Quite probably, Willy knew the lot of needlers perched in nearby barbershops. Throughout the 1930s, even with the sunken economy, tattoo artists abounded on the two-block stretch between and just surrounding Mott and Pell Streets. Forming and dissolving partnerships, hopping from one rented tattoo booth to the next, were:
Al Neville (12 Bowery)
Phil Duane (12 Bowery)
Paul Dunbar (16 Bowery)
Edgar “Ted” Hazzard (16 and 42 Bowery)
Ace Harlyn (16 Bowery)
Millie Hull (16 and 22 Bowery)
Tommy Lee (16 and 22 Bowery)
Apache Harry (22 Bowery)
Stella & Deafy Grassman (19 Bowery)
Lou Mormon (13 Bowery, 151 Park Row)
Frank Graf (151 Park Row)
Lame Leroy (11 Chatham Sq.)
Bob Wicks (9 Chatham Sq.)
Andy Stuertz (9 Chatham Sq.)
Denver Ed Smith (9 and 11 Chatham Sq.)
Joe Van Hart (9, 11 and 16 Bowery)
Charlie Wagner (11 and 16 Bowery)
Owen Jensen (Unknown location)
-Buzzworthy Tattoo