My Brooklyn

Henry Neimark

I remember yo-yo season in Brooklyn. Not marked on any calendar or in any almanac, but somehow, one day, springtime, without any communication at all, 75% of the guys show up with yo-yos.

I remember going into Bump's candy store on Flatlands between East 89th and East 88th with 15¢ to buy a yo-yo. This was 1947. I was five. Leaving Bump's at a full run I try my hand at yo-yoing. The yo-yo slams into the sidewalk, the loop flies off my finger, and the yo-yo bounces off the curb and into the sewer where it splashes into the primordial murk which oozes and flows under Canarsie.

So here's a fact about Brooklyn that very few know. There is a primordial murk flowing and oozing under Canarsie.

I know it.

I know it because in trying to locate the treasured yo-yo which had been swallowed up by that infusium I closely observed the ebb and flow of those acrid waters and became mesmerized by the spectral display which rides its surface.

It is the final resting place of my red, Cheerio brand, spinning novelty return top known generically as a "yo-yo".

Every once in a while, when I have a little time on my hands and the spirit moves me, I drive to Canarsie. Fifty years have passed. The sewer is still there, and I go and look down into it to see if maybe my yo-yo is there. It never is. Then I turn and enter the store which was Bump's and I look for a Charlotte Russe. The Charlotte Russe is never there either.

Nikki

My Brooklyn is centered around Pitkin Ave. A long stroll down Stone Ave., cut cross Pitkin to Watkins St. There, on Watkins, nestled between the bank and the church is the Live Chicken Market. I get two fresh hens for Sunday dinner. Now I need so fish for Saturday fish & chips night. Since I'm right off of Belmont, Mullins is next.

Oh look at this Whitings and oh my what lovely Mullets too. No herring fish today, thank you. While on Belmont, I go to the Supermarket down near Rockaway for some ground beef and italian bread. I'll make Lasagna or Spaghetti for supper.

Wait! Wait! I must stop at some of these Belmont Carts for fresh vegetables and fruit. They look so good. Now for dessert, hmmmm. I feel like some cake so I'll continue down Belmont to Rockaway Ave, then go back to Pitkin Ave. There is Valencia Bakery near Woolworth. I'll have Vinnie decorate it, for (hmmmmm, oh yes!)the kids getting good report cards. It dream up any reason to eat cake. yum yum.

While he's doing that, I'll go next door for PIZZA for a calzone, or should I go down to Livonia (near Rockaway) to the Pizzeria for a gyro. So many choices with so little time. But first, I'll visit the two stores next to this pizzeria while I wait for the cake to be decorated (I mean it has to look like a real celebration, doesn't it?)

The record shop and the clothing store will provide a new dress and a new record for our family collection. (now if I could only remember the song, oh my, what is the name of that song the kids have been bugging me about?) Ummmmt this calzone is so good, I think all have a dozen zappoles for dessert. No, No, fight the urge, wait for the cake. Oh no, powder sugar all on my sweater. I always make a mess but these are good. My kids come here for lunch from J.H.S. 263 (Col David Marcus J.H.S.) on Chester St., down by Brownsville post office.

Oh I just remembered Dorothy has a booster shot on Friday at the Amboy Clinic. Then I'll go to Brooklyn Union Gas.

Readers' reports continue . . .

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