Comments on: The Huncke Connection

By: Seppo Koivula

Seppo Koivula — Wed, 18 Dec 2019 01:31:11 +0000

Where are these original souls now, characters like Herbert Huncke?

By: Richie M

Richie M — Sat, 21 Nov 2015 20:01:23 +0000

Thank you Johnny for that brilliant H Hunke interview. I’ve had a fascination with WSB for many years and was recently listening to a You Tube recording of Junky read by WSB. Reminded me of my interest in finding out who the Bill Gains character represented. This interview talks of Bill Garver. Would love to find out more and also more information regarding Hunkes time out East in Nepal. Like some drawn to the Reality Studio and WSB I’m an oldish, educated Opiaphile. Characters like Bill Garver tend only to leave faint traces when they pass, often avoiding perpetuation in paternity. Anyone who stumbles onto such an obscure thread and knows any more about Bill Garver or wants to continue the conversation can contact me at rbmoore23@gmail.com.

May your Hunger be satisfied,

Richie

By: E.wolfe

E.wolfe — Mon, 19 Oct 2015 15:14:43 +0000

Hail hunke

By: VJ Eaton

VJ Eaton — Sun, 30 Aug 2015 15:25:26 +0000

A question for the cognoscenti: Does anyone know the month (the year was probably 1954, though it could have been 1955 but less likely) of Huncke’s Manhattan doctor’s office bust that sent him to Dannemora? Responses to vj.eaton@earthlink.net please.

By: Ginger Eades

Ginger Eades — Thu, 22 Nov 2012 20:01:42 +0000

Ha! Adam- I read your comment just now and wanted to say it made me chuckle. Thanks for sharing that memory. I miss the ole HH.

By: adam

adam — Tue, 04 Sep 2012 04:08:01 +0000

after getting high at my place on 6th ave,. Huncke stole my trench coat.

By: c brandelle

c brandelle — Thu, 21 Jul 2011 15:34:08 +0000

Having been a former hippie of sorts, and always on the fringes of everything, at age 62 I have reconnected with the Beat Generation, yes, a few years before me, but significant to me. As I read their literature I find some clarification and validation for my fractured philosophy of life. Huncke, with his fascination for the decadent side reassures me that having fallen to the depths one can also burn brightly until the embers are extinguished and if you’re lucky someone remembers your name. All Beat Fans email me!!

By: Ginger Eades

Ginger Eades — Mon, 10 May 2010 02:02:16 +0000

I applaud you for seeing “The Mayor of 42nd Street” as he was, i.e., down to earth, kind and compassionate. Huncke was also a wonderful person, a hipster, a hustler and a highjiver! Your well-written piece illustrates those qualities as well as the notion that HH was one solid and talented cat who assuredly was worth much more than the sum credit of coining the word “BEAT.” Maybe he got paid in the window-way, off the books, ’round the corner from the coppers walking their midnight beats!

Almost as if Huncke aspired to be forgotten, he didn’t seem to mind that some folks insisted his nomenclature for BEAT was short for the Catholic “beatification” which defines as “supremely happy.” Ha! Beat! Huncke knew better. When he was beat, Huncke meant he squalled in a downtrodden flat where rent was near impossible to gather (especially 12 times a year,) because see, he was low, man, he was flat broke with no prospects lined up, indeed, BEAT.

He wrote well, spoke with dignity and told wonderful stories. I Hope the memory of Herbert Huncke is preserved since a man like that, well, they only come around once in a while and their stay is as brief and as evanescent as ripples in water, dying all too young or going gentle into that good night and sometimes, without them ever having known the love others had for them.

By: Sean Murphy

Sean Murphy — Sun, 15 Nov 2009 01:59:08 +0000

I had the pleasure of knowing Herbert Huncke in the last years of his life.

We were both on an MMTP in New York City and he was living at the Chelsea.
I also recall the apt on 7th near Ave D.
I believe Louis lived there too until his senseless death…

Herbert was a true character – 79 years old doing rails and toking.
And talking.

He was a wonderful cantankerous energetic creature – a great conversationalist.

I recall seeing him read – perhaps one of his final appearances.
It was on Ave A – I believe it was upstairs above the PYRAMID club. (the club was only one floor by this point)

Or perhaps upstairs at in the building next door ?

It was a pleasure to have known him.

By: Nick Pierce

Nick Pierce — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 00:49:29 +0000

Nice to get some of the real info about how it was.

Thanks, man.

Nick