Exploring the Tenderloin: New York City’s Gilded Age Vice District

“I’ve been having chuck steak ever since I’ve been on the force, and now I’m going to have a little tenderloin” -Police Inspector Alexander “Clubber” Williams

From the end of the 19th century through the beginning of the 20th century— the so-called Gilded Age — the area straddling the Manhattan neighborhoods of Chelsea and NoMad was New York City’s premier entertainment district, filled with theaters, hotels, and restaurants. But it was also the city's red light district known for its saloons, gambling dens, and brothels — especially brothels. It's time to hit the streets and explore a neighborhood that one historian estimated had 250 “houses of ill repute,” and as many as 4000 “ladies of the evening,” at its peak in the 1890s.

Join New York Adventure Club as we explore the stories and remnants of the Tenderloin, New York City's notorious hub of sin and vice between the late 1800s and early 1900s.

Led by licensed NYC tour guide Robert Brenner, our on-the-ground experience exploring Chelsea and NoMad's scandalous past will include:

• A n overview of the Tenderloin's evolution spanning from why it became New York's most "entertaining" neighborhood to the factors that stripped it of its notorious reputation
• Reformers who largely failed to clean up the neighborhood, from a future U.S. president to a Presbyterian minister who went undercover — way undercover — to expose wrongdoing
• S tories of questionable characters who added to the Tenderloin's seediness, including the corrupt police inspector known as “the Czar of the Tenderloin;” an alleged “stockbroker” who made a fortune running a string of saloons, gambling dens, and brothels; and the licentious architect who built a “snuggery” into every edifice he designed
• A visit to neighborhood sites where high-profile acts of vice were committed

Take a trip back in time and find out how our ancestors blew off steam!

*Please bring a water bottle and comfortable pair of shoes as we’ll be doing a lot of walking!

**Our experience will conclude at the southeast corner of 6th Ave. and 36th St., in front of Keen's Steakhouse

About Robert

Robert Brenner is a licensed New York City tour guide, a certified member of the Guides Association of New York City (GANYC), and an almost lifelong New Yorker. He is currently pursuing a Masters in New York Studies at the CUNY Graduate Center.

Testimonials

"Our guide did such wonderful research and crafted a great narrative. He told amazing stories and brought our attention to beautiful buildings. What a great guide Robert Brenner is. I went on his Times Square tour and would go on any other tour he gives." -Mahnaz

"The tour guide, Robert had a lot of interesting material and a very good delivery style. He talked slow and clear and made me laugh multiple times. Enjoyed it and learned a lot. The two hours flew by" -Lorraine

"Very informative." -Shalom

"Very interesting content - fun guide!" -Rachel

Disclaimer

Event takes place rain or shine.

By attending a New York Adventure Club experience, you accept our terms of service.

Categories: In-Person, Neighborhood Tours

Event Venue

Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons of the State of New York (Outside), 71 West 23rd Street, New York, United States