I was raised and taught skellies on Jerome Ave in the Bronx and later moved to West New York, NJ where with the best friends a guy could ever have played this game from morning to night. The rules were standard but like Eric from WNY we also used the “P” for pit around the 13 box. We played on 64th Street between Broadway and Dewey Ave.’s Carlos, China(edwin), Danny(Brigs), Ralph and Henry(Littleman). The Kelso’s got in a few rounds of play as did others from around the neighborhood but mostly it was just us. One of our favorite rule variants was called Downtown. A true rule breaker if ever there was one. If a players cap started to roll, anyone playing could yell out the words “Downtown!” or (my personal favorite) Hoboken!!! Then proceed to kick the rolling cap as far away as possible. Brig’s cap once landed in front of Saint Josephs on the corner of 64th & Palisade (Google earth this to get an idea of the distance, its 2.5 blocks, but the last block is all up hill and probably close to 300 yards by itself!)
I live down the Shore now in Silverton, and have 2 teenange boys of my own. It’s their turn to learn now.
Thanks for the memories. Hey guys, if you ever come across this message, bro, I don’t care if your 90 years old, look me up.