Delightful little corners!
LikeLiked by 2 people
Yes 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
I really enjoyed a glimpse into Patchin Place, Sherry. I like the ee cummings story about calling out to Djuna. Really enjoyed the Patchin Place link, too, learning that Theodore Dreiser lived there too, and Djuna’s successful efforts to save the place. Charming and quirky place in the world.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hi Jet, So glad you enjoyed it as much as I did. that’s what makes Greenwich Village and interesting place.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thanks for the beautiful photos of e.e.cumming’s home. Patchin Place is such a fetching name. Also, the story at the end is rather cute.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Glad you enjoyed it.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thanks for posting this terrific glimpse into this area. I love the line about, ‘Are you still alive Djuna?’ Sometimes I long to be reclusive, but I’m always drawn back out into life within an hour or two. I don’t know Djuna Barnes…I’m off to Google her.
LikeLiked by 2 people
I agree, it’s fun stuff.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Wow, what beautiful and charming spaces.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thanks for sharing the history along with those lovely photos, what a pretty place.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks Jean.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thanks for the delightful tour of the 2 Places. Love the e.e. story!
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thanks BB
LikeLiked by 1 person
This is all really neat – I enjoyed reading it and will go down to explore when I have a chance. ☺
LikeLike
Thanks Jill
LikeLiked by 1 person
Sherry, what a great assortment of photos! My favorite is the seventh photo down, with all the fire escapes and the street view!
LikeLiked by 1 person
That one does help set the location. Thanks.
LikeLike
Wow! Thank you so much, Sherry, for photographing Patchin Place! Very well done! 🙂
I have a few paintings by Cummings and letters. One letter is a thank you letter for being allowed to stay for a few days at the Werner home in Norwalk. There were kids who lived there and Cummings spent some time with them. He jokingly wrote the letter with all kinds of mistakes and misspellings, just as if written by a young child. At the end of the letter, he writes his address as:
patching place, Numb. Q cumber, ny sittee
🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
I love that. Thanks.
LikeLiked by 1 person
One of these days i’ll take a pic of the letter and post it. The whole letter is very comical and clever! 🙂
Cucumber-green! 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’d love to see it.
LikeLiked by 1 person
completely charming, sherry. i’ve enjoyed e.e. for years and am now responding ala his style. 🙂
janet
LikeLike
Thanks Janet
LikeLiked by 1 person
They both seem to be very quiet peaceful places. Excellent shots as usual 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks Norm
LikeLiked by 1 person
Pleasant doors and surroundings, Sherry!
LikeLiked by 1 person
these are both charming places and I like Cummings’ work –
LikeLike
Glad you do.
LikeLiked by 1 person
🙂
LikeLike