Susan is a pinhead
We had always kind of wondered why Pinhead Susan's in Schenectady is called, well, Pinhead Susan's. And now we know, thanks to this video:
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Comments
Wasn't that a Ramones song? Oh wait no, that's "Sheena Is A Punk Rocker".
And for the record, I am a punk rocker too, as clearly demonstrated by my skull-and-bones shoe laces I purchased at hot topic. Grr, I hate the man!
... said Pantaloons on Jan 13, 2009 at 3:54 PM | link
When I lived in the Stockade, Pinheads was like a second home for me. One surreal moment was when Carrot Top showed up for dinner; all at once the place went quiet and everyone looked at the door to see him come in. Just as quickly, everyone ignored him. Does anyone actually think that Carrot Top is cool? Not in Schenectady, and that is to Schenectady's credit.
... said tim on Jan 13, 2009 at 6:09 PM | link
I loved seeing the pictures of the graffiti again. We must have driven past that a million times when I was growing up, and never thought it was worth taking a picture. I couldn't believe it when I heard they had actually named a bar after it. :)
... said Jon on Jan 13, 2009 at 8:30 PM | link
Schenectady often gets a bad rap so it's awesome to hear of a business owner who is so community focused and proud to be where he is today.
I had admired Billy when I was at Pinhead Susan's awhile back, not knowing at the time that he was the owner. It shows in his welcoming attitude that he loves what he does and values his customers. Being cute doesn't hurt either!
... said Harper on Jan 13, 2009 at 11:26 PM | link
I've lived away from Schenectady for 20 years, but I come back frequently and when I drive past the Amtrak station I still smile and remember "Susan is a Pinhead." Did the T-U or Gazette ever try to find out who painted it, who Susan was, and what earned her the Pinhead title? I assume the culprit would be safe - the statute of limitations has probably run out on this and, anyway, who would convict the creator of genuine Schenectady folk art?
... said Marie on May 29, 2009 at 9:07 AM | link
Oops, ignore my comment above. Finally got there, and the explanation is on the menu!
... said Marie on Jul 14, 2009 at 1:15 PM | link
It was great to see the photos of the work again. But one phase of the graffiti was omitted, it was actually a trilogy of works. between "Susan is a Pinhead" and "Susan remains to be a pinhead" there was "Susan is still a pinhead." If I recall it was the shortest lived of the 3, but still an important part of the "Susan is a Pinhead" History. I think that the Gazette wrote an article about it at some point, you should see if it is at the library or in their archives.
... said Erika on Mar 14, 2014 at 1:44 PM | link