February 4, 2009 @ 6:27 pm
Photo by Kesnerster on Flickr
There’s going to be a tribute and memorial to the late Joseph “Joe” Ades in Union Square this Saturday at 1PM on the south steps near the statue. The organizer is asking everybody to take some time out of their day to remember the man who, at one time or another, had us mesmerized by his charisma and humor while selling vegetable peelers on the streets of New York City.
Invite anybody you want and bring a vegetable peeler if you’ve got one!
February 3, 2009 @ 8:07 pm
Photo: carrot man by laurenfarmer
This is by far the most awesome picture I’ve ever seen of Joseph “Joe” Ades, the curious and interesting old man who sold potato peelers on New York City streets for over 60 years.
If you haven’t heard, Joe Ades passed away this past Sunday at the age of 75. Thanks JSTN for the photo!
February 3, 2009 @ 1:19 pm
Photo: Joe Ades in Chinatown by Joyce Wong
Some sad news coming in this morning, as The New York Times is reporting that the gentlemen potato peeler Joseph Ades passed away on Sunday at the age of 75. Ades (pronounced AH-dess) was a corner staple in Union Square and some other places around New York City. If he was out selling his potato peelers that day, you would know even before you saw him because you could literally hear his voice from down the block. I can’t count the times I’ve seen this man selling his beloved potato peeler (it peels and cuts other things too) on the street, often saying the same lines over and over for hours. It’s amazing that he has done it for so long without being tired of it (at least he didn’t look tired). He sold the kitchen item with more enthusiasm and charisma than any other person I’ve ever seen trying to sell any other product!
Ades was a bit of a street performer too, as witnessed by the masses of people that would gather on a sidewalk corner to watch him peel potatoes, carrots, apples, pears, and just about anything else he could get his hands on. Joseph Ades never told anybody how much he made from his potato peelers, but one could assume he was pretty well off as evidenced in this Today Show segment showing his posh lifestyle and home on Park Ave [via].
Visit msnbc.com for Breaking News, World News, and News about the Economy
If you want to see him in his element, selling his potato peelers on the streets of New York City, then head on over here and get viewing! RIP old man! The city will definitely be a bit quieter without you and your great voice.
