My Brooklyn (320)

Tony Scarabino

Thank you for such a great web site. I read a few each day because I don't want the stories to end. The greatest thing about this is that each of us swear that our little section "is a slice of heaven" which of course makes up all of BROOKLYN.

My Brooklyn is Bay Ridge, 72nd St. between 11th & 12th Ave., from '49-'77. St. Ephraim's Parochial School, New Utrecht H.S., class of '67. Don't remember a lot of names (the '60s were a blur) but the time and place will always be magic.

I can't believe the memories that your site has provided me with in my younger years. Slap ball in Triangle Park on Fort Hamilton, sleigh riding down Dead Man's Hill in McKinley Park, splashing in the fountain pool in Leif Erickson Park. Fast Pitch stick ball (with spauldings) on the walls of St. Ephraim's. Going to Harry's Candy Store 72nd St. and Fort Hamilton or Red Apple or Maria's Pizzeria after a few games. Taking the 69th St. Ferry to the St. George Pool in Staten Island. I remember telling someone I will knock you to Canarsie. (I didn't even know Canarsie really existed or where it was.) Fortway Movie House, two movies, a bunch of cartoons, newsreels, drawings for prizes and of course the BALCONY!

Fishing down at Shore Road with a drop line for fluke and flounder. Going to White Castle for the "Belly Busters" (how many could you eat?). St. Bernadette Feast on 13th Ave. Remember the pony ride that came around and for a dime you would ride in a wagon around a few blocks? I was the kid that collected the dime from you before you got on. King Kong ride, Danny the Ice Cream man, Mr. Softee, stick ball, punch ball, slap ball, stoop ball, there was always a game going on the block.

Well thanks again for the memories. While I am living out here in Southern Calif., Brooklyn is where I will always be from. . . . .

8 January 2001

Sal Sax

Even though I left Brooklyn in 1957 just before my fourth birthday, I will always remember it for being my first environment. I can remember the sights of Union Ave. and the smell of my first summer rain as it hit the pavement around Montrose Ave., and I'll never forget the smell of the Strauss Store we lived above, the smell of new automobile tires and the tricycle I'd be pedaling between the frankfurter stand and Percy's Garage on that corner. I remember standing on that corner with my grandfather who always bought a toy for me at one of the toy shops on Broadway. . . . These are imbedded in my memory and they will stay with me forever.

8 January 2001