It’s the most pressing topic in this city.
A well-dressed Brooklyn man spends his weeknights ironing strangers’ clothes for free at bars. He just wants to do his bit for his neighborhood while fueling his love for linen.
He’s been running on the city’s wrinkles for nearly a decade, but this everyday hero has had to weather just about the entire pandemic.
But now, Greenpoint’s beloved “Iron Man,” once recognized for his searing social conscience by Eric Adams, has risen from the fog of steam to rid us of our fashion demons.
“At a time when public services are being stripped away from us on the left, right and center, this is something that is so undervalued that no one has ever thought of making it into a public service,” says James, 50. Hook told the Post.
“I thought this was the beginning of a really fascinating civic project.”
After finishing his full-time job, Hook sets up the board at the local Mallard Drake bar on Monday nights at 8 p.m., as neighbors wait in line to steam-clean dozens of items. .
Every time he goes out, he brings an ironing board from home and carefully irons as many as 20 pieces of clothing. For small groups, he mainly creates his own clothes. If it weren’t for the waiting list, March 18th would have been Fuchs Tie Night.
Don’t worry if you don’t bring in your laundry. Hook has a “courtesy robe” to change into while pushing what you’re already wearing.
“He’s quirky, but he has energy and personality,” said first-time attendee Nick DeWitt, 38, who brought three collared shirts and was a Friendly, who wore a tuxedo and bow tie that night. Hook and I hit it off.
Hook comes with his trusty but outdated iPod Shuffle and over-the-ear headphones. He works for free at the front of the bar next to his window, playing all kinds of music, from the Beatles to his ’90s Japanese pop to Louis Armstrong’s French songs. .
Hook asks patrons about fun or big events they’ve attended wearing their clothes, and teaches them proper ironing techniques so they can press a few lines themselves. I’ll also try shuffle and headphones.
“None of it feels weird or out of place,” Margaux Allen, 23, told the Post, who brought button-downs and pleated dress collars that needed an expert touch.
“He’s very approachable and friendly. Everything is very natural.”
Needless to say, Phuc has become an integral part of the fabric of his community, having provided free services on and off for nearly a decade and founding an ironers’ association more than five years ago.
“People are Like, “Look, Iron Man!” When I’m walking down the street with my board,” added Hook, who loves superheroes and wants to habituate helping others in simple ways.
“It’s really nice to be recognized in the neighborhood for that.”
The origins of Friendly Neighborhood Ironman began many years ago when Hook acquired a few high-quality shirts from overseas and passionately learned how to properly care for them.
Hook’s good deeds not only caught the attention of some of her fellow Iron Union members, but also caught the attention of then-Brooklyn Borough President Eric Adams in 2018.
In his official city proclamation, Mr. Hizzoner declared that April 23 would be named after the union that “promotes ironing as a public service to the people of Brooklyn.” Hook proudly displays it when pressing his clothes.
But the pandemic was a big wrinkle for Ironman, who for a long time didn’t have the chance to wear nice clothes or places to fulfill his civic duties. He had no choice but to take an extended break from the board.
“It was like, you know, what happened when.” Batman leaves Gotham and the city is thrown into chaos. ”
But this month he hinted that he would return to the job on a regular basis, with even higher aspirations and public good deeds to be achieved in 2024. Beyond his display of goodwill, Hook also offers a warm connection to a city suffering from an epidemic of loneliness.
“People always loosen up a little bit when they’re surprised or let their guard down,” Hook said of how receptive people are when they see his board for the first time.
“They become softer, gentler, more human.”
Even DeWitt admitted he might not have gone out Monday night if he hadn’t appreciated Ironman’s efforts. He’s already excited to be back.
“I don’t want to get too greedy, but I’m already planning what else I can bring next week,” DeWitt said. “Worst case scenario, you’ll end up staining what you brought tonight and have to wear it heavily for the next few days.”
