Wes Joice

Who was Wes Joice?

John Wesley "Wes" Joice was the owner of the Greenwich Village's literary hangout, The Lion's Head, which he first opened in 1966 at 59 Christopher Street. A former minor league baseball player, policeman and P.J. Clarke's bartender, the establishment attracted writers and editors who spread the word. Joice filed for bankruptcy in 1994. The The Lion's Head closed two years later, in 1996, due to rising rents.

The place became legendary as the location where:

Lanford Wilson had scribbled a play on a napkin

Rod Steiger picked up his mail

Norman Mailer had planned his 1969 campaign for Mayor

Pete Hamill had reportedly talked Robert F. Kennedy into running for the Senate

Jessica Lange was once the second prettiest waitress on her shift