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