We remember walking down Christopher back in 1993 during the holidays when we first met. Some of the businesses that were still open back then from what we remember were:
- Pieces (1993 – still open)
- Abracadabra (opened 1981 – relocated 1997 to 21 street)
- Oscar Wilde Memorial Bookshop (opened 1967, moved to Christopher Street 1973 – closed 2009)
- The Stonewall Inn (1966 – still open)
- The Duplex (moved to Christopher Street in the 1980′s – still open)
- The Village Cigar (1939 – still open)
- Boots & Saddles (1976 – still open)
- The World clothing store (1990 – closed 1999)
- Kim’s Video
- The Loft clothing store (1990 – closed 1998)
- Toni & Tina’s wedding (opened Febuary 14, 1988 – longest running off Broadway show)
- Bleeckers Army & Navy store on Bleecker (not sure when they opened – closed 1997)
- David’s Potbelly Stove (not sure when they opened – closed 1998)
- Mc Nulty’s Tea & Coffee Co. (opened 1895 – still open)
- RJ White jewelry store (opened in 1954 and closed in 2004)
- The Leatherman (opened 1965 – still serving the S&M community)
- Stick Stone & Bone (1990 – still open)
- The Hangar Bar (1992 – still open)
- Ty’s (1972 – still open)
- The Candle Shop (not sure when they opened – closed 2005)
- Li-Lac Chocolates (opened 1923 – closed and relocated 2004 to eighth Avenue)
- Lucille Lortel (built 1868, Lucille Lortel 1955 – still serving the West Village)
- The Christopher Street Bookstore (Gay landmark) (opened 1972 – closed 2007)
- The Spy Shop (1989 – moved to its new location 2004)
- Two Potato (not sure when they opened – closed 2000)
- Dug Out (not sure when they opened – closed 2009)
The block has changed so much in 17 years, very few businesses from that time are still there and new stores such as Brooklyn Industries and Rag & Bone have popped up where old standards once stood. Should be interesting to see what the next decade will bring this little street named Christopher..