Syndicated newspaper columnist Walter Winchell (1897-1972) wrote in a column on September 24, 1948:
“Many midtown side streets have their own ‘personality.’ Take 56th between 6th and 7th, frinstance. No mansions or castles—yet it is known as ‘Limousine Alley.’ Because nearly every garage on this street offers To-Hire cars—at $25 a day or more.”
The name “Limousine Alley” does not have any other known citations and is of historical interest today.
24 September 1948, Philadelphia (PA) Inquirer, “Gossip of the Nation” by Walter Winchell, pg. 29, col. 6:
Many midtown side streets have their own “personality.” Take 56th between 6th and 7th, frinstance. No mansions or castles—yet it is known as “Limousine Alley.” Because nearly every garage on this street offers To-Hire cars—at $25 a day or more.
Above, a 1934 plaque from the Big Apple Night Club at West 135th Street and Seventh Avenue in Harlem. Discarded as trash in 2006. Now a Popeyes fast food restaurant on Google Maps.
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Above, Big Apple Corner at 54th Street and Broadway in Manhattan. Google Maps.
Above, John J. Fitz Gerald, from the Aug. 15, 1931, Binghamton (NY) Press, pg. 14.
Listen to Robert Emmerich introduce "The Big Apple," a hit song from 1937. Music written by Bob and performed by Tommy Dorsey's Clambake Seven with Bob on piano. Lyrics written by Buddy Bernier and sung by Edythe Wright. Audio provided by Dorothy Emmerich.
Also listen to a 1937 "The Big Apple" song by Ozzie Nelson and his Orchestra. See a 1929 photo of John J. Fitz Gerald and a 1931 photo of John J. Fitz Gerald.
This site is edited by Barry Popik.