Readers Report
I read a letter from Dan Vaccarella. He wanted to know if anyone else out there was from his world so I guess that would be me. I lived around the corner at 284 Wilson Ave. He mentioned the Halsey Bops of which I was a member. I hope that does not make me a punk like all the parents called us. Well, punks or not women never had to carry their groceries while one of us was around. And they could walk the streets alone day or night without fear. We were punks—we drank a little beer or wine if we had the money, and maybe a fight in the park. If Dan or anyone else would like to get in touch, e-mail me. My name was Mezzapella back then. I have since changed it.
20 July 1999
Where do I begin? Born in 1957, I first lived at 392 St. Johns Place (Prospect Heights).
My mother stood me up on the lobby's radiator where I sung "Let Me Call You Sweetheart" to an enraptured audience.
In 1961, we moved to a larger apartment at 201 Eastern Parkway (Adelphi Hall). My earliest memories include Ruder's department store on Washington Avenue, the laundrymat, Collin's children's store, the Sinclair bakery & the Greenpoint Savings Bank. Oh yes—the A & J supermarket. The Gardens & the Park were effectively our backyard! I also went to P.S. 241, and clearly remember the walk past Guider Park down Classon to President Street. I also remember the Pizzeria on Franklin Avenue (@ 15 cents a slice, no less!) I also remember what my parents referred to as the "Swing Park" (the Mount Prospect Park playground, up on the Glacial Ridge. (I'm sure you MUST know what I'm talking about). We used to walk to my Grandmother's house, which was at 501 New York Avenue (between Lefferts Avenue & Sterling Street). I remember riding my bike (with training wheels) there, accompanied by my father, which was fun because it was all downhill. My grandparents belonged to that little shul on New York Avenue & Malbone Street. Years later, we moved "down south"—to Kings Highway & East 14th, then East 15th & Avenue U, where my Mom still resides. I myself ended up moving to Cobble Hill, Starrett City, Bay Ridge & finally Murray Hill (yes, I defected). But great memories they all were!
27 July 1999
Hi, I've heard that there is a STURTEVANT STREET in Brooklyn. I was hoping to know whom the street was named after, anything about the family, and where the street is located. My 3rd great grandmother was Frances Eliza STURTEVANT, b. 1804 in Albany. She lived most of her life in NYC and was buried in Green-Wood cemetery in Brooklyn. I don't know anything about her STURTEVANT family. Thank you.
20 July 1999
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