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


Going, Going ...
Editor's Note: Sad to say, another part of old Kew Gardens is about to be lost. The building that housed the old Salty Dog Restaurant along with the adjoining one story stores will soon be razed to make way for a 15 story apartment building.


April 27, 2004
Click on image to enlarge.
Editor's Note: Click on the thumbnail to see a 1922 vintage picture postcard that had me scratching my head.


April 27, 2004
Yes, the builders name was Al Schuler. His daughter, Penny, lives in Los Angeles (as do I) and is married to a friend of mine. She met and married him after I became friends with him here in LA. Her Mom, Shirley, moved here several years ago after Al's death. Small world!
Carol Widder Rubinoff
[To contact Carol Widder Rubinoff, click here.]


April 27, 2004
The Community house is a good guess. It was located on 116th on the SE corner of Grosvenor. It was razed and the existing attached homes were built by a developer, the father of Scott and Penny Schuler, (I forget the father's first name, Al maybe?). Anyone have any exterior shots of the Community House? It probably was fairly decrepit when it was torn down, but the community lost a sense of identity when nothing replaced it.
Ron Signore
[To contact Ron Signore, click here.]


April 26, 2004
About those temple pictures: I'm taking a wild guess that the building might be the Community House which was on 116th Street, a block below Metropolitan Ave. Looks like the windows and raised stage that I remember. The Community House was attached to Temple Anshe Sholom in the 50's & 60's. Maybe ownership was passed to Anshe Sholom when Temple Isaiah moved? My Bar Mitzvah reception was held at the Community House in June of 1960...the Community House was also the home of Boy Scout Troop 104 for years. My father, Jesse Newman, was Scoutmaster for many years and was involved in a controversy when the Troop's sponsor, Anshe Sholom, objected to 104 holding any activities on the Sabbath --- even though the Troop had many non-Jewish kids
Andy Newman
[To contact Andy Newman, click here.]


April 26, 2004
I learned just about everything I needed to know in life at PS99. Throughout the years I attended (1951-1958), I was lucky enough to have had the best teachers the school offered. Those included Ms. Hyde and Ms. Bierman in Kindergarten, Ms. Roslyn Lefstine in 1st and 2nd grade (the first adult woman on whom I had a crush), Ms. Marie Lengl in third, Mrs. Clara Fuller in 4th (who read to us each day from the Bible, and I have yet to see how this ever hurt me or anyone else), Ms. Shirley Miller for the first half of 5th grade, Mrs. Eisenson for the remainder of 5th grade, and the great, Mr. Ellenport in sixth grade. Wherever they may be, I thank them all.
Franklin J. Goldberg
[To contact Franklin J. Goldberg, click here.]


April 26, 2004
       I remember Kew Cozy very well. They also had the best hamburgers. My friend Anita Frey Landau and I would meet there and have lunch together almost every weekend. We both attended PS 99 from 1947-1954, Russell Sage 1955-1957 (2nd graduating class) and FHHS graduating in 1960.
       We both remember Temple Isaiah before it moved to Grand Central, but are too young to remember much about it. I do remember Rabbi Landsman. He came to our house on 80th Rd. during Chanukah. It was the only year that my brother Richard and I were able to convince my parents to decorate our fireplace for Christmas. My mother was so embarrassed she stayed upstairs.
Carol Tunick Maxfield



April 26, 2004
       In regard to the photos of Temple Isaiah Ed.: See post dated April 25th., I went to Sunday School there. I also had private Hebrew lessons there because at that time (I moved to KG when I was 11 in 1942)there were no Hebrew classes for girls - only Bar Mitzvah classes. The Rabbi, Rabbi Landesman, lived in my building, Alt Green Towers on Metropolitan Avenue. The Temple was on 116th Street, a few blocks from Metropolitan Avenue, as I recall and eventually moved to the service road of the Grand Central Parkway. It was there until a few years ago when it was sold to a Russian Yeshiva.
       I do not recognize anyone in the photos.
Bea Schwarz Newman
[To contact Bea Schwarz Newman, click here.]


April 25, 2004
Click on images to enlarge

Editor's Note: Click on each of the thumbnails above to enlarge the image. I know nothing about these photographs except for pencil notations on the back which say that they were taken at a Temple Isaiah Demonstration Seder in Kew Gardens, NY in 1947. Does anyone recognize the building or any of the people?


April 24, 2004
Just read John Mountain's entry regarding Joe & Mary Basso's store. Their house was next door to mine on Metropolitan Avenue (we moved there around 1965) Very nice neighbors, growing up I thought they were husband and wife I never knew they were brother and sister. One thing I do remember though was that a Mary would get histerical during a thunder storm and Joe would ask my mother to help him get Mary out of hiding - she would go into her bedroom closed until it stopped raining (the weird stuff you remember)
Peggy (Cella) Flefleh



April 24, 2004
       Any one remember Kew Cozy? They had ice cream in January for a few years where they'd sell ice cream cones (routinely on sugar cones) for a give away price something like one cent in the middle of January. Spring has finally arrived here in the north so I'm beginning to miss winter!
       They also made extrordinary dumplings in chicken soup. My mother also reminded us they were not motza balls. They put all soret of seasoning and herbs in them and tiny bits of ham! More winter food.
Marianne Lods
[To contact Marianne Lods, click here.]


April 24, 2004
Hi all,
       Oh, the Park!!!! Hours of Whist, mooning over the guys on the basketball courts, being able to go out and stay out alone, even as a youngster, the lovely trees in the back (which should be blooming just about now) the amazing array of folks I got to meet, the monkey bars, walking up the road from the subway station and seeing it...it was home. And community.
       My family lived in Kent Manor, right next to the Park. Sounds are memory to me, and I when I hear the rain falling on piles of Fall leaves I go back 35 years or so. Does anyone remember hearing the phantom bagpipe player? Anyone know who it was?
       I also remember finding it weird that the older children would come back to live in KG after they had graduated college or otherwise moved away from their childhood homes. Now, with a three year old of my own, I long for a place like KG was in the 60's and 70's -more specifically Kent Manor - where so many of us lived in close proximity, could go in and out of each others homes like they were our own, hang out without fear and know that our folks were equally assured of our safety and well-being. Heck,my mom (she died in 1998) sent me to Associated and the laundromat (on Metro) alone when I was 8 years old.
       It's hard to recreate, but I am trying...
       There is so much concrete stuff and so many people I don't remember. BUT the wonderful feelings remain.
       Does anyone know the whereabouts of Alex Speilberg?
       I send a big up to Richard Minsky, Barbara Titowsky, and the family of Ramon Rodriguez. These folks contributed hugely to my life.
Buff Medb Neretin (and Maude Odile)
The Pacific Rim



April 23, 2004
Joe I still enjoy the Old KG site immensley But the lady who just recently wrote you is right-there seems to be a slowing down of interesting comments.. I noticed that in all the comments written about different sites and favorite places, no one mentions Joe Basso;s Grocery store on Metro and 123 Street. Joe opened the store right after the war /he was in it and fought in Italy for the USA. He had come to the US with his parents in the 1930s/ His father, sister Mary and he worked in thestore. The store was originally a one clerk BOHACK store I worked as a devery boy for 2years of High School Sadly both Mary and Joe have passed away There was also a candy store right next door Mr. Gross and his wife were the most remembered owners I have run out of space
Please keep up the good work
John Mountain
[To contact John Mountain, click here.]


April 23, 2004
I saw Barbara Abatiello Talbot's name and wanted her to know that because of her I'm having flashbacks --- I too spent a great deal of time at Bernieland and was friends with Roberta(went to her wedding and saw Bernie in a suit without an apron on!!) I lived on Metropolitan & 124th Street and could see the store from my window -- I remember going with Roberta to a party in your backyard and meeting you & your brother Steven - where you friends with Alberto Paz?
Peggy (Cella) Flefleh



April 22, 2004
Hi all:
Looking for any FHHS alums from 1963, 1964 and 1965. I am trying to organize a Reunion for later this year for 1964's Fortieth and including the classes just before and after. If you went to FHHS and/or know anyone who graduated during those three years, please pass along my e mail address and/or website.
http://pub27.ezboard.com/bforesthillsclassof19631965
This website is for any and all FHHS alums from any class.
Love to all KG and FH's people.
Bonni the FHHS YENTA


April 22, 2004
       First of all, I would like to say what a wonderful site this is!! I grew up in Richmond Hill and Kew Gardens. They will always, always have a special place in my heart. On another note, today is the 12th anniversary of the passing of my father-in-law, Mike Talbot. He lived in Kew Gardens on 116th St. and 83rd Ave. Dad was one of the most generous, wonderful men I have ever had the pleasure of knowing. I want him to know he is dearly missed.
       While I was perusing the site, I came across the page referring to Bernieland. I couldn't help but cry when I saw Bernie's picture. His daughter, Roberta, was my best friend. Bernie and Claire treated me like another daughter. They opened their home to me and I can't believe that they are no longer with us. It was true...you could get anything at Bernie's. If you needed a last minute birthday gift, Bernie had it. Ran out of sugar, no problem. Bernie even delivered the newspaper himself and if you needed milk, cigarettes, or whatever, he would bring that also. Bernieland was a neighborhood treasure and, in my heart and mind, will always be regarded as a "historical landmark".
Sidebar to Roberta - love you and miss you.
Barbara (Abatiello) Talbot
[To contact Barbara (Abatiello) Talbot, click here.]


April 21, 2004
Hey Joe
Have you gone away again or are people like me not writing?
Marianne

Editor's Note: Marianne, I am still here. I haven't gone anywhere.After all these months, I think everyone may just be messaged out, but that's OK. The Guestbook isn't a chore or a duty. I'll keep it open even if the posts are only occasional from now on.


April 18, 2003
Hey Joe,
I don't think I know you but I wanted to share my appreciation with you for putting together such an incredible website. The memories, the connections, the laughter are just some of the by-products of your efforts. So.....from all of us "old Kew Gardeners", thanks.
Neil.... Kew Gardens, 1951 thru 1974...P.S.99,
Russell Sage ('66), Richmond Hill H.S. ('69)
Neil Fried



April 9, 2004
The name of the bowling alley on Metropolitan Avenue between 83rd Avenue and Lefferts Boulevard was Kew Forest Lanes (it was directly opposite the Metropolitan Avenue facade of Eton Hall, where I grew up). If I remember correctly, there were 12 lanes downstairs. I bowled in a junior league there for several years beginning at age 10. I then 'transferred' to Triangle Lanes (mentioned in a previous posting). I remember the prices for league bowling at Kew Forest Lanes on Saturday mornings - 3 games PLUS shoes PLUS a soda for $1.25. Ah, those WERE the days!
Rob Freundlich
[To contact Rob Freundlich, click here.]


April 8, 2004
Nancy Straub
[To contact Nancy Straub, click here.]


April 8, 2004
       There were three candy stores in the sixties on metro between Lefferts and 116th. Besides Ziggys "This is not a library!" (United Cigar) on 116th and Bodners on Lefferts, there was also Leo's on the other side of Metro east off 83rd Ave where the dry cleaners is. Leo was not particularly good with kids.
       I remember seeing one of the Metro basement bowling alleys, I forget which one, probably the one below Spolan's, after it was closed. There was also the upstairs Triangle Lanes with 12 alleys on Myrtle near Hillside. For those that grew up on 118th street, there were two great places to climb. There was suicide climb with the death spikes that went between 118th and 116th behind 83-60, the airline building. And there was a less challenging one one that was between 118th and Lefferts behind the Georgian house. Also the big drop-off next to the playground between the Garden House and the Forest House. To experience nature there was the walk along the freight tracks from Park Lane South by the trestle, which also was next to suicide hill, the steepest sledding hill around. There was no third rail, so it was a great place to get pennies flattened by the freight trains. One time we almost got flattened ourselves by a couple of horses that surprised us galloping through on ! one of the riding trails. Forest park was a great place to explore, but when we turned nine me and my friend Mitch started going on subway adventures and the then whole city opened up.
Ron Signore
[To contact Ron Signore, click here.]


April 8, 2004
       Okay, okay, so I have to take partial responsibility for what Howard Roth describes as the "lousy" pizza at Busa Stopa Pizza (next to the Hamburg Bank). I worked there as a kid for a while along with my buddy Doug Charnoff, who lived a couple of buildings down on Kew Gardens Rd.
       Clearly, Busa Stopa Pizza was nowhere close to being in the same league as Dani's Pizza (should probably not even be mentioned in the same sentence as Dani's). The mere fact that they had me making pizza is indication of that, but the guys who owned it were nice guys. Though, now that I think about it, they probably exploited my labor and broke minimum wage laws, though I can't remember what I was paid.
       In addition, Busa Stopa Pizza, together with the Winter Garden Chinese Restaurant and Pastrimi King, did provide a much needed refuge for us after playing hockey in the Hamburg Bank parking lot on freezing cold winter days.
       For those of you who did partake in Busa Stopa Pizza way back then, I'll do you the favor of not divulging the secrets of how the pizza was made.
Larry Gross



April 8, 2004
It's really great to see some of the postings from my old classmates/schoolmates at P.S. 99. I am just checking in with some more great memories from my childhood, in Kew Gardens. There was sledding at Toilet Bowl Hill and the little park on Metropolitan Ave. & Park Lane South. At the toilet bowl, we would start from a path that went through the bushes and ride it all the way down to the Grand Central Parkway. At Forest Park, there was the path named the ski jump, which dropped pretty steeply out on to the Metro. Ave side. You could always count on seeing one sled demolished against a tree there. How about climbing the big Civic Virtue Statue on Queens Blvd./Union Turnpike. You really got a colorful anatomy lesson from the scrawlings on the naked bodies. Then there were the 2 bowling alleys on Metropolitan Ave. One was below Marty Spolan's Sporting Goods store and the other was on the next block several doors down from Lydia's Pizza. I never knew the name of that place but I had a few birthday parties there. I only remember the one entrance going down into it. Looking back on it now, it was probably a real fire trap. Years later it became a pistol range. Speaking of pizza, how about Busa Stopa Pizza (next to the Hamburg Bank). The pizza was lousy but give them credit for a catchy name. I saw some recent mentions of Ziggy's candy store. We had also called it United Cigar (I don't know why)but I remember that they had gotten an arcade type, rifle shooting game. It was probable the first store in the neighborhood that had anything like that, other than bars. We used to race the 2 blocks from Hebrew School on 116th St. & Grosvenor Place to play that game. That building where Hebrew School was held was called the Community House. Would anyone know who actually owned that property? I didn't think that the temple owned it. It was a large tract of land that eventually was torn down to put up several 3 family homes. What about Dead Mans Rock, behind the Kent Manor. Was it an Urban Legend that people were buried under that rock, as we were led to believe. How did that rock get there anyway. Was it left over from the Kent Manor construction, did it fall from outer space or was it a leftover from the Jurassic Period??? Please help, I need to know. Lastly, the greatest candy store had to be Bernieland on Metro & 124th St.. Bernie had everything in that tiny store. I could remember buying Renkens Milk for 25 cents a quart, 1/2 gallons of Abbott's Ice Cream for 99 cents and Marino's Ices for 10 cents a cup. We would have contests to see who could fling the ice's lid the furthest. One time I remember hitting a house across the avenue. There were the egg creams and sodas mixed right at the fountain. One of my favorites were the Stewart Frozen Sandwiches. They were put into this little oven and you would turn the timer and in a few minutes, Presto, it was done. My question is, how did that light bulb cook those sandwiches? Well its late now and work awaits in the morning. Take care all.
Howard Roth



April 5, 2004
       OMG, what a WONDERFUL site! Thank you, Wayne Plump, for directing me here. I have been trying to go through past messages and there are names that are certainly blasts from the past.
       I'm not sure how many people will remember me, but a big hello to the 83-26 Lefferts Blvd gang. Wayne of course, Doris Goldfisher, Thea Saul, and I can't believe I remember Jimmy Callen, wow. Jimmy, you lived next door to my childhood friend, Donna MacGregor!
       A hello to Billy Schleifman and David Silfen, my more recent past, and to and Kevin Klauber of my PS 99 and Russell Sage past.
       I can't wait to check back and see who else paid this site a visit.
       This has stirred some incredible memories for me, and just remembered how our building had a tremendous, tree filled backyard. In the fall we used to pile leaves up in the alleyway entrances from the neighboring buildings and jump into the piles. I can even conjure up the smell of the alley which led out to Metropolitan Ave. I also recall being in that alley with Kevin Gordon and Johnny Rider, who were older than me, where I first realized I was a true chocoholic, but regretfully (or fortunately, as the case may be) the details cannot be posted here.
       I'm looking forward to reading all the Kitty Genovese research. That was certainly memorable, even referenced in sociology textbooks. To think the details were more myth than fact is intriging.
       Would love to hear from some of the old gang.
Happy Passover and Happy Easter!
Ronni (Sokol) Dreisbach



April 5, 2004
I want to take this opportunity to wish all of our KG's Jewish friends/FHHS/RHHS alums a Happy, Healthy & Peaceful Passover!!!!!!
Love & Peace
Bonni "The FHHS YENTA"



April 1, 2004
       Got me! Good April Fools joke. I remember when 80th Rd. (Quentin St)was a) two-way and b) lined with beautiful elms, all of which succumbed to the Dutch Elm disease. Fifty years later, the mighty oaks are also beautiful, but don't erase the memory of those magnificent elms forming a canopy completely covering the street.
       That photo of Lefferts looking up from Austin St. reminds me of how my (late) Mom almost lost it there. getting off a bus (Green Line) at that stop in the picture, Mom's long winter coat got caught in the door. When the bus started , she went with it! Only a lot of yelling stopped a sure disaster. Oh yeah, nobody sued anybody.
Jeff Trevas



April 1,2004
~POEM ABOUT SCHOOLYARD 99~
I WENT BACK TO THE SCHOOLYARD WHERE WE RAN OUR RACES
FIFTY YEARS LATER THERE WERE NO TRACES
FACES I HAD SEEN AND LAUGHTER I HAD HEARD
FROM THE SECOND GRADE OR WAS IT THE THIRD?

FRIENDS I HAD I CAN SEE THEM TODAY
WE CAME TO THE SCHOOLYARD ONLY TO PLAY
STICKBALL, BASKETBALL, HANDBALL, TO NAME A FEW
NICK, MIKE, JO-JO AND A GIRL NAMED SUE

MY SECOND HOME PUBLIC SCHOOLYARD 99
WE SHARED OUR LIVES,OUR MONEY,OUR TIME
TRAVELLED TOGETHER UNTIL WE GREW OLD
AT SEVENTEEN DEPARTED FOR A LIFE UNTOLD

LOOKING BACK IT HAD TO END
MARRIAGE, JOBS, AND A WHOLE NEW TREND
DAYS AND NIGHTS THAT SCHOOLYARD WAS HOME
KOOKIE, KOOKIE LEND ME YOUR COMB.
LEONARD SCHNEIR 6/18/95



April 1, 2004
~ THE 99 WALL ~
SOMETHING THERE IS ABOUT A MATHEMATICAL WALL
DIVIDED IN THE CENTER, TWO HALVES SLIM AND TALL
SEPARATING PUNCH, HAND, STICK AND SOFTBALL
QUADRANTS IN THE YARD, WINTER SPRING SUMMER AND FALL

ADDING FRIENDS, TEAMMATES, RELATIONSHIPS FOR LIFE
BACHARACH, SKELLY, MARBLES, TERRITORY WITH A KNIFE
TAR ART, MYSTERY CATCHES, SHADE FROM THE HEAT
LAUGHTER AND TEARS, LOSE AND TAKE A SEAT
SOMETHING THERE IS ABOUT A MATHEMATICAL WALL

MINUS SCHOOL KILLINGS, DRUGS, CRIME AND RAPE
EXCEPT FOR THE BOY WEARING A CAPE
THE SKY SEEMED BLUER, THE AIR WAS CLEARER
THE DAYS GOT SHORTER AND THE WALL MOVED NEARER
SOMETHING THERE IS ABOUT A MATHEMATICAL WALL

MULTIPLYING AGES, SIX TIMES TEN
CHECK IT OUT WITH A PENCIL OR PEN
THE WALL ADDS, DIVIDES, MULTIPLIES AND SUBTRACTS
THE TRUTH ALWAYS HURTS BUT SO DOES THE FACTS
SOMETHING THERE IS ABOUT A MATHEMATICAL WALL

SMALL BOXES, STEEL PLATE, HOLES IN THE FENCE
WHERE WOULD WE PITCH MANY YEARS HENCE
THE WALLS GONE FOREVER, RETURNED FROM WHERE IT CAME
KIDS BACK THEN AND KIDS WE REMAIN
SOMETHING THERE IS ABOUT A MATHEMATICAL WALL
LEONARD SCHNEIR 1/17/2000



April 1, 2004
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