
One observer quoted by the New York Times called it a “museum of madness and beauty.”  Over the weekend, about four dozen people came to the Bowery to say goodbye to Billy’s Antiques. After 20 years, Billy Leroy’s tent was taken down to make room for a new building. Friend of The Lo-Down’s Constanza Mirre came upon the event Saturday; Daniel Levin (one of the directors of “Dirty Old Town“) was kind enough to send her this photo, which she forwarded to us.

Here’s another image sent to us from downtown photographer Tim Schreier, who observed the funeral procession for the tent (and for the old pre-gentrified Bowery). Â Billy has told EV Grieve he plans on returning to East Houston Street and the Bowery when the new building opens for business.