Italian Harlem on Pleasant Avenue
Yeah. “Italian Harlem”. I didn’t know it existed until recently and found a very small article on it. I knew I was headed to Spanish Harlem and thought I’d stop by. The article had mentioned the area was very small and confined to just a single street (Pleasant Avenue) from 114th Street to 119th. I had to check it out. If nothing else, I figured I could get some good Italian food.
I also wanted to see a better Manhattan home for the Italians than the rapidly vanishing Little Italy. (It turned out that the next day I went to Brooklyn and saw a thriving Italian area where the Giglio festival was held. But that’s not Manhattan.)
Folks, just from my eyeballing, there’s very, very little left of Italian Harlem.
And I couldn’t find any restaurants. There were a couple of little foodstores like everyplace in Manhattan. I saw a number of people who could have been Italian (they didn’t look particularly Spanish/Hispanic to me, at least; and I heard a few talking in idiomatic American accents). But the place is just…zip.
It has a couple of impressive areas. The first was the “Manhattan Center for Science and Mathematics“. It’s a magnet high school for science and has a long history in the area.
So I wandered through the area. It was really, really empty. It had some nice buildings and the like, but nothing that made you want to move there or to renovate. If you go a little further to the north and west, in regular Harlem you’ll find lots of magnificent buildings (although many in sore need of some really heavy duty maintenance). Here, just okay stuff.
At the north end of Pleasant Avenue, there’s a huge expanse of an exercise area. Really, really big. And by big, I mean huge. All cemented flat and designed as a sports area. There was a cement baseball/softball area, there were a number of basketball hoops (I saw three or so just near the fence). But not a single person. The place, like most of Italian Harlem, just seemed to be…empty and locked up.
There are two major Churches in the area: Holy Rosary Church and Mt. Carmel. There’s even a small school in the area. Not unexpected and it was empty, too. Of course, I went on a Saturday and didn’t expect the kids to be hanging around there. But to have a huge exercise area just empty? I dunno. (It wasn’t in good repair, but seemed servicable for softball/kickball/whatever. The hoops were all bent out of shape, though.)
Pleasant Avenue is bounded by a park to the south (I’ll post on that separately) and what look like projects to the north. In between, it’s mostly just quiet. Now, in Manhattan that’s a good thing, but I had hoped for a little more.
For full disclosure, it did have one really nice feature. There were a number of community gardens scattered in the area. Regular readers know I love those community gardens and I did find one very unusual one (well, at least different) and I’ll post on those separately.
-H
Explore posts in the same categories: Harlem, Manhattan, Wanderings
July 17, 2008 at 7:07 pm
We have a post on Italian Harlem, which is now Spanish Harlem. Also, quite a few of the catholic churches in the area have been closed by the dioceses. Tab down on East Harlem for the background.
July 17, 2008 at 8:30 pm
You must have gone after the Feast of Our Lady of Mt. Carmel was over for the year. It started during the last week of June, right in front of Manhattan Center High School and ran for two weeks or so.
The “old Italian” presence in the neighborhood is still quite telling to those of us who work there. Our Lady of Mt Carmel Church still has a great deal of influence, from both the Hispanic and Italian constituencies and the RAO’s crowd is still quite powerful. Regarding restaurants, you missed Rao’s (corner of 114th and Pleasant, across from the school) and Patsy’s (the ORIGINAL Patsy’s) at 117th and First. Patsy’s is know for their pizza but serves great Italian food as well. Orbit’s at 116th and Second is also “old neighborhood” for all that it has had a few owners.
Unfortunately, Marrone’s bread shut down a few months ago. That was a long time hold out and made some of the best bread I’ve ever tasted.
Yes, the neighborhood is not strongly Italian any more but it has a mixed history going way back to the 40′s with the initial Puerto Rican influx. There is a book about it but I don’t remember the title right now … The first Principal of Benjamin Franklin H.S. (now Manhattan Center) had to do a lot of work to get the different constituencies to learn together but when he did, Ben Franklin became known as one of the best schools in the city (until the mid 70′s when it went down hill. It was one of the first schools to be closed and reopened as something else).
February 13, 2011 at 3:49 pm
Yes It Was an Still Is a Great Neighborhood IWas One Of Generations Coming Fro The Best Neighborhood In all 5 Boros I Still Go Down to Meet Up With Friends an We Have Tables Where We Eat an Chit Chat With All The Old Neighborhood Friends That Return For The Feast Of O’GIGLIO BTW When Ben franklin School Closed It Was an All Boys School Re Opened An Went Coed.. tHX fOR lETTING mE sound Off I Am Proud To Say I Was Born an Raised In Good Ole East Harlem
Viva La Pleasant Ave 119st Pleasant Ave
God Bless Milly xo aieh
August 15, 2008 at 9:02 pm
I lived on Pleasant ave and 116th street for about 10 years age 7 to 17. Went to Our Lady of Mt. Carmel School. The mid 60′s and 70′s was a time that is frozen at least in my mind. Another book is the Pleasant Avenue Connection, by David Dirk. A must read!! Pleasant avenue deserves respect it’s memories will never be forgotten. My parents and grandparent came from there also. Stories? I have a million of em. But they are within.
October 6, 2008 at 3:00 pm
I feel the Italian Presence in Italian Harlem.
I took a stroll up there too recently.
Went into the Church (Mt Carmel).
Met one of the Priests who also gave me nice book.
Yes, Raos , and Patsy’s still strong.
And on many of the side streets connecting 1st Avenue to Pleasant Avenue (and on Pleasant Avenue) , Italians are there.
You found it exactly as most Italian Neighborhoods are.
Quite. With not much commotion around (untill Feast time ofcourse).
Go to Italian Harlem during the Giglio Feast, and you’ll see.
December 31, 2008 at 2:59 am
Check out Claudio’s barber shop as well (on 116th street) , one of the original residents of Italian Harlem.
Also come leave your e mail address on our webstie
http://www.solomusicanapoletana.com
May 16, 2009 at 12:53 am
I stop in to see him Every Giglio or Mt Carmel Feast Nice To See He Has a Lot Of Pictures Of Friends From Harlem On His Walls Old Cash Register, Old Fashion Tiles On The Floor He’s Kept Lots Of Nostalgia To The Shop He Looks Fantastic At His Age God Bless xo
January 26, 2009 at 8:13 pm
I grew up on 114 St. near Rao’s and went to Mt. Carmel. Would love to hear from people from there – some friends were DeMizzio, Sica, Moore, Alvino, Calabrese, Casale, Russo, etc. Would love to talk old times. Remember “Mickey the Bookie”! Would do a number run at 3:00 every afternoon while the housewives hung out the windows.
Let’s get together and talk over the great old times!
May 16, 2009 at 8:20 pm
Would Love To Her From You Did U Know a Josette Caivano Living In The Bx Now
April 2, 2011 at 11:35 am
dear jane
Stumbled on this site by putting my dad’s name in computer.
He was Charles Alvino and we lived on East 120th st. However my uncle Christy had a florist on 116th and my grandma had a house on 116th. We lived next door to Joe Rao and my dad and the Rao’s were good friends. Vinnie at my wedding actually. My grandma had 9 little Alvino’s and perhaps you may remember.
I went to Holy Rosary and am 67 years old.
October 22, 2011 at 3:40 pm
I lived on hun19 in the fifties went to holy rosary, worst years of my life..I think the nuns there hated little italian kids…Remember freedies on hun19 and cecila hendrecks. My grandparent lived last house on the right for 50 years in the same apartment, then moved to first avenue next to delightfuls. There was a gulf gas station station on first across the street from Patsy my both uncles owned it up until the eighties…scotties candy store and when ps 80 was on the corner not down the block..great memories……
February 24, 2009 at 8:52 pm
hey phil obrien,how are you ,this is steve oliveri we went to olmc together
March 5, 2009 at 12:09 am
MR. PHIL OBRIEN, MY DADS FAMILY IS ALSO FROM PLESANT AVENUE AND 116TH STREET.THE “CIMMINO” FAMILY. MY UNCLE IS PHILIP”PHILLY RAGS”. I THINK HE WAS A LITTLE OLDER THEN YOU.JUST CHECKING TO SEE IF THAT NAME RINGS A BELL? THANKS FOR YOUR TIME.
WILLIAM CIMMINO III CIMMINO270@AOL.COM
May 16, 2009 at 8:09 pm
Hi William, Can’t Place Ure Dad I
Remember Ure Uncle Phillie Rags Ask If He Remembers Me From Deliteful I Worked There From Late 60′s to ’71 Does He Remember Petie Black ?? From 116th Pleasant Ave Or His Dad ???
October 22, 2011 at 3:44 pm
do u remember my uncle carl freda, he owned the gulf station on the next block? rosanne ragone guarino
April 27, 2009 at 8:57 am
I grew up on 122nd St, between 1st and 2nd Ave. I remember attending Thomas Jefferson Jr HS and swimming in the city pool at 166th St. Also, there was a Boy’s Club I attended on 115th (I think). The tenement we lived in had a horseradish factory across the street from it and the bandstand for the Lady of Mt Carmel feast was often on the corner of 122nd and 1st Ave. What a hoot to recall the ‘good old days’ when we had nothing, but had everything!
May 16, 2009 at 8:25 pm
Hi Robert Did You Know The Mirra’s Or The De Marco’s {Ronnie} From Ure Block
Or Maureen Langela Had 2 bro’s From 122nd 2nd ave She married a guy named joey ??? Her Best Friend Was carol ?? Married To a Bobbie ????
April 27, 2009 at 8:58 am
I meant to say I swan at the city pool at 116th ST…
May 16, 2009 at 8:18 pm
Hi Robert
The Pool Was 113th St Hey 13 Cents To Get In How About the ’3ft Pool an The ’15 Feet Pool We Really Lived Dangerously lol All Us Girls Would Do Was Come Out The Locker Room an Walk Around Hoping The Guys Would Notice Us
No ~~ Luck ha ha ”Moonlite Bathing ?? Do You Mean The Boys Club at 111St First an 2nd Aves ?? The Bandstand For The Mt Carmel Was 116th st The Bandstand For Cosmo Damian Feast Was 117th St ”OMG I Feel Like i Died an Went To Heaven Nice Talking With You Keep Touch xo
May 14, 2009 at 9:48 pm
I Was Born On 111st 2nd an 3rd aves Firehouse St Machito Living Down The Block Feast Days Had To Wait On Line To Get Into The Church Buses Came From All Over To Return To The Neighborhood I Still Go Down There For Giglio God Bless The Bronx Guys For Bringing It Back To 114th St Pleasant Ave Seeing Faces After 50Yrs What Memories I Worked In Johny Delitefuls Where All The Goodguys Hung Outside an Made Sure We Girls Were Safe See It’s No Longer There Stop By Rao’s There’s an Apt Bldg Over It Ah My Parents Paid 18.00 a Mt For Rent Today We Can’t Afford To Live There It’s All Changed The’ll Never Have The Memories We Had There If Anybody Remembers Me Please Contact Me Hey The Redwings “”"
May 14, 2009 at 9:50 pm
Looking For a Donna Who Was Looking For Rosalie Married To Vinnie Gums Contact me Iknew 3 donnas from harlem which one are you ???
May 14, 2009 at 10:09 pm
Had Good Times Living In Harlem Stood In The Park Remember The White House ?? {The Jefferson Pool} {Midnite Bathing} {The Red Wings} Went Out With Albett The Pool Was $13 cents Ohh what about the Cosmo $26cents to get in There I’m Down There For Giglio Every Year Hoping To Meet Someone I Know I’ll Meet Gigi Hey Gigi Remember Those Good Old Days It Was Like Living With ”GOODFELLOWS”SEE U at Giglio U Crazy Redhead ”’Dirt lol
September 10, 2012 at 8:38 pm
Is this the GiGi who work at lunchonet on Pleasant Ave? Guy from E H.
May 14, 2009 at 10:27 pm
This Is For Jane !!! Never Knew a Jane From Harlem We Were Either a Marie, Jeanie or a Millie, lol I Remember Casale From 114th Between 2nd 3rd Aves ”Anna Casale she died When She Was 14yrs old And there were the Casales from 112th first ave Do You Mean ‘Marie Sica From 114th How Old Are You ??? I Worked In Johnny Delitefuls With Gigi Redhead !!! Do You Know Her !!! If You’re At Giglio Feast This Year Sit By Rao’s Or By Mt Carmel Church I’ll Look For You !!!!
January 10, 2013 at 2:33 am
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May 14, 2009 at 10:46 pm
Hi Millie, i don’t know if you know about this website “theoldneighborhoodonline.com” but if you have not been to this website you ought to check it out. The are alot of people from your old neighborhood on this site.
My dad grew up on pleasant ave/116th from the 40′s to the 60′s. My dads name is william”billy” cimmino. My dad’s brother was philly rags.he started out in the redwings.Did you know my dad’s family? grandma joan,aunt chicki,uncle philip and my dad”billy”.
The only thing with this website is the creators of this site don’t like the”redwing/goodfellas talk. Not sure why. Anyway i must say that from what i hear about your old neighborhood it was one of a kind and something you guys will never forget.Take care.
cimmino270@aol.com
May 16, 2009 at 1:21 am
‘Hi William Happy To Hear From Someone Connected To The Old Neighborhood The Redwings Were Notorious Back Then Most Of The Gangs Were Too But They Were The Noted Ones Bad Guys ?? But They Were Really ”’Goodfellows We Girls WentGa~ Ga Over Them Proud To Have Been a Redwing Deb I Don’t Know How Old You Are But This Must Sound Odd To You I Think Remember Phillie Rags Was He Known We All Had Nicknames Back Then What Memories,, Can’t Ever Be Erased From Ones Mind If The Came From East Harlem Does Ure Uncle Phillie Remember Jimmy Black JB, ‘Canhead {Weegie Passed Away Last Year}} Louie Ore, Knucleball The List Goes On an On Does He Remember Me ??? I Worked In Johnny Deliteful Had a Sister Anette Thx For That New Website …I’ll Weigh My Words If I Talk To Anyone On There Always Remembering That Loose Lips Sink Ships Nice Talking Too Keep In Touch
May 16, 2009 at 10:01 am
Hi Millie, thanks for the response. I’m a little younger(39). My dad Billy Cimmino,uncle Philip”Philly Rags”,aunt Chicki and grandma Joan lived 326 pleasant ave.I only have a few stories”stickball/camps” of my dad growing up in the old neighborhood because he passed away 1985 of a massive heart attack at the age of 41.I just turned 15 when he passed.My dad went to Holy Rosary.My dad was the baby in the family. My uncle Philip encouraged his younger brother to join the sevice in the mid 60′s because he did not want him in the gangs”redwings”/crew’s like himself. My uncle Philip passed 2003 on Mothers day. My uncle Philly was one of a kind! My dads family have all passed away so it is really nice to be able to hear from people that came from this unbelievable neighborhood.Thanks for the advice”loose lips sink ships”. There are plenty of people on that website i refered you to that talk about Johnny Deliteful. I hope you are able to connect to some old friends from the pass. Take Care
May 16, 2009 at 10:38 pm
Hi William, Sorry Bout Ure Dad an UNCLE pHILLIE’S Passing, I Sope To Johnny Delitefuls Son By 2His 2nd Marriage I Don’t Know Him But He Was Glad To Hear From Me Being I Worked For His Dad Someone Also Cotacted Me From 109Th St He Rememembers Me This Website Is Wonderfulan I Feel Blessed To Be Here an Still Contacting Friends From The Old Neighborhood Most Are Gone But That’s How Life Goes We Move On For The New To Become Friends So That They Have Something To Share as They Grow Old But I’ll Be Honest They Will Never Have What We Had Growing Up In East Harlem Everybody Cared For One Another The Smells Of Cooking On Every Floor Of Ones Bldg If Ure Mom’s Wasn’t Home ?? Someone Elses Mom became Ure Mom Till She Got Home Very Unusual Like Because Our Mothers Really Didn’t Go Too Far ha ha Ahhh Great Memories Keep In Touch Be Well God Bless xo
May 20, 2009 at 7:30 pm
Hi Millie, just a quick question. Did you happen to know my grandpa “Willie Main”/Philly rags dad? Any info or stories of him? He had a card room on East 116th. Thanks and Take Care.
WILLIAM CIMMINO III
May 21, 2009 at 12:45 pm
Hi William,
Sorry I Don’t Remember ure Dad Or G’Dad I m Sure I Remember Ure Uncle Phillie Rags
Was He Married ?? There are Some Oldtimers Still Around Thx a Million For The Old Neighborhood Site Got In Touch With A Few That I Remember We May Be Meeing For Giglio Feast It’s Been Such a Long Time Since We Saw One Another If Ya Want I Could Mention Ure G’Dada Name Or Uncle Phillie Rags Maybe Some One Will Remember ?? I Don’t Like To Drop a Name Unless I’m Told It’s Ok ”Nice Talking To Ya Keep Touch xo
May 26, 2009 at 6:53 pm
Italian Harlem is getting more and more known now a days.
With the younger Italian generation who were not so familiar with it, are now very interested.
i recently also found out about the Stick Ball reunion that takes place on Pleasant Ave (Italian Harlem) every year (and has been for the last 20 or more years).
I would like to see the next one in person.
i found this link – http://images.google.it/imgres?imgurl=http://graphics8.nytimes.com/images/2008/09/08/nyregion/08stickball.533.jpg&imgrefurl=http://cityroom.blogs.nytimes.com/tag/east-harlem/&usg=__awNjJeayL31vSkEWw5oyDGOumtI=&h=226&w=533&sz=44&hl=it&start=30&um=1&tbnid=EImlzFvJtzdYuM:&tbnh=56&tbnw=132&prev=/images%3Fq%3DPleasant%2Bavenue%2Bharlem%26ndsp%3D20%26hl%3Dit%26sa%3DN%26start%3D20%26um%3D1
but it does not give the date.
what is the date of the next stick ball reunion on Pleasant Ave ?
Also , how many (Italian) social clubs are there in italian harlem today ?
I heard about
old Sons of Victory Club and some others (one on 115th and one on 116th).
Also is Pleasant Cafe’ open on Pleasant ave and 118th ?
May 30, 2009 at 4:18 am
Hi William
Dropping By To Say Hello An Hope That All Is Good By You …I Met So Many People On That Site That You Gave To Me I’ll Be Meeting Up With an Seeing Faces That I Haven’t Seen In Over 50yrs…. ”Thx To You Do You Live Far From The Old Neighborhood ?
Why Not Come To GIGLIO ?
And Meet Up With Some Of Us Have a Good Week ~End
God Bless …. ”Millie xo
May 30, 2009 at 12:32 pm
Hi Millie,
I am really happy to see that you have reconnected with old friends from the neighborhood. I happen to visit that site a few times a day and enjoy watching you guys talk about the old days and the breaking/busting of eachothers balls/chops is so funny. It’s nice to see the love you guys have for eachother. I just wish that somebody in my dads family could of experienced what you guys are doing right now. Like i said before i only have a few stories of my dads family and how they grew up in EH and i could not quite understand/comprehend what they were saying but now that i follow you guys it all makes sense. The few stories i have are just like the ones you guy talk about.
Millie thanks for thinking about me.I live in the broke state of california so i probably won’t make it this time. I don’t mind if you drop the Cimmino name.Thanks and Take Care. PS you and genie boy are lots of laughs. Going over to the other site to see what you guys are chating about.
WILLIAM CIMMINO III
May 30, 2009 at 11:34 pm
Hi William,
Thanx For Ure E~mail We Were All Nothing Less Than The ”Best Coming From The Greatest Neighborhood To Be Born an Raised In ”East Harlem … Ure a Little Younger Than Most Of Us On This Site That Ya Introduced me Too Knowing That Ya Enjoyed This Site Just as Well The Good Goings On That We’ll Never Forget ‘Softball ‘Stickball Dances Bus Rides Feasts Bazaars, Parties The Smells Coming Out Of Everybodys House While Moms an G’Ma’s Cooked I Know That Ure Missing Family But Hey… Remember That’s What Were Here For…Were Like Each Others 2nd Family Speaking For Myself an Sure For Others as Well
{Just Don’t Ask For a Loan ha~ ha}.. I’m Glad I Met Up With Ya Even Though I Can’t Place Ure Father I Remember Ure Uncle ”Phillie Rags I’m Sure That Ure Dad Was a Good Man Too Oh That Genie~Boy He Seems To Have a Temper ”Poor Baby ha ha But He’s Really a ”Sweetheart Hear That Genie ~Boy I’m Being Nice, Just Breaking Ure Chops lol ”Know I Luv Ya
William Come Say’Hello Anytime Milly xoxo
June 19, 2009 at 11:39 pm
Steven Oliveri are you out in Long beach? I remember Rao’s with all the dogs running around. Rosie’s Candy store. Sorry to hear Marrones bakery is gone. Also those late night bugers at Delightful.
February 12, 2011 at 11:40 pm
Hey, I use to live in the building right next to Rosie’s and my mom worked at Delightful. How could they make Delightful’s a DD?
February 12, 2011 at 11:45 pm
Anyone remember the toy store on the corner of 116st and 1st ave? What was the name of it? and what was the name of the bakery on the coner of 116st and 2nd ave?
June 20, 2009 at 8:15 am
Hello To Everyone
I Have These 2 Sites Already but THX , Just The Same There’s Another Site That Some May Not Be Aware Of ”’Angelas Italian Heritage …. Go Enjoy Every Memory That Comes From East Harlem From The 40′s Till 2,000′s Are Never To Be Forgotten Just Keep Posting An We Will Go On,an On, an On,
Have a Good Day
Milly 111st xo
June 20, 2009 at 10:57 am
Mr.Joe Sav, if you don’t know about this site”theoldneighborhoodonline.com” you ought to check it out. There are quite a few people that came from your neighborhood on this site. Good luck on reconnecting with friends from the old nieghborhood.
William Cimmino III
July 16, 2009 at 8:34 pm
does anyone remember the Caporrino’s
July 25, 2009 at 6:25 pm
I’m not from the neighborhood but I find the bond between the people from this section interesting. In reading about East harlem I’ve read many times over “we had nothing, at the same time we had everything”. There’s something missing from modern suburbia that the residents of East Harlem had.
I’ve also read that some 3rd generation Italian Americans have moved into the “old neighborhood”. Does anyone know how many Italians live there in 2009?
October 25, 2009 at 2:41 am
If you didn’t grow up in East Harlem, whoever writes about it cannot and will not be able to relate to the people that grew up there. Many unable stories and lots of good times.
May 17, 2010 at 11:09 pm
[...] generations of new comers to the neighborhood who know very little to nothing about its authentic Italian roots. For a new comer who knows very little about the past history of 110th street, listening to the [...]
June 13, 2010 at 3:30 pm
Hello,
My father , Carmine Curzio lived on 430 east 115th street between pleasnat and 1 ave. I am in my late 50 ‘s and my father passed away 1990. Does anyone recall Congerssman Vito Marcantonio ? , REX ICES , ideal pet shop; t hey often sold fireworks around July 4th. Jefferson park had the swimming pool and the baseball field that had center field being more than 5-6 feet away from home plate. The Mt Carmel Feast is only a minuture one now . I recall the women dancing in the street during the feast. and the games there ; I would try and throw a coin on top of a plate to try and win a goldfish . The plates i am told were waxed up .
C CUrzio JR.
June 13, 2010 at 4:43 pm
Mr.Carmine Curzio, you should try this website ” theoldneighborhoodonline.com”
I’m sure some one on this site remembers your father. Good Luck.
June 17, 2010 at 12:44 pm
Looking For a PYHLLIS BASILE FROM EAST1 14ST 2nd Ave IN EAST HARLEM IN THE 60′S Was G/F OF Edgido From 118st an Joe Ferarra From 107st Any Help Will Be Appreciated Thx Millie aieh
August 21, 2010 at 5:55 pm
I was born on a Hun 7 street & first. For those people who are not from Harlem that means 107 street and first Ave.
There was no place like Italian Harlem. When they threw down our buildings, and replaced them with “The Projects” most Italians moved to the Bronx. I moved to Brooklyn, but for years after that I visited what was left of my beloved East Harlem every day.
Would go to my friend Johnny Italian deli called “Johnny’s Super Heros” formerly Celientos.
We would eat and talk about the old days.
I go back for the Giglio feast and take my kids with me.
When I lived there it did not always seem like Disney land. But today 40 years after I left it does seem like Disney land. God I loved that place still do.
Last Month I went to my wife’s elementary school reunion. They were nice people. But they talked about their neighborhood for about a total of 10 minutes. After that all they talked about was what’s wrong with them because they are old like the rest of us.
When I am in East Harlem we don’t do that. We tell stories about things that happened, and the fiends we had that are still here, and stories about our friends that passed away. That we never will forget.
October 21, 2010 at 4:11 pm
I knew the Celientos and the Ballarins (same building) It was across the street from Ragonas bakery. Ragonas bakery was next to the social club .. Mikey Mule, Big Sam, Zip, Papa Joe, Knobby..
August 21, 2010 at 8:13 pm
Hi Mr Soccer
I CAME fROM 111ST 2ND N 3RD AVE WHAT A BLOCK
WE HAD THE {FIREHOUSE} {MACHITO THE BAND LEADER}
DOWN THE BLOCK {THE BOYS CLUB} AN {THE TANKS} ALL IN ALL WHAT A GREAT NEIGHBORHOOD E/H WAS AN WILL ALWAYS BE >>>TO YOU AN ME AN ALL THAT WERE BORN AN RAISED WE MOVED OUT BUT THAT CONNECTION WE HAD FOR ONE ANOTHER WILL ALWAYS REMAIN IN US I STILL GO DOWN TO O’GIGLIO AN MEET UP WITH {THE OLD}{THE NEW} AN
{THE RESTLESS} lol lol T/G FOR ALL AN GOD BLESS OUR E/H An ALL THE MEMORIES WE HAVE MILLY XOXO AIEH
September 2, 2010 at 7:12 pm
does anyone remember when THEY tried to change the name from Pleasant Ave to Paladino Ave.
I think most of you are probably too young to remember. Well no one in the neighborhood would go for it.
September 2, 2010 at 7:27 pm
I CERTAINLY DO REMEMBER THE SHORT CHANGE OF
PLEASANT AVE TO PALADINO AVE ‘ BUT WHY PALADINO ??? PLEASANT AVE WAS AN WILL ALWAYS BE PLEASANT AVE MANY MANY PLEASANT MEMORIES ON THAT AVE {WANNA KNOW ONE?} I MET MY HUBBY {R.I.P.} ON 119TH ST”’
‘ YOU GUESSED IT>>>> ”’PLEASANT AVE”’ lol lol Milly xoxo aieh
September 5, 2010 at 5:05 pm
anyone out there who graduated from Our Lady of Mt Carmel School in 1949 or anytime close to that?
September 9, 2010 at 7:24 pm
no one out there from Mt Carmel School? ask your friends and family.
September 9, 2010 at 9:36 pm
Anonymous try this website. You should be able to find some friends from Mt. Carmel.Good Luck.
http://WWW.oldneighborhoodonline.com
September 16, 2010 at 11:48 pm
Hello, I was a Jewish kid growing up on 116 and Lex around 1950. Wanted to mention that Evan Hunter, the guy who wrote Blackboard Jungle and the Ed McBane detective novels, wrote a good book about a kid growing up in Italian Harlem around then, Streets of Gold. I thought he really got it. Cosmo Theater and all.
A lot of my folks’ friends were Italians and many stayed in touch even after we all moved to the Bronx or Queens or Jersey. Even today I can remember the tastes of the foods in people’s homes and the little restaurants in the basements of brownstones. I still cook some of the recipes my mom learned; she wound up being a terrific Italian cook. (Very very good thing we weren’t kosher.) In 1994 I got to Naples and Sicily for a while and a lot of stuff became clear. My grandmother and our friends’ nonna used to sit on a bench or stoop, talking to each other in Yiddish and Siciliano, neither knew what the other was talking about. This went on for hours, over years.
Does anyone remember the food markets under the NY Central tracks at Park and 116? I can still remember seeing eels for the first time, swimming around in a vat.
Someone earlier was asking about Vito Marcantonio, a hero in our family, as was LaGuardia. There’s a memorial website, vitomarcantonio.com.
Best to all.
February 13, 2011 at 2:26 am
Evan Hunter (Ed McBain) also wrote a book called
“A Matter of Conviction”(Takes place in East Harlem) which was later made into a movie
called “The Young Savages” which starred Burt Lancaster
September 25, 2010 at 9:57 am
For events, photos and info regarding Old East Harlem go to: http://bobbymaidasgigliopictures.shutterfly.com/
http://www.theoldneighborhoodonline.com
http://www.eastharlemgiglio.com
March 1, 2011 at 6:49 pm
anything new in the neighborhood?
March 30, 2011 at 11:24 am
Anything New?
Yes..there will be a Reunion for those who lived/grew up in Italian Harlem.
Here is the info..
The East Harlem Reunion in Memory of Anna Barone will be held on Friday..April 29, 2011 7:30PM til 11:00PM at:
Villa Barone Manor
737 Throgs Neck Expressway
Bronx, NY 10465
Cocktail Hour 7:30 PM..Dinner Following
Open Bar..Dancing and Good Times with Friends
“Club Dennis” Entertainment with
Radio Dj Dennis Dion Nardone & GO-Vinnie
http://www.clubdennis911.com
$90 per person..Advance payment due by April 12, 2011
For more information call Bobby (914) 787-0692
April 23, 2011 at 10:42 am
Hello,
SOMEONE TALKED ABOUT BURT LANCASTER ; STARRING IN A FILM CALLED ‘ THE YOUNG SAVAGES ” THIS IS TRUE, AND IT CAME OUT ABOUT 1961; THE UPSIDE DOWN YEAR. FYI ; BURT LANCASTER CAME FROM EAST 105 STREET I BELEIVE, HE’S ENGLISH / DUTCH BACKGROUND BUT RAISED IN EAST HARLEM. MR LANCASTER WAS QUITE THE ALTHLETE , AND WAS SELECTED FOR MANY OF HIS EARLY FILMS BECAUSE OF HIS ATHLETIC ABILITIES, LIKE TRAPEZE, WITH TONY CURTIS AKA BERNIE SCHWARTZ FROM HUNTS POINT, AND JIM THORPE STORY . HE WAS A GREAT GUY AND GREAT ACTOR . CAN ANYONE ELSE OUT THERE NAME FAMOUS STARS WHO CAME FROM EAST HARLEM ? STAY WELL AND GOD BLESS ALL . C. CURZIO JR
April 29, 2011 at 9:01 am
Hello East Harlem.
I was born and raised on 119th.and Pleasant.
There was no place like Harlem any where else in the world. I wish I could go back and do it again. The best people anywhere !!
August 13, 2011 at 5:57 pm
i was raised on Pleasant Ave and 115th St.
Anyone remember Shep’s Candy Store on the corner.
R.S.
September 10, 2012 at 1:26 pm
Yes. I remember Shep’s. Do you remember the potato sandwiches.I grew up 117 st. and Pleasant.
August 13, 2011 at 6:10 pm
i remember sheps candy store i saw shep a few yrs bk at the o’giglio feast lift he has since passed .. Ah those pepper en egg sandwiches an 3 cig for a nickel .. those Were The Good Ole Days In East Harlem Memories I’ll Never Forget milly xo
August 13, 2011 at 6:13 pm
R~U A Girl Or Guy??? Remember The Redwings??? I Stayed In Jefferson Park Bk In The Late 5o’s When We Owned The Park lol lol Remember The Whitehouse ??? Went Down With All Our Secrets T/G lol lol
August 13, 2011 at 6:25 pm
Hi Curzio Yes Burt Was a Great Actor He Came From 106th Off 3rd Ave He Lived Over The Bread Store He Was Spotted In a Elevator an The Rest Is History His Sister Taught Me In The 5th Grade At PS 102>>113th St We Had Tony Franciosca Frm 116st Across From The HARLEM HOUSE ow Bout Johnny Roast Beef>>109st 2nd Ave.. i Pushed Him In The Carriage lol lol He Was In Viva Las Vegas Goodfellows,an Many TV Commercials.. Al Pacino 118st 3rd Ave Over The Ice Cream Parlor.. Then Moved To The Bx,,, The Girl Who Played
Robert Di Neros Wife In”’ A Bronx Tale Came From 114st Pleasant Ave Haaaay We Had an Still Have Fame From East Harlem xo
September 5, 2011 at 10:25 am
Hello Ms Millie C. ;
Some time ago ; I was in the old neighborhood and was looking for the Delightful Restaurant and didn’t see it . Can you tell if they closed down t The Delightful ? A lot of the old places that are near and dear to our hearts are either going or already gone .
I can tell even in my time , and I am in my 60 ‘s ; I am one of the last group that was taught by nuns in Catholic school . If you send your child to a Catholic School today they will be taught by regular lay teachers . All around the city of New York in the remaining Catholic schools they have regular lay teachers in the class room and gone or the days of ” corporal punishment ” . When i had the nuns , if they caught you even talking during class, they would come up and smack you right in the face, in front of everyone ,and tell you to stay late after class to clean blackboards or some other task . i do think the nuns went to far and have messed up a number of men and woman with their abusive ways.
All the Best .
C. Curzio jr.
October 22, 2011 at 4:02 pm
u said a mouthful….Hated the nuns in Holy Rosary..I think they had their own problems…..Never sent my own kids to catholic school because of the memories I have with them….
September 5, 2011 at 12:03 pm
delightful is now dunkin donuts
January 10, 2013 at 5:12 am
Marcus Garvey Park? Maybe there will be more police ecenrofment now to get the crackheads/ crack dealers/ gang bangers out of the park. Go ahead and climb the stairs up to the Fire Watchtower (the highest point of the park) any time of day and you think you have gone back in time to view the open drug markets of the bad ole drug days of NYC in the ’80 s.
October 23, 2011 at 12:06 am
Hi Curzio Jr Delightful Is No Longer There It Should Have Been a Landmark Was Great Working There Most Of The Whole Neighborhood Is Gone But We Keep On Going Down For The Feasts an Meet Up With The Young The Old an The Restless lol lol”’Wish We Could Turn Back Time It Was a Great Neighborhood To Be Born an Bred God Bless All Milly xoxoxo
October 27, 2011 at 8:32 am
To Millie C.
Enjoyed you stories — especially about the Red Wings – I remember them in the late 40′s early 50′s — they weren’t as bad as people say. Are any of them stil around?
Camille M.
January 1, 2012 at 2:49 am
I grew up on Pleasant Ave @ 115 St. A young teenager in the late 40′s early 50′s. Hung out at Shep’s Candy Store, but my father didn’t like my hanging out there. I don’t recognize any of the names in the above comments. Where are you people???
R.S.
January 12, 2012 at 7:25 pm
Raised on E.120th st. between First Ave. and Pleasant Ave. My Mom,Angiolina Rutigliano was raised there also, her folks had an Italian food store on Pleasant Ave and E. 119th or E.120th. st. Her Mother was Lucy Angiulo and her Father was Michael Rutigliano I attended PS. 81, and lived at 409 E. 120th Street. Our apartment building was torn down for the building of the projects, but the school is still there. The opposite side of E. 120th. St. was not torn down .We moved around the corner to 2359 First Ave. and lived over a bar called Phil’s. I loved playing on the streets,
January 12, 2012 at 7:30 pm
For more memories…go to the new-revised East Harlem site.
For sign up instructions see…..
http://www.theoldneighborhoodonline.com/New_Site_Instructions.php
January 12, 2012 at 8:52 pm
Don’t Remember Your Name But Your Still a Bond With All Of Us Ps 81 Left Me With Good Memories as a Teenager I Hail From 111st 2ndan3rd Aves Didn’t Matter The Bonding Of Friendship Was From 104st Up To 123St 1ST, 2nd an 3rd Aves That’s What a Great Neighborhood We Lived In
East Harlem, Will Never Be Forgotten Passing All The Good Bad an The Ugly Down To Our Children, an Gr’Children We’re A Legend Thank You For Posting Your Message Love an God Bless
Milly xoxo aieh
January 10, 2013 at 3:26 am
There are ways to deter skateboarders other than using signs. Most urban/suburban areas use small metal bratceks anywhere a skateboarder could possibly play . They are affixed every foot or so on the marble. Yes, I know it would negate the streamline look of the design, but at least it would reduce what the skateboarders can do in the circle area. As far as it being greener let’s let nature do her thing. Once those trees get a chance to grow it may turn out to be quite the oasis. Or as much of an oasis as there can be in NYC. In addition, why hang out in the busy circle when Central Park and Morningside Park are (at most) one block away?
February 5, 2012 at 5:17 am
still here- – dont reconize the names but the places and memoreis of the 60,s on pleasant ave will never go way (although many of us did)
legs
February 6, 2012 at 6:03 am
Hay Joey Legs,,You’re From The Good Ole”60′s… Did You Hang Out In Delightful ?? Were You Related To Danny Legs {r.i.p}.
September 10, 2012 at 2:35 pm
Guy again, Danny Legs came from 119 st. and Pleasant Ave. The “Bison”. That’s the one I know.
February 11, 2012 at 10:41 am
hi my name is frank colucci my mom and dad lived in harlem 119 and 116 street john colucci the colucci family and mo was nicoletta olvia they pass a way mom was 85 dad was 90 if they were alive to day my dad was god friends with rasohe was his best man at his wedding did u know sonny manquso nick name wawho let me know frankie c 5162879629
March 17, 2012 at 6:51 pm
Although I was raised on 106th St.& First Ave., I have strong ties to the Giglio feast. My grandfather (on my mother’s side) was one of the founders of the feast in the early 1900′s. In 1925, his relatives sent him a life size figure of St. Anthony. For those who are old enough to remeber, that was the statue tjhat was carried around with people pinning money on it. I also went to Benjamin Franlin H.S..One brother, Frank, graduated in 1952, another in 1953 (Jack) and I in January 1954. There was the “Big 3″ feasts. 106 St., Greenpoint in Brooklyn and one in Astoria.
March 18, 2012 at 12:45 am
Hi Dominick, I Stood On 106th First Ave,,In Louisa an tony SalernoCandy Store,Stayed With Their Dght Judy In 1953,, Wondering If I Know You
Were Your People Related To The Anuziatta’s???Milly aieh
March 18, 2012 at 9:33 am
The Annunziattas were around the corner from me. I used to help them with the watermelons and the grapes. No relation. I was close friends with the grandson of Morvillo’s bakery. My brother use to play pinochle in Jake’s candy store (106 st. east of 1st ave.) I went to PS 168. My grandmother (my father’s side) donated the marble altar, stained glass windows and statues to St. Lucy’s Church.
March 18, 2012 at 7:25 pm
Ohhh You an I Must Be The Same Age>>> AGELESS,,
lol lol,, ps 168 Memories In That School yard Staying With The Devils,, St Lucy Rite Across The Street Do You Remember The Grocery Next To the Church, Nicky Nails Father Had It He Had a Sis Named Sis Who Married Fat Albert !!!
Great Memories From E/H XO
March 18, 2012 at 9:39 am
By the way, I did know Louisa and her daughter Judy. I have an old picture with Louisa, Me and Sal DeLuca. They were related to another branch of the Annuziattas. I think Louisa’s mother used to catch some of my brother’s pigeons and made soup with them. When we played stickball and the ball went near her, she’d cut the spaulding in half.
March 18, 2012 at 7:28 pm
Haaay No Fooling With Her,, She Was a Tough Lady,an I Said Lady Only Thru My Politeness Because It’s Sunday ha ha
May 11, 2012 at 11:15 am
Hello to All ,
Great to hear from the oldtimes with such fond memories .
I would like to say that as i now walk thru the neighboorhood it ‘s only a shel of it ‘s former self . Most of the places i knew are gone like the Delightful restaurant , and so on. I didn’t get that far down but wonder can any of you’se tell me if the Ideal PETShopis still around ? I beleiove it was on about hun an 10th or 11th street
or so .
One other thing i wanted to discuss was one of the downfals of the area around Pleasant Avenue was the advent of the drug scene , heroin . This really came on the scene strong in the late 50 ‘s and thru the sixty ‘s and destroyed a lot of lives sorry to say.
please be well all .
C. Curzio Jr.
May 14, 2012 at 6:07 pm
Hi,, Youe Rite Drugs They Were In an Out Of Every Block, But Luckee For The Girls The Guys Using Them Drugs Didn’t Have Enuff ToTurn Us On,,, Like They Do Today,,We Girls In The 50′s an 60′s Were Very Luckee,, I Worked The Delightful Rest Bk In The Late 60′s Great Food Great Protection For All Us Waitresses The Guys On The Corner Made Sure Of That,, Some Gone, Some at College ha ha But We Were Respected The Delightful, an That Corner Should Have Been a Landmark In E/H… The Pet Shop Was On 110~~111St, 3rd Ave Not There Anymore Just Another Memory Be Well God Bless
Milly 111 St 2nd an Third Aves ,,
August 15, 2012 at 6:09 pm
Does anyone have pictures of Delightful or the Colonial Tavern?
September 10, 2012 at 1:33 pm
We could not take any pitchers of Colonial Tavern . If you want pitchers go to FBI.
September 10, 2012 at 2:15 pm
Anybody remember the fireworks on 117st., and Pleasant Ave.I am the one that sold them. Guy -” Weggies cousin”
April 5, 2013 at 12:07 am
OF COURSE, RU MARY & FUNZIE’S SON? WHAT BECAME OF BARBARA, WEEGEE’S FIRST WIFE?
September 13, 2012 at 7:31 am
Does anyone remember the pet shop on third avenue between 110th & 111th Street in the 90′s? What happen to the guy who worked there?
September 27, 2012 at 7:36 pm
Does anyone remember Claudio the Barber?
September 27, 2012 at 9:00 pm
Yes and he still is cutting hair…but in a new locale…He is still on a hun16..same side but moved into a storefront up towards 2nd ave in middle of block.
November 17, 2012 at 6:03 pm
hello All ,
s9omebody mentioned Colonail Tavern , I often saw Mr. Tony Salerno outside the tavern during the day. He would often sit in a beach chair. He ws the numberws man. This was before the had the legal numbers in NY .
one of the best things back then was Baseball . We had 3 teams then, NY giants atthew Polo Grounds, HUN fifty-fifth and 8thaven, AND Dodgers in Brooklyn , Ebbets field. Then the Yankees who seemed to win every year . The Mick and the rest of the Boys. In my housde we were al natrional league fans . The Yankees were the enemy. Willie Mays , was rgeat, not spolied like the guys today. You got a bench Jockey makng 5 milion today . Unheard of back then. Matter -of fact many of the players back then had to keep jobs in the off season to just make it . Also, riding the subway you had to have a token back then but today you tell the youngsters about a token they look at yuou like you’re nuts . ‘ What’s a token ?
God Bless every one.
C. Curzio Jr.
February 2, 2013 at 8:36 am
Hi everyone
My name is Tito born and rise on 119 St
I created a web page called pleasant Ave connection…. and you can get all your answers you need … Its on Facebook
Joshua Nieves (pleasant avenue connection)
February 2, 2013 at 8:39 am
By the way ….there’s a lot of people you know on this page …dimarco..mahoney…….morones bakery etc