Standing for Down Under the Manhattan Bridge Overpass, DUMBO got it’s name in the 1970s when residents of the then manufacturing district thought a catchy name would attract developers. Home to factories, warehouses and the birthplace of the cardboard box, Dumbo wasn’t considered a bustling neighborhood until the late 1990s, thanks to the development of a strong arts community. Today, over 500 tech and creative companies with more than 10,000 employees occupy a 10 block radius. While what they create has changed over time, this area has always been home to makers, innovators, and dreamers.
The brainchild of a prominent literary blogger, Melville House formed in 2001 to publish an anthology of writings titled “Poetry After 9/11”. Since the book debuted to rave reviews, Melville House has grown to publish a wide variety of fiction and non-fiction works. Their John St. space functions as a bookstore, an event space and their publishing office. Stop in to browse their recent titles and score one of their clever tote bags.
