Pocket Warmers & Survival: The Hidden Story of Manhattan’s “Mickies” Hot Potatoes
This rare photo from 1892 captures a street vendor in Manhattan selling hot potatoes — a common and beloved street snack at the turn of the 20th century.
These steaming spuds were often called “Mickies”, a nickname tied to their Irish origin. The name came from the Irish potato variety used, and in old New York slang, “Mick” was a term (often derogatory) for Irish immigrants, especially Protestants.
Ironically, this same variety of potato was the cause of The Great Irish Famine (1845–1849), a tragedy that uprooted millions. But in New York City, it became a source of warmth and comfort — quite literally.
Back then, people didn’t just eat hot potatoes. They carried them in their pockets during the brutal winters, using them as hand warmers. Functional and filling.
Today, it’s a reminder of how something as simple as a potato can hold layers of history — migration, survival, resilience, and adaptation. 🥔
