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 Looking east on Metropolitan Avenue from Lefferts Boulevard  The Parc Chateau Apartments on Talbot Street  The Eton Hall Apartments on 118th Street at Metropolitan Avenue
Eton Hall stands on property that was once part of the estate of Alrick Man, the founder of Kew Gardens, NY.
Click images to enlarge
If you have pictures of yourself showing any Kew Gardens locale in the background, email me high resolution jpegs and I will post them here as space permits.
To download a copy of the Queens Courier's Sept. 2003 article about Old Kew Gardens.com, click on one of the following links. Turn off your browser's auto-resize if the JPEG text appears too small to read. [JPEG - 240kb] [PDF - Hi Resolution, 379kb] [PDF - Low Resolution, 97kb ] |
July 2003 Guest Book
Lived in Kew Gardens, kent manor since 1948 till 1968, live in manhattan at the moment would love to hear from any good friends.
howard spindel
July 30, 2003
I was very sad to hear that Dani died. Dani's was as much a part of my life as any place in Kew Gardens. When I moved back to live in Kew Gardens in 1977, we had a dog. My husband used to walk "Flash" who was a Newfoundland puppy then, but didn't look like one. At night my husband used to walk to Dani's have one or two slices and then walk back home. We'd always have pizza from Dani's and also dinners. It was more like a home to us than a restaurant. Dani would always be hanging around and greeting all who came in to eat. I really think that Dani's was the heart of Kew Gardens then. Recently we went back and there was Dani's exactly the same. I hope that Dani's will remain the same now that Dani is gone. It's a neighborhood institution.
Dani will be missed. I wonder how many people he integrated into the US? There were always boys who came from Albania, Dani's home country, who were trained to work in the restaurant. I think Dani helped a lot of young boys from Eastern Europe.
My condolences to Dani's family. I'll never forget him and Dani's.
Barbara
[To contact Barbara Levine Ehrentreu, click here.]
July 29, 2003
Editor's Note: You can now go to the P.S. 99 class photographs directly from the home page. The link is just above the one for Kitty Genovese. Five more class photographs have been added. The newest ones are marked with an asterisk.
July 29, 2003
It's me Candace (CANDY) Henschel & my sister was Kim. My original posting on this KG site was on January 7, 2003. This site is too KEWL :-) Amazing all the people that have connected with one another once again. Just awesome to say the least. Kew Gardenites Rock!
One of my best friends who has never left Kew Gardens is Katharine (KATHY) Furth. Of course I have told her all about this site. She has asked me to post the following message for her.
Candace (CANDY) Henschel
July 28, 2003
Editor's Note: Please be careful in your guestbook posts not to say anything that might shame or embarrass anyone - especially over things that may have happened decades ago. Even if you withhold his or her name, your reference might be specific enough to allow some readers to identify who you are talking about. I don't want anything written on these pages to cause any hard feelings. I hope you'll understand. PS: Just so there are no misunderstandings, I am not in any way referring to D. Thoma's July 20th post about Kitty Genovese.
July 26, 2003
I also remember 25cents for a slice and a small coke at Danis. I was also there when Randy (the bully), was standing outside the window where they kept the pies, and took a whole pie and folded it in half and put it under his shirt. THOSE WERE THE DAYS!!!!!!
July 25, 2003
Your web site is incredible. You have done an amazing job at capturing the essence of Kew Gardens, and what it was truly like to grow up there. I can relate to the stories of people 30 years my senior, playing in the schoolyard at P.S.99. I graduated in 1988, but will always treasure the great education, and foundation that 99 provided. As a kid walking home on Lefferts, stoping at Dani's after school, and walking the side streets to Forest Park I never could have appreciated the beauty that surrounded me everyday, and the wealth and influence that it took to build it. Thank you for preserving that for all of us. You are the Kew Guardian(pun intended) R.I.P. Mr.Dani, and lets hear from some of our other '88 graduates.
July 25, 2003
I once heard that Dani was a prince -- a member of the royal family of Albania. In July of 2002, there was a celebration of the return of the royal family. Here is the web page that describes it in French (note that it says that Dani was unable to be there and sent his regards).
http://www.french-market.com/albania/Presse/Le retour/28062002 le retour/28072002.htm
Josh
July 24, 2003
I can remember 25 cents for a slice and a small coke at the best Pizza place in the world. You could either come inside and eat or stand at the window. Dani was friends with all the kids in the neighborhood in the 60s and he knew all of them by name. If you didn't have a quarter for the slice and soda, he gave you credit. He trusted all of us that would hang there. Could never understand why the pizza dough was yellow but it was really good. Dani will be missed by all he touched with his warm smile and friendly personality. Thanks for the memories and God Bless You.
Linda Widder Wiesner
July 24, 2003
Editor's Note: I'm told by someone who was there that Ramiz Dani's funeral was "massive" with "hundreds of cars and hundreds of people". He was buried at Maple Grove Cemetery and a giant pizza like wreath was laid at his grave.
July 24, 2003
How about Mister Softee? Nostalgic? Can you hear it in the distance on a street nearby? Listen to this:
go to mistersoftee.com or grab the file
http://www.mistersoftee.com/softee_final.wav
Josh
July 24, 2003
I am very sorry to hear of the death of Ramis Dani, founder of Dani's House of Pizza. From the day it opened, sometime in the late 50's or early 60's, Dani's was not only a great place for food, it was also a place where, if business wasn't too brisk, one was welcome to linger. It became a great afternoon and late night hangout in the mid to late 60's. Dani never seemed to mind if we weren't spending money. He never seemed to care if our hair was long. He welcomed us all. I can still recall the way in which he would ask us to leave, when things were busy. Dani would say "Fresh air," and we knew it was time to go outside.
Franklin J. Goldberg
[To contact Franklin Goldberg, click here.]
July 24, 2003
Editor's Note: Sad to report the passing of Ramiz Dani of Dani's Pizzeria, a long time Kew Gardens landmark. His funeral is today at Schwartz Brothers Memorial Chapel at 114-03 Queens Boulevard in Forest Hills, NY. Our condolences to his family.
July 23, 2003
This is a great site. Born in 1946, I grew up in Kew Gardens. Recently, a group of my friends from Overlook Park got together for a reunion of sorts. Good times, lots of laughs. One of the individuals at the get-together told me of this site. Although I live out of state, I still have family living in Kew Gardens. If you are interested in pictures, I will try to find some photos of the area during my early years and send to you.
Fred
July 23, 2003
[Editor's Note: This message has been moved to the Kitty Genovese Message Board.]
July 21, 2003
The internet should be based on the free and open exchange of ideas. Mr. Thoma: discussion is very healthy. There are many "gray areas" surrounding human events; responsible and sometimes unemotional discussion can and should take place. On a lighter, summertime note: previous posts mention Frankie of Good Humor Ice Cream fame; recall Bungalow Bar?--the ice cream truck with the brown roof. Any others recalled?
Don
July 20, 2003
[Editor's Note: This message has been moved to the Kitty Genovese Message Board.]
July 18, 2003
WE HAVE BEEN LIVING IN ETON HALL 118-18 METROPOLITAN AVE SINCE 1951 AND WILL BE MOVING DOWN SOUTH END OF THE MONTH. WOULD YOU HAVE ANY PICTURES OF THIS BUILING. IT IS CORNER 118TH STREET & METROPOLITAN AVE. THANKS
HARRY
July 18, 2003
Editor's Note: Eton Hall is one of several Kew Gardens apartment buildings for which I have not yet found any old pictures. For whatever it's worth, I have added a 2001 photograph of Eton Hall in the sidebar.
July 17, 2003
Editor's Note: Sad to report the passing of long time Kew Gardens resident, Fred Rinde, who died yesterday at the age of 94. He moved into the Texas Apartments at 83-40 Austin Street in 1955 and had lived there since. He is survived by his son, Andrew, and his daughter Judith. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him.
July 17, 2003
The site is filled with interesting historical information and is a welcome addition to the RHHS site. Good Luck
mary ann carey
July 17, 2003
Read some portions of this great web site which suggested there were caves in Kew Gardens; an individual allegedly lived in one for a few years without being detected in the 1880's--looking at the geography now, I believe the paragraph suggested that it was located somewhere at the crossroads of Union Turnpike/Jackie Robinson Pkwy & Queens Blvd. 'down the hill' heading towards where the IND subway yards are. To the editor: is this your impression as well? It seems to make sense inasmuch as the land as it exists today could have had some sloping entrances into the hillsides...
Rich
July 17, 2003
CORRECTED Editor's Note: Earlier today, I posted a reply to Rich's message in which I expressed doubt that there were ever caves along the Briarwood side of Queens Boulevard. A former Kew Gardens resident has since phoned to let me know I was wrong. As a young boy during the 1940's, he and his friends used to explore the area next to and beyond Borough Hall. Not only was it heavily wooded, he tells me, but there were indeed both caves and cliffs there. Thanks to Lenny Schneir for the heads up.
July 16, 2003
I loved the site. Thanks! I had my 1st apartment at Colonial Hall in 1976, when I was 18 years old. I could tell that it once had days of glory, although it was getting pretty run down when I first moved in. I lived there until I got married in 1985, moving up from a studio (great apartment, with an eat in kitchen and a walk in dressing room) to an even more spacious one bedroom along the way. Not bad for $202 a month in rent! Thanks for the memories!
July 16, 2003
The idea of showing pictures of the different schools in the neighborhood is a great one. A few years ago my graduating class, the class of '61 had our 40th reunion. It was the first time we had all gotten together since we graduated. Although the actual dinner was held in Long Island, the following day we had brunch at Jahn's. Then a few of us walked to Richmond Hill HS, our alma mater, and it was basically the same. The neighborhood around it has not changed and that was really comforting. It was also comforting to know that Jahn's had not changed either. In this world of constant change there is security in knowing that some things don't change and it is possible to relive your memories. I will look through my yearbook and find you some pictures.
Barbara Ehrentreu
[To contact Barbara Levine Ehrentreu, click here.]
July 15, 2003
Editor's Notes: The Queens Board web site has a page showing old class pictures of various Queens Schools. [Click here] Neither P.S. 99 nor the Kew Forest School are yet represented there. It would be nice if they were. If you have any old class pictures from those schools, you might think about submitting them. I'd also like to do a slideshow of P.S. 99 and Kew Forest School class pictures on this site. All I need is for viewers to send me scans of enough class pictures to make it worthwhile. One thing more. I plan to do a page on the Forest Hills and Richmond Hill High Schools as well as Russell Sage Junior High School since anyone growing up in Kew Gardens went to at least one of the three. Any suggestions as to what I should say in the commentary would be very much appreciated.
July 15, 2003
i love this site
Anonymous from Amsterdam, NL.
July 14, 2003
The great thing about growing up in Kew Gardens was and is the diversity amid relative stability and prosperity of a small, well-located community. It has been accomplished without much help from our elected politicians but from the hard work of citizens just working hard and raising families; from 'blue blood' to European immigrant to Black Migration from the South to migration from Puerto Rico, Hong Kong, or Iran or groups from Brooklyn; diversity within religions; people in the community have gotten along for the most part for many years through change. One community not necessarily integrated; with the historical knowledge of Ellis Island, Hitler, the Shah, Asia, Puerto Rico, and Pogroms. It is part of what makes NYC so interesting.
Jay
July 11, 2003
Lived in Kew Gardens from 1965-1971 on Metropolitan and Park Lane South. Our child attended P.S.99 and Russell Sage. Classes were crowded then about 30-40 baby boomers per class at PS99. They even had a regular guidance class for special children that was held behind the stage area of the school auditorium. Space was at a premium at then. Mr. Finegold did his best. Heard about the later school expansion. Always appreciated the architecture of the older NYC Schools where stone faces dot the building line. Enjoyed this web site. We now live in Delaware.
Mrs. Lois Edwards
July 10, 2003
I love looking through this site. Nice to see pictures of the Kew Lefferts. Have lived there since 1981. Most people living there now don't even realize that the building has a name.
Sylvia
July 9, 2003
Harvey, HI! I'm going to see Randy this coming Monday. Hope all is well. Say hi to Shirley. Love to here from you
Marshall Krimsky
July 9, 2003
Thank you for the Kew Site. Teachers I recall from '99: Mrs. Berland, Mrs. Diner, and Mrs. Leider. Played stickball at the school yard--we used the coal chute doors as strike zones. Burnt coal made for excellent projectiles. Remember young Tommy the custodian?--he used to try and keep Randy in check during schoolyard warfare; Tommy would go on the school roof and throw down all the balls that made it up there--we loved that! I remember that some of the older apartment buildings in the area had what seemed to be water tanks on the roof--Shellball, Mowbry--were they indeed used as water tanks or for other purposes? Those were the days...
Matt
July 8, 2003
Hello Everyone, I'm the baby brother of Marshall, much better looking. Remember me? Kew Gardens is always in my heart. What ever happened to my buddies? Richie Klauber, Eddie Torrez, Chris Monash, Marc Chernin, Claire Wernick, Susan. You guys are always part of me. As for Randy, I use to through rocks at you, and the rocks used to bounce off you. You always will be my cous. See you Monday with Marsh
Andrew Krimsky
July 7, 2003
Wasn't it the guys form Biarwood who were at that card game and wasn't one of them who "pot it"? And who can forget Frankie dealing and giving you those looks after he peaked at the up coming cards.
Nuch
July 7, 2003
Ok Josh, So I still don't know how to spell. Hey Josh, I remember that ace,e dueces game. How funny!!!!! Hopefully I'll see you guys next Monday.
Later, marshall
Marshall Krimsky
July 6, 2003
Funny how these bully-bashers never use their e-mail and curiously write in a similiar style. Is it a new age cyber-bully terrorizing the web site. I better find a new route to surf.
Josh
July 6, 2003
I think Krimsky dropped a "c" in his e-mail. it must be schifpack.com...
Josh
July 6, 2003
The Kurtz family moved to the Kew Plaza in late 1964. Deborah & Carolyn were toddlers and friends were made immediately with parents of little kids. I had lots of questions regarding the neighborhood but the Kitty Genovese tragedy was taboo, especially among my new friends who lived in the Mowbray. Joe, your analysis is the first time, after almost thirty nine years that I have ever had access to a full account but I still reserve judgement and a blanket repudiation of the "eyewitnesses" might not be fully justified. This has not changed my opinion of Kew Gardens, with all its highs & lows and although both Debbie & Carolyn live in Tampa with excellent careers, loving partners and have given me a grandson, I am still not tempted to leave just yet. Reading about PS99 and the teachers who opened the door to the joy of learning to thousands of our kids brought tears to my eyes. Even Mr Feingold didn't sound so bad.
Sara Kurtz
July 6, 2003
R.R. The Bully was so bad in school at PS 99 in the 60s that his usual seat in class was flush against the blackboard. When the teacher went forward towards the class to teach, this comic genius would turn his eyelids inside out causing an uproar of laughter and disgust in the class. R.R--come forth and identify yourself publicly in order to take credit for your childhood exploits.
Laurie
July 5, 2003
Hey, we almost have enough for a little game of cards... as marshall once said, how can i lose, pot it! to an ace and a deuce and watched the ace come up... i think he went and took a small piece of sara lee pound cake out of the freezer after that... Can you remember standing in front of the entrance to the roger williams waiting for a flying lizard and trying to catch it in a box? or deciding that a certain lizard needed some day glo paint to spruce it up for the black light? But... how can we forget the immortal WEASEL WEAVE or "its all in the wrist" ah-ha... I know the weasel is out here. Happy 4th.
Josh
July 4, 2003
Just from reading recent site entries, it has occured to me that Kew Gardens is the epitome of the "It takes a village" credo that has been espoused by Hillary Clinton. First, the aforementioned P.S.99 teacher Mrs. Leibowitz. When I was fortunate to have her as my 4th grade teacher, she was Mrs. Gold. Everyone has a favorite mentor but this woman wasn't just a good teacher, she changed lives. Lynn Gold made poor students - good students. She made good students - exceptional students. She made you yearn to learn. I have been able to realize many of my dreams and without her exceptional communication skills, passion for teaching and loving care, I never would have come close. Lynn, if you happen to read this and become confused as to who I am, here's a clue: "Sentence Fragment" (written in red ink) approximately one thousand times. On a less heartwarming note, I've noticed a few mentions regarding the Bully of Austin Street. For some reason I don't recall this "Community Cancer". Could someone please elaborate on who he was and during what particular years he unfortunately trolled the neighborhood. Finally, I just learned about the transformation of the movie theatre on Lefferts from porno to art deco. It's great to hear that the old girl that is Kew Gardens can remain the same and yet still evolve. Until next time, choose one from column A and one from column B!
Best Wishes,
Eliezer Scott
July 4, 2003
Hello everybody ! Josh , how about the Hamtons? Nuch how about laughing in front of our dates with cheese cake comming out of our mouths. And 123 Jacks a pig (the old porter). hey how about the "colonel club" I think i still have some applications in my car. I feel like having a quarter lb. of Mel (Mel-o-ream). and of course club 719...
Billy Kroll
July 4, 2003
I moved to Kew Gardens when I was 14 in 1959. I went to Richmond Hill HS. We lived in the Texas and my aunt lived around the corner on Talbot Street. Later after I had been away for a long time I moved back with my husband and we lived in the Roger Williams. Harvey, I saw your email and of course I remember you. I remember Shirley too and you know me very well. We lived in the Roger Williams from 1977 to 1986 and my daughter went to PS99 for 1st thru 3rd grades. She had Mrs. Leibowitz in 3rd grade who I consider one of the best teachers I've ever met. I don't know anything about the bully, because I was away during that time.
I enjoyed seeing all of the old and new pictures of Kew Gardens, but I wonder why none of the apartment houses such as the Roger Williams and the Texas were not included. Do you have pictures of those and will you be putting them on this website? I think it's great that you have this website and hope you continue to update it. I also liked the info about the Kitty Genovese story. I was a girl when that happened and afterward I was always frightened to go out at night alone.
Barbara Levine Ehrentreu
[To contact Barbara Levine Ehrentreu, click here.]
July 4, 2003
Editor's Note: I know that I don't have nearly enough material about the area east of Lefferts along Talbot and Austin. That is only because old photographs and vintage picture postcards of this part of town have proven so hard to find. However, this is still a work in progress, and I will not stop looking.
July 3, 2003
I learned all about the architecture of Kew Gardens during the 60-70s because of yes--the Bully King of Austin Street. In order to get around as a kid, one travelled along with a friend on all the side by-ways away from the Lefferts and Austin Street corner area where the evil one perched in his 2nd floor? terrace hideaway peered and conspired to make life a living hell for the kids of P.S. 99 and the community. I wonder if the Harry Potter creator ever met R and based a character in the Harry Potter series on his character?
Sue
July 3, 2003
what's up my old Buddies. Remember me??
Marshall krimsky
July 2, 2003
Sounds like some people are still haunted by that bully... How about Irv "Da Loom" the fruit man? Or Mel ("I'll have a quarter lb. of Mel") and Linda who had the Deli on Leffert's between Talbot and Austin? Who could forget Junior at Mr B's? Or Miss Marie, the "doorman" at Kew Hall? How about Pops on his motorcycle or that guy who hung with him washing the cars who had leprosy or something. Remember Charlie the janitor who got into a huge car wreck and must have gone through the windshield? What happened to the guy who was "going to school Saturday mornin', going to school". Or that guy who used to march back and forth in front of the post office stuffing handkerchiefs down his throat... Some random memories from the synapses...
Josh
July 2, 2003
A collective 'Bronx cheer' goes out to this Damien, the Bully King of Austin Street from the 1960s-70s, now a seemingly civilized fan of this site. The famous scene from Braveheart the movie could have been filmed in 1968 in Forest Park with the kids from P.S.99 facing this giant panda of a brut with the same possible results.
Robert
July 2, 2003
The web site is great. Fascinating how childhood memories come back. The evil Dennis the Menace Times 2, the bully of Austin Street in the 1960s is apparently a fan of the site. It is true--anyone can learn to get around the web. See you at the school yard.
Lenny
July 1, 2003
Christine Nucero
July 1, 2003
Randy Richards told me about this site so I signed on. It's great to hear the stories. Kevin, I hope your sister and brother are well. Larry, great to hear that you are well. I still live in NY, my mom still lives in the Texas, same apt. We flew .10 wood gliders (that we bought at Mr. Bee's) in that post office lot. I am back there a lot to see my mom. I brings back great memories. What about wiffle ball? and the triangle? Mr. Hill, and Tom Courtney?
Nuch
July 1, 2003
Ed.'s Note: The reason each guest book posting does not appear here immediately is that I review each message individually before posting to eliminate spam or unwanted adult content. Email me if you want to make a correction to a message you have already posted or if you would like a message removed.
How to contact Guestbook signers
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.