Readers Report
Amongst my fondest Brooklyn memories are those from 1952 to 1954 at Halsey Junior High School (J.H.S. 85) on Evergreen Avenue in the Bushwick section. In spite of the poverty that surrounded us, there was real education that included the arts with the sciences, history and heritage, and most of all a sense of being part of the human family. I especially remember the annual musicals put on by Mr. Lowe and Miss Wexler, and my classmate Barbara Roach, the female lead (opposite Jimmy Marino), who was every young man's secret crush, certainly mine. (Where are you now, Barbara? And where is Frank Marino who could punch a ball over the fence in left field or onto the roof in right?) My youth, forever lost (along with my hair, waistline and the bills in my wallet that my wife found), is unimportant amid good health, grandchildren and Brooklyn memories.
From '59 to '62 I lived on Madison Street near Wilson Avenue. Went to St. Barbara's School on Manahan St. and then subway'd my way to North 6th Street & Bedford Avenue to St. Francis Prep for high school. I stayed on Central & Menahan, (C&M) and later Linden & Knickerbocker. I remember Jackie Upton, Joe Tucci, George Gielman & Pat Harrigan to name a few. I remember Billy Gallo, Frank Sutera, Vinny & Tommy Papa. I also remember LaRosa Bakery, CYO dances at St. Barbara's, fights with the Stompers, the Saints and of course Halsey. I remember going to Coney Island by subway, going to Forest Park for picnics and going to Jones Beach for sweltering torture sessions in Dad's back seat. I remember jitter buggin down Myrtle Ave. looking for trouble with the Saints and hustling innocents for loose change. I remember playing Clue on Saturday mornings on my stoop. I remember Goldy's candy store and I remember Father Amos. I gotta stop or I'll never come back to Y2K.
My Brooklyn began at 2905 Farragut Road between East 29th St. and Nostrand Ave. In the early 1950s I went to P.S. 89. Barbara Streisand was in 7th grade, I was in 8th. I went to Midwood High, near Brooklyn College. We went to drive in movies, hung out at the candy store, and sang on the street corners. Life was great, and so was Brooklyn. It's the best. So are the people I grew up with. Everyone knew everyone. Our neighborhood was safe. And the people watched out for one another sorta like a family. I loved Brooklyn and always will. I left Brooklyn 30 years ago. But no matter where I go my heart will always be there.
My Brooklyn was Crown Heights.
If anyone remembers me or the things I've mentioned, please let in touch. Would love to hear from you.
Readers' reports continue . . .
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