laurelton

Where are all the train riders? Where are those of us who stood on the platforms of Laurelton and Rosedale stations and waited for the Long Island Railroad to take us to school?. Where are those of us, who had our own culture, the culture of P.S. 156, and Merrick Road, later to become Merrick Blvd? What happened to those of us who made the choice to go to Far Rockaway and opt for the train instead of the bus to Andrew Jackson High School, thus sublimating ourselves to the overwhelming culture of the Rockawayites? Even now, as I log onto the site, it is overwhelmingly of the Rockaways, the public schools they attended, the shops they frequented and the friends they made.

Let's hear about what happened to that vibrant culture, the kids from Laurelton, who went to Chung's Chinese restaurant and Safran's delicatessen and the Woolworths on the corner of 129th street and Merrick Road. How many remember going to Jamaica to the Valencia theater, with it's fantastic skylike ceiling with ######### stars and clouds, or for our first part time jobs in Macy's or the many shops along Jamaica Ave? Who among you remember the "Itch" our Laurelton movie house and meeting friends there? Is anyone as old as I am who can remember when the Bee Line bus ran along Merrick Road, before it became a Blvd, and the city busses ran on it? Does anyone out there remember Walter's taxi or Marder's pharmacy, and who among you can tell me what happened to P.S. 156, where I made my first friends? Where are you all? I remember Laurelton, and my Irish, German, and Jewish friends as the great melting pot of my youth. I remember going to St. Claire's
church in Rosedale with my Catholic friends, because Laurelton didn't have one Catholic church.

I brag about my childhood with anyone who will listen, but where have you all gone?

BTW, I graduated from P.S. 156 in June of 1946. I know it's a long time ago, but there must be some of my classmates a) who are still living, and b) who have learned to use a computer. Let's hear it for Laurelton. We were always in the minority, but that doesn't mean we should remain invisible.

Sue has asked that any responses to her letter be sent to me at rockaway@astound.net and I will post them here. Thanks.

Hi, My name is Lance Wallach and I attended P.S. 176 J.H.S 59 and Jackson Class of 71. I lived at 231-03 125 Ave. The attached house block where all the kids came to play. Some of my friends were Charles Berger, Farrell Brickhouse, Stanley Bellis, Bruce Friedman, Sandy Kreger, Bruce Friedman and his brother Roy, The Twins, Paul and David Ross, Howard Wells, Steven Liebowitz, whose father became my stepfather after my father died, Anthony Salerno, David Weiss, Phillip Towger, etc., etc. Remember stoopball, and trying to get your ball out of the sewer? One of my key employees now lives in Laurelton and it is great to go back. The stores are different but the houses look the same. We used to play wiffleball in the driveway. Kids would come from all over to try to play in one of our games. How about playing softball on the island by the cemetery.?

Lance Wallach Email Address: LAWALLACH@aol.com

Hi, Everyone - What a great site! I lived on Jamaica Bay, across from JFK - then it was Idlewild Airport. Anyone remember back that far? I later rode the train with a pleasant young woman, Virginia Schneider, who lived in Laurelton and whose Dad was the Queens County Sewer Commissioner around mid 1950's. Can anyone help me get back in touch with her? I remember also those suspended conversations when the planes would fly over our house, low enough in the evening to light up my bedroom, and the best pizza I've ever had at Pizza King. And how about Weston's, the first fast hamburger place on Burnside Blvd., on the way to Far Rockaway? My name is Barney Shields and I can be emailed at deettagg@aol.com . Thanks for the memories!

Hey everyone- I have a small world thing. Do you remember Robbins Candy Store on Merrick Rd. between 231 and 232 street.

Well I met Mr. Robbins daughter here in Portland and lo and behold, Mr. Robbins is still alive. More than that, he is visiting his daughter next week, and I am joining them for a reminiscing dinner and bbq. Will write more about it after our dinner..

Also had dinner with John DePillis in Riverside last week and met Barbara Rose in Las Vegas.
If you want to know a bit more about me, I have a web page at www.rabbiris.com.
(Am moving back to Vegas soon)

Dick Schachet Email Address: LVRabbi@comcast.net

Hi Folks,

My name is Marv Merein. One of my friends, Andy Litsky, from Cambria Heights just sent me the link to the Laurelton web site. Reading the notes is great fun and I can not believe all the years it covers. I read notes from people who lived there in the 1930’s all the way to a current resident who said a recent home sold for $320,000 compared to $9,600 in 1942.

Laurelton was a bit like Camelot, it was nearly a perfect place to live in the 1960’s. There were 100’s of friends, places to “hang-out” and a place to make friends for life. I met my wife in Laurelton as did my two brother-in-laws. It was a simpler life where boys and girls passed their time playing games outside with low tech equipment and flexible rules. Our parents let us go out and play after our school and asked that we come home for dinner. In the summer we stayed outside long past the sun went down and no one carried a cell phone or pager.

I have lived and work all over the world and I can say no place has touched the ‘glow” of Laurelton. In some regards Laurelton in the 60’s was like a Jewish ghetto and life centered on the Laurelton Jewish Center or the JCH or for that matter the Chinese restaurant. My favorite “hang-out” was the Laurelton Library although I never entered it in the four years I was at Jackson. High school fraternities and sororities served to build life-long friendships and adventures exploded into our lives with thrills and excitement.

Thank you to all of those who contributed so generously to the emails included in the website.

Marv Merein Email Address: marvin.merein@cox.net

PS 156, JHS 59, Andrew Jackson class of 1967

Hi - I lived at 134-23 225 ST. -across from the library- from 1957-1971 when I got married. I went to 156, 59 and Jackson '67-
I loved Carmines pizza and tell my kids that all pizza is judged by that- Thanks for the site- the memories flood back - I was in Sigma Chi sorority in HS - and remember the SAR conclaves-

Robin Gallay Fremer Email Address: rfremer@columbus.rr.com

My name was Abbe Rifkin (still is, I work under my maiden name), and I lived at 121-19 235 Street. I have an older brother, Steven (AJHS Class of '60 or '61, I'm not sure) and an older sister, Brenda (AJHS, Class of '68). Neither my younger sister, Charlene, or I attended AJHS, as we moved to Miami Beach at the end of 7th grade (1970), but we all attended P.S. 176 and JHS 59.

I have very definite, very fond memories of Laurelton, and I am sad that my children did not grow up in the kind of neighborhood that I did (it's a different time now, that's for sure--I barely know my neighbors!). Burt and Dave's (I remember when it was Lil' Ed's or something like that), the Laurelton theater and 50-cent Saturday morning movies (and matrons who threw your behind out if you talked too much), the bagel shop where you could watch them make bagels from the window), the toy store, Dr. Rubenstein (his car would come down the street and every kid would disappear into their houses and cower under the bed), Marder Drugs (bought my first box of sanitary pads there, discretely packaged in brown paper--like no one knew what you had), Casual Department store, ringoleeveo, fireflies, kickball, and peaches in the summer, and snowmen, shoveling the sidewalk, and angels in the winter.

I graduated from 176 in 1968, and fondly remember Mr. LaMont, Miss Altman for kindergarten (remember cray-pas crayons, and how you were special if you got to use them?), Mrs. Blauschild for first, Mrs. Manfre for second, Mrs. Cuscione and Mrs. Atwell for third, Miss Hermer for fourth grade, and Mrs. Clarke for fifth. I remember falling in love in sixth grade at 59, and crying hysterically when we left for Florida because I feared I'd never have any friends again (but, of course, I did). I live in Pembroke Pines, Florida (a suburb of Hollywood/Fort Lauderdale) with my husband and the youngest of my two daughters (the eldest, 21, is in college and the youngest is 17 and starting her senior year in high school. I'm an attorney, and have been a prosecutor since graduating from law school, specializing in high profile capital murder cases.

Abbe Rifkin Email Address: Abbeandscott@aol.com

My name is Howie Spero. My sister Wendy linked me up with this site - talk about jogged memories from the past, wow. I hadn't reflected on Laurelton life in a quarter lifetime. I lived at 130-05 228th St, a memorable 7 block walk to PS156. I share memories of many of you, listening to the loudspeaker announce the assassination of Pres. Kennedy during 5th grade and playing hooky on Sat mornings from the LJC. For a lot of the time, the Boy Scouts (troop 225) were a source of sanity and escape to the boony's out in Suffolk County ..:) I.S. 59 was a blur although I have somewhat fond memories of Jackson ('71) before I left Laurelton for my travels westward (I now live in Davis, CA). Names like Bruce Kessler and Neil Rauch bring back memories of asphalt softball and punch ball in the P.S 156 schoolyard as well as the centerfield fenced garden that was a pain when a young Barry Bonds wannabe placed our one and only ball into the garden in dead center field. Does anyone else remember walking into Stanley's store on the corner of 230th and Merrick Blvd to ask for balsa wood - theresponse was always......entertaining and energetic?

I haven't finished reading all of the postings so I'm sure that some of the above has been repeated before. Nevertheless, the memories of Laurelton are fond and I reflect on the simpler times when a day away from home tramping around Laurelton as a 12 year old did not bring out the FBI and police to locate a missing child.

I'm currently living in Washington DC where I'm on temporary leave from the University of California Davis, running a science program at the National Science Foundation. Drop a line to this email if you remember me - I'd love to catch up with many of you.

Thanks Skip for putting this forum together.

Hi Skip, My brother called me to let me know that he was posted on a page about Laurelton, Queens NY. He told me to go to Google to look him up. I can not find his blog. (not sure if blog is the right word) Is this the only web sight for Laurelton?

Anyway just to let you know that my family moved to Laurelton from Inwood Manhattan in 1961 and I was 13 years old. My brothers were a bit younger. Louis Basher who posted a blog was only 5 years old and my brother Richard Basher was 8 years old. Another brother Harry was born in 1966.
We lived at 139 33 229th Street, in Laurelton about 5 blocks south of Merrick Blvd. and not far from the LIRR on 225th Street (I think). I was in the 9th grade and attended a Junior High School on Springfield Blvd. I think the number was 59. After that I attended Andrew Jackson High School and I graduated in 1965, at the age of 17. In 1966 I traveled to Manhattan to work. In 1968 I met my husband at a Purim Dance at the Laurelton Jewish Center. We married in June of 1969 and moved to Brooklyn.

We lived in two locations in Brooklyn for 25 years and we now live in Bellmore L.I. with our children and grandchildren. My husband Jack had lived in Springfield Gardens and when he met me his family was living in Arverne, Queens. My name was Gail Joan Basher and my married name is Holzman. I had many wonderful friends in Laurelton, but unfortunately I have lost contact with them. Some names that I remember are Lynette Brown, Eileen Arshansky, Wilma ?? , Yvette Brody??, and Jessica ? ??Martinson, also Paul Donato. Thank you for your time. you can contact me at gajobh@gmail.com. Hope to hear from you soon.

Hi to all Laurelton people:

My name is Bill Stein (I was called Willie back then) I lived at 225-06 139^th Street. The corner house at the 225^th street bus shuttle stop. My phone number was LA-8-0826. If any of you can remember, I had the first and only Saab in town, in 1960. It was black and made a lot of noise. PS156, first graduating class at JHS59, graduated AJHS in 61.

I would appreciate anyone who remembers me and has the same great memories as I do, please e-mail me at bstein@aztecny.com. Still live in NY, actually Woodmere, married, 3 children, 2 ½ grandchildren. Where have all the years gone.

Bill 'Willie' Stein Email Address: bstein@aztecny.com

Hi to all!!! What memories this site brings back. I lived at 135-02 232 St. (1964-1973) and later at 235-06 131 Ave. I worked at Chicken Delight and Danny's Taxi. My brother Eddie Reiff lives in Georgia now and I am in Suffolk County. I remember Murray's candy store, the bike shop, Burt & Dave's (before and after the fire), Mr. EDD's, the Laurelton Kosher Deli, Ridgewwod and Meadowbrook Banks, P.S. 156, IS 59 and SGHS! I used to hang out with Lori and Larry Ribler, Micheal and Andrew Blumenthal, Leslie Ginsburg, Marla Malkman, Susan Berman, Jay Pickus, Elliot Mallemuth. Remember Donna Berman, she is a Rabbi and teacher. Remember the Blue Light Patrol? La Tosca, Pendl's music center, Franks Barber Shop, boy what a flood of memories.

I would like to hear from anyone who I went to school with or remembers either my brother or myself.

William Reiff Email Address: metman41@yahoo.com

Hi all,

What a cool site! I can't believe how many names and streets and places that were mentioned sounded so familiar to me, like it was only yesterday!!!

My name is Nikki but in growing up and in high school I used my middle name, Jane. Maiden name was Wedgewood. Andrew Jackson HS grad 1960. My dad owned Wedgewood Studios (photography studio on Merrick Rd). I remember Raab's drug store, Kern's bicycle store, Sam's candy store, Changs restaurant, A&P supermarket where my mom shopped. Grew up and lived at 130-20 234th Street! I can't believe how many names on this site lived so near me!!!

My friends were (in no particular order) Carol Lewis, Howie Hiller, Helene Hech, Bonnie Grey, Margie Slott, Eileen McDonald, Penny (her father owned Sam's candy store and what a treat it was to go there!!), Steve, and some others where the names escape me. I played cards (usually Hearts) very often with Carol, her mom, Howie, and some others. I remember Penny & Eileen hangin' out at Kern's bike store and asking me to go. My dad was very strict, and mostly I wasn't allowed. There were many parties in our family's basements. Helene's twin brother (Barry) had old films and made them into videos. Some 9 or 10 years ago, there was a mini Laurelton reunion where I got to see some of the names I mentioned again. We met twice, about a year or two apart, at a restaurant on Long Island. It was then Helene's brother gave us each copies of the videos. I get such a kick outa watching them!! Anyway, I lived in Laurelton for about 21 years; then lived in Queens a few years, lived in the "Y" on West 50th Street in NYC a few times while going to school, then working, and then spent 34 years of my life on Long Island (Levittown). Three years ago, my "better half" (Jim) and myself moved to the Poconos in Pa, where we live in a beautiful gated community, surrounded by nature and clean fresh air!

I have 2 sons (one married, one single) both who live on Long Island. Married son has 3 kids. My email address is after my first grandchild, Megan!

I am still in touch via email with Carol, Howie, Helene, Margie, & Eileen. I will be sending them the link to this site.

Would love to hear from anyone who remembers me and wants to reminisce.

:) Nikki (Jane Wedgewood) Email Address: Megansoma@aol.com

Hi, I remember "Milk Period" but in P.S.176 we had cookies covered in pink or white icing or pretzel rods. There was one girl in our class, Sheila who wouldn't buy any cookies because they weren't kosher so Miss Hermer , the meanest and most frightening teacher I've ever encountered, got us kosher cookies. From that day on I saw my teacher in a new light. She was the one who introduced me to the French language, French culture, and to the joy of eating cavier and dates.
I'm in touch with several of my old schoolmates but I'm still searching for the following people: Linda Kramer, Eddie Finemen, Vivian Keister, Arden Sue Travitz. Last of all does anyone have any information about Henry Solganik who taught French in JHS 59?

Deborah Gelfand Goren Email Address: debgor2@yahoo.com

Dear Skip,

I got a flash back this week and wonder if anyone remembers "Milk Period?" It seems to me that we gave in some milk money, in the lower grades of P.S. 156, we would get a half pint of milk with a cardboard cap and tab. We got straws and the teacher would pull out this big box of dark covered chocolate graham crackers at a penny apiece. I thought they were great and it started me on the road to become a chocaholic. We managed to get pretty well covered with melting icing. I don't know if it was subsidized by the city but I believe it was a 25 cents a week or some such. It was also a short break in the class day and depending on the teacher, we went from controlled mayhem to all out gabbing and noise. I wonder if anyone out there remembers what grade it stopped at and/or when the program ended? It was a fun time.

I still keep up with the new postings and reread the old ones to pep up my reveries. I'm still looking for the "Time Machine" that could rerun those fantastic days. Nothing but good fortune to you, I'm a believer.

Howie Katz Email Address: Katz4bike1@aol.com

Hello, I lived 234-11 129 Avenue. I graduated from Andrew Jackson 1960. Went to 156 for six months. Laurelton was the most magical place to grow up in. I don't think that there was another town like it. We were safe, happy and soooooooooo innocent. Everyone knew everyone and there was no peer pressure. Unfortunately life will never be that pure and wonderful again. I now live in Tamarac, Florida. I am in touch with several people from school. My brother is Henry Kessler class of 58, my name is Sandra Kessler Brandt.

Hi, Laurelton people: I was just surfing the net, when I typed in "Laurelton memories" and I can't believe this cool web site came up. My name is Valerie Eastman. My parents were MaryLou and George Eastman. (My mom was a tiny woman in stature). We lived at 138-16 230th St. in Laurelton. We lived in the house in between the Sweeney and Havivi families. We lived there from about 1965-1972 when we moved to Florida. I went to PS156 for kindergarten in about 1965 or 1966 and then to St. Claire's school in Rosedale. My sister is Lorraine Eastman, and my brother is George Eastman. (My parents have since passed away). My aunt and uncle were Loretta and Jim Rakers (also passed away) who also lived on 230th street and who were good friends with Wilma and John Phleger (pronounced Fleeger).

I am 45 now living in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida, with my husband and eight-year old boy. I would like to go back to see Laurelton sometime. My dad was there several years ago before he passed away and took a picture, and my sister, brother and I were so happy that our old house looked so nice. If anyone would like to write to me, I would be happy to hear from you. Happy holidays!

Hello, My name is Ronald and I'm much younger than most of you. I stumbled upon this site by accident. But reading some of the post brought back many memories. I lived at 131-33 225st. I was born in 1970. I remember someone mentioning Mr. Weinstock. I remember that family well. They were my neighbors. He and his wife and son were always so friendly. Alice would always make cookies and invite me in for some. They had this huge black dog that used to scare me to death. I remember when their son Eric got married.

The times you speak of are sadly to say looong gone in Laurelton. I barely recognize it anymore. My grandparents (Boyce and Lille Ezell) moved there before I was born so some of you may remember them. My grand dad has passed but Nana as we called her is still going strong. I also remember the lady (She lived at the split between houses) that had the poodles. Her name escapes me. Dr. Newhouse was down the street. Gosh this is just amazing. I also attended P.S. 132 and 156. All of you are on the mark when you ask, What Happened? Anyway, Thanks for sharing and letting me remember when my home was some place to be proud of.

Ron Mason Email Address: rollinthunda2003@yahoo.com

Hi..I loved reading about memories so near and dear to me and to so many others too! My name is Janet (Shapiro) and I lived at 131-30 225th Street. LA5-3643. Our next door neighbors were the Perlsteins and on the other side the Drosins, Nagelbergs. Across the street was Elisa Penn, Marie Lipari, Eric Weinstock.

I was born in 1956 and went to PS 132..Mrs. Bernstein, Mrs. Lakritz, Mrs. Middlemiss (I loved her) Mrs. Perlman, Mrs. Semon (the meanest teacher alive!!) Our principal was Mr. Brau, we called him Mr. Eyebrow because his eyebrows met in the middle. Some friends I loved roller skating, jumproping, hopscotching and playing "war" were: Neil Rappaport, Max Simon, Marion Zucker, David Nagelberg. I remember Crystal Lewis was in my class and she told me who the Beatles were (I thought they were bugs that came here from England, swift kid that I was!)

I went to my old house after my parents died just to breath the air and let those incredible memories sink it. Mr. Silver's candy store at our corner, and I knew exactly when the comic books were delivered so I could buy the latest superman! I remember never being sure if I loved spaldine or pensy pinky balls better...and always trying them out in the store 100 times to see which bounced higher. I still have my 132 autograph book with so many friends leaving their memorable writings such as "yours till Porky pig turns Kosher", or yours till Pen points, yours till toilet bowls...on and on! My mother was Alice Shapiro and was the girl scout leader for our block.

Anyway, my e mail is madaymaday@verizon.net in case anyone remembers me! I would love to hear from anyone!!!

WHAT A WONDERFUL WEBSITE THAT I FOUND BY ACCIDENT. My name is Jeff Goodman and I lived at 131-62 225 St. from 1948 to 1964. I went to PS 132, JHS 59, and Andrew Jackson where I g raduated in 1964. Now I live in Boca Raton Fl with my wife of 28 years. I just loved Carmine's pizza, Raab's ice cream , Mr. Singer's candy store at 225 and Merrick. The Laurelton movie theater was 25 cents on Saturday and it was 25 cartoons. There were these ugly matrons in white outfits that escorted you out if you were too noisy. One day, I threw an ice cream cone at the screen. It was worth getting thrown out for that.

Remember bon bons? Couldn't watch a movie without that. My favorite movie was an Abbott and Costello flick. Life was so wonderful back then. It is just too bad we were too young to really appreciate it. Please contact me at Jefbg@aol.com to exchange more fond memories. Hello to you all. This website made my day.

Skip,

Neat website. (not too many bells & whistles). I graduated P.S. 156 in 1964. My address was 139-55 @227St. Tel. LA 7-6403.

One of my favorite memories of Laurelton, was going either to the schoolyard, or 'Burt & Daves' on Frances Lewis Blvd., and listening to a few kids singing acapella! Some names that come to mind are David Kaye, Alan Kaye, Jay Robbins, and possibly Joey Alfano. They sounded so great! I thought we personally in Laurelton had so many beautiful and gifted people (check Alan Fintz' last updated list re: Laurelton Reunion). I could be in the school bathroom, and I would hear beautiful harmonies: "In the jungle, the mighty jungle, the lion sleeps tonight, Heey wop, doo-oo, bop, bop, Doo-oo. I mean they were better than the Beach Boys (who didn't have that NY street savvy).

Later in the 1970's , my brother Ira, opened a record shop on Prince Street in Manhattan. The first album he sold in the shop was recorded by a NY "street singing" group called "The Persuasions"! Then I thought, man our Jewish & Italian kids had those guys beat!

btw, I think they tore down Burt & Daves. Anybody out there know?

Thanks for memories,

Jeffrey Barouch Jerusalem Israel Email Address: jbarouch32@yahoo.com

Dear Skip,

I've got an original copy of our Souvenir Journal of Alpha Phi Pi Fraternity, Alpha Lamda Chapter. It was our fourth annual dance of May 10, 1947. I was the Chancellor. I had returned from the Armored Force late Fall of 1946. It was a lot of fun and many of the guys had returned from service by then. Most of us were in good shape, some recovering, like Normie (Lippy) Lippman, and we had lost a few. We tried to pick up where we left off a few years before in WW II. I've already posted the names in my entry awhile back. The interesting part of the journal, though, were the adds that the locals had given us to help pay for the publishing and the party. Starting from the first inner page: FOR FRESH BUTTER AND EGGS, CALL LAURELTON 5-2898....MARTIN'S JERSEY FRESH FARM EGGS, Home Deliveries. "FROM YOUR FELLOW LAURELTONITES," Sigma Phi Fraternity, Alpha Xi Chapter, Laurelton, New York......Laurellton 8-1022, MERRICK TELEVISION AND RADIO CO. Sales & Service. Arthur Berkman - William Buhrer 225-18 Merrick Road. LAurelton 5 - 9814, SAFRAN'S KOSHER DELICATESSEN. Catering For All Occasions, 230 Merrick Road. LAurelton 8-9658, Compliments of AL KORN, Boy's Center of Laurelton, Clothing - Haberdashery. 138 -15 223 St., Laurelton.

LA 8-4800 Lic. L435. Alfred Gudel, Wines and Liquor 231-20 Merrick Rd. C Roncallo, Prop. LA 5-9571 RIVIERA , RESTAURANT - PIZZERIA, Beer - Wine - Tables for Ladies. 226-09 Merrick Rd. LA 8 - 7422 SAUL GURAK. FURRIER, 227 - 13, Merrick Rd. BOWL FOR HEALTH, LA 8 - 9802, LAURELTON BOWLING CENTER, 226-18 Merrick Rd.

The best was the full back page which reads like this:

BREYER'S ICE CREAM SERVED. ARTIE'S SNACK BAR 227 - 05 , MERRICK ROAD (OPPOSITE LAURELTON THEATER, the close quote sign was missing. FULL LINE OF HIGH GRADE CIGARS & BOX CANDY. SUNDAES TO TAKE HOME OUR SPECIALTY, then the drop line, "THE BEST CUP OF COFFE IN TOWN" TRY A CUP.

The best cup of coffee was at my house, I can vouch for the " Take out Sundaes." Raels Pharmacy, Al Korn's Boys center. There were other annual dances for us and other adds by the local merchants and services but that year was very special. It marked, for us, a return to the town, the life and the folks we loved and were loved by. We were never the same, we were forever changed by those days in service.forced to grow up before our time. Laurelton always tried to let you mature slowly but the world had intervened. Make no mistake, we had remade contact with our center of the Universe and found anew, that a lot of fun and happiness were still to be explored. Perhaps we were more intent upon it but the joy was rewarding. So many have said it before but I will say it my way. Yes, there were some bad moments in our experiences but that was definitely in the minority. Laurelton has an aura around it, in my memory, that cannot fade. I wish that all children and their parents could find a Laurelton to grow and prosper in, that would let the vagaries of life in by small bits and pieces, gently taking its time for the wisdom that this grants. A handing down from generation to generation the secret of a happy life. Love, community and just plain fun and an ability to be kind to each other. There is no better way. Be well and enjoy!

Howie Katz Email Address: katz4bike1@aol.com

I am tying to locate some additional pictures and stories from my Grandfather Harold's Raab's Luncheonette or Raab's ice cream parlor. It was located on Merrick Road. My Dad is turning 60 on 3/17/06 and he would be overwhelmed with stories and/or photos from him past. Anything you can find or remember, please send me an email. Thank you - Jill Raab, daughter of Joseph Raab.

Hi, my name is Sherry Axelrod, 138-19-230 Street, LA 5-4275, and FI 1-1544. Great site, brought back great memories. I went to PS 156, JSH 59 and graduated AJHS in ’65. I have an older brother Paul, who went to Far Rockaway and AJHS. Our family was extremely active in the LJC, my father Irving was the Rabbi’s right hand man for the High Holidays, and during the year, was the one who was always throwing the kids out of the service for being too noisy.

About 2 years ago, I drove through Laurelton to show my new husband where I grew up. Though everything looked smaller, and the four very long blocks to Merrick Road seem shorter, the houses and property looked great. The islands were we walked the dogs and never “picked up” were beautifully landscaped, and in fact, there were signs in front of some of the houses, and on the islands that announced the winners of a Laurelton Beautification Contest. Of course, the hardest to look at was our beloved Laurelton Jewish Center…it is now a church with bars on the beautiful stained glass windows. I live in Boynton Beach, FL to a wonderful Rabbi, and we will be relocating within the year to Costa Rica.

Hello, everyone - my name is Pamela Melusky (formerly Pamela Glasner) and I grew up in Laurelton. My address was 138-25-234th St. My house backed up to the Belt Parkway - in fact, there was an exit off the Parkway right behind my house. The turn was so sharp that if you took it too fast, you ran the risk of ending up in my backyard. I remember laying in bed on school mornings, waiting to hear the screech of tires as some careless driver struggled to maintain control of his car. I got so used to hearing that sound that I actually considered it bad luck if the day did not start out that way.

Speaking of noise, we were not too far from Kennedy Airport, and we were in the path of a runway. The planes were so low by the time they passed over our block that we’d have to routinely pause in our conversations and wait for the plane to pass - or the person you were speaking with would not be able to hear you. Sundays were especially tough, as flights would come in every two minutes. Anyone who lived in line with the airport knew not to show your house on Sundays if you were trying to sell it!

Directly behind my house was Laurelton Parkway, the service road for the Belt. Then there was an area we called “The Greens”, where we played for hours every day during the summer, and where the best sledding was in the winter. Right next to that was “Twin Ponds”, where we all learned to ice skate and where, occasionally, someone would fall thru the thin ice at the pond's edge near the bridge.

Cross the bridge into Rosedale, where (when I got older) I caught the bus for JHS 59 and later Springfield Gardens HS, and we’d pass St. Claire’s Church and Catholic school and, of course, Manny’s - the Candy Store where we’d buy Bazooka gum for a penny, or baseball cards with a slice of rock-hard nasty gum inside, or pink-colored ball for punch-ball - I personally liked the Pensy-Pinky (if I’m spelling it correctly); my brother liked the Spaulding. And, of course, we’d buy our Archie comics. And - last but never least - Egg Creams!

I remember we had phone numbers that started with names - like Laurelton 7-7942 (mine) and Fieldstone 1-3413 (my friend Nancy’s). And our zip codes were 5 digits long, but we only needed the last 2 digits to mail something. We had a milk box next to the side door in the alleyway - a white-uniformed man would deliver the milk in glass bottles with paper caps on them, early in the mornings.

As soon as school was out, my friends and I would play outside all day long - we’d be gone from early morning until dinner time - and my mom never worried where I was or if some crazy person might abduct me. In fact, all the mothers would throw the kids out! It would never have occurred to any of us to spend a day in front of a TV unless we were sick in bed.

Sometimes we’d walk to Green Acres and shop; sometimes we’d just hang out at Twin Ponds; sometimes we’d take a bus into Jamaica and just walk around; sometimes we’d take a different bus and go to Rockaway Beach. My Great Uncle Jack had a house on Beach 33rd Street. We’d leave our stuff there and walk to the beach, spend the entire day there and come home in time for supper.

We used to get ahold of some lumber and 4 wheels and make a “Go-Kart”, a simple contraption shaped like the letter “I”. I was always the person in the rear providing the power to move us forward (we all called it “Pammy Power”) and the breaks to stop us. I guess I must gone through a lot of shoes . . .

Then at night we’d sit on the stoop (usually mine or Diane Ritter's) and listen to the Beatles on our record players, or catch lightning bugs, or just sit and talk about the latest clothing styles to come across from England (remember Twiggy?).

At 11 years old my friends and I went, unescorted by adults, to the World’s Fair in Flushing. Just three 11-year-old girls. Our parents gave us spending money for the day, directions as to which busses to take, and sent us on our way. I can’t imagine doing that now, if I had a child of that age . . .

My best friends on the block were Nancy Amsel (across the street from me), Diane Ritter (next door), Ellen Keltz (down the street, at the corner) and Susan Muchnick (across the street). Brad Packer also lived across the street, and Billy Bird lived on the corner, across from Ellen Keltz. I lived there from 1955 (my parents bought the house just before my 2nd birthday) until 1971 when I graduated from high school.

I graduated from PS 156 in 1965, JHS 59 in 1967 and SHGS in 1971. I was accepted at City College, but never went, because my parents brought me to CT. Actually, moving to CT was more like an Exodus: first the Rabbi moved, then the Glicks, then the Glasners.

I have friends now, but have never, since I left there, had the kind of friends, or felt that same assumed welcome - that knowledge that you are welcome to just walk into someone’s house, sleep over, have a meal, ask permission of a parent not yours and know that that permission is as good as you own parent’s, because they’re like an extended family . . . . and I still, at 52, miss that.

When I was about 12, I had a very vivid, frightening dream that has always stuck with me. In the dream, I had stayed away from my block for a long time and when I finally returned - still a little girl - you know how dreams are - no-one recognized me and (the very strange thing) all of the houses looked small, as though they had shrunk. It was one of those dreams that stays with you for years, for whatever reason. After my family moved out of Laurelton in 1971, it was years before I went back. But go back I did, fourteen years later, with some friends from Connecticut. And my dream came crashing back into my head. Only now it was real. No-one knew who I was - every house on the block had changed hands - and all the houses looked tiny to me! Maybe it was simply perspective - when you’re small, everything looks big, I guess. It was the most powerful case of Déjà vu!

Sometimes I wonder how my life would have turned out if my parents had not moved me to New England. Sometimes I think I might have been happier. Not that I’m not happy now - I have a wonderful husband; my son is the finest human being who was born in the year 1977; I love what I am doing for a living; I have the proverbial house in the country with a cat and two dogs and a two-car garage. I just think that, perhaps, a transplant of that sort, into such a dramatically different world, particularly when one has no say in the matter, is a trauma that always leaves one wondering . . . .

Well, I did not mean to sound maudlin. After all, life is what you make it - and mine is fine, indeed. I think I would like a reunion - a Laurelton reunion. Perhaps we could have it somewhere near the old neighborhood, then have a bus take us through the neighborhood, block by block.

I’d love to hear from anyone who remembers me or any of what I have mentioned above.

February 11, 2006
The Life of Riley could apply to Old Laurelton. We didn't have air conditioning but it really wasn't that bad. We didn't have money but who cared? (maybe our parents did). We played ball in the hot sun for hours, probably ruining our skin. What, me worry? We worked menial part-time jobs and attended college because we were told we had to, often resulting in living in a rut, but music was a great escape (do kids have that escape nowadays?).

Those were the old days, but we liked it. We found crazy things to occupy our time, like sledding down towards the freeway near the bridges, running across the same freeways, throwing eggs down at the cars (getting caught and threatened by a motorcycle cop to put me on the bike and bring me to jail-yeah, right), exploring the tunnels in between the freeways and Brookville Park, almost suffocating to death in 1967 when some kids set the picnic benches in there on fire, and lying to our folks about the smell, saying we rolled in burnt leaves). Running around the streets of Laurelton at night talking on walkie-talkies and nearly getting mugged, living on the handball courts near So.Conduit Ave and Laurelton Parkway. Putting pennies on the railroad track, cheating death or injury on the third rail. If our parents only knew....but I'm sure your kids are thinking the same thing about you nowadays!

Jeffrey Lyons said that 1963 was the last summer of innocence. So true. Life changed after Lee Harvey decided to make a name for himself. Guns were no longer available for purchase through magazines. People were skeptical of government. Viet Nam fed cynicism. The world seemed to be in chaos. Right now I'm into doo-wop, have been for 6 years. It's the music that started it all and was there before The Beatles. It's a peaceful change from the rock and roll I've collected for 25 years. It's so innocent. It reminds me of Laurelton, where I lived from 1962-1975. We had a few celebs living there as well. I heard that Paul Simon bought his mom a home on 225th st. Orlando Cepeda, Sam DeLuca, Dick Tiger, and though it was Rosedale I'm including Ron Turcotte, lived there. A little north in Cambria Heights could be found the Shangra-Las, leading the pack. Kareem shopped at the supermarket where I worked, as did his 6' 2" mom. So did a famous jockey. No one mentioned the 1964 visit to the Laurelton Jewish Center by Robert Kennedy. I grabbed his arm and he looked a little disturbed, but he was nice about it. Gary Pattick took the yamulke from Kennedy's head. I often wonder if he still has it. Kennedy stood on the moving car. It was cool.

We had fun back then. The good years for me were from 1962-1972. The changes brought in gangs, and muggings. Stanley was allegedly murdered in his store, the suspect someone I played ball with! My brother got mugged, my co-worker got mugged where my brother got mugged, and I developed really good side-vision due to walking home from work at midnight. There were tragedies in the 1960's there. Every town has them. Harry Bernstein, who went with the beautiful Wendy Fox, was murdered in Hollis. Michael Trewitt's family had a double tragedy. Tommy DeOrta(sp?) was shot on 232nd st. and Mentone, a bullet hole in the stucco of a house for years. The gang was called The Aristocrats, hardly scary by today's standards, but it had some trouble-makers. The real gangs would later use weapons, not fists.

But there are so many fond memories and old friends. That's where i read my favorite book, Huckleberry Finn, and would explore Twin Ponds' caves and the wild areas near Laurelton Parkway and use the tree swing there near the park. Al Fintz has done a fantastic job in getting people together on the web. Al, my brother and I do recall when you fell into Spencer Weiss's pool over 40 years ago. It was like a small town, like Mayberry. Neighbors were friendly with each other. Porches were in the front, not the back.

Let me rattle off a few names-Steve Barrett, Brendan Russell and his little brother Shaun Shaun the Leprechaun, all the Trewitt boys, Henry Rodriguez, Gary Saltzman, Andy Calavetta, Michael Sher(Mike, forgive Andy and I for throwing your mom's baking soda cookies across the street-they tasted like baking soda!), Robert Stegmann, Paul Bedrey, Ronnie Kerschenbaum and brother Charlie, Robert Freiberg, Robert Gottlieb, David Kahn, Mark Goret, Scott Rotter, Hal Smollar, Eric and Darrell Taylor, Debbie and Gail and brother McGrath, Pete Calcarra, Al Lapoff, Phil Shadakofsky and Shelly K. too, Dan Kramer, David Berkowitz, Robert Hirsch and his cute little sister Jody, Mike Spano, the Mosteller girls, Mark and Barb Rosenthal, Jay Pincus, Jon Lakritz, Arlene Gottesfeld, and the Jerkins boys-I didn't know your dad trained world famous race-horses! Gino Taliercio, and my newly adopted brother Mike Taliercio!

Well I could write for hours. My name is Glen Gorsetman and I graduated from PS156 in 1964, JHS 59 in 1966, and SGHS in Jan. 1970. Hey, Marie Nelson- I had a crush on you! Debbie Kagan too. Ellen Shapiro - va va voom! But it was just my imagination, running away with me...Go to Classmates.com people to see the names of old classmates. My brother Kurt, who sings great like Tom Jones, lived on Mentone Ave. We looked Italian but aren't. This is a fun website.

February 11, 2006
Hi, my name is Steve Schwartz and also stumbled on this website while "googeling". I grew up in Laurelton from 1955-1968. I lived on 234 st. and 130 ave. I attended PS176, JHS59, and Jackson. Many of the names from this "side of the tracks "are all familiar and a real blast to see from the past. Graduated from Jackson in 70 and still keep in touch with old friends-Andy Sheffrin, Steve Kapit.Many of the names mentioned in other postings bring back plenty of memories. Names like Postman, Kramer, Zidbeck, Rubin were all guys we played basketball with at the PS176 yard.Teachers such as Mrs. Sladon, Mrs.Simonetti, who used to put you on her lap and spank you for your birthday (couldn't get away with that today), Mr.Kariss, Mr Solsberg and Miss Hermer, who would sew up your pockets if you kept your hands in them, all bring back memories.
We had some great stickball games behind PS176 in an area known as Box Canyon. I remember Eddie Geier going down into one of those below ground pits to retrieve the pensy pinkies and threatening to leave him down there.
Some other stores on Merrick Road not previously talked about, but deserving of honorable mention were Manny and Zelda's candy store ,which made the best egg creams in Laurelton. Also Pizza La Tosca ,where in 1965, you could get a slice and a coke for 25 cents. Social Barber Shop was a landmark as well where during the same era, one got a crew cut for 75cents and u tipped the barber 25 cents. (if you were sharp way back when, you tried to wait for the owner to give you the haircut, thus saving the 25 cent tip for pizza and soda at the above pizza establishment. Last but not least, Chicken Delight was a great place to get off the Q-5 bus after school to get a bag of french fries for 25 cents. (the grease was included in the price.)
Lastly, other names of schoolmates, from this era who may not have made the Laurelton reunion in 1999: Sheryl Postman, Robin Serota, Joan Sklersky, Ann Bauman, Elaine Reicher, Jill Glassman, Helen Lashnick, Marc Lessinger, Alan Honigman, etc. If anyone out there knowsthe whereabouts of some of these folks, please contact.

Thanks to this WEB page I had the most wonderful experience yesterday. A dear friend of my parents, Anita Turk, found me on this site awhile back and yesterday hosted a luncheon with many of my parents other friends (It's been between 25-40 years since I saw them). She contacted me and I was invited to join them, what a wonderful day full of precious memories. In attendance was Marilyn Levy, BettyLee Spear, Florence Lichtman, Florence Kaufman, Ethel and Marty Silverman and hosted by Norman and Anita Turk, who were in Florida just for a few days. Had it not been for this site this never would of happened, thank you so much Skip for providing us with this site.

February 3, 2006
Hello! I am Michael Storey and I posted back in April of 2005 but since then my e-mail address has changed to mikersto@yahoo.com. I was in Mrs. Nichols 5th grade class at p.s. 156 and classmates were Stuart Smoller, Neil Rothman, Merrill Kramer, Joel Swirling, Vincent Oliveri, Steven Parker, Omar Marti, John Biondililo, and Elaine Kessler. If any of you see this or anyone knows them - e-mail please. Thank you. Mike.

I write to you today to tell you about a story that took place several years ago...many actually. On a bright brisk fall day I was heading to Beth David cemetery for the funeral of family member. I was driving down from our home in New Hampshire with my wife Fern and three children and since we were early, I took a detour to "Laurelton" to show my familythe "Hood".

Well to be sure as my car crept down 139th avenue towards 230th street memories came back one after the other. Looking at those postage stamp size houses brought back many many giant memories.

I remembered throwing fire crackers at a passing police car and getting caught....only with the intervention of Captain Al Kirsch (230th street) did I just get a warning.

I remembered lunch recess ps 156 and playing in the "yard" and getting the Laurelton Movie colored handbill of the movie the following Saturday...if your color matched....you got in free!

I remember crowding into the hallway in PS 156 to watch the first space shot that took Alan Sheppard into space.

I remember climbing the chain link fence at 156 to get into the inner yard to play ball.

I remember playing Chinese handball (ass's up), scully, stoopball (ass's up). It still hurts to think about it!

I remember getting turned down for my first date ...... by the girl's mother!

The blackout, assassination, HURRICANE DONNA, riding my bike to Far Rockaway, going to Green Acres to bowl a couple of games. My paper route!

Getting my drivers license and picking up Kenny Lane at the LIRR station. GETTING into my first accident with Norman Levenson and two girls in my fathers brand new BUICK on the Cross Island Parkway!

Getting off the bus from "59 and getting a slice or eggroll. Good Pizza in NEW YORK!

Lot's of good memories. Laurelton was a family town and although I recognize very few names on this blog, the 38 years since I moved from the "hood" didn't seem to move as fast before my visit as it seemed after my visit.

By the way, as my car approached my old home I slowed to a crawl.... a elderly woman was walking from my old house with a grocery cart. I jumped out of the car in my dark suit and sunglasses in an effort to introduce myself..... my family thought I was nuts as I startled the women. she put up her hands...she thought I was a cop!

I explained to her that I once lived in the house and her response was "bullXXXX". I guess I was typecast! What a switch!

Now I live in New Hampshire in the sticks..... lost contact with all my Laurelton roots, hardly knowing any neighbors after being on this street for 20 years. My children never played stickball, scully, Chinese handball or stoopball .......Hollis New Hampshire is no Laurelton. I wonder if Laurelton is still Laurelton? Does anybody know?

Since finding this site earlier today, I have been unable to concentrate on work. Reading some of the posts have brought back incredible memories of my years in Laurelton. My name is Michael Moskowitz ("Mosk" to most back then), and I lived on 228th Street and (I think) 137th Ave.from 1965 to 1971. My family moved (thankfully), to Plainview within weeks of my entering Springfield Gardens HS.

It is amazing how the memories rush back once someone opens the floodgates. I too lived across the street from Laurelton Jewish Center like Bruce Kessler (I actually think we lived in the same 2-family house with his family on the bottom), one block from PS 156. I moved in during third grade.
My teacher was Ms. Gyves. Our entire class went to her wedding. If I recall correctly, it was my first wedding, as well as my first time in a church. Ms. Gyves (I cannot recall if that was her maiden or married name since it changed mid-year), was quite attractive to the 3rd grade boys and we were
all a little disappointed when she got married. Then came the "IG" years of 4th and 5th grade where we studied French and the Constitution and Bill of Rights. Since everyone I knew was in "IG," we were in the same class for 3 straight years. PS 156 was a great school, with a great school yard. Almost every day after school we played either basketball, baseball or stickball there or went to each others houses. I remember the back walls furthest away from the school where we chalked in the strike zone for our stickball games. Across the street from the schoolyard lived one of my best friends at the time, David Zuber, who, no doubt, has gone on to do great things. I remember thousands of touch football games in front of David Abrams' house on 229th Street (or was it 227th). My friends may remember many basketball games in front of my house shooting at the basket which was nailed to a tree (very high tech). I also remember how we were never home, stayed out all night (at least till 2 or 3 a.m.) for bar and bat mitzvah's and never had any adult supervision, yet we all survived. My kids never leave the house without an adult and they are going on 11 and 13. It is sad how that part of growing up has changed.

I read a posting by Steven Bruckenthal, who I met at IS 59. He listed the names of many of my closest friends from those early days who I would love to hear from if they see this posting. They are as follows:

David Abrams, Eric Alperin, Lori Chozick, Mindy Chozick, J.Scott Chroman, Gary Eisenberg, Susan Feilich, Laura Glass, Andy Krugman, Rhonda Meserole, Wendy Orshan, Michael Rauch, Wendy Spero, David Zuber.

FYI, the only person I have seen since moving in 1971 was Gary Eisenberg.We went to college together for a while and he used to live in Muttontown, near where I now live. As I write this, I remember he lived on Francis Lewis Blvd. and we had our Cub Scout meetings in his house. I remember the Kool-Aid his mom used to serve us.

I live on Long Island and work in New York City. I can be reached at mlm@weltmosk.com

This is Ron Cowen, then called Ronald Cowen, who graduated from P.S. 132 in 1968. First, Happy New Year 2006 to everyone! I've posted to the site once before, and I just wanted to encourage people who went to P.S. 132 to post their memories. After all, not everyone went to P.S. 156. Thanks,

What great fun it is to reminisce the great days we had growing up in Laurelton. I hope that one of these days someone will plan another reunion like the one we had about 15 years ago in Hewlett.

I and two other old Laurelton guys get together every couple of months for dinner in a nice restaurant in Fort Lee, New Jersey. The three of us are: Bob Berkal, Saul Drubin, Art Kern (me), and occasionally Bob Fidlow. How about some of you old pals - and certainly Gals too - joining us. We would love to see and hear first hand from any or all of you. Anyone who is available please email me and be sure to put LAURELTON on your subject line so I don't delete it as spam. By the way, my wife and I live in Watchung, NJ.

December 19, 2005Dear Skip,
Howie Katz looking for an answer or two. I've got two photos of my former street, 227th, 131st Avenue looking North and South, from 1951. That's the year before I left my home at 131-45. I was in my sophomore year at N.Y.U. College of Dentistry, and was married that year to my former wife. I forgot that the streets were "one way" and which way Merrick Road was. I know my old house does not show in these photos since it was half way (up or down) from the corner, but it would help the image in the memory bank of my old homestead that meant so much to me growing up there from 1929 on. It was a long time for me to be in our "center of the universe." Those visions still sustain me to this very day.
As our common shared past are almost universal, the same fondness and love is most comforting in this age of violence and unflinching hate. Where tolerance and being a good neighbor were our watchwords, the contrast is blindingly stark. Would someone post the site for me or contact me at katz4bike@aol.com. I would look upon that as a great kindness. Thanks in advance. Howie. P.S., Have a great holiday and healthy New Year.Howie Katz Email Address: Katz4bike1@aol.com

November 30, 2005It was great to read down the website and remember the wonderful years growing up in Laurelton. We lived at 227-08 139th Avenue from 1952 - 1964. And yes, I too remember our phone number: LA8 0909. I've already reconnected with several classmates (PS 156 and JHS 59) and would love to hear from others. I'd be especially interested in memories of LJC, Rabbi Howard Singer and the book he wrote (and we used in class) With Mind and Heart.

Today is Nov. 22, 2005, a day that will be remembered by every American, the day that President John F. Kennedy was killed. It is just like yesterday when we were in PS. 156 and Mr. Kiley announced on the PA system the dreadful news.

It is hard to believe that 42 years have passed, but I am sure that we can all remember where we were at that moment in time and what we were doing. It is just one of those things that binds us together, like our memories of Laurelton.

To each of us it was a very special place. We all have our memories of our classmates, teachers, and people who touched our lives and enriched them.

Skip, I thank you for maintaining this website so that we can reminisce, and stop every so often and smile and remember those good old days..love to hear from friends

Barbara Klugsberg Email Address: jsternberg@yahoo.com
Andrew Jackson Class of l973

November 19, 2005Hi Skip, I was Gene Flowerman of 139-19 231st street what a place it was. I'm 55 now and living in Escondido Ca. and now called Harry Flowerman. I Remember the old times in Laurelton playing base ball on a street and yelling "car car" so we would all get out of the way. And people asking why we let some small kids play and the answer was "It's his ball" those were the days. Halloween was fun we could go door to door without our parents worrying. I had a 1930 Ford as my first car in 1966 and got it running in 1967. It was a fun car slow and cold in the winter. I drove it all over the place and moved it to California with me. I been looking for a Paul Levinson from Laurelton who was one of my buddies. any buddy who remembers me email hflowerman@aol.comHarry Flowerman Email Address: hflowerman@aol.com

November 7, 2005Found this site by accident and have enjoyed the memories. Loved hearing from my old classmates. Thanks! 2 kids from Laurelton who got married:
Hal Smollar and Sally LaMendola Email Address: smollar_s@firn.edu

October 29, 2005I'm looking for anyone with any pictures or memories of my dad or anyone in his family. He grew up in Cambria Heights...his parents were Italian, and he was one of five children. There was Laura, Joseph, Michael, Julia and Rosemarie. Their last name was Di Vilio. My father was Michael, and his nickname was Mickey. His father built houses...and one of them was on 118-11 219th St. in Cambria Heights. I can remember some of the neighbors...My dad was born in 1939...just to give you an idea of grades and years. Any pictures or memories would be great. My dad has passed and I have very little to remember him by. Thank you.

I just found the Laurelton site today and while I am waiting for my shutters to be put on, had some free time to "surf"! Although I don't remember your name, you have mentioned many people I do remember. I grew up in Laurelton, having moved there from the Bronx in 1938. Our first house was a rental on 226 St. (north side) in an attached row house on the second block in from Merrick Rd. After that when my Dad got on his feet a little more (very bad depression years), we moved to 131-78-229 St, and then to 135-47-228 St. We were diagonally across from PS 156 and the LJC. My parents sold the house the year I married(1952) to the LJC. I used to baby-sit for Rabbi Teplitz' two children. My Dad played cards weekly with Irving Masch who was a pharmacist at Rael Drug store. I am now living in Valencia Isles, Boynton Beach, and got a kick out of hearing from a local transplant. We are now full-timers here. I, too have had a long and interesting life and have such fond memories of Laurelton. I have a younger brother Alan, who also went to PS156. His name was Alan Margolish, and mine was Marcia Margolish. I graduated from PS 156 in 1944, went to FRHS for 2 years and transferred to Forest Hills High school where I graduated in 1948. My mom was very active in Hadassah and Red Cross during those awful war years, and I was married at the LJC in 1952, the first wedding in the "new" building. Hope this information is interesting to you. Will also post it on the web site. Best regards,

I have been checking the Laurelton page and have seen many names that sound so familiar. It may sound odd but I miss Laurelton. It was a special place for a lot of people. A town where everyone new everyone else. You didn’t have to worry if you went to a friends house at night or just took a walk. Life was just simpler then. Wouldn’t it be great to have that back again. We lived in other towns in Long Island and in Fl. And you never get that hometown feeling again. It truly was a special place to grow up. Don’t get me wrong all towns have there special problems but most of it was great. Friends made were lifelong, I still keep in touch with quite a few Cookie Linette Lasker, Toby Steigletz, Sandy Ridner, Howie Linette, Norman Samuels, Sue Weinstein then lost touch, Stuart Hess, Abbott Gerlerta etc. Sometimes you wonder what happened to certain classmates one being Howie Halyard-he had a wonderful voice, or Sam Buchannan, Steven Brooks. If any one would like to get in touch you can e mail.

This is such a nice site to check out. I have heard from several people that read my previous letter in August. Keep up the good work. I would love to hear from anyone that graduated from P.S. 132 in 1942 and AJHS in 1947. Mr. Blatt was my English teacher and was still there when my son graduated in 1967. He was then a guidance counselor.
Does anyone remember Phil Scire who lived on 227 Street North of Merrick Road or Dallas Smith who lived on 227 Street, South of Merrick Road?

Two friends who grew up here, went to JHS 59, and graduated
Andrew Jackson in 1962, would like to contact these very good friends of theirs. Can anyone email me for their contact info? For Lois Orlick, friends

A few Laurelton Buddies from the 1960's got together and came up with names of our fellow classmates in PS 156. We all graduated in June, 1965. Can you please post this message we would like to see what old classmates will get in contact with us.

The Decade Was The 1960's...........The Place Laurelton, Queens. We had great times and we were to young to figure out that town would be home even though most of us moved away. Remember Weekends at The Laurelton Movies......Our First Library Cards at the Queens Public Library Laurelton Branch? Most of us had friends that are like family and the relationships are still going strong all these years later...........

PS 156 - Remember the class trips to Museums, Ferry Rides and The World's Fair? The weekly class punch-ball game! The Friday afternoon free time to make models and listen to records. These things don't happen anymore......But PS 156 made us some great memories. Unfortunately all school pictures are gone a casualty of the move out of Laurelton in 1970's. If anyone has the class pictures from 1965 graduating class, please post them.

Larry Kilman
Gloria Black
Nancy Amsel
Susan Markman
Ursula Tartaglia
Gerald Shapiro
Steven Narby
Anita Ginsberg
Anthony LaTasso
Peter Sauro
Christian Shoenfeld
Norman Silverman
Ilyne Fried
John Zangler
Dan Blumenthal
Anthony Cerulli
Dennis Kelly
Vinnie Vivo
Dan Kramer
Hazel Terry
Esther Robles
Florence Santoro
Martin ?
Gary Patick
Howard Brezenoff
Frank Dinardi
Jason Smolen
Steve Snyder
Michael Mercurio
Mary Green
Eugene Rubin
Neil Rauch
Steven Phillips
Janet Prager
Diane DeLuca

Kurt Gorsetman 232-15 Mentone Ave
Mike Taliercio 138-06 233rd Street
Glen Gorsetman 232-15 Mentone Ave

The addresses above were our old ones in Laurelton they are not current......

I was referred to your site by one of my brother's. Reading the postings reminded me of what a "wonderful life" we had in our corner of Queens in the 1960's and early 70's. This has caused me to uncover old year books (the IS 59 yearbook was officially "The Senior Summit") and other memorabilia.

I am Paul Kleidman from 120-03 225th St Cambria Heights. As with Laurelton, Cambria Heights was a "small town" in the big city. Linden Blvd was to us what Merrick was to Laureltonians. The hardware store, was between 225th and 226th, and the super market (I believe a Bohack's) down around 221st. We had several bakery's (the German near the corner of 223rd the best), candy stores (penny candy, spaulding, baseball cards), a pizza place (near 224th St) and a go-cart store (around 228th).

We had great neighbors who watched out for each other. My cousins - Steve (who has posted to this site) and Ric, who lived several houses away, have been life long friends and inspirations. The Benders...Doug was my first hero....served in the navy and I believe on several missions to recover Apollo space crafts (remember those days) lived next door and were like family. Then there were the Menchise family - Nick is still in touch with my cousin Ric and Dave I believe is in Florida.

Those of us that lived south of Linden Blvd went to PS 176, not a better place to be nurtured. Mr. La Monte was the principle. I can still remember him telling me about JFK's assassination, and chastising me for kissing a fellow second grader in the hall. All the teachers were memorable: 1st - Mrs. Manfre; 2nd - Mrs. Hundley; 3rd - Mrs. Cuscione; 4th - Mrs. Simonetti (thanks for allowing me on the crossing guard in 4th grade); and 5th - Mrs. Clarke.

My first real friend were there: David Berger, Jay Kates, Adrienne Brown, Mondel Sealey, Leona Cohen (her dad was also my doctor), Amy Litsky, Joy Smilon, Carol Strom, David Leboff, Holly Popfsky, Barbara Bellis, and Barry Koch, to name as many as I can recall (or recalled from looking over a very old autograph book). Some of these were also my first "loves", such as they are between first and fifth grade.

In 1967 I was off to IS 59, and my real relationship with Laurelton. Until then, if you were from Cambria, you generally did not stray past 130th avenue (where the islands were present along Francis Louis Blvd), even on Halloween. Query: Those of you who have raised kids in the past twenty year, would you have allowed your kids to have gone as far and wide as we did, unsupervised, on Halloween? Probable not, which is further evidence of the magic of our time and place in history.

IS 59 was remarkable, not so much for the facilities, some what more so for the teachers, but certainly for the people. Thirty plus years after leaving there, and regrettable losing track of most of my classmates (thanks for being a trooper Billy), looking back through "The Senior Summit" there wasn't a classmate from 9 SP-1 that I didn't recall and have some memory of. This group consisted of: John Samuels III (a great artist), Darrell Dove (he took me to my first Nets game in the old arena), William Gazzerro (way to many memories to recall, since he was involved, one way or the other, in most), Steven Leeds, Harold Todd, Gary Thomas, James Menis, Gene Mattos, Jeff Azoulay, Mondell Sealey, Adrienne Brown, Susan DeMarines (amongst many memories, we'll leave it to the time I broke the lock on her fathers new car), Patricia Jamieson, three special friends - Leslie Weitzman, Merri Turk and Judy Kornbluh - each of whom provided invaluable guidance and support, Michele Moore, Sally LaMendola, Eugene and Alexander Godilo-Godlovsky (fellow PS 176ers), Richard Steinbeck, Debra Ilberman, Neil Rapppaport, Henry Simon (hope this finds you well) and Vicki Rader. The other 9 SP classes also had many friends, including transplants from Cambria like Jay, Barry and Leona.

After school and on weekends I remember cruising Merrick, J & S Pizza (now in Belrose across from the old bowling alley...stopping there occasionally on the way home from mom's in Franklin Square), the movie theatre, and dances and other functions at the LJC. I also remember sleep-overs with "raids" on some of the girls houses accessed by using the shortcut from Cambria to Laurelton thru the cemetery. To protect the innocent I make no mention of which of the girls houses we raided.

After IS 59 I went to Jackson, one of the few in those days (1970-1973) to do so. I made many new friends, some of whom I still keep in touch with, some of whom are still best friend...my brothers and cousins, as well as Charlie Cooper, and my brother Carl's best friend Chris Policano. However the days I spent at 59, and after school in Laurelton, were special.

I wax nostalgic for many reasons, not the least of which is, with my youngest daughter (I have three daughters, probable some cruel pay back for my years hanging out in Laurelton) off to high school next week, I realize how lucky we were. For all those of you that find this post, I hope this finds you well and happy, and this brings back just a moment of those days.

What a pleasure to find this gem of a site. Born, raised and schooled in Cambria Heights, 120-19 225 Street, I graduated PS 176 in 1968. But life did not really start until I went to IS 59 (when we started it still was JHS 59), and I met the residents of Laurelton, that turned into the friends and people that have molded me into the person that I am today.

Throughout my life, people tell me about the friends that they made in high school, or relationships forged in college. When I tell the stories of my adolescence, I tell the tales of Laurelton. Basketball, dancing (grinding) , stick ball, drinking (sorry mom), football at Alley Pond Park, sneaking through windows, (sorry to all the dads who now have daughters).

Cambria Heights, had great friends and great relatives. The 5 Bruckenthal/Kleidman BOYS...My brother Eric (Ric), the elder statesman of the clad, was 3 1/2 years my senior. The first in the family to wear the colors (Officer) of the school crossing guards, does it surprise any of us, that he is today the Chief of Police in Suffolk County. And all the boys followed in his foot steps, well as crossing guards and officers at least. Paul, Carl and Larry (Yogi) Kleidman, our three-first cousins, raised 4 houses down, all went through PS 176 and JHS/IS 59. I was right there in the middle of group...Cambria was the world to me...But then came 59!

Was I book smart, or as I insist, were the challenges of 59 more about getting us out alive...7SP2 and 9SP2 came calling...What did I know, I answered...What evolved were best friends, best romances, best experiences....We were black, we were white. We were Jewish, we were Catholics. We were male we were female. We would ride our bikes from Cambria Heights, the three miles to 156 and spend the day until the sun was long past gone in Laurelton. Our parents didn't know where we were, it was a time before cell phones, before concerns of what could happen, we were naive, and we were so very happy. First kisses, first sips, first of many things.
The summer of 1971, the year that we graduated from IS 59, a great year. A better summer...But what happened. I come home from camp, and it was a changed environment. Where did everyone go??? It was as if, all of my friends had moved away in two months...It was, as we know now, but in 1971 I had no idea, Andrew Jackson, and Springfield Gardens High Schools, were looming, and most of our parents had other ideas. Thus, the WHITE FLIGHT, that ended best times of my life. My Jackson career ended before it started, private school called, and soon we too took flight.

I go back to the old neighborhood, and think about the best times, the best friends, best girl friends. Where are they now...You try to stay in touch, a visit on the weekend, a college weekend, but we all went our separate ways. Other then my family, I have lost you all...Well except Chris Policano, who we've been trying to lose for years! Where are you now, my best friends, my allies, my partners in crime and sport. My true loves! I hope that life has been great to you all, and that my worse fears (you know who you are) did not come true! This will be in alphabetical order, but you know where you really stand on the list! This is even more appropriate that I write to you today. Today, my son, turns 14. He too has just ended his Middle School years, and as he enters high school, I see and I know, that his friends will be with him for life. I am so jealous!

David Abrams, Eric Alperin, Lori Chozick, Mindy Chozick, J.Scott Chroman, Gary Eisenberg
Paul Ehrlich, Susan Feilich, Andrea Friedman, Hank Greenberg, Laura Glass, Godfrey Headley
Jane Hockman, Jody Kleinman, Andre Kloetz, Andy Krugman, Keith Lyons, Amy Margolis
Rhoda Meserole, Michael Moskowitz, Wendy Orshan, Kenny Perlmutter, Michael Rauch
Mona Rosenberg, Carolyn Russoff, Elaine Salerno, Wendy Spero, David Zuber

August 28, 2005Hi Skip:
Although he lived in Cambria Heights (not Laurelton), entertainer Chuck McCann attended and graduated Andrew Jackson High School. Many people will remember his childrens' TV show on local NYC television. He was a contemporary of Sonny Fox and Sandy Becker.
On an national level, he was nominated for a Golden Globe for his role in The Heart Is A Lonely Hunter. And many people will remember him from a commercial in the 1970s. A man opens a medicine cabinet in a bathroom and inside is someone who waves and says "Hi guy." That someone was Chuck McCann.
He's also done a lot of other stuff. And the reason I bring it up now is that he is among the dozens of comedians featured in the documentary getting the biggest buzz of the summer -- The Aristocrats. It's a movie of lots of comedians telling the same dirty joke. Yes, it sounds stupid but it's hilarious. And included with people like George Carlin, Whoopie Goldberg, Robin Williams, Chris Rock, Phyllis Diller and just about every big name comedian you can think of -- is Chuck McCann.
Malcolm Kushner AJHS - Class of 1970 Email Address: mk@kushnergroup.com
I also went to PS 156 and JHS 59

What a trip down memory lane when I found this website on my email from a son of a friend.. I grew up at 137-40 232nd street and graduated PS 156 in 1957 and JHS 59 in 1960 and AJHS in 1963. I recognize many of the teachers and friends..

PS156 was the best with the best bunch of kids and teachers.. They even let us listen to the World Series on the room intercom and I remember hearing Don Larsen's perfect game in 1955. There was no TV. The best pitchers in town were on the stickball field at the schoolyard with the Pensy Pinkie curving into the chalked box on the wall. Billy Berkowitz was the star player. Punchball was another gerat sport and clearing the inner fence for a HR was a badge of honor

Since I went to Queens College I lived at home until 1967 and throughout my college years I worked as a weekend maitre d' at the House of Chang at Green Acres with Marshall Shapiro, the only 2 Caucasians working there. I am sure many of you ate there on Sundays as the food was great. If anyone knows Marshall's whereabouts (he lived North of Merrick around 226th) or of his cousin Jackie Coopersmith I would appreciate hearing from you. I have moved West but always will think of that great little town where my parents bought a house in 1943 for $3000.

I just recently 'bumped' into this site....and was surprised some people remember me. My name is Neil Rappaport....the one who lived at 133-27 226th street (right next to Tom's Barber Shop) from 1959 to 1973 (when we moved to San Diego). My parents owned Samuel Cleaners on Merrick Blvd (between 226th and 227th streets); I have an older brother, Howard, who attended schools in Laurelton straight through Andrew Jackson High School.

I attended PS 132 and wish I could find my old school pictures to jog my memory (which is poor). Max Gilman was (and still is) most oldest friend; he now lives in Merrick (Nassau county); over 47 years of friendship.....WOW. We lived down the block from the Kanowitz family but close to many families. At PS 132, I had Mrs. Fleck, Middlemiss, Reiff, Perlman, and Semon.....with lots of friends in all the same classes: Beth Brautman (thanks for remembering me), Robin Fader, Todd Herald, Craig Casey.....the absolutely brilliant Mitchell Novick and Richard Angrist (whom I'm sure when straight from elementary school to medical school). I.S. 59 friends combined the above with the PS 156 folks.....and some of those people were Leslie Weitzman, Merri Turk, Billy Gazerro (who didn't mention me, but I do remember lots of the same people he mentioned), Debbie Ilberman, Bernard Kavaler (who tried earlier to contact me).....and Judy Kornbluh (clearly a wonderful person!). I think I was in 6E5...and 7SP1 and 9SP1 (am I right?) Mrs. Krantz's going away present anyone? Regents exams? in Math, French, etc.

I was part of the smaller JCH (as opposed to you LJC folk)....and need to find my Bar Mitzvah pictures to remember exactly who attended; it was 1969 and I'm sure my double-breasted suit with my wild tie will always embarrass me (but that was the fashion then).
A group of us opted to attend Jamaica High School (class of '73) in order to avoid Andrew Jackson High School; catching the Q 5 every morning along with Leslie, Merri, Judy, Debbie (was I the only guy?). (Max had gotten accepted to Stuyvesant HS in the city). Lots of great times as a group, surviving a fairly difficult time in life and the crumbling environment around us; I was mugged several times and my dad was robbed at gunpoint once.

I've driven down Merrick Blvd only once since I moved away in 1973....I try to remember all the stores (eg., Stanleys, the bakeries, bagel bakery near the library, the Chinese Restaurants (which were always packed right after Yom Kippur, hmmmmm), the movies, the pizza places, etc). Thanks for the website b/c it does bring back fond memories.

I'm sure I've not mentioned some people specifically; my apologies....it's been a long time and a great distance for me. Regards to all.

Is anyone else struck by the contrast of the twoentries, side-by-side: Dorothy skipping around the auditorium versus the terrified rider of the Q 43? I think the reason "we" have been moved to convey our collective memories here is precisely because our idyllic place has disappeared - vanished - and few have been fortunate enough to replicate the life we had led. As Carol wrote: nobody believes our recollections! But, by logging on to this site, our memories of "the bliss" are confirmed by people we don't even know.

So what do we learn from these stories, and the disparities, and the poignant contrasts? Anyone?

I grew up @ 133 - 27 221st in Laurelton. I attended PS 132 and had Mrs. Bernstein,Mrs.Feldman, Mrs. Furman, Mrs. Stein & Mrs. Kerner as teachers. My brother & I were in SP until 6th grade. I was transferred to PS 184 in Whitestone during the whole busing crisis. If I thought I was minority in a predominantly black school. I was one as well in the predominantly white school I was bused to in Whitestone. We were of the very few Asians that lived in the neighborhood.

Mrs. Powell was the school librarian at the time. That was my favorite place to be. I tutored 3rd graders when I was in 5th & 6th grade. I remember it seemed strange that there was a synagogue in the neighborhood that was changing quickly. My neighbors were Italian,Irish and German....then Jamaican and so on. They moved away during the late 70's. I had friend's that
attended St. Claires. They were in uniforms while kids in my school touted the exploits of Mohammed Ali & Joe Frazier and wore a lot of double knit fabric. I learned that "ironed" hair did not mean that you actually ironed it on an ironing board. A school friend was knifed to death on 221st. for his coat in 1979. My mother was mugged in front of our house as she returned home from work.

My house was next to a supermarket called Bohack. I thought that to be a funny name back then. It was riddled with graffiti by a local gang known as the Black Spades. There was a candy store around the corner on Merrick Boulevard which later installed bullet proof glass. This was something that the liquor store across the street did as well. Broken glass bottles and bullet proof glass were to become synonymous with Merrick Boulevard. Woolworth's was still around and the old man Stanley shuffled along the wooden floors when I would go to buy a ball or look through the out dated wooden bins. I always bought my notebooks from there before the store was demolished. I'd walk to Green Acres or bike there along Merrick Blvd. We'd be extra careful
not to linger too long around J&S Pizza, the bowling alley or MacDonalds. There were rumors of people being chased through the neighborhood if they didn't live in Rosedale. We weren't allowed to go the local theater but we were allowed to take the bus or ride to Green Acres. Newberry's,Penny's, Kleins and Gimbels. That's where you got your school clothes.

My parents bought their house in the late 50's. My mother grew up in the city on the upper west side. I think they were surprised by the radical change that occurred so quickly in the neighborhood. We witnessed a gentrification without realizing it. I once found a syringe and white powder in an eyeglass case in the parking lot of the defunct Bohack;s..it had become an auto parts store. Our neighbor across the street, lived there for a long time before my family, had a son who had come home from Vietnam. He never worked. I used to think he was cool. He had a huge afro and all of his friends would stop by to hang out with him. His back yard was next to an old man's yard by the name of Emil. One day this cool man died of a drug over dose. He was a product of those times.

I was lucky to have my teachers nurture my scholastic and artistic abilities. I went on to a specialized highschool in NYC and graduated from a Pratt Institute with an Art degree. My sister and I witnessed racism on the Q76 & Q77 on a daily basis to and from school. I had to attend Bayside highschool for one day before entering the school I was to attend ( Art & Design ). On the way home before getting on the Q43, the sidewalk had been scribbled with colored chalk, " The Q43 to Africa ". This was the bus my sister had to take before finally transferring to Jamaica High.

I have not been to Laurelton in a long time.....the part of my life was smack in the middle of race conflicts and hormonal changes.

I went to PS 156 and then I went to Springfield Gardens JHS 59 and then I moved to Great Neck. I guess I graduated from 156 around 1962 and then I went to 2 year SP graduating from 59 about 1964. I remember being in an SP class with various teachers I remember like Mrs. Seltzer, Mrs. Murain, Mrs. Cohen who collected rocks from all 50 states, Mrs. Greenberg I think also. I took French in JHS so I was in the 2 year SP French group. I remember trick-or-treating for miles around until it became too dark, a house near the pond we ice-skated at with incredible indoor Christmas villages that we could wander into. I remember spelling bees, singing contests, and my crowning moment as Dorothy in the Wizard of Oz, skipping around the auditorium.

HiMy maiden name was Deborah Gelfand. I use to live at 121-34 238 St. I went to P.S.176. Who could forget Miss Herman ? She still gives me nightmares. Across the street lived Arlene and her brother Jerry Rouse. I also remember Jojo who was also known as little Jo, Big Jo who played the piano while his mother sung along and the Marcus family.

I'm looking for Susan Jacobs, Francis Einzcig, Arden Sue Traubitz, and Eddie Feinburg. I'd love to hear from any one who knew me then.
Deborah Goren Email Address: debgor2@yahoo.com

My eldest son, Howard Rigsby (Class of 67-AJHS) discovered this website. I grew up in Laurelton at 130-40 228 Street from 1929 to 1948 and graduated from AJHS in January of 1947.
I noticed quite a few references to my younger son, Robert (Whitey) Rigsby. He lives in Pennsylvania and has 7 children and one grandchild. My two girls graduated from SGHS. Nancy lives in North Carolina, Wendy lives near me in Zephyrhills and Howard lives in Woodstock, Illinois.I would love to hear from anyone from my era, especially if they live on the Gulf Coast of Florida. I am in Largo.

I went with Dallas Smith of 137-11 227 Street and have been trying to find out whatever happened to him. We were Puppy Love Sweethearts. He graduated from Rhodes in 1946.
Please keep in touch.

My Laurelton memories are pretty dim but would hope they'd be refreshed by some of you who might remember the Garson Family on 232 St. My parents were Sascha and Eli. We moved there from Sunnyside in either 1940 or 1941. My brother, Marvin was born there on the Sunday following Pearl Harbor. I remember my first day of school at P.S. 156. One of my friends was Judy Masch. I think her father's name was Irving. I also remember Ian and Jeffrey Mackler, sons of Mildred and Phil Mackler who lived on the other side of Merrick Rd. Also, Charles & Adrienne Bernstein, children of Ruby & Harry. Also, the Nagel sisters -- Barbara, Carol, & Ellen. And, of course, the Schackets.

Today I live in San Diego, CA with my husband Mac who actually lived in Laurelton for a year with his first wife in about 1970, long after I had left Laurelton for many other places. I've got 3 kids & 11 grandchildren. Although we spend most of our time in San Diego, we are at our Delray Beach, FL condo for about 12 weeks every year. Haven't seen Laurelton for at least half a century and wish that our family had stayed there longer. We left soon after The War ended.
We would love to be in contact with Laureltonians, particularly those who are now in Palm Beach County full time or part time (like we are) and hope that we can all get together for coffee at a Starbucks in Boca or on Atlantic Avenue in Delray Beach. Looking forward to hearing from some of you.

Hi! My name is Scott Plakun. I was born in 1952, and grew up a 128-19 236 Street, next to Shelley Levine, who just turned me on to this site. So I'm also from "the other side" of Laurelton. I attended PS 176 (with memorable teachers like Mr Solzberg and Miss Herman), JHS 59 (the teacher I remember best from there was Mrs. Shula Hirsch: I don't remember whether she taught English or Math or Social Studies, I do remember she had published a book about the time she lived in Israel) and Andrew Jackson High School (Mr and Mrs Wolfson, Mr. La Rocca, Mrs. Leidner, Mr. Amatrudo, and who can forget SING! with Mrs Lifshey and Mrs Reich)

My circle of friends included Shelley, Caryn Katz (now living in Toronto), Debbie Cohen (last I heard, she was in the Chicago area), Malcolm Kushner (now in Santa Cruz), Steve Nelson (New Orleans), and a bunch of people I've completely lost touch with: Toni Bartelucci, Stephen Goods, Paul Tucker, Dennis Perman, Elliot Schwartz...

One of my fondest food memories of Laurelton is the Wong's Chinese take-out restaurant, which was "closed Mondays unless holiday falling on Monday", as I recall. I now live in San Francisco, where there's plenty of great Chinese food, but I really miss Wong's style of some specialties, including shrimp with lobster sauce, subgum pork with almonds, wor shoo opp, and those fabulous huge egg rolls!

Thanks for this website! This is Ron Cowen, (then known as Ronald Cowen) and I lived in Laurelton from birth until 1970, not long after my parents split up. I left Laurelton pretty abruptly when that happened and didn't stay in touch with people, but I'm very interested in making contact with friends from that era.

My address was 226-41 129th Ave (our backyard faced Montiefore Cemetery) and my phone was LA5-4300. I was pretty quiet and studious most of the time, so people may not remember me. My sister, four years older, is Elaine, and she went to Andrew Jackson High School. I went to P.S. 132 and I too recall Miss Rand at the library and her stories. I believe the dog at Stanley's was named Bowser, but I'm not sure.

Here's names of kids I went to school with at P.S. 132: Beryl Leonard, Bruce Mogul (or Mogle ?) Robin Ugelow, Keith Rosen, Susan Weiss, Albert Grant (he had a younger brother, Phillip, and Albert was a great cartoonist), Gary Rosenblatt (I seem to recall we visited his house on a school trip because his dad had an elaborate model railroad set up in the basement), Barry Rubin (only in JHS 59, though, I think), Robert Schless (not sure of spelling), Shelly Kastin, a Phyllis and a Rubin but don't recall their last names.

I had Mrs. Bernstein in kindergarten, Mrs. Rosenberg in the first grade, Mrs. Furman in the second, Mrs. Schiller in the third, then Mrs. Pollack/Mrs. Brown in the fourth-fifth. Mrs. Pollack was very beautiful and kind and she left in mid fourth-grade, around 1967, to have a baby. I recall Mrs. Brown and her love of Greek mythology, and when she brought in her Beagle, along with her daughter. Mrs. Merritt was the principle. We had French, which I loved, with Mme. Rubin. I graduated P.S. 132 in 1968.

I recall playing handball--"Chinese" against the sidewall of Woolworth's. Taking the Q5 to Green Acres Shopping Center--I remember at Green Acres leaving two ketchupy pennies as a tip at Newberry's and the pet department there, Karr's (or Carr's) bookshop, the maternity store where my 12-year-old friends and I would try to push each other into the shop.

At J.H. 59 I was in the "S.P." class. I remember Andrew Phillips, Barry Rubin, Lori and Mindy Chozick, David Zuber (only knew Andrew and Barry well; others just knew as classmates).
Some of my sister's friends were Joanne Miltz, Joanne Hoffman, Jody Agalore (sp?)

In my mind, I can still taste the Charlotte Russe's at Schary's bakery, see the freezer in that store with Louis Sherry ice-cream, and (I think) marble-chiffon cake.

I was scrolling through the Laurelton messages, and I was so surprised to see my own face! Thanks to Ken Gross - that's me in the front row with the strand of hair in my face. Debi Maller! My sister has posted on here and I thought I would as well. Residing now in New Jersey, I am a High School English teacher in Rahway ( challenging - yes). My son is going off to college in Sept and my daughter is going into High School. Im still in touch with Karen Landy and Irma Sklar, but that's about all from those days. I tried to contact a few people but had little luck.
Do any of you remember if SGHS had a prom in 1970??? I know I did not go to anything like that, but I don't recall there even being one.

From birth (1942) until 1954, I lived at 138-19 226th Street. Scrolling through the posts rekindled so many memories...all of them fond. To me, P.S. 156 recalls air raid drills, desks with ink wells, being sent to the principal's office, playing stickball against the schoolyard wall that was posted with "no ball playing by order of the Boards of Education." From reading what others have written, I wasn't the only kid that longed to hit a ball over the fence into the garden.

It was a different time. No parent made play-dates for their kids. I was told just to be home for
dinner. I walked to P.S. 156 every day and played ball with friends until dinner-time.

My earliest memory is the snowstorm in 1947. I was 5 years old. The snow was higher than I was. I remember waiting every night for the Bungalow Bar truck to come down 226th Street. And I remember my mother bringing knives outside to be sharpened regularly by a man who had a truck with a grinding wheel inside.

I haven't been back to Laurelton in 50 years. Reading this site brought me back.

Mark Ponemon here!!! This wonderful website was passed along to me by a friend of mine Barbara Sternberg. Yes I finally checked it out :)

My run down is so similar to so many of you. PS 156, JHS 59 and SGHS class of 71. It was such a wonderful experience growing up in Laurelton. I too played ball at PS 156. I remember playing until it was too dark to see the ball. Going through sneakers because of the pitching toe rubbing out playing stickball. Climbing into the little schoolyard to play punch-ball. I wasn't much of a fence climber back then but later on because of my training as a youth I could hop the main fence at Tottenville HS on Staten Island in order to play softball with my sons and their friends. (Some kids never grow up).

Who can forget the memorial day parades through the neighborhood and stopping at each house of worship where a memorial wreath would be dedicated. What about Toms barber shop on 226. Everyone it seemed got their haircut there. Being Bar Mitzvah'd at the LJC by Rabbi Singer and of course Cantor Kleinberg who taught you the notes and didn't make a tape for you to follow. Though for Purim he would cut a record because there just wasn't enough time to learn.

I look back and remember the jobs that I had as a teenager; I worked at Purrfect Cleaners, I forgot if it was Real or Dial drugs but it was the store off FLB and 231st. How about Chicken Delight where when I wasn't delivering I was making batter and cleaning the chickens. The liquor store on 231st Street. But the best gig I had was of course was working at Burt and Daves until the day of the fire. Everything in Laurelton seemed to revolve around that little coffee shop. I remember coaching one of the LJC baseball teams and having one of the fathers making calls from the pay phone for me to make sure we had enough kids to field a team. Oh they were fun days and great memories. Of course there is a lot more but rather than bore with more personal stuff any of my childhood friends and or acquaintances don't hesitate to email me!!!!

While following the resurrected trial of the two white Jewish civil rights workers from Queens who along with their black friend were murdered in Mississippi in 1964, it occurs to me that the Laurelton Gang on this website has not only missed the “Laurelton as U.S. microcosm” concept, but we are posting without going near the elephant in the room.

Laurelton, as we knew it, is a destroyed community due to the effects of racial unrest.

Ironically, the photo of my P.S. 156 6th grade class, posted on this website with my April submission, was from 1964, the year the aforementioned KKK murders occurred down south.

What an ironic end to the elementary school experience in a place that had taken a lead role in advancing race relations in this country- learning that two whites and a black, not much older than the students you see in that 156 photo, murdered like dogs in our wonderful country over that ignominious initiative- voting rights for blacks. Hey, this wasn’t 600 years ago,