My Brooklyn (223)

Chuck Holston

I was fortunate to live in Brighton Beach at 3126 Coney Island Avenue, Apt. A8, from 1938 to 1948. I will forever remember the neighborhood and the people in it. There may have been better places for kids to grow up but it will take a lot of convincing to change my mind. Being only one block from the train and two from the beach is hard to beat. For a whole nickel you could go to the "City" or Coney Island. I remember going with my mom to stores that overwhelmed you with their aromas that made your mouth water in anticipation as soon as you walked in the door. Memories, I just love them.

12 November 1999

Susan Cook Lipton

Albermarle Rd. & Mcdonald Ave.

Any stories from this area? I lived here for 19 years and also have great memories of great neighbors and friends. Most of the boys (some of the girls too) became professionals, i.e., doctors and lawyers . I attended P.S. 230 and P.S. 130, and Erasmus Hall High School. I then went on to N.Y.U., where I met my husband-to-be . I have fond memories of bike riding down Ocean Parkway to Coney Island with a stop at Nathan's for a hot dog and French fries. We lived across the street from tennis courts, which became an enormous outdoor ice skating rink in the winter months. Ocean Parkway had a beautiful bridle path running from Prospect Park at the circle down to Coney Island. Sunday afternoons were the best. My parents' sister and assorted relatives would drive to Lundy's for a wonderful dinner. Driving home toward evening, we would listen to The Shadow on the car radio. These were great times and I miss them. It seems the entire neighborhood went to the same camp each summer, Indian Head. When we returned it seemed that the entire neighborhood was there to greet us. I am still in touch with some of my friends from Brooklyn. In fact, I am now going to their grandchildren's bar mitzvahs. On Friday nights my friends and I liked to go to Flatbush Avenue to see a movie at the RKO Kenmore or the Loew's Kings and take a cab home for fifty cents. I have so many more memories of Brooklyn in this idyllic time.

14 November 1999