BEEKMAN PAPER, SoHo

by Kevin Walsh

This Beekman Paper ad is familiar to motorists, at least those paying attention, traveling south on Varick Street on the way to the Holland Tunnel. The company was founded by Max and Ida Greenbaum on Beekman Street in 1907, moving to Varick Street in 1926. The Indispensable Walter Grutchfield has a photo of the ad in 1991, when it was considerably sharper. According to him, Beekman Paper was in business until the late 1990s.

Note that there’s still a piece of the ad that’s still quite clear at the very bottom. I wonder what happened to the rest of it. I’d imagine there was an obstruction that kept the sun from getting at it.

4/28/13

 

12 comments

scott vautrin September 9, 2015 - 11:16 am

I just discovered that my great-grandfather worked at the Beekman Paper Company. Its great to see that there is some kind of lasting legacy!!

I always wondered if someone was documenting these signs that I see every day. As an architect in New York City, I see these pieces of history slowly disappearing with new projects going up.

Reply
Rachel January 22, 2016 - 12:34 pm

Hi Scott:
I’m working on a multimedia project about these old business. I assume your grandfather is no longer alive…but should you know of anyone else who worked at Beekman, I’d love to hear from them!
Best,
Rachel

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Carolyn tunon March 2, 2017 - 8:04 pm

I worked at Beekman paper company when I was younger and everyone was amazing from the staff to the owner one of my best jobs ever…

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Deborah (Hausman) Klein November 4, 2017 - 10:15 pm

Hi Carolyn,
I just saw your comment on Beekman Paper.
My dad worked there until for over 40 years. I remember going there growing up. It was wonderful! His name was Herb Hausman.

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Kathleen (n. Barry) Bhandari May 7, 2018 - 10:00 am

I worked there 1980-1982 straight out of HS. I remember Herb Hausman – a very nice man! He worked with my uncle (James Gennity). It really was a wonderful place to work.

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glen May 17, 2018 - 5:20 pm

My father Ara Chakarian worked at Beekman for most of his professional career. I remember he used to take me to his office sometimes as a child and teen, when I would visit my grandmothers. I loved it! I have very fond memories and whenever I am downtown, I recall those days of traveling off to the city through the early morning traffic via the Holland Tunnel only to do it once again 8 hours later at the end of the day! …Never understand how he could go through all that madness of the morning and evening commute!

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Amy March 30, 2020 - 2:42 pm

My mother used to work at Beekman Paper company on Varick St when she was a young girl probably in the early 1940s
Are there pictures from that time?

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James June 9, 2020 - 4:04 am

looking through my grandmothers records for photos, my great grandfather started beekman paper company and my grandfather Theodore died when my mother was 14. will post more if i find any photos

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Osnat Goldman June 25, 2021 - 5:22 am

I worked at Beekman’s from 1965-1969
In the roll department. I’m trying to track down Walter who ran the department. Anyway I can get any information about him??
Susan

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Stewart Hacker June 13, 2022 - 12:33 pm

I worked at Beekman paper in the early 90’s unfortunately I do not have fond memories. The people that that ran the company, at the time ran it into the ground.

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Linda February 21, 2023 - 2:20 pm

Hi. I worked at Beekman Paper co at 137 Varick Street from 1966 to 1968. I would take the F train from Queens. I enjoyed every moment I worked there. I worked in the accounts receivable and sometimes on the order desk and in a great emergency I would work the switchboard, PBX 550 with the plugs and then you would ring the extension. When I was working the order desk I had the opportunity to speak with Steve from Milton Paper. We spoke for approximately 7 months on and off on the phone and then had a blind date with him on October 17, 1966. We eventually married for 53 years having 2 children and 3 grandchildren. I always treasured the memories I had a Beekman because of meeting my soul mate.

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Kevin Walsh February 22, 2023 - 9:20 am

That’s a great story.

Reply

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