Flush, Flow & Fill: A History of Water & Public Health in NYC

This 1.2 mile live walking tour of the East Village will begin at the Astor Place Cube — across the street from the first public restroom in the city — and make stops at locations including McSorley’s Ale House, a former public bathhouse, and the 10th Street Historic District — and end at the Temperance Fountain in Tompkins Square Park. During the walk we’ll discuss how access to various types of water impacted public health in the city, from flush toilets and drinking fountains, to bathing and leisure activities. We’ll visit public works projects, tenements, fashionable row houses, and a historic park. Attendees will come away with a greater appreciation of modern sanitation, safe drinking water, and indoor plumbing. Participants should wear comfortable shoes and bring water (if they’d like).