Readers Report
My Brooklyn is Union Street between Troy & Schenectady Avenues. I remember stick ball games between President Street and my street. Running home from P.S. 167, hurrying up to change clothes and getting into the game.
After game we would go around the corner to Joe's Luncheonette for egg creams and/or Charlotte Russes. Across the street at Simon's candy store the best malted milks.
Lincoln Terrace Park or Kitzell Park, as it was known by all in the neighborhood was the place to hang around, play a little handball or just flirt.
I have been away from Crown Heights for more than 30 years and still miss it.
8 November 1997
I grew up on 2535 Church Avenue. Went to Holy Cross then Erasmus Hall. Remember During's Candy store on Rogers Ave, Discount City, Jahn's. I have really great memories of Brooklyn. I lived there for 25 years, and now reside in Tamarac, Florida. No comparison. I also used to live at 1666 Nostrand Avenue (between Tilden & Beverly Road), 265 East 34th Street (Between Church & Snyder Avenue). Stoop ball, skully, stickball, many schoolyard games as well.
Would love to hear from anyone from the old neighborhoods. People still make fun of my accent. I don't think I have one. As the old saying goes, YOU CAN TAKE ME OUT OF BROOKLYN, BUT YOU CAN'T TAKE BROOKLYN OUT OF ME. As I am fond of saying, there are two kinds of people in this world: those that are from Brooklyn, and those that wish they were. After reading all the letters I feel like I am home. Thanks for the memories.
9 November 1997
I was born in 1968 and grew up at 46th Street and 8th Avenue in Sunset Park. Being the youngest of seven children I had the privilege of having everyone know me even if I didn't know them. I felt secure in my early years—I went to P.S. 169 for kindergarten and then spent 8 years at St. Agatha's. I remember the old Ritz Theatre sign on 8th Avenue, the fish market across the block, and the Hasidic synagogue above Dan's Supreme. Sister Mary Beata was tough but to this day was one of the best teachers I've ever had (Yes, I know, Sister, it's "in-egg-shells-cease-day-o"!). If you were in the 5th grade with me you might have remembered that Sister Mary Barry said she "slipped" when she called me "Peter Show-off". Alphonsina, Alice and Patty, Dominick and Leah were some of my "out of school" friends. I remember holding Bible Studies with them—a look ahead to my future calling.
In my teens Sunset Park became as unwelcome to me as the turmoils that were going on in my teenage life. I went to college in Boston and found contentment but still brought new friends to visit Brooklyn, including a 17-year-old girl named Kim from south of Buffalo, NY who eventually became my wife.
My parents now live in Staten Island and only one sister, out of seven siblings, still lives in Brooklyn (in Bensonhurst). I learned independence and fortitude living in Brooklyn. I took it with me and it will stay with me always. Even though I do not want to live in Brooklyn any more, I will still treasure Brooklyn because it was my tradition, my story. My goal is to spread some of the things I've learned to multitudes of others who have never had the opportunity to grow up in Brooklyn; things I learned from Brooklyn people, such as generosity, hospitality, a "hello" when walking by even though you don't know someone from Adam, etc. The good memories will linger on. It was my youth.
14 November 1997
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