Handbill Handout

There is an obscure and seldom-enforced law on the books in New York City concerning the purchase and consumption of meals at fast-food establishments, diners and convenience stores. Even more obscure and lost to the mists of history is the event that forced the City Council’s hand. Not anymore. As part of this website’s redefined identity and commitment to public service, we will be exploring the little-known incidents in local history that shaped the law and culture of our land and continue to affect our daily lives even though we are completely unaware of their existence. Today we will explore the Great Egg Riot of 1896 and the subsequent Ade-Shepherd Act of 1897. Back in the 19th century New York was still a bustling port city. Incidentally, why is it that cities always “bustle”? I mean they surely do not “amble” but they do sometimes “crawl” or even “teem” and yet they are always described as “bustling” unless you’re talking about the people who are then described as “teemi...