DISCOVERING NYC’S HISTORIC MEATPACKING DISTRICT with Jacquie Ottman, “The Meatpacking Lady”
Welcome Jane’s Walkers!
So sorry I couldn’t be with you LIVE this year. So. I’ve created this virtual experience. And I’ve included some information below in case you’d like to have a live experience in the future. First, a little background.
I’m a native New Yorker and fifth generation member of the Ottman family. I have been chronicling the historic meatpacking district and my family’s storied meat purveying firm since my summers working there as a teen. I first learned about my family firm’s history from my father Jack Ottman, whose forebears set up shop as butchers in the Fulton Market in 1850. The business evolved into Ottman & Company who operated out of the historic Meatpacking District (originally named the West Washington Market) from 1918 to 1985.
Today, via a self-published book, and via live and online talks and in-person guided walking tours, I share the intertwined history of the Meatpacking District — which embodies ALL 400 years of NYC history — and my family’s firm. My book (which I use as a reference on the talks) is amply illustrated by rare, archived images and numerous anecdotes passed down from previous generations of family members.
I look forward to sharing with you virtually today, as part of Jane’s Walk 2023, what I’ve learned about the historic Meatpacking District. Start by scrolling down to view a You Tube video of me giving a slide presentation about the Meatpacking District. And then, enjoy other content on this page that will help you further explore the historic Meatpacking District.
— Jacquie Ottman, The Meatpacking Lady
LISTEN TO Jacquie Ottman Talking about the Intertwined 400-year History of NYC, the Meatpacking District and Ottman & Company
AND… HERE’S SOME INFO ABOUT MY BOOK AND SOME OTHER COOL INFORMATION TO READ ABOUT THE HISTORIC MEATPACKING DISTRICT
READ Jacquie Ottman’s book, Ottman & Company: Meatpacking District Pioneers, now available at Amazon in paperback and e-book
READ “Memories from Ottman & Company, Pioneering Meatpacking District Meat Purveyor”, Untapped New York, May 27, 2022
READ “Preserving the Meatpacking District by Telling Its Stories”, Chelsea News, October 28, 2022
AND THERE’S MORE…
LINK to View More 2022 Images of NYC’S Historic Meatpacking District by Klaus-Peter Statz
R & L Restaurant, later Florent, New York’s Historic Meatpacking District, July 9, 2022 Image: Klaus-Peter Statz
Pastis Restaurant, 52 Gansevoort Street, New York’s Historic Meatpacking District, July 9, 2022 Image: Klaus-Peter Statz
Arts & Crafts Building located at 2 Ninth Avenue in New York’s Historic Meatpacking District. Built in 1913 by William Vincent Astor. Image: Klaus-Peter Statz
Link to view images taken by James Russiello, MAS of the Private Tour for Columbia Business School Alumni Club 9/13/22
WANT TO LEARN MORE ABOUT THE MEATPACKING DISTRICT LIVE??
Jacquie Ottman leading a tour of New York’s historic meatpacking district, July 9 2022 Image: Klaus-Peter Statz
Our walking tours end with a spectacular view: this one, from Pier 57, after our Sept 13 2022 Evening Stroll Image: James Russiello
BOOK a Private Talk or Guided Walking Tour of NYC’s Historic Meatpacking District
Some of the groups who have enjoyed my walking tours or talks include: The National Arts Club, Historic Districts Council, Culinary Historians of Ann Arbor, New York Adventure Club, Village Preservation, Archivists Round Table of New York, Guides Association of New York City, Docents of the High Line, Municipal Arts Society, Columbia Business School Alumni Club of New York, Friends of the Upper East Side
LINK HERE TO CONTACT Jacquie Ottman, “The Meatpacking Lady”
WHAT PEOPLE SAY about Jacquie Ottman’s Talks and Walks of NYC’s Historic Meatpacking District
“Great insider’s perspective on a piece of NYC history that was both personal and told a broader story…photographs brought the history of the meatpacking district to life.”
Jacquie Ottman and friends take in a breathtaking view of the historic Meatpacking District, Sept 10, 2022
“What a story! So interesting, the entire history of the company and evolution of the area. Loved the old pictures. So personal yet also really universal and totally relatable.”
“I enjoyed… learning not only about your family history, but heck, NYC history as well!! What a fascinating story. It’s always easy to see when people are passionate about what they’re doing – and Jacquie’s one great example of that.”
“The history of a family, a business, a neighborhood and a city all rolled into one!“
FINALLY….
Link HERE to WATCH A FUN VIDEO of Jacquie Ottman and food historian Andrew Coletti attempting to recreate a Salisburger, one of Ottman & Company’s most popular items.
Tiktok Video of Jacquie Ottman recreating the Salisburger, one of Ottman & Co’s most popular items