Comments on: Chinatown, George Melly, Kate Meyrick and the Brilliant Chang

By: Robin

Robin — Wed, 05 Aug 2015 19:12:04 +0000

I used to frequent the ‘Happening 44′ although I am sure we used to call it just 44 Gerrard Street. In fact I married a girl that used to work there and shacked up with Jack Braceland and his wife on weekends at Five Acres, a place that I also visited a couple of times with her. Although I do remember that the clubhouse was quite a large affair. I do also believe there was a coven of witches there.

By: Ben

Ben — Wed, 21 Mar 2012 03:52:59 +0000

Excellent post. Some citations would be appreciate for those who’d like to continue researching this fascinating history. Were the quotes from Kohn’s “Dope Girls,” which you mentioned in your 2009 post?

By: Andy

Andy — Sun, 09 Oct 2011 05:47:59 +0000

Anonymous,how do you think the nickname Charlie came about?From Chang(as the author explains) it became known as Charlie Chan(for obvious reasons) to it’s more common nickname Charlie.Get it?Chang to Charlie Chan to Charlie.Before you Duuuuh!! a blog,first think.

Just needed to set the record straight here….

By: Anonymous

Anonymous — Mon, 07 Jul 2008 15:08:00 +0000

Cocaine is named ‘Chang’ after Brilliant Chang? Duuuuh!! It is so called because it’s all-too-well-known nickname of ‘Charlie’ has been extended. Ask as many users as you like – only drug historians are likely to know of Mr. Chang and his escapades.

Just needed to set the record straight here…

By: Nicola

Nicola — Sun, 30 Mar 2008 18:36:00 +0000

Ah, George Melly. They don’t make them like that anymore.

By: Jon

Jon — Tue, 18 Mar 2008 18:33:00 +0000

The track you’ve posted “Who Put the Benzedrine in Mrs. Murphy’s Ovaltine” is identified as by Slim Gaillard.
Harry “The Hipster” Gibson penned and performed the tune.

By: Roger

Roger — Tue, 18 Mar 2008 13:41:00 +0000

Very interesting stuff, I used to live in Limehouse and its history fascinates me.

It's interesting how each wave of immigrants gets painted with the same brush by the British popular press.