September 30, 2003
Editor's Note: The current issue of the QUEENS COURIER newspaper (Forest Hills Edition) has a lengthy article about Old Kew Gardens [.com] which even quotes from a number of your posts. Unfortunately, the story did not make the paper's online edition. If you would like to get a free copy, contact me by email. I'll give them away until I run out of copies.


September 30, 2003
Wasn't the beauty parlor called "Avery" or was that the florist across from Bohack?  The tree house was on Austin Street down past the water tower...
Josh Levine



September 30, 2003
Editor's Note:  This message has been removed at the poster's request.


September 30, 2003
Thank you Edi!  I too couldn't remember the name of the roller rink - it definitely was Hillside. It was an art being able to skate and juggle a soda from the concession stand. I wonder what ever happened to the person who used to play the organ?  If I close my eyes I can still hear them play the song "More"  While we're on the subject of the roller rink. Does anyone remember the tree house that was located on Kew Gardens Road next to the train tracks on the way to the roller rink?  Also, Barbara mentioned a candy store before the steps that lead down to the railroad - it was Georgies. I used to buy my comic books there. Does anyone remember the name the beauty parlor that was located between Buster Brown and Bohack's, or the millinery store (mom used to buy my hankies there - back when we had to have a hanky pinned to our skirt). I noticed a posting from Paul Gusmorino - I believe I went to school with your sister Teresa and brother Peter. Many thanks to you Joe!! This site is very addictive.
Luv and best wishes,
di
Dianne (Chen) Freiberg



September 30, 2003
The roller rink was alot of fun. It was called the Hillside roller rink. They used to post signs for SINGLES, PAIRS, TRIPLES etc. and you had to find a partner. It was on Metro Ave. and Hillside Ave.
Edi (Beckler) Goldberg
[To contact Edi Beckler Goldberg, click here.]


September 29, 2003
Barbara Krysko jogged my memory on the roller rink and maybe it was called the Rollerdrome?  Also, I understand it is now the Glendale Bakery and Bake Shop.
Josh Levine



September 29, 2003
Having lived in the Roger Williams from 1949 to 1963 I have many fond memories.  Does anyone recall that TV Host Jerry Springer lived in the Roger Williams.
Barry Wiesner



September 29, 2003
I do remember the Health Food store and also the Asian clothing store...I still have a jewelry box I bought there. I also remember during the 80's there was a pottery shop and a wine and cheese bar on that side street across from the Homestead nursing home. Every now and then I return to the old neighborhood and become very nostalgic.  And to the person who remembered Mildred Rogers Dance studio...I went there as a child!  I remember being very frightened by her...She was very intense and used to bang a stick and yell at us when we werent getting the moves!  I also went to Drama lessons at the church across from the Maple Grove Cemetery.
Tara Girsky



September 29, 2003
This is a wonderful site. The pictures help me to recall warm memories of a great neighborhood. ( I grew up in R.H.,which was also a lovely little town.)  I was born in Kew Gardens hospital, but did not go into the area until I met kids from the high school. I used to go to Overlook Park,(I remember Frankie the ice cream man), and got together with people who lived near there,including those from the Roger Williams building. I thought it was the classiest place because there was a doorman. Who remembers Stanley?  (When I got,married I actually moved in there in the 70's.)  I had many great friends from K.G., and I loved my experiences during those years. I look forward to reading other replies. My favorite times were spent at Dani's, The Sweet Shoppe on Lefferts,Alex's house ,and the Austin movie theater. They just don't make neighborhoods like Kew Gardens anymore!  Someone was asking about Benny, who we used to think was my friend's butler. I have info. I would love to hear from anyone I knew way back then. Keep up the great work on this site.
Edi (Beckler) Goldberg
[To contact Edi Beckler Goldberg, click here.]


September 29, 2003
Click on image to enlarge,
Editor's Note: Click on the thumbnail to see a c. 1975 photograph of Mimi's Candy Shop, which is mentioned in the following message.


September 29, 2003
    I remember Mimi's candy shop. I loved her displays and wandering through the shop. We could always find a gift there. Also do you remember across the street on Lefferts Blvd. there was a clothing store near the candy store that was close to the stairs leading to the train platform?  It was run by an Asian woman and I still have some of the things I bought there. Do you also remember the health food store that had all those European packaged things?  I think I had my first Riccola drops from there. I lived in Kew Gardens from 1959 to 1965, but my husband and I moved back in 1977 and lived there until 1987. In later years a little coffee shop was on the corner of Austin and Lefferts.
    When we moved back and I had my children what I loved was being able to walk up and down the streets with my carriage and meeting my friends on the street. If you lived there long enough you got to know so many people that it could take a half hour to walk half a block.  People would stop and talk constantly.  There are very few places where people are that friendly. As a new mother I appreciated the company of other new mothers as we all walked the streets together with those cumbersome carriages. Or we would sit in the little park next to the Austin Theater. But what I liked best was walking to Forest Park in a group and when my kids were older watching them play while we talked. It was always safe for us and the kids.
Barbara Levine Ehrentreu
[To contact Barbara Levine Ehrentreu, click here.]


September 28, 2003
    I was born in 1943 and lived in KG until my married in 1968. I attended Kew Nursery (?)and had Miss. Hilda who I called Metilda. She spoke only German and I did not yet speak so my not quite New York accent is a constant reminder. PS 99 was headed by Mrs. Henrietta Oliver who had a "hunch back" and was scary because...?  I can't remember the vice principal's name. Mrs. Carey taught kindegarten. Grade's 1 and 2 were with Mrs. Waite who was a lovely, gentle woman. Grade 3 was Miss Reece who was matronly, stern, strick and very very frightening. She wore a cross and we had to read a Psalm each day. Grade 4 was Mrs. Fuller who was blonde and smiled a lot. Grade 5 was Mrs. Mahon. I have that photo and carefully wrote the names of each child. And Grade 6 was Mrs. Wall and then off to the real world..Russell Sage and FH HS.
    I lived on Cuthbert Road a few doors up from Linda Widder ? and down from Eva Spett. Maxie Strauss was my neighbor. Frankie Lipson lived two doors away for a while. Joyce Flatauer lived on the block behind us. The upper part of Cuthbert had Chestnut trees and chestnuts which we made into necklasses and put into bon fires. Our street was all dutch elm. We played alot of stick ball and punch ball and rode bikes.
    My Great Aunts, Ella and Renee Gross lived on Grenfell Avenue just off the Turnpike. They were both elderly. Their house was a white stucco with a large open front porch and a quince tree in the year.
    I'd love to hear from anyone who remember's me or Maxie or Eva or Joyce.
Marianne Lods
[To contact Marianne Lods, click here.]


September 28, 2003
The wonderful memories posted here always bring me back to a simpler time. Kew Gardens was a great place to grow up...I lived there from1964 until 1988 in the Georgian House. I made some wonderful friends from this neighborhood with whom I am still in contact with. I remember Bodners candy shop...going there for candy and eggcreams, the owners with their german accents....I, too remember getting slices of bologna from the butcher shop and the dog that kept the owner company. I also remember a childrens clothing shoppe on Lefferts ....Was it Hilda's?  I remember being stung by a bee right outside of that store. I also loved Mimi's candy shop and got all my shoes at Buster Browns which was right next door. There was a chinese laundry near Bodners and a dry cleaner. Now there are apartments there. My best friend and I used to rent the double bike from Gray's bicycle shop and bicycle all over Forest Park. Later as a teenager, I remember skateboarding all over the neighborhood...wonderful Hills we were blessed with!  And hanging out in Forest Park overlook, the Pond, playing frisbee on warm summer nights in front of my apartment building.,..catching fireflies, listening to great music with great friends. One of my fondest memories will always be climbing around all the alleyways connecting the buildings during my tomboy years!  I miss Lydia's pizza place, Ziggy's candy store,( which in now a Dunkin donuts)Wonderland and the small mom and pop stores which are so rapidly disappearing!  I am so happy that Forest Park still remains with newly built playgrounds!  My children were there not so long ago! thanks for the memories!
Tara Girsky


September 28, 2003
    I remember the roller rink well!
    Each year, when I was 8 to maybe 12, I had my birthday parties there. I remember they had a cool board on the wall that lit up with the kind of skating that was supposed to be happening at the moment (all I think I can remember is "all skate" or something) and I remember that you could skate right into the bathroom... I don't remember it's name though.
    It closed in the late 60's or early 70's and turned into a taxi garage. I think the taxi garage burnt down in the late 70's or early 80's and I'm not sure what is there now.
Josh Levine



September 28, 2003
does anyone remember the name of the roller skating rink (I think it was still Kew Gardens) it was where Austin street and Metropolitan ave came together and ended just past the railroad underpass???  Back in the sixties I remember girls had to wear skirts and all the indoor roller skates had wooden wheels - it was so much fun, an alternative to all day cartoons at the Austin Theatre - I can't remember when that place closed??
Peggy (Cella) Flefleh



September 28, 2003
I grew up in KG from 1949 and lived there between going away to college and medical school till I moved to Manhattan in 1975. I was born in woodside and my family moved to KG when I was one. My two brothers and sister were all born at KG General Hospital which is no more. We all went to PS 99 and Russell Sage JHS but different high schools as the zoning changed. (Richmont Hill HS, Performing Arts, and Jamaica HS)
Paul Gusmorino



September 27, 2003
    Born in 1947 -- lived in KG til 1973 -- PS 90, Russell Sage, Richmond Hill HS
    Still visit occasionally
    My wife Linda (Cella) also from KG..grew up on Cuthbert...our 1st married apt. was 116-16 Audley
Andrew Newman



September 27, 2003
I noticed that you do not include the Barcelona Apartments under "find it- Apartments". This web site has a great side view shot of the Barcelona. The second slide under Lefferts Blvd & Vicinity shows the Barcelona on the corner of Lefferts & Metropolitan. If you have any history on the building, that would be great as well.
Thanks,
Howard

September 27, 2003
Editor's Note: The Barcelona's appearance has now been noted both on that page and in "Find It". If I can find anything out about its history, I will do a web page on it. Thanks for the heads up and the suggestion, both of which are always welcomed. I'm sure there are quite a few things I've missed including in the "Find It" page. If you or anyone else knows of any more, please let me know and I will include them.


September 26, 2003
    My brother Richard, sister Louise and I lived and grew up in Kew Gardens from 1946 to 1967. Richard and I still live in the NYC area, but Louise(or Lisa) lives in Portland, OR.
    Although it has been years, we still talk about KG as our home. Our children marvel (and often laugh) at stories we tell about the 50's, attending P.S. 99, the Village and Forest Park.
    How lucky we all feel to have grown up where we did. It is rare to find a community that is as much a living thing today as it was over 40 years ago.
    More importantly, we still consider friends we made as children among our best friends today.
Carol Tunick Maxfield



September 26, 2003
I've had so much fun looking through this web site and remembering the fun that I had growing up in KG. Many thanks to my sister Barbara Krysko for telling me about it. We lved on Beverly Road, just one house off of Park Lane South and I spent my days playing basketball on the court in Forest Park. I've e mailed with Arthur Kupferman and Lenny Bloch recently and I'm looking forward to getting together with them and any other contemporaries of ours. We hope to hear from you soon.
Michael Titowsky



September 26, 2003
I was born in kew Gardens in 1955 and attended PS99, Russell Sage & Jamaica High - lived on Cuthbert Road down the block from TEDDYS and The Kew Cozy Luncheonette where I played often with my best friends Karin & Claudia - I later moved to Metropolitan Ave & 124 across the Street from Bernieland the home of the 5 cent coke. This web site is fabulous --- a million thanks for reminding me of the little things that mean soooo much.  I forgot how lucky I was to have all these memories.
Peggy (Cella) Flefleh - I'll be back!



September 25, 2003
    August 14, 2003, another blackout hits the northeast and New Yorkers and visitors are stranded and camped out all over. I missed being trapped in the elevator of my office building by seconds as I rushed to catch my bus. Was it sheer luck, or do I have a guardian angel?  I thought it odd that there were so many people on the streets of New York and suddenly wave upon wave of thoughts of 9/11 entered my mind. Although agitated by the 4-1/2 hour trip home, I had no idea what happened until someone on the bus happened to have a radio and announced what had occurred. Suddenly, I was transported back to November 9, 1965 when the great blackout hit the northeast.
    Isn't it odd Joe that I had suggested that you pose a question on the website to ask people where they were during the 1965 blackout just weeks before?  No - I didn't trip over the plug - lol
    I had just left Barry's 5&10 to pick up art supplies for my 5th grade science project and made it home before the lights went out. Dad brought up candles from the Pub Restaurant and made sure we were all okay. There I was sitting in my bedroom by candlelight trying to draw the inner works of an eyeball in pastels. At the time I thought it was so exciting having no lights, living by candlelight and flashlights. The next day at school we heard all the stories about who was stuck in elevators, whose parents had walked home from Manhattan or got stuck in the subway. I thought how fortunate I was to be in the confines of my home.
    So, where were you when the lights went out in 1965?
    Best regards to all and hope you got home safely.
Dianne (Chen) Freiberg


September 25, 2003
Editor's Note:  Dianne did indeed make that suggestion before the August 14th blackout.


September 25, 2003
I am in Potomac, Maryland, graduated from PS 99 in approximately 1963 ( I'm in a rush now and will continue to come to this site after the Jewish holidays.)
Jeanette Binstock Kupferman



September 24, 2003
    ahhhhh, the rumble of the LIRR in my backyard, the bus to kennedy airport on austin street and the middle of the flight pattern between kennedy & laguardia....i remember listening to crucial moments of ballgames when the roar of one of the above drove me nuts.
    i wouldn't trade my kew gardens growing up experience for anything.  as art kupferman mentioned, we're looking for old horses to get together sometime during the next few weeks.  please contact if you're interested!  peace,
Lenny Bloch



September 24, 2003
Hi,  My Husband and I currently own and live in a coop at the Curzon House located at 83-80 118th Street. I was born and raised in Park Slope Brooklyn and it was hard leaving but when you get married things change and I have to say they did for the better. I love Kew Gardens and even though I have only been there for 2.5 years it feels like I am home now. My Husband and I do not have children but plan to and would love to raise them here but we have yet to find a house we can afford. The only thing I have to say I am a bit upset about is the beautiful homes that are being sold to builders who are in turn tearing them down to build huge apartment buildings. Right now behind my building they demolished a beautiful red victorian home (which is in one of your photos on this site for 117th street) and are building a 12 story building which I feel takes away from the beauty and peace Kew Gardens offers. I cannot say enough how much I love Kew Gardens. What I love the most is that when I get off the LIRR after my long 17 minute ride from NYC I feel like I am no longer in the city and I feel so relaxed.
Elsa


September 24, 2003
Editor's Note:  The red house Elsa refers to in her message (above) can be viewed by clicking here. When I learned back in July that it was to be torn down, I went to take a picture of it. Sadly, there was already a plywood fence around it so I could only capture the upper floors.


September 24, 2003
My brother (Conrad) recently discovered and informed me about the site.  Since his posting, Lenny Bloch and I have chatted and would like to convene a group of our cohorts within the next week or two (we're all around 46 now.)  If our names are familiar to you, please contact one of us. Looking forward to hearing from any of you.
Art Kupferman



September 23, 2003
Hello...I hung out in Forest Park with Paul Paplin..Enid Flink and Bob Minsky and the Roomates many moons ago. I live in Columbia s.c. and work for Wachovia Bank. What great memories ...I love to see my childrens eyes role when I tell the of all my celebrity friends. Anyone who remembers please contact.
sue shinkman hubbard



September 23, 2003
THE NAME OF THE BUTCHER SHOP ON MET WAS "NEVADA MEAT,THE OWNER WAS HERB MAY.
HARRY



September 23, 2003
Thanks for the response to my question. It is quite interesting that I can remember where the butcher shop was, seeing that I moved out of KG just shy of 7 years old. I also remember one of the stores having a juke box. I used to play "little Darlin" by the Diamonds(1957) over and over. I do remember there was a collie that I would see often at one of those stores on Metropolitan Ave. I also remember a pidgeon landing on my head outside the Barcelona, I was about 5 at the time. To this day, I run for cover when I see one of those crazy birds.
Howard


September 23, 2003
In answer to Howard's question about the Chestnut tree's...they must have been fairly common. We had one in our backyard. It made an awful mess, and you could hear those chestnuts falling on the old wooden picnic table we had out there. It was annoying. Also, the squirrels became a big problem because of the tree...they loved those chestnuts, and our telephones wires, which they chewed through one too many times. My father had the tree removed. There was a butcher, a fish store, and a produce store on the corner of Metropolitan and Lefferts. I don't remember the dog inside the butcher shop though.
Barbara Titowksy Krysko
[To contact Barbara Titowsky Krysko, click here.]

September 23, 2003
Editor's Note:  I remember a Chinese laundry being there, too.


September 22, 2003
Was there a butcher shop on Metropolitan ave, just around the corner and just east of the Barcelona apartments on Lefferts Blvd?  I somehow remember my mother bringing me there and the butcher would give me slices of bologna to eat. I think he may have had a dog in the store as well. If anyone has the answer, I'd appreciate it. Also,I'm re-posting my request for the location of a store named Katzmans Dry Goods, anyone know the location?  I also remember the sidewalks loaded with fallen chestnuts. I know there was a blight that killed off the trees, but were chestnuts common in KG?
Thanks,
Howard

September 22, 2003
Editor's Note:  I remember that there used to be a butcher store on the south side of Metropolitan Avenue just a couple of doors west of Lefferts Boulevard. It was one of several stores that were razed in the early 80's to make way for a Savon Drug Store. The Savon store was demolished a few years ago and a condominium now occupies that property.


September 22, 2003
I also feel priviledged to have grown up during the 50-70's in Kew Gardens. When I tell people that Mr. Feingold and Mrs. Reiss inspected our fingernails in the morning to make sure we went to school properly groomed or that we danced the Minuet and the Virginia Reel in gym class at PS 99, they look at me like I have 2 heads. My sister Jeanette and my brother Arthur and I grew up on Union Turnpike right next to the Kew Gardens General Hospital though I actually lived somewhere between the handball court in the park and the stickball field in the school yard.
Conrad Kupferman



September 21, 2003
Click on images to enlarge,
Editor's Note: Click on these thumbnails to see a photograph of the Buddy Monument and a turn of the century printed picture of Forest Park - both of which are mentioned in the following message.


September 21, 2003
Forest Park ~
    Here is a little story of some of my memories I hope you can enjoy for I am sure each of us knows a place like this that we can call home.
    I suppose my life began in forest park So many are the memories of where I sit now in solace of a life so confused by love hate and happiness and sadness.
    Earliest memories of this place take me back some 30 years now to a time when a four year old freckled faced child learns to ride a present brought to her by Santa Claus. A purple Schwin big girls bike. As spring time comes to Richmond Hill New York and gone was the cold that hung to the branches and springs green and flowers blossomed. My dad says "come on kid lets go for a ride" so into the families green station wagon with care he placed my present that I'd long to ride all winter long. In the pocket of the mans jeans a few tools and me in tow. Off we were just daddy and me the boys left home with mother.
    I remember seeing the so familiar solider statue one I peer at now as I write As daddy made the right turn onto the tree lined street of Park Lane South I turned and saw that solider standing proudly protecting the secrets and miracles of the park I was yet to learn.
    With such ease my father lifted the bicycle form the back a strapping man standing 6'4" and well over 200 lbs. In my eyes daddy stood as grand as the solider and would always be there to protect me his only daughter.
    Daddy took from his pocket a ratchet and lifted the training wheels from the ground. Anticipation grew within the mind of this anxious child, not knowing what to expect. Onto my Schwin I climbed my feet barley touching the pedals. Daddy holding the back end of the banana seat as I began to gain momentum. The purple and white streamers blowing in the breeze.
    Then I hear my fathers voice. "Your doing it kid" as I realized that I was doing it on my own. This was probably one of the proudest moments in my fathers seeing "His Lil Girl" doing it on her own. Knowing in his heart of hearts there would be so many thing I would do alone in this lifetime, but at that moment pride swelled in the crystal blue eyes and through his smile a tear yet came.
    As the afternoon grew and my confidence soared I felt as though I had it all.
    Childhood summer days spent here flying kites in Victory Field. My brothers dad and I would take a kite on a breezy day to the open track and get the red kite my brothers put together to soar higher then the clouds themselves.
    Feeling the tug of the string as the kite climbed to heights further then the trees. For hours we would fly and run and laugh, the care freeness of children. When the evening began to set in Dad would take the kite and begin to reel it in or so we thought. I watched so intently I would see the kite climb higher and higher in the now cloudless sky.
    Daddy would have us watch as he slowly let the kite take wind and fly. We would wait until the kite was no more then a spec in the sky and our day would be over. The memory remains and I still look for a random red kite in the sky hoping that some other father shares that kind of memory with his children.
    Days of track meets at Victory Field when I was no more then 11 or 12 being so tall the team used me to jump the hurdles and for the last leg of the relay races. There was many a meet run in the rain but the park forgiving as always never let us loose a meet.
    As childhood faded away and gone were the training wheels of life and kites gone a stray. Into my life waltzed boys and skipping school and what better a place than a safe zone of my childhood.
    8th grade it must have been spring April or May and me so "in love" with the boy who lived down the street. In my parents eyes not being old enough to have a boyfriend and but me of course knowing more then my parents for what 14 yr old believes their parents were once children too.
    So the scene is set to ditch school and meet we did to walk the trails of the park on one of the most beautiful days in my recollection. Again this day I pass the statue of the solider who frowned at me this day, I did not care I knew no bounds for young love has not one in the heart of the innocent.
    As held hands and walked through the park I saw and experienced places within the trees I knew nothing of. A fallen tree stump, a place to rest as the boy laid his head in my lap and closed his eyes for a moment. The quiet peaceful safety I knew in his arms then. They say that the young knowing nothing of love, but when some 25 years later you can remember that feeling. When your stomach once again gets those magical butterflies, your heart quickens and still a tear is shed for that what could have been. I believe that to be love in its ultimate form. Innocent and true.
    A day like that you wish could have lasted forever and in some ways it does for as long as your memory serves you can travel back in time to the 1st love and know how things should feel when love is..
    As with any, life lead me away from Forest Park for a part of my life living without its safety. The nestles of the trees when I needed a place to cry to think or to smile. But life being as it is I was brought back close to home only know as a parent with grown friends. The park in its trueness had remained the same and remained a place where I could go and forget the worries of the day and be a child once again.
    A gathering place for our motley crew of friends. The group of us who had somehow become family. We spent many a day at the dome listening to music, barbeques, and having snow ball fights. Of course upon the demise of and loose of friend the only fitting place to say our last goodbyes to them.
    I hope that what they say is true about being able to see from heaven because then those of us who are now gone were there with us when we said our final goodbyes. Gatherings of 40 or more telling stories and remembering when..
    Now I sit here and see new faces and I am sure that they all have stories of their own regarding this little piece of heaven I will always consider HOME.
    My thanks go out to the solider who stands protecting and keeping memories for all to share.
    My hopes are that when I am 50 or so I can still come to this place and cry and smile and once again recharge my life all over again.
Nan


September 21, 2003
Click on image to enlarge,
Editor's Note: Thanks to Elly Feist Parran for a photograph taken in front of the old Kew Cozy Diner.


September 21, 2003
In addition to gussies, Dani's, Barry's, Homestead deli, Seidners Gray'a bicycle's How about Mr. Stern the butcher, Mr Levine the hardware store owner, Manny's shoe repair, Reo Pharmacy, London's grocery store on Austin Street. Finally, the one everyone should remember, a Kew Gardens institution (Mildred Rogers Dance studio). My mother went to exercise, and my sisters took balletlessons. Can't omit her.
Robert Horn



September 20, 2003
    I was wondering if anybody else went to Mrs. Rose's Nursery School. The school was in a ground floor apartment in the Mowbrey on Austin Street. It had it's own entrance off the street, meaning you didn't have to go through the lobby of the building to get to it. I can remember only a few people who went there with me. I am pretty sure the years I went would be 1957 and 58.
    The only things I remember about Mrs. Rose was that she was really old, at least to a 3 or 4 year old, she seemed really old. She would take us for walks up to the church, on Kew Gardens Road, to see the rabbits in the backyard of the Minister's house. Anybody else remember going there?  We even had a little graduation ceremony. I have pictures of me, and my famiy on graduation day, and I had a little graduation hat on, and a rolled up diploma in my hand.
Barbara Titowsky Krysko
[To contact Barbara Titowsky Krysko, click here.]


September 19, 2003
Anybody remember 116th street between Mayfair and Courzon rd we played football there all winter, and catch all summer and hung out all night just talking, those were the greatest summers. GREAT SITE.
Michael



September 18, 2003
My mother-in-law remembered the name of the people who owned the Kew Cozy. It was Karl and MaryAnne Wolf. She remembers MaryAnne made the best potato salad, and after they sold the diner, MaryAnne went to work for the Homestead.
Barbara Titowsky Krysko
[To contact Barbara Titowsky Krysko, click here.]


September 18, 2003
This site has been so much fun. In answer to Kevin Klauber's question about the diner across from the Homestead...it was called the "Kew Cozy". It was owned by a German family for as far back as I can remember. They had a daughter named Claudia that was in the same grade as me. I believe they sold it sometime in the early 80's. As far as the owner being a U-boat Captain...I have no idea. I wish I could remember their last name. I just remember them being a very hard working family, they all worked there together, and we ate there often. The mother made the best homemade noodles, and I had my first chopped olive sandwich there, which is still one of my favorites. They lived in one of the apartments over the Homestead. Is there still a diner there? Just curious.
Barbara Titowsky Krysko
[To contact Barbara Titowsky Krysko, click here.]


September 18, 2003
Hey this is Kevin Klauber. I love coming back to this site. Saw my name in a message from Michelle. Hey Nurse Michelle.  Before my family (Debbie adn Richard are my brother and sis) lived on Talbot Street ( 83-09) we lived at 84-53 ? Beverly Road.  I knew a kid named Joey Silks. He had a sister named Ellen ( I think)  Anyway ,anyone know them?  Does anyone remember the rumor that the diner across the street from the Homestead was run by an Ex U -Boat captain?  It was next door to the florist where Rodney Dangerfield ( another rumor) worked.  How about a girl named Lizzie Narr ?She live on talbot street as well. Man I still got a crush on her!!
kev
Kevin Klauber



September 16, 2003
    Ever since I discovered this site, I have connected with many of my past elementary school friends. It's been great!!  I also told my brother John about this site and he posted yesterday. Does anyone know where Leon Fried is? (We graduated from PS 99 in 1962)Robert Sommers?  My brother asked me about Ricky Harrington. (His father was the super at the Texas before the Masons took over...by the way, does anyone know where Albert Mason is?)
    Incidentally, I visited Mr. Finegold at a hospital about 12 years ago. I've kept in touch with the former PS 99 principal and when told he was hospitalized, I paid him a visit. He passed away several weeks after the visit. He recognized me as a former pupil and I thanked him for everything he did for us. I saw Mrs. Finegold at that time but have lost touch. Does anyone know where Mrs. Voulangas is?  She was my 6th grade teacher.
    Hope to hear from some old friends.
David Tamaki (1958-1962 in KG-at the Roger Williams Apt.5L)



September 16, 2003
To Debbie Klauber
I seem to remember the "Circus Train" on Austin Street off Continental Ave. We also had a "Hamburger Train" on 108 Street, in Forest Hills. That was a highlight of my young life going to either.  I also seem to remember the name Klauber. Did you and your brothers go to RHHS or FHHS??  If FHHS when did you and brothers graduate?  I graduated in 1965.
Best Regards,
Bonni
"The FHHS Yenta"



September 16, 2003
To Howard:
    Wonderland was on Metropolitan Avenue, near (and facing) the intersection of 118th Street, backing up to what's now Astoria Savings Bank.
    As I mentioned in my posting (below), when I was a kid I always looked forward to a new school year when I could wander the aisles of Wonderland and buy all my new school supplies!
Rob Freundlich
[To contact Rob Freundlich, click here.]


September 15, 2003
Lucky- Lucky-Lucky that's how I feel about growing up in Kew Gardens. I do remember walking to Forest Hills and having a burger and coke at the place that had a train going around their counter. The plates would sometimes whoosh right by. Maybe a mid-life awakining has made me want to reminess,  How about you???  My name is Debbie Klauber and I have 2 brothers Kevin and Richard. Name sound familiar?  Let me know.
Debbie Klauber



September 15, 2003
Anybody have any news about Kathy (nee) Muldoon--She use to live in the Kew Terrace apts and went to FHHS?
KAZ


September 15, 2003
    Thanks to our host for posting the picture of Siedners Bakery. As a young child I ate many cookies there. I even have a picture of my parents holding me as a newborn in 1950,in front of the angled white picket fence, seen to the right of the bakery. That fence is still there after 60 plus years, Amazing!
    I think this site is terrific, as well as the area of Queens it highlights. Good luck to Rachel and her husband on moving to KG. You not only chose a great neighborhood to live in, but also one rich in history and style. No where else, with the exception of Forest Hills Gardens, does an area shine with such unusual apartment buildings, winding streets and homes with such class.
    If anyone can tell me where a store named Katzmans was located, I would appreciate it. Also, I have a picture of me taken in the 50's in front of Wonderland,  Anyone know of the location?
Thanks,
Howard


September 15, 2003
Thanks for the memories. I appreciate the wholesomeness of KG now more than ever -- having been born in Kew Gardens Hospital and graduating from P.S. 99. Dani's Pizza still rules, but I miss Barry's Five & Ten on Lefferts and Gussie's down on Talbot. Whoever's archiving this stuff, keep up the good work!
Amy Meltzer Funt



September 14, 2003
Hello!
    We lived in the Kew Gardens from 1958-1961. Attended PS 99, Russel Sage Junior high followed by one year at RIchmond Hill hi before returning to Japan.
    Wish to hear from anyone whom I had the previlege of growing up with there in the Kew Gardens please.
    After graduating from a college in Japan, went back to US for Grad School, then hired into a US company working in Japan. I travel several times a year to US for the company. HQ in Michigan with plants in Texas.
    Into Tennis a hobby in a serious way, begun classic piano since june this year. Did not know that I had the ability on both of these endeavors. Biwildered but very happy.
    Best wishes to all those who made our stay in Kew Gardens a very memorable one.
John Tamaki

Phone 011-81-90-1457-5438 voice message.
Will return. :)


September 14, 2003
I was so happy to find this site. My husband and I have been living in the area for nearly two years now. This is our first home. It wasn't easy getting him to agree to move to Queens, but we completely fell in love with the neighborhood the first time we saw it. I know that it has since been sold, but can anyone tell me a little bit about the history of the Metro Soda Fountain?  How long it was there for etc.?
Rachel Beam


September 14, 2003
This message removed at poster's request.


September 12, 2003
        A 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



September 12, 2003
Was great being "found"...living in mission viejo southern CA..been out here since 1977........many great memories........baseball/hoops/park bsing ( my best skill)The roomates........paul paplan who still owes me $5 for the race around the park.......give me a shout
bob minsky



September 12, 2003
You are performing a great service to all us former KG'ers. Inspite of the fact that I now live in Hollywood, FL and my sister in Albuquerque, NM, we can easily visit the old neighborhood and reconnect with long lost friends. Thanks for a most professional effort.
Alan Weinberg
resident from 1944-1964



September 11, 2003
I remember Howie Weisner. He lived across the street from me in The Roger Williams. I lived in The Texas and I had a friend Roberta Marcus who lived next door to him. She had a brother Larry Marcus who was older than she. My brother Josh knew Howie too. I met my husband through one of Roberta's friends.
Barbara Levine Ehrentreu
[To contact Barbara Levine Ehrentreu, click here.]


September 11, 2003
A FRIEND'S TRIBUTE TO NICK MIHOULIDES
    WE MET AT DAWN IN THE SHADOW OF THE OLD SCHOOL YOUR FACE NEVER NEEDED A SHAVE AND YOUR HAIR WAS MAGNIFICENT AND I THE INFANT HEBREW THOUGHT YOU WERE THE KING OF GREECE AS I BOWED DOWN AT YOUR TEMPLE HOME AND SALUTED YOUR BROTHERS. WE SPENT OUR YOUTH BETWEEN TEXAS AND WEST VIRGINIA IN THE DIM LIGHT OF THE RAILROAD STATION INVENTING GAMES WITHOUT ANY FEAR OF THE KNOWN OR UNKNOWN, HARDLY NOTICING THE PASSING TRAINS AND FACES IN THE WINDOWS,THE TEARS WERE FAR IN THE FUTURE AND TIME PASSED VERY SLOWLY BETWEEN BIRTHDAYS. BACK IN SCHOOL WHERE WE SCRIBBLED PAGE AFTER PAGE OF PROFOUND NOTHINGNESS EVERY BELL RANG ON TIME, AN OWL WITH GLASSES ALLOWED TO COPY, WE NEVER CALLED IT CHEATING WE CALLED IT FRIENDSHIP, TRAINING TO BE ADOPTED BY AN UNEXPLAINABLE CIVILIZATION. I PASSED EVERY TEST WITH THE KNOWLEDGE YOU AND I ARE BUDDIES, SO I ALWAYS RETURN MOSTLY AT NIGHT WITH MY EYES WIDE OPEN TO THE DAWN, THE SHADOW, THE SCHOOL AND THE SMELL OF LEATHER, THERE was NO TERROR FROM THE WORLD AFAR.
    WE STOOD TOGETHER AT THE CROSSROADS NO SORROW IN THE MAGIC OF YOUTH THE WORLD WAS AS WE SAW IT AND NOTHING LARGER OR SMALLER. MALE AND FEMALE HEARING THE SOUNDS OF CHURCH BELLS AND BUSES ALONG WITH COUNTLESS COLLISIONS OF BALLS WHERE GENTLEMAN MEET, A SWEET SONG INDEED, IS THERE ANYONE ALIVE WHO STILL REMEMBERS AND IF THERE IS HAVE THEY FORGOTTEN OR CHANGED THEIR MIND.
    SOMEDAY PASSING THRU THE THIN VEIL OF NEXT DOOR CONSCIOUSNESS I SHALL BE WITH YOU AGAIN AND THIS TIME I WILL NOT FORGET TO TELL YOU THAT I WILL LOVE YOU FOR ETERNITY AND WE SHALL DWELL IN THE SAME HOTEL AS BEFORE. I AM STILL THE SAME KID WAITING FOR YOU AT THE SCHOOL BUS STOP VERY TIRED OF BEING ALONE.
LEONARD SCHNEIR 6/20/2000



September 10, 2003
    to me i guess kew gardens was in one place up to the fifties. that is the commercial part of it. it went from beverly rd. to austin st. on lefferts blvd. almost every thing you needed was there. once in a while we would have to go to jamacia, to gertz or montgomery ward for nice clothes and special tools, but other than that it was all there on lefferts. the picure you displayed taken from duffy's bar in the september issue of this site brought it all back. we, the mihoulides family lived behind my fathers store(Don Kew Shoe Repair)diagonally across the street from duffy's bar - actually across from the accociated food store. all the stores on that side of lefferts between beverly and cuthbert had apartments behind them. i was one of five brothers -no sisters- who lived there from 1941 to 1956. there was a driveway behind the stores which went from beverly to cuthbert. we called it the alleyway, we were the boys from the alleyway. my older brother mike grew up to be!
    a captain in the nycfd, i was second in line, i was a mechanical engineer, tom is a distibution mgr in seattle, nick was was mgr of surface transit for ny transit in queens and brklyn and sam the youngest, is a tennis pro in south carolina. we had a wonderful time growing up in Kew Gardens and pledged to each other that no matter how, no matter where we were on new years eve 2000, we would meet in duffy's bar for our reunion. i don't think any of us ever went into duffy's before, but that is where we were going to meet Jan 1,2000. the pledge was made in the fifties,almost fifty years went by, we all married, had children and now even grand children. life went by and then it was here, jan 1, 2000. of course much changed in kew gardens,two of my brothers mike and nick died before our reunion, but they sent thier kids and thier kids wives. we were all represented in one way or another in spirit if nothing else. well, we had no duffy's,duffy's was gone, but we had a big bottle of champaign and a dozen plastic champaign glasses and some noise makers. actually lefferts blvd was quite- a few cars and busses. there were eight of us standing on the corner of beverly and lefferts all dressed up with nowhwere to go. there was a trash basket on the corner, we found a piece of plywood put it on top of the basket and made our table, even put a candle on it. it was getting on to midnight, there was really nobody around except a cop who was standing down the block , almost across the street from where my fathers shoe repair store was, he was watching as we popped the champaign and toasted mike and nick and a new century. we kept our pledge.
john mihoulides



September 8, 2003
We carry a copy of this book history of Kew Gardens in our office. My customer whom I found a rental apartment on 80-40 lefferts blvd loved the book, and I am going to buy him a copy as a give. I also met Mr. barry Lewis today. Such a nice man
Joe Locust



September 8, 2003
Been on this site alot but never have noticed anyone mentioning Bennie. He was a Handyman and all around Mr-Fixit in Kew Gardens. He was on of the servers at my first wedding. Does anyone know what happened to him? Also curious to know if anyone knew the Austin Street boys (Mike,Louie,Nat,Howie)?  My second husband was Howie (The Weasel).
Linda Widder-Wiesner



September 8, 2003
Click on image to enlarge
Editor's Note: Here is a circa 1940 photograph showing the exterior of Siedner's Bakery to the left sidebar. Click on the image to enlarge it. Thanks to Elly Parran for reminding me that I had this. (She had to remind me twice since I didn't believe her the first time. Either I've gone senile or I'm still jetlagged.)


September 6, 2003
Our house is gone... So is my grandparents' (corner of Abingdon and Lefferts). It had the most beautiful magnolia tree which the city cut down.  Siedners was the best bakery (mid fifties).  Kew Gardens was a small town in a big city.
Carol (Heimberg) Bander



September 6, 2003
Ah, Seidners bakery brings back memories of me, at a relatively young age, being given the weekend task of walking from the Kent Manor to the bakery to pick-up their most wonderful JELLY DONUTS (Dunkin Donuts doesn't come close.......) and their bizet (meringue cups) that my mother then filled with fresh whipped cream.  Of course, those were the days when we could eat meringue cups with whipped cream and not gain weight ...............!!!!
Carol Feigl Paplin
cpaplin at hotmail.com


September 5, 2003
This message is a response to Howard about the bake shop on Lefferts north of metropolitan Avenue. I believe you are talking about Siedners or Ziedners. Not sure of the spelling. I lived on Abingdon Road from 1948 to 1970. My mother continued to live there for a few more years. By the time i moved out the bike shope was aready there.
Stephen Bergen



September 5, 2003
Great story. I grew up in Glendale, but lived close to Kew Gardens as a young adult. I frequently hung out at some restaurants and Bars there. Thanks for the memories
Best regards,
Dan Gregory



September 5, 2003
This web site is nothing short of great. I have already hooked up with a half dozen of my childhood friends and loved learning they have the same great memories as I do of glorious KEW GARDENS. There are a few people we are still looking for: Andy Breslin, Jeff Nella, Dave Gluck, Bob Minsky, Lenny Barnakow and Frank Ormstein. Any news would be greatly appreciated.
Bill Gehrhardt



September 5, 2003
I lived in Kew Gardens form birth in 1954 until 1978 (and returned for haircuts until 1990). The ebb and flow of time may have made my youth seem more idylic than the reality but my memories of the neighborhood are solid and good. Thanks for providing a way to tap into those memories so easily.
Wayne Plump



September 4, 2003
this page is simply superb and attractive,
regards by karthi


September 4, 2003
}}} 4 all you Kew Gardenites {{{
(Spread the word & pass this information onto everyone you know from Kew Gardens) (Copy & Paste & email your KG Friends)
****************************************
Okay you are at the site shown right below here:
A Picture History of Kew Gardens, NY
or
/
At this site you will find the Guest Book to make a posting, read postings, PS99 Classroom Photos & ohhhhh sooooooooo much more. Check it out.
***************
A Picture History of Kew Gardens, NY - Guestbook for September 2003.
or
/guestbook.html
You will probably find some long lost friends LIKE I and OTHERS HAVE :-)
***************
Also, there is a message board
The Old Kew Gardens Message Board
or
http://www.eboards4all.com/985535/
This site is self-explanatory.
***************
***************
}}} A new category is the "THEN & NOW" Photo Album {{{
Old Kew Gardens Member Photos
or
http://okg.50g.com/
Come on, People!  We're still waiting for more!  Send your photos 2 my dear friend Mike Hoffman :-)  Send to his email: [email protected]
HEY, IF I CAN DO IT, YOU CAN DO IT :-)
***************
***************
Oh yeah and.......check out my OWN PERSONAL KEW GARDENS WEBSITE with Yours Truly & my sister Kim :-)
Candy Girl KG website
OR
http://okg.50g.com/candy.html
PHOTOS & GRAPHIC INTENSIVE & MUSIC, SO BE PATIENT & GIVE THEM ALL TIME 2 LOAD!!!!  They are all well worth it :-)
Enjoy, take Care & CIAO 4 now,
}}} Candy Henschel {{{



September 3, 2003
Bob Rosenthal (Rosie)



September 2, 2003
    I lived in Eton Hall (118-18 Metropolitan Avenue AND 83-15 118th Street - a very unique building with entrances on 2 different streets!) in Kew Gardens from my birth, in 1954, until I moved away in 1976. However, my parents continued living there for many more years. My mom (Ruth) passed away in 1992, and my dad (Mark) remained there until 1994, when he decided to move to Florida. Sadly, he passed away in 2002. I also have a younger brother (Bruce) who lives in California. I moved to the Washington, DC area in 1976 (after graduating S.U.N.Y at Buffalo) to become a high tech guy, and then to the Boston area in 1989. I married a wonderful woman (Toby) in 1990.
    My memories of KG consist of (among other things) first and foremost my family, my friends, schools (I attended P.S. 90 - anyone remember Mr. Zimler?, JHS 210, and RHHS - class of '72), the little park (the sandbox in the summer, and sleigh riding in the winter), the big park (loved that sprinkler when I was a kid, and playing cards for hours in my HS days), the Overlook, Frankie (the Good Humor man), Mister Softee, Dani's House of Pizza, Lidia Pizzeria, Pat's Barber Shop, Wonderland (new school supplies every year - woo hoo!), Marty Spolan's Sporting Goods (and his faithful boxer!), Metropolitan Pharmacy (where I worked as a delivery boy, driving that beat up old red VW - the first car I learned to drive with a stick shift!), Salty Dog, Bernie Land, Anshe Sholom Jewish Center (both the old, where I had my bar-mitzvah, and the new), RHHS Sing, and my red 1967 GTO. I'm sure I'm forgetting SO many other things.
    I'd love to hear from any of you out there that remember me. Please feel free to drop me an email. KG was (and I'm sure still is) a great place to grow up!!     This site is absolutely fantastic!  What wonderful memories . . .
Rob Freundlich
[To contact Rob Freundlich, click here.]


September 2, 2003
Hi there BILL GROSS (Larry's Dad) :)  It's me Candy Henschel & it was great to see a posting from you. It's truly amazing all the people that have reunited because of this site. As you know, I never lost touch with Larry which is just so great. In fact as kids we made certain promises to each other that I know we will keep and hopefully realize one of these days :)  If you want memories, I suggest you go to the OKG Members Photo Section to see my sister Kim & I....It's called "THEN & NOW" & you need to participate, as well :)  I'm sure Larry will be posting his "Then & Now" when he gets back from his trip to Israel. Do check the photos out cause they are all great.  By the way, my mom Gloria & my dad Edgar are still alive & kicking :)  Was great to see your posting & please stay in touch.
Take Care,
CANDY HENSCHEL

The Old Kew Gardens Bulletin Board will have the LINK at the top of the page for the Members Photos Section.


September 2, 2003
I was a long resident of Kew Gardens. Lived in Kew Terrace on Union Tpke. and Grenfell St. known then as Avenue. Went to P.S. 99 and FHHS, graduated in 1952 and moved to Ohio in 1960. Loved seeing the photos of KG. They do bring back memories.
Suzanne Jacunski



September 1, 2003
paul stillman



September 1, 2003
    We lived in the San Jose Apts on Metropolitan Av. 1/2 block from Lefferts Blvd. I was 7 years old in 1941.
    We played baseball directly across the steet,on what we called the cinder lot.
    Ilived in kew Gardens until I entered the Army 1957, altho my momlived there until 1959.
    For anyone else who knew the LaRocca family from the San Jose Apts. I located Joe LaRocca after losing track of him in the 50s, only to learn of his passing a couple months ago.
    nice reminicing.., thanx jerry
Jerry W Saxon



September 1, 2003
Does anyone remember the name of the Bakery on Lefferts, just north of Metropolitan?  There is a bike shop there now. Also, where was a store named Katzmans?  Thanks to all
Howard


September 1, 2003
Hi my name is Raven. I attend PS.99 located right near your house. I kind of walk pass your house everyday. I have lived in the Kew Gardens/Richmond Hill area for about 3 years. I am in the 6th grade and I just wanted to tell you that I love the fact that you have decided to make a website containing info on things i have always wanted to know.
Raven


September 1, 2003
I also grew up in Kew Gardens (1941-70)and hold nothing but the greatest of memories. While some people celebrate their high schools(and I liked mine)or their college, nothing, I believe ,captures me, what I am about, how I think,what I love as my "roots" in KG. My good friend, PAUL STILLMAN, and I have been friends for over 50 yrs, and still we talk about the joys we experienced during those endless ,but magnificient hours of shooting "hoops" in the PARK. I have managed to touch bases with some parkies, but would love to hear from everyone. Attention to all Kent Manor folk.
Bill Gehrhardt



September 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.