Readers Report
My Brooklyn is a place where I knew everyone and everyone knew me. I lived at 916 Carroll Street across from P.S. 241.
I actually read every letter that was submitted here and would like to tell Rona Macy I remember her and I remember Gary Ostrow. I also remember Owen Joyner who wrote in although I doubt if he remembers me. I was friends with so many people and will try to name the ones that stand out the most. If Owen does read this I do know Eddie Dworkin lives in Fort Lauderdale and is a veterinarian. I miss the person who I thought would be my best friend forever, Debbie Sussman, who now lives in Oklahoma. I would love to hear from other close friends. Guess I should list them: Barbara Goldstein, who I know lives in Princeton, N.J.; June Brodish; Lola Abt; Robert Feinstein; Steven Offenbach; Mark Mickenberg; oh gosh so many from P.S. 241 and Lefferts J.H.S. Sam, David, Roberta Cohen, Jeff, Lewis Wedeen. I know I am leaving out so many people and will probably remember them after I submit this. I remember hot summer nights that kept us outside until late and women sitting on chairs. I moved away when I was 13 to W. 5th St. and attended Mark Twain J.H.S. and later Abraham Lincoln H.S. My first love was Billy. My two closest friends were Paula and Sherry and I have not lost touch with them. We had some great times and I don't think I would have gotten through my childhood without them. I miss Carol, Marlene, Fran, Roberta, Marcia and all the good times we had skating on Sunday mornings at Prospect Park.I wonder what happened to Don Procyk. I have to end this or I will ramble on forever. If you do know me just get in touch.
13 June 1999
I was born in Utica Hospital on April 15, 1948. My family (parents and older sister) and I lived at 214 Buffalo Avenue. This is about all I remember since I was just about a year old when we moved to Florida. I haven't been back to Brooklyn in probably 30 years, would love to see a picture of my old street.
15 June 1999
I grew up in the Gowanus Projects, at the corner of Bond and Butler Sts.— about a half block from the terminus of the Gowanus Canal. I went to St. Agnes Parochial School (but played some basketball at P.S. 32) and then to Brooklyn Prep High School. I left Brooklyn 30 years ago this week and reading your website and the responses of others has brought back a flood of memories. Many of my memories have been also recalled by other— "Spaldeen" balls for stickball, Pimple balls for punchball, Skelley, Johnny on the Pony, Ring'o-Levio, chocolate egg creams, knishes at Coney Island (Nathan's!),Steeplechase the Funny Place, Needicks hot dogs, Duke Schnieder. Does anyone remember when they used to stock the lake in Prospect Park with fish and have a fishing contest for kids in the summer? Perhaps the mid- to late 50s—most of the fish were dead after a week or so and it was easier to pick them out of the water than catch them on a hook, but I had my 25-cent bamboo pole. Someone else mentioned Three Steps to the King . . . I thought for sure that was local to my neighborhood. I guess we Brooklynites had a culture after all. If anyone from either the Prep or St. Agnes, or the 'hood, would care to contact me, I would love to hear from you.
18 June 1999
What is it about Brooklyn that never lets you go? I'm from Williamsburg, I moved 10 years ago. But I always feel like I'll come back. It was the best place to grow up in and the best friends I've ever had yet.
19 June 1999
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