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Comments: |
Dennis Doyle From:
Richmond Hill, NY E-mail:
webmaster@richmondhillhistory.org |
To Will Bremmer:
The horse stables at Forest Park still operate.
Dixie Dew Stables, 88-11 70th Rd,
Forest Hills, NY 11375, 718-263-3500. Lynn's Riding School, 88-03
70th Rd, Forest Hills, NY 11375, 718-261-7679.
Enjoy the ride!
Added: September 2, 2010
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Comments: |
Gail Dawson From:
Richmond Hill E-mail: |
We are all very passionate
about our home, Richmond Hill. Past, present, and future!
Added: September 2, 2010
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| Submitted by |
Comments: |
Mike Romano From:
USA E-mail: |
Paul La Vecchia,
I'm from a different branch of the Romano family tree, but like
you, know just about every corner of Richmond Hill, and still have
very fond memories of the place.
This website is a great place to connect with people like yourself,
who share those memories, and treasure the past, and "tell it like
it is"!... so, from one hyphenated-American to another, "Saluti,
e buona fortuna"!
Added: September 2, 2010
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| Submitted by |
Comments: |
Shannon Cameron From:
Kennesaw, Georgia E-mail:
smc5924@students.kennesaw.edu |
I am working on a research
project that centers around Joan Newton Cuneo.
I believe that she was a resident of Richmond Hill at some point
in her life but have not been able to narrow anything concise down.
I am hoping that I can garner some assistance.
Added: September 1, 2010
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| Submitted by |
Comments: |
mary johnson From:
Long Branch NJ E-mail: mjohnson@pershing.com |
Would anyone know the Feluren
family?
I think they lived in Richmond Hill a long time ago around 110th
St? Sam Feluren, Esther Feluren and their children, Ann Feluren,
and Leo Feluren. Thank you
Added: September 1, 2010
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| Submitted by |
Comments: |
Dennis Doyle From:
Richmond Hill, NY E-mail:
webmaster@richmondhillhistory.org |
To Peter Pennington:
Yes, Richmond Hill indeed had a street named Beech Street which is
now 120 St.
Beech Street (circa 1911) would be located today on 120th Street between
Jamaica Avenue and 84th Avenue in Richmond Hill, NY. The name Birch
Street would be for 120th Street south of Jamaica Avenue.
Added: August 31, 2010
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| Submitted by |
Comments: |
Dennis Doyle From:
Richmond Hill, NY E-mail:
webmaster@richmondhillhistory.org |
Hi Andy Shea:
Great to read your recent comments. Please say hi to Kevin McLernon
for me (he may not remember me though). If my memory is correct, we
used to work together as busboys at the Hofbrau.
Also, I do not know why I remember this but our beloved dear friend
Louis Pante used to tease Kevin McLernon with the name "Salty Parker"
and rub his cheeks if I recall. When I asked Louie what is that all
about, he would not give me specifics but just said it had something
to do with what happened in class or school at HCJ.
I hope by now, what ever it meant, that if you mention this to Kevin,
I truly hope it only puts a huge smile across those "salty" cheeks.
Added: August 31, 2010
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Ann Downs From:
Louisa Va E-mail: cilldara08@yahoo.com |
I was born on 102 St. my
parents are both deceased and I don't know what ave...
anyway I am looking for Connie Mistretta, she had ran the family
dry cleaning business on Atlantic Ave. and I think about 117th St...
there was a church around the corner...
does the name Mistretta ring a bell with anyone? I loved Richmond
Hill
Added: August 31, 2010
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Comments: |
andrew shea From:
Hartsdale NY E-mail: sheamerc90@aol.com |
Hello fellow RH folk.
I haven't posted in awhile but was to curious to see who was going
to the HCJ reunion. I keep in contact with Kevin McLernon '67 and
he will be attending with his sisters Patty, Nancy, and Mary.
I was happy to see the post from Rick Ohle. Rick you lived next
door to the shea's on 106th street. We used to go to Belle Harbor
with you and your family along with your mom Mary's brother and
sister... a good Irish name that escapes me. I think one of them
was in the clergy. Do you remember when your 3rd floor went on fire!
Big excitement on 106. I remember how beautiful your house was on
113th street . It does not surpise me that it was an original it
was very grand.
Sorry to hear about your parents and sister. We lost our parents
and my sister Kathleen (car crash 1993 at 37) she is sorely missed.
My brother Jack, Mamroneck NY, was just ordained a Deacon, Michael
is CPA in SC, Billy is a loan officer in Dallas and Mary Ellen lives
near Peoria Ill. selling adverising space for local newspapers.
I live in Hartsdale NY and am a school social worker with a private
practice.
We had wonderful times growing up in RH... from all the fun on 106th
street where everyone stayed on the block playing army, coco-monster,
ring alevio, stick ball, kick the can, stoop ball, etc. To the days
at Jackson Pond playing basketbal touch and tackle football... and
later on drinking schaffer beer at the upper log.
I hope to see many of you (Billy Heaney, Rob Ranis) on this site
at the HCJ reunion. Rick (who was once called Ricky) please pass
my regards on to Bill, John, Steve, and Tom. Andrew Shea
Added: August 31, 2010
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| Submitted by |
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Paul La Vecchia From:
Delray Beach, Florida E-mail:
dodgerman25@yahoo.com |
To Mike Romano:
Kudo's on your remarks, and Ms Emanuele's also. Mike are you related
to the Romano's who use to live on 115 st. (95-38)? I lived there
many moons ago.
To Peter Pennington:
Yes, some of the numbered streets in R.H. were previously named
streets. One that comes to mind was 101st ave. (I believe it was
Jerome ave.)
Someone on this site should be able to help you with name streets.
Good Luck.
Added: August 31, 2010
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| Submitted by |
Comments: |
Mike Romano From:
USA E-mail: |
It seems my recent comments
re: the "state of the neighborhood" touched a few raw nerves.
To those of you who took my comments as honest appraisal of the
facts, no further explanation is needed. For those who have pointed
to the ever changing ethnic makeup of "the New York neighborhood",
it should be noted that some have brought with them contributions
and advancements which have improved the quality of life for the
community as a whole. They valued the opportunity to be Americans
first, while still maintaining a more personal connection to their
ethnic roots, rather than ignoring the customs and social behavior
of those who welcomed them, and that includes in no small part learning
the language.
And as to Dan Rainis' offer to tour the neighborhood and offer his
services as bodyguard, I was born and raised in Richmond Hill, and
lived there for better than the last 45 years, so I've seen the
changes firsthand, and don't need you to "clear things up" for me.
I'll let your comments stand on their own merit, or lack therof...
Added: August 30, 2010
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| Submitted by |
Comments: |
Margaret Emanuele From:
richmond Hill E-mail: |
Hi, I so agree with Dan Rainis:
This is still a great area, beautiful homes, I love it here, I have
great neighbors. My block is still beautiful, the only downfall
is that where losing our beautiful old trees when we have a bad
storm. its a community, and a very safe place to raise a family.
Added: August 30, 2010
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| Submitted by |
Comments: |
John Celauro From:
Long Island E-mail: |
Saw someone mention the Good
Humor Ice Cream truck. Ahh... what an adventure I had way back when...
In the old days, The Good Humor truck came around daily and one
of the things the driver offered was a "Day in the Good Humor Truck"
with him. You had to be good (or a good buyer) to get invited to
sit in the truck and go on the driver's route with him for the day.
One day Joe the driver (or whatever his name was) picked me. Yes,
me. I was so excited. I went with him all over the neighborhood
and helped him in his daily routine.
I would ring the bell, hand out the Toasted Almonds, Eclairs (or
what have you) ice cream bars to the customers as Joe stuck his
frozen arm in the truck to retrieve them. He had two doors, a rear
one and a side one. He never seemed to know where anything was because
he would always open both doors to find the specific ice cream bar
the kid wanted. (Bad inventory control I guess.)
Anyway, he would hand me the ice cream to give to the kid who was
buying it. All the while the frozen vapor from the open door obsuring
Joe's face, as he stuck his head into the cavity of the truck, sort
of like a lion tamer sticking his head into the lion's mouth. I
had to be 9 or 10 years old. It was so exciting.
Fast forward 50 years... first off, my mother would never allow
me in any Good Humor ice cream truck with no seat belt, ringing
any bells while sitting next to a frozen arm pervert driver. She
would say "Sure, no wonder they call him the Good Humor Man, you're
not going in any truck". Times change. Bet they got seat belts now.
Added: August 30, 2010
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| Submitted by |
Comments: |
peter pennington From:
stansted england E-mail: prpflendishstansted@yahoo.com |
Could some kind person in
richmod hill please help me?
I live in England but my grandmother's brother - James T Macarthur
lived at 515 Beech St., Richmod Hill. There is an article in the
archives of the NYT about a divorce in 1911 and which gives that
address. He was a house building contractor and family legend says
he was responsible for building a lot of Queens.
I cannot find Beech St on maps or google of Richmond Hill. Where
was or is it and can anyone please help me to read up anymore about
him.
He is buried in Greenwood and I do not know of any family in NYC.
Thanks.
Added: August 30, 2010
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| Submitted by |
Comments: |
Paul La Vecchia From:
Delray Beach, Florida E-mail:
dodgerman25@yahoo.com |
Mr. Richmond Hill:
Nobody, expecially me ever said RH was a slum. People like you who
put words in other peoples mouths is not very nice.
It's great you live there all these years, and every Hillite wished
they (including me) could move back.
But do me a favor, don't call me or anyone else any names when you
really don't know the person. Maybe you are one of the reasons people
left. In the future refer to people on this site by their names.
But please don't think you know the Hill any better than anyone
else who's lived there during the good times.
P.S.: I lived on the "North Side" of The Hill. I've been everywhere.
There's absolutely no area you could possibly take me I don't know.
I know the beauty and the beast of RH.
As far as being afraid, never happen. As for being a hyphenated
American, I'm proud.
Added: August 30, 2010
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| Submitted by |
Comments: |
April Koster From:
Richmond Hill E-mail: |
While it can't be denied that
Richmond Hill is not the same place we fondly remember, I have to
agree with Dan's comments about having it trashed from afar.
I'm still here, but on the north side where there are still some nice
sections along the borders of Forest Hills and our sister town of
Kew Gardens. As I read the comments about how great Richmond Hill
was years ago, I can't help but wonder, So why did you all leave?
Wouldn't it be fairly close to the way it used to be if the majority
of the former residents stayed? I guess the grass really is always
greener someplace else.
Added: August 30, 2010
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Comments: |
Vince Glasser From:
Claremore, Ok E-mail: vinceglasser@cox.net |
Matt Wasilewski:
I remember you from hangin out with Pat Carmody. His grandmother lived
next door to Steve Seyster. I remember you from the summers Pats cousin
Tommy Neff came to stay. I remember days playing stickball from 8:00
in the morning until it was too dark to see the ball anymore. After
someone would hit the ball up on a roof we'd put our money together
and run around to Rupecks(that little deli on 95th & 124St) and get
a new Pensy Pinky. I think they cost 25 cents.
We had quite a crowd. It was a great childhood.
Added: August 30, 2010
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| Submitted by |
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Robert Jones From:
va E-mail: rev047@aol.com |
was great growing up here...
lived here from '50 to '64... went to St. Teresa till '64... Remember
uncle jacks toy store, st. Johns restaurant, mr. softee coming down
the block everyday... lived on 125th st and 97th ave...
looking for some old friends from here... always enjoy thinking
back on the good times.
Added: August 29, 2010
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| Submitted by |
Comments: |
George W Pett From:
Valdosta, Georgia E-mail:
georgepett@bellsouth.net |
Due to the Miracle of goggle
earth, and street level maps, anyone can virtually drive around
Richmond Hill at anytime, from anywhere.
I did just that, looking for recognizable signs of the neighborhood
I grew up in, wondering if any of the folks and families that I
knew as a kid still lived there? Is it me, or limitations of the
google camera, that makes the streets look much narrower than before?
I looked for the familiar front porches that were so welcoming to
neighbors that now are all closed in! The business now are mostly
protected by security gates, and where once Bakerys, Delicatessens
and markets used to display their goods promenently in their windows,
now there is very little of that to be seen! (I'm speaking primarily
of Jamaica Avenue from Woodhaven to Van Wyck, all along Hillside
and Lefferts - not much of the old neighborhood to be seen!)
But, realistically, this is saddly true of just about any place!
Does anyone know of a place that is better now than 30-40-50 years
ago? We could as New Yorkers look and see - a New Coney Island,
and greatly improved districts in lower Manhattan, but for the most
part its all gone downhill!
I have lived in south Georgia for 30 years now since retiring from
the Air Force, and we have a lot of people moving here now out of
Florida, saying how bad it is getting there!
My Uncle Ed moved down to New Port Ritchie when he was in his mid
70's from Floral Park, and after about a year he was ready to move
back! Philisophically, I believe God wants us to look forward, and
not backward, so I am happy with the good memories I hold in my
heart and mind, of the families and friends in the community, all
affectionately remembered and stored in my personal time-capsule...
Wishing somehow, just one more time, we could all just show up together,
on any given Friday or Saturday, at Jahns ice cream parlor, after
seeing a double feature movie at the RKO Keiths, or meet up and
walk down Jamaica Avenue, (or Liberty Avenue) together after school.
Maybe with the guys gathering on the corner and try singing harmony,
all sweet memories to cherish indeed! What we have is a gift! Treasure
that! God Bless each one of you, where ever you are now, and look
forward with great anticipation and excitment to the New neighborhood
that The Lord has promised that we shall live in! One that will
never run down or deteriorate, and our friends will never grow old
or die!
Like good wine cheers and warms the heart, good memories do as well!
So I raise my glass of memories in a toast of thanksgiving for the
gift we have all been given "To the Hill that was, and to the Hill
that will be!" Salute...!
Added: August 29, 2010
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| Submitted by |
Comments: |
Jim Delvers From:
Oregon E-mail: JimDelvers@Comcast.net |
"Mr. Softy" was the other
ice cream truck.
Added: August 29, 2010
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| Submitted by |
Comments: |
Frank Sgambati From:
Whitestone, NY E-mail: |
I recently was told about
this site and I skimmed thru it quickly for now, but soon I'll look
at it more closely.
With that in mind, I'll say that what caught my attention was a
comment that the neighborhood changed and not for the better. Years
ago, many years ago, the streets and sidewalks were immaculate.
Raked and broom swept was the rule rather than the exception. Now
when it rains or the wind blows that is how the place gets cleaned
up.
As a limo driver I occasionally pass thru the blocks I grew up on:
Liberty Ave., Lefferts Blvd., and the surrounding blocks. What a
difference between the ethnic make up from then to now and how the
properties are generally maintained.
In years past on a summer night you could hear the juke box from
the ice cream parlor. Now the sounds are more like tortured cats
howling. Sad to say it, but I don't see this community ever regaining
it's former place as a place to call home for a proud society as
it once was. I come from the South side, 107 & 133 where there were
stick ball games, roller hockey, ring-o-leaveo, skully, and anything
else you could play on the streets.
Joe, the Bungalow Bar ice cream man hit my block twice a day, John
from Good Humor did it once as did another vendor whose name I forget.
A dime bought you a piece of heaven during those hot Summer days.
My neighbor left a glass tumbler near his garden hose so the Sanitation
crew could get a drink. Those days there were three guys to a truck
which was the chain and bar conveyor type.
Anyone remember Duggans bread truck where the driver stood up while
doing his house to house route? I remember my father would burn
the fallen leaves at night to reduce the amount of trash to be picked
up.
Being so close to the South Ozone border, I went to PS 121, and
then to St. Teresa on 130 St. untill 1960, then on to John Adams
HS on Rockaway Blvd. After that, the US Navy. more to come...
Added: August 29, 2010
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| Submitted by |
Comments: |
Mike Ryan From:
Mattituck, NY E-mail: |
To Mike Romano and others
who agree,
I think if one is going to be TOTALLY honest, and not just applaud
these comments, is that those of us who agree are more uncomfortable
with the ethnic and racial diversity that is NOT western european
than we are with the condition of the houses and front lawns.
Brooklyn has gone through a renaissance and many glorious brick
and brownstone homes have been renovated to their former glory.
In Richmond Hill, the homes except as you approach Park Lane South
were simple smaller frame houses, many now approaching 100 years
old. Many have been modified and enlarged to support the new Hillite's
concept of extended family under one roof. We don't like to speak
about it, but Irish immigrants found prejudice when moving to the
mostly German Richmond Hill in the late 1800s, and Italians that
followed in large waves from 1905-1920 encountered the same prejudice
from the Irish and Germans who arrived before them.
Many neighborhoods in Queens are more unstable ethnically and racially
because for the most part, Queens is a gateway borough to America.
People come here, often prosper, and leave for other places. To
degrade its current condition we would likely have to retreat and
find that ethnicities that who arrived in Richmond Hill before us
didn't care much for us either. The only difference is that for
the most part, we were caucasian europeans, and the new Hillites
are more diverse in their skin color and where they hail from.
So, yes Richmond Hill has changed a lot from when we were kids.
The reality is that it's always been changing and there were times
when our ancestors who represneted a newer ethnicity were not so
welcome either by those more established here.
Added: August 29, 2010
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| Submitted by |
Comments: |
Matt Wasilefsky From:
Phoenix, AZ E-mail: mattwasilefsky@hotmail.com |
This reply is for Vince Glasser.
I do remember you. You were one of the mini bike guys down on the
end of 123 street.
How wierd that you remembered the ball gettin stuck in the car.
I forgot all about that until you brought it up. That was funny
how that happened. We laughed all day
Added: August 29, 2010
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Dan Rainis From:
Richmond Hill (not a slum) E-mail: |
Mr Florida,
Having lived in Richmond Hill for 44 of my 47 years I am insulted
by your ridiculous comments. Has the neighborhood changed, of course,
what neighborhood hasn't. Is it a slum or unsafe, NO.
There are many fine people still living here who care for their
homes and neighborhood. Some of us haven't fled like many of you
have. Come visit again some time, I'll walk the neighborhood with
you and show you how fine it still is, don't be scared I'll protect
you.
I also don't chose to go through life as a hyphenated American.
Added: August 28, 2010
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edward bornschein From:
east rockaway ny E-mail: eddieb1222@aol.com |
to jim burke my boat thief
buddy and any one else that lived in the hill.
the diner on atlantic ave was and still is on 112 st. i lived on
112 st as a kid in the fiftys when they bought the diner there on
a huge trailer.
does any one remember sheffield farms on atlantic and 130 st and
reo moving co on 125 st and 101 ave?
Added: August 28, 2010
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| Submitted by |
Comments: |
Teresa laughrun From:
Ventura, Calif E-mail: mstreloren@yahoo.com |
Did a Rita Demayo go to this
school?
Mother Jean and father Lenoard and sister Lenora. Graduated around
1957, '58, '59. She is a family member that I'm trying to locate.
Thanks.
Added: August 28, 2010
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| Submitted by |
Comments: |
Richie Schmidt From:
Boynton Beach, FL E-mail: |
Suprising that the diner
debate has had no mention of St. Johns on Liberty Ave.
Added: August 28, 2010
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| Submitted by |
Comments: |
Edi Beckler Goldberg From:
Palm Beach, Fl. E-mail: lv2trvlny@aol.com |
No one loved living in Richmond
Hill more than I did.
Times were simple and safe. (I lived there from 1947 to 1970.) I
could ride my bike from Van Wyck and Liberty to Crossbay Blvd.,
weaving in and out of streets and roads. Also from 111th Avenue
to Jamaica Avenue, and many in between. Smokey Park was our place
for recreation and socialization. The Lefferts and Casino Movie
Theaters were our places of "culture".
The schools that I attended were some of New York's finest... P.S.55,
P.S. 121, and R.H.H.S. '65 (The teachers I had inspired me to be
a N.Y.C .teacher.)
One could walk all the way down to the A train station, and take
it into Brooklyn, or ride to Rockaway Beach. The Red and Green Bus
lines got you to your destination.
It was fun to be able to know the storekeepers on a first name basis.
There were many different ethnic types back then too. Some people
did not even speak English. However, there was a common ground among
all of them: respecting each other's differences and property. Police
and Firemen were revered.
The world is upside down and there are other values now. Richmond
Hill is only one town which has fallen victim to the "new morality
". Do not pinpoint any one neighborhood in particular as being the
best or worst. Of course those people who lived and loved in R.H.
would like it to be the same as it was when we they growing up,
myself included. (I was there for a reunion in 2005.) Nothing stays
the same. That is why there may be hope for our beloved town.
Mike Romano... please contact one of us to let us know you are ok.
Someone was asking for you and left me a message.
Added: August 28, 2010
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| Submitted by |
Comments: |
Robert Sheridan From:
TX E-mail: |
Any memories of the ice cream
man, Angelo?
I believe at times he would even come into the school yard at HCJ
at lunchtime and sell ice cream. Don't ask me why his name just
came to mind!
Added: August 28, 2010
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| Submitted by |
Comments: |
John Saladino From:
Wantagh, NY E-mail: jssdino@verizon.net |
Will: Yes the bridal path
is still there and the horses are still in service.
I believe the stables are in the same place. Visit: http://www.nycgovparks.org/facilities/horseback
Added: August 27, 2010
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| Submitted by |
Comments: |
Jim Burke From:
Long Beach, CA E-mail: |
You're not really old unless
you remember the barn with the milk wagon horses on Atlantic. My
sisters gave them names.
Added: August 27, 2010
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| Submitted by |
Comments: |
Bob Winter From:
Huntington Beach, CA E-mail: |
Well it seems everyone had
a great time at the reunion.
As for the diners on 111th st and Atlantic ave. You are right on
about the best eggs, home fries and bacon, plus coffee and cheap,
well at 2 in the morning after a long night of partying.
Added: August 27, 2010
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| Submitted by |
Comments: |
Robert Sheridan From:
Austin, TX E-mail: |
To Will Bremmer:
If I am not mistaken, the two stables were Dixie Dew and Parkside.
I may be wrong but those are the names that come to mind. It was
always a thrill to see the horses while running through the woods.
Don't have a clue if they are still there.
Given liability issues in this day and age my guess is that they
are no more.
Added: August 27, 2010
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| Submitted by |
Comments: |
Paul La Vecchia From:
Delray Beach, Florida E-mail:
dodgerman25@yahoo.com |
Will Bremmer:
Yes they still exist. At least "Dixie Doo" does. Maybe the name
may have changed, but I saw the new wooden rails they put up in
Forest Park. They dug out trails too. I use to ride with my friends
back then, what fun it was.
Go to the soldier, walk up the hill and you can see the new paths
they built. Unless they changed it since '05, it should be there.
Added: August 27, 2010
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| Submitted by |
Comments: |
Paul La Vecchia From:
Delray Beach, Florida E-mail:
dodgerman25@yahoo.com |
Mike Romano:
Nobody has more respect for the HILL than me. I am totally correct
in my assessment. I spoken to quite few of my friends who grew up
there and they agree with me 100%.
However, hopefully the town will re-bound down the road. Yes it
is diverse w/many many new peoples. Would you really bring up your
children up there right now the way the it is, I don't think so.
As for Italian-American as I am, we brought a lot of class to the
area along with our Irish, German, and other ethnic friends.
I'm sorry, you are incorrect with your analogy. The place is not
the SAME. I would not in the condition it is now move back. However,
we both know how beautiful it once was, and that is the memory I
will always cherish.
Mike, you would actually walk with your family along Jamaica Ave,
and feel comforatble? I don't think so.
Added: August 27, 2010
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| Submitted by |
Comments: |
Bill Heaney From:
lincroft new jersey E-mail:
btjk35@aol.com |
Mike Romano...
your dead on with your statements... the neighborhood is gone...
the new people are not european and have no respect for there homes...
all they do is live in it... theres no up keep no gardens, and no
paint brushes... lol... but I still call it home... it was once
a great place to live
Added: August 27, 2010
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| Submitted by |
Comments: |
Dennis Mooney From:
Redondo Beach, Ca. E-mail:
moon6666@verizon.net |
The name of the stables in
Forest Park was "Dixie Stables".
As a kid I would get there early on saturday mornings to help clean
out the stables and saddle the horses. My pay was 3 hours of free
riding.
Added: August 26, 2010
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| Submitted by |
Comments: |
Dave O'halloran From:
Chatam, nj E-mail: |
Re mike romano's comments
It takes honesty and heart to express what many of us feel from
such a great place to live and grow up. It was the very best and
no one nor time will take away.
Dave O, 126th st and 101st (liberty) ave. St. Bennie's 61 and Molloy
65.
Added: August 26, 2010
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| Submitted by |
Comments: |
William "Will" Bremmer
From: South Brunswick, NJ E-mail: |
Does anyone remember the
horses in Forest Park?
Do the stables still exist? I remember seeing them as a kid and
always wanted to ride a horse through Forest Park.
I plan to visit nearby in Great Neck, Nassau L.I. for 1 week in
September (Labor Day weekend) and would be willing to finally make
a dream come true if it is possible.
Added: August 26, 2010
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| Submitted by |
Comments: |
Gail Metz From:
Pennsylvania E-mail: |
I wondered if anyone who
went to St. Benedict Joseph Labre School on 117th Street remembers
Donald Edwards and his sister, Mary?
They moved around 1951-52 to New London, CT. We lost touch and I'd
really love to reconnect with them now. I lived across the street
from them on 116th Street. Gail Metz
Added: August 26, 2010
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| Submitted by |
Comments: |
Mike Romano From:
Once there, Now here E-mail: |
Paul La Vecchia,
I had to write in after reading your honest, politically incorrect
comments about the embarrassing decline of the once noble place
called Richmond Hill.
The truth is undeniable, like it or not-the decay of the neighborhood,
like so many other proud suburban enclaves throughout Queens and
Brooklyn, seems to be directly linked to the fading influence of
the once ubiquitous European American influence- yes, I'm stating
the obvious, what we all know in our hearts to be true, but have
been stifled from expressing in today's social climate...
I'm proud of what my Italian-American ancestors, along with German,
English, Irish, Polish, and all other European people have contributed
to the quality of life in our local communities and the country
as a whole!
Neighborhoods were safe, clean, and a great place to raise children
in the tradition of their parents and grandparents. I'm sorry to
say that today I can walk from one end of Jamaica Avenue to the
other, and I'd be hard-pressed to hear more than a handful of conversations
spoken in English- yes, does anybody remember English?
Listening to today's social commentary, you'd think it was somehow
wrong to cherish being an American who embraces the values upon
which this country was built- hard work, respect for the family,
which included a mother and father married to one another, and friends
and neighbors too proud to take a free ride on their medicaid and
benefits cards...
Richmond Hill is still a great place to visit, provided you have
a time machine in which travel to the past, or you visit this website
and connect with the people who remember how proud they once felt
to call Richmond Hill home.
Added: August 26, 2010
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Mike Hedler From:
sevierville tn. E-mail: mikkat@wildblue.net |
Paul that is correct,
Your Dad made a catcher out of me like it or not, great memories.
Added: August 24, 2010
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Bill Heaney From:
lincroft new jersey E-mail:
btjk35@aol.com |
Paul, I guess I was in the
6th grade to the 8th grade, so that had to be about 1965 to 1967...
Mr demayo was one of my coaches... he lived on 98st... think his
son mickey was our center fielder... and ox polker also was on the
team... lol... man have to think way back on those guys...
remember the parade start at the chase manhatten bank on forest
park drive... one thing about rich haven they had great uniforms...
Added: August 24, 2010
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Deirdre Caulfield From:
Dublin, Ireland E-mail: |
Glad I found this website.
I lived in Richmond Hill briefly during the 1970s while attending
St. Johns University. I'll never forget getting lost at Union Turnpike.
So many buses.
But I truly loved living there (Lefferts Boulevard and I think 91st
Avenue). I was in the center of everything. University, JFK Airport,
Jamaica Ave, Queens Boulevard, Parks, Subways to Manhattan. I plan
to visit again.
Added: August 23, 2010
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Robert (Bob) Van Nostrand
From: Calif. (L.A.) County E-mail:
rvan70@aol.com |
Lived 101-31 130th Street,
south of 101st Ave.
Attended R.H.H.S. until 1946... Whew, that seems like a log time
ago. Don't recognize any of the names logged in here...
Added: August 23, 2010
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Paul La Vecchia From:
Delray Beach, Florida E-mail:
dodgerman25@yahoo.com |
Mike Hedler: I think it was
the Giants.
I believe you, me, and my brother Tom were on the same team.
Billy Heaney: What years did you play in RHLL?
Just spoke to Mike Landers who lives in Mississippi (yes that Mississippi)
LOL. We spoke for while about the Hill. He worked in Harry's Deli
62-65 and lived on 108th between Jam ave and 89th ave. Great Chat.
Checked out the Wall St journal article, what a joke. To say the
neighborhood (especially Jamaica ave) is getting better is crazy.
It has deteriorated to a slum. I was embarassed to parade my wife
around back in 2005.
The only area still beautiful is the Park. Most of the north side
of Jam Ave. was somewhat in tact. The European heritage is gone.
Added: August 23, 2010
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Danny Roth From:
Norwalk, CT E-mail: |
I grew up near Metropolitan
Ave and Lefferts Blvd. Enjoyed all the comments on the website.
It truly brought me back. Hoffbrau, Jahns, and RKO Keith, I will
always cherish. Thanks!
Added: August 23, 2010
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Anthony Mancaruso From:
Homosassa Florida E-mail:
amancaruso@tampabay.rr.com |
Have been missing lately.
I like to look and go back to my childhood in Richmond Hill.
My father served in World War I and received the purple heart for
his wounds. I remember the parades with the American Legion to Forest
Park and the Monument. We were so proud and thought this country
was the one and ONLY.
Keep up the good work and the memories alive.
Added: August 22, 2010
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Dennis Doyle From:
Richmond Hill, NY E-mail:
webmaster@richmondhillhistory.org |
Melissa Collins:
I have forwarded your request to Carl Ballenas, our local historian.
He is also an Officer for the Friends
of Maple Grove.
If he has further information, he will certainly reply back to you.
Added: August 22, 2010
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melissa collins From:
richmond hill queens E-mail:
mpelle4870@aol.com |
My Great Grandfather was
a Laborer on the L.I.R.R. out of richmond hill in 1870. His name
was patrick callan, how can I get any info. on that.
Also his children went to the early school 1875 that was opened
september 16th, under the care of miss ella g. gale. Where and how
can I get any information on my family?
They lived on 111th. st. in 1867 then moved to 112th. st. They are
all buried in maple grove cemetery queens.
Thank you for any help. Melissa C.
Added: August 22, 2010
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Jim Lovett From:
Rockland, Maine E-mail: mrpig55@yahoo.com |
John Trainor, good to hear
from a neighbor.
Names don't ring a bell but it's been many years. Memory is going.
Hung out at the schoolyard til 72-73, graduated to the liquid hangouts.
On 125th st. by school there was a brother and sister named George
and Janice. On 124th right by school, Rob Morelli lived. We played
sponge ball there, too many windows and houses. Played hand ball
in back of school by the ramp that went into the yard.
We use to "borrow" 6 packs of Piels from the Key Food on 101st av.
When we had money we got an OLDER teenager to buy Yago Sangria.
They were ONLY 89 cents a bottle then.
If you can remember more let me know I'll jar my memory more.
Added: August 21, 2010
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edward bornschein From:
east rockaway ny E-mail: eddieb1222@aol.com |
if anybody would like to
take a trip to richmond hill,
just go to vpike.com, type in a address and you can see the changes.
Added: August 21, 2010
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JEFF COSTIGAN From:
FRESH MEADOWS NY E-mail: LEFTY5895@MSN.com |
Hi, want to know if there
is any info yet bout the Forest Park Carousel.
Been closed for a while now. A shame the City could mess with this
landmark. I hope the City can find a vendor to operate it, would
really be a loss to the neighborhoods around it. Even visitors from
other areas. Great for little kids.
If anyone has info bout the Carousel please pass it on, really appreciate
it!! J. Costigan
Added: August 21, 2010
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Dennis Doyle From:
Richmond Hill, NY E-mail:
webmaster@richmondhillhistory.org |
Thanks John Celauro:
Click here
for the Wall Street Journal article "New Immigrants Put Stamp on Richmond
Hill".
Added: August 20, 2010
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John Celauro From:
Long Island E-mail: |
Today's (Friday Aug 20) Wall
St Journal has an article on Richmond Hill and the changes it has
seen.
Perhaps someone can supply a link.
Added: August 20, 2010
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Jim Lovett From:
Rockland, Maine E-mail: mrpig55@yahoo.com |
Just skimming thru posts
of previous years and found 2 real close to me.
First from Ralph Morea from a post in 08 about Nick's on 123rd &
Liberty. Great place to stop walking home from the lefferts movies.
Second from Rich McDermott in 8/08 about Ralph's candy store. I
lived 4 doors down above the bike store. Hung out there at the store
with the Raffanello's, McGowans, to name a few. This was between
67-75.
If you remember more email me.
Added: August 20, 2010
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john trainor From:
northport ny E-mail: islraven@yahoo.com |
Jim Lovett,
If you played ball on 125th st between 101st & 103rd Aves you remember
the school there. My friends and I played basketball & softball
there often. On 124th st we played stickball and punchball. Later
we hung out by Hugo's Ice cream parlor, Liberty & Lefferts.
Do you remember anyone from 125th st, Bobby Belanti, Diane Dietz,
Billy Cummings? They were two lovely blocks, large, old trees, quiet,
a good place for kids growing up.
Added: August 20, 2010
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Dominick Augello From:
Diamond Bar, Ca E-mail: dominick@jainternational.com |
Reading about the old watering
holes. Brings me back to the more care free days.
There was a place on Park Lane South called The Park Lane. I don't
know how any guys from Richmond Hill (under 18) got their first
beers in bar but it had to be there.
The police from the 102nd would be in the front door everyone would
be out the back door. It was a comedy. The place burned down few
years ago.
Every one keep up the good work on the site .
Added: August 20, 2010
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Steve Batthany From:
East Moriches (the site of PA Flight 800) E-mail:
ebatthany@aol.com |
Good to see comments from
Bob Rickert, Jim Burke, and Vinny Smith.
Will try to straighten out some geohistorical facts about queries
on the website. Yes cordes was an ice cream parlor if you went west
to 114th and Jamaica (hard by the Garden Theatre with it's outdoor
theater on the roof.
Jahns is now closed. I had the occasion to stop in before they shut
the doors and the place was last owned by a Russian couple who waited
on 4 old folks and sold them coffee and buns, and "no" Selma was
no longer the cashier nor was "Pickles" Flaherty the manager.
Most sad there would no longer be any of those Friday night poker
& crap games, we would have to go to 130th St behind "Bungalow Bar".
As far as Salernos, all you said is true but rumor has it that is
is an Indian restaurant. When Jay Marshall sold Glenns to AL Wolfendale
(Glenn was Als son hence the name).
He moved up to 135th St & Lefferts and yes Jay Kennedy and TV John
were the batrtenders. The place was frequented by air port folks,
(Kennedy was still Idlewild in those days) and by the racetrack
fans and personnel. Some rumor has it that it was the prototype
for the gin mill in "Good Fellas".
Hi Vinny Smith, yes that was Al Victor a really nice guy & my sister
lives in East Port, she is well. Mike is still up in the Catskills
and I'll tell him Hi.
Jim Burke we knew your uncle John and I can say on his behalf that
I never saw him fall down. To Bob Rickert, HI! Marie just had knee
surgery Tuesday. She is doing and can you imagine that Bobby Thompson
is dead.Should of been the other way around like old #13.
I remember that Branca, Thompson, Jean Hermanski, and a few Yankees
showed up to play at Dexter Park on the Sunday following that terrible
game.
Well that's all folks. Would love to roll the years back and go
to the Jerome for 9 cents, no one believes it.
Added: August 19, 2010
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Bob Rickert From:
Wilmington, DE E-mail: mbrickert@aol.com |
To answer the inquiry from
Jim Grady.
Salerno had a store front restaurant/pizza place next door to Marshall's
- which was located on the corner. Jay and Bill Marshall sold their
bar to the Salerno people in the late '50s and bought a bar down
Lefferts near the Belt Parkway. Salerno then expanded their store
front into the old Marshall's.
Many a cool brew I enjoyed in Marshall's.
Added: August 19, 2010
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Bill Heaney From:
lincroft new jersey E-mail:
btjk35@aol.com |
Paul, yes I played 3 years
in rich haven baseball...
best baseball there was... much better than the cyo... I think myself
and jack maple along with vinny shelhorn played on the mets, and
the cardinals... lol... man that was a long time ago...
played down on the conduit... i think it was called TWIN FIELDS...
Vinny Shellhorn was a very good pitch... fast...
hey what was the name of the mens store on the corner of 111 st.
next to steves pizza...
Added: August 19, 2010
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mike hedler From:
sevierville tn. E-mail: |
Paul, I played in that league.
Remember your dad was one of my coahes.
Added: August 19, 2010
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Ginger Kopp From:
N.E. Pa E-mail: |
I will not go on f.b. anymore.
Burned by hackers too many times.
This msg. is for Mrs. Akus (forgot your first name, sorry) but wanted
to know if your Mom is Betty and your brother is John.
I use to be a den mother with your Mom if that is your relative.
She was/is a wonderful person and we had great times. We shared
many a laugh together and marched in all the Liberty Ave. parades,
along with our little Cub Scouts.
I hope she is well and if so, please tell her Ginger sends her best
regards. Too bad I cannot put email address online anymore but know
she will remember me, as dearly as I remember her.
God bless... excuse typos but this text is too small for we old
folks.
Added: August 19, 2010
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Jim Lovett From:
Rockland, Maine E-mail: mrpig55@yahoo.com |
Have enjoyed reading the
comments. Some of my memories are living in RH from 58-77.
Lived at 125th & liberty. Went to St Theresa's, graduated in 69.
I remember Mrs. Sinnot and getting my bell rung many times by Sister
Rita. Went to Brooklyn Tech, graduated in 73.
Discovered the real world of parties. Al's Stereo, Red Den, to name
a few. But best memories were pizza at Lefferts & Liberty the best,
Lefferts movies, Al Victors for music, Uncle Jacks for anything
for kids. Brakfast at St John's at 4 am. Smokey Park, stickball
at the school yard on 125th st between 103rd av, and 101st av.
Anyone remember the places around these dates email me.
Added: August 18, 2010
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Jim Grady From:
Niagara Frontier E-mail: gjepd@roadrunner.com |
When did Salerno's come into
existence?
I remember that location as Marshall's until 1955, was not around
after that.
Added: August 18, 2010
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Helen Akus Eagleston From:
Marbletown, NY E-mail: |
If you are on Facebook, there
is a Richmond Hill page with some wonderful conversations, recollections
and photos.
Added: August 18, 2010
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Ginger Kopp From:
N.E. Pa. E-mail: |
Jimmy Lovett,
I do not know if you are THE Jimmy that lived over Shannons Bar
for a long time. If it is, I wrote to your email address, if not,
please disregard.
For some reason I thought you had moved to California. I miss the
days when you were all little boys playing on 126th. St. and being
told by our only unfriendly neighbor that only people that lived
on our block, could play there.
How the heck are you and if you do get my email (which I cannot
post as I was burned on facebook) please let me know how you are
and what is happening.
Those sure were the days and I miss them a lot. God bless
Added: August 18, 2010
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Paul La Vecchia From:
Delray Beach, Fl. E-mail:
dodgerman25@yahoo.com |
Yes, Cordes was cool, but
I believe in the late 60's, the place was called GRIPPA'S, right
next to Steves Pizza and Richie Napolitano's apt. (The Best Pitcher
in all of RHHS History).
Jimmy Arleo (drummer) played in Grippa's (He set up a small stage
in back) for a short time. I think Tom McCann shoes or Miles shoes
store was on corner and the pool hall around the corner, upstairs
on top of the shoe store.
And of course the great Gebhardt's bakery across the street. Frank
Molinaro's dad own the Hat blocking place (also sold them) I believe
next to Gebhardt's. And let's not forget the 111 st. bar w/ bowling
alley downstairs (played in league 62-4.)
I still can't believe nobody on this site has played in Rich-Haven
L.L.
Added: August 18, 2010
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Bill Heaney From:
lincroft new jersey E-mail:
btjk35@aol.com |
Tommy Manzo,
God how are you, been a long time, hows your brother mike, does
your family still live in the neighborhood, and are you going to
the hcj reunion...
my brother is floating from fire house to fire house... think hes
up in harlem right now. He told me he work with you a few years
back, along with jimmy weirner, and I think JIMMY HAMEL... not sure
but pretty amazing all of you in the same house...
anyway hello and yes know all my capitals... was taught by the best...
the sisters of st joes... lol
Added: August 17, 2010
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Bill Heaney From:
lincroft new jersey E-mail:
btjk35@aol.com |
Gloria, your right on both
-
cordies was on 111st next to al's candy store, and frairs maybe
wrong with the spelling was on the corner of 107 st... and sweeties
was on 102 st.
Added: August 17, 2010
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Robert Sheridan From:
Austin, TX E-mail: |
To Gloria Albanese:
Good catch on Cordes. Whether or not it was "Mrs. Cordes" behind
the counter we knew her by her first name, "Flo". Good jukebox,
great tuna fish, very nice people.
And the Seidler sisters studio was run by Miss Louise if I am not
mistaken. Had to sit there many a day waiting for my sister to finish
her routine.
And as for Dorgler's auto repair, that was run by a Ferdie Dorgler
(60's) - someone my father knew. A name I would have completely
forgotten if not for this site.
Added: August 16, 2010
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Comments: |
April Koster From:
Richmond Hill E-mail: |
Let's not forget the Old
Bailey (now Austin Ale House) and 10 Downing Street (now an Italian
restaurant owned by Marty Spolan who used to own the sporting goods
store).
Added: August 16, 2010
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Gloria Albanese From:
Jamesville, NY E-mail: jalbanese8@twcny.rr.com |
To Dennis Doyle - Thanks
again for this great website!
One small correction - the ice cream parlor on Jamaica Ave. between
110-111 St. was Cordes (cor-dies). There was another one further
west on Jamaica Ave. - Frer's (and now maybe I have the spelling
wrong!) at about 107 St., I think.
I grew up on 110 St. near Myrtle Ave. and my grandparents lived
on Hillside Ave. between 121-122 St.
Speaking of Glenn's Bar, we went to Seidler Sisters Dancing School
as little kids. The Dancing School was upstairs.
Hello to all my fellow dancers ...
Added: August 16, 2010
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paul galbraith From:
highland falls ny E-mail:
pgalbraith1956@msn.com |
only one month away from
the big Holy Child Jesus 100th Bday Bash and my class of 1970's
big 40th reunion.
hope to see all my classmates there.
Added: August 16, 2010
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Richard Newell From:
Galloway, NJ E-mail: coachrich00@yahoo.com |
To John Celauro:
Richie Kreppein and I thank you, it was great seeing old friends
again. And yes we will be doing it again next year.
And for the sailor hat, it sure bought back a lot of memories. Rich
Newell
Added: August 16, 2010
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Jim Burke From:
Long Beach, CA E-mail: |
I guess I remember Dorgler's
and Lumber Yard and they merged in my mind.
Added: August 16, 2010
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craig kennedy From:
lindenhurst, ny E-mail: |
Grew up on 111 st., family
all over RH.
Looking forward to hearing from people born 1937 or so.
Added: August 15, 2010
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| Submitted by |
Comments: |
Dennis Doyle From:
Richmond Hill, NY E-mail:
webmaster@richmondhillhistory.org |
To Louise Galiano, Vin Smith,
and Jim Burke:
I just did a Google Map Search and "discovered" that Richmond Hill
Lumber (115 St. and Atlantic Ave.) is next to Dorgler's Auto Repair
(116 St. and Atlantic Ave). Both businesses are still there. Click
here
to view Google Street view.
Added: August 15, 2010
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| Submitted by |
Comments: |
Dennis Doyle From:
Richmond Hill, NY E-mail:
webmaster@richmondhillhistory.org |
To Louise Galiano:
The Ice Cream Parlor off the corner of 111th St. on Jamaica Avenue
was "Chords" and the German Bakery diagonally across on Jamaica Avenue
was "Gebhardt's".
I remember a "Dorgler's" car mechanic shop on Atlantic Ave.
around 116 St. I had gone there in the early 1970s. They were definitley
located there for many years. I tend to remember the Lumber Yard as
"Richmond Hill Lumber" as Vin Smith had commented in a earlier
post. They were near 115th St. and Atlantic Avenue.
Check out the Richmond Hill Lumber website here.
The RH Lumber yard has been there since 1927.
Added: August 15, 2010
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Comments: |
Jim Burke From:
Long Beach, CA E-mail: |
Dorgler's Lumber Yard (1950)
Added: August 15, 2010
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Comments: |
john celauro From:
long island E-mail: |
Want to give a shout out
to Richie Newell and Richie Kreppen for hosting our reunion on Saturday
night.
Lots of laughs and good time had by all. Thanks guys for the work
you did in gathering us together (herding cats) and supplying the
facility and eats and drinks.
Had a good time, hope to do it again.
Added: August 15, 2010
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| Submitted by |
Comments: |
vin smith From:
saugerties ny E-mail: |
the lumber yard on Atlantic
/ 114 - 115th st was called (drum roll here) The Richmond Hill Lumber
Yard... I think...
Added: August 14, 2010
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| Submitted by |
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Jim Lovett From:
125th & Liberty Av. - Rockland, Maine E-mail:
mrpig55@yahoo.com |
Does anyone remember Al's
Stereo Bar (111th St & Liberty Av), O'Neil's bar, and Shannon's.
Lefferts movies, Sat matinees in the early 60's for a buck. @ movies,
soda and hot dog. Bill's bike store. Uncle Jacks toy store. Great
times.
Added: August 14, 2010
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Comments: |
tommy manzo From:
rockville ctr E-mail: |
Billy Heaney,
Billy it was Billy McMahon @ RR not Monahan. Billy can u still name
all 50 state capitals?
Added: August 14, 2010
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Jim Burke From:
Long Beach, CA E-mail: |
There's probably no one still
around who remembers my uncle, John McElroy who hung out in Glenn's.
He read newspapers and news magazines from cover to cover and was
a walking encyclopedia of news and sports.
Added: August 13, 2010
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| Submitted by |
Comments: |
Louise Galiano, (nee-Schwark)
From: las vegas E-mail:
electricdoctorinc@cox.net |
Does anyone remember the
name of:
the Ice Cream Parlor on 111th St. & Jamaica Ave, the German bakery
diagonally across from it on 111th St & Jamaica Ave., the little
mom & pop German deli on 111th st. just off the n/e corner of Atlantic
Ave., or the name of the Lumber yard on Atlantic and 114th-115th
Sts?
Added: August 13, 2010
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| Submitted by |
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John Celauro From:
Long Island E-mail: |
I remember Glenns Bar. I
used to hang there in 1968, drinking my first beers at 18 (legal
then), in those tiny glasses, for 25 cents. Every third was a buy
back.
In August 1968, I was in there watching TV and the Democratic National
Convention in Chicago was on and we were watching the protesters
in the streets getting beat by the cops and yelling "the whole world
is watching". I was then radicalized to leftist politics.
Now, I listen to Rush Limbaugh every day religiously. We've come
a long way baby.
Added: August 13, 2010
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| Submitted by |
Comments: |
Phil Curia From:
Indio, California E-mail:
PJEMS14@aol.com |
Hi. I just picked up my granddaughter
from Del Taco's and she was telling me about all of her friends
hanging out there.
For some reason, I remembered my days of hanging out with my peers
at Jahn's Ice Cream Palor in Richmond Hill Queens. I told her about
the kitchen sink and how great the place was with wooden tables
and how we would carve our name in them. What a great time I had
there with my friends. I started going there as soon as I got my
driver's license in 1967 and kept going there with dates and friends
till about 1975 when I got married and moved to New Jersey.
I said to my granddaughter tonight, maybe I will go on line and
look up Jahn's and see if anything comes up. I am glad you had this
web site and that you printed a great article. You brought great
memories alive.
God Bless You, Phil Curia.
P.S.: I went on to read about Forest Hills park. Another memory
that was such a great place to visit with my family. We had such
a great time there. Just a few short minutes from the "city", brooklyn
and we were in the country, complete with a carousel and pony rides.
The trees were tall, the atmosphere was fun and there was never
a threat of vandalism or anyone bothering us. No crime ever was
present back then in 1955-1965.
What another great memory to have lived in those times was something
really special. Sharing with my family was especially great. I moved
out to California in 2000 and still live here, but it is so great
to remember those simple times.
Thanks again for the web site, Phil Curia.
Added: August 13, 2010
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| Submitted by |
Comments: |
Robert Sheridan From:
Austin, TX E-mail: |
There is considerable mention
of Glenn's bar. It was my next door neighbors on 107th between 86th
Ave & Jamaica Ave who founded and first opened Glenn's.
Their names were Al (I think) and Paula Wolfangle - to me they were
Mr. & Mrs. Wolfangle. They had two children. Karla - a dancer in
NYC, and son Glenn, hence the name Glenn's. He was a fair bit older
than I was and a deaf mute. A gem of a guy and a lovely family.
I recall them being very generous to their next door neighbors (me)
at Halloween. I trust there are others who may also be familiar
with the heritage of Glenn's- a spot my parents would periodically
visit before it morphed into a spot for the younger crowd.
At the same time my parents were fairly close friends with the Four
Bros (Triangle Hofbrau). At the Hofbrau I had the chance more than
once to be brought into an inner courtyard (Hof?) where I would
see a recently dressed deer hanging by its haunches. Venison was
a fixture, in season, on their menu. Pretty rare for me to see a
deer - dead or alive - in Richmond Hill!
With the proximity of these two institutions they could very well
have offered up Richmond Hill's first version and opportunity for
a pub crawl.
Added: August 12, 2010
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Eddie Marino From:
Syracuse, NY E-mail: |
Anyone remember the tailor
on Park Lane South opposite Jackson's Pond? (He resembled a brown-haired
version of Harpo Marx).
I once brought a leather jacket in to have the pockets re-lined,
and when I returned days later to pick it up, he had sewn the flap
pockets shut, rendering them useless. It seems he didn't know how
to replace a pocket lining, and when I complained, he became indignant!
I paid the bill, but I should have disarmed his sewing machine before
I left...
some things you just never forget, especially if you're a kid with
no money for a new jacket!...
just another story from the old neighborhood.
Added: August 12, 2010
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Frank Mignone From:
Hamel Minnesota E-mail: mplsfrank@aol.com |
Just reading the 2010 entries,
looking for names, from long ago and found Phyllis Chechile. That
was a name that was part of the Ponce Pizza gang.
I am retired now and have been seeing the world by bicycle. I am
planning a bike trip from Minnesota to the old country Richmond
Hill.
Dennis Doyle keep up the good work hope all is well for you.
Added: August 12, 2010
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Ed Pirog From:
Atlanta, GA E-mail: epirog@comcast.net |
Glenns was across the street
from the RKO Kieths and Jahns. Does anyone know if the bar is still
there?
Took the wife there on our first date.
Added: August 11, 2010
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Bill Heaney From:
lincroft new jersey E-mail:
btjk35@aol.com |
Paul:
the royals played at richmond hill high school in the night league,
we had a group of guys who played together for about 20 years...
we became Glenns bar when the old owner AL Katz wanted to sponcer
us, he bought the uniforms and paid the fees in the long island
press league...
we won the division about 6 or 7 times and played in the finals
of the press league a few years in a row... very good team... we
use to play the 102 pct every wed night for a barrel of beer at
victory field... and all went back to the bar to have some fun...
later we change to regents row...
speaking of the randell island tourment, yes we played in it as
well... and yes we made it to the finals in that as well... something
like 6 or 7 games in a row... I remember vinger hill...
we use to drink in the bar on the corner of 112 st... the one nobody
went into... but you could be 16 and drink... it was called pops...lol
and the bookies use to place the bets on the horse in there... they
could care less who drank there... we also played out in jones beach...
later on... team finally broke up a few years ago... to old to play...lol
Glenns bar was across the street from jahns and salernos... 117st
and hillside ave... bar tenders freddie schmidth, and bill monahan,
to go along with old ralph... great bar... like cheers everyone
knew your name...
Added: August 11, 2010
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Vin Smith From:
saugerties ny E-mail: vlsmithfam@aol.com |
Hey Steve Batthany -
thanx for the info but there was a more correct entry that stated
the music store as Al Victors. That's what I recall also. Liberty
and 123rd St.
Just saw my brothers Danny (lives on LI) and Bob who lives in SC.
Visited w/ them at Dans' over this past weekend. Tell Mike to give
me a shout. Is Cecilia still living on LI? What about Rod?
Here's to Kavons'! Stay well, Vin S.
Added: August 10, 2010
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Paul La Vecchia From:
Delray Beach, Fl. E-mail:
dodgerman25@yahoo.com |
Billy Heaney:
Where was Glenn's bar (sounds familiar) and where did the RH Royals
play softball (What years)?
We played for Pisano's on 112th I believe and Liberty Ave. Also
played for Guy's Vinager Hill across street from The Big "A" back
in the early 70's. Played in tournaments at Riker's Island (elimination)
played until you lost.
We did quite well except by the 3rd game you were drained somewhat
by the summer heat, and the fact we usually partied the night before.
Great times we had playing ball.
Added: August 10, 2010
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Dominick Augello From:
Diamond Bar, Ca E-mail: dominick@jainternational.com |
It is enjoyable to read some
of the entries. They bring back alot of good times in Richmond Hill.
We truely grew up in Gods Country.
Guys keep up the good work. Lived on 102nd and 85th ave from 1943
to 1975 .
Added: August 8, 2010
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Dennis Doyle From:
Richmond Hill, NY E-mail:
webmaster@richmondhillhistory.org |
Billy Heaney:
Thanks for pointing out that "Richmond Hill's Hero" Sgt.
Joseph E. Schaefer was missing from our list of Noteworthy
People from Richmond Hill. He is now (finally) included.
Added: August 8, 2010
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Betty Fay From:
Oxford Mass E-mail: dreamhaven@hotmail.com |
I have a beautifully embossed
green autograph book from your Edgar D Shimer Junior High School
class of 1934.
It belonged to a George Gross. The Principal was D. Daniel Wallstern.
His graduating teacher was Miss Etta Maker.
I was wondering if you have any information on the students in this
graduating class.
Added: August 6, 2010
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Joe Coscia From:
Highlands Ranch, Colorado E-mail:
cmichjoe@comcast.net |
What a great site!!
I grew up and was raised in Richmond Hill and this is truly a way
to go back to those great days when life was much easier and without
cell phones, and people actually talked to each other!!
Lived on 93rd Avenue between 104th and 107th Street. Great memories
of RKO Keiths and all of the other sites.
Thanks again!!!!!!!
Added: August 6, 2010
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Bill Heaney From:
lincroft new jersey E-mail:
btjk35@aol.com |
ok best softball team from
the area... richmond hill royals... then later we were called glenns
bar.
Added: August 6, 2010
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Bill Heaney From:
lincroft new jersey E-mail:
btjk35@aol.com |
Yes the best diner was on
111st and Atlantic... especially after closing hours at Glenns bar.
Best damn cheese burgers with all the grease, just help fill you
up at 3am... or 4am... spent many a night there...
and on saturday which was really sunday, then off to the beach...
lol
Added: August 6, 2010
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edward bornschein From:
east rockaway ny E-mail: eddieb1222@aol.com |
to jim burke my boat thief buddy,
the diner was on 112 St.
that was my stop after closing the bar. john the short order cook
was a crazy guy, back then i invented the bacon cheese burger.
that was bob johnson last stop before he got killed on his motor cycle.
we hung out in toms bar, he was going home to get his car when that
happened.
Added: August 6, 2010
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Maureen Scanlon Conneally
From: Westchester County E-mail: |
A great website for R.H.
and all of "old New York":
http://www.screanews.us/NewYork/ContentsNewYork.html
Added: August 6, 2010
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Ed Pirog From:
Atlanta, GA E-mail: epirog@comcast.net |
Cyndi Lauper lived down stairs
from my wife when they were growing up. We got to go to some of
her concerts by invite both before and after she made it big.
Another star who didn't quite make it big was a worker at Steve's
pizza place off 114st street and Jamacia ave. His first role was
in Happy Days as a pick pocket and his most noticable was one of
the thugs in Goodfellas... can't think of his name.
Added: August 6, 2010
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Chris Glasser From:
Corinth, TX E-mail: glasser7@aol.com |
To Matt W.:
I remember you as if it was yesterday. I believe you were more commonly
known as "Mattie". I was in the younger bunch and you probably remember
my older brother(s). Most of us were Met's fans and while Shea had
it's own personality, our 123rd Street stickball field was unique
with our outfield starting at 95th Avenue.
I still remember a ball that was hit hard enough to stick in between
the hubcap and rim of a car driving by, causing a "car rule" game
ending. At least if it would have went down the sewer we could have
lifted up the sewer plate and fished it out with a coat hanger.
Such great memories. Hope all is well and keep the memories alive.
Added: August 6, 2010
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Fran Werner From:
Plainview NY E-mail: Frantchr@aol.com |
I have a picture dated July
1921 of the Richmond Hill's Business Association.
My uncle is in that picture as he was a builder. Since all of his
immediate family is deceased I thought you might want to keep it
in your archives. I can be reached by email. FRAN WERNER
Added: August 5, 2010
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Jim Burke From:
Long Beach, CA E-mail: |
The 111th St diner was on Atlantic.
We went to "mass" in the back of a bar on Jerome that opened early.
Added: August 5, 2010
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Joanne Gesuele From:
Centereach, NY E-mail: |
Edward Bornschein:
Will do, thank you. Joanne
Added: August 5, 2010
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Paul La Vecchia From:
Delray Beach, Fl. E-mail:
dodgerman25@yahoo.com |
If you didn't go the diners
on 111th st and Atlantic ave. and the one down the block from the
bowling alley that was across the street from the Triangle Hoffbrau,
then you weren't a true Hillite.
The diner on 111th was Silver and sort of oval shaped and looked
like a train car. Best eggs, home fries and bacon, plus coffee and
cheap. The other one was similar, great breakfast. We would go to
the 111th st diner after a long night of partying. Me, Bobby Winters,
and the "gang" and eat. Then trek home. Don't forget on Atlantic
ave and 108th st was CARVEL.
Went back to 111st diner in 1980's, and it changed its outer appearance
to a aluminum siding look (Brownish) if I remember. I spoke with
Richie Newell 9:00 AM this morning and we talked for almost an hour
about our experiences back in the day. We also spoke of the many
people on this site that claim they were in the Park the years we
were, and we coulnd't re-call any of them. They say they were there
the same years we were with many friends (like us) but who were
you people? We never SAW YOU.
Remember were talking 1960-thru early 70's. So the rest of you Hillites
stop claiming this was your "turf" IT WASN'T.
Added: August 5, 2010
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mary johnson From:
Long Branch NJ E-mail: mjohnson@pershing.com |
To Dennis Doyle:
I am glad I was able to forward that information to you about Bob
Sheppard. It was fun learning that he came from Richmond Hill and
had such an interesting life. And I love the website you created
for him.
And it gave me a chance to look at some of the other famous people
from Richmond Hill too. I knew about Jack Lord; I didn't know about
Cyndi Lauper though. How interesting! The more I think about it,
the more I realize how fortunate I was to grow up there.
Thank you again and have a great day! Regards, Mary Johnson
Added: August 5, 2010
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john hitsos From:
atlanta, ga. E-mail: |
Al Victors music store was the
small music/sports store that was located between 121 and 122nd st.
They offered music lessons in the back usually by the guys in the
local nieghborhood bands.
Added: August 5, 2010
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John Celauro From:
Long Island E-mail: |
Diners... The "diner" on 111th
st (I assume you mean on Jamaica Ave, next to the pool hall, downstairs
to the left) was great to go to Mass to. We used to order the Holy
Fries, while ostensibly attending Mass. Great place... did a lot of
praying there (that our parents wouldn't walk in and see us).
I remember a diner near the triangle... near the Einhorn's supermarket
(Harry Fuimaria would remember Einhorns, competitor to Bohack, who
as I recall bought them out. I'm kind of sketchy there, but Harry
weigh in on that if you would), later Key Food...
I vaguely recall a bowling alley there, the diner though near there
had great fries too, for a quarter no less. Took some first dates
there, expressing my fidelity to them, till they started to compare
notes.
I was busted due to my diner exploits.
Added: August 5, 2010
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Steve Batthany From:
east moriches NY E-mail: ebatthany@aol.com |
to vinny smith: an old neighbor
from 114 st
Hey Vinny, I think that the store you are talking about was called
Arlos (the propritors) last name.
He was very nice and had fine merchandice. I think that he sold some
jewelry in the store. sbatthany SBJL52
Added: August 4, 2010
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PATRICIA CENTAURO FONTANA
From: FLORIDA E-mail: |
Lived on 120th Street between
107th & Liberty Ave.
What a great site! I will be back!
Added: August 4, 2010
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edward bornschein From:
east rockaway ny E-mail: eddieb1222@aol.com |
to the person looking for terry
bornschein she is my cousin.
go to super pages .com type in her name and you will get her phone
number. i sent you an email but it must have went to spam.
regards eddie
Added: August 3, 2010
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Robert Oldham From:
Maine E-mail: roldha11@yahoo.com |
Arthur, Joe, Patty, Rose, 110th
gang
from Bobby
Added: August 3, 2010
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Anne Sanks Miller From:
Hobe Sound Florida E-mail:
amiller1957@live.com |
To Joanne Gesuele:
I forgot alll about Uncle Jacks's. I remember on the first day he
had a line outside his door. All the kids in the neighborhood went
there to buy school supplies.
Those were the days, and Gertz Department Store. Memories, Memories,
thanks for bringing them back :)
Added: August 3, 2010
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Bob Winter From:
Huntington Beach, CA E-mail: |
Diners - hands down - 111st.
Diner for late night fun in the late '60s.
Added: August 2, 2010
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vin smith From:
saugerties, ny E-mail: |
There was a small music store
on Liberty on about 121st or 123st. I can't remember the name. I bought
a Black Les Paul guitar there back in 1970. Now He Made The Best Pizza!
Added: August 2, 2010
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John Stott From:
Austin, Texas E-mail: jcstott@aol.com |
In 1950 I visited with the Dr.
George and Ruth Fernlund, I believe it was at 86-20 115th street just
a few doors off Jamaca ave. It was at the time of the Long Island
RR collision. I was with their nephew Robert C. Rogers, we were in
the US Air Force at the time.
If you know of anyone that remains of the Fernlund family I would
like to hear from them. Any news would be appreciated.
Added: August 1, 2010
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Bob Wood From:
Irmo, SC E-mail: |
Just checking... again.
Anyone remember Anthony Market, Kenneth Erwin, Jimmy Dooley, Virginia
Giaconni, Margaret Dempsey... mid 1950's at HCJ?
I lived at 114-11 86th Avenue. I see the house has recently sold.
Fun to see on Google. Long time since I left but still fond memories.
Added: August 1, 2010
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Joanne Felicciardi Gesuele
From: Centereach, NY E-mail:
liloveit@hotmail.com |
Bornschien:
I've noticed many comments posted by people with the name Bornschein.
Are any of you related to a "Terry Bornschien" she and I met while
working together at CBS / Columbia Records in NYC (Now Sony Entertainment
Music).
We were good friends, but lost touch, I've been trying to track her
down. She lived on 101st Avenue in RH, and moved to the Lindenhurst
area with her family.
Added: July 31, 2010
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Joanne Felicciardi Gesuele
From: Centereach, NY E-mail: |
Wow what great memories.
Spent lots of time at all these places, John Adams Sr. day spent at
Jahns with many from the graduating class of 74. I do remember Gertz
Christmas display, nothing even comes close. Does anyone remember
the book club at Gertz. You'd get a b-day card and an invite to come
pick up a book of your choice, which now that I think back on it I'm
sure had to be paid for by my mom.
Another great memory is that of the Memorial Day parade. Remember
"Uncle Jacks" toy store on Liberty Ave and about 119th Street. He
always received the loudest cheers.
Added: July 31, 2010
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Mary Fleury From:
Middletown, Rhode Island E-mail:
mperlingiero@cox.net |
Looking for information on the
family of Dr. Fernlund.
They had 3 children - Kristen, Audrey, and Richard. They lived on
115th Street next to Union Congregational Church.
I believe their home was sold in 1962. They also owned a home in Huntington,
L.I. Would appreciate any leads.
Added: July 31, 2010
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Linda (Trick) Fleury From:
Boca Raton, FL E-mail: lindafleury26@yahoo.com |
Teresa, Hope all is well with
you.
I agree about Salerno's - they had great food and it was affordable.
The only thing I didn't like was when that accordian player came to
your table. It was usually when you had a mouthful of pasta and the
other diners would all turn to stare at you.
I think people tipped him so he would go away!
Added: July 31, 2010
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Maureen Connelly Cahill
From: Sun City Hilton Head E-mail: |
I lived right near Salerno's
& they had great pizza & Italian food. The two owners were Nick &
Joe (I Think)?
Added: July 30, 2010
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Teresa Smith Pedone From:
NY/PA E-mail: apedone@ptd.net |
I am surprised no one has mentioned
that wonderful Italian Restaurant Salernos... right near Jahns!!
They had great Italian food! Maybe I missed that posting!
Added: July 30, 2010
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J. Santini From:
New York E-mail: |
One more vote for Pizza City
on Crossbay Blvd., some of the best sicilian pizza ever to hit a hot
oven.
It was always a welcome stop on the way back from Rockaway Beach on
a hot summer afternoon, along with a tall cold soda, it was a perfect
ending to a lazy summer vacation day... who cared if the old Merc
we drove had no air conditioning, we were used to the heat, as most
of us had no A/C at home either...
I'm old enough to remember as well the White Castle on Rockaway Blvd.
and Liberty Ave., where the girls would roll out on skates to take
your order as you pulled up to a spot in the parking lot. Open the
window halfway and soon she'd come out with a plastic coated tray
piled high with sliders on a paper plate covered with a sheet of waxed
paper, the greasiest and tasiest fries, and ice cold cokes and orange
drinks in paper cups which reminded us "don't be a litterbug" and
dispose of properly. She'd clip that tray onto the car window, and
we were set. Who could forget that aroma!...
great times, even better now with the passing years.
Added: July 30, 2010
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Carolyn Kirchgessner Ota
From: Pasadena, CA E-mail:
carolynota@aol.com |
Hey everyone, the best thing
about Richmond Hill is that we all grew up there!
Someone mentioned Pizza City, it reminded me of Lenny's Clam Bar (?)
that was on the other side of Crossbay Blvd. and had the most delicious
stuffed baked clams that I have ever eaten.
Added: July 29, 2010
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John Celauro From:
Long Island NY E-mail: |
In order to end the "GREAT PIZZA
DEBATE" I offer, even though it was outside of the perimeter of Richmond
Hill as I described in a previous post...
I offer the place where we all went to on the way home from the beach
(Rockaway) and that was PIZZA CITY. That should end it. No one didn't
like PIZZA CITY. It was a factory, serving thousands of pies to all
you beachgoers, whether you hitched to the beach, drove, rode your
bike or walked (because no one picked you up when you did hitch.)
End of discussion... now onto... hmmm? diners?
Added: July 28, 2010
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mark w young From:
baton rouge la E-mail: cocozak1@aol.com |
cosmo - mark young
the last time i sean you was in a coffee shop on the east side near
the fdr drive, i think it was first avenue. i walked in and you were
sitting on the wright side of the store. you had a con edison hat
on and it was blue. we talked a bit and that was it .
the year was 1971 or 1972 i am guesing. take care, mark
Added: July 28, 2010
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Roberta Dee From:
Atlantic Beach, N.Y. E-mail:
bertros6@yahoo.com |
Spent most of my childhood &
adult years in Richmond Hill!!
It will always be a part of my heart!!
Added: July 27, 2010
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MARY ROSE From:
BOYTON BEACH FLA E-mail: |
Hi - anyone living in Florida
that remembers Carlos Pizza should visit Dominics iii in Lake Worth
(Hypoluxo and Jog rds).
This is the same owner as the original Carlos Pizza in RH, they even
have a picture hanging up of the original place in Richmond Hill with
Charlie Maggio. Pizza is excellent (same original recipe) and brought
back a lot of memories for me!!!! Ask for the owner Matty (Matteo)
- a great guy who worked many years at Carlos on Lefferts Blvd.
He loves talking to people from the old neighborhood!
Added: July 27, 2010
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Diane Caracciola From:
NC E-mail: Dianeatwork2003@yahoo.com |
WOW! I didn't recognize one
name on the posts I read, but I certainly recognized all the places!
smokey park, the boys club, Big Bow-wow - which immediately reminded
me of mystic colasus. And all the pizza places!
I read some posts of years past, & someone mentioned the Christmas
village at Gertz. That is something I will never forget! Great site!
Added: July 27, 2010
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Frank Lanzone From:
Manhasset E-mail: flanzone@aol.com |
I did not know that Bob Sheppard
lived on 110th St!
Over the years it uncanny to see how many people I have met that all
lived within a few blocks of me on 110th St.
Tom Kiesling whose dad had KayJay Meats on Liberty Ave, Sean Grimes
whose dad was the Morton's Salt 'very uncommon actor' and later starred
on "All in the Family." Rich Kaiser. All the Corrigans. Mike Friend,
who wrote the book "Kitchen Spanish" and Kim West amongst others.
Added: July 26, 2010
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Vince Glasser From:
Claremore, Ok E-mail: vinceglasser@cox.net |
Tom Feldman:
Tommy Ivo of S&S speed shop. Haven't thought of him in a long time.
There were so many muscle cars in the Richmond Hill area to list.
I was merely scratching the surface. Artie Truman had a dragster up
on 124 St and Hillside Ave at his gas station too. Had two 426 hemis
in it. To my knowledge he never got up the nerve to drive it.
Added: July 24, 2010
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Cosmo Mastropaolo From:
New Vernon New Jersey E-mail: |
Looking for classmates who graduated
from St Benedict Joseph in 1960 and Richmond Hill High 1964.
Added: July 24, 2010
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Frank Lanzone From:
Manhasset E-mail: flanzone@aol.com |
I dont know if anyone looks
at this site anymore.
Anyhow, we lived in RH from 54 through 70. My dad was a doctor on
110th st. I could go on forever about where i grew up.
fond memories include Winther's, Sukons, Al Diamonds, Kresges, Levensons,
The El, the multiple pizza places, the Casino and Lefferts theaters,
smokey oval etc.
Added: July 23, 2010
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edward bornschein From:
east rockaway ny E-mail: eddieb1222@aol.com |
to all you pizza nuts out there
angelos was the worst russos on 101ave just east of lefferts bl. was
better then frank & joe russo opened villa russo
Added: July 23, 2010
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Robert (Bob) Koenig From:
Hoschton, Georgia E-mail:
sprucecrk@earthlink.net |
I grew up after being born in
Jamaica at 92-18 102nd Street. Was a 1954 graduate of RHHS and married
my sweetheart Orene from Ozone Park. My family were members of Pilgrim
Cong Church. My wife and I recently celebrated our 55th wedding anniversary.
During high school I worked for Dahmens Florist on Jamaica Avenue.
We lived around the corner from the Bond Bakery and every once in
a while went to the back door of the place and the worker flipped
us a HOT bread. Boy was that ever good.
Added: July 23, 2010
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Joann DeTommaso From:
Florida E-mail: pfigurito@cfl.rr.com |
I graduated from St. Teresa
of Avila, in 73. It's located on 111th Ave. & 130th St. Across the
street was Kip's Drug Store & Abe's Candy store.
I remember Mrs. Sinnot as the school secretary. There was a Dan's
Supermarket diagonally from there & right on 126 & 111 was Anne's
Candy store, the fish market, Gus & John's Deli, the beer & soda distributor,
& a card shop.
I don't see anyone's name in here that I went to school with, but
just maybe somewhere down the line that will change. I lived on 126th
st. & 115th ave. I come from a family of 4 other sisters & 5 brothers.
Reading some comments posted, I remember certain things growing up.
My dad belonged to the American Legion on Rockaway Blvd. across from
Stallone's Bakery & St. Anthony's. They used to have a bizaar there
in the empty lot across the street. But also remember someone mentioning
the parades. My dad marched every year, and one year one of my older
sisters marched as Miss Liberty. She must've been about 10-12 yrs.
old. Not positive. I also remeber the lumber yard further down Rockaway,
i think like 134th st. or something like that.
I was just there for my mom's 85th b'day, visited the old neighborhood
& seen how so much has changed. As time goes on, and we grow older
and go are able to revisit the past, it's just incredible how dramatic
those changes can be.
Well, I do look forward to meeting up with someone I know, but if
not, maybe one of you will remember some of the things I remember
& share. Thanks!
Added: July 23, 2010
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Richie Schmidt From:
Boynton Beach FL E-mail: |
To Matt W.:
Being younger, and a generation apart with probably the only thing
in common being 123st/95ave, it's no surprise that you wouldn't specifically
remember me. Our age group was closer to that of the younger Rohr,
Tommy.
We knew your group, though. Good that you get to see them once a year.
Added: July 22, 2010
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mark w young From:
baton rouge la E-mail: cocozak1@aol.com |
art bornschein:
the question is yes the best pizza was angelos from 1955 to 1965;
scar around his neck was from a wound during WWII either fighting
for the italians or the americans. sometimes he wore a bandana and
some times he did not.
and the reason why he opened late in the afternoon is because he had
a gambling problem horse racing. always at the big A, this was before
otb.
Added: July 22, 2010
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Chris Smith From:
Floral Park, New York E-mail:
csmith9@nyc.rr.com |
Bill Heaney,
You might be interested in my posting on October 27, 2008. It is about
Sgt. Schaefer. Unfortunately I can't find the magazine.
Added: July 22, 2010
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tom feldman From:
illinois E-mail: |
vince-
you forgot Tommy Ivo (used to park his dragster at 108th street &
Atlantic ave); maybe he lived there, I don't know.
I think I broke in to his business when I was 7. I recall being lifted
and shoved through a partly open window one night to retrieve something
the older guys had tossed in. No guard dog, fortunately.
Added: July 21, 2010
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Robert Jones From:
Va E-mail: rev047@aol.com |
Looking for old friends from
97th ave and 125th st.
Added: July 20, 2010
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ken snyder From:
florida E-mail: kennbtkn@aol.com |
in regards to joe schafer the
war hero:
when he came home he was given a massive parade all along jamaica
ave and up 102st. i think he lived north of jamaica ave on 102st.
we lived on 102st just before park lane south.
he sat on the top seat of this large touring car and waved to everyone.
he was our home town hero. my father knew joe, living in the 1930
& 1940s in richmond hill you knew every one for blocks around.
Added: July 20, 2010
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Paul La Vecchia From:
Delray Beach, Fl. E-mail:
dodgerman25@yahoo.com |
Art B.:
Art, I wish I was up there, I would love to treat you to a slice.
LOL. Bob Sheppard, another great reason why the Hill is so awesome.
We continue to surprise. I wish it was 1960 all over again.
Hope everyone's having a great summer. As a Vietnam vet, I salute
our SOLDIER in the park.
Added: July 20, 2010
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Matt Wasilefsky From:
Phoenix Arizona E-mail: mattwasilefsky@cox.net |
To Richie Smith:
Yes that was the group. We also had Paul Rohr and Steve Seyster
in our group. There were some great stickball games. I know we challenged
the 122nd street gang. Greg Rantenella, Vinnie, and Chris Bonomo.
Some good time.
I can't say I remember you but the name is familiar. I still see
all those guys about once a year.
Added: July 19, 2010
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John Samuels From:
Wheeling, West Virginia E-mail:
john_samuels2@msn.com |
Have found a JAHN'S menu
with an address of Rego Park, NY.
Menu is fantastic - Broiled Roumanian Tenderloin steak $1.75; Veal
Cutlet Parmigianne $1.49... just to quote a few.
Thought you might be interested.
Added: July 18, 2010
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Vince Glasser From:
Claremore, Ok E-mail: vinceglasser@cox.net |
It's always a pleasure to
check on the Richmond Hill page.
A topic I see a lot of comments on this time is pizza. I don't remember
if it was Carlos or Tommies pizza at Lefferts blvd & Liberty ave.
Always enjoyed it there, but I also have fond memories of Aldo's
pizza on 118 St and Atlantic ave. But then someone mentioned New
Park pizza over on Crossbay blvd. Now that stirred up some memories.
It reminded me of racing out past the first bridge. That certainly
was a place to see some incredible muscle cars. And then there was
the Big Bow Wow. I haven't thought about that place in years.
Crossbay blvd as I recall pretty much got too hot for racing after
Billy Lapaglia split his 69 Ford Torino into 2 or 3 pieces after
wrapping it around a tree at 100+ MPH. We even had our share of
racing on Atlantic Ave from the 121 St light to around the middle
of Smokey park. The trick was to shut it down before ya got to the
curve.
Guys like Artie Risdell better known as Rip, Tommy Layden, Bobby
La Curto, Billy Filasky, and lets not forget Roger Auglieri AKA
Roger Mustang.
We definetly had some serious motor heads in the neighborhood. Definetly
a colorful place to grow up.
Added: July 18, 2010
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Raymond Kelly From:
Ocala, Florida E-mail: rjk412@yahoo.com |
I also had the privlege of
knowing of Joe Schaefer as his sister was in my class at Holy Child.
Her name was Virginia and she brought his congressional medal into
school for us to see, that was back in 1945 and it left quite an
impression on all of us as I still remeber it as though it was yesterday.
We should always be proud of our heroes such as Joe for the freedom
we have enjoyed in this country.
Added: July 17, 2010
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Dennis R. Foster From:
Carmel, CA E-mail: drfoster@redshift.com |
I have had occasion to meet,
know, and/or see in person a number of famous American men. Only
two of those men, Bob Sheppard and Douglas Fairbanks, Jr., stand
out in memory as having been remarkably eloquent, dapper, and dignified.
Back in 1967 I was invited by Lenny Neubauer, a friend from Richmond
Hill High School, to play half-court basketball with him and other
faculty members at John Adams High School. Our first game had just
gotten underway when a silver-haired man in his fifties, who was
nattily attired in a blue blazer, gray trousers, white shirt and
tie, appeared on the sideline.
By virtue of his striking presence and deportment, I was quickly
under the impression he was a rather substantial and important person.
He stayed to watch the game for a time while he spoke quietly on
the sideline with another faculty member. After the end of play,
as I was changing back into street clothes with the other players
inside the health education office, I heard a voice which sounded
like that of someone I knew. Upon turning around I saw the nameless
man who I had seen earlier in the gym. I was perplexed. I don't
know this fellow, I thought, so how is it I know his voice?
Lenny saw the confused look on my face. He said, "That's Bob Sheppard...
the announcer at Yankee Stadium." I looked once more at Mr. Sheppard,
and said, "Aha! So that's what he looks like." Thus one of the great
mysteries of my childhood had been solved.
Added: July 15, 2010
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Richie Schmidt From:
Boynton Beach FL E-mail: trscreative@aol.com |
To Matt W. -
Would your "group" with Joe Sica also include Joe Cutrone (who posts
here on occasion) Joe Tusa, Debbie & Lorraine, Al Cimaglia, Pat
Carmbody, etc? It was 123rd St. and I and my "gang" were the younger
kids there on the block.
We all thought of you guys as the cool older teens. I suppose we
were the pain-in-the-ass kids, but I do remember we had some classic
"battle of the age groups" games in stick and whiffle ball.
Added: July 15, 2010
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Sal Barcia From:
Floral Park E-mail: sbarcia_meta@yahoo.com |
I often travel around the
country for work where on occasion I draw attention and sometimes
derisive comments for my NY accent.
What a great thing to learn that the most revered and respected
public address announcer in the history of sport, a man known for
his precise enunciation and use of vocabulary, is in fact a Richmond
Hill native. I'm sorry I didn't have him as a teacher at John Adams
or at St. John's University.
Learning only now that he was a Richmond Hill native, and a fellow
native of 110th Street no less, I can go forward with confidence
knowing I too can pronounce all syllables of a word correctly, especially
the consonants NY'ers are so famous for dropping. RIP Mr. Sheppard
- you were a treasure to NY, and Richmond Hillites are proud of
our native son.
Added: July 15, 2010
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Bill Heaney From:
lincroft new jersey E-mail:
btjk35@aol.com |
Dennis Doyle,
I see you added the yankee announcer to famous people, well theres
one missing... his name is Joe Schaffer and they dedicated a statue
up in jackson pond to this hero... he won the congressional medal
of honor during world war two... along with a host of other medals...
he was the most decorated mitilary man from our town...
he used to bartend at my place your place on 110 st and jamaica
ave... see if you can add this hero to your list...
I met him a few times, great guy...
Added: July 14, 2010
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Art Bornschein Sr. From:
Williamsburg, Va. E-mail:
artieb1@cox.net |
Paul La Vecchia:
In response to your offer, I'm going out tonight for pizza, I'll
be needing you credit card #. I'll wait until then. Thanks, Art
Matt Wasilefsky:
Didn't want to get into the "pizza" fray, but, as you mentioned,
Angelo's was the best for me. Maybe because it was directly across
the street from my apartment building on 101 (Jerome) Ave.
Burned the skin off of the roof of my mouth many times there. I
still picture him clearly in my mind (Angelo) with his half ear
or ears. (Never did ask him what happened to them).
Added: July 14, 2010
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Frank Biscay From:
Iselin, NJ 08830 E-mail: bisc928@aol.com |
Bob Shepherd, Yankee announcer,
lived on 110th Street between 107 and 109 avenues.
In fact, in the mid 40's i lived upstairs in his mothers two family
house which was probably the third or fourth house from 107 Avenue
on the even numbered side.
He was a speech teacher in John Adams HS in the late 50's and taught
my friend, Bob Good, how to overcome his stutter. He was also an
English teacher part of the time. He'll be missed.
Added: July 13, 2010
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TOM BLANK From:
MORICHES NY E-mail: |
It was good to get some
answers on my note.
I lived on 133 where 103 met Liberty, 2nd house in. Went to PS 55
and PS 57, then to St Pius in So Jamaica.
My father was bartender in Bauman's Bar and Grill. We also lived
in an Apt. behind McCourt and Trudden Funeral Home which was across
the street on opposite corner from Library.
My cousin Artie and wife had a storefront rest about 2 doors down
from Library for a while. McCabes lived over drug store and Priest
across street over a store, Gunn lived on Jerome Ave and 132 and
when I was there Horns lived over Baumans.
My cousins played ball for the Atomics and the Royals.
Added: July 13, 2010
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Matt Wasilefsky From:
Phoenix Arizona E-mail: mattwasilefsky@cox.net |
To Art Bornschien
That gun event at the Benzinos deffinitely stands out in my mind.
He actually shot a stray bullet through our house window which the
detectives came and picked up.
Mike Sicas younger brother Joe hung out in our group and I still
see him every year or so. His brother Mike lives out in Suffolk
County.
I see everyone has been discussing the best pizza, perhaps you remember
angelos pizza restaurant on 101st avenue between 124th and 125th
street. That was the absolute best pizza in New York. As I recall
the restaurant would open late afternnons.
To Barb. Thanks for the memory comment. It is amazing how much old
stuff I remember and new stuff I forgot.
Added: July 13, 2010
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Robert Sheridan From:
Austin, TX E-mail: |
And proud to add Bob Sheppard
was a product of St. John's Prep in Bed-Stuy (as I am).
Added: July 12, 2010
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Yeon Lee From:
Kew Gardens E-mail: |
I recently moved to Kew Gardens
and truly enjoy the neighborhood. I was trying to get further information
about the neighborhood and found this website. After reading the history
provided here I am very thankful for finding your information. Not
only did I find out about how Kew Gardens is connected to Richmond
Hill but I also learned about Maple Grove Cemetery which I do not
live too far from. I had no idea of its past and it is incredible
how this cemetery helped in the creation of Kew Gardens.
Thank you for your Historical Society website!
Added: July 12, 2010
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Dennis Doyle From:
Richmond Hill, NY E-mail:
webmaster@richmondhillhistory.org |
Mary Johnson:
Thank you for sharing the information regarding Bob Sheppard. I did
not know he was born and raised in Richmond Hill. I placed him in
our list of Noteworthy People from Richmond
Hill and compiled this webpage about
him.
Added: July 12, 2010
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mary johnson From:
Long Branch NJ E-mail: mjohnson@pershing.com |
Hello All! Hope the summer
is turning out well for everyone.
I just wanted to comment on the passing of legendary Bob Sheppard.
I never knew he was a Richmond Hill person having been born there
in 1910. And he taught at one time in my old alma mater, John Adams
High School. But he was there and left many years before I went
to the school.
What a career and a life he had! A life well lived! Have a great
day everyone. Regards Mary
Added: July 12, 2010
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Jim Burke From:
Long Beach, CA E-mail: |
Tom Blank,
I knew all your buddies but I don't remember you. I was delivery
boy for LoBue Brothers grocery. The candy store next to the library
was Larino's (sp?), Janie's family. Ray Horn was closer to my age.
We carpooled to the Brooklyn Navy Yard with John Moran.
Added: July 11, 2010
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Paul La Vecchia From:
Delray Beach, Fl. E-mail:
dodgerman25@yahoo.com |
Are you people kidding me,
I lived up the block from Connie's pizza for 20 years. Although
pretty good, was far from the best. Steve's on Jam. ave. near 111th
st. was by far the best.
I've eaten pizza at most of the places mentioned. New park was also
outstanding. But there were so many great ones in Queens. Astoria,
were my wife is from also has great pies.
Everyone tonite go out have a slice on me. LOL. P.S. Connie's burnt
quite few also.
Added: July 11, 2010
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john trainor From:
northport ny E-mail: islraven@yahoo.com |
Tom Blank,
I remember two of the names you mention & I used to live on 131st
St just off Liberty, having moved there from Manhattan in 1953.
Bobby Gunn would hang out at a candy store on Liberty a few doors
from 131st St. My older brother & he didn't get along and duked
it out one day, but in time came to peaceful terms. Dougie Horn
went to John Adams about the time I did, always a popular guy, always
fun and upbeat. He passed away quite some time ago.
There was a grocery store on the corner, a library a block away,
the Lefferts movie theater was near, and PS 121 an easy walk from
our house. Everything you needed in that one nice area. Good luck
and health to you.
Added: July 10, 2010
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Bob Wood From:
Irmo, South Carolina E-mail: |
So much talk about pizza.
Anyone remember Maureen Cummings or Betsy Forey? Went to school
at Mary Louis with my sister, Alice Wood, now living in Atlanta.
Is Our Lady of Wisdom still functioning? Obviously been a long time,
leaving 114-11 86th Avenue in 1957. Oh, HCJ for eight years before
my father retired and moved to Miami.
Added: July 10, 2010
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Richie Weis From:
Patchogue NY E-mail: Romeowisk@aol.com |
Damn I grew up in richmond
hill 1968-1985, went to PS 55, JHS 226, then RHHS.
My grandprents lived on 130 St between Liberty and 103 Ave for 35
years. Remember Swifts, Labue's, Pinincis... sorry about the spelling.
Added: July 10, 2010
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TOM BLANK From:
MORICHES NY E-mail: TOMGENIE@aol.com |
I grew up in RH until 1951
when we moved to LI.
I am writing this in memory of 4 of my best buddies Rich McCabe,
Doug Horn, Bobby Priest, and Bobby Gunn who have passed on. Also
my four cousins George, Bob and Eddie Blank, and Artie Brooks. All
from between 130th and 132nd Streets and Liberty Ave.
RIP. I know they have a good Ballteam in Heaven.
Added: July 9, 2010
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Sheryl Maldonado From:
Hawley, Pennsylvania E-mail: |
If you traveled a little
west, over to the corner of Woodhaven Blvd. and Jamaica Ave., you
would come to the best pizza place ever... Carlos pizza.
Added: July 9, 2010
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Richie Schmidt From:
Boynton Beach FL E-mail: trscreative@aol.com |
Hello Richmond Hillers past
& present.
Been reading posts for sometime now and first time posting today.
Mostly because I have to nominate Carlos Pizza (Lefferts & Liberty)
as a contender for best pizza.
Good to see old friends names and posts. Great stories of the past.
Added: July 9, 2010
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Bob Winter From:
Huntington Beach, CA E-mail: |
To my fellow pizza lovers
-
I have eaten at both Connie's and Tommy's. Both excellent pizza,
a little different in flavor. TOP TWO FOR SURE.
Any other votes? Eat at Connies after a HJC CYO baseball game wins
with Mr. G. When I got older eat at Tommy's on Liberty downstairs
from the Pool Hall. Anyone?????
Added: July 9, 2010
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Bob Winter From:
Huntington Beach, CA E-mail: |
To Robert Sheridan:
Your right about the pizza place in Seal Beach. That is the only
good pizza in CA. I eat there at least every other week. Not far
from my house.
The actually name is a Slice of New York in Seal Beach.
Added: July 9, 2010
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Bill Heaney From:
lincroft new jersey E-mail:
btjk35@aol.com |
Best Pizza...
have to say it isin't in richmond hill... its in howard beach, and
its still there today... new park pizza... biggest slices and best
pies around... still today...
Added: July 9, 2010
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Maureen Connelly Cahill
From: Sun City Hilton Head E-mail: |
Hank Michel,
Just realized it was not Sister Rose Gerald, but Sister Joan Ida
that I had in 8th grade. Mind is going fast!!
Added: July 9, 2010
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Maureen Connelly Cahill
From: Sun City Hilton Head E-mail: |
Hank Michels,
I remember one of the nuns you spoke about. Believe it was Sister
Rose Geraldine (not Gerald). Sister Rose Geraldine was from Ireland
& was my 8th grade teacher.
I wanted desperately to go to Dominican Commercial H.S., but was
the type who would get so nervous taking the test & I didn't make
it. She told me to write them a letter telling them how much I wanted
to attend the school. I did & a little while later I received an
acceptance to the school.
Added: July 9, 2010
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Bill C. From:
Northport E-mail: |
Carmine Coletti,
My wife was a regular at Jahn's Richmond Hill, and sadly we know
why it closed, I grew up in Flushing on Main Street in the 50s and
early 60s.
You say Jahn's opened up on Main Street, don't you mean Chang's!
Added: July 9, 2010
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Vin Smith From:
Saugerties NY E-mail: vlsmithfam@aol.com |
Carlos was the best pizza,
that I remember.
Liberty and 117th I think. It was there long before Tommy's.
Added: July 8, 2010
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robert staab From:
orange county E-mail: |
with out a doubt Connie's
had the best pizza, Jamicia Ave on 107th to 108th Street.
I would go in the kitchen as a kid and see all the food being prep'd.
hahaha we wouldn't eat it now, but he had the best back then. Jamaica
Ave 102nd to 111th Streets, the best ever.
Added: July 8, 2010
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Dougie Flynn From:
L I N Y E-mail: |
Hands down- Tommy's Pizzeria
on 118st and Liberty.
Added: July 8, 2010
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Art Bornschein Sr. From:
Williamsburg, Va. E-mail:
artieb1@cox.net |
To: Matt Wasilefsky
I lived on 125 St. & 101 Ave. I worked for "Kay-Dek" from 1961-62,
as did Paul "Shaldanot". I went to RHHS with Mike Sica, but don't
recognize any of the other names.
Also, I "DO" remember the Benzinos (Beverley) and the
time her brother held off the cops, at their house, with a rifle.
Added: July 8, 2010
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Barb Wojtko From:
CO E-mail: bwojtko@msn.com |
To Matt Wasilefsky--
I remember some of the names you mentioned! There was Irene Coleman
on the corner of 124th and 95th Ave. The Flynns lived one or two
houses away-- I went to school with Noreen Flynn. I remember two
Dumrouf girls-- think their names were Fran and Barbara.
My aunt and uncle lived on 124th St-- Al and Agnes Hank. If any
of them visit this site I hope they'll write in and let us know
where life has taken them.
You have a really good memory, Matt!
Added: July 7, 2010
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Robert Sheridan From:
Austin, TX E-mail: |
To Bob Winter:
Try New York Pizza (I think that's the name) on Main St in Seal
Beach. Down about a half mile on left from PCH. Not bad.
Don't confuse it with another almost next door.
Added: July 7, 2010
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Bill Heaney From:
lincroft new jersey E-mail:
btjk35@aol.com |
Rick Ohle, wow theres a name,
yes I remember you, boys club, softball at richmond hill in the
summer.
Your brother John and I swam together on holy child swim team...
remember a guy named Jerry Murtha, and Gene O'Brien, both were on
my relay and we took third in the olympics... lol
you had a brother Billy as well... my mom and your mom bowled together
in the rosary society...
and Bobby Sheridan, now I remember you, you were good friends with
Ernie Pericas, I lived across the street from them... and Billy
Costalino, and Ernie and myself use to hang out on 109st all the
time... wow names from the past... have to think way back to remember...
Bobby Sheridan I remember one time we went to jamaica shopping,
and when we came back you put your hand in the richmond hill saving
bank night deposit and pulled out a 20 dollar bill... 20 dollars
was alot of money back then... lol
Added: July 7, 2010
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Carmine Coletti From:
Glen Oaks NY E-mail: carminecoletti@aol.com |
I grew up in Flushing and
when a Jahn's opened up on Main Street, that was huge news.
My wife and I described the Richmond Hill Jahn's to our daughter
just the other day. Sadly she will never know the thrill of going
to Jahn's. Some things should really last forever.
Thank You John Jahn!!
Added: July 6, 2010
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Hank Michel From:
Georgetown Texas E-mail: Hank@bighank.com |
It is gratifying to read
how much RH was appreciated by everyone. I too had a blast there.
I haven't seen many comments from HCJ classmates of 1957. We had
some great nuns, Sr. Juan Ita, Sr. Rose Gerald, Sr. Joseph Patrive,
Sr. Consuella, and more. I stayed friends with Sr. Joseph Patrice
until her death a few years ago. What an inspiring and wonderful
woman. We named our daughter after her.
I don't even hear too many comments about Uncle Ralph at Glenn's.
I worked there several years as his counterpart after working many
years at the Hofbrau.
There were so many great memories from both places. I hope everyone
has a great summer.
Added: July 6, 2010
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Bob Winter From:
Huntington Beach, CA E-mail: |
OK! I guess everyone has
their own opinion on where Richmond Hill statrs and stops. So let's
move on ---
What was the best pizza place and who had the best pizza? Have fun
with this one, since I'm out here in California now and only found
2 good pizza places, but not New York Pizza.
Added: July 5, 2010
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Matt Wasilefsky From:
Phoenix Arizona E-mail: mattwasilefsky@cox.net |
The comments on the South
Queens Boys Club brought back memeories, I too was a member and
remember the bowling alley in the basement.
You had to press down the lever and metal rods would pop up for
you to set the pins. Quite frequently someone would leave the rods
up and than the bowler would throw the ball and get a big thunk
sound and nothing would happen. Needless to say there were a lot
of bent rods from this.
Lets hear more from the 124th and 123rd street and 95th ave people.
It was great growing up there.
We had the Colemans, Flynns, Sicas, Britenbachs, Walshs, Carmody,
Jasiaks, Sheldonats, and across the streets you had then Benzionos,
Dumrouf,s Dockpwits, and the KEY DEK factory.
Anyone remember any of this?
Added: July 5, 2010
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Mary H Price From:
Ireland E-mail: moiragannaire@yahoo.co.uk |
Hi, I am hoping to make contact
with my relatives.
My fathers uncle David McDonald lived in Richmond Hill in the 1950's,
and was married to a German woman. He worked as a bus driver. His
son is also called David and visited our family in 1955, he was
16 at the time making him approx 71 now.
My father, Joey Price, was in the USA in 1974 and looked for this
family but couldn't find them in Richmond Hill.
Any help would really be appreciated, we have very few relatives
on this side of the family and would love to make contact. Thank
you so much.
Added: July 5, 2010
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linda hammer From:
ozone pk E-mail: lfoy0003@charter.net |
live in mo. now.
I remember Lennihans, the Red Den, and McGowans. tended bar at the
Jagermeister, and Red Den.
Added: July 3, 2010
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Rick Ohle From:
Los Angeles E-mail: Aquaticz@att.net |
Hello All, I wanted to respond
to those that wrote:
For Connie Russo- I remember you. I was a toe head until I was about
31, then I had kids, need I say more… LOL. It stayed blonde until
I was in my forties & now a light brown with (oh my) gray highlights.
Connie thank you so much for mentioning all those people (Arthur
D'Alessio, Anna Trieste, Joan Yee, Jack Inzetta, Anna Paolella,
Kay Annunziato, Tony Spoto, Linda Piccoli, James Palazzolo, Maria
Malta, Sue Caracciolo). Once I shook off the dust off my memory
I remember them all. They were all a part of my life growing up,
going to school at Holy Child Jesus & later at RHHS. Can you believe
we had up to about 60 kids in a class!
Do you keep in touch with them? I dated Kay for a while in HS, in
fact she was my date for the Prom. The kids found an old prom photo
many years ago which they gave me a hard time about (don't all kids).
I still have it.
WE had a hell of a prom! We went to the Top of the 666's and saw
Glenn Miller & his band. What a show & what a memory. Then we went
to see Rodney Dangerfield, where old Rodney knew a beauty when he
saw one, he had Kay sitting in his lap in no time and was making
jokes about me in front of the whole place… on stage. Side bar:
Dustin Hoffman dam near did the same when I worked at Cinema 1.
Then as I recall a trip to the Staten Island Ferry followed by a
day at the beach. I also remember sleeping for day's afterward.
Those were the days – thanks for reminding me. I was just looking
at names here on the guest book and remember many of you. I suppose
that is because I am in the middle of my siblings. The oldest is
5 years older than me and the youngest 5 years younger. Bill Heaney,
Richie Newel, Ken Ball, Paul La Vecchia (Hi Paul), Bill Mahan, Dennis
Doyle of course, Sheryl Maldonado, Anne Marie Kujawski (Hello),
Bob Rainis, you have a sister I went to school with Jeanne think,
you lived down the block from us), Michael LaMarca, McDunna & Tom
Feldman.
I think it is time to break out the old graduation photos's. Anyone
remember Sister Ann Michell? How about Sister Regina Margret? Miss
Sack's.
I also read about Glenn's and Ralph the bartender. He served my
folks their first drink as a couple, he also served me my first
drink. My uncles woked at the Triangle. I worked a Cameo pet shop
as did both my brothers Steve & John. I also worked at Jahn's (cutting
the cream, dressing it, worked the counter & occasionally the grill.
Lots of memories there. I also set up tables with a friend named
Mitch for Bingo next door at the RKO after it's glory days' were
over. Anyone remember the vaudeville acts at the Sat afternoon show
at the RKO? The roller Rink on Hillside Ave ( I think) The 4 th
of July... LOL. now that was a holiday!
Anyone remember the bottle rocket wars in the HS yard? When we were
really out of hand we used roman candles to shoot at the other side.
Then there was the annual trip to NY ChinaTown to get the goods.
I think everyone knew we were selling them because we would fill
a trash can (those silver wire ones) with mats of fire crackers.
What we did to that poor building... Climbed all over it to retrieve
handballs and the like.
Once we stole the keys and all the gym equipment just before school
started. Murray Stockfedder called each of us by name into his office
the first day of school. He wanted to know cough, cough... if we
could see to it that the stuff was retuned including the keys, should
we happen to know who did it. That guy was great. He and the gym
teachers who worked summers in the school yard & taught me a lot.
We lived across the street from the HS yard on 113th and 89th Ave
since I was years old. I have not seen a game of stick ball since
I was 17. Best Johnny on the Pony games in the HS yard & at the
Boy's Club on Atlantic Ave. I spent a lot of time at both places
as a young boy and early teenager.
I am glad I left RH when I did but I shall never forget what a place
it was. Richmond Hill was a slice of Americana. Where the air was
clean, you could smell the trees and say hello to neighbors. They
were either going to or coming from Jamaica Ave. Neighbors watched
out for all of us (sometimes good sometimes not).
I have a great story about Forest Park and the time my brothers
and I borrowed a few horses and took them HOME. I'll write about
that another time... I told Dennis Doyle the story lately & he cracked
up. This is long enough for now.
Thanks to all of you for a trip down memory lane. I have been talking
with my wife & although I am not a good writer she thinks I should
write down all I remember. Ummmmm I said what about the statue of
limitations. Sal the cop may come looking for me. Regards to you,
Rick Ohle
Added: July 3, 2010
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Brian McNerney From:
San Dimas, CA. E-mail: ceo@lavernechamber.org |
Grew up in Richmond Hill
on 102st by Forest Park.
Went to Holy Child Jesus school and graduted in 1958. Went to Molloy
after that and graduated in 1962. Loved the experience and have
met a lot of old friends in the past but want to see if anybody
else has turned up. I loved everthing about Richmond Hill. It was
so special and taught us so much about life.
Loved the old Glenn's, Salerno's, Jahns, and Westfalls. We were
married in Westfalls 40 years ago. My Wife, Carol Ann, lived down
the street!! It was a great time to live in Richmond Hill and I
love this site which brings back so many memories.
Going back to LI for a wedding and I have to take a trip to the
old Church (Holy Child) which is celebrating 100 years this year.
Anybody who remembers the McNerney's, Devine's, Claro's, from that
time period please let us know. I still think about PS.66, the Holy
Child gym, Mr. G, Mr. Ring, and Artie Beyer. It was so cool to live
there and remember how special that time was.
I try to expain that to my California friends and they don't relate.
After 33 years I still have my accent and I love it!!
Added: July 3, 2010
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Robert Sheridan From:
Texas E-mail: |
Am proud to say I did a stint
as a pin boy at the bowling alleys at the Atlantic Ave Boys Club.
Do I ever date myself when I tell people that!
May have done that with Ernie Pericas (RIP) from 109th St.
Added: July 2, 2010
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Anthony Palmisano From:
Lynbrook, NY E-mail: |
Hi Dougie,
Thank you for your comment, you made my day. I remember all the
other names as well, Chris Wolf, John Godsell, and Pat Devitt. Please
tell them you heard from me and please tell them to e-mail me if
they like it would be great to hear from them.
The Boy's Club was a great place. I think of my job there and everyone
often. Unfortunately, I'm not on Facebook. I'll be sure to tell
Paul you said hello. Him and his family moved to Colorado about
6 years ago. He really likes it there. He checks out this site once
in a while. I'm sure if he sees your post he'll reply.
In the meantime when I speak to him I'll tell him you were asking
for him. Thanks Doug for writing back. Thanks for remembering me.
You made my day. All the best. --Tony
Added: July 2, 2010
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Dougie Flynn From:
LI NY E-mail: |
John Brownne - Sometimes.
Is John Brownne your REAL name??? Yes, when it would get really
windy I would have to run home, comb my hair see that it was OK
only to go out in the wind again!! -Dougie
Added: July 2, 2010
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Dougie Flynn From:
LI NY E-mail: |
Tony Parlmisano-
Johnny Kestel and I got a good laugh after reading your post and
commenting about the "Intermediate Game Room". Now that brings back
some memories.
I don't know if you go on Facebook but they have a page called "I
was a member of the South Queens Boys Club" with some old photo'
s posted on it. I recognize some old faces and there is one of John
D'agnese as well. Take care, Dougie
Added: July 1, 2010
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Maria T. Mirabile (nee Catalanotto)
(Giannone) From: Valley Stream, NY
E-mail: redwine@optonline.net |
Looking for classmates from
St. Mary Gate of Heaven '1967.
Linda Forster, MaryAnn Smith, Donna Stillo, Susan Chiddo, Thomas
Barcia, Thomas Fusaro...
Added: July 1, 2010
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john brownne From:
queens E-mail: |
dougie flynn is it true you
would run home and fix your hair?
Added: June 30, 2010
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Dougie Flynn From:
LI NY E-mail: |
Hi Anthony,
I remember you. You were a great guy. I remember your brother Paul
too. You were the only guy that worked the front desk and would
let me in if I forgot my card. I think Ozzie and a few others worked
it too. Ozzie would see me everyday and if I forgot my card he would
say "You can't get in".
I'm going to Mike Kestel's house in 2 weeks and Castillo, Pat Devitt,
Cris Wolf, John Godsell, and the Kestel Brothers will all be there.
I'll be sure to foward your regards.
Also say hello to Paul for me. I remember going to the Annex with
him and another student set me up and told me he liked to be called
"Paulie" so I said to him "Hey, Paulie Paulie! What's up Paulie
"Well he got so mad because he thought I was being a wiseguy (I
guess I was not realizing) and he wanted to BRAWL! I had to calm
him down by telling him I was just kidding with him.
After that I thought "Don't mess with Paul Parmisano". The things
we remember.
Added: June 30, 2010
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Anthony Palmisano From:
Lynbrook, NY E-mail: anthony.palmisano@ca-cib.com |
Hi Dougie,
This is Tony Palmisano and I worked the front desk and the intermediate
game room at the Boys Club. I remember you and all the people you
mentioned, Mike Costillo, the Kestels, and Joe Aqualina.
I passed the club some time last year and saw that the pool is gone.
I couldn't believe it. I remember all of us raising money and literally
helping dig the hole for the pool. Would like to hear from any one
from the Boys Club. I started working there after school at 13.
Then became a member of the Mens Club.
I have a lot of great memories and some sad ones too especially
that April 1981. Thanks... Tony Palmisano
Added: June 29, 2010
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mike hedler From:
ten. E-mail: |
How I remember those days.
They were a special part of my life & I cherish those memmories,
also the track meets and all the sports we played, the old crowd.
Added: June 28, 2010
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Grace Boll Ilasi From:
Elmont E-mail: brandigrac@verizon.net |
Would like to hear from anyone
who went to P.S 108, in Ozone Park, Queens, in the 1960's.
Added: June 27, 2010
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Dougie Flynn From:
LI NY E-mail: |
Jennifer Espinoza- Did you
have a brother named George?
Added: June 27, 2010
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Dougie Flynn From:
LI NY E-mail: |
Chris Glasser, I know you
remember me.
I was Timmy Murphy's best friend growing up and still am to this
day. I saw your post about Cammi Farrell and thought of my trip
to the Dominican Republic last Dec. Unbeknownst to me, her brother
George was sitting next to me in the Hotel restaurant! I didn't
even recognize him. My friend did.
I hadn't seen George since '75 when we graduated from SBJL. We caught
up for awhile and I also inquired about Cammi. She was a real sweetheart
and I remember how her ears would stick out slightly because she
always wore her hair in a pony-tail.
She has lived in Colorado close to 30 years now. I think she went
to school there and stayed. She's been married for years and has
a family and is doing quite well according to George who still lives
in Queens by the way. Take care -Dougie.
Added: June 27, 2010
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Dougie Flynn From:
LI NY E-mail: |
Rick Ohle, I remember you
from the Boy's Club.
You were a "Monitor " weren't you? I actually still keep in touch
with guys like Mike Castillo, The Kestel Bros. Joey Aqualina to
name a few. I think your friends were the Cinelli Bros. Pete Werner,
the Haggerty's .
The Club is still there and I'm sure that you must of heard of the
tragedy that befelled it's staff back in '81.
Added: June 27, 2010
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Sal Barcia From:
Floral Park E-mail: sbarcia_meta@yahoo.com |
No offense to you purists
who are debating the jagged boundaries of Richmond Hill, but for
me at least, living on one of those boundaries where the adjacent
backyard was in Ozone Park, I always felt that I was living dead
center in Richmond Hill - if not the center of the universe.
As an adult, I can see the larger and grander Victorians approaching
Park Lane South, but as a child I thought of them as inferior to
the center of my universe.
Reading this site, and receiving e-mails from newly discovered old
friends (thanks to this site and Classmates.com) the common lamentation
is how much the neighborhood has changed.
Thanks to this website, a few minutes allows me to return to a Richmond
Hill perfectly intact - with kids wondering if one person could
consume (or afford) a kitchen sink at Jahns, where the bakery crumb
buns are perfect, and where baking Italian bread never smelled better.
I know Glenn's is long gone, but I imagine Ralph the bartender limping
around - either crusty or friendly depending on his mood (mostly
friendly), and where friends would be waiitng to welcome you in
your favorite schoolyard.
Think hard enough, and you can almost smell the acrid scent of fireworks
still hovering in the air on July 5th. No matter which corner (or
center) of Richmond Hill you lived in, summer was certainly to me
the best time. "A" train to Rockaway Beach anyone?
Added: June 26, 2010
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Paul La Vecchia From:
Delray Beach, FL. E-mail:
Dodgerman25@yahoo.com |
Everyone can check this site
under maps and click walking tour. (Victorian R.H.)
It shows North R.H. and Kew Gardens. That's the general area we
hung out. Of course area 3 is the main site of 108th and PLS.
Does anyone remember the Rich-Haven LL. It started in 1958 and is
now W.O.R.K.S LL. We played most of our games at Smoky Park 124th
& Atlantic by LIRR tracks. The rest in Highland Park in Brooklyn.
Right on Jamaica ave. Played until 1963 in Youth League. 13-15 yrs
old.
This league is 52 yrs old they wrote us up in Long Island Press,
Daily News amd NY Mirror, etc. I can't believe there isn't anyone
else who played in the league back in the late 50's, early sixties.
We paraded up and down Jamaica Ave, from Woodhaven 76th St, all
the way to Woodhaven Blvd with our uniforms on. What memories.
Added: June 25, 2010
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John Parnti From:
Mastic, NY E-mail: jjaypare1@optonline.net |
I hope this clears up the
confusion, as copied from richmondhillny.com:
"Richmond Hill borders the Van Wyck Expressway to the East, 109th
Avenue to the South, 101st Street to the West, and Metropolitan
and Hillside Avenues to the North.
Atlantic Avenue is the division between North and South Richmond
Hill. North Richmond Hill Zipcode is 11418 South Richmond Hill Zipcode
is 11419.
Richmond Hill borders the communities of:
Kew Gardens to the North,
Briarwood to the Northeast,
Jamaica to the East,
South Ozone Park to the South,
Ozone Park to the Southwest,
Woodhaven to the West,
Forest Park, Glendale and Forest Hills to the Northwest."
Added: June 25, 2010
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John Santino From:
Queens, NY E-mail: |
if any of you are losing
sleep out there re: what neighborhood you grew up in, may I suggest
checking your zip code.
I think that's one thing the U.S. post office got right... maybe
not.
Added: June 25, 2010
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Jonn Mulry From:
Chattanooga E-mail: JonnNightwatcher@hotmail.com |
as far as the "boundary dispute"
is concerned:
it really depends on your point of view. I have seen Liberty Avenue
(at 111th Street) where my parents had the C&F Bar&Grill listed
on maps of Queens as Ozone Park.
Wow, maybe someone should have painted boundaries with flourescent
paint and put up signs saying:
Achting! You are now leaving the Richmond Hill district of the greatest
city the world!
Liberty Avenue will always be Richmond Hill to me, just as 115-46
117th Street where we lived until July of 1962 be South Ozone Park.
That is according to MY point of view.
Added: June 25, 2010
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Paul La Vecchia From:
Delray Beach, FL. E-mail:
Dodgerman25@yahoo.com |
Well I'm glad to see the
feistyness of our alumni (ALL RICHMOND HILLITES) We all express
our Love for the old place were everyone grew up in a REAL life.
We were so lucky yo enjoy a such a beautiful area growing up. I'll
ALWAYS BE A HILLITE. A GREAT SUMMER TO ALL.
Added: June 25, 2010
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George Pett From:
Valdosta, Georgia E-mail:
georgepett@bellsouth.net |
Wow! Did I say something
wrong, when I said "the real Richmond Hill"?
I can assure everyone that I meant no offense, but was simply trying
to clarify my confusion as to why the vast majority of contributors
to this forum seem to be from near the Liberty Avenue area of the
Hill, and so very few from the north/east area! (that would be from
Atlantic Avenue to Hillside/Metropolitan Avenues, and from Lefferts
Blvd to Van Wyck Expressway), which is an authentic and valid part
(if not perhaps the very Heart and Soul) of Richmond Hill! (here
he goes again!) Jamaica did not start until you get to the east
side of Van Wyck. Now, we have enough Border Issues in this country
already, lets not slice up RH, okay.
Seriously though folks, I always was told that the area from Atlantic
Avenue south to Liberty Ave. and from Lefferts to Van Wyck was called
"Morris Park", but I was born in Richmond Hill Sanitorium in March
1943, and that was to the south and west of Atlantic and Lefferts!?,
and to further add to my confussion, my Maternal Grandparents lived
one block south of Atlantic Avenue off of 104th street (I believe
it was 94th Ave) right next to the Bordens Milk factory, and that
was always called Ozone Park!
Now, I realize I am in the minority here, doubley so, not only because
I lived on Jamaica Avenue, but I think I'm one of the few people
who write in, that never went to Holy Child Jesus school! (I don't
have anything against Jesus, in fact I love Jesus, I just never
went to school with Him!) I hope this explaination helps to smooth
any feathers I may have inadvertently ruffled with my socially insensitive
statement! Shalome.
Can anyone tell me how to get in touch with Carolyn (Weiss) Mathis,
who would have graduated from John Adams HS @ '60 or '61, or her
brothers Albert or Ritchie? I would loved to know how they are doing.
And does anyone remember Earl McNamara who worked at King Kullen
on Liberty Ave in the late fifties-early sixties?
Now here's a memory, walking along Atlantic Ave across from Smokey
Park in the mid 50's knocking the Soot of the chain link fence that
accumulated from the old steam locomotives.
Anyone else do that?
Added: June 24, 2010
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Art Bornschein Sr. From:
Williamsburg, Va. E-mail:
artieb1@cox.net |
To Robert Staab:
By saying "the abandoned tracks" I assume you meant the old LIRR
Rockaway branch crossing 101 Ave. at 100 St. running north and south.
Don't tell the people "there", that they don't live in Ozone Park,
I mean "really" don't.
Added: June 24, 2010
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Bob Winter From:
Huntington Beach, CA E-mail:
bob.winter49@yahoo.com |
Ok! I guess it did matter
where you hung out.
The issue is the boardline, and I have to agree with Robert's desription
of the boardlines of RH.
Added: June 24, 2010
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Bill Heaney From:
lincroft new jersey E-mail:
btjk35@aol.com |
favorite bars... Glenns and
Regency Row.
Added: June 24, 2010
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Bill Heaney From:
lincroft new jersey E-mail:
btjk35@aol.com |
Paul: anyone who says there
from richmond hill in the 60's and 70's hung out at the park...
it was home base... the pond the upper log and lower log... the
parkie house and the woods... amazing how many kids would show up
on a friday night to have a few cold ones, then onto a dance...
lol, they came from all parts of town, north, south, east, west...
and from all high schools... lol... have to laugh, but all of queens
at that time knew of jackson pond...
and if you went down to the beach by way of hitching a ride at cross
bay bulvard to 108st and onto fitzes and wards deli to buy your
beer, and avoiding jerry erik and the woodside crowd... you would
brag about going up to the park and partying... and in the winter
it was off to jimmy byrns aka players... on northern blvd to party
at 3.00 and all you could drink... damn was that a blast...
Added: June 24, 2010
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John McKenna From:
West Hartford, CT E-mail:
JohnM@grmattorneys.com |
I lived in Queens Village.
SS Joachim & Anne Parish. I played in 1956 for the RH Saxons Baseball
Team. Fond memories.
I remember Joe Bronzino, Roger Wyrondeck, and Vin Nolan. Sunday
twin bills. And I remember Jahn's of course.
Added: June 24, 2010
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Mary Hamel Theall From:
New Bedford, Ma. E-mail: |
To Robert Staab:
Hey - Watch it - Who r u calling OLD and with BAD MEMORIES. I would
bet on anyone on this site to kick your *>> with any Memories of
Richmond Hill, North, South, Up or Down.
Added: June 24, 2010
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Paul La Vecchia From:
Delray Beach, Fl E-mail: dodgerman25@yahoo.com |
Robert S.: You too are also
correct.
But were just talking of a small section of No. R.H. (For example)
The People who lived near smokey park 124th and Atlantic ave rarely
if ever visited Forest park. They had a park. I played little league
ball (58-60) there. But there still Hillites. Anyway, everyone have
a great summer.
Added: June 24, 2010
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Claudia (Elkowich) Nusu
From: Winchester VA E-mail: |
I grew up right across the
street from PS 121.
My mom was the school crossing guard for St Theresa and then later
PS 121. I went to John Adams HS graduate 1970. I too worked at Key
Food. That is where I met my bestest friend Connie Russo. I remember
Mr. Brandis, and yes he was a hunk.
I hung out at Al's Stereo, still in touch with Al and his wife Gloria.
Loved the pizza at Liberty and Leffert's. There also was a great
bakery right under the 'el'. Plus a bar across the way.
I remember hanging out on the street corner, though not too often
my mom was real strick. I remember having to come home from playing
(when I was real young) when the street light came on, when someone
got a new car the whole block came out to look at it. Same if some
kid pulled the fire alarm.
Our playground extended for blocks. Bassil park, Lincoln park (loved
the swings and monkey bars), Alley pond, football games (I was a
cheer leader) and the parades on Libery Ave. Lucky's backery also
on Liberty had the best Italian ices and there was the Liberty Ave.
library just down the road. There were two movie theatre's on Liberty,
one before the 'el' and one under the 'el'.
I remember taking the train to Rockaway to bask in the sun and ride
the rides at night. And the conduit where the older guys and some
gal's would race their cars. I remember the local fish market, the
card store, the toy store, the corner laundry mat, the Green and
the Red line buses, Kresten the 5 and dime store, May's in Jamaica,
green stamps, having to wear dresses to school, being pals with
whoever could drive and had a car.
And now a days I'm happy for what I can remember and being able
to get up without moaning. Thanks Connie I'm feeling alot older.
Added: June 24, 2010
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Robert Staab From:
orange county E-mail: |
It seems like most of the
people involved in this format are old and have weak memories.
I am of the class of 1971 HCJ and loved RH. ok to the west the abandoned
tracks, to the north park lane south, to the east Van Wyck and to
the south Liberty. my father was NYFD and concers with me. SORRY
Added: June 23, 2010
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Paul La Vecchia From:
Delray Beach, Fl E-mail: dodgerman25@yahoo.com |
Billy: You are also correct.
That's were most of us hung out. J. Pond. F. Park and the rest.
I think you said you lived on 108-09 st never Jam. ave. So you know
the real North R.H. Our real question was that the rest of R.H.
was foreign to us in a way. But still awesome.
Any way I wish all of the people on this site could meet up at the
Wall in the pond. (My second home) meet at the (The Soldier) for
a drink. LOL.
Added: June 23, 2010
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bob winter From:
huntington beach ca E-mail: |
As mentioned the whole border
thing would create a debate.
AND yes there is a south and north richmond hill. Depending where
you are standing on the VW you could be in Kew Gardens.
Added: June 22, 2010
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Bill Heaney From:
lincroft new jersey E-mail:
btjk35@aol.com |
hate to tell you all... but
the real richmond hill was...
forest park... jackson pond 108st... home of the richmond hill wildman...
upper log and lower log.... schafer beer, st bennies dances... chelis
hall, the tremelos, jimmy loughlin, fat jack maple and his trustie
dog sarge, then there was ox polker and his twin dickie bow, and
a nut hondo halsey, there were the penner brothers, vinny shellhorn,
the manzos, the finnerans, at least ten of them... the colters had
14 I think... the carneys had a buch as well... great town richmond
hill... great kids... we had the dooleys from 109 st... the osborns
from 110, the oconnors, heaneys, feldmans, fitzpatricks, mcguinnes,
pericas, lamarcas, cahills, morans, washingtons, sharans, perettas,
rollins, eaharts, patersons, nothing but kids, kids, kids... got
to love richmond hill
Added: June 22, 2010
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Paul La Vecchia From:
Delray Beach, Fla. E-mail:
dodgerman25@yahoo.com |
Richie Newell:
Yes our "Nations" was never a "gang" but a group of kids (Yea, we
were actually teen-agers) that hung together and wouldn't let anyone
push us around. We never looked for trouble. We were a close group.
Added: June 21, 2010
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Paul La Vecchia From:
Delray Beach, Fla. E-mail:
dodgerman25@yahoo.com |
Johnny Celauro hit the nail
virtually on the head.
Those boundries here quoted are pretty close to perfect. Forest
Park was an exclusive area 95% of the people up there that we hung
out with lived within those boundries. We also hung out a little
in Kew Gardens, and played football up at Twin Lakes which is on
the GSP. No one from JAMAICA ever hung w/us. They lived in obscurity
in So. R.H.
Added: June 21, 2010
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Art Bornschein Sr. From:
Williamsburg, Va. E-mail:
artieb1@cox.net |
To: John Celauro,
You must have led a rather sheltered life in R.H., to think that
the borders are, as you mentioned. The postal service has a different
view and that is from Van Wyck Exp. to around 105th St., and Linden
Blvd. to Hillside Ave.
There are two R.H. though, North and South. The dividing line would
be Atlantic Ave. I was a R.H. "roamer" travelling north and south
by foot and bike. Especially when I delivered telegrams.
The office was on Myrtle Ave. down the street from "The Keith's".
(That's the RKO Keiths movie house, next to the ice cream parlor).
Added: June 21, 2010
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Bob Winter From:
CA E-mail: |
Let's all regroup here.
First of all The Nations was not a tough gang, but we could hold
our own. They were a bunch of guys that hungout playing sports -
stickball, slap ball, football, and if you had roller skates you
played roller hockey in front of the Annex building. Yeah we got
into fights but mostly one on one.
As for the boardline of Richmond Hill - JC is correct but you must
include south of Smoky Park and north of Mytle Ave to the park.
Added: June 21, 2010
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Kenneth Ball From:
San Diego CA E-mail: knkball@att.net |
To all,
Sorry about my sentence structure it should have read, We can all
be fortunate that our parents/ guardians chose Richmond Hill, as
our home.
I also forgot to comment on our local Fire Department folks, they
were just past 102nd street on Jamaica Ave, weren't they the best
and they would let us look at the fire-engines and sit up on the
seats, I liked the Hook and Ladder myself.
These folks were all part of the glue that held Richmond Hill, together
as a safe place to live and grow up. Ken Ball, San Diego
Added: June 21, 2010
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Kenneth Ball From:
San Diego E-mail: knkball@att.net |
To All, Happy Fathers Day
first and secondly we are all Richmond Hillites no matter which
street or boundary we lived near.
Can absolutely thank God and our parents/guardians for selecting
an area like Richmond Hill, so we could grow up away from some of
the terrible areas that existed in the New York.
Areas where Gangs, Drugs and many undesirables hung out. The Police
when I lived on 104th st would chase many of these characters away
at first sight of them. The cops back then knew who belonged and
who did not they kept an eye out for the kids because many of them
lived in the our neighborhood. Several of my friends moved to areas
of Brooklyn which were fundamentally dangerous to young kids. I
would visit them and they knew not to go two blocks this way or
that.
I feel we really had in Richmond Hill, one of the best places to
grow up in New York City hands down!
Ken Ball "Proud to have been a product of Richmond Hill" Hey maybe
a good Tee Shirt Logo
Added: June 20, 2010
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Joe Cutrone From:
Brewster, NY E-mail: cutrone11@comcast.net |
Vince Glasser:
The KF Deli Manager's name was Victor. He was quite a character
and always had a remark appropriate (or inappropriate, as per your
perspective) to the occasion.
Added: June 20, 2010
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Richard Newell From:
Galloway, NJ E-mail: coachrich00@yahoo.com |
You tell them John C, we
knew Richmond Hill because we were Richmond Hill.
As for those who knew the Nations didn't mess with the Nations.
LOL Those were great times, see you at the reunion in August. Rich
Newell
Added: June 20, 2010
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April Koster From:
Richmond Hill E-mail: aprildale18@yahoo.com |
I'm in Metropolitan Avenue,
it is the northern boundary of Richmond Hill.
Added: June 20, 2010
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John Parenti From:
Mastic, NY E-mail: jjaypare1@optonline.net |
When did they change the
border line of Richmond Hill?
I lived on 125th Street just north of 109th avenue. The southern
most tip of RICHMOND HILL.
Added: June 20, 2010
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Dennis Doyle From:
Richmond Hill, NY E-mail:
webmaster@richmondhillhistory.org |
Yikes! John Celauro:
What are you trying to do, create a "turf battle"? I hope this "debate"
leads to just pride of one's neighborhood surroundings and not an
all-out, down and dirty fight. The Nations was a pretty tough gang
I was told.
Added: June 20, 2010
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John Celauro From:
Between 102nd St and Lefferts... 113th St to be exact...
E-mail: |
Someone recently mentioned
that he considered where he lived in Ricmond Hill (125th St) to
be the "real" Richmond Hill.
I need to correct this poor fellow, but the "real" Richmond Hill
(using Jamaica Ave as a dividing line) is from 102nd Street to Lefferts
Blvd. Past 102nd Street is Woodhaven, past Lefferts Blvd is Jamaica.
I'd also venture to say, that Myrtle Ave is the northern boundry
and 101st Ave (or Jerome, whoever he was) is the southern border.
Maybe, just maybe Liberty Ave. But most of those people were foreigners.
Hopefully, this clarifies things and hopefully this starts a debate.
Added: June 19, 2010
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Connie (Russo) Cassata
From: Saddle Brook, NJ E-mail: |
I typed a few comments below
mentioning friends around the blocks I grew up very close to, working
at Key Food on 101st Avenue in the mid 70's, but not until I saw
RICK OHLE did I mention RHHS.
Rick, do you still have the (platinum) blonde hair? Do you remember
Arthur D'Alessio, Anna Trieste, Joan Yee, Jack Inzetta, Anna Paolella,
Kay Annunziato, Tony Spoto, Linda Piccoli, James Palazzolo, Maria
Malta, Sue Caracciolo - in no particular order?
I didn't know it at the time, but those days were some of the best
memories and I wouldn't want to trade it for teenage years "now
a day". I am glad I passed "raising a teenager" recently.
I have to get my 1973 (whew, we're old) RHHS yearbook out, and laugh
at the hair styles and outfits worn.
Added: June 19, 2010
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Richard Ohle From:
Los Angeles E-mail: aquaticz@att.net |
Had to come back and say
that I knew Jackie Maple as a boy.
He was a friend of my brother John. I went to Brooklyn Technical
HS. Jackie saw to it that I came home safely daily on the "A" &
"J" trains. I would wait for him and his football buddies after
practice.
The neighboorhood surrounding BTHS was a nasty burned out ghetto
with junkies and trash everywhere. I'll never forget him. I knew
he has become a transit cop but was stunned to read he became top
cop in NY- WOW
Added: June 19, 2010
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Richard Ohle From:
Los Angeles E-mail: aquaticz@att.net |
Hi, I lived in Richmond Hill
from 1955 to 1976. Both of my parents grew up there as well. WE
lived on 111 th Street down the street, 106th St and 113th Street
on 89th Ave.
I lived across from RHHS in what we were told was one of the original
homes in the Area. The gym trachers at RHHS who worked the play
yard & pool during the summer taught me to play ball, swim & learn
the early lessons of life. I remember quite a few of the teachers
& when I attended my mom worked also worked at the school in the
attendence office (not to good for a HS student).
I spent many hours in Forest Park, the lake at the golf course and
the HS yard. I worked as at Cameo Pet shop as did my brothers Steve
& John. I also worked at Jahn's Ice Cream Parlor and assisted making
ice cream a few times with Frank Jahn.
As children we went to the RKO Keiths (sp) every Sat for a quarter.
They had a Sat matinee with a vaudville show. We also spent a lot
of time at the Roller Ring.
I have 4 brothers and a sister. All the boys spent quite a bite
of time at the South Queens Boy's Club. I helped build the pool
addition at 13 years old. We also went horseback riding in Forest
Park and spent many days at Rockaway beach.
Today I work as a State Inspector for the construction of schools
& hospitals in California. I am am sure that I am in the business
I am today because of the beautiful home we grew up in. Gas lamps
in the halls, hand plastered details, wookwork that would make you
want to be a wood worker, crystal cut glass in built-in china cabinets,
the kind of craftsmanship that simply has faded from the American
experience.
Live in Queens at that time was a lot like Archie Bunker - his show
wass a huge hit at that time. Sadly my sister has passed as have
both of my parents, my brothers Bill, Steve, John & Tom no longer
live in New York. I have many many pleasant memories... do you remember
Marie's Candy Store on Jamaica Ave, or the bakery on 111th, the
fish store on 113th and Jamaica where you could get killer french
fries for a less than a quarter.
I remember when Flushing Medows was being built for the World's
Fair, we got turtles from the dredging of the lake. As I said, I've
many memories of the ole stomping ground. One last thing for now
but my dad always told me about the dog race track on Atlantic Ave.
As I write this I realize that I have a bit of history for RH locked
in. Maybe I will write something in the future recalling all I can.
Sorry about the typos, it's quite early :-) Please write if you
like :-) I went by Rick in those days- I am now 55.
Added: June 19, 2010
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RoseMarie Dinsmore From:
Florida E-mail: merdin417@aol.com |
Just saw Nuala Stack's note
regarding Marge Nolte from Henry's Ice Cream Parlor between l07th
St. & 108th St. on Liberty Ave.
I remember her well. You had a sister Pat, whom I went to school
with. She hung out with Ann Lang. You were Pat's younger sister.
I met you many times at your home. I think you lived on 108th St.
off 101st Ave. We all went to Gate of Heaven. I graduated in 1950.
Henry and Bill were the owners and there was Marge and a young son,
Bob. He would make us the greatest "frostys". My husband, Joe Dinsmore
played for Henry's & Bill's softball team. That was all back in
the good old 50's.
My husband told me that long before he met me, he had a crush on
Joan Lang. I could go on and on. Please let me know about Pat and
Ann and anyone else you think I might know. Hope is all well.
Added: June 18, 2010
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Bill Heaney From:
lincroft new jersey E-mail:
btjk35@aol.com |
Hello Charlie Bezousek...
lived on your block, but down the street... 8753 109 st between
91 ave and jamaica... lived there from '63 to '86... parents moved
out in '86 to toms river... maybe you knew my brother kevin... holy
child grad in '67.
Added: June 17, 2010
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Virginia McDonagh From:
Richmond Hill E-mail: |
I went to PS 54 from 1950
to 1956.
So did the rest of my family before me. Margie, Pat, Lorraine, Larry,
and Joan DeLaRue. Maybe you might know them.
Added: June 16, 2010
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Charles Bezousek From:
Carmel, N.Y. E-mail:
CharlesBezouseklcsw@gmail.com |
I lived in Richmond Hill
from 1950 to 1978.
Our family lived on 109th street between 91st and Atlantic Ave's.
I went to Holy Child Jesus and Thomas Edison H.S. We lived a few
doors down from Mike Hedler's Family.
Added: June 16, 2010
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Vince Glasser From:
Claremore, Ok. E-mail: vinceglasser@cox.net |
Joe Cutrone,
Your comments about Key Food brought back memories. There was an
older gentleman (and I use that term loosely) that worked with you
and Tommy Pedula in the deli. He always had something to say to
embarass poor Wanda. What was his name?
Hope you are doing well!
Added: June 16, 2010
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George Pett From:
Valdosta, Georgia E-mail:
georgepett@bellsouth.net |
Hello Everyone - I just had
to respond to Charlie Hands appeal for recognition!
I remember eyeryone you mentioned Charlie! I was born in '43, and
started first grade at PS54 @ '48-'49, this should help you align
our ages. I know exactly how you feel, and am equally confused by
the lack of response or input for anyone in our neighborhood (what
I consider the REAL Richmond Hill), I lived at 125-18 Jamaica Avenue
between the Laundromat and the Bakery, and while I am familiar with
your name, i seem to remember the candy store as owned by Freddy
Pagano. (His store was on the south side of Jamaica Ave. just one
store from the corner of 126th Street.)
Was your folks place across on the North side next to the Greek
Restaurant? Some of my friends (as well as those you mentioned)
were Ralph Pagano (Freddy's youngest son, Bobby McNamara, Paul Magno
(who's dad owned a fruit and vegetable store on the southeast corner
of 126th).
Around the corner on 126th there was Bobby Jerrnigan who joined
the Air Force the same time I did in April 1960, there was also
2 sisters Peggy and Dottie Mehan (Dottie was the oldest, and had
a beautiful singing voice, Gene Toomie a year or so younger than
me who joined the Navy (Gene's Dad used to drive a cab), Dennis
Herbst who lived in the apartment house, across the street lived
the Schnarr (?) family. Charlie was one of the brothers, and he
went to Unv/Nebraska. They're are just so many. I seem also to recall
Patsy Rocco had an older sister named Lucille?!? not sure about
her name, but boy was she a beauty.
I had two brothers (both deceased now) an older brother John, and
a younger brother Michael. I stayed in the Air Force for 21 years
and traveled around the world a couple of times. 2 separate tours
in Southeast Asia during the Viet Nam effort '67-'68 & '73-'74,
6 years in Germany and seven years in Great Britian. I married a
beautiful Scottish Girl in 1962 and not only are we still married,
but we are still madly in love! (I have to thank God for that!)
We settled in the south, right near the Florida border! Are children
(3) were all in the last or within 2 years of graduating High School,
so we decided to settle in here in Valdosta. I, like you would like
to hear how all of the guys and girls from our part of RH are doing.
My wife and I are serving the Lord through a Rescue Mission Ministry
called "The Mission Point", and we reach out to street people, homeless,
and addicted people in our city. (Please - everyone - pray for the
success of this increasingly necessary ministry, whenever you think
of us, thanks).
Charlie, you might look back through the archives of this site,
and find several messages sent from the Lupeka's, they were brothers
who I seem to recall lived on the north side of Jamaica Ave. on
124th Street. I sent some e-mails and they remembered some of my
friends. One of the brothers settled in Savannah, Ga (which is not
far from Richmond Hill, Georgia!!!) How about that!
Well, I'll shut up now. I wish you all the best!
Added: June 15, 2010
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Janet Renee Derse Swoish
From: Marion, MA E-mail:
rfsjds@comcast.net |
I was baptised in the Church
of the Resurrection in 1933 and my parents were married there in
1930.
My Grandmother served on the Altar Guild for many years when Arthur
Cummings was the Rector. I am delighted to read about the Church.
Arthur Cummings was originally from Sheepshead Bay as was my Grandmother.
Added: June 15, 2010
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charlie hand From:
RALEIGH, N.C. E-mail: crhnraleigh@aol.com |
I can't understand why I'm
not reaching anyone who lived in Richmond Hill during the 50's.
My mom and dad owned the candy store on Jamaica Ave. between 125th
and 126th st. I went to PS 54 which at that time went all the way
to the eighth grade.
My friends were Angelo & Frank Chiauzzi, Patsy Rocco, Al Beach,
Johnny and Frenk Cullota. It seems everyone who writes on this guestbook
lived south of 89th ave and west of Lefferts Blvd.
If you recognize any of this let me know.
Added: June 14, 2010
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Bob Wood From:
Irmo, SC E-mail: |
Anyone remember listening
to "Big John and Little Sparky" on the radio? Before the Bakers
got their TV in the fifties and introduced us to Howdy Doody...
snow screen and all... I used to listen to radio... yeah I know
pretty old... on Saturday mornings. Radio was as large as current
40 inch TVs.
Was there not a tropical fish store on Jamaica Avenue around 111
Street? Nice and warm in there on a winter day. They even had a
Lion fish from the Pacific as I recall. Poisonous! Best to all the
Holy Child and Richmond Hill types. Bob
Added: June 14, 2010
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Mike Hedler From:
Sevierville Tn. E-mail: mikkat@wildblue.net |
April, thank you for your
support it is greatly appriciated may the Lord Jesus richley bless
you and family.
Added: June 14, 2010
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April Koster From:
Richmond Hill E-mail: |
Dave O., Mike H., and all
the rest:
Nobody can thank you enough, but *Thank you*. God bless.
Added: June 13, 2010
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Art Bornschein Sr. From:
Williamsburg, Va. E-mail:
artieb1@cox.net |
To: HARRY FIUMARO,
Thanks for the reply. Yes I do remember Jackie, (He passed away
quite a few years ago, at an early age), he was a few years ahead
of me, on the job. I didn't have too much contact with him though.
I do think that my older brother Eddie used to hangout with him.
I remember Jackie by the large birthmark on his face.
Added: June 13, 2010
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Dave O'halloran From:
Chatam, NJ E-mail: Dwoh61@gmail.com |
Alternative address for O'halloran
is dwoh61@gmail.com
Love to hear from anyone from st bennies/rich hill 1961 -1965.
Added: June 13, 2010
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mike hedler From:
Sevierville Tn. E-mail: mikkat@wildblue.net |
Dave Ohalaren,
Yes, The heroism I saw, words can not describe. We are all affected
by the Nam. I believe for the most part the vivid nightmares. Trying
to make sense out of it, and what we came home to was just as bad
as the Nam.
Added: June 10, 2010
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HARRY FIUMARO From:
SOUTHOLD NY E-mail: BOHACK@aol.com |
To Art Bornschein Sr.
I know the place you are talking about. It was called Hooterville
Farm Stand and Animal Farm.
We used to bring the kids there at Halloween Time for pumpkins and
the kids could pet the animals. It was a very popular place.
Speaking of LIRR, did you know Jackie Herman? He played ball in
Lincoln Park. I can remember him telling how he could get the Montauk
Run in the days that the Football Giants home games were not televised.
He took the Montauk Run and watched the game in a restaurant that
had a Connecticut TV station and then be on the train back to New
York in the early evening.
Added: June 10, 2010
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Connie Cassata (RH days-Russo)
From: Saddle Brook, NJ E-mail: |
I was reminded that the Carvel
Store was located between 116th and 117th Street. The bakery, owned
by Tony was named "Regina Bakery". Key Food memory - wow, Joe (Cutrone)
you're sharp with the names and aisle numbers. I remember when Maria
(Malta) used to store her water bottle in the deli... until we put
white vinegar in it. I do remember having picnics and stick ball
or kick ball games.
I wonder how different we must look, that was over 30 years ago.
Your hair was very dark with a tight curl, mine was dark with loose
curls. Mine is still dark (thanks to dye) and the curl can be out
of control at times. My daughter is a stylist so we're working on
that. Ha ha. cjc
Added: June 9, 2010
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frank fales From:
San Jose E-mail: ffales@yahoo.com |
To John Wilhelm,
Yes, I know you recently communicated with my bro Robert who lives
in upstate N.Y. If I recall you lived in the apartment house across
the street on 97th avenue with the Gormans, the O'Niels, Billy Buck,
and Bobby Butcher amongst others.
If I recall your family moved out on Long Island and possibly had
a Carvel franchise.
Added: June 8, 2010
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Art Bornschein Sr. From:
Williamsburg, Va. E-mail:
artieb1@cox.net |
To: HARRY FIUMARO,
Thanks for the photos of "our" 8th grade graduation, (I also replied
to your e-mail). I see you are in Southold.
I worked as a conductor for the LIRR for 28 yrs. Had a brakeman
who lived there, but passed away a few years back. He owned and
operated an animal farm and petting zoo in your town.
As far as L.I. is concerned, you've picked a great rural area to
live in. Hope the taxes stayed "somewhat" low in Southold. Art
Added: June 8, 2010
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Joe Brady From:
Woodbury, NJ E-mail: |
I looked up Richie Napolitano
to see what I could find from the 1966 World Series, when he pitched
against Tom Seaver, USC.
St. John's and USC were the only winning bracket teams in that series,
but USC beat them. I'm assuming that Richie went to Richmond Hill
HS and I found the blogs of that area in the 1950s very interesting.
I also visited Gertz many times and always got a soft ice cream
in a glass with strawberry syrup on the way out the back door. They
also had a "Book of the Month" club and as a kid I remember getting
lost in the store and they always had 4 or 5 kids in the "Lost and
Found" section for the parents to find them.
Other spots I remember were Jahn's Ice Cream on Hillside Ave in
Richmond Hill, the Triboro and Green Line Record Shops near Macy's
and Gertz, respectively. The Valencia, RKO Alden, Merrick, Savoy,
Hillside Theatres in Jamaica, and Keith's RKO in Richmond Hill.
I wonder if any are still there. I remember a great Italian Ice
place on Hillside Ave, near 148th Street.
Added: June 8, 2010
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Joe Cutrone From:
Brewster, NY E-mail: cutrone11@comcast.net |
So great to see posts from
other Key Food #426 alumni!
To Sal Barcia:
It seems our career paths crossed more than once. I, too, had my
first "job" with the Al Lerner campaign. Because his campaign office
was located on Liberty Ave off 121 St, it seems like a lot of kids
from 121 St worked there. I remember the campaign manager, Paul
Boucher (sp?) had a 1950's Cadillac that he loaded up with us kids
to drop off and pick up at various locations. There was a loudspeaker
attached to its roof to blare out campaign messages, but I remember
Paul shouting through that thing when he couldn't find some of us
at the end of our "routes".
Once my best friend, Jeff Cummings, and I slept overnight at the
office because they wanted us to be up and electioneering at 6AM
on election day. The office was above a bakery (Crohn's, I think)
and we were awakened by the smell of freshly baked bread! I must
have been about twelve years old, and that was a long time ago,
but the memory remains vivid!
And what about our Key Food days? As Connie Russo reminded me, Thursday
nights were the best when Sal, the assistant manager, was "in charge!"
The inmates were running the asylum. I started out at the deli,
sliced off part of my index finger in 1971 (a little piece, can't
even tell anymore), and moved to the grocery floor a few years later.
That was where the action was, or where you could get away with
the most stuff.
Some names from the past: Sal B. mentioned the Roby brothers...
I still see Dave ocassionally. The Dreizen brothers, Bruce and Jeff,
worked there as well, Jeff in produce. Let's see... we had Larry
in aisle one, Bobby Pedulla in aisle two (I think); Iggy in aisle
four; Tommy Foudy in the soda aisle (#5); I had aisle six; Kurt
in seven (pet food); Dave in eight (detergents); and his brother
John in frozen food(ten).
How is it that I can remember this stuff, but not what I did yesterday?
Saw Timmy Hannon, another KF alum, at the SBJL visit last year,
and he is now a judge on LI!! Imagine that! Although I didn't enjoy
every minute of every day I worked there, looking back it wasn't
so bad at Key Food. Lots of good people worked there and for the
most part we all got on great. Even a few picnics and other social
events. So if you worked there, please post your memories.
Added: June 7, 2010
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Pat Colihan From:
Atlanta E-mail: patcolihan@aol.com |
This is a great site and
because of it I was able to reconnect with a childhood friend.
I try to get back there when I can, the place has changed but the
memories are still the same.
Added: June 7, 2010
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John Wilhelm From:
Merritt Island, Florida E-mail: |
Frank Fales,
Did you live on 97th Ave?
Added: June 7, 2010
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steve batthany From:
Lake Worth Fla E-mail: ebatthany@aol.com |
Hey Jim Burke
Dr Mascola was @ 118th and 95th Ave. His son (older than us, richie)
Altho our nickname for him would not be popular or politically correct
now.
I remember when I was 14, we all got a tip on his Dad's racehorse
@ Aqueduct race track. Walked over, had some one take me inside
and bet $10 for me, he WON!!! and I got back more than $250. Do
I remember Dr. Mascola??? Stay well, Steve B
Added: June 7, 2010
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HARRY FIUMARO From:
SOUTHOLD NY E-mail: BOHACK@aol.com |
To: Art Bornschein
I e-mailed pictures of PS 121 graduation classes and the names of
the graduates.
There are seven pictures so the download may take a couple of minutes.
Hope you enjoy.
Added: June 6, 2010
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James Velez From:
85-25 105TH Street E-mail:
Jimmyelbosto@yahoo.com |
We learn from the past to
live in the present & plan for the future.
Added: June 5, 2010
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Lisa Spahrmann Lorenzen
From: Phoenix, AZ E-mail:
lisa.spahrmann@gmail.com |
Guess as I've gotten older
I have been remembering all the good times... going to HCJ, then
Christ the King. Hanging out on Atlantic Ave & 107 St. Thanks to
Richmond Hill for all the wonderful memories.
See you at the HCJ reunion on September 18th.
Added: June 3, 2010
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Art Bornschein Sr. From:
Williamsburg, Va. E-mail:
artieb1@cox.net |
To Harry Fiumaro,
I remember Tommy Colletti but I don't recall you. Were you in our
class? I just now recalled the nickname but don't know why.
Added: June 3, 2010
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Liz Athineos From:
Boston E-mail: eathineos@comcast.net |
Anyone remember Lynne Schnur
from class of 1970? Please contact me.
Added: June 3, 2010
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HARRY FIUMARO From:
SOUTHOLD, NY E-mail: BOHACK@aol.com |
Ralph Matragrano was given
the nickname of "The Duke" by Tommy Colletti in the 8th Grade of
121.
Added: June 2, 2010
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Richard Newell From:
Galloway, New Jersey E-mail:
coachrich00@yahoo.com |
To Bob Scott
Bob you might be thinking of my older brother John, he to might
of hung out at Al's Stero. Let me know what years. Rich
Added: June 1, 2010
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Dave O'halloran From:
Chatam, NJ E-mail: Dwoh61@cox.net |
Mike Hedler
it is memorial day and I remember louis willet (medal of honor winner)
and Pattie McCormick from st bennie's in addition for me (viet nam
1968) John Priesthof, Hymie Willis, Bill Nogowich, Mark Sublett,
Gonzalez, and several others from d4/21 11th lib.
Welcome home my rich hill brothers from the nam Dave O.
Added: May 31, 2010
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Kenneth Ball From:
San Diego E-mail: knkball@att.net |
To all,
Does anyone remember Dr Stanton. I believe his practice was on the
north side of Jamaica Ave on 104th street nearer to Park Lane South,
that's were we went to get our childhood inoculations and I was
treated for Bronchitis which plagued my early childhood.
Does the name Ronnie La Port ring a bell he was clipped by a car
on Jamaica Ave in the early fifties unfortunately for him he did
not make it as reported to me by my older sister Helen Judy Ferguson
Ball.
Did anyone hitch a ride on the back of the old Bell Telephone hanging
on the old vise handle in the back while riding their bike suicidal
at best I got three rides until one of the phone trucks stopped
real short to shake me loose I'm sure and I nearly wound up under
the rear wheels, that was close for sure woke me up and scrambled
the bike and me as well, lesson learned.
Sneaking under the turnstile at the 104th street station, as skinny
as I was when I was younger you could have slipped me through the
mail slot on the average homes door (I was painfully thin at best)
this was a right of passage you had to do it at least once. We would
wait for the "to the city sign" to light up and buzz then slip under
and run up the stairs quickly the station mistress was not happy
with us at all--- So I owe the Subway System in New York at least
two dimes so you will sue me--- LOL.
The Kerchenhiters, Fred Buck, Ronnie Saxon, Sherman Singer, Christine
Krasner, Nancy Hecht, Mary Ann Bruno, Harold Meyer, Judy Meyer,
John Ormond, Jimmy Daley Hello!!!!!!!
Ken Ball, San Diego CA
Added: May 31, 2010
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Barbara Procaccini Cuoco
From: Bermuda E-mail:
bcuoco@ibl.bm |
To Julia Kreppin,
the girl you are thinking of was Cheryl McCarthy. she was brutally
murdered on that train station. she had gone to Christ the King
high school with me. I remember how horrified we all felt.
It was one station away from where i lived on 123rd St. And i don't
think it was ever solved. That was kind of the beginning of the
end of my innocent years.
Added: May 31, 2010
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Mike Hedler From:
Sevierville tn. E-mail: mikkat@wildblue.net |
Memorial day,
Its raining here. I suppose God's cring not of sadness but of Joy
for those who are with Him. I remember the parades as if it were
yesterday, the gun salutes at forrest park flag pole. I'm thinking
about all our friend and family that didn't come home.
Jimmy Sullavan comes to mind, killed in the Nam with the army Rangers.
and many more
Added: May 31, 2010
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April Koster From:
Richmond Hill E-mail: |
It was nice to see the R.H.
Historical Society and the lovely Victorian Lady in Blue in the
Forest Hills Memorial Day Parade yesterday.
There is a 5 minute video of the parade on youtube. Search: "2010
Forest Hills Memorial Day Parade".
Added: May 31, 2010
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Connie Cassata (nee - Russo)
From: Richmond Hill then - Saddle Brook, NJ
now E-mail: niecon@optonline.net |
What a blast from the past!
Maria Catalanotto (entry from below) mentioned my childhood BEST
FRIEND Pat Colihan. That was back in the days when you only had
ONE best friend. Maria was like my OLDER SISTER that I never had.
She was the first of our friends to have a boyfriend. And I won't
get into those memories. She liked the "bad boys" unlike me and
Pat. Right.
I also saw a entry about Key Food on 101st Avenue. I worked there
in '73 - probably till '75. I met another BEST friend there Claudia.
Also spent a lot of time with Maria at work and after. Remember
Thursday nights when Sal was "in charge" and we used to defrost
shrimp cocktails in the ladies room for break time. Tommy owned
the soft drink aisle. Was Joe in the produce department? That was
back when there weren't scanners and prices were put on the items.
My family were the original owners of Carvel IceCream on Liberty
Ave, 114th Street opened in the mid '70s. I must have decorated
over 5000 cakes in the 7 years we were there. Can you say "extra
crunch"?
Does any one know about the whereabouts of Tony Calarco? He owned
the bakery on the same block as Carvel. I think the name of it was
Capri Bakery?
Added: May 31, 2010
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Vin Smith From:
Saugerties NY E-mail: |
Hey Mike Bath, Ronan & Mike
Murphy --
I have a painting company and Bill E. is my main foreman. Bill has
been married for a number of years w/ a stepson and grandson. Les
and I have two boys (men now). Ben 29 / Josiah 25. Josiah became
a dad in Jan. I guess in about another 10 yrs that will make me
a grand-dad. All our parents have passed on.
Ronan remember you / I waited overnite at the garden for tickets
to Harrison. We were about 15th in line, by the time the sale started
we were about 600th.
Mike B. saw Bob Houde at my bros. last weekend on LI. Asking about
u. Is Bob Maletta out there? Remember staying at Lorraine Boccio's
house in Huntington Station LI. That was real country to us back
then. Mike B. are you still out toward Delhi / Oneonta - how many
kids and how old is your 1st daughter? Name? Chris Walcott passed
away last yr.
Many fond memories of RH and forest park / our haven in the city.
Vin
Added: May 31, 2010
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Dennis Doyle From:
Richmond Hill, NY E-mail:
webmaster@richmondhillhistory.org |
Jennifer Espinoza:
Thanks for your comments which I / we truly appreciate.
Added: May 31, 2010
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Mark Grossane From:
Watertown, CT E-mail: markgrossane@rocketmail.com |
Like Sal I had my introduction
to work in the Hill. I grew up in the house at 111-02 95th Ave. -
one block south of Atlantic.
Many of you may remember that there were several small stores on the
NE corner of Atlantic & 111th; one was a "German" deli run by Charlie
and his wife Sophie. One of the others was a butcher shop owned and
operated by Charlie Langenfass. Well this shop, in the summer of 1965,
became the scene of my baptism by fire, my introduction to the world
of work.
At just 16 years I still needed to have "working papers" and I remember
going with my mother to, I think, the Board of Health in Jamaica (Parsons
Blvd.?) to get all signed up. Charlie was a decent sort, but tighter
than a drum, and he had me running all the time with a variety of
tasks.
Tue. I had to fill the egg cartons from the large cases that were
delivered that morning. There was hell to pay if I broke an egg,and
Charlie would get it back from me somehow. Remember sawdust on the
floors of butcher shops in those days? On Fridays I had to sweep out
the entire store and haul up 25lb. burlap bags of 'dust from the cellar
and spread it down. The huge chopping blocks had to be cleaned daily,
and this was done by spreading several handfuls of sawdust on the
block (to absorb the blood and fat remnants) and then scraping them
with large brushes that had metal bristles, in effect taking a thin
layer of wood off the block and thereby cleaning it.
But the real test of a young man's character and endurance came on
a weekly basis when the fat barrel had to be put out on the front
sidewalk to await the arrival of the fat truck. The fat barrel was
an old 55 gal. oil drum that had to be kept in the walk-in refrigerator
until it was ready to be put outside. The barrel and its rancid contents
weighed more than me; Charlie offered no help or suggestions on how
to get it out the front door. And of course the first time I had to
do this it was about 90 degrees and stifling.
I cannot describe the smell, I did not think I would make the thirty
feet to the door. I rolled the barrel in an upright position turning
the top as you would a big steering wheel. I made it that day and
every week in that long ago summer on 111th Street.
Added: May 30, 2010
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Jennifer Espinoza From:
Boynton Beach, FL E-mail:
xoxo826@hotmail.com |
I remember Richmond Hill
as clearly as yesterday. I was born in 1983 and lived at 107-33
128th Street (south side).
As a child I remember riding my bicycle thru the busy yet familiar
Liberty Avenue, going all the way to Forest Park and enjoying my
afternoons there.
And how can I forget the day that my big sister Cinthia introduced
me to Jahns Ice Cream Parlor, being there portrayed some history
of the older Richmond Hill which is quite nice.
In my younger days I never thought that our small town would be
so full of history, but as an adult woman I now know and will continue
to be proud of RH. This is by far a great site. Thank you for offering
such great history. ♥
Added: May 30, 2010
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Jim Burke From:
Long Beach, CA E-mail: |
How about Dr Mascola, on
the corner near St Benny's.
He did our big family's back-to-school physicals for free. His son,
in my sister Valerie's class also became a doctor.
Added: May 30, 2010
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Bob Scott From:
So Cal E-mail: rscott@micros.com |
Richie Newell, did you hang
out at Al's Stereo?
Added: May 30, 2010
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julia kreppein wissell
From: cape coral florida E-mail:
julia1950@msn.com |
Does anyone remember a girl
being raped and stabbed to death at the Van Wyck stop on the Jamaica
El in the late 60's?
I lived on 112th street in the 50-60's. It was a great town. Still
loved it. Just curious as out of no where it just came to me about
my friends murder and although we all hung out as we went to Catholic
School, she was a friend via various friends and tonight it just
came to my mind.
Any one that remembers it appreciate you letting me know as cannot
locate it at all. Her name was Cheryl she was about 16 years and
belive she went to Dominican Republic H.S. in Jamaica. Not too sure
as it was so long ago. Around that time they stopped keeping both
entrances to the El open... she just happened this one night to
go down the one that was closed and was killed.
all info I would really appreciate... Tks Julia Kreppein-Wissell
Added: May 30, 2010
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Anne Sanks Miller From:
Hobe Sound Florida E-mail:
amiller1957@live.com |
Anybody remember Mr. Brandis,
he taught at PS 121 and was a Gym teacher. All the girls thought
he was so cute.
He was the first male teacher I ever had.
Added: May 29, 2010
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Mike Cannon From:
Bellerose, N.Y. E-mail: |
Carlos Bakery in Hoboken
N.J. has what your looking for in crumb cake. Check out cake boss
on tlc.
Added: May 29, 2010
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John Seibert From:
Valley Stream, NY E-mail:
byrd4a@aol.com |
I'm from grauduated class
of 1970.
Added: May 29, 2010
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Barbara Baas Hoffman From:
Ozone Park, NY E-mail: |
Going back to Doctors in
Richmond Hill from the "old days" does anyone remember Dr. Saverio
Buatti on 111th Street about a block or so north of Jamaica Avenue?
His waiting room was so full and it took so long to see him you
would think he was the only Doctor in Queens. Then there was Dr.
Maher Saad on 105th Street north of Jamaica Avenue. He was OB/GYN
and probably delivered most of the kids "in the neighborhood" back
in the day. His son is now an OB/GYN in same office.
Added: May 29, 2010
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Carolyn Kirchgessner Ota
From: Pasadena, CA E-mail:
carolynota@aol.com |
To Frank Fales,
Regarding the NY crumb cake, beleive it or not, Entenmann's makes
a Deluxe NY Crumb Cake that is great. When I buy it, I usually hear
from my family, "who ate the top off the crumb cake, Mom"? (Guess
who!)
For Pizza I have found Pietro's in Pasadena, CA as the one that
comes close to Steve's Pizza (then Angelo's) that was on Jamaica
and 111th. Good luck in your quest.
Added: May 28, 2010
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Sal Barcia From:
Floral Park E-mail: sbarcia_meta@yahoo.com |
Reading so many Richmond
Hill vignettes that span many overlapping generations and many streets
(or blocks as we call them) and mini communities within our community,
it reminds me how many of us got our first working experience in
the many businesses that operated in or around Ricmond Hill.
I had my first "paid" job courtesy of my older brother Anthony,
delivering political circulars, first for Al Lerner, and later his
successor, Al Dellibovi. I don't think I was more than 8 or 9 at
the time. They would stuff a mound of kids into an old station wagon
of a grumpy staffer, and drop us off one by one on corners with
a designated route and pickup location. The "pay" must have been
way below minimal wage, but seemed like a small fortune. Note: The
line of succession was very short to the present, with Tony Seminerio
replacing Dellibovi as Assemblyman and retaining that position for
many years.
I then worked at the A&P, after an ill-fated one or two day job
doing heavy lifting at All-State Rubber on 101st avenue. My brothers
teased me that I was fired because a 60 year old man could lift
more than I could as a skinny 15 year old. The A&P on 104th St.
and Liberty seemed like such a classy place to work. And work us
they did. We had to wear white shirts and ties, and do everything
from unloading trucks, to packing out and rotating stock, to mopping
and sweeping stores. They paid better than other supermarkets, and
cracked the whip. Many other chains knew if they hired a kid who
didn't get fired at the A&P, they got someone well trained and used
to hard work. I worked briefly for a manager named Ralph DiFarlo,
and then a grizzled, nasty beast of a manager, Eugene Smith. Bill
Sadowski and Joe Carbone were assistant managers, and they had a
wonderful crew of bright adults - George Connors, Joe Kreckl(sp)
(dairy), and Joe Scibelli (produce). I was barely 17, and the youngest
on the crew, which included college guys Gary?, Jimmy Bieger, Ray
Coppola, and Bobby Federici. In those days women dominated the cashier's
position - Patricia Reilly, Eileen Gannon, and a tough single woman
named Muriel are names I remembered.
I met friends later that I still am in infrequent touch with - Buddy
Gannon (from OLPH) and Wally Benson (Holy Child). We had a little
too much fun there, and after a period where we drove Mr. Smith
nuts, were transferred to other stores. I then worked at the A&P
on 98th and Jamaica with Mike Iorio, a manager name Colgan, Niles
?, Sue Powers, John Reilly, Joe McGuire and a host of others I remember
only by first names - Mike, Jimmy, Pat, and a few others.
I also worked at the Key Food on 101st Avenue and 120th Street.
Interest group of characters there, the Roby brothers, Joey Cutrone,
Bobby Fennell (who I saw last year after 30 years - still the same),
a rotund manager named Joe, and assistant named Sal who loved to
say "Oy!", Tommy Foudy, Gaspare, Bruce, etc.
Choosing pharmacy as a field of study, I then worked a few years
at Wise Drugs on 111th Street and Jamaica. Partners Richie Santo,
Lou Gazzale and his wife Nancy created a family atmosphere. They
treated their customers well, and taught me a lot about customer
service. They had a full timer named Richie Molinari, his son Kenny
worked there, and a retiree Rudy?, and a younger guy Mike? who was
a steamfitter full time and a trusted part timer.
I probably waited on some of you in any of those positions. I'd
like to hear about your part time jobs in RH and surrounding areas.
Added: May 27, 2010
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Nuala Stack From:
Nanuet, New York E-mail: |
For those who hung out in
Hennie's Ice Cream Parlor on Liberty Ave and 107 street: Marge Nolte,
the owner celebrated her 100th birthday this past winter.
Marge danced the entire night of the party. She lives in Florida.
Added: May 27, 2010
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frank fales From:
san jose ca E-mail: ffales@yahoo.com |
as a former new yorker and
more importantly a richmond hiller, i want to know who made/makes
the best new york crumb cake? (if they ship them that would be even
better.)
my criteria is large crumbs (crumbs should be larger then the cake
itself) with lots of powdered sugar on it. i would ask the same
for pizza but i think even with fedx it would be a little cold by
the time it got out to me:) my criteria for pizza was/is simple,
you folded it and picked it up and if by the time you got it to
your mouth most of it's cheese was on the plate, well that was New
York pizza at it's best.
still can remember the pizza place on liberty and lefferts blvd.
$.15 cents for a slice, another dime for a coke and by the time
you finished the first, you just had to have a second slice. this
is making me hungry just remembering.
any help in finding that ultimate New York crumb cake is appreciated...
Added: May 27, 2010
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Arthur Scheeder From:
Brooksville Fl E-mail: ascheeder@tampabay.rr.com |
We lived at 107-16 115th
St during and after WW2.
I recently viewed that area online and was saddened by the loss
of trees in that area. We used to play stickball in the street and
had trouble with all the branches.
I remember vegetable and ice carts going through. We went crabbing
in Jamacia Bay. I went to P.S 108 and still see that building there.
I have fond memories of growing up in Richmond Hill.
Added: May 26, 2010
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Joyce E. Zakierski Simmons
From: Sparta, NJ 07871 E-mail:
simmonsjo@yahoo.com |
Class of '62 from St. Benedict
Joseph Labre (SBJL) in Richmond Hill, Queens, NY.
Interested in creating a list of old friends? Send info to Joyce
with your particulars; maiden name, City and State, and your contact#
or e-mail. If someone already has a list in progress, let's share!
Added: May 26, 2010
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Bob Winter From:
Huntington Beach, CA E-mail:
bob.winter49@yahoo.com |
WOW Ken, that must of been
a great treat seeing your old scooter.
I remember building one myself using a wooden milk box and a single
roller skate pulled apart, one part for the front and the other
for the back. Panting it and hammering on the soda bottle.
But seeing yours after all these years WOW! Thanks for sharing.
Added: May 25, 2010
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Art Bornschein Sr. From:
Williamsburg, Va. E-mail:
artieb1@cox.net |
To: Joe Matragrano,
I would appreciate it if you could put me in touch with your brother
Ralph. We were great buddies in 7th & 8th grades at PS121. He was
a real great guy and a responsible kid. (Wish I had stayed close
with him).
As I said in my last message to you, I spent some time at your home
and probably met you also. Your parents were really nice people
and I remember one of our teachers praising your mom's "Italian"
cooking.
Sadly though, that teacher probably hated me after I threw a rolled
up shop apron at Everett Hubbard and he ducked, and it went thru
her giant fish tank. I think that if I were suicidal I would have
done so that day. Please give my regards to Ralph and the family.
To Ken Ball:
Next time your in the "Hill" see if you can find "my" milk crate
scooter, it's somewhere on 112th St. between Jerome Ave. & 95th
Ave.
Added: May 25, 2010
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Bob Wood From:
Irmo, SC E-mail: |
Anyone out there recall Christopher
Hawk or his family of 9?
Lived near HCJ on 86th Avenue.
Added: May 24, 2010
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diana murphy smith From:
hillsdale, new jeresey E-mail:
dianasmith810@yahoo.com |
I have six beautiful grandchildren,
only one granddaughter, ages from 1 to 13yrs, two are a set of twin
boys, loving life, wonderful husband, married 38 years. God is good,
sending hello to all my fellow alumni, hope to see you at a reunion
someday.
sending smiles your way
Added: May 23, 2010
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Sher Chambre From:
New York E-mail: |
Ken, I read your post and
my eyes filled up.
What a wonderful story you shared with all of us. Enjoy and cherish
your scooter. (I remember making one... I think it fell apart the
first time I used it on 112th St)
Added: May 23, 2010
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Kenneth Ball From:
San Diego E-mail: knkball@att.net |
Hello all, I am sure all
of us who grew up in the forties, fifties and sixties remember putting
together a soap box scooter.
I used a wooden Borden's Milk box and also a single roller skate
pulled apart and a two by four for the base to mount both the box
on top and the separated skate on the bottom.
Mr. Taylor from 104th showed me how to fasten all the parts together
so they would handle all the hard play it would have to endure over
the time it was used.
The finishing touches came after the two handles set in a "V" shape
were screwed in place on top of the box and the "coupe in the grass"
was installing Pepsi, Cocoa Cola, and not to be forgotten Hoffman
Soda bottle caps all around the box (Crate).
In 1989 I took a nostalgia trip back to Richmond Hill and looked
up some of the old 104th street neighbors, found a few but some
had passed on (Good People). I touched base with one of the neighbors
who was in her 90's and she said she had something for me in the
basement, I could not imagine what it could be because we had left
in 1955 to move to Long Island.
I ventured into the basement with it's old coal fired furnace and
looked in the corner and there it was my old scooter, wow you want
to see a full grown man cry, Wholly Molly I was all choked up. She
said to me this is a good thing, please take it with you and I did
so very willingly.
So I still have my scooter after all these years what a fun memory
that I can still see an feel. Ken Ball, Sunny San Diego
Added: May 22, 2010
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Joe Matragrano From:
Saint James, NY E-mail: |
To Mike Allocca-
Yes, I remember Dr. Goldstein. His office was in his home located
on 124th street four houses from mine. He was my family dentist
and as you said a very nice guy.
He would always encourage me to do well in school and took a genuine
interest in me and my entire family. He had a wife and two daughters
named Ellen Sue and Beth Ruth. All good people.
Added: May 22, 2010
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Maria Mirabile (nee Catalanotto)
From: Richmond Hill then - Valley Stream now
E-mail: redwine@optonline.net |
I remember my Richmond Hill
days.
I had an older sister and an older brother. I vividly remember playing
stick ball on 112th Street (where our home was - corner of 103rd
Avenue). We would try to hit the ball as far as we could to the
elevated train.
I remember horse and wagon coming with vegetables. I remember the
whip ride - which would come down our block every summer night.
Let's not forget Bungalow Bar and the Good Humor truck.
I remember my friends Pat Callahan, Connie Russo who lived around
the corner on 111th St. right near Al's Stereo. My aunt lived above
Al's stereo. Between the 'L' and the music blasting I wondered how
she ever slept!
I can recall making a large bed sheet banner - with Peanuts and
Snoopy in spray paint to bring to Shea Stadium to our dearly beloved
Mets! We would go on Ladies' day and our tickets were 50cents! Memories
are sweet
Added: May 21, 2010
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Mari Ortiz From:
Deptford, NJ E-mail: mariamozbucks@yahoo.com |
I love New York. I lived
in Richmond Hill til 1959, went to school at the public school 121
in Richmond Hill.
The years I lived in New York were the happiest years of my life.
I love New York.
Added: May 21, 2010
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Carol Fowler (Rodriguez)
From: Richmond Hill E-mail:
cardio620@earthlink.net |
Hi, I just found this comment
section and saw your name. I wonder, could you be the same Victoria
Wood that I know from the 60s.
I lived on 109th Street right off of 101st Avenue. You lived at
97-25 109 St. I lived at, and still do, 97-45 109th St. You have
a sister, Jeannie and a couple? of older brothers.
Please email me. I'd love to know. Carol
Added: May 20, 2010
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Richard Newell From:
Galloway, New Jersey E-mail:
coachrich00@yahoo.com |
Richmond Hill Friends Reunion
It is getting close to the 2nd annual Richmond Hill friends reunion
to be held on August 14, 2010. Those who attended last year had
a great time seeing old friends.
If any one is interested in attending please e-mail me and I will
add you to my mailing list and send you more information. We hope
to have a good turn out this year of old friends from the Hill.
So any one who lived in Richmond Hill from (1960 - 1965) or attened
Holy Child or hung around at the Richmond Hill Annex, High School,
Forest Park or was either a member or a friend of the Nations, this
is for you. Have you ever wondered of what happened to old friends
from the neighborhood? Well now is your chance to see for yourself.
The reunion will be held on Saturday August 14, 2010 at the American
Legion Post #948 located in Bellmore, Long Island. The cost will
be $50.00 per couple or $30.00 per individual. The price includes
a Buffett, Beer, Wine, and Soda. We are looking for names, address,
phone numbers, and e-mail address of old friends.
You can contact the following people for more information: Julia
Kreppein-Wissell - julia1950@msn.com; Rich Newell - coachrich00@yahoo.com;
and Richie Kreppein - hacksquad@aol.com
Added: May 19, 2010
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Mike Allocca From:
New Canaan, CT E-mail: maallocca@sbcglobal.net |
Anyone remember the dentist
Dr. Goldstein on 124th Street?
He'd be considered a rare breed these days. He'd spend an amazing
amount of time after treating you getting to know you and letting
you know he cared. I still think of him as a really nice guy after
almost 50 years.
Added: May 19, 2010
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Bob Wood From:
Irmo, SC E-mail: |
I'm trying to locate information
about Frank Garrafolo (spelling?) from HCJ in the 50's. He was pretty
popular singing in the old days. Did he ever make it big in NYC?
Also, anyone remember Patricia O'Leary or her brother Henry?
Added: May 19, 2010
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Bill Heaney From:
lincroft new jersey E-mail:
btjk35@aol.com |
Bob R.:
talk to tony perreta and my brother Kevin, both said they are coming...
lol, get all my info from Tom Ozborn class of 66... still keep in
touch with a few of them...
Added: May 19, 2010
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ray hansen From:
calgary, alberta, canada E-mail:
rayhansen@shaw.ca |
He was not really in R.H.
but anyone remember Dr. Blank? His office was on Lefferts near Metropolitan...
I remember folks with jars of water and small fine nets scooping
tiny "creatures" fronm Jacksons Pond to take home to feed their
pet fish. How about "Dead Mans Curve"? It was the last hard right
after going over Myrtle Ave. by Victory Field, just before you got
to Woodhaven Blvd. Forty miles per hour was the "target speed".
I remember doing it in pops 1953 Dodge, borrowed for a date. I remember
my date, poor girl, Joanie Young from way down in Bklyn, Palmetto
street. Whatta scream... Her mother dated Jackie Gleason as a kid.
How about Larry Cosgrove? He joined the Navy and on discharge bought
a white Caddy convertible, about a 1956 model year. Remember "belly
whopping" in winter on "Flexible Flyer" sleds? We sure had one hell
of a load of ball games too... punch ball, stickball, stoopball
[maybe a Glendale game] besides soft ball and baseball... Kids here
dont play on the streets... How about in Queens these days?
Dating myself i was in either the class of 1953 or 1954 at the "Hill".
I had a stroke a year ago and some memories, right next to still
vivid ones are no longer sharp. At rhhs Mr. Griffith was Principal
replacing Mr. Dann who was Principal when we were in the "Annex".
I would give most anything to hear that old nickelodian banging
away in JAHNS... how about you?... Happy Trails To You All... We
mostly all got along didn't we...!
Added: May 19, 2010
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Bob Rainis From:
deer park E-mail: elcadcnrainis@optonline.net |
Bill H,
I'll let u know if she is Sr Germaine of HCJ and she would have
been our 1st grade teacher as Sr Bernedette Mary was the second
grade.
Speaking of the HCJ 100 Anny re-union slated for Sept 18th, doesn't
look like the replies are coming in as anticipated... could be wrong,
but I strongly suggest that anyone who went to HCJ and that mean's
all you "public's" (released time) let them know you are planning
to attend!
Added: May 18, 2010
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Maureen Connelly Cahill
From: Sun City Hilton Head E-mail: |
I find it hysterical that
we can all remember things that happened 40 years ago, but can't
remember where we placed our eyeglasses 10 minutes before!
Added: May 17, 2010
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Liz Athineos From:
Boston E-mail: eathineos@comcast.net |
Looking for Lynne Schnur
class of 1970.
If anyone knows here whereabouts, please contact me. We are having
a Girl Scout reunion and if she knew she would come.
Added: May 17, 2010
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honey chambers From:
norfolk, va. E-mail: |
one train station was on
111th st. and the other was on the corner of 113th st. newmans drug
store and steitz fish market were on that corner also.
i lived directly in back of that one, 112-23 jamaica ave. from 1943
-1953! rhhs was between 113th and 114th st.
Added: May 16, 2010
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Bob Wood From:
Irmo, SC E-mail: |
All this talk about doctors...
what about Dr. Adams right across the street from the HCJ Church?
Most times required waiting about an hour before he worked through
the waiting room. He did make house calls too.
Added: May 16, 2010
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Jim May From:
New Jersey E-mail: seamus3930@optonline.net |
I lived around the block
from Dr. Wein and he was my doctor. $2 per visit. His top item was
the therapy gizmo.
You laid down on a leather topped bench and got the blue light treatment
for five minutes front and then five minutes on the back. He gave
you dark glass goggles to wear so you wouldn't ruin the eyes. I
used to get wax in the ears and he'd pour in some orange liquid
to get rid of it. He always had a crowd there like a clinic and
you'd spend quite a while waiting to see him.
He had a nurse there, I've forgotten her name, but her boyfriend
also hung out there, helping her keep order and moving furniture
around. He was Abe Simon, who had a title fight with Joe Louis,
lasted about six rounds. He was a great athlete at John Adams and,
I think, threw the hammer or someting in the '36 Olympics.
If you ever see "On the Waterfront", Abe is one of Johnny Friendly's
gang of hoodlums. They are all pretty ugly and he is the ugliest
of the bunch.
Dr. Wein had a little mustache, wore a white doctor's coat and smoked
Old Golds one after the other.
Added: May 16, 2010
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Bob Wood From:
Irmo, SC E-mail: |
Anyone recall a Greek family,
Seidel, daughter Patti living right off Jamaica Avenue around 115th
street?
Also the name of a pizza place in Ozone Park near the Bohacks? Guess
that is the right spelling?! Also, was the stairway up to the "L"
down the street from Holy Child or nearer 114th street?
Hey, give me a break here, I left in 1957. Bet I know more about
getting around Miami than you do! Ha.
Added: May 15, 2010
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Edi Beckler Goldberg From:
Palm Beach, Fl. E-mail: lv2trvlny@aol.com |
So many memories, however,
speaking of doctors...
Does anyone recall Dr. Morris Wein, a "Marcus Welby" type doctor?
It could take hours waitng to be seen. He took alot of time with
each patient. He really cared. Used to have "baking machine". He
would put long sticks up your nose into sinus cavity to clear them
out! Yipes. He was located on 103 Avenue and 127 St.
I also went to Dr. Milton Cohen, who made house calls... Dreaded
a needle in the tush. lol. He had two daughters, Margery and Carol.
Wonder where they are.
Added: May 15, 2010
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mark w young From:
baton rouge, la E-mail: cocozak1@aol.com |
went to see dr mailman when
i came back from viet nam. he said i had flat feet, i had to laugh
after all that i was through.
dr mailman was connected with jamaica hospital, across the street
from him was dr meyerdirks, his son went to st bennies. dr lustigs
pratice was located on 103rd ave and he was jewish and married to
a lady that was catholic and the children went to st bennies; and
dr lustig was connected to mary immaculate hospital in jamaica.
this question goes to all the people that worked in jahns. i remember
the kitchen sink and the tall in the saddle but thats all i remember.
the fathers and mothers would chuck us in there and then go in salernos
and drink and eat and smoke the butts.
those were the days, mark young.
Added: May 14, 2010
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Bob Winter From:
Southern California E-mail:
bob.winter49@yahoo.com |
See, who ever said Janie
was part of the Nations, that was not true.
There was no girls in the Nations.
Added: May 14, 2010
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Bob Winter From:
Southern California E-mail:
bob.winter49@yahoo.com |
Hi Janie -
Wow the last I saw you, you moved into the apartment next to me
on 120 street. Who would figure will live in the same apartment
house when we were kids.
RH site is so cool! And to think all the people I have re-connected
with even your brother Tommy. I'm living in Southern California
now - Huntington Beach, been here for over 20 years now. Moved to
NJ in '69 and worked for AT&T for 20 years before moving to CA.
I'm now working for UnitedHealthcare. I got married to a Jersey
girl, and have a daughter 26 who just got married last August.
Great to see you on this site.
Added: May 14, 2010
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Bill Heaney From:
lincroft new jersey E-mail:
btjk35@aol.com |
Bobby Raines, do you think
that was sister germaine... lol... we had her in what the second
grade I think... amazing... are you going to the holy child reunion.
Added: May 14, 2010
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Dr John Rodgers From:
Terra Vista, FL E-mail: drjohnrodgers@yahoo.com |
In 1950 I had an emergency
appendix removal done at Jamaica Hospital, by Dr. Barber (121 St
north of Hillside). About a month later I got hit in the forehead
by a baseball bat and got stitches from Dr. Mailman!
I always wondered what occupation the next doctor I needed in an
emergency was going to have.
Added: May 13, 2010
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bob rainis From:
LI E-mail: elcadcnrainis@optonline.net |
Could the poster from Texas
who taught at HCJ in the 50's be Sister Germaine?????
If so, jump on over to the HCJ reunion page... lots going on.
Added: May 13, 2010
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Janie (Fleury) McGovern
From: Wilton, Connecticut E-mail:
jfmcg17@yahoo.com |
OMG!!! Bobby Winter... a
childhood friend and so many memories.
The last we heard about the Winter Family... you were residing in
New Jersey. Of course, that was back in our "twenties".
I'll always have fond memories of Jahn's, RKO, Forest Park, and
Holy Child, as well as many of our former neighbors and classmates.
I've been living in Connecticut cloae to thiry years now, I am married,
and have a son (27), and a daughter (25). Hopefully, life is treating
you well. I would love to hear from you. Janie
P.S. I was never a member of "The Nations".
Added: May 13, 2010
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Ruth Stuart From:
North Potomac, MD E-mail:
rutbatavs@comcast.net |
Just visiting my old neighborhood.
I was looking for a good picture of the portable classrooms at RHHS.
The NYT January 16, 2008 article, "On Education - A Queens High
School With 3,600 Students, and Room for Just 1,800" has a great
picture, but a view from the sidewalk 114th st. might be better
to get a perspective on the enormity of it.
If anyone can help me, please send it my way.
Added: May 13, 2010
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Sher Chambre From:
New York E-mail: |
Yes, Steitz Fish Store. Had
that dusty old turtle in the window on the left side. He had a cigarette
in its mouth.
Just wanted to tell people that the Carousel in Forest Park is closed
down. They are waiting to find a vendor to operate it again. Salerno's
is now a Mexican Restaurant. And I'm sure you all know that Jahn's
is no longer there.
Added: May 12, 2010
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Linda Goddard Mancini From:
North Bellmore, NY E-mail:
Mamamancini@verizon.net |
OMG!!! We used to call it
the "Health Station"!!!!
I remember it - a long time ago. Guess I went there when I was a
toddler. Then we had our family doctor, Dr. Marvin Mailman, who
had his office on Lefferts Blvd. between Atlantic and 95th Ave.
He used to make housecalls with his little black bag and if you
needed a shot, he boiled the needles in my Mom's pot on the stove.
Long, long ago - I was born in 1946. Lived on 116th Street and had
4 sisters and 2 brothers. The Goddard parents, Eleanor and Clyde
are still in the house.
Love reading the memories.
Added: May 12, 2010
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Paul C. Lupica From:
Guyton, Ga (Savannah) E-mail:
pclupica@gmail.com |
Bob Wood, Yes I remember
the shoe store.
We used to 'hangout' at that corner in the early '60s. I remember
Mike and Maureen Hedler, "Little" Alice, 'Penny', and a bunch of
others but can't remember names who hungout there. The manager,
Mr Schwalbe, was Sid and Mary Lou's dad. Mary Lou hungout with me
at that corner.
I also have a memory of being taken to some sort of health clinic
or something (just off Jamaica Ave on 114th or 115th Sts) when I
was a baby. I remember the whole place was painted a greenish color
and all the 'babies' were on a long table that was partioned off.
Like little cubicles.
Do you or anyone remember that place. I was born in '48 so I'm talking
about a LONG time ago.
Added: May 11, 2010
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mike hedler From:
sevierville, tn. E-mail: mikkat@wildblue.net |
Bob Wood, I do remember getting
those greasy fries, it was a fish market I believe.
Who could forget Miles shoe store, bought my first pair of convese
sneakers there.
Added: May 11, 2010
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Anthony Palmisano From:
Lynbrook, NY E-mail: |
Hi Sher, The name of the
candy store that you mentioned next door to Wise Drug's was Marie's
Candy Store.
There was a lady with red hair that worked in there with Marie named
Ann. I always stopped there on my way to school at lunchtime. Regards,
Anthony
Added: May 11, 2010
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HONEY CHAMBERS From:
NORFOLK, VA. E-mail: |
I certainly remember Miles
Shoe Store. I lived on that block 1943-1953, and my family there
until 1960.
I bought all my shoes in Miles and they were only Black Ballerina
Shoes $2.99, or Black Penny Loafers, and wouldn't wear anything
else until I started wearing Heels and bought them there too.
They had an Xray machine when we first started going in but later
they were banned from shoe stores because of the radiation.
Steitz, The Fish Store on the corner of 112th was where we bought
the greasiest French Fries but absolutely the best ever.
Adams Bike Store down the street where I rented a bike for $.25
for a few hours.
Woolworth's a few stores away from Miles was where I did so much
walking around and looking at everything. The Garden Theatre was
across the street next to the Ice Cream Parlor where all the kids
hung out.
Ahhhh such good memories.
Added: May 11, 2010
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Charlotte Mahoney From:
PA E-mail: |
Bill Woll---
Did you know someone from RHHS in the Class of 49 named Donald Fuhry?
He often was called Elmer. He lived on 121 St and 103rd Ave. in
Richmond Hill. If you did, he was my Dad.
I remember him talking of many of the places you mentioned.
Added: May 10, 2010
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Robert Sheridan From:
Austin, TX E-mail: |
To Bob Wood:
Yes, Miles was a fixture as a shoe store. The bike shop was Adam's
(and Mr. Adam had a perpetual layer of grease on his hands and under
his nails while fixing flats on the wooden floor of his shop). And
the fries were from the fish market with saw dust on the floor on
the corner of 112th and Jamaica Ave. All memorable institutions.
Oh, and I used to get my haircut at that barber shop - Phil would
cut my hair. The chairs had the leather straps hanging from them
to hone the straight edge of the razors.
Added: May 10, 2010
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Bob Wood From:
Irmo, SC E-mail: |
Anyone recall the Miles Shoe
Store on Jamaica Ave. and 112 Street? Got my first Army boots there
in the 50's! OK, I know it's old stuff but fun.
What about the "joint" near the barber shop on Jamaica Avenue
where they sold "juicy" french fries after school? And the old bike
shop on Jamaica Avenue near that barber shop... no waiting and all
the barbers in white of course.
I grew up with an Airedale in the house that father walked religiously.
Anyone recall our dog... he was pretty wooley most of the time.
Added: May 9, 2010
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Bll Woll From:
Venice, Florida E-mail: coerce7817@mypacks.net |
I thoroughly enjoy the many
comments from the Richmond Hillites.
I lived at 87-53 110th Street from 1944 until 1951. I was a 1949
graduate of RHHS, a "49er" as we called ourselves.
All of the places that have been mentioned here bring back such
vivid memories: Jahns, RKO Keiths, Loewes Willard, Hillside Rollerdrome,
Garden Sweet Shoppe, Poppies. As we grew older, there was Furci's
at the corner of Atlantic Ave. and 111th Street, the Brick Front
Cafe on Atlantic Ave. about 117th Street. Beach 116th Street, Rockaway,
Jackson Pond, Victory Field, I could go on forever listing the mmories
that are flashing into my mind. But I know you all understand.
I'm glad I found this site. I particularly want to mention, Gerry
Cunningham from 91st Ave., Cal Weisinger and Eddie Bauer from 111th
Street. These were my closest friends during high school years.
I hope they are all okay.
Added: May 9, 2010
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Dave O'halloran From:
Williamsburg, Va E-mail: Dwoh61@gmail.com |
I lived near corner of 95th
ave and 126th st. Remember "joinses" candy store.
I remember the counter where the pretzel sticks were in the stand-up
container. Also got sodas from the the fridge in the middle of the
store, remember my favorite flavor was pinapple soda. Also liking
wise potato chips but switched to the new and saltier lays chips.
Smokie was our Disneyland. I will never forget the kids growing
up, the great neighborhood, and the times in that wonderful place
in our memories of "Richmond Hill".
Dave ("Davy" for you that remember me)
Added: May 8, 2010
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Sher Chambre From:
New York E-mail: |
The candy store on 111th
Street was called Mr. Hamms.
On the n. side of 111th & Jamaica Ave was Wise Drug Store. Next
to that, was another candy and newspaper store.
Added: May 8, 2010
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Paul La Vecchia From:
Delray Beach, Fla. E-mail:
dodgerman25@yahoo.com |
B. Heaney:
Yes Jackson's pond was frozen over quite a few times. One year all
of us broke up the ice and we were on "floats" like in the artic
circle LOL. with long branches from the pine trees as oars to push
us around. We occasionally fell in but were never soaked because
of the shallowness at one end. But it was pretty "deep" at the other
end, I think a foot or so.
The candy store was across the street and we used to go in and break
the owners chops a few times but he still liked us beacause we spent
money on the sodas and chips and ice cream.
Many a great time with Jackie Maple and his bulldog stealing our
pensie pinkies and spauldings balls when w/ played stickball. I
miss RH so much, and I gather so do many of our Alumni. Great Times.
Added: May 8, 2010
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Germaine Wieman From:
Houston, Tx E-mail: grwieman@academicplanet.com |
Enjoyed searching for former
students of mine. HCJ 1950's. "By your students you are taught".
Thanks to them, I successfully and happily taught school for 40
years.
Added: May 8, 2010
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mike hedler From:
sevierville, tn. E-mail: mikkat@wildblue.net |
Bill, I also remember when
Jackson pond was filled with water, watching people with their boats.
Man some of them were so neat. some had sails and some even had
motors. but I used a boat made of popcicle sticks and a make shift
sail.
Wow its so awesome to look back at times. Thanks Bill for the memories.
Added: May 8, 2010
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Barbara Wojtko From:
Colorado E-mail: bwojtko@msn.com |
The candy store on 125th
St. and 95th Avenue was "Jonesies"--I could spend half an hour at
the penny candy shelves making my choices with my allowance! (late
'50s, early '60s). Then Mr. or Mrs. Jones would put my purchase
in a tiny brown paper bag.
I also remember the pretzel rods at the soda fountain and the lemon
ices--we called them "squeezies". Carefree days!
Added: May 7, 2010
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Bill Heaney From:
lincroft new jersey E-mail:
btjk35@aol.com |
does anyone remeber when
jackson pond was filled with water, and the candy store accross
the street sold little toy boats, you could buy and float them in
the pond.
Winter was fun as well... the water froze the pond and we played
on the ice, remember jack maple falling in one day, was pretty funny...
good old days...
Added: May 7, 2010
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Jonn Mulry From:
Chattanooga E-mail: JonnNightwatcher@hotmail.com |
does any one besides myself
remember the Memorial Day parades down Rockaway Blvd? they started
at the park where 115th Ave begins at the triangle at Rockaway and
headed to Baisley Park.
I took part in the 1962 parade, got to the Park, was given an ice
cream sandwhich and a ride home from a veteran who was a friend
of the family. Are they still having the parade?
Added: May 7, 2010
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marty peshler From:
smithtown E-mail: |
chris glasser, sure i remember
your brother paul. how is he doing? hope all is well with you. regards,
marty
Added: May 6, 2010
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Dr John Rodgers From:
TERRA VISTA, FL E-mail: drjohnrodgers@yahoo.com |
Frank, I believe the candy
store was called "Jonesey's", at least during the middle 1950's.
I remember the "icebox" Coca-Cola box in the middle of the floor,
on a hot summer day after playing a baseball game, it was great
to reach in, soak your arm in ice water, and pull up a bottle of
soda. I remember, particularly the "Mission" brand Black Cherry,
or Cream sodas. To me, they were even better than Hires root beer
or Coca-Cola or Pepsi.
By the way, thanks for putting me in touch with your brother, John.
He and I were classmates in SBJL (I lived around the corner from
you--on 120 Street).
Added: May 6, 2010
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john trainor From:
northport, ny E-mail: islraven@yahoo.com |
Frank Fales, coincidental
that you should mention the candy store by the park.
I've thought about it a couple of times lately, it was kind of out
of the way but on a lovely tree lined street. I went in a couple
of times but don't remember the owner. I guess after 1960 I wasn't
up there much. You are right about the thoughts that come back to
us, the things we piece together from our past.
Not crazy so much as inconsistent, but that's how it goes after
half a century has passed.
Added: May 6, 2010
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Wayne Masters From:
Franklin, NH E-mail: waymasters@metrocast.net |
Thank you to Edward Shillito
and John Rodgers for their help in finding the location of the former
LI Banana Co.
I'm looking forward to driving by through the area they have identified
this June.
LI Banana, by the way, provided all those bananas you enjoyed at
your banana splits (or was it a "Nosher's Nightmare") at Jahn's
ice cream palor.
Added: May 6, 2010
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Lisa Destio Tecarr From:
St Paul MN E-mail: venimeux@live.com |
I grew up in brooklyn and
queens, hung out everywhere though.
I had friends in Brooklyn, Woodhaven, Richmond Hill, the OZ. Lefferts,
smoky park, forest park, 88 park, etc, etc. I went to JHS 210 and
FK Lane. A lot of friend I had went to RHS also.
I wonder if anyone remembers me!!!
Added: May 5, 2010
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Chris Glasser From:
Corinth, TX E-mail: glasschr7@aol.com |
As I read the entry by Marty
Peshler regarding Dennis and George Farrell I couldn't help wonder
about their beautiful sister Camille who was in my "Class of '78"
at SBJL. She was such a bright, beautiful, caring girl. I can only
hope life has been good to her.
Also, I believe that Marty may remember my brother Paul Glasser.
Added: May 5, 2010
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frank fales From:
san jose, ca E-mail: ffales@yahoo.com |
Does anyone recall a candy
store across from Smokey Park?
I seem to remember at the end of it's exsistence, it was owned by
an elderly guy and one day he started literally "giving away the
store". I believe the cops came and were trying to contact relatives.
Kind of crazy the memories this site envokes each time I visit.
Added: May 5, 2010
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May Green From:
Leesburg, VA E-mail: mayc45@aol.com |
Looking for info on Fox hunting
on Staten Island in the early 1900.
I am trying to find the name Townsend as either a Master or Field
Master. Can you help me?
Added: May 5, 2010
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John Parenti From:
Long Island E-mail: jjaypare1@optonline.net |
Mike, I remember Miss Ramsey...
but the last time I saw her was in 1951, when I graduated PS 121.
She was my 8th grade science teacher. She was pretty old then, probably
to a 13 year old kid anyway. If I remember right she had like faded
red hair. But she was a good teacher. I remember getting an A+ on
my science project on the planets.
The one teacher who had an influence on me was Mrs Bernard. I was
sort of the class clown, and she told me "Never to lose my sense
of humor".
Added: May 4, 2010
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barbara racano From:
long island, new york E-mail:
soloenufber@yahoo.com |
hello, if anyone has information
pertaining to HMS large bell, moorpoint, circa 1941 please contact,
many thanks
Added: May 4, 2010
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Anthony Mancaruso From:
Homosassa Florida E-mail:
amancaruso@tampabay.rr.com |
I was born on Jamaica Ave.
(123 St.) year of 1926. Lived in various Apartments, Ozone Park,
124 St., 126 St., PS 54 was my elementary School. Moved from area
in 1937 to Cambria Heights (Suburbs).
Love to see that some of us are still living and remembering the
great Days.
Added: May 4, 2010
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john trainor From:
northport ny E-mail: islraven@yahoo.com |
Mike A,
I remember Miss Ramsay from 1955 as my science teacher. My impression
of her now is that she was at least in her early fifties then. But
as you say about the powers of observation of the young, mistakes
are possible. I recall her as professional, helpful, and low key.
However given the material I offered to the world, she nor anybody
else couldn't have had a profound effect on me.
In any case, I was to busy always talking to the two pretty girls
sitting across from me, Patsy Labas & Marie Ferrara. Again, thanks
for your earlier help. John
Added: May 4, 2010
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Sir Timothy Maloney, PhD.
From: Parts Unknown E-mail:
Tim.Maloney@gvltec.edu |
Perhaps I've been searching
in the wrong archives.
But I haven't found any information on the following: Holy Child
Jesus School, P.S. 90 Elementary, and the,"Adam's Family" style
house next to my parent's house at; 87-71 111th Street.
Also, the origin of the remains of an ancient,"Queen Ann" cherry
orchard in our yards. Who's trees were earily monstrous!
Added: May 3, 2010
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Mike Allocca From:
New Canaan, CT E-mail: maallocca@sbcglobal.net |
Does anyone remember a Miss
Ramsey at P.S. 121Q in the mid-fifties. She taught math and science
to 7th. and 8th. grades.
She had a remarkable influence on my life and I'd like to contact
her if it is at all possible. I remember her as being pretty old
at the time, but at 12, everyone over the age of 25 is old!
Added: May 3, 2010
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Bob Wood From:
Irmo, South Carolina E-mail: |
To: Marilyn Mayer-Gaffney
Thanks for the continuing information. Another interesting point
about the basement or as we called it cellar of 114-11. My father,
the NYPD guy, set up a shooting range for me to learn to shoot .22's
down there. Mother objected to the thump-thump of shooting but we
got by. Also on New Year's he would shoot his .38 police revolver
into the ground outside to join in the fun. Nowadays we would all
go to jail I'm sure.
Great deli on Jamaica Ave. called Gassaw and Camp (spelling?!).
I was old enought to vote in the Miss Reingold competition. Recall
another family, the Bakers, son Raymond, in the neighborhood. He
was a little older.
And yes, for the fellow that wrote in to advise me about 'It's A
Wonderful Life', figured it was done on the backlot in Hollywood
but one never knows. Still a great book with great photos.
Life is very good in SC but still recall some of the fun in old
RH!!!!
Added: May 3, 2010
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marty peshler From:
smithtown E-mail: |
have been off this site for
a while but did attend the 'last' st. bennys reunion. it was great
but so many more people would have attended if they knew about it.
saw some comments about the tremeloes who played every sunday afternoon
at chellis hall. we loved that band and my group of friends followed
them wherever they played; dublin pub, etc... and i even had them
play at my wedding.
george farrell, hello, hope all is well. get in touch with al, he
would love to talk to you. saw dennis at the st. bennys farewell.
Added: May 2, 2010
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Paul C. Lupica From:
Guyton, Ga. E-mail: pclupica@gmail.com |
It's wonderful but saddening
when I read these comments about Richmond Hill.
My brothers and I were born and raised on Hillside Ave and 124th
st. until about 1972. Our mom, Adele Lupica (nee: Williams) moved
into that house sometime around 1920 with sister Violet and my grandparents
Leonard and Anna Rudolph Williams.
Growing up we lived in the most friendly and most beautiful neighborhood
imaginable. Then as we married and moved away we failed to realize
that our neighborhood was going to change. For the most part, yucky.
When I married in 1969 I moved to Jackson Heights with my wife Kathi
Giambertone. In 1972 we decided to move to Savannah, Ga. A few years
ago I began to visit my brother, Lenny, in Massapequa. I was curious
what 'the old neighborhood' looked like. So I drove in and found
so many changes that it was almost unrecognizable. Sure most of
the homes are the same but their surroundings are heartbreaking.
Tall fences in front of homes. Concrete slabs for parking where
front yards once were.
Just think if we just stayed in Richmond Hill and left it alone,
what a beautiful place it would be today. I've read comments from
writers of changes from 'way back.' Meaning the '80's or '90's.
Who remembers the 'Pretzle man' with his box of warm pretzles or
the 'ice man' delivering big chunks of ice. Or the coal man dumping
coal down chutes into cellars. Who remembers when the city started
'alternate side of the street parking'? Speaking of which, what
is the purpose of 'alternate side of the street parking'? There
are too people with too many extra vehicles and not enough parking.
Because of, that's right, alternate side of the street parking.
Don't get me wrong I'm not wanting to bash you guys but see what
progress has done to Richmond Hill, N.Y. Once seen as 'a beautiful
little city within a city.' Has anyone ever given it REAL serious
consideration to put 'The Kieths' back to what it once was? See
the movie 'The Majestic' with Jim Carrey and see if that doesn't
inspire you.
Thanks for your time.
Added: May 2, 2010
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Edward Shillito From:
Roswell, Ga. E-mail: |
To Wayne Masters,
I believe the Long Island Banana Company was/is? located on 89th
Avenue between 120th and 123rd Streets just East of Lefferts Blvd.
I used to walk past it on my way to the railroad yards.
One of my best friends growing up, Glenn Coleman, lived on 120th
Street near the corner of 89th Avenue.
If anyone knows the whereabouts on Glenn Coleman please let me know.
Added: May 1, 2010
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bob rainis From:
LI E-mail: elcadcnrainis@optonline.net |
I'm in the neighborhood more
frequently now as an elderly member of St John's-St Paul's Lutheran
likes to come up to the congregation I serve in the Bronx.
As you know you can "travel" the streets of RH by using street map
of Google. The block I grew up on, 93rd Ave bet 112-114 Sts had
these beautiful mature trees, 2 in front of every home. It provided
wonderful shade in the summer (who had AC?) the leaves were outstanding
in the Fall. Of course those who came after us, almost to a house,
cut down the trees!
I recently queried a RE agent about a hosue on 117th (91st) and
was directed to a "wonderful Victorian" in the RH section, across
from Jamaica Hosp. I told him, THAT AIN"T NO RH, at least to us
RHites.
Added: May 1, 2010
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Marilyn Mayer-Gaffney From:
Richmond Hill, New York E-mail: |
To Bob Wood:
If you think about it, I have 47 years worth of memories from your
previous house. What's better when you're a kid to have a bunch
more and getting to know them all?!! No, it was never scary at all.
In fact, it was always bright and cheery, but as kids, I think we
all feel the same about our own. The last family with 9 kids worked
out fine with some of them doubling or tripling up in the third
floor bedrooms. Dinner was always fun there too, pizza every Fri.
night with everyone around the table. Those were the days!
The basement I wouldn't say was totally finished since I don't know
of any work ever being done, but considerably modern compared to
the typical Queens cellar. It was always neat as a pin, with a beautiful
table in the center. I also remember the closets, also with the
shining wooden doors down there with the mirrors on the outside.
No one really used it, except for the small laundry room off to
the side. The garage I'm sure is the same also!
As for the Post Office around the block, I only found that out seeing
a historic picture from the early 1900's. In fact many probably
don't even know. For years, everyone called it the "helicopter place",
an office building, assuming having something to do with them!?!
It's been a Union Hall for quite some time now.
I remember well the Nativity Scene in the Church yard at Union Congregational,
which I'm sure many weren't here to see. It was a lovely. I remember
as a kid, my parents bringing me around at night and it was just
so peaceful. There really wasn't many or any other on-lookers, but
I'd stare in awe at Mary, Joseph and Baby Jesus in the Manger. They'd
usually have lambs, sheep and other live animals with them. It was
such a beautiful thing for people to dress up, as a live reenactment,
bringing out the true spirit of Christmas. I don't know if/of anyone
else who remembers that!
There was even the lighting of the tree in Forest Park which we'd
get chosen from Holy Child for a Choir to sing, which I'm proud
to say that I did. I wish Richmond Hill still maintained the simplicity
and all it offered back then. It was great!
Myrtle, who lived on the other side of my street lived to be 100,
so people said. Her Daughter passed approximately within the past
10 yrs. and the house was sold. Sadly, relatives sell now a days,
rather than keep it in the family. Did you know the Chechile's or
the Levine's on 114th St.? Our yards pretty much connected with
yours. Our's was the Levine house, bought from the Daughter, a teacher,
after her Father passed.
I still wish I could find out more info here. I am happy for you
though, touching base with good old Richmond Hill after the years!
To Raymond Kelly:
The Holy Child Jesus 100th Reunion is Sept. 18, BUT you must get
your name and information on the list with the Church. They are
sending out invitations and you must R.S.V.P. by June 1st. I'm sure
if you call the Church directly, they can get the papers to you
so you can attend. It's going to be a big day!
To Amy Teitelbaum:
I, as well as many remember the store very well. I'm sure you know
it's been a Drug store for many years, but for those who've moved
and come back, still ask about it. The last I heard about Dennis
was he was still a car mechanic, I believe working in Ozone Park.
I have some friends who might know more regarding him and the family.
Added: May 1, 2010
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Pat Gallagher From:
Floral Park, NY E-mail: |
A few weeks ago my two childhood
BFFS' celebrated 50 years of friendship. In 1960 Mary Vinciprova,
Marie Cacioppo and I met.
We lived on the same block, 125 Street between Hillside Ave and
Metripolitan Ave. We grew up together on the block. With many other
kids, we played tag, rollerskated, rode bikes and caught lightning
bugs. When Mary's father whistled, we knew it was time to go home.
Each day we walked twelve blocks to and from Our Lady of the Cenacle
elementary school. We purchased Nancy Drew books at Westbridge Pharmacy
under the el and Italian Ices at Bernie's candy store.
On Saturday afternoons, we often would go to the matinee at the
RKO policed by matrons armed with fllashlights. We never could afford
the Kitchen Sink at Jahns. We took the bus down Metropolitan Ave.
to attend Christ the King High School.
We got our first jobs in Jamaica's 5&10 cent stores (Woolworth's,
Grant's and Lampston's). On Sundays we attended dances at Chellis
Hall. The Beatles rocked our world. In summer we would hitch to
Rockaway Beach.
Added: April 30, 2010
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Bill Heaney From:
lincroft new jersey E-mail:
btjk35@aol.com |
Hey Hank, played for glenns
bar in softball, most likely played you guys way back...
good friend of mine still has his knife sharpening place on 123
st, jeff nella... he's still in the neighborhood.
Added: April 30, 2010
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JOHN KOLB From:
BELLEROSE, QUEENS E-mail:
JOHNNYJACK55@aol.com |
Hey Hank Haynes, how you
doin,
You are correct my friend, good times. In case you don't remember
me, Eleanore's son-in-law.
Added: April 30, 2010
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Wayne Masters From:
Franklin, NH E-mail: waymasters@metrocast.net |
I am trying to find an old
address.
In the late 1940's and through the 1950's my Dad and my uncle owned
the "Long Island Banana Co." located in Richmond Hill. I believe
it was north of Atlantic Ave. and tucked in by the rail yards.
As a kid I remember walking over the tracks to get to Jamaica Ave.
Originally it had a long loading deck across the front... sometime
during the 50's an addition, designed by my father, was added to
the front.
Bananas came in on a rail siding behind the building, were ripend
inside, and then shipped out via a fleet of trucks to supermarkets,
hospitals, etc. I spent a good part of my childhood playing in the
plant and neighborhood.
Returning to Valley Stream for my 50th reunion and might be interested
in driving by the old location.
Added: April 29, 2010
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Hank Haynes From:
Dayton, OH E-mail: hhaynes@woh.rr.com |
Dr George Benetti was the
bass player of the Tremelos who did a great job of "Oh Lonesome
Me" back in 1960.
His office was at 120 St and Jamaica Ave across from the Mohawk
that I owned for a brief time with my exest bestest partner Jimmy
Reddy.
Good old days. Regards to all, Hank
Added: April 29, 2010
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Ellen LaChapelle (Giesa)
From: Floral Park, NY E-mail: |
I lived in Jamaica and the
band at Chellis Hall and Presentation school hall was the Tremelos,
not the UK band Tremelos.
The members were George, Harry, Jimmy, and Tommy. The band I remember
at Community Gardens was The Cordials and Mal was the lead singer.
Added: April 29, 2010
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Mark Grossane From:
Watertown, CT E-mail: mgrossane@hotmail.com |
I remember the Tremelos primarily
from Chellis Hall, they had a great version of "Everlasting Love".
I was Christ the King H.S. class of '66, and we were fortunate to
have them play at our senior prom, which was held at the old Americana
Hotel on Broadway & 54th St., NYC. What a night!
Added: April 28, 2010
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Paul Lupica From:
Guyton, Ga E-mail: pclupica@gmail.com |
To Bob Wood:
Check out 'It's a Wonderful Life' on wikipedia. It was filmed at
the RKO studios and their property in Encino California.
Added: April 27, 2010
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Kenneth Ball From:
San Diego CA E-mail: knkball@att.net |
Bob Wood:
I have been collecting old cars for many years and I own three old
Dodge Coupes 1916, 1919, and 1923. I love old history and It's a
Wonderful Life has always been one of my favorite all time pictures.
During the parts collection of my old Dodge Car Parts I ran into
the man out here who owns the old 1917 Dodge Touring (in the picture)
that was run into the old tree by, George Bailey all those years
ago. The car actually was run into the tree (stunt man style) and
the replacement wheel does not match the 3 original wheels.
Sitting in this car for me was quite an honor thinking that Jimmy
Stewart sat there all those years ago, very cool! Ken Ball, Sunny
San Diego
Added: April 27, 2010
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Raymond Kelly From:
Ocala, Florida E-mail: rjk412@yahoo.com |
Somewhwere I heard there
is to be a 100th reunion of Holy Child School to be held. Could
someone enlighten me of when and where?
Thank you, I was from the class of 1945.
Added: April 26, 2010
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mimi oldsum From:
richmond hill new york E-mail: |
It is so refreshing and comforting
to read what the old village was really like "back then".
I moved to RH in 1980 and at that time the area was staring to make
a slow come back. Many of the older folks most of you the writers
moved out, others passed along and children moved away for the LI
homes and better schools. Many of my family lived many many years
in RH until their end.
I moved to RH because of my fond memories of the area. But, boy
I was surprised to see how such a wonderful town has been turned
around. Those once wonderful and beautiful Victorian homes are almost
gone and replaced with multi family brick box houses. Can not find
good pizza, bagle or german forrest cake anywhere.
The good ol days are gone and so are the folks who made it good.
Lets keep the memories alive!
Added: April 26, 2010
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April Koster From:
Richmond Hill E-mail: |
Community Gardens! That's
a reunion I'd like to hear about.
I don't remember the house band, only that the music was really
good in the late 60's long before the disco era.
Added: April 26, 2010
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Bill Heaney From:
lincroft new jersey E-mail:
btjk35@aol.com |
Tommy, Billy and Dave, The
Tremelos Played at St Bennies, Chellis Hall, and later years at
the Dublin Pub out on Jerico TPKE... they were a great band to listen
to back then... played all the current music and very well...
Added: April 26, 2010
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Bob Wood From:
Irmo, SC E-mail: |
OK guess I'm living in the
past too much but have been reading "Images of America, Richmond
Hill" and could not help but notice the winter photo on page 110.
It reminded me of the movie with Jimmy Stewart, "It's A Wonderful
Life".
I wonder if any of the footage for that flick was shot in Richmond
Hill. Guess I'll have to look closely next time it is on tv. Also
in reading the entry from the grandaughter of the hardware store
owner... frequented the place often with my father. In the 50's
a gallon of mineral spirits was 35 cents but one had to bring their
own bottle! Dutch Boy paint was a couple of dollars and nails were
sold by the pound. Salespeople used to give me a bad (not really)
time. Little kid in a man's store! Was it not just down the avenue
from a butcher store?
Lastly, the photo on page 102 of HCJ third grade was a hoot. I have
one just like it from 1950 but the faces seem strangely similiar.
Could swear some of those kids were in my class. If anyone out there
has not read the Richmond Hill book I highly recommend it.
Added: April 26, 2010
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kenny z From:
gettysburg, pa E-mail: kennysburg@hotmail.com |
to bill c...
i Remember Community Gardens. the disco pub on Jamaica ave about
215 st, right? hot spot on friday or saturday nights. but... don't
remember the Tremelos being the "house band".
does anybody remember a pub called Beau Brummels? i know it was
on hillside ave and just east of either 110 or meadowbrook parkway
i think. a lot smaller than community gardens but also a good time
on fri/sat nights. also had some good bands. met the love of my
life there but sadly lost her.
Added: April 25, 2010
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John F. McKenna From:
Manchester, CT E-mail: MJMP77@aol.com |
Great site. I played for
the RH Saxons in 1956 at 2nd Base.
I have run into Joe Bronzino PhD. on occasion. I remember that he
and Roger Wyrondeck(sp?) were our best players. I remember Chuck
Schilling(sp?) on the New Hyde Park Hawks Team went to the hated
Red Sox for awhile. Games on Sunday, two, at Ozone Park, near the
Parkway. Anyone out there?
I do remember Jahn's. I lived in Queens Village. SS Joachim and
Anne, and Bishop Loughlin. Then Holy Cross, College of, and then
flew in the Navy. Now I practice Law in West Hartford, CT.
Added: April 25, 2010
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Amy Teitelbaum From:
Delray Beach, Florida E-mail:
moondance56@aol.com |
My Grandfather, and then
my Dad owned 'Teitelbaums Hardware' on Jamaica Ave and 108 St across
the street from Connie's Restaurant and two doors away from the
Deli.!! They owned it for about 50 years!!
Anyone know where any of the Kreckos are? They used to live over
Starbrite carpet store on 111th I think; Doug, Dennis, and David?
Added: April 25, 2010
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Teresa Pedone (nee: Smith)
From: PA/NYC E-mail:
apedone@ptd.net |
Hi Linda Trick Fleury!!!
I hope you are all doing well? We are all good!
Joanne graduates from Columbia Law School next month and sits for
the bar in July!! Brian owns his own boxing gym and software company
and Madalyn graduates from LaGuardia HS of Performing Arts in June...
she will be attending NYU Tisch school for Drama in the fall!! Anth
and I are doing great! I am retired and VERY happy!!!
Send my love to all... This website is great!
Added: April 24, 2010
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Bob Winter From:
Southern California E-mail:
bob.winter49@yahoo.com |
I don't remember Carlo's,
but I do remember Tommy's below the pool hall on Liberty. Tommy's
had great pizza.
Living in California - God do I miss NY pizza.
Added: April 24, 2010
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Paul La Vecchia From:
Delray Beach, fl E-mail: dodgerman25@yahoo.com |
About the Tremelo's:
They were a Great British band from Essex, England. I can't believe
they played in the places people have mentioned on this site. If
they did, they had to be strung out. LOL.
They were a band that played pretty much SRO crowds at concerts.
They had 8-10 hits. Are there 2 bands same name?
P.S.: The Tremelo's - They never had a song called Sweet Caroline.
(Of course Neil Diamond did). The band mentioned on this site at
local functions must be a same name band, not the British group.
Added: April 24, 2010
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Barbara Wojtko From:
Colorado E-mail: bwojtko@msn.com |
To L. Fry--
I went to SBJL with a Stephen Degruccio-- graduated in 1963. Possibly
Charles' son? Might be a lead in your search-- good luck!
Added: April 24, 2010
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Linda (Trick) Fleury From:
Boca Raton, FL E-mail: lindafleury26@yahoo.com |
This site is so much fun-
Dennis, you've done a great job.
We enjoy seeing the names of some of our old friends and classmates.
Richmond Hill was a wonderful place to grow up-it had a small town
feel yet you could easily hop a train and get to Manhattan.
Tom & I have been living down here in Boca Raton for 15 yrs. with
our 2 kids Caitlin (21) and Brian (26).
The weather is great and nearly half the people we meet are originally
from NY! We've made some really good friends in Florida but do miss
our old friends.
Added: April 23, 2010
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Mary Woods From:
richmond hill, NY E-mail:
jfredmcred@aol.com |
To L.Fry:
The house at 87-59 117 Street was owned by the DeGruccio family
until 1977. Good luck in your search.
Added: April 23, 2010
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Dave O'halloran From:
Williamsburg, VA E-mail: Dwoh61@gmail.com |
Bill Heaney:
Same great memories from dances at st. Bennies (class of 61) and
molloy (class of 65). The very best memories, good people and times.
No matter where life has taken us the road always comes back to
those very special times, people and times. Davy O'halloran
Added: April 22, 2010
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Bill C. From:
Northport E-mail: |
I just noticed the Tremelos
mentioned again, but no one seems to remember Community Gardens.
They were the house band their also, and that was the place to be
on friday night. Proper attire only, any fighting was promptly resolved,
and yes the Tremelos always included their signature slow dance,
that always packed the floor.
Added: April 22, 2010
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Bill Heaney From:
lincroft new jersey E-mail:
btjk35@aol.com |
seems a few more names came
on this site... fantastic... it would be spring in richmond hill
and another summer on the way...
we be drinking up in the park at the lower log with the king...
jimmy luger... lol... and then friday nights be going to st bennies
for the dance, and molloy dances on sat night... it was great sneaking
in to those places...
anyone remember the tremelos... damn they were a great band... favorite
all time song sweet caroline...
Added: April 21, 2010
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Bob Wood From:
Irmo, SC E-mail: |
To: Dennis Doyle... Thanks
again.
The old Post Office had a coal chute out front built into the sidewalk.
Couple of my not too bright friends opened and slid down into the
basement of the bldg. Had to go up the slide to get out! Needed
to be closed.
We used to ride bikes up to Forrest Park, enjoy the pond and of
course all the swings, slides etc. Guess that is still there. Walks
in the woods were off limits unless parents were along. Is crime
an issue more now? Guess so.
The church across from 114-11 had a marvelous Christmas program
with stable, live actors etc. Great fun for us across the street.
Also had a buddy that lived on Bessmer Street, James Dooley. Around
that block lived Kenneth Erwin also a friend.
Funny story... not really... while visiting Erwin, chased him into
his home and ran my arm through the front door glass, cutting it
pretty seriously. Ran all the way home giving my mother a near heart
attack and she ran me over to Dr. Morse's office across the street.
Still have the scar. Dr. Morse had a daughter Susan that was a friend.
Her brother Ted went to Naval Academy.
In olden times we walked everywhere safely. True now? Thanks again
for information.
Added: April 21, 2010
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Anthony Palmisano From:
Lynbrook, NY E-mail: |
To Anne:
The pizzeria was named Carlos Pizzeria. There was also one on Woodhaven
Blvd. and Jamaica Ave, and one I believe in Glendale on Metropolita
Avenue. The owner was Charlie Maggio who lived across the street
from me on 112th. between 91st and Jamaica Avenue's.
He had the best pizza around.
Added: April 21, 2010
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L. Fry From:
Maryland E-mail: leftyl.alf@gmail.com |
I am searching on behalf
of my father who is 85 years old for his platoon mate Charles Degruccio
who lived at 8759 117 th St., Richmond Hill, NYC in the 1940's.
They served in WWII together in the Pigeon Signal Corps in the South
Pacific. Anyone know of this person and if he is still living?
Added: April 21, 2010
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F. Ciccone From:
Long Beach, New York E-mail: |
Carlos's pizzeria was on
Lefferts Blvd and Liberty Avenue.
Added: April 20, 2010
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JOHN KOLB From:
BELLEROSE, QUEENS E-mail:
JOHNNYJACK55@aol.com |
To Anne Sanks Miller:
I think it was called Carlos Pizza on Lefferts and Liberty.
Added: April 20, 2010
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Helen (Akus) Eagleston
From: Marbletown, New York E-mail:
helen.eagleston@cliffordchance.com |
To Zelda Grossman:
I remember your mother so well and am very sorry to hear of her
passing. She was my second grade teacher at PS 62 and always such
a wonderful person.
My thoughts are with you and your family.
Added: April 20, 2010
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Teresa Pedone (nee: Smith)
From: PA/NY E-mail: |
Anne Sanks Miller:
I think it was Carlo's pizzeria...
Added: April 20, 2010
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joann cutichio rodecker
From: east islip ny E-mail:
joannrodecker@yahoo.com |
I remember the pizzeria on
Lefferts and Liberty Ave. It was Carlos Pizzeria. I know because
it was next door to Murphy real estate were my father worked. Above
it was an attorneys office.
You're right they had the best pizza. Spent many afternoons after
school buying a slice and a coke for 25 cent. I don't think it's
there anymore.
Added: April 20, 2010
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Barbara Wojtko From:
Colorado E-mail: bwojtko@msn.com |
Anne Miller--
I believe it was Carlos Pizza. And I agree it was the best. Nothing
like it here in Colorado either!
Added: April 20, 2010
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Patricia Spencer (Teta)
From: Hauppauge, NY E-mail:
donlin3@optonline.net |
The pizzeria you are thinking
of was Carlo's Pizza on Lefferts and Liberty Ave. They did have
good pizza but there was another one on Liberty Ave going towards
the old A&P supermarket it is still there and it is Tommy's Pizza
that pizza I really miss.
Remember Hugo's Ice Cream Parlor and Karps all good memories.
Added: April 20, 2010
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Dennis Doyle From:
Richmond Hill, NY E-mail:
webmaster@richmondhillhistory.org |
To Bob Wood:
It truly is fascinating to read your memories of the vicinity where
I lived. I grew up in the house on 115th Street next to the Union
Congregational Church. My family purchased the home from Dr. Fernlund
(sp?) around 1962, if that rings a bell.
Our family found out years later that our home is known as the "Lefferts
Farm House". Hence, my interest in Richmond Hill history. Directly
across the street (from south to north) were the Kelly's, the Donovan's,
the Pallino's, the Amatrudo's, the Kriedman's, the Gentele's, next
house not sure of, and the last house before the Post Office on Myrtle
Avenue were the Dorio's. However, I don't remember that building as
ever being a Post Office. It was closed down when we moved to 115th
Street. As a kid, me and my friends would sneek inside and "explore"
the place. Looking back, we were very lucky nothing ever went wrong
being in a huge abandoned building.
On the other side of the street, the corner house on 86th Avenue and
115th Street lived a woman named Claire and her husband.
Added: April 19, 2010
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Bob Wood From:
Irmo, SC E-mail: |
To: Marilyn Mayer-Gaffney
and Dennis Doyle
This site is addictive. Thanks for more information. Almost like
ancestory.com but the folks (some of you) are alive and well!
Dennis you must have lived right next door to the barber shop I
went to and right across from a candy store I spent too much time
in. Glad some of the Pallinos are still around. Their father was
a hoot. Reminded me of Jackie Gleason.
Marilyn: I don't know who owned the house next door as I never recall
seeing them. Big place though. I'm still in shock that 9 kids lived
in 114-11. Did they |