Quoted in the Queens Tribune
[Editor's Note:  This message has been moved to the Kitty Genovese Message Board.]


Quoted in the Queens Chronicle
[Editor's Note:  This message has been moved to the Kitty Genovese Message Board.]


March 30, 2004
David Silfen asked about the names of any "Parkies"...well I remember Ed who was frequently "in the bag" after lunch. But he was friendly enough to let some of us warm up in the Park House when it was cold outside.
Michael Elkisch
[To contact Michael Elkisch, click here.]


March 29, 2004
MARION SCHILD
[To contact Marion Schild, click here.]


March 28, 2004
Last week Shaari Neretin, Lisa Gussack, Betty Ellenberg now Rachel Schulson, and myself Louise Langer (Cecchini) had the most fantastic reunion. Its been about 30-35 years since we all got together in one room and it was a moment we will all remember for another 35 years. Thank you old kg for bringing us together.
louise langer (cecchini)


Editor's Note: If anyone wants to send me jpeg scans of any of these reunions, I'd love to post them here. Pictures of how you looked way back when would also be great to post alongside them. Just a thought.


March 28, 2004
Ok talking about the "Parkies" Does anyone know any of the parkies names? For that matter did they even have names? Besides Frankie the "Good Humor Man" does anyone remember any other good Humor man's names?
David Silfen



March 28, 2004
    To the author of the wonderful story on the "Where Are They?" page of March 26th: These are exactly the precious moments when something that should have been said wasn't - a classic schoolbook example of Charlie Brown and the everlasting, unrequited love to his red-headed girl whom Schulz was smart enough never to let appear in a single frame, and who's reluctance, shyness and adoration could not be surmounted. If there was any logical reason for you not to talk to her that day, you've already explained it and don't have to feel bad about it. There are other loves, other possibilities, and maybe, just maybe, she is out there wondering the very same thing. You experienced a breath of fresh air of what love can really be about. Count yourself lucky. Others search for a lifetime without having that succulent memory to dine upon.
    Chas. K. Harris put it so wonderfully in his 1890's tune...(permission of copying it here is allowed since it's over 75 yrs. ago, I guess...)

After the ball is over, after the break of morn'...
After the dancers' leaving, after the stars are gone...
Many a heart is aching, if you could read them all...
Many the hopes that have vanished, after the ball...

Now all of you sing along in harmony and rejoice that the spark of love was lit during those moments. One day, when your body has to say goodbye to this everyday madness we encounter on Earth most days, the in-box of your heart will stll be filled.
    No matter how "religious" this sounds, I think it's time, chillun', that we all got together and hugged each other. We owe it to ourselves!
    Luv' to all from a Sunny Sunday morn in Switzerland, Pete xxx :)
No, NO cheese fondue tonight...homemade hamburgers with a bit of peppermint and garlic, home-made country fries and peas. YES, I like peas!
Forgive me..(ahem..)
Peter J. Muller



Birthday Gift for Michelle
March 27, 2004
Editor's Note: In a guestbook message dated March 18, 2004, Michelle wrote that she would like to see an old picture of the apartment house she lives in - the Parc Chateau. She asked me to find it in honor of her birthday on March 28th, which is tomorrow. Through no fault of my own, I was actually able to locate one, and you can view it by CLICKING HERE. Happy Birthday, Michelle.


March 27, 2004
Wow!!! It is so great to hear all these names from my past. Lydia's, Ziggy 's(always a good eggcream and pretzel, the "vomit tree". Sledding down that killer hill to dead mans rock. I grew up in Kent Manor and now that I am a father, I realize how lucky I was to grow up there.
Thanks for this...
Best to all
Josh (bldg.C, apt.2k)
Josh Neretin



March 27, 2004
Hi, I've been out of touch with everyone from that time...The photos aer interesting,
Jackie
Jackie Lipton



March 26, 2004
Ah, memories. I remember all those wonderful things. Does anyone else remember eggcreams, the 5 cent popsicles at Franken's Pharmacy, and Bernie Titowskys book store where you could trade two for one comic books or books (loved those Nancy Drew mysteries).
June Marantz Chamberlain
[To contact June Marantz Chamberlain, click here.]


March 26, 2004
thank you for the great pictures! i am a bit of a history buff of NYC and these pictures have fed my desire. keep them coming!
Christopher


March 26, 2004
       Oooh, Jeff....I'm not gonna live that one down..forgetting the name Idlewild. And leaving out the X-ray machine at the shoe store is even worse (so my folks tell me...) Damn, where was my memory last night? Thanks for the additions, I'm sure we've still missed about a thousand...
       Speaking of X-rays, the old dentist in the Mowbray, whose name I shall spare here, had to have two of his fingers cut off because he would always take X-rays of your teeth and HOLD THE FILM IN YOUR MOUTH BY HIMSELF, leave alone not putting a protective vest on you or even leaving the room. Ever try to do root canal work with 8 fingers?
       Of course, in my last mail, "erason" is "reason"...as I say, my memory was a bit caffeine-dehydrated last night...after winning spelling bees left and right, you'd think I'd have it down packed by now.....deer teechur, how cum yu gafe me a zeero in riting...
       Thanks for the clues, and, of course, Floyd's immaculate recollection of the vomit tree. Floyd, with your help, I'll lose another few pounds this year...
       Joe, you have my permission to correct any misst...uh...mistack.....uh, you get it, right?
Kisses to all,
Pete :) xxx
Peter J. Muller



March 25, 2004
Carol, Linda, Peter, and everyone else:
Man, you guys hit it right on the nose! A couple of comments:

No. 6: that's handball in the park bare-handed on concrete

No. 9: The shoe store on Lefferts Blvd. got an x-ray machine in the '50's, and USED IT without protection of any kind to x-ray the kid's feet!

How about: No. 53: It's Idlewild Airport, Not Kennedy.

No. 54: You know what "The Pretzel" is.
Jeff Trevas



March 25, 2004
       Floyd Borakove,your March 11 posting brought back more memories of Kent Manor and Kew Gardens than I could possibly imagine were still contained in that fading mind of mine. Obviously YOUR mind is ALL there. The "vomit tree", "dead man's rock" and the "parkies", how could anybody forget those once they experienced them? However, if I recall that corner soda fountain on Metropolitan - was that "Chernoff's" and then "Ziggy's" (he alway said "This is NOT a library" in that strong accent of his when you were sneaking a peak at an adult magazine or Sport magazine); maybe I'm confusing two different places.
       Hey, remeber gathering nuts from the chestnut tree in the park and having fights with them and how about sleigh riding at the "little park" and often crashing into the parked cars on Metropolitan? It's amazing we lived beyond adolesence! (That hill seemed so big back then).
       Thanks for all those flashbacks.
Rob Sander



March 25, 2004
Click on thumbnails to enlarge.
Who is this little girl?
Editor's Note: This is a cropped blowup of a 1939 archival photograph taken on the north side of Metropolitan Avenue between Audley Street and 83rd Avenue. This little girl is standing in the foreground looking at the photographer and she is the only one visible in the picture. Her presence in the picture is obviously fortuitous, and unusual for an historical photograph. I wonder if anyone recognizes her.


March 25, 2004
I graduated FHHS in '55. Lived in Kew Garden Hills and then Mitchell Gardens in Flushing. Spent 25 years in the Army and now live in Port Ludlow WA. The pictures on this web site bring back lots of nice memories.
Joel Maimon



March 25, 2004
Dearest Linda & Carol:
Okay, if I add my folks, we've got all 52 points...with the following comments:

Nr. 6: add: played stickball in the park with a Pensy Pinkie (attach to Nr. 31)

Nr. 9: add: had a pair of Buster Browns or Hush Puppies from the guy on Leffert's that also gave you a candy if you'd shut up while he was trying to measure your feet

Nr. 12: add: baileys to bagels - just as good and more room for the "filling"

Nr. 14: add: Mr. Softy (the saddest sound I've ever heard is the music from one of their trucks...)My late, great Uncle Sam thanks you for remembering Bungalow Bar. An extra kiss for that.

Nr. 19: add: let's say somewhere around Valley Stream, give or take a few shopping centers...

Nr. 21: ??????????? THIS IS ALLOWED ON THE OLD KEW GARDENS SITE???? JOE!!!! HELP!!!!! I WAS BORN IN JAMAICA!!!! Okay, I'll rephrase it: had no erason to go OUT of Queens except when there was a Mets game going on...

Nr. 31: attach back to Nr. 6, okee dokee

Nr. 53: possibly(?): had your passport picture taken at James' Photo

And don't forget: we had THE WALL at P.S. 99 long before Pink Floyd knew what they were singing about.

Ah, ladies, you have it all down packed!
Luv' from Switzerland, no cheese fondue tonight,
Pete xxx
Peter J. Muller



March 20, 2004
Click on thumbnails to enlarge.

Editor's Note: Thanks to Bill Phillips for these photographs. Click on each image to enlarge and read the names of the girls (some are not yet identified).
[To contact Bill Phillips, click here.]


March 24, 2004
This was sent to me by my sister Carol Rubinoff and I thought it was just the thing to put on this site. If you aren't from New York City, just forget this; you wouldn't understand. You're truly from "The City" if you can relate to any of the following:

1. Alternate side of the street parking.
2. You don't speak with an accent - everybody else does.
3. Everybody knows somebody from the neighborhood, even if it's your mother's cousin's son-in-law's sister's boyfriend.
4. Got a "Kitchen Sink" at Jahn's.
5. Had roller skates with keys.
6. Played handball in the park.
7. Hit two sewers in punch ball.
8. Know, or at least your hips do, what a Charlotte Russe is.(Oooh, they were tasty)
9. Owned a pair of pumps from Miles or National's.
10. Played hide-and-go-seek at dusk.
11. Played Hit The Penny, Stoop Ball, Skelly, and Potsy.
12. There is a bagel bakery a few blocks away.
13. There is at least one pizzeria within one block of your house and a candy store on the corner.
14. Waited for the Good Humor or Bungalow Bar guy to come around your block.
15. Know that Murray the K rock concerts were at the Brooklyn Fox or the Brooklyn Paramount.
16. Went to Saturday matinees.
17. Ate at Chock Full O' Nuts Shops (date nut bread with cream cheese, and powdered donuts that were crunchy).
18. You ate at the Horn & Hardart Automat.
19. You can correctly pronounce places like Lon-gi-land, but aren't exactly sure where it begins.
20. You don't go to Manhattan, you go to "The City" if you're from Brooklyn or "Downtown" if you're from the Bronx.
21. You have no reason to go to Queens, except for Met games.
22. You know and go to the REAL Nathan's - Coney Island. (Amen)
23. You know the difference between going with, seeing, fooling around with, and going out with someone.
24. You know what a "johnny pump" is.
25. You love "Welcome Back Kotter" (and not because of the crisp writing or great acting).
26. You made a scooter from orange crates and an old skate.
27. You never realize you have an accent until you leave.
28. You waited for the rides on a truck to come to your neighborhood for 10 cents a ride.
29. You walk down "The Avenue" and see at least a handful of the people you knew growing up.
30. Your friends came over to hang out on the stoop.
31. You played stickball in the school yard. (Remember all those broken brooms?)
32. You roller-skated and bicycled in and around the traffic.
33. Here are some more:
34. You went to Cypress Pool
35. You went to the Roller Rink on Hillside Ave. (and) the lifeguard from Cypress Pool - the "old guy" worked there in the winter!)
36. Penny candy
37. Hula Hoops and Duncan Yo Yos
38. Schwinn bikes
39. The water truck and the street cleaner
40. The rag man, watermelon man, bleach man, grinding and knife sharpening man
41. Going home when "the streetlights go on"
42. Soft pretzels in the schoolyard, 2 for 5 cents!
43. Shopping at Mays, Gertz, Goodwins, A&S, Orbachs,
44. Alexanders, Korvettes, and the good old 5&10, where you could find just about anything
45. Riding all over on the subway for 15 cents and not ever being scared
46. The Lone Ranger, Hop a long Cassidy, Fury, My Friend
47. Flicka, Wonderama, Jon Gnagy, Soupy Sales the 1964 World's Fair (gee, it's a small world after all!)
48. Madras shorts, seersucker suits wearing a hat and gloves (even in the summer) on a job interview or going to church
49. Add your own and keep on passing this!
50. How about 3 o'clock American Bandstand and Beech Nut Gum
51. How about 45 records and a victrola
52. How about no house key doors were open

Linda Widder Wiesner



March 18, 2004
Steve Feigelis...I was wondering when you would finally find this site? I can remember just like it was yesterday you loitering on my corner waiting for Nancy to come out of her house. You two were the epitome of young love. I heard from Nancy a few months back. She is doing great! How about you?
Babara Titowsky
[To contact Babara Titowsky, click here.]


March 18, 2004
This is michelle Thanking you for putting the parc chatue appartments pictures up. I forgot that i have posted this massage, than i saw the pic of the building, i Had date stamps March 28, 2003 thats my birthday and thank you so much for finding the pick you dont know how happy i am to see this. Can i Have i more request please in honor of march 28 2004 my (my birthday) Do you have any older pictures, of the appartment building i happen to live on this building and people who lived here for a long time told me about it and that how beutiful it was and with wall to wall carpeting and all and door men, I wish i was alive to see this. If your ever around my building you can come by my building taking pictures you could stop by i live here. Thanks again for replying to my pic- please try to get something old :( please!
Michelle



March 15, 2004
If you go to the PS 99 Class Photos you will see the graduating class of 1958. Let's see how many people you can remember that includes teachers and principal. Let's have a little fun.
Sandy Grotte Araujo



March 15, 2004
[Removed at poster's request.]


March 15, 2004
I remember the Kew Gardens Chronicle. I was the Publisher, in fact. Hilary Araujo was Associate Publisher, Charlie DeLaFuente (now of the New York Times) was the Editor and Mike Knight, the City Editor. In reality, everybody did everything. We only had a short run during the summer of 1964, but we learned a lot in the process ... I think ...
Bill Phillips



March 14, 2004
I grew up on Metropolitan Avenue and went to PS 99(1950) and FHHS (1954). Would like to hear from anyone I grew up with
Paul Waldeck
[To contact Paul Waldeck, click here.]


March 14, 2003
Fellow KG-maniacs!
       The kid over here in Switzerland wants to send a big hello and a hug to the classmates and friends who have gotten in touch, REMAIN in touch, and have brought back the uniqueness and indescribable joy of having had the fortune to grow up in the best of places during the best of years: arms outstretched to Betty Ellenberg (whom I shall continue to call Betty...sigh), Ellen Selig (the pianist), Louise Langer (who never answered my mail...boo hoo), Floyd Borakove (the mediator), Peter van den Hamer, (deliverer of the DNA Gettysburg Address - he waves HI from Holland), Rochelle Briar (San Francisco Bay Blues & Valentines, Part I), Susan Bianco (with Mike and the folks), John Cuneo (nice to see you on the site again, John! Drop me a line), Nick Hamaway (friend of friends), John Lantelme (Captain and pride of the North), Belinda M. Donaghy (though a few years my junior, still the Celtic Queen), Claudia Stoltman (prima ballerina and life-counselor), Leslee Lenoff & Shaari Neretin (who's mail addresses I would like sometime in the near future...), plus the teachers, Carolyn Kunicki, Gitta Diner and others, whose phone calls reinstated the fact that we were a great bunch of kids. To Joe - you're up for a Nobel Peace Prize this year for your humanitary skills in keeping this whole thing together despite numerous hours of jet lag and surviving airplane food (we don't know HOW you do it, but you do what you do GREAT)...and to my old chums Henry Vaupel and Bob Lehrman...o brothers, where art thou?
       Stay online & keep in touch! Your parking lots are reserved in my heart 4-ever :)
Always, Pete xoxo
Compulsory P.S.'s:
       A prayer for Kitty, Frankie, the Good Humor man and the 4th of July Sprinkle Special on a stick, Dani and the flying pizzas, and anyone else listening from above, especially the precious families from the old West Virginia at 82-40 Austin...
       To Gaby Libbey: I made the Kitchen Sink twice in a row at Jahn's. Details on what happened later that night only upon request!
       My big brother Bill is offline at the moment because he fails to treat his PC with love & care, so before I go to fix it, a wave to Joe Gottlieb, Judy Picker, Pete & Teresa Gusmarino, Dennis Gargiulio (got the name right?), Dianne Freiberg, Heidi Marcus (secret love...) and Howie Dinner.
       I'm having cheese fondue tonight...any takers?
Peter J. Muller



March 13, 2004
Does anyone remember the Kew Gardens Chronicle Newspaper?
Sandy Grotte Araujo



March 13, 2004
       Herman & Cora Borakove moved to Kew Gardens from Brooklyn. Kew Gardens was recommended to us from a cousin in 1946. Negotiating with Mr. Wager (Kent Manor superintendent) resulted in the apartment being rented for $68/month.
       First impressions of the neighborhood was that it was too exclusive for them. But they soon learned that it was a very down to earth neighborhood.
       Mah Jong was the game of choice for many women in the neighborhood.
       My mother-in law was happiest with the neighborhood. She stated we did not have to go to the country because of the Park and the way the Kent Manor apartment buildings were kept up and all of the wonderful landscaping.
       Nieghbors were all very friendly.
       During the war, Joe the mailman for Kent Manor apartments would bring up the mail to the door of the apartments for those who had family in the service during the war.
       Fond memories of Ralph who ran the drug store & Morris the Tailor on Metropolitan Ave.
Cora Borakove
[To contact Cora Borakove, click here.]


March 13, 2004
Enjoyed your website.
Anthony Corrado
[To contact Anthony Corrado, click here.]


March 12, 2004
       I noticed on one of the new photos that the Forest Park granite chess table that was located at the corner of the basketball court is gone. What a shame, we had so many memorable moments sitting with friends at that table (rarely playing chess which typically occured inside the playground area).
       Does anyone recall the name of the man who drove a cab and would catch the hardballs with his bare hands in the park?
       I remember when the NETS came to Forest Park (some of the players purchased a new local bar). They wanted to play ball on the court but rules were rules and they had to integrate the players with whomever was currently playing and wait their turn.
Floyd Borakove
[To contact Floyd Borakove, click here.]


March 12, 2004
Anyone who lived in Kent Manor from the late 50's to 70's would remember Joe the mailman. Joe would have to laugh now at the Postal Services efficiency protocols. Joe was able to carry on multiple conversations while you stood there waiting for your mail. If you were looking closely you still would barely be able to keep up with his hand motions accurately delivering each piece of mail. I figure that Kent Manor had about 336 apartments and Joe knew everyone living in them. It was always obvious when Joe was on vacation (a rare occurrence) because the mail would be affected.
Floyd Borakove
[To contact Floyd Borakove, click here.]


March 12, 2004
[Removed at poster's request.]


March 11, 2004
       No one has written about the joys of going to Jahn's in Richmond Hill for their spectacular ice cream confections. I remember the "Kitchen Sink" -- Jahn's most expensive and grandest concotion.
       Does anyone else have fond memories of going to Jahn's or Addie Vallins in Fiorest Hills?
Gaby (Heimberg) Libbey



March 11, 2004
       I am so very greatful to everyone who has posted to the site bringing back vivid memories of such precious times. I grew up in Kent Manor from 1957 - 1976. The neighborhood is solidly imprinted upon me and the wonderful personalities and gentle times shaped my values today.
       Mr. Wager from Kent Manor certainly kept us fit with all the running away we did. I recall the Victory Gardens my neighbor planted bordering the park. I recall many hours playing chinese handball in the alley and walking along the top of the park retaining wall. Kent Manor was an entire neighborhood within a neighborhood. There were so many children that everyone was familiar and safe to me. Of course as a child I resented all the neighborhood adults keeping an eye on me a keeping me in line but as an adult I am greatful for their love & direction they offered.
       Holloween was a time that had me going back to my apartment to drop off the two full shopping bags and picking up two more empty bags to fill. The halls echoed with children's laughter and running. My suntanning (away from Jones Beach) was done on the roof of Kent Manor with one of those cancer producing reflectors. Living on the fourth floor kept me fit. How many steps could I jump while going down or by swinging myself over the rail to the next floor below. What comfort I felt from intimately knowing each and every space in the buildings (including the basements). I recall the times playing hide and seek behind the buildings by "dead man's rock". This boulder loomed quite large for a child and provided a wonderful hiding spot. So many hours playing in the park and all the excuses given to my mother as to why I was late for dinner. Yes, there were times I ignored the signature whistle to come home (although fear and Jewish guilt prevailed). I was always so involved with park play that my mother would throw my lunch (packed in a ! brown paper bag) over the park fence from our fourth floor apartment into the park so I would not have to waste time coming upstairs. If I was in the alley she would lower the lunch on a rope. Thanks mom!
       Playing "chips" across the basketball court with a Pensy Pincky off the angled part of the short concrete wall. The graciousness of the older boys & adults who would allow us younger kids to play basketball with them. Frankie the good humor man got me addicted to ice cream. All activity in the park would stop with the sound of Frankie's bells as if he was a conductor and the park inhabitants were his band. Orders were taken, money exchanged and off the courier went through every shortcut imaginable (remember the perenial holes in the fences). I too think Frankie had eyes at the ends of his fingers. These were times that the "parkies" would lend out basketballs, knockhocky sets and chess/checker games. For many years all of them would come back in one piece and be stored back in the proper spot in the small park building that housed the bathrooms and water fountain. I recall the Master chess players that would frequent the playground as we watched with amazement while a single Master would play ten boards without looking.
       Do you recall all the garlic bread you could eat along with the $0.50 speghetti orders that Andre would give you. Could you imagine today having your young child walk out of school one mile for lunch? I have a ten month old son and I could only hope that we would find a neighborhood where this would be safe enough. My wife introduced me to this website by emailing me from her work my PS 99 class photos. The tears started rolling very quickly.
       When my parents would have an evening out on the town they would leave me with some money to order from Lidias pizza on Metro ave. I can still recall the accent used as they answered the phone for delivery. Every Sunday my father would take me to the corner soda fountain store (I do not recall the name) on Metro to pick up the Times and sometimes checking the TV tubes with the machine in the back. I remember the "vomit tree" that we would pass as we walked to PS 99. The tree would drop its smelly seed pods and splatter them on the ground (before the railroad station bridge and across from the park). Sundays were a time to bike ride or walk on the closed roads through the park across Metro ave (near where we would sled in the winter).
       Earning money was easy as I shoveled snow from driveways and shoveled out cars from their on street parking, only to have the plows pack them back in. Do you recall the parking quirks? Everyone had their usual spots. but sometimes your location was full so you would park somewhere else only to forget and roam the neighborhood the next day wondering if yoru vehicle was stolen or lost. Who was it that always purchased Cadillacs and almost every year would have them stolen? As a child a remember a few snow storms that shut down Park Lane South. My first bank account at Hamburg bank by crossroads drugs. They were magical times in a wonderful neighborhood. I look foward to many hours exploring this website. As I digitize my photos I will look for ones that reflect the neighborhhod to post.
Floyd Borakove
[To contact Floyd Borakove, click here.]


March 11, 2004
       Life has been on such "fast forward" that I don't do much looking back to PS. 99 and my old friends and schoolmates. I've been on a kind of "world tour" before I settled back in NY (living in Merrick, LI, near Jones Beach) in Sept. 1999. Here are some of the names I do remember and would love to hear from:
       Judy Picker (my violin friend and competitor) , Cindy Strum (you were my love -- if you didn't know that), Shelley Weinstein (always passed your house going up the hill), Theresa Gus Marino (a great family -- house is sold and redone), Robert Nagelman (a fine guy), Fred Cohen (a great friend and avid basketball player), Larry Gross (a good friend, a few years older, we've been in touch), Josh Levine (always one of the smartest -- has done well), and Gary ------- in the building whose family I once knew so well.
       My mom (79) still lives in the same Apt. in the Texas, I visit often, I steal a slice at Dani's from time to time -- (anyone know a good place in Kew Gardens I could do an art exhibition for her?) -- before returning in 1999 here is my "tour" in brief: Jamaica HS 1968-71; Dartmouth College (BA, Math/Psych) 1971 -75; University of Edinburgh (Ph.D. Machine Intelligence) 1976 - 82. Then McGill, Montreal (1983-84); San Diego State (Assis. Visiting Prof, 1984-86); University of Maine (1986 - 92) Assis. Prof. Computer Science; Carleton University, Ottawa (1992-93); U.S Coast Guard Academy, New London, CT. 1993-96; Stockton College, NJ 1996-97; Richmond, American University in London, 1997-99; And since 1999: Associate Professor, Graduate Deputy Chair, Brooklyn College, Department of Computer and Information Science (www.sci.brooklyn.cuny.edu/~kopec) and since 1985 I have been an international Chess Master. I have been running successful chess camps since 1994 (this is our 11th year) and we have been at the great Lawrencville School in Lawrenceville, NJ, since 1997.
       I'd love to hear from anyone who still remembers me.......
Danny Kopec



March 9, 2004
I live in the buckingham and i would love to see some old pictures of it. If anyone has can they please post them because i would love to see my beautiful building in pictures from the early part of the 1900's
Michael



March 8, 2004
I haven't been back to Kew Gardens in years but the photographs warmed my heart.
Lewis Fried


March 8, 2004
My family and I lived in Kew Gardens, on Abigndon Road, from 1963 to 1967 when we became trail-blazers and moved to Forest Hills Gardens. My older brother, Matthew, and I attended P.S. 99 until our move and then were reunited with our Kew Gardens friends at Russell Sage in the early '70s. Matthew is still in New York. I now live in Minnesota where I have become good friends with Steve Horowitz, another ex-Kew Gardens/Forest Hills person who referred me to the site. Ironically, Steve and I did not know each other in New York but made the connection after we had both moved to Minnesota.
Ralph Bernstein



March 5, 2004
Ray & Kay Yamasaki



March 4, 2004
ronnie leiser



March 4, 2004
       Hi there Steven Felgelis
How very sweet to read your email and you mentioning me. I often think of our buddies from P.S.99 and how we liked each other so and had such a good time. I remember Clifford, Roger, Leroy, Howard,Sherry.Allen Jacobs Richard Appell and so many more. Thea Saul and I are still in contact and I am very thankful for that for she is like family to me and is tho one who told me about this great website. The hanging out at Danny's and at Forest Park where pricless to me, kept me sane even though my parents didn't like it.
       So tell me what your life is like now/are you still living in Kew Gareden's I go visit my family from Northern California pretty much every year. Did not know about the reunioun last year and was pretty sad about it. I hope we can all some how make it happen again. I want to see friends from grade school. I heard both Clifford and Richard died. Is that true?
       My dad still lives at the house where I grew up on Abingdon Rd. I was lucky, all I had to do was cross the street to play hand ball and hang out with the crowd.
Hope to hear from you
ruth amram
       I changed my name to rubie about 33 years ago but you can call me ruth
[To contact Ruth (Rubie Amram), click here.]


March 4, 2004
I am writing in a visceral response to Howard Roth's posting. I too attended PS 99 in the (late) 60's and have to say, we ALL did the same thing. Those were the days when 11 and 12 year olds could go off school grounds for lunch at Dani's (the BEST pizza), get candy and cards at Georgie's--and one of our favorites, stop at Mel's (other side of the street) for a huge pickle (half sour or dill--your choice) for 25 cents! But what really grabbed me, was the mention of Frankie, the Good Humor man--I lived in Kent Manor, and always was in Forest Park. I remember when we would hear the jingle of his bells, we'd run to the street--slide down the grass,wait for him to call us "princess", and magically find our choice in the frozen recesses of the truck. Great memories, thank you.
Donna Sutton



March 3, 2004
In keeping with the reminisences that have poured over this site and the need to keep at least a physic hold onto the "good old days," it was disconserting to see (when I came up for the reunion on Nov. 15 last) that a Dunkin Donuts replaced the old candy store at the corner of Metropolitan and Audley St(?)--a store that was originally known as Rosen's then Richmond's and I am sure by other names. Although the building has not been demolished, the charm of the "old Kew" has once again been diminished with a franchise eatery. Too bad. Can anyone post a before and after of this location?
John Kasprzak
[To contact John Kasprzak, click here.]

Editor's Note: This is the best I can do for "before" and "after" pictures. CLICK HERE. The "after" picture was taken in 2001. You can click on each image to see an enlarged version.


March 2, 2004
I really love this website. Thanks Joefor keeping the memories of Kew Gardens alive. It is really good to see all those old P.S. 99 class photos. Some teachers really had some long careers there. I haven't seen any mention of the principal though, Mr. Feingold. During my stay at the school in the 1960's, he seemed to rule with an iron fist. I can still vividly see him, in his brown suit with baggy pants and a perfect crease. He had those horn rimmed glasses and never really showed much emotion. It seemed like he was the principal for a very long time. Does anyone know, how long he was the principal? I remember going to lunch at Dani's Pizza Place when it was still the small little store, before they expanded and built the dining room. There was the counter with stools and a few tables. The P.S. 99 crowd would come in at lunchtime and the place would be packed. The juke box would be playing The Doors or Steppenwolf and Andre, the longtime counterman, would be serving those 25 cent slices and 15 cent sodas. After Dani's, it was back up the block to Georgie's candy store (across from the Austin Theater)to buy some baseball cards and candy. A dollar sure really went a long way back then. I remember that Dani's had the neon sign in the window that gave the price of a slice. After several price increases they did away with price and just had a pizza sign. Another fond memory was of Frankie, the Good Humor Ice Cream Man. He would put his whole arm up to the shoulder, into the truck and be looking at you and pull out whatever ice cream you asked for. It was like his fingers could read the wrappers of the ice cream. He always called us Boss and when we would asked for a ride on the truck, he just pointed to the sign that said "no riders allowed".
Howard Roth



March 2, 2004
Hi, just wanted to thank everyone for their beautiful response to natie, we will all miss him very much, he loved all my friends as if they were his children, I think he knew how you all felt about him, I was lucky to go home to him every night in my childhood, it is now marion who has been strong as a rock, she alan and myself send their best to all of you for you kind words,
howard spindel
March 2, 2004
This is to acknowledge the passing of Natie Spindel. I had the pleasure of meeting Natie over 40 years ago, He taught me about life when I was just a kid. In many ways he was like a "cool" father to me. I will miss him. Much love to Alan, Howie and my second Mom, Marion.
Vinny Vinny Richards


March 2, 2004
Joe and I went to dinner in Forest Hills and during our apetizer I got a shrimp lodged in my windpipe. If not for his fast thinking and expert Heimlich Manuever (no bruised ribs either) I would have been a goner. Thank you my dear friend. Next dinner is all liquid for me. LOL
Love Bon
Bonni The FHHS YENTA



March 2, 2004
The Class of '65 R.H.H.S. 40th reunion is underway. It promises to be bigger and more fun than the 30th. Go to classmates.com, and click on REUNIONS AND EVENTS. Click on Richmond Hill High School Class of '65 Reunion.Find RSVP on lower left.Click...There is a space for a comment, and for you to reply "yes" or "no". Enter your response even if you are nor sure about attending the event,which will,as of now, be held in Oct. 2005. Great Reunions is the company running it, with help of former classmates. Please let others in our class, or teachers we had, know about this site. In addition to entering your reply,you can read the list of your fellow classmates who have posted theirs. Thanks so much. This will help to make the planning of the event much easier. There are many people from Kew Gardens who were in the '65 graduating class.
Edi Beckler Goldberg
[To contact Edi Beckler Goldberg, click here.]


March 1, 2004
whats up everyone ???? where are you scott mancuso ??? Why do i have the feeling half of you guys are dead or in jail---get back
TONY GAHRMAN



March 1, 2004
       Hello again everyone.. :0)
       Since my first posting, I've sent this website to a few of my friends, who also grew up in Kew Gardens.. And, they've loved it..
       I went through some old pictures of my youth, in Kew Gardens and I was smiling like a cheshire cat.. I'd like to take this opportunity to send heartfelt hugs to a very special friend... Belinda E. Pichardo.. *grinning* Our friendship started at the age of 8 and has been going ever since.. Of course, considering that our apartment buildings were right next to eachother, it's no surprise we went to school together.. We went through ups and downs, eventually both of us moving out of Kew Gardens but remained in contact.. $1.- slices on Wednesdays at Danny's House of Pizza, the Austin Ale house for some drinks after work, long talks at Forest Park - on the hill, Cops & Robbers and other catch-em' games throughout all the buildings (back when it was ALLOWED to go through alley ways - it was still SAFE), sitting on the steps of 118-40 on summer evenings, handball in the rain (LOL) at the handball courts up at the park.. The list is just endless as I remember a lot.. I have to say though, Halloween was ALWAYS interesting and full of fun for us...pretty much for all the kids..
       Here's a toast to everyone that found long lasting friendships in Kew Gardens...and to those children growing up there now - whom I can only hope will form their own special relationships either with the neighborhood itself, or, with others...or even better, both!
Belinda M. Donaghy
or



March 1, 2004
I lived in kew gardens for 32 years from 1949 to 1981 I lived in kent manor I had a lot of friends there my children went to pschool 99. It was a beautiful neighborhood then and i'm. sure it still is
zelda feigelis
[To contact Zelda Feigelis, click here.]


March 1, 2004
I stumbled across this site this afternoon and have been on it nearly 6 hours. It brings back such great memories of KG and the Park, glazed donuts at Betsy's, running thru the lobbies of Kent Manor and having Mr. Wager chase and scream at us! Mrs. Golubs cookies, saving money to buy my first pair of "CONS" at Spolans(ds)or picking up RX's at Don Kew Chemists and watching him wrap them in that brown paper. Walking to PS 99 and pizza at Dani's on the way home. countless hours on the fields and basketball courts and getting tan on the "second grasss". Listening to Marty Borakove's mother Cora whistle that little song to get him home. Dancing close at my Bar-Mitzvah with Ruth Amram and my first girlfriend Nancy. I would love to hear from you and if anyone knows where Katie Ashe is please let me know!
Steve Feigelis
[To contact Steve Feigelis, click here.]


March 1, 2004
I grew up in the Roger Williams, went to PS 99, Russell Sage and RHHS. I attended the 75 anniversary party for PS 99 and saw some friends - Judy Seidman, Marian Anschel. My sister, Nancy Cohn, is here this weekend in Greenville, SC visiting from England and we have been having fun looking at the site. My mother was the Girl Scout cookie chairman and I remember having boxes and boxes in our apartment. I would love to hear from anyone who remembers me (and probably liked me!)
Sally Cohn Gold



April 1, 2004
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Some Guestbook signers choose not to publish their email addresses. If you wish to contact one of them, send me an email identifying the guestbook signer you wish to contact and giving me the date his or her message was posted. Your email to me must contain your full name, and may also include anything else you wish to tell the signer. I will forward your email to the Guestbook signer you wish to contact, but with no cc or bcc to you. It will be the signer's decision whether or not to make contact with you. Any emails which contain spam, adult content, or appear suspect for any other reason will not be forwarded. ~The Editor.