Captain Kidd and the Ghosts of New York City's South Street Seaport

Bridge Street Cafe at 279 Water Street (site of the 19th century Hole-in-the-Wall Saloon)

"The wickedest block in the wickedest ward..."

Today, the South Street Seaport is a family-friendly tourist destination with restaurants, trendy shops, movies, concerts and festivals. But was it always like that?

Certainly not according to 19th-century journalist Oliver Dyer. He called New York City's South Street Seaport, "The wickedest block in the wickedest ward in the wickedest city in America."

In the Folkish Podcast Episode 1, we find out about the infamous dive bar, the Hole-in-the-Wall Saloon, the fiercest female bouncer, and the river street pirate that haunts the building.

We visit the historic Fraunces Tavern, where not only the Founding Fathers gathered, but the location of a horrifying murder suicide.

Next we meet one of the earliest power couples in Manhattan, none other than Sarah Bradley and the notorious Captain Kidd and the veracity of the heinous crimes he was accused of.

Last, we meet two intrepid 19th century treasure hunters and the demon that attacked them on Liberty Island. when they tried to dig up the buried chest.

We wind up the episode with a live performance by Paul at the Chester Street Tavern where he sings the original Ballad of Captain Kidd!