Johnny Camphine or Camphene (fl. 1860 – 1890) was the pseudonym of an American saloon keeper and underworld figure in New York City during the mid-to late 19th century. He was reputed to have run "one of the most notorious dives in the city", located at Mercer and Houston Streets.[1] His name came from his serving colored camphine or rectified turpentine oil in place of whiskey; the latter was in use during the 19th century as a solvent for varnishes and as a fuel for lamps. On average, "two men a night were taken out of the place" after drinking Camphine's beverages and caused known cases of insanity and delirium tremens at least 100 patrons over a long-term period.[2][3]
Johnny Camphine | |
|---|---|
| Nationality | American |
| Other names | Johnny Camphene |
| Occupation | Saloon keeper |
| Known for | New York saloon keeper and underworld figure during the mid-to late 19th century. |
References
edit- ^ Asbury, Herbert (1927-12-17). "When New York Was Really Wicked; III -- Downtown Dives". The New Yorker. NewYorker.com. p. 29. Retrieved 12 September 2009.
- ^ Asbury, Herbert. The Gangs of New York: An Informal History of the New York Underworld. New York: Alfred A. Knopf, 1928. (pg. 174-175) ISBN 1-56025-275-8
- ^ Sante, Lucy. Low Life: Lures and Snares of Old New York. New York: Farrar, Straus & Giroux, 2003. (pg. 113) ISBN 0-374-52899-3