Under the shadow of slavery and a growing prohibition movement in the 1840's, Pete Williams established Almacks, one of the first black-owned and operated bars in New York City. Williams transformed the 19th century speakeasy in Five Points - a neighborhood notorious for crime and written off as a slum - into and immensely popular and vibrant and cultural space.
This vibrant spirit and underground mystique is at the core of 67 Orange Street - It's name is a tribute to the address where Almacks last stood; It's founder Karl Franz Williams connected to Pete Williams by name and vision. From 19th century Five Points to the new 21st century Harlem, the legacy of 67 Orange Street continues.