The people of the Gowanus Canal have changed but remarkably the arts and outdoors people have gained a foothold that will resonate for many years, perhaps generations to come. There were the visionaries – Buddy Scotto, John C Muir – and so many other I crossed paths with along the shores, shops, warehouses, and sitting in canoes as we paddled together on its horrifying surface. They are a hardy bunch.
Among my favorites are David Whitlock, who as owner of Main Street Ephemera on Smith Street, created the Gowanus Canal Yacht Club t-shirt. His store was a victim of gentrification when Smith Street became Brooklyn’s hottest restaurant and nighttime destination in the late 1990s. He moved to the Columbia Street waterfront where he stayed till retiring. Leonard Thomas, affectionately called the Chicken Man of the Gowanus, became my friend and showed me the Gowanus bridges in a whole new light. Owen Foote introduced me to canoeing on the Gowanus and I have watched his passion for the waterway become my own.
Every time I go, I meet someone new. The waterway draws unique people. Come meet them.
