Readers Report
My Brooklyn is Bensonhurst—Bay Parkway between Benson & Bath Avenue where I grew up, the temple steps on Bay Parkway and Benson where we used to hang out, 86th Street, Irving's on 86th Street and 21st Ave. for ice cream (and Jahn's)—and before Jahn's—Woolworth's. The DeLuxe movie theatre (on Bath Ave.), where they wouldn't let the "boys" sit with the "girls." That later became a porno theatre and I think it is a bingo hall now—I'm not sure.
Still live in Brooklyn, but in Midwood now. Graduated Lafayette in 1960. Love reading all these stories—brings back good memories. My mom used to go to Bingo a few times a week, and sometimes I used to go with her. She made her rounds of all the Bingo places—especially the one on 86th Street and 24th Avenue (Roll-a-Rama), and St. Mary's on 84th Street and 21st, St. Bernadettes on 13th Avenue, etc.
We used to go to Steeplechase Park on the weekends and play ski ball in Coney Island. I remember her getting so many tickets and getting a set of dishes for them.
And the trolley cars—and 15 cent pizza, and hot dogs and Good Humor ice cream trucks. We used to eat so many ice creams. And playing stick ball in the empty lot next to us (8735 Bay Parkway) before they built 8721 Bay Parkway.
And the kid from down the block—Richie Andrusco (with a huge collie)—he starred in a movie about Coney Island (not much talking in the movie)—and one day the Daily News came and took pictures of all the kids on the block who were friends with him (my brother included)—and put the pictures in the magazine section with a story. Don't remember the name of the movie, but remember seeing it around for quite a while.
Ah—good old Brooklyn! There is something special about growing up there!
11 June 1999
Grew up in City Line area. Remember going to the Earl Theater on Sat. matinee and shopping at John's Bargain Store, the 5 and dime store, and finally growing up enough to buy my clothes at the Evelyn Shop. I got married and moved to Pine Street and then back to Elderts Lane. I originally lived in Ozone Park but did all our shopping in City Line growing up in 50s.
I still have my Brooklyn accent even now. Was born in Kings COunty Hospital, live in Florida now.
This has been a lot of fun remembering.
11 June 1999
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