Category Archives: Street Lifestyle

From Goldy (my street name)…

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From Goldy (my street name) Back in the forties in Brownsville in Brooklyn, we made our own scooter. We would get a crate from the fruit and vegetable store, a 2×4 was nailed to it and half a skate, one in front and one in the back nailed to the 2×4. If we could, we would make handlebars from 2 pieces of wood nailed in a “v” shape on top of the crate. We would then decorate the front of the crate with bottle caps. We could run errands for grandma by putting packages inside the crate. That was all we could afford for transportation.

Reporting from Parkchester…

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Reporting from Parkchester in the 60’s. We played in the courtyard of the U-shaped PS126. Singles, doubles, triples by hitting the opposite wall above the windows of each level. A narrow band below the roof was a home run, but on the roof was an out, for the ball was lost, and the batter had to run down to the candy store to buy a new Spaldeen ($.25?). If nobody had money, the game was over. My best stickball story is from the Saturday afternoon when I was having such a blast playing that I forgot my altar boy assignment for the 5:00PM mass at St. Raymond’s. My mom was so ripped when I strolled home at 7:00PM that I had to go to three consecutive masses the next day. From humiliation came responsibility, I guess. Great website, great memories from the Bronx.

what about the Qupie doll…

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what about the Qupie doll with movable arms but straight legs. was made of pressed wood. had a pixtie top hair do an painted face . mine had a sunsuit on . that was over 55yrs ago that I got her. I still have her , a little worse for wear an tear , played with her a long time [years] before putting in keepsake trunk.

Sittin on stoop was a fine…

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Sittin on stoop was a fine pasttime. Living in a northern Virginia suburban townhouse today, I occasionaly sit outside on the front stairs (stoop) and take in the view. My wife, who grew up in the South, often remarks that I am the only person in the entire townhouse development who sits out front. Old habits die hard.

How about those square/flat…

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How about those square/flat clutch (vinyl or leather) purses with the metal rectangular handle cut into the middle near the top? Oh, I loved those crop tops with the ruffled bottom. How about mini skirts worn with a fat belt? And who can forget PF Flyers?! Made you run faster and jump higher! My favorite sneaks were a pair of denim colored Keds with orange laces. I wish I could find them available today.

Great site. I’m amazed…

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Great site. I’m amazed at the Y2K price of a 2-bit Spaldeen ! Wonder if Toys R Us have them. I’m tempted to ask for one at what passes as a “candy store” these days but I don’t think the Indian or Pakistani gent would know what I’m talking about. Speaking of which, I did not see mention of the “Hindu”. This was when the ball took an ersatz bounce on an omni-present rock or broken bottle fragment. It resulted in a “do over” unless the offense could convince the defense that it was not a Hindu but a lack of fielding prowess that caused the fielding error. In the same vein was the “Windsie” (ball trajectory altered by elemental forces of nature) or “Interference” (ball hit tree limb, car antenna, passerby, etc.). Well, so long for now. I’m off to get a “for 2 cents, plain”. Rich Badagliacca