The Big Apple's Orchard

I was born on the Lower East Side of Manhattan (as were my parents) and although I haven’t lived there for more than 60 years, I am still drawn to it’s streets and incredible history. I still love leading my many walking tours there and telling people about this great neighborhood.

One of the most famous streets on the Lower East Side is Orchard Street, and yes, it got it’s name from an apple orchard that was on the farm of James DeLancey in the 18th Century.

Orchard Street is where you went for bargains on clothes, and the first price they offered was never the price you payed. I would go there with my mother for socks and underwear, to one of the many specialty shops that lined the street, but she would usually go there for “foundations” - namely bras and girdles.

My mother would tell the man behind the counter her bra size. He would slowly look at her up and down and then suggest another size. She would argue but ultimately he was always right. A true professional - don’t try it at home.

Most of those clothing, underwear and foundation stores are no longer there and Orchard Street doesn’t get those Sunday crowds any longer (closed Saturday), but I still go there on every tour of the area and tell everyone of its former shopping glory.