'Iron Man' of NY Shows Up at Bars and Presses Clothes for Free

Not all heroes wear capes. Some guys just iron them.

James Hook of Greenpoint, New York, is a 50-something man who's become something of a local celebrity, and for pretty good reason-- on weeknights, he brings his own ironing board to a bar called The Mallard Drake in Brooklyn and irons people's clothes for free.

I just thought that was a really fascinating civic enterprise to start.

Supposedly he irons about 20 garments a night ranging from collared shirts to slacks, or whatever else patrons bring in. If it's a slow night, he'll iron his own clothes. While he's working, he'll either chat with the person if they're up for it or zone out with his trusty iPod Shuffle.

via GIPHY

It sounds a little weird, but apparently the locals in the area have completely embraced it, praising Hook's friendly demeanor and affable personality.

People are like, 'Look, the Iron Man!' when I walk down the street with my board. It's really nice to be recognized in the neighborhood for that.

New York's 'Iron Man' has apparently been doing this on and off for years, and even founded a ironing union. For his years of public service, the city issued an official proclamation that April 23rd be named in honor of Hook's union.

Canva

If you find yourself wrinkled in Brooklyn, you can get your clothes ironed for free on Monday nights at the Mallard Drake, located at 43 Franklin Street.

Speaking of clothes, keep scrolling below for ways to save money and frustration by breaking these 11 bad laundry habits:

11 Bad Laundry Habits to Break Immediately

Save time, money, and frustration with these simple laundry life hacks.

Gallery Credit: Danielle Kootman

The Amazing Story of 11 Historic Upstate New York Bars and Taverns

There are all types of bars, lounges, clubs, inns, taverns and other assorted watering holes to enjoy a cold beer or a cocktail in Upstate New York./ These 11, though, have amazing stories to their history. Hey, did you know that the cocktail was invented in Western New York over two centuries ago? read the story here!

Gallery Credit: Chuck D'Imperio

Check Out Abandoned Dry Cleaner Building in Guilderland

WARNING: Under no circumstances should you enter this property. By doing so you risk bodily harm and/or prosecution for trespassing on private property.

It is believed this dry cleaner operated from the 1950's but has been closed since 1996. It's located on Western Avenue in Guilderland. Plans are underway to do an environmental cleanup on the property and redevelop it into apartments and commercial/retails space.

Gallery Credit: Jasonvorhees91/YouTube