Bushwick 77: The Casusos of Harman St.

joey: 1st Jun 2007 - 02:27 GMT

wow. that first picture looks more like berlin than it does nyc. you go to love the hairdos of '77.

RickC: 1st Jun 2007 - 22:42 GMT

Great job. On behalf of my family I say Thank You!

upfromflames: 1st Jun 2007 - 23:04 GMT

##photo by molinari, courtesy Daily News

Oh yeah, Rick was another part of the success story of Harman Street. He was the one who first met Marty, and later even went on to write a few pieces for the Daily News. All this attention made him quite a hero in the hood at the time. And in the end it was a boost for all of Bushwick.

RickC: 2nd Jun 2007 - 05:44 GMT

Wow, I have not seen that Picture in years. I appreciate the compliment. I was only doing what I needed to do to make a difference back then. These days, my daughter is making a name for herself down here. It is amazing and wonderful to be able to reflect on all this, and to now watch a classier and much wiser young lady make a difference in an area that is nothing like where I grew up. As the saying goes, "Where there is a will, there is a way"! Keep up the great work.

RickC: 2nd Jun 2007 - 05:55 GMT

Is this story in the actual magazine? Or is it strictly online? If there is a magazine, I want you to send me a few copies. Send them C.O.D. You have my home address.

RickC: 3rd Jun 2007 - 04:03 GMT

Great job with all the various topics. I am impressed with your professionalism UPfromflames!

Kathy C: 6th Jun 2007 - 20:27 GMT

Wow! Those photos seem like a lifetime ago. I was about 10 in the 3rd photo - walking with my big brother. Looking at the photos it does appear as if it were a disaster area. But growing up as a child it really didn’t seem that bad. We walked to Catholic school every morning and to the local stores and church. We played in front of the house and in the back yard. I have a lot of good memories of my youth. I’m proud of my Mom & Dad for standing up for their community. They could have just moved out like most of the others did, but they didn’t. They fought to have the neighborhood rebuilt.

Kristine (4th Gen. C): 7th Jun 2007 - 01:19 GMT

Thank you so much for bringing the history of my family and our community back for reflection. It is greatly appreciated not only by me, but obviously by my mother, siblings, aunts, uncles, and cousins. Once again, thank you.

K. Rooney: 11th Jun 2007 - 20:13 GMT

I loved the historical info on the neighborhood and the family. You should be very proud.

anon (ool-44c2cbd1.dyn.optonline.net): 19th Jun 2007 - 00:38 GMT

I was a Bushwick baby, born on Troutman Street in 1963. I'll never forget the neighborhood, the 3-story walkup my parents, 3 siblings and I lived in, the cracked sidewalks, the buildings that were just beginning to crumble. My grandparents lived a few blocks down, on Greene Avenue, and it was all about big family gatherings there. Through hard times, we always had love. Bushwick is where it all began.

Sarah B.: 19th Jun 2007 - 00:39 GMT

I forgot to put my name at that last posting! That's me, the Bushwick baby :)

rosecoleredglasses: 19th Jun 2007 - 12:10 GMT

Hello Sarah remember the candy store on greene and irving, 25 cents bought all kinds of candy, they even sold kojak lollipops, also, mr. abbott and sal next door.

Dee: 9th Jul 2007 - 02:53 GMT

I was born in Bushwick in 1955. I left when I got married in 78. Bushwick was a really nice area until the mad exodus of the 60's everyone ran.Brodway was a great shopping area but then everything went downhill/ I was a minority Italian living amongstPuerto
ricans and Blacks. In the early 60's it was ok we all got along kind of like the movie Crooklyn we all played outside although we knew we were different from each other culturaly. Then it all really went down the shitter Martin Luther was killed the streets were dead then the riots on Broadway. Iremember being in the Bootery on Broadway with my sister when a riot happened i was scared, luckily we got home ok (she had a car) Anyway Broadway bstarted to burn. Cedar st looked like Berlin but my dad stayed afterall it wasnt a 2 fare zone. If I called a car service they called it war zone. I HATED LIVING THERE IN MY TEENS. I'd go on a date and have to hear comments about where I lived. The summer there was alot of noise just like in Do The Right Thing trust me I know how Sal felt when that kid Radipo Rakeem kept playing his box.
As for the fires in 77 during the blackout that served as a chance for people to loot and rob. They were running down my block with televisions, washers, diapers, clothes you name it they took it.
My memories are bitter sweet. My sisters loved the place, they were born in the 40's so it was completly different almost like Happy Days.
One thing though I loved Knickerbocker Ave. Remember the Rose shop?
Ruthies for underwear Betesh, the hat store I forget his name. Like I said bushwick was great until about 64 atleast on my block Cedar Street.
i forgot the Muslims took over assemblyman DiBlasi's house and made a mosque they ruined a gorgeous mansion we had to hear chants 5am every day and ofcourse the new neibors had cock fights this is al in the 70's.
Somebody once told me i live within running distance to the train.
Anyway Bushwick became a hellhole and i really don't know why those
Causo's stayed for so long. I guess they were never robbed or bothered by the men dr9nking and playing cards outside. they are very lucky their kids don't resent them. My parents moved in 87 and thats only cause my dad died my mom sold that house for next to nothing. Now all of you schmucks from Kansas want to go live in the wild west well good luck to you if you don't have little ones its fine, otherwise i would not invest what schools are they going to go to 111? it sucked for me
if I wasn't funny and street wise I would've got my ass kicked every day, had to hide my money in my shoe. The m train men expoing themselves guys trying to grab ure ass in the street. think twice u need a thick skin to be a pioneer in this neighborhood trust me I know.

Marty Gottlieb: 15th Jul 2007 - 21:23 GMT

God bless the Casusos--no finer family could anyone hope to meet! Everything that Adam has written about them so beautifully here is true. From my standpoint, the tremendous impact they had in turning the neighborhood around flowed from some very special family qualities. To a person they possess courage, resourcefulness, commitment, even stubborness. But I think even more of their remarkable good will, their graciousness, optimism, and openness. That was what they greeted me and my Daily News friends with. It's what they showed Mayor Koch, his advisors and his mayoral adversaries. It's what their friends and neighbors are blessed with every day. And people respond-- mayors and planners, even reporters grateful for a dose of unexpected friendliness. In what's supposed to be a hard-boiled city, sometimes faith and kindness win out. My memories and love for Kathy and Octavio will always be there, as will my thanks and love for Ricky, little Kathy, Lisa, Junior and Bobby-- and the next generation. Thanks for the ride, and look at the good you've done!. Marty

JACE: 17th Jul 2007 - 04:43 GMT

BORN 166 HARMAN STREET,PLAY STICK BALL EVERYDAY,NEVER FORGET IT BEST STREET IN BROOKLYN,JOE AND MIKE CANDY STORE,MURRAY ON CORNER OF WILSON HARMAN STREET,CYO ST BARBARA'S CHURCH.BREAD STORE EVERY CORNER.

Diana Manchur-Henke: 25th Jul 2007 - 19:24 GMT

I lived next door to the Casusos ; went to school with Octavio and Bobby ( St. Barbara's). My building is still up, 170 Harman St. although I doubt it remained well cared for as the Casusos home.Once in awhile I would still come by there and remembered when I last spoke to Mr. Casuso ; Mrs. Casuso (Kitty who was not home at the time). They are a great family and I am glad things have turned around for the neighborhood. 168 Harman St. is their home filled with strong memories.
Octavio (Jr.) and I met at our St. Barbara reunion (2002), I learned then of his parents passing. I will always fondly remember them.

Tonya James-Rance: 3rd Sep 2007 - 19:07 GMT

Born and raised in Brooklyn.. Left in 1985 for the military... Lived on Suydam Street and then moved to Harman Street between Central and Evergreen.. Loved that neighborhood. Remember all the game rooms in the neighborhood.. Coming home from school, I would stop off at the gameroom to play pacman.. Our block was nice... Those were the days..

Janet Calderon: 9th Sep 2007 - 12:44 GMT

Author of Bushwick & Beyond: I never forgot Bushwick. My childhood memories are there. I'll be back to share my experiences via this book. Hopefully, after reading my book;the reader will empower themselves to take massive action that will take them to their next level of excellent. I have interesting Bushwick stories; Keep your eyes and ears out for Bushwick & Beyond. Please support a Bushwick ike, buy the book..Best of Luck to MI GENTE living in Bushwick. See You Soon!

Janet Calderon: 9th Sep 2007 - 12:51 GMT

If you would like to stay posted on when I'll be Launching the Book in Bushwick, feel free to E-mail me at calderoncenter@aol.com and you'll be placed on the "keep me posted, I'll support you" list. If all goes well, Mid-October to November 2007 should be the Book Signing Launch. Isn't that Cool.....A Bushwick girl is back as an Author. Bushwick has plenty of talent...we have to seek them, nuture them and help them grow. That's my goal!

howie: 17th Sep 2007 - 17:04 GMT

Iwas born in 1948 at 75 Linden Street between Evergreen and Central went to St. Barbaras catholic school anyone fromm thta block or neighborhood?

Susan Monti-Luciano : 23rd Nov 2007 - 02:42 GMT

Hi Lisa and Ricky -WOW this is an awesome page- I was just searching some stuff on Bklyn and up came this website. This is truly amazing and brought back too many memories of us hanging out together, go to St. Barbara's School, Knickerbocker, etc. Lisa, when I last saw you on Myrtle, you only had the two children. WOW - what a wonderful family you have now and so grown up. To scan through these pictures seeing your Mom, Dad and even Suzie Fisher was great. 161 Harmon will always have a special place in my heart. My husband and I recently passed through Harmon to video tape the area so my parents and family can see the changes made. One of these days I'm going to try and ring your bell just to say Hi. My email address is WLLUCIANO169@aol.com Would love to hear from you. My regards to your brother Junior also. He still sends a Christmas card to my Mom and Dad who still live in Glendale. My husband Walter & I live on 67th Place in Glendale two doors away from Phil & Jeanie Scaturo. Good talking to you and hope to hear from you soon.

Susan Monti-Luciano : 23rd Nov 2007 - 21:16 GMT

Hi again - Just wanted to know who Jace is and Diana Manchur-Henke? Since Jace lived in 166 Harmon and Diana 170 thought I may know them. The only family I remember living in 170 next to you was (Philip or Fee-Fu). I also recall his Grandmother and three girls living there. Now wasn't 166 Nicolina, Tony and Lucy Marchetta's house? If Diana went to school with Jr., then she must have gone to school with my brother also. I'm now curious so please email me at let me know. This would be such a great reunion if we can keep in touch with each other after all these years. Especially that they remember Murrays, St. Barbara's, etc.
Again anyone who wants to reach me please do so at WLLUCIANO169@aol.com

Frank S: 27th Nov 2007 - 10:17 GMT

Holy cow, I can't believe it. A friend e-mailed me about the story. I did a google search and sh*t I'm back in Brooklyn. 169 Harmon -3rd floor. I hope word gets around to Jack F.- Sal.M -Pia D.- Michael P.- Nick F.- Suzan M. (contacted me) By the way how's bobby C.- Jerry Fisher (I believe from down the street). Yes "Murry's corner store, use to get our .02 or .05 cent popsicles. Large bag of chips .25 cents. There use to be an Italian bakery across from Murrys where we use to buy bread. and the old Pharmacy with the old phone booths. use to hide in there. What about all the street games, handball, stick-ball, slap-ball, tops, skeleses (spelling?)played with bottle tops. Marbles, Darts on the corner garage doors, "Truth Dare or Consquences" ha ha ha. Got my first kiss from that game, what Cherished Memories. Flip( played with baseball cards)If we only new that those baseball cards like the Brooklyn Dodgers would be worth Hundreds of Thousands of dollars today. The little street gang fights with kids from the other areas, The fire hydrants being opened in front of the house in summer. Sue's M. mother who would beat all of us with her broom if we swore. The NY Black outs in Brooklyn. We belonged to average working families, kids forged Friendships that still held today. How do you explain those cherished moments. By the way, didn't Bobby's dad wrestle and that's why he looked built in the pics. If anyone wants to reach me Please do bozotheclown98@yahoo.com I think the Casusos are hero's. Never gave up on the neighborhood. bravo... Anyone have pictures of the street today? To my dearest friend Sue M. who I've been in touch with for 50 years. Love you always. To all of you thanks for the memories.

Joe D.: 13th Dec 2007 - 04:12 GMT

Buswick late 1960's - early 1970's was the best!!! Born on Harman Street in 1965...The entire family lived within blocks of eachother..Grandparents on Starr Street next to the pretzel factory..Aunt lived on Buswick Avenue and DeKalb...Uncle lived on Troutman..Another aunt lived on Melrose next to the live poultry market...Got my tonsils removed at Bushwick hospital...baptized at St. Joseph...I remember the Good Friday procession , it seemed miles long...Remember Moes' Record Store on Knickerbocker and Dekalb in between Tonys pizza and Scaturro...Remember King Solomon...Morris Toys...Circos Pastry Shop...The cafes...Azzuro Mondello Italian Gift Shop..Saievas...Betesh...Als bargains....Remember Bargain Town on Broadway...The Donut Shop on Knickerbocker between harman and Himrod...Boys and Mens Clothing..Mr Franks fruit store on Harman and Knickerbocker..So many fond memories....We shoulve never left that neighborhood.....

JACE: 15th Dec 2007 - 20:52 GMT

MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ALL ON HARMON STREET AND BROOKLYN FRIENDS. ANYBODY FOR STICK BALL.SOMEBODY GO ON THE ROOF FIND A BALL! ST.BARBARS,PS 145,JOHNS BARGAIN STORE,CYO. BOUGHT MY PRETZELS ON STAR STREET TO SELL.HERES A NICE GAME MUM-FREEZE. HA

Low Kee Angel @aol.com: 16th Dec 2007 - 20:08 GMT

What a strong family, you guys should be so proud. Bushwick should be so lucky.......God Bless ya

RickC: 18th Dec 2007 - 16:26 GMT

I have not visited this site in a while, and I am amazed with all the names that are posted. Hi Susan, Diane(my first crush thought I was too young), my Good friend Marty whom I havent seen in a while yet i love him as a brother. It is great to read all the other memories that are posted. I hope that you all are doing well, and that you are making an impact where you now live as we did in Bushwick.
Hey Jace, you and I may have played stickball as kids. What year did you live at 166?
Diane had a younger brother named Michael whom was one of my buddies. Please say hi to michael for me. I remember when her dad would bring home Colorform sets for us all to play with.
My dad liked Mr. Manchur because he would no hesitate to keep us kids in line. They live on the second floor apt that touched our bldg.

RickC: 18th Dec 2007 - 16:32 GMT

Hey FrankS, Bobby is doing fine and he lives in Long Island these days.

Mary Aguanno Allocca: 31st Dec 2007 - 06:35 GMT

I think of my old neighborhood quite often. I lived at 101 Harman Street, between Central and Evergreen Avenues. Graduated from 8th grade at St. Barbara's in 1962 (was in the school "Brigade" (played the fife) and went to the high school for almost 2 years, before moving to Amityville in November 1964. My dad, who passed away in 1994 was Joseph Aguanno, owned the "People's Fishmarket on Central Avenue (with my grandmother and grandfather Mary and Anthony Aguanno - on the same block as Stella D'Doro and Sal's Bakery. His store had the eels swimming in a tank in the window.

Lenora: 5th Jan 2008 - 03:45 GMT

This is an interesting site. I lived at 74 Bleecker St. Graduated from St. Barbara's 8th grade in June '61, went there for 9th grade and then we moved and I went to Bishop McDonnell for 10th.
I saw the mention of a St. Barbara's Reunion by an earlier poster, and I am wondering who set that up.

Diana Manchur-Henke: 11th Jan 2008 - 20:05 GMT

Rick, Michael lives upstate now near Albany. I'll let him know you asked for him. My father passed away 2004. My mom lives in Queens and is doing well. I'm glad the neighborhood is on an upswing. If there's another St. barbara reunion, I'll let you guys know,though I would think Octavio would get that info too. During the time I lived in 170 Harman St. 1963-74. , we lived on the second floor, accross from us was Rose and her husband; I believe she is still alive now living in a senior complex near Jamaica. Upstairs above were Francis and Joe Vera, Nicholas and Lucia, their children. Accross from them was Pauline who baked many wonderful Italian treats. Initially downstairs lived a mature german lady and shortly after moved in Dominic and Betty Calvaruso with their children Vitina(?), Maria and Gina. UP The block, Diane Castiglion, a Kid named Luigi, Anthony Cinderelli. Near Murrays that side of the block Rocco lived. i'm sure more will come to mind later. I do remember Nicolina and family. 1964-65 summers playing stoop ball, waiting for the rides to come around and neighbors sitting out front hot summer nights. I went to St. Barbaras by then and also was in the band, played the fife. Sister Dennis Patrick drilled us. She was at the reunion in 2002. Many of the stores mentioned were around on Central ave. and Wilson ave. My mom worked on Knickerbocker Ave. in a childrens store I think was S&D. It was great getting the latest colorforms from my dad, wish we had some unopened.
He worked for them until retirement.

JACE: 13th Jan 2008 - 20:13 GMT

(JAMES CAMARDA)LIVED 166 HARMAN STREET.HI DIANA,SISTER DENNIS PATRICK STILL ALIVE.I AM IN TOUCH AND VISIT MY FIRST GRADE SISTER.

Peggy: 15th Jan 2008 - 01:21 GMT

I also grew up in Bushwick. It brings back such great times. I went to St. Barbara's from 1963 to 1970. Does anyone remember St. Dennis Patrick? I lived on Bleecker St. next to Berg & Berg.( before the fire ) right off Knickerbocker.

Peggy

Peggy: 15th Jan 2008 - 01:23 GMT

by reading the comments I see that there was a reunion in 02. Is there another one planned. I was in the ban too. fife with St. Dennis Patrick.

Uchie Martinez: 5th Feb 2008 - 19:04 GMT

Hey JoeD:
I too lived on Melrose Street by the live poultry market, around 1965 thru 1988, I'm 43 years old now. Do you remember Maxi's Ice Cream Shop on Knickerbocker between Melrose and Jefferson, Paul the Barber, I also remember Moe's record store and Tony's pizzeria use to go there everyday after school, until the incident there. Anyway, gotta hand it to the Casusos Family for not moving out of the old neighborhood. I loved it back in the days when I was a teen in the 1970's - 80's but I could never bring up my kids there. I have a lot of family on Melrose Street so I still visit. I now live in Ozone Park, Queens for the past 19 years. I would never forget Melrose, Bushwick area. Go Bushwick!

Ed Swenson: 12th Feb 2008 - 05:48 GMT

I was born in Bushwick Hospital in 1937. My parents moved a few years later to Ozone Park and when I was 5 they moved us to New Hyde Park, but whenever we needed to see a doctor we drove to see Dr. Salpeter, whose office was near Bushwick hospital. My sister was born in Bushwick in 1946 and when Dad needed a hernia surgery it was back to Bushwick although New Hyde Park had its share of adeaquate hospitals. I now live in Oregon but visit Manhattan about once a year. Next visit I'd like to get back to see where the hospital is/was, and also the neighborhood in which we lived. Thank you for your posting.

Tom Schneider: 12th Feb 2008 - 20:20 GMT

I lived on 1257 Green Ave beteen Wilson and Central 62-65

Ed Swenson: 12th Feb 2008 - 20:56 GMT

Does anyone know the address or location of the Bushwick Hospital? I recall that it morphed into a care facility many years ago. Thanks. Ed

angela buscemi letzeisen: 16th Feb 2008 - 20:15 GMT

my husband fred and i were married in st.barbaras church in february 1953 and just celebrated our 55th wedding anniversary on valentines day.i went to st barbaras school and church during the 1930 to 1946 period. We lived on Himrod Street . My Uncle Tony owned the fish store on Wilson Avenue. My grandparents lived on Grove Street . My parents Gasper and Caroline Buscemi have passed away a number of years ago after they moved to Pennsylvania. My sister Patricia lives in Maryland and Florida in the winter. We live in Florida also but full time . If anyone remembers me my e-mail is fjl@tampabay.rr.com .....wouldlove to hear from possible friends from St. Barbaras.

NewYorkDave: 19th Feb 2008 - 01:40 GMT

Does anyone remember the specific location of the pretzel factory on Starr St.?

This is of interest to me because my Pop, when he was a boy, used to sell their pretzels on the street. Apparently, this was a popular way for the local youth to earn pocket money.

Diana Manchur-Henke: 22nd Feb 2008 - 22:16 GMT

NewYorkDave
If you go to bushwick buddies, register for free, you can get all the info your interested in about the pretzel factory etc.

NewYorkDave: 24th Feb 2008 - 03:57 GMT

Thanks, but... I was already enrolled there for a short time and left because I didn't care for all the right-wing politics.

I would still like to know the location of the pretzel factory, but it's merely out of curiosity, it's not an urgent thing.

Bobby I: 26th Mar 2008 - 12:46 GMT

The pretzel factory was located on the even side of Starr Street, between Wilson and Knickerbocker, closer to Knickerbocker Avenue. I lived on Starr between Wilson and Central, and my brother and I used to buy pretzels and sell them on Knickerbocker Avenue. We used to pay 2 cents per and sell them one for 3 cents or 2 for a nickel. There used to be a candy store around the corner from St. Joseph's church and after 9:30 mass on Sundays, we would go to the candy store and buy all loose candy for a penny or two.

Barbara Leone: 1st Apr 2008 - 01:03 GMT

I Lived on Gates Ave between Central and Wilson. Think about St. Barbara's all the time. I lived in Bushwick from 1953 to 1964. Anyone know me please email. I had lots of friends from a social club on Himrod St right near Knickerbocker Ave, Club Tesian.

NewYorkDave: 21st Apr 2008 - 12:53 GMT

Bobby I: Thanks! My Dad must've been selling pretzels around the same time because he bought and sold them for the same prices you quoted. His "route" was Onderdonk heading south; he tells me that he always sold out before he reached Myrtle Ave.

NewYorkDave: 21st Apr 2008 - 13:05 GMT

Hmmm, I just realized that that route wouldn't have made any sense considering the number of blocks involved. The pretzels surely would have been cold by the time he reached Onderdonk--unless he were running the whole way! ;). He never TOLD me the factory was on Starr, I just made that assumption because that's the only pretzel factory I've heard of in the area. He remembers that it was located in someone's basement, but doesn't remember the street. Who knows? Maybe he's mistaken about Onderdonk (who has a perfect memory after 50+ years?) or perhaps there was even another pretzel factory further east in Ridgewood. With all the Germans around at the time (1950s), it certainly seems possible. Anyway, thanks for the information!

Eric66: 2nd May 2008 - 00:51 GMT

I loved going down memorey Lane ,growing up on cedar st. between evergreen and myrtle ave. was the best of times 1945 to 1966 just wasn't enough time , had it not been for the block busters who ruined the neighborhood I would have stayed a lot longer. I sure would like to go around the corner to mrs. butters candy store on dekalb and evergreen and get an egg cream some hard pack ice cream and wait for daily news nite-owl that came in about 8:30pm. , i can dream can't I. I will alway be proud that I was born in Brooklyn you just can't explain it to people how Great it was. Eric

Eric66: 2nd May 2008 - 00:51 GMT

I loved going down memorey Lane ,growing up on cedar st. between evergreen and myrtle ave. was the best of times 1945 to 1966 just wasn't enough time , had it not been for the block busters who ruined the neighborhood I would have stayed a lot longer. I sure would like to go around the corner to mrs. butters candy store on dekalb and evergreen and get an egg cream some hard pack ice cream and wait for daily news nite-owl that came in about 8:30pm. , i can dream can't I. I will alway be proud that I was born in Brooklyn you just can't explain it to people how Great it was. Eric Cedar st.#66

cateyezz6: 13th May 2008 - 18:40 GMT

I like this picture because before it looked like a wreck and now Harman does not look like that anymore being the fact that I pass it every morning and afternoon. Bushwick has changed a lot and there are still things being built now to make things better

anon (cache-mtc-ad08.proxy.aol.com): 19th Jun 2008 - 08:06 GMT

I have been at 20 Harman Street since we bought it in 1988. Of course everyone thought I was crazy! Among the many comments was this one "Who would buy a house in Bushwick?" smile. I fell in love with the house form the moment I went inside. It still has most of its original detail, the woodwork and moldings are intact. The house was in good condition mostly because I understand that we were only the third family to ever live in it.

Bushwick is rejuvenating nicely, but still has a long way to go. The building boom has helped to renew an appreciation for property owners to invest in the older properties. In another 10 years or so, we wont even believe its the same place.

May God continue to bless Bushwick!

Peter: 19th Jun 2008 - 13:58 GMT

20 Harman... is that the yellow house?

in regards to "who would buy in bushwick"... i would! er, if i could afford it. a lot has changed since 1988, for sure...

Eleanor: 19th Jun 2008 - 15:17 GMT

Have read this article many times and I'm pleased to see it is still drawing comments.

NewYorkDave ... you said you were on Bushwick Buddies but left because of the "right-wing" politics ... You're probably right that many of the "buddies" are very conservative in their politics ... but no one has ever stopped the "left" from making the opinions known ... but Bushwick Buddies is not about politics ... it's just because this is an election year for President that politics has even come into the site.

Bushwick Buddies was created to bring together people who were born and raised in Bushwick during the 1930s, 1940s, 1950s and beyond. It is meant to share the great memories we all had growing up there ... and to do that we have close to 10,000 photographs contributed by our "buddies" ... and we are always have daily conversations about just about any subject that you can think of. There are at least 100 people signing in every day ... many of whom do not post but love to read about the "old hood" ... we'd love to see you back ... and anyone else who would like to join us ... contact me at eleanorctr@aol.com for information.

Diane ... thanks for the plug.

Eleanor

Alice: 20th Jun 2008 - 04:33 GMT

My mom was born and grew up on Greene Avenue. We lived there in the 50s, I went to St. Barbara's elementary, (played fife!). Moved away in 1960 after finishing 5th grade. My Dad went to St.B. in the 30s, my mom to PS 75, they both went to Grover Cleveland HS '40-45. Had to post because of Mary Aguanno, above - I remember the fishtank with eels vividly! Passed it every day! Loved the smell of the bread baking at Sal's. What was allowed to happen to this neighborhood makes me angry and sad, but I am happy to see that it is coming back. If the names Toland or O'Donnell ring any bells please let me know!

Mitch Vernace: 1st Jul 2008 - 02:53 GMT

Grew up on the "other side" of Myrtle Avenue, on Knickerbocker between Putnam and Madison Street between 1961 and 1978. Went to St. Martin of Tours and we always felt our competitors were from the surrounding parishes (Our Lady Queen of Martyrs, St. Barbara's, St. Brigid's, St Joseph's... We had a lot of fun "invading" the surrounding areas, mostly by foot, sometimes by bike. The posts above did bring back great memories of Knickerbocker Avenue - Betesh's, Men and Boys (I hated the term "husky"...), John's bargain, Circo's... There was another bakery at Grove and Knickerbocker but for the life of me can not remember! We spent most of our time playing in Bushwick Park around the Bushwick H.S. area. Anyone with similar memories feel free to email: mvernace@comcast.net

Richie Fisher: 27th Jul 2008 - 15:36 GMT

Wow. I lived on the corner of Harmon and Wilson till June, 71. Cried wnen I left. I went to St. Barbs, grad. in '71. I lived 2 houses fom the other Fisher's, Georgie, Kenny and Kathleen, and next door to the Delio's. Like everyone else has said. it was the best. Stickball, off the wall, stoopball, ringolivio,iron tag, freeze tag, the johnny pump. My grandfather was a fireman at the old 233 in Easwt N.Y. and he alwas made sure we had a sprinkler cap on it. In front of my grandmother's caraige store. Downstairs was Murry's grocery stoor, his wife Pearl, across the street was Democelli's RX. store where my father kept his Checker cab in his garage. Always had a 35 cent Van. malt at Joe's. on Central Ave.( 45 cents if you wanted it to go) Bought my Baseball cards there, also at Barbara Anns. I still have all of them to this day! What times at St. Barbs! Mrs.Lawlor, Sisters D.P. Maria Michele, Betty, Ann Mathew, Kathlene Thomas, Rose Aquiness (The Boss!) Mr. Russo, Mr. Curtis, Mrs. Mcgovero ,3rd grade , sorry for stinky spelling, She was the best. I was an alter boy for 5 years under Father Patten and then Father Johnson. Trained under the great Walter Manchure. Mons. Steinmuller sometimes bounced back and forth in English and Latin. Glad english started my 1st year! Father Pheifow, Father Reynolds, and the great Father Zimmer. I never knew there was any reunion held, anyone from 71??? Wonder where Rocko, Boppo, Kevin and Keith Collins,Dominick Sercoa, Fat Rose in the window, Mrs. Tortulissi ( The block watchdog) one armed Mrs.O'Conner , Jerry McCarthy, Mark and Deron Condact, Joe Giacalone, Harold Vitting, ( Kathelene Casuso's brother) was always talking to himself, The Cain man from Himrod St., Joe's Ride," Im loosening the nut!" Pia, Bridgit, Wayne and Charlie Baker, Ray McNulty ,and and many I've forgotten.If anyone is out there from class of '71 give me a shout. Cheers! Richie Fisher. E Mail at RFStooge@si.rr.com

Janice A Abrams: 28th Jul 2008 - 10:13 GMT

Howie
I lived at 104 Bleeker Street until 1959. I also went to St. Barbara's School until we moved to Long Island. I was born in 1951 but did have an older brother born 1948 and sister born 1949. We were at 104 bleeker, right down the block from St. Barbara's. I was9 when we moved but still have a few crazy memories.
Janice

Sonja (Sandra): 29th Jul 2008 - 07:39 GMT

Love the posts. I also grew up in Bushwick. I remember the Starr Pretzel factory, passed it on the way to Junior High School 162. I still love the smell of pretzels. In fact, I remember most places mentioned and it brings a smile to my face reading all the posts.We lived at 152 Stockholm ( off Knickerbocker) for 6 yrs., then 6 yrs. at 161 Troutman and then moved to 172 Himrod St.
Great memories from a great neighborhood!
Thank you,
Sandra (Sonja)G.

Warren S.: 16th Aug 2008 - 21:47 GMT

I think this is a fabulous Web-page; it brings back memories of Bushwick, Brooklyn and Queen, where I grew up. Until I was 14, I lived on RC church property in the "old rectory" building at St. Barbara's RC church, which is now used for some kind of community outreach organization. My father all would have known as John. He worked for the parish as a custodian for 8 years, when Monsignor John E. Steinmuller was the pastor.

Although I have some very found memories of St. Barbara's and the neighborhoods in that Brooklyn/Queens section of the city, I also had some emotional trauma, living as I did, in the shadow of the Catholic Church. And I no longer count myself as a “Catholic” because of it.

Sister Dennis Patrick was one of those childhood demons who haunted my formative years at that time of my life. I had problems going up as I did, with a mother who was in essence absent in my upbringing, Sister Dennis Patrick did not make any of that familial problem any easier. She and my dad never really got along very well (my dad being one to call a spade a spade, and she being a very obsessive and willful about her precious fife, drum, and bugle corps, and so on...).

This so-called "woman of God" made my life a living hell while I was enrolled in the church parochial school. When she was pissed-off at my "old man" who do you think caught much of the flak? Living with my own issues, and a mother who was rather unbalanced, Sister Dennis Patrick made my growing up a vexing experience. Personally, I think the woman was somewhat insane herself and maybe a closeted lesbian. ...Anything but what she was "called" to do -- teach and foster young children in the mores of applied Christian living..

She seemed to be, among other things, a bit of a sadist; I was tormented by this evil witch in a black and white habit, with an never-ending essay assignment "Explain the Color Red to a Blind Man." Each day I suffered pure and profound emotional stress with the experience of showing up for her class and not having the finished essay -- which then would be doubled in word-count requirement, each time I came without the desired result.

In hindsight I know this was more about tormenting me because of her disdain for my father, and it also was about a deep seated need to control others under her tutelage, despite the resulting cause-and-effect of her sadistic tendencies. Others I know had similar opinions of her methods. And others were similarly tortured. In my opinion this woman was both evil and the epitome of Satan's imprint on humanity. If she were still alive today, I would have no problem telling her all that to her face. Hell… I would be hard pressed to keep from spitting in her face, though my ingrained passive nature would never allow me to go that far. It would still be a temptation to, in someway, relish. I honestly hope she died a slow and painful death.

That said… I can now find the room to try to forgive her for her sadistic and evil nature.

Richie Fisher: 16th Aug 2008 - 23:44 GMT

Hey there Warren! I have to be honest, I almost fell off my chair reading
your E Mail and I FLEW off my chair when I read your letter on the
Casusos's Site. You are right on about D.P. We ALL feared her! I was
lucky not to have her as a teacher. I remember she got transfered right
before I went to 7th grade. Listen to this, I was in her glee club and was
sitting RIGHT NEXT to her at Mass when I think Father Zimmer was reading
the weekly anouncements and DP and some other nuns were being sent to other
Parishes. When Father said her name, I was stunned and looked at her with a
look of , I guess naive disbelief.. I will NEVER forget her cold, almost
blank stare straight ahead, refusing to show any emotion. She was tuff, like
Sister Betty, Sister Kathleen Thomas, Sister James Michele, and the big
boss, Sister Rose Aquiness. ( Never did see that spankin' machine I heard
about for 8 years. ) I remember 2 people who lived on Menehan St. in my
class, Alfred Furrs and the ( I wish ) love of my life, Debra DeCeaser.
Remember that dog next to the school, I think his name was Toy Toy. You
must have benn a regular at Barbara Ann's. I remember the bakery on Wilson
Ave, ,I think it was LaRosa's. A classmate of mine, Maria DeFasio's family
owned it.You must be a couple of years before me and I guess DP was Hell
for many who had her, heck she threw me out of the glee club. Listen, If
you go on classmates.com, go to St.B and there is a picture of the class of
68 reunion from a couple of years ago.( Maybe your class? ) It's hard to
tell, but the woman in the 2nd row, 2nd from the left looks like the DP of
today. Well, great to hear from you and let's share some more war stories.
.Richie Fisher , class of '71- . P.S. I always thought those nuns had
weights in that convent, God they were strong!!

Warren S.: 18th Aug 2008 - 17:25 GMT

"...I think Father Zimmer was reading the weekly anouncements and DP and some other nuns were being sent to other Parishes. When Father said her name, I was stunned and looked at her with a look of , I guess naive disbelief.. I will NEVER forget her cold, almost blank stare straight ahead, refusing to show any emotion. She was tuff..."

Hey Richie,

She was like that, and very stoic, to a fault...

Reading that: I could see her face in her typically hardened, glazed-over, expressionless stare, like it was simply yesterday...

When we were doing our confirmation practices, she was up there center altar, in all her glory, with the black and white stiff habit (they wore the stiff habits back then).

She was slapping the 'bejeeeezuuuuz' out of all the boys -- I mean really hard facial slaps, with red welts on all the boys faces, after the fact -- a few of her 'pets' escaped her blind wrath of course.

Well, it came my turn, knowing I was going to get an extra hard one from this dark-souled demonic creature. I paraded up there with the rest of my aisle full of boys, and WHAM..! I got a really good smack. Then I stayed there a second and turned the other cheek to her...

She went 'ballistic' on me, she attacked me in flurry of slaps, chops, and a punch or two I think, te other nuns had to pull her off of me. I recall later she caught hell from both my father and mother, and possibly from Monsignor Steinmuller, and then the parochial school principal Sister Cherubim Rita. It was worth it!

Needless to say things degraded a lot further from that point onward. That was the final straw though, it's when she refused to let me sit in her classroom any longer. In hindsight, I know now I got the best of her right there and then, despite the physical abuse suffered.

It's true you can hurt someone more without violence, once you learn how to turn them against themselves. It was a great lesson for me. After this incident I eventually got 'transferred' to Jr. HS, and thereafter I did great, under the care of new public school teachers. I wound up in the "smarter" classes, to my own amazement -- always thinking under the nuns like Dennis Patrick that I was pretty stupid. I never realized then, but it was a life affirming experience for me.

I'm certain that this bizarre woman hated men and most likely liked her own gender more than was normal, or healthy. She had no business teaching or caring for young and vulnerable children.

I saw that picture of her and she looks like my ex's mother. Yikes! If I only knew the resemblance was so uncanny...! It would have been a tip-off for sure. Just kidding... Actually, I got along great with her mom and still do even today.

Richie, it was great to hear from you about D.P. I really got a new perspective on her -- smiling -- glad I wasn't the only victim, or the only person who saw her as the evil bell-tower queen of St. Barabara's RC church. She would have gotten on well with Quasimodo's Dominican Spanish Inquisitors, maybe she knew them...

Richie Fisher: 18th Aug 2008 - 23:35 GMT

If anybody goes on Classmates.com, there is a reunion picture from St.Barbs. class of 68. Are those all former nuns in the 2nd row? I believe Sr. D.P. is 2nd from the right. Any help on the rest of them? I think that is Junior Casuso on the left. Don't recognize anyone else. Thanks for any info.

Warren S.: 19th Aug 2008 - 21:56 GMT

Hey Richie... The Image you are talking about

Richie Fisher: 20th Aug 2008 - 00:25 GMT

Sister D.P. looks like she wants to slug someone...

Francine Cammarata: 20th Aug 2008 - 05:50 GMT

What a childhood in Bushwick!!! I think my passionate Italian background which was deeply rooted in tradition surely played a major part. What strength and power we had. I was born 1947 in Greenpoint Hospital. Baptised at St Martins of Tours. Went to PS 106 because my parents couldn't afford to send me to Catholic school. I use to get up early in the morning when everyone was asleep and sneak off to St Barbara's to be with the nuns and Italian widows. I wanted to be a nun.
We had friends on Harmon St and Knikerbocker Ave. Bill and Peggy Lindner. Their kids were Carol, Kenny and a change-of-life baby Willy. They lived on the ground floor, rt side of bldg. Across the street was a small grocery store run by two woman. I use to go in there and buy two pepsis. Their kids went to school on the corner, lt side of Harmon if you are walking in the direction where the Germans lived.
What a memory you triggered for me. You have no idea how I'd give up everything to go back to those days. But, you know, knowing what I know now- I'd do it all differently.
Parents moved us up to Elmira, NY after my father was beat pretty badly and left to die in a hallway on Wilson Ave. I went to Syracuse University and retired from HRS Child Support Enforcement. Living in Florida now, but I pine for the days of my life in Brooklyn. I've traveled the continent, but there's no place like Brooklyn, we are a special breed. Thanks for the memory Casuso Family.

Mary A.: 20th Aug 2008 - 14:22 GMT

I graduated from St. Barbs elementary school in 1962. May all the nuns I had experience with at St. Barbara's burn in hell. They knew nothing else but to strip you of any self-confidence you had in yourself and self-esteem. I am 59-1/2 and still suffering from the experience. Sitting students according to their intelligence, etc. And, yes, Dennis Patrick is still alive. I hope she looks at this site. I am tempted to make a copy of the comments about this "animal" and mail it to the Dominican Sister Motherhouse, located on Albany Avenue in Amityville, NY. I am sure she is known there. They might be able the comments about her on their bulletin board. The priests were brought out in the open, what about the bastards, these nuns, who ruined lives as well.

Richie Fisher: 20th Aug 2008 - 14:49 GMT

I always thought DP beat up only on us bad boys, hope she went to confession every week. There is a great movie called " Heaven Help Us" about a Catholic High School in Brooklyn around 1965, with Andrew McCarthy and Donald Sutherland as the head brother. Great, funny, and touching movie for all of us 60's Catholic kids. Plus the last 5 minutes are classic. Now that I think about it, the mean brother does remind me of D.P. Even looks a little like her...

Warren S.: 20th Aug 2008 - 19:49 GMT

To: Mary A...

I wonder you and I know each other... I blotted out so much of “back then” I forgot exactly when I would have graduated St. B's -- if I had graduated -- I was transfer to Jr. HS and glad of it.

I would have been scheduled to graduate parochial elementary school in 1961 had I not transferred to public school. I was one class ahead of you, so when I was being tortured by that evil demonic witch D.P. in 7th grade, you would have been in the 6th. I've already sent a scathing e-mail-letter to the head prioress at Amityville's motherhouse, regarding evil D.P. and her hell-borne teaching methods, with absolutely no reply. My guess is the nuns are all on orders from on high (the Bishop) to not respond to anything that might lead to another RC law suit of any kind. But if you know her whereabouts you might help someone track her down and slap her with a civil suit of some kind. If you have a real lead on Dennis Patrick why not share it with the rest of us here? Many of the nuns were pure evil on the young children they could not break spiritually... Dennis Patrick was one of their most hateful leaders. The woman, by now retired, doesn't belong in a nursing home or retirement villa -- she ought to be in a prison. I wonder how many lives she has ruined? I know she nearly ruined mine. If not for good teachers in the public school system I would have wound up in jail myself more than likely -- instead I graduated on the Dean's List from the college I eventually wound up going to, after getting out of the USAF.

And yes, like you, I still suffer the consequences (and aftereffects) of D.P.’s evil sadistic ministrations, today, at 60 1/2 years of age. This woman will surely burn in hell for what she's done to mere children in her charge. Of course I am no longer Catholic because of her nonsense and ungodly crap. And thank God for that too. ..

Mary, If you knew a guy named John who was the custodian at St. B.'s, well I was his son, Warren. Do you remember me or my dad? At any rate, Mary, I wish you well and much peace. Please get in touch. You can reach me at ‘wjspies@yahoo… etc., etc. ’

Also, I’m sure others here would like to learn more about D.P.’s whereabouts. We could send her volumes of essays on “How to Explain the Color Red to a Blind Man.” … one of her favorite “punishment” composition assignments.

Best Regards,

Warren S.

Warren S.: 20th Aug 2008 - 20:04 GMT

Richie...

She seems to have ballooned up a little -- now I know which one to aim the darts at!

Warren S.

Richie Fisher: 21st Aug 2008 - 02:04 GMT

She is the toughest nun alive, but I remember Sister Kathleen Thomas, and Sister Betty They must have had notches on their belts for wacks on the cheek / butt / ear / hair pull /ear pull / ruler knuckle whack / blackboard head butt / verbal attacks / writing punishments... Remember, Times tables 100 times , spelling words 100 times, " Go to the cloakroom!!" " Go to the principle' office! " " I want to see your parents !" Come to think of it, didn't all those bad naughty priest go to Catholic School??? Oh well, time for a beer. CHEERS !!

Warren S.: 22nd Aug 2008 - 01:40 GMT

Sometimes, I had to report to the cloakroom straightaway or directly to the hallway. One nun had a big steel edged ruler, named "Mr. Brown;" she whacked kids across the palms of their hands with it if they "misbehaved" too much for her liking.

Another moronic -- idiot -- nun made me sit on the open-end of a wastepaper basket for a whole half-day. It had very sharp and rusted edges, which dug deep into my ass cheeks; after a while hurt like hell.. I called it the "Iron Maiden" many years later, during my 'therapy' and recovery stage.

These freaky half-crazed women were all obviously nuts! I think they held Satanic rites in their Bleeker Street Convent's basement on full moon nights, and midnight each Friday the thirteenth!

Ever notice, we never saw many black cats around in the neighborhood..?

My guess is... they nailed all the black kittens they caught to tiny cat-sized crucifixes during their monthly ritual cat murders! How many of these unloved old and bedeviled harpies were insane from the word go, before they ever stepping into a parochial school classroom?

As I like to say... Dennis Patrick was the leader of their evil Satanic nun's coven. She had the market cornered on broomsticks in that part of Brooklyn.

I do hope she reads this! How's that for explaining the color red, Sister Dennis...?

Richie Fisher: 22nd Aug 2008 - 14:59 GMT

You are right Warren, in fact you should send a letter of thanks to DP for making your tour in 'Nam almost seem normal compared to the Mennehan St. Maniac monastery we called school.

Warren S.: 22nd Aug 2008 - 21:02 GMT

Richie, you are right on the money there! It's like it was practice for more violent things to come.

I hear that St. Barbara's church is or was closed, and they only say masses on Sunday's, and once a day in the rectory building on Bleeker Street. The pictures I see of the old neighborhood make it look like a war zone -- Nazi Germany, after WW-II. And most of that happened since the the "blackout riots" I gathered... My heart goes out to all those people who tried to make a go of it there, after my family got the heck out of Dodge.

You know, St. B's had been refurbished because Monsignor John E. Steinmuller was tagged to get some kind of RC bishopric office from the pope and his resident church (St. B's) would need to reflect his church post as an Aux. Bishop, or whatever. All that re-doing of the church property was wasted because after Pope John XXIII died suddenly, Steinmuller fell out of favor with other conservative RC bishops. Also the conditions in the neighborhood forced St. B's closure for reasons of personal safety and usage.

It's a real sad story but from someone who survived those evil nuns and Dennis Patrick's holocaust on children, it seems here like divine justice. "What goes around comes around" as the saying goes. Maybe the Buddhists have it right about karma, both the good and bad varieties.

There was a lot of BAD KARMA emanating from that evil place! Maybe it was God's way to end it all.

That Classmates.com pic: 27th Aug 2008 - 07:50 GMT

Junior Casuso (Tony now-a-days) is in the last row, third from the left :)

Pia: 8th Sep 2008 - 20:10 GMT

What a great site. I am soooooooo glad that I fell upon it. Wish I would have before now. It brougt back so many great childhood memories.
I often say what a rich childhood I experienced although we had no money. Wish kids today could say the same. I remember all those Knickerbocker Ave. stores and especially most of the people named here. Hope to connect with some of you soon.

I'm sorry some people have such bad memories of St. Barbara's nuns although I don't. I think they picked on the boys much more than the girls.

I haven't been there in some time but it's nice to hear that the area is changing for the better.

Looking forward to more posts.

Ed "Class of 60": 18th Sep 2008 - 14:34 GMT

I guess there are some people that look in the mirror and don't like what they see. They blame everyone but the person in the mirror for their miserable putrid lives. They look back and decide, it's safe to to beat up on an eighty year old woman because she smacked them in the face fifty years ago. She tried to destroy them by giving them homework essay assignments that they thought were cruel. Give me a break!!!! Get over it!!!! One of these morons wants to sue this poor woman. He also states that if he would see her today, he would spit in her face. Then after saying this, he states that he propably wouldn't because he is a passive person. What a nice guy, lets just tear this nun up front the comfort of our safe home. Can you say COWARD???

Of course there are a few other very small people that chime in about the terrible nuns of St. Barbara's. Yes a few more cowards who have nothing better to do with their miserable lives than bash a eighty year old woman for something she did a half a century ago.

One of these fools is still mad at his Mommy. Sixty one years old and just can't let go. Hmmmmm So much for freedom of speech.

By the way, I had D.P. in 3 different grades. I got punished and smacked as much and probably more then anyone that ever went to that school. I remember writing chapters of history until midnight at times. Guess what, no big deal, I got over it. D.P. was my favorite nun, and I understood where she was coming from after a few years. I guess I grew up. Maybe these boobs should try it some time. It was fifty years ago!!!!!!!!!

Warren S.: 20th Sep 2008 - 15:27 GMT

"Putrid lives" speak for yourself...

Simple fact: child abuse is wrong, it's illegal, and children suffer for it well into their adult lives. Nowadays it's illegal to see it and NOT report it.

Maybe you are in denial sir, or you are an enabling sort of guy -- a co-dependent personality type, as it's now called.

When personal boundaries are violated they must be talked about, acknowledged, and set straight. Pretending people aren't wronged never keeps subsequent generations from being abused in similar ways. Ask any psychologist or medical psychiatrist! ... or, ask any Jewish holocaust victim, or any Jew for that matter.

Maybe the mirror you self-describe in your life needs some house cleaning, because it's fogged with the tarnish left over from unresolved childhood trauma, and lack of real insight.

Warren S.: 20th Sep 2008 - 15:31 GMT

PS.

There is nothing like the truth to set things right.

As Jesus taught: "The truth will set you free." Dancing around it never did anything of the sort.

Apparently Sister D.P. forgot to teach you that in any of the three tries she had at doing so.

Richie Fisher: 21st Sep 2008 - 13:43 GMT

You tell 'em Warren. Although D.P. didn't affect me as bad as others, she hurt people like Mary A. and others like yourself. This "Ed" guy shouldn't judge other people without even knowing them. Seems like he has more anger issues than anyone else, but he has all the answers. The end of an era in the Bronx tonight, too bad the season was not a good one. Go Jets...

Joe Bilardello: 30th Sep 2008 - 19:28 GMT

Hey Warren, Your article brough back a tremendous amount of memories. I was in your class, I lived on 91 Harmon Street between Central and Evergreen Ave. We use to play stick Ball until it got so dark we couldn't see where the ball was going. It was me, Anthony Bastogne, My Cousin Jimmy aka Jace Carmada, Joey and Frankie Gasarro, The Walker bros. Rich and Wayne, Robert D'Agustino, just to name a few. We moved to Glendale after the 7th Grade. Yea you got it, after DPs Class. Took enough beatings from her,so did my Cousin Frankie Catone. Someone mention the Pretzel guy, that was Joe the Pretzel Man. Really a nice guy.

Warren S. : 9th Oct 2008 - 04:34 GMT

Jeeeezzzz... guys! Richie... Joe, thanks for the support on this one.

Once I had my responding comment out there, I couldn't return for a while just to cycle it out of my system a tad.

The nerve..! I can see someone disagreeing, but to cite some kind of inherent personal foible on my part as a root cause; it really gives me some pause. Anyway once I said my peace, I decided to steer clear for a short time.

I remember stick-ball too, and yeah playing until we couldn't make the ball out anymore against the sky. Then we'd jump on our bikes and ride around the block, over and over again, or grab an Italian ice at Stella Doro's, sit on our stoops, until our moms would call us in for the night. Those were great days.

Joe those were real fun times, despite DP. I remember Frank Catone like it was yesterday -- dark hair, and glasses, thick eyebrows -- as I recall. And Joey, Jace Carmada, and Wayne ring some bells? I remember a lot of these names from our class or from CYO. How are they all doing?

Joe "the pretzel guy" stood in front of St. B's with his baby carriage full of pretzels and he always had a pleasant thing to say to all of us kids. Being on the short end of things, so often, I could never 'figure' why he was so nice to us all of time. Usually some adult was trying to pin some blame on me for one childhood crime or another. I remember once when the school was broken into and money was missing, the priest involved in investigating this "crime of the century" was doing his damnedest to pin it on me somehow, for whatever reason, though I had nothing to do with it, whatsoever! But guys like Joe "the pretzel guy" were different.

Richie, I took note of the passing; Yankee Stadium is no more! I used to go there a lot to watch the Yankees under Ralph Houk, as manager. I saw Whitey Ford pitch his first 20th win there. And who could forget the Yanks of '61 when Marris and Mantle battled it out for the HR crown. I see the New Stadium being built across the street will look more like the old Yankee Stadium of our youth. I never really liked the refurbished one. The 're-done' facade was different and the blue plastic seats were hot, smaller, and pretty uncomfortable on the kester. But I did see Ron Guidry and Goose Gosage mow them down there too -- back when they were playing "Billy Ball." :)

Please take care, and I hope all is well and stays well with everyone.

Gotta go!

JoAnn LaForte: 25th Oct 2008 - 06:28 GMT

I can't believe I am reading all this stuff. I lived on 130 Grove Street - bet. Central/Evergreen, from birth [1953] till we also did the mass 60's exodus (right after the beatles came) in 1964. I went to St. Barbara's through mid-fifth grade. Someone up there mentioned my childhood favorite candy store "Barbara-Ann's" and I do remember LaRosa's bakery cause I think one of my classmate's family owned it - Kathy and Maria LaRosa. I often wonder where all those people went to. I am still in touch with friend from Grove Street - JoMarie Bonanno - who now lives out west. I still live in NY (Queens). I remember Sr. Dennis Patrick's name but thank God I didn't have anything to do with her although I remember her being scary. But I have to say my meanest was a lay teacher - Ms. Rosalie Cottone - who gave me bad memories for LIFE. But I don't hold it against them - it WAS what it WAS. Anyhow, I would have graduated in 1967 if I didn't move (went to Blessed Sacrament ENY afterwards for the rest of elementary) so if anyone out there is from my class - write!
Regards to all and to those fond memories.
jambr1153@aol.com

JoAnn LaForte: 25th Oct 2008 - 06:37 GMT

oh and a P.S. God help any one of the teachers that MY 2 KIDS had [throughout their 12 years of catholic school] if they ever laid hands on them, the way they did to some of my classmates (mostly the boys) at St. Barbara's!!

Joe Mayo: 4th Nov 2008 - 19:09 GMT

hi. I lived on 145 harmon st. from 62 to 69 Hi jace I remember you and i went to manhttan during the blackout . stickball grat time

Joe Mayo: 8th Nov 2008 - 21:07 GMT

Hi Jace... This is amazing, reading all these blogs brings back great memories. I also talked to Rocco he told me he spoke with you. He also told me about this site, do hear from anyome how about victor colon or Jerry castoria?I see Mikey Whalen every now and then. Hey Jace we diffenitly have to get together I will get in touch with Rocco and set something up. Its great to hear from you stay well

Thelma Fuentes: 12th Nov 2008 - 18:19 GMT

I went to school with Elizabeth Casuso at St. Barbaras....I remember her Dad taking up collection at Mass...I used to live on Grove St between Central and Evergreen....

Thelma Fuentes: 12th Nov 2008 - 19:37 GMT

I lived at 146 Grove Street and moved to Staten Island in early 70s (I didn't get to graduate with my class at St. Barbara's in 1972)...I remember Barbara Ann's, my first dance at the CYO, Mrs. Bayer that used to work in the principals's office, Sister Justine, Sister Hannah Patricia. Anyone remember the lay teachers? Mrs. Lawlor, Mr. Russo and Mr. Curtis? What about Father Patton and Father Robinson? I remember there used to be a German, Italian and Latin Mass...later they added a did away with the latin and added a Spanish Mass. School girls could not go into the church without their school hats for childrens Mass or veils on Sundays OR pants.

St. Barbara's church was beautiful to me.....there was a serene sense of peace to me. I loved going to midnight Mass on Christmas Eve.....the church smelled like fresh pine. The last time I was at St. Barbara's was 6 years ago and my mind was flooded with SO many good memories of my childhood...I got a big lump in my throat. I went to the old Rectory and spoke with a very attractive bald and "Buff" man who allowed me to walk through and into the church. I later found out he was the parish priest. I was like "Dayum!" LOL! I am no longer a Catholic, (Assemblies of God now) but hold St. B's near and dear to my heart.

I remember that the nuns and teachers would come to our classrooms to give us class but then one year they started having students taking different classes in different classrooms...it was almost like high school. I remember how the students were separated by floors at the school....the first floor were the "Babies"..the second floor was for the pre-teens and the third floor was for us "Grown" kids. I played the fife too and I remember having a male teacher that they called "Mr. Rip or Mr Rif"...something like that.

My experiences with the nuns were not as horrific as with some.....I guess I never really pissed them off enough. I had several of cousins that went to school with me at St. B's....Crescencio Irizarry, Hector Irizarry, Alberto Irizarry, Norma Irizarry, Madelyn Ramos and Enid Orta, Ivette Rivera, Orlando Rivera. My cousins Norma and Madelyn and I were the same age and in the same class together and we used to get into mischief but they handled that by separating us into different classes. I got "paddled" once for turning around and asking Dorene Kline for a piece of loose-leaf paper! Yeah go figure!

I remember when I made my first communion it was the first time they let kids drink straight out of the chalice. That sacred wine burnt all the way down my throat and I even got a buzz! Afterwards I had to go get my communion pictures taken at Rufino's Photo Studio on Broadway and I my eyes looked all "glazed over."

I remember there used to be a funeral home on the corner of Menaham and Central......I remember the old health department on Central Ave and the park directly behind it. I remember walking to the Bushwick library...taking Gates Avenue all the way to Wyckoff (I think).

When I moved to Bushwick my family was the first Puerto Rican family on my block......the rest were Germans and Italians and they all made us feel welcome and never rude, mean or nasty. As time passed the older German/Italians died off or moved away and the cultural geography began to change. When it got "bad" my parents purchased their first home in Staten Island and made the move.

If anyone remembers anything of what I've mentioned above and would like to chat some more, feel free to write me at thelmaf01@earthlink.net.

Peace and blessings......

Marianna Calabrese: 13th Nov 2008 - 01:47 GMT

Hi to everyone in Brooklyn land i grew up on 271 CENTRAL AVE. i also went to ST.BARBARAS SCHOOL FOR 8 LONG YRS,I spent lots of time in the cloak room or the hallway for talking sister Dennis Patrick also slapped me in my face she was a horrible nun she was suppose to teach, and educate and also show compassion now that she is old does not errase all the horrible things that she has done,what a disgrace that she was able to get away with it for so long and all the scars that the students had to bear,shame on you SISTER DENNIS PATRICK p.s. I don't care if she is 50 or 150 years old.Hope you like the heat because it is hot where you are going. Marianna Calabrese email address is piggy29@verizon.net my maiden name is Bonacasa

JACE: 14th Nov 2008 - 01:50 GMT

EVERYBODY CHECK OUT THE NAME AT TOP OF PAGE OF PICTURE

JACE: 14th Nov 2008 - 03:11 GMT

TO ALL THAT WENT ST.BARBARA'S SCHOOL!TINA AND HER CARDS!

JACE: 14th Nov 2008 - 03:21 GMT

WHERE'S MURRAY'S?

JACE: 14th Nov 2008 - 03:26 GMT

ST. BARBARA'S CYO

JoannC: 4th Dec 2008 - 16:47 GMT

These comments bring a tear to my eye. I lived at 195 Linden Street and went to 8 years at St. Barbara's class of 1965 remember Sister Veronica Christi, she was such a doll. I heard she left the order got married and had children. I remember how beautiful the Church was and how long the aisle was. every girl wanted to be a bride going down that aise.

Warren S.: 17th Dec 2008 - 20:29 GMT

That pic of the CYO entrance is pretty depressing.

I lived on church property, adjacent to that entrance. The church used to rent out apartments in the "old rectory," and my dad as the chief custodian in those years from 1960 and prior (8 years) was required to live there -- though we had to pay rent too, to live in that building.

I remember looking out our rear window, 3rd floor, in sight of that CYO entrance-way, and it used to be pristine and very well keep, with glass block brick on the side for light side. I see the glass block is panted-over and the building materials are cumpling and deteriorated.

How sad... we left in late 1960, I think, after my dad got sick and the church could not longer keep him on.

My father later found work with the NYC-MTA and worked for them for 16 more years. The MTA didn't think he was too sick to perform work related duties, though the RC church did. My father died in his sleep only a few years ago, at the age of ninety-three on Long Island, in a assisted care nursing facility.

Seeing the other pics of the church, and so forth, it's all very sad and very depressing to look at. We escaped this episode oF degradation when we moved to Queens and later on to E. Northport, on Long Island.

I did military service with the USAF for 4 years plus -- 2 years, 3 months, and 23 days in the Vietnam theater of operations, namely Thailand, on a semi-secret base. I also did lots of TDY duty in Vietnam during those years too.

Once I got back to Long Island, I never felt like I belonged there anymore. I guess that's what got me here to Northern California -- 50 miles south of San Fransisco. I love it here and never once looked back with regret, save for the horrors of being a parochial school "survivor" at the hands of some very evil nuns.

To me it proves the RC church is not as holy or as God-centered as it claims. I'm happily non-Catholic these days and proud of it. When I do go to church it's at a local Episcopal church nearby.

Joseph La Rosa: 30th Dec 2008 - 14:31 GMT

Hey Brooklyn, what nice things are being said about "the old neighborhood". My name is Joe La Rosa and my family used to own LaRosa bakery on wilson ave. My dad was Joey. His brothers were Jack, Tony (pipes), George (ox), Mickey the boxer and his sister is Agnes. My grandfather was a great big man Saverio. We had by far the best bread and pizza probably in the whole world!!!! I was born on 135 Menahan st. I now own Barosa restaurant in queens along with a new Barosa restaurant in williamburgh brooklyn. This was so nice to see people still have fond memories of "the old neighborhood"...............ciao!!!

Kriestine Mangel: 4th Jan 2009 - 23:45 GMT

wow. it's cool to read about people's memories of Bushwick. I may be a bit younger than some of the posters...Our family lived on Halsey St. between Irving and Knickerbocker between 1964 through 1980. Good times. open johnny pumps in the summer, skellys, handball, RCK, cocolivio, spin the bottle, loosey newports, dough fights from the Italian bread factory, block parties that were super rare since it took an act of God to change the bus route (#26) for a few hours, riding bike for miles even though we just kept riding from corner to corner, flipping cards, using cards and clothespins as noisemakers on our bikes' spokes, quinepa shell fights, snowball fights, stoopball, Nick's, the record store, and Cirilo's all next to each other, the park across the street from St. Martin's, midnight mass at St. Martin's on Christmas eve, the Double L, going to the store for Josephine's Ballantine Ale and getting tipped a quarter which was enough for a bag of onion and garlic potatoe chips and a Nehi and my mom making me go to the store for Mrs. Romano's milk even though she didn't tip :)

I went to PS 151, St. Martin's/St. Elizabeth Seton, then to RFK Incentive Program at St. Brigid's. Though the nuns could be tough, none could be described as demonic. Srs. Mary and Eileen from SES and Sr. Mary at RFK seem like angels compared to what I've just read.

By the way, for the poster who mentioned the library...I think it was on Irving Ave. next to Bushwick HS. I've heard that they closed Bushwick HS a few years ago. I'd love to go and visit the "new" Bushwick. I went up there about 2 and 1/2 years ago and was surprised at how much smaller it seemed.

Anyone from Halsey between Irving and Knickerbocker who grew up in the 60's and/or '70's? Chuleta, Crazy Joe, Michael who was a bike fanatic, John & Artie, Linda & Susie, Kevin & Kenny, Kahun (Rufino) and his bros. Joey and George, Salami, the twins Ronald & Donald, Chema, Tony & Dinah, Howard, Carl Reid, Airport & Angel...I'm surprised I remember that many!

if anyone from the neighbor hood or St. Elizabeth Seton remembers Kriestine, Johnny, or Lisbeth email me ksoto84@gmail.com

Richie Fisher: 13th Jan 2009 - 20:54 GMT

Guess you didn't know the right phone #, because when I drove the B52, B38, or B54 busses in the summers of 1980 - 1982, EVERY WEEKEND was a maze- like detour through that route, at least 10 block parties would be going on at once. The one good thing about driving in the badder areas was that every other johnny pump was blasting and I would pull up with my sauna bus and open the door and SWOOSH!! no more hot!!

Kriestine Mangel: 17th Jan 2009 - 05:17 GMT

to Richie Fisher...by 1980 I was in FL. I was too young to organize the block parties in the 70s but I remember hearing complaints about how difficult it was to get them to detour the 26.

Diana Manchur=Henke: 24th Jan 2009 - 10:35 GMT

Marianna Bonacasa,
You and I use to hang out for a while. Remember Delia Rose? I wondered what became of her. I lived on Harman St. between Central and Wilson. Its good to hear from you. When I first came to St. Barbara from P.S. 116, 5th grade Sister St. Vincent's class, you and Delia were the first to make friends with me. Anyhow here's my e=mail if interested : dianahenke@yahoo.com

Joseph La Rosa: 24th Jan 2009 - 17:17 GMT

anybody remember the smell of fresh baked italian bread coming up from the cellar of La Rosa bakery on wilson ave ?

paul bonacasa: 26th Jan 2009 - 01:57 GMT

I would like to hear from my friends from the old neighborhood.Ilived at 271 central ave.graduated from st.barbaras in1964 and from bushwick h.s. in1968.

Richard Cancemi, M.D. (Retired): 26th Jan 2009 - 03:44 GMT

I was born in a top floor flat at 151 Central Ave in 1933, around the corner from St.Joseph's. Our sisters took no guff from us and slapped us or gave us whacks on the hand with a strap. We accepted it it without liking it because we knew we deserved it. We never went home and told our parents because we'd get it again from them. But you know I loved the Sisters, all of them, as did most of my friends. There was NO tuition to attend St. Joseph's. If you lived in the parish you were eligible. Monsignore Silvestri managed to fund the school and everything with some magic of his. I think he put the squeeze on the local politicians and business-
men,not to mention Joe Bonano. It was a slum during my time but it was a happy place. I visit Sicily often and especially Palermo. When I walk the streets there, I feel as if I am back in time on Knickerbocker Ave. By the way, the candy store mentioned by someone, on Central around the corner from St. Joe's was run by my parents (after I grew up and left the neighborhood). Used to hang out in Knickerbocker Park (official name: Bushwick Park) in my teens. Attended Bushwick H.S.

I don't know how it was in St. Barbara;s school. But the guys talking of it in other comments, sound like whiners. Maybe they have a right? Besides, I believe it was a German Parish and Germans and Italians look at life quite differently.

I am writing a book. It may or not get published, It's title will be "Kid Richie". If it ever gets on the shelves, people, from Bushwick especially, might find it interesting and entertaining.

It broke my heart to see the destruction wrought on the neighborhood after my time!
Disgrazia!

Alfred Furrs: 30th Jan 2009 - 18:08 GMT

Unbelievable stuff! Richie Fisher, I just can not believe you remember me. Good memmory and memories. I lived on Menahan Street between Evergreen and Central. The next block up from the church and school. My brother is Quinn Anthony Furrs. I have nothing but wonderful memories growing up in the neighborhood.

Does anyone remember Salvatore and Anthony Bartolameo? They also lived on Menahan Street.

anon (ool-44c2f908.dyn.optonline.net): 31st Jan 2009 - 03:45 GMT

Richie Fisher: 2nd Feb 2009 - 21:37 GMT

Hey Alfred Furrs! Do you hear from anyone in our class? I've lived out here in Staten Island since '71. I E Mailed Pia D. , but that's about it, Still playing hoops? Carlton P. Hall, Marlon P., Jesus A. , Manuel D. ( Remember the bakery ? ) Those were the best times...

Diana Manchur: 3rd Feb 2009 - 20:02 GMT

Did anyone go to P.S. 116 1959-1964? I had Mrs. Russo, Ms. Stern, Ms. Strong and Ms. Campisi before transferring to St. Barbara's.

anon (205.218.189.72.cfl.res.rr.com): 7th Feb 2009 - 14:44 GMT

Born in Wyckoff hosp,lived at 27 bleecker st went to St Barbaras Played stick ball, box ball,johnny on the pony and more. Unforgettable summers. Schooled in Halsey Jr. High.German family next door German deli on evergreen and Bleecker.Mike and Emma candy store where we were able to sneak a smoke once in a while. Lots of kids in my age group maybe 20-25. Most of us had the same things in common have fun and get in trouble once in a while. Couldn't wait to finish eating to go out and play box ball right in front of my house. There was a large set of garages right across from my house (no parked cars)life was good then still is but different oh well. Let me know if you lived in this area.P.S. St Barbaras Confraternity dances. My name is Mike

Mike: 7th Feb 2009 - 15:16 GMT

does anyone remember Stella Dora Bakery I think it was on Wilson ave Let Me know if you remember

joe mayo: 8th Feb 2009 - 21:48 GMT

Hey Diana Manchur I remember you and I use to walk to sunday Mass once in a while,I lived in 145 harmon st. I used to hang out with Rocco, Jace, Jerry Castoria ,Mikey Whalen,Nicky Rosalia,Diane Castigleone,Eddie Fisher Victor colon Do you remember?

Diana Manchur: 13th Feb 2009 - 23:12 GMT

Joe Mayo,
The picture of the class of '68 reunion (St. Barbara's), I'm in the second row with all the nuns at the end on the right and Diane Castiglione is last row standing in the middle. Octavio Casuso is the second guy to the left from her in the last row with the mustash. I'm trying to picture you. I'm sure I'll remember. I do remember Rocco. I hung out around the corner on Greene Ave. with Carol Benenati, Audrey Arnold, Joan Tranchina, Anna Messina, Susan Gagnon(?), Marianne Arena. Some of the guys from school like Joe Barone, John Campisi, Anthony Parenello(?) more names will come to me.

back in the day: 15th Feb 2009 - 04:21 GMT

does anybody remember Dr. Pelicane or dr's Klein or Viviani

Warren S: 17th Feb 2009 - 00:45 GMT

Stella Dora Bakery was on Central Avenue right on the corner of Bleeker Street across from St. Barbara's church.

Richie Fisher: 17th Feb 2009 - 00:53 GMT

In the picture of the '68 reunion, who are the nuns? I think Sister D.P. is 2nd from the right, next to Diane Manchur. I graduated in 71. Thanks

Diana Manchur: 17th Feb 2009 - 22:19 GMT

Sr. D.P. is the second one from the left in pink/purple.

mike eckhardt: 18th Feb 2009 - 01:51 GMT

Holy Moly, this is where I lived growing up, 627 Central ave, my cousins lived on Himrod st, this would be in 1957-1959. Went to St Martin of Tours Catholic school, wow, it looks bad now, was pretty fun back then.

Frank Spataro: 21st Feb 2009 - 21:14 GMT

I returned to this site after talking to some work mates about the area I grew up in. How do you convey the wonderful memories and experiences of street life growing up in Bushwick, a street-life where lifelong friendships and relationships have been forged?

I use the term street-life, because where those memories are fun filled and rich, many of us came from hard working middle class families who were trying to scratch out a mere existence. Life at home was not “Leave it to Beaver or the Andy Griffith Show. (though many of us had wished it could be) Our reality was more like the “Bowery Boys or The Honey Mooners”. Street life and its friendships became important to us kids and for some of us an escape to what grew into life long relationships. It’s to those memories I speak and like to go on record for.

First off, about the neighborhood Nuns, though many are gone, I would like to set the story straight. Sister Denis Patrick, who commanded a class of all boys, was a tuff old bird who demanded respect, not because her head was filled with grandeur, but because she knew to garner respect from people you had to earn it in yourself first. She was tuff alright, but fair, that’s all one can ask in life. This is coming from someone who on a few occasions had the opportunity to feel the swing of that mighty Irish arm and paddle.

And then there was Sister Marie Michel and St James, Thank you for all the times you reached out to my brother and knowing that our home life wasn’t filled with Partridges but buzzards. These two Nuns walked the tough streets of Bushwick to see us off when our family left NY.I will never forget and haven’t. Heaven is a better place with both of you there.

Then there was the neighborhood gang, Susan & Kathy Monti, who I still keep in touch with after all these years even though distance separates us. And there was Pia D., Sal M., Giacamo F., Michael P., Nick Fortuna, Bobby Casuso, Vincent Despensari (spelling) and of course R. Fisher (the ball buster). Who on occasion I had to kick butt for being a trouble maker, (I am glad you’re man enough today to own up to that fact, heard that through the Bushwick grapevine….lolol.) Anyways, it is a wonderful memory which will stay with me to my dying days. Till we meet again…

Frank Spataro

Frank Spataro: 21st Feb 2009 - 21:56 GMT

PS. Never forgave Brooklyn for giving up the "Dodgers", till this day, every Brooklynite who remembers is haunted by that sale... Bring the "Dodgers" home!!!!

peggy: 24th Feb 2009 - 15:45 GMT

Hi i remember i had some friends who lived there when the fire clamed there homes dorthory delmage and flamily

RViola: 26th Feb 2009 - 20:52 GMT

I lived on Bushwick Ave. from 1949-1962 then moved to Staten Island. Went to All Saints Elementary. Does anyone remember the school and church?

Susan Luciano (Monti): 27th Feb 2009 - 00:42 GMT

My husband and I pass through the neighborhood every so often and still get believe how our streets have changed. Some of the new houses built look like Army barracks but still all the memories are there. We did drive along Bushwick Ave where our physician Doctor Viviano practiced. As a child I remember him even making house-calls! Hard finding that now. I started St. Barbara's in 1963 with Sr. Jean Catherine, 2nd-Sr. Jean Catherine,
3rd Gr. Sr. Maxentia, 4th Miss Foley, 5th Miss Capadora (now Lawlor), 6th Sr. Vincent,
7th Sr. Therese Marie & 8th Sr. Mary Kathleen. I guess I lucked out not having Sr. Dennis Patrick - but I did have Sr. Therese Marie who was just as mean. My brother Vincent also hung out with many of the guys on Harmon and he too played stick-ball, johnny on the pony, all that crazy & wild games. Then when we hung out it was a little bit of stick-ball, skelsies, hot, peas & butter, stoop ball, red-light, green light one two three, I can go on and on! I recall even going to Mike & Joe's Candy store on Central, Ed & Louise Tortorice's Drug Store on Central & Harman, and everyone's bakery LaRosa's where the pizza would come up from the basement on a pulley or was that the bakery on Himrod & Central (can't remember the name). I also have a few pictures of good ol Harmon which I'll be downloading soon. Some before and after of Central & Harmon. Good talking to everyone and let's keep this going. I can be reached at WLLUCIANO169@aol.com If anyone would like to email my brother Vincent who also had Sr. Dennis Patrick & went to school with Octavio (Jr.) Casuso he can be reached at vam685@optonline.com

Diana Manchur: 27th Feb 2009 - 19:15 GMT

I had Sr. St. Vincent when I first came to St. Barbaras from P.S. 116. She was very nice, use to write on the board using different color chalk for english to disect a sentence(verbs,nouns, etc.). Sr. Celeste was quite mean at times. Looking forward to seeing some older pictures of the neighborhood.

Pia: 9th Mar 2009 - 19:24 GMT

Frankie,
I am so glad you have such wonderful memories of the old neighborhood, although your memories of those nuns is a little clouded. As a young girl I didn't feel the wrath of those nuns but I do remember how they mistreated some of the other students (especially the boys). I guess Sr. DP took mercy on you and your brother. Consider yourself lucky. Others didn't have that luxury. As far as demanding respect, respect needs to be earned not beat into children. Sorry, that's how I remember it.
The teacher that was one to be commended was Mrs. Lawlor. She was the exception to the rule since she really liked the kids. She always had the best interest of her students at heart. She was a teacher that left a good impression instead of bad memories on alot of us. I'm sure there were others, but she stands out the most for me.
I do remember many of the games that you mentioned that taught us how to play fair and get along. That was the best part of summer, playing outside with your friends from morning until night. Never got tired of your friends and I still have many good memories
from all of you.
Like Susan said, let's keep this going and please include me in any reunion. Would love to see Richie, Susan, Junior and all of you again.

Al Mezzapella: 10th Mar 2009 - 15:12 GMT

Lots of memories! La Rosa's bread and pizza and Stella Doro's lemon ices and cannolis! Miss all you guys...

Allen: 11th Mar 2009 - 21:05 GMT

I used to live in Bushwick area during the early 1960's, around Hart Street. I remember the Myrtle Ave El, Bush wick High School, etc. I wonder if anyone remembers the group of kids that used to run around in the area of Central Avenue down towards Starr Street and Troutman. I know one of the kids name's was Benjie. I think there was a girl (blond curly kind of hair) I think her name was Joan or Joanne. I would love to find her, and know how she is doing. I believe her Mom was divorced. Her Dad had been in the army.
Also of another friend by the name of Rubin Figueroa, who had lived last years I know at Suydam Street. He had an uncle on Hart Street. He attended Bushwick High School, but had dropped out. He then took some courses for dental technician. He had a sister who had been murdered, but had several other brothers, nephews, and another sister. I would love to find these friends if possible! Also, another one I had just thought of, is Edward Will, who lived on Grattan Street. Also attended Bushwick High School.
If anyone has any information on these, please let me know at macallen@operamail.com

anon (76-10-136-228.dsl.teksavvy.com): 14th Mar 2009 - 23:55 GMT

Many thanks to the Casusos, for your courage and perseverance I can't say it enough.
Your reach not only helped transform Bushwick, but gave all us an opportunity to travel down memory lane and revisit old and dear friendships. Hi Pia, I guess Pia you set me straight regarding the nuns. I see Sister D.P. built up quite some reputation after I left, I hope it wasn’t at the expenses of my butt! LOL.

Then there was Sister James Michele and Marie Michel, well what can I say, they're the only two teachers that cared enough to come our home and say good bye before we left for Texas. Ok maybe they weren’t all perfect! Can the real Mr.& Mrs. Perfect please stand up!

Let me tell you what scarred me more at St. Barbara's. Above, there’s a picture of "St. Barbara's CYO", it's where I jumped off playing and bit right through half my tongue which required stitches to hold back together. I wonder if Susan Monti remembers that? The doctors remedie, “Lots of popsicles to keep the swelling down (which by the way were bought at Murry’s...lol) It was the only time in my life I was quite and happy at the sametime!

Speaking of Susan, she was my first girlfriend, stole a kiss from her playing “Truth Dare Consequences” lol. Bushwick was rich with street life and games. I remember all the guys complaining about how Pia D. would always butt into the boy’s games, some what like she did above against my stances on the nuns, always the little Miss Buttinski, lol. Anyone remember the scooters we use to build with a roller skate, a wooden crate and a 2x4? Zoom zoom! Great memories.

One day this Summer we should have a reunion at some bar and bring along some pictures it would be great seeing everyone again. Does anyone know the where abouts or in touch with a Vincent Dispensary, Giacomo Ferrie, Sal and Fran Marchica, Michael Passalaqua? (sorry for the spellings)

Francine Cammarata: 2nd Apr 2009 - 06:46 GMT

Hey Joe La Rosa, I remember your family's bakery. We lived on Woodbine Street and Wilson Ave. I had to go everyday to get the bread for supper. Two loaves each day. I was so hungry walking home with that great aroma going up my nose that I would break off the heal and eat the insides all the way home. By the time I got home I would turn the bead upside down in the bag so my mother couldn't tell that I ate the inside of the bread. By the time my father got home there was nothing but the crust left. I can't tell you how many times I ducked a slap in the head and the evil eye from my mother. I laugh now. My grandparent's owned the pool hall on Gates Ave. and the diner under the El near the Parthanon Theater which I think turned into a bowling ally.
I think I predate some of you on this fantastic blog, but what memories we have! The streets may be different but the experiences were basically the same. I remember I use to have to talk Italian to the tailor, the grocers on Wilson Ave btwn Woodbine and Palmetto Streets. Their name was Stalloni's Groceries and they made the best ham and cheese heros. Remember mello-roll ice cream cones? I remember the ice man, the old man with the pony who gave us rides for a dime, the guy that use to come around with the truck with a ride on it like the whip. I remember when Wilson Ave had trolly cars. I remember when they tarred Wilson Ave. to cover the tracks so the buses could run. Remember the 83rd Precinct? All this experience as kids, our parent's reactions, the schools, the churches ( my father being hit with three rulers bound by rubberbands by the Brothers of St. Barbara's ), Redlight/Greenlight, Mother May I, Scelzzies, handball, stoopball, our scooters made from wooden crates and roller skates is all what made us some of the most creative people in this country. Think about the singers, the writers, the directors, the movies. Look what Brooklyn produced. Man we have Striesand, Woody Allen, Susan Haywood, Jackie Gleason from Halsey St. and hundreds of us. Look at us! We all turned out pretty damn good no matter what we went through. The point is we're good souls because we know what it's like to have the ground under our feet and then have it swiped away, but we survived and we still have our memories and each other to do this reality checks with. It was a good life in retrospect. I lived there in the late 40's to early '65. We tried to milk it but the neighborhood became unsafe and my father was freaking out because he had four nice Italian/Catholic daughters. So they moved us upstate. It never was the same. My family says I live in the past but they haven't come up with a better alternative! Nice to see my neighbors understand. I'm home now. Thanks everybody, just keep the words coming. By the way did anyone know Joanne or Cookie Tortorici who went to St. Barbara's?

michella: 16th Apr 2009 - 02:56 GMT

this is for Joe Larosa You have a wonderful restaurant. I was impressed since i am a city person and would never dare dine anywhere else. I came down with a few friends we were on a modeling assignment and some girls live in the area. Heard nice things about your restaurant. Will be back........ Everyone should try this place. Great...... Ciao Joe

Karen (Legault) Perry: 20th Apr 2009 - 15:51 GMT

I googled St. Barbara's and stumbled upon this site.....I cannot believe after all these years it would be this easy to find people you have lost touch with but shared in such wonderful childhood memories....after reading all your notes, I wonder which of you remembers me as well as I remember you....Richard Fisher, Pia DiGiovani, Alfred Furrs...and I am also one of those that have mostly good memories or St. B's....I loved Sr. James Michele, Sr. Kathleen Thomas, Mrs. Lawlor and Mr. Curtis....but of course there were some things that I could have done without...like sitting with my hands on my head for a couple of hours or having pieces of chalk or erasers thrown at you by Mr. Russo....but I also enjoyed Barbara Ann's candy shop and the smell of LaRosa's bakery when walking home from school....anyone?

John Lopez: 26th Apr 2009 - 12:59 GMT

I have great memories of my time at St Barbara's...I remember several people mentioned here like Alfred Furrs, Carmen DeJesus, Pia DiGiovanni Carlton Hall, Karen Legault and my good buddy Jesus Aponte.I also remember the ultimate terror, Ms. Rosalie Cottone. I had her in the 4th grade and boy was she mean and crazy.

Nestor Argueta: 28th May 2009 - 01:42 GMT

Richie and Alfred Furrs I remember you guys. Alfred you Jose and I hung out a great deal, remember. You guys should join Facebook.com great site. I have some pics of our graduation in '71 from St. Barbaras. We all were in the basketball Team.

Nestor Argueta: 28th May 2009 - 01:47 GMT

we are having a reunion on 6-13-09 class of '70-'71-'72 and '73 last year of St Barbaras com and look at Facebook.com join for free. And look me up. Nestor Argueta

Anthony G.: 30th Jun 2009 - 02:59 GMT

You've got to love the Internet. I am in the midst of writing about my childhood to keep some memories safe somewhere before it all fades away, and every time I remember something, I do a quick check and end up finding proof of it on the Net!
I grew up in Bushwick for most of my life - was born in the Downtown area, but then moved to Knickerbocker Avenue - above the fish store and a couple of stores away from the Bakery (anyone remember the name?) - when I was 12, ironically IN 1977, while everyone else was making an exodus, it seems! Shortly after we moved in, NY suffered the Blackout that changed the neighborhood . Pretty scary, but we made it through.
I was specifically trying to remember the name of the Malt Shop on Knickerbocker, as my sister and her husband lived on Melrose St, and knew it started with an "M" - thank you for reminding me it was Maxies! My friends can't believe I'm old enough to remember a Malt Shop. Remember the toy store? Morris Toys? The biggest selection anywhere! I used to love looking through those windows.
I lived there through the rough times of the neighborhood- stayed out of trouble by staying in my room.
Moved out in the early 90's - also to Ozone Park, like another person here, once it became too dangerous to even get out of my car wearing a tie. My car was stolen THREE times when I parked it by the park.
I have tons of memories of shopping down the avenue with my sisters.
Anyone remember the smaller church - was it St. Joseph's on Melrose? That was where I made my confirmation.
And P.S 123! My friends remained close with the Gym teacher there. My best friend is still a buddy I met in grade school, whose Mom was on the Parent/Teacher's committee and still lives in the area.
I also have strong memories of VITO's Pizzeria - where I spent many many days of my youth - arguably the best pizza I had in my life. The day they closed, the owner's wife cried as she bid me goodbye. And I learned to discover music at Moe's record shop, and remember vividly the incident there, as it occurred shortly after I had visited to purchase a Beatles album.
It's very odd opening Wikipedia's entry for Bushwick and seeing my block pictured there!
Best wishes to my fellow Brooklynites.

anon (207-237-48-145.c3-0.80w-ubr9.nyr-80w.ny.cable.rcn.com): 2nd Jul 2009 - 05:36 GMT

John:

I have many happy memories of my childhood in Bushwick, although at the time my block was always called Ridgewood. I lived on Linden St. (between Wilson and Knickerbocker Aves.)
I remember all the stores on Knickerbocker Ave., the happy times I spent with my extended family (so many of us lived in the same building) and many other things but most of all I remember St. Barbara's.
I was an altar boy and I remember how kind the priests were to all of us. After each Mass they would always give the altar boys a special blessing in the rectory. I remember going to the Polo Grounds with the altar boys and Fr. Reynolds to see the New York Mets play the Houston Colt 45's, as they were known then. This was my first visit to a professional baseball game. I wonder how Frs. Reynolds and Bessendorfer are doing. They were the youngest priests at the time. Fr. Ryder and Msgr. Steinmuller are also remembered.
School was wonderful. I remember all the good sisters who taught me, especially Sr. Joseph Marietta, Sr. Miriam Bernard, Sr. Inesita, Sr. Denis Patrick, Sr. Ellen Marie and others. My sixth grade teacher could have been nicer but I do not see any benefit in publicly maligning her.
I stumbled on this website this evening and I enjoyed reading everyone's memories of the old neighborhood. I graduated St. Barbara's in '63 and went on to Christ the King High School. My family left the neighborhood in '71.
By the grace of God, I am doing well financially and live in an area that is considered "well-off". However, when I observe the children in my current neighborhood who have so much more than we ever did in Bushwick I can honestly say that I don't think they are as happy as we were.

Don Scaturro Dscat1029@aol.com: 6th Jul 2009 - 16:25 GMT

BUSHWICK, St Barabara's, 1952/ 1960 Sisters: Henrica, Sharon Eileen, Gemma, DennisPatrick, Celestine, Mrs Weatherbee, Miriam Bernard, Teresa Angela. I was born at 263 Central between Harmon and Greene Avenues. I remember it like it was yesterday. Stella Doro's Bakery on the corner of Central and Bleeker with the lemon Ice window on the bleeker side. Barbara Ann's candy store across from the church entrance on Central. I remember selling Ads and Chance books so I could go with the school to Steeplechase Coney Island. In the fall it was Bear Mountain and West Point. As we grew up, social and athletic clubs bloomed. Do you remember Clubs: Romanesque, Mosaic, Shangrila, Jolly Sportsman, Elite. We had socials on weekend nights and the clubs played softball and football against each other through the seasons. Remember St Joseph's Feast? Everyone came home with a goldfish and a gas balloon. I found this site by accident and I'm happy that I did. Anyone who remembers me feel free to email at the address below
Don Scaturro (dscat1029@aol.com)

Kathy Moeller: 14th Jul 2009 - 18:17 GMT

My mother Dorothy Kaiser graduated from Bushwick High School in 1933. She lived on Knickerbocker Ave. Are there any relatives of her classmates out there? My email is jerseygal@embarqmail.com. Please sen pictures of the school from 1933 and the address. Thanks.

p. johnson: 24th Jul 2009 - 11:42 GMT

I went to PS 75 in Brooklyn in the 50s's lived at 1156 Gates Avenue would love to get a picture of PS 75 and also of 1156 Gates Avenue. Anyone have any? would appreciate it. Thanks. email shawn85@embarqmail.com

anon (cpe-74-68-13-194.si.res.rr.com): 3rd Aug 2009 - 23:11 GMT

I remember LaRosa's Bakery. I rememeber the LaRosa Family that owned the building I lived in at 191 Menahan St. We were The Mauceri Family. My Sister married into the DeCarlo Family that lived on the same block as the Bakery.
They were married in St Barbara's Church. To the person looking for cookie..my sisters knew cookie and dottie. They lived accross the street from us.

Barbara F: 11th Aug 2009 - 16:33 GMT

I did a google search on St. Joseph's church to baptize my son and this article popped up. I thought it was really cool. My maiden name is Casuso. My dad is Bob Casuso. I loved reading what everyone had to say!

Barbara F: 11th Aug 2009 - 16:35 GMT

I am the baby that is in the Casuso christmas photo above. My Grandfather is holding me. I have such great memories

Joey La Rosa: 17th Aug 2009 - 13:11 GMT

What a real pleasure to read REAL passion when all you good people talk about your childhood in brooklyn. Being that I am all Italian I can't help but smile when I read all these postings with all these Italian last names. It almost sounds made up. You see what growing up like that did for us was put us in a real life movie. So maybe you moved after 5,7,10 or maybe 20 years we all look back knowing that time not only was the best but it put something in us that NO WHERE IN THE WORLD CAN EVER DUPLICATE... I mean to the women who said she used to eat my familys italian bread on the way home from school and then turned around the loaf in the bag when she got there is just priceless! The funny thing is because I have been around bread for so long I have heard that same story at least 200 times. And each time it sounds better and better. Thank you to the person who said nice things about my restaurant. Next time ask for me..... Joey La Rosa

charlie p: 29th Aug 2009 - 02:02 GMT

contact Jviola@rcn.com re st.barbara site repening ceremony,september 13.
also,dr.pellicanes home and office was at 930 bushwick near green ave untl 1974.
his children,mary ,rosanne and charlie live manhattan,sea cliff and queens
respectively.

for Joe Larosa: 1st Sep 2009 - 04:28 GMT

Yes, I did meet you at your restaurant and you bought me a drink, you have a great place for the neighborhood. I have come down several times with friends and highly praise your place..

Thelma Fuentes: 9th Sep 2009 - 12:48 GMT

I have it understood that the old St. Barbara's School is going to be used again. Anybody know as what?

anon (207-237-48-145.c3-0.80w-ubr9.nyr-80w.ny.cable.rcn.com): 13th Sep 2009 - 03:56 GMT

Thelma:

I read many months ago in The Tablet that St. Barbara's was going to re-open as The Pople John Paul II Family Academy to servce poor families in the parish. There was going to be an income limit for entering students. If I remember correctly, it is going to be a tuition-free school.

Jim: 18th Sep 2009 - 12:20 GMT

I just stumbled upon this site. Unfortunately, I'm a year late in responding to Ed (class of'60). We must have been classmates. The only Ed I can think of that slapped by DP more than most is Ed Granshaw. Would that be you?

Debbie Pernice: 19th Sep 2009 - 14:53 GMT

Stumbled onto this website...Was St.Barbara's Grad in 1973 (last class) Lived on Gates Ave between Wilson and Central. My Dad owned the Luncheonette on Wilson between Gates and Linden St. My whole family of Uncles, Aunts, Cousins, Grandparents lived within a 2 block radius...We moved out of the neighborhood in 1967 following a robbery in progress my mother and I walked into. Went to the Academy renion/opening last Sunday. Most of the alumni who came followed to my sister's house along with Sr.Dennis Patrick and Sr. Marion. It was a wonderful day of memories and hope for the
neighborhood again.

Pope John Paul II Family Academy: 22nd Sep 2009 - 18:50 GMT

Hello all. I am Jim Viola, VP for Development & Community Development at the new Pope John Paul II Family Academy. It is wonderful to read all your comments.

We have renovated the old building that was St. Barbara's School. We are located at 139 Menahan Street, Brooklyn, NY 11221.

All of you are welcome to visit our new mission school. We have a display case in our entrance that has memorabilia donated by alumni of St. Barbara’s that I am sure you will want to see. Our web page will be on-line later this Fall; in the meantime, you may reach me at: Jviola@rcn.com.

Jerry Castoria: 28th Sep 2009 - 12:49 GMT

OMG..... Bushwick, stickball, those were the days. If anyone can help me get in touch
with Joe Mayo or Mikey Whalen that would be great. Very strange how life
works, I have a consulting gig as we speak on Knickerbocker and Dekalb.
Right near Wyckoff Heights Hospital. It would be great to hear from you
guys.

Tony La Marca: 29th Sep 2009 - 21:27 GMT

What a great place to grow up, between the smell of fresh baked bread at La Rosa's and the smell of basil coming from the backyards. I lived at 152 Harman and my father Tony bought the candy store on central and Harman in 1965. My mother was JoJo and she had the typical bee-hive hair-do, in flaming red. You gotta love it. I have 3 other brothers that you might know, Al, Steven, and Syl.
Does anyone remember Fatta's Cleaners?

J: 6th Oct 2009 - 16:26 GMT

Well, My son attends Pope John Paul the II Family Academy.

I can honestly say that I am so thankful for this wonderful oppurtunity. The staff are awesome and my son (although he is already smart thanks to his Mother lol) is learning so much, he loves it.

The school is beautiful and the programs are great. I just hope that the school is able to maintain and that they do offer a new grade each year so that he can graduate at the 8th grade.

Noah: 9th Oct 2009 - 01:43 GMT

I moved to Bushwick (Troutman between Irving and Knickerbocker) shortly after graduating from college last December. Reading all the stories about the old neighborhood as well as your comments have been tremendously interesting and make me proud to live here today. As you may know, Bushwick is currently a sought-after neighborhood among certain circles of younger New Yorkers like me. In particular the area around Wyckoff Avenue has seen an influx of artists and other L train regulars over the last five years. See BushwickBK.com for a sampling of Bushwick's new food, art and community attractions (my favorite's a minigolf course at Wyckoff & Troutman).

If anyone would like a current photo of your home, school or other landmark, I'd be happy to take one for you. Just email me at noahd34@gmail.com. And if anyone has any stories about my block I'd love to hear them!

Jerry Castoria: 12th Oct 2009 - 23:54 GMT

Hi All,

Does anyone know how to reach Joe Mayo?

Thomas L: 15th Oct 2009 - 23:45 GMT

I used to live at 144 Grove street and went to St. Barbara's from 1962 until 1966. The Bonanno family lived in my building. We had a peach tree in the back yard.

There was a wonderful deli on the corner of Grove and Central where I'd buy salami and Provolone heroes. Some evenings, older guys would sing acapella songs in the doorways.

My first girlfriend was Vinnie S.

cookie rall: 20th Oct 2009 - 20:15 GMT

I lived at 285 Central Ave between Greene Ave. and Bleeker St. I hung out in Charlies Candy Store next door to me.Stella Doro was on the corner of Bleeker and Central.Chris DeMarco owned it along with his father and brother. The homemade ices were the best. We played in the street all day-roller skateing was great especially when they put new pavement down in front of St. Barbara's. We played red ligt green light, johnny on the pony, truth or consequences, jump rope, box ball, skelzies. My best friend was Linda, her father owned the candy store. The older crowd was great and took us with them to Coney Island and the feast on Suydam St. Then I got to hang out at this great candy store. the jukebox was always going,the eggcreams were sooo good!The crowd was great..When I was 10 Linda lived in back of the store. We used to wake up to Rock in Robin at 8:00AM- I think they played that song 20 times the first day it was in the jukebox. I learned how to do the Lindy from the older crowd-Geppie, Vinny Talotta, Bambi, Anita and Mike were some of the older crowd.When I was 14, I became a fixture in the candy store.We had Francine and her sister Georgette, The 2 Vinny's Big Vinny and Little Bongiorno, Antoinette from 281

cookie rall: 20th Oct 2009 - 20:35 GMT

Central Ave. Then there was another crowd. Tommy Danburger, Lenny Leggio, Fizzy, Jean Marie tivili(all they guys loved her) Phil Pinion (all from around Menahan St. - Mike Motto, Billy Kiley, Lena, and of course Bobby Stettner (who probably went out with every girl in Brooklyn and Queens. They were all great people to hang out with. I have great memories of my old neighborhood. Wish I could do it over (if it weren't for school). Barbara Ann's made us ribbons for your hair with bells on the end. I loved to wear them. Her store was the greatest. We had everything within a 5 block radius. 2 grocery stores. Joe's on Greene and Central and Paterno's on Bleecker and Central. 2 Pharmacys 2 Funeral parlors (Joe Fariella)on Central corner of Menahan.His daughter now runs it. St. Barbara's church, dry good store, a butcher,a deli, shoe repair, 2 bakeries, Joes on Central between Bleecker and Greene (His pizza was good and I haven't had pizza like that since). Of course Knickerbocker Ave. I used to go down there at least twice a day. Walk to Knickerbocker and back. I loved that neighborhood. When I was working on Wall St. I was on the M train and I remember I started to cry as I passed Knickerbocker Ave. and saw my neighborhood destroyed. They can never make it like it was but the memories will always be in my heart.

cookie rall: 20th Oct 2009 - 21:30 GMT

Mary Aguanno,
I remember u very well. I lived next door from ur father's fish store and we used to hang out when we were around 10 yrs old. I remember ur father very well too. Such a great childhood we had and with very little money. Cookie

Donna LaMarca: 24th Oct 2009 - 13:39 GMT

I remember visiting my Aunt JoJo and Uncle Tony almost every weekend. We lived on LI but loved going to Harmon Street and walking over to my Uncle Tonys candy store TonyJos. What memories. Playing in the yard smelling all the fresh vegetable growing, smelling the sauce cooking in Aunt JoJos apt. The hugh family parties in the bsmt. What fun. I only wish my kids could have had Harmon Street too!!!! I miss it dearly.

Anthony LaMarca: 27th Oct 2009 - 20:47 GMT

for the lamarca family at 152 harmen miss it dearly