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 For anyone who had seen Joe Ades around the city selling his beloved peelers, you knew he was something. The city was his stage and we were his audience. He frequented the Greenmarket in Union Square, where I would often see him giving his spiel in his British accent. Sometimes I'd see him in subway stations, too, in the same setup. He loved his carrots and, on occasion, potatoes. He was a character, a beloved character of New York. He passed away on Sunday at 75. The first time I saw him at the Greenmarket, I was enchanted. Who was this guy dressed in a suit selling peelers? One of my favorite lines was, "It's better than a Swiss Army Knife!" I never doubted him for a second, though as I continued to see him around, I wondered about his life and who he really was. My questions were answered when Vanity Fair wrote an article about him back in 2006. He was no longer the "peeler guy," but Joe Ades. Finally, a name to go with the face. (points to photo) I took that picture a few years ago (2005, I think) at the Greenmarket. A nice-sized crowd had gathered to hear him and as I looked around, everyone was amused and quite taken with him. A lot were on their phones, whispering excitedly about this treasure they had just found. Some were taking pictures and videos; others just stood there, smiling and chuckling. They had finally met Joe Ades, the "peeler guy." And I smiled, too. I'll miss his presence, his distinct oratory, and his love for his peelers... and probably everything in this place. » His Stage, the Street; His Rapier, a Peeler » An Ode to the Great Peeler Dealer » Union Square Peeler Peddler Joe Ades Dead at 75 No TrackBacksTrackBack URL: http://www.toastier.org/cgi-bin/mt/mt-tb.cgi/332 |
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Hi, my name is Amy. Be well, and say hello!
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Was that when I stayed with you that weekend in February and we also went to go see the Gates? Or maybe I saw him when I was at the Greenmarket with Dan in another visit.
I'm sad to hear about his passing.