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EPISODE 323 Two tales from New York\u2019s incredible history with tattooing.\n\nThe art of tattooing is as old as written language but it would require the contributions of a few 19th century New York tattoo artists \u2014 and a young inventor with no tattoos whatsoever \u2014 to take this ancient art to the next level.\n\nThe first documented tattoo parlor (or atelier) in the United States was a small second-floor place near the East River waterfront and close to the site of the Brooklyn Bridge.\n\nBut as more sailors and seamen \u2014 the principal customers for tattoo purveyors \u2014 came to New York, more would-be tattoo artists opened shops. By the 1880s, there were a great number of professional tattooists, scattered along the waterfront and up along the Bowery.\n\nMeanwhile, over in Brooklyn, sailors in need of a fresh tattoo could head to small shops in Coney Island or near the Brooklyn Navy Yard.\n\nIn this episode, Greg shares two tales from New York City tattoo history:\n\n\u2014 An unsuccessful Thomas Edison invention becomes a revolutionary device for tattoo artists. The electric tattoo machine was first perfected in a tiny tattoo parlor underneath a New York elevated train in Chatham Square.\n\n\u2014 Believe it or not, tattooing was outlawed in New York City in 1961! And would remain so for 36 years. How is that even possible in a city with a vibrant music scene and iconic venues like CBGB just steps from the heart of Manhattan\u2019s old tattooing industry?\n\nboweryboyshistory.com\n\nSupport the show: https://www.patreon.com/boweryboys