162nd Street runs north-south in Queens, a bit here, a bit there, from the Whitestone enclave called Beechhurst south to Jamaica (oddly it never gets south of there, even though there’s plenty of real estate south of Jamaica). Between Northern Boulevard and 46th Avenue in the eastern reaches of Flushing, it’s a two-way main drag, with parking meters and storefronts.
When I moved into fab Flushing in 1993, 162nd was the main north-south shopping drag, with a Hallmark cards franchise, fruit stores, meat markets, two bars (three, if you count one around the corner on Northern) and a basically busy street life. I moved away from the neighborhood in 2007, and was surprised to see things have gotten a lot quieter since I left.
Flushing used to boast an Irish subpopulation, in the minority to be sure, but enough to make a presence felt. In the center, this pair of storefronts on Northern between 161st and 162nd was known as Bridie’s, whose soda bread was so good Mary Beth would squirrel some away to take home in her bag. It later became a Korean “hof” and now it’s been split into two busineses, one of which is a restaurant/bar.
162nd Street was bookended by two ancient and hoary taverns, the Velvet Cup near Northern and Paddy Quinn’s, near Sanford. Quinn’s is still hanging in, but a number of businesses have shuffled through where the Velvet Cup used to be. Sharp-eyed obsevers on the LIRR can still see the sign, which was removed and placed on the building’s roof. I have tried to get the American Sign Museum in Cincy to haul it away and should try again.
Morde’s Junk Shop Antiques is actually one of the few businesses on 162nd that’s not shuttered. The deli where I got newspapers and snacks is still open, on the corner of Station Road, along with a forlorn coffee shop and tobacconist, but they seem to be surviving on inertia alone.
One of these stores used to be my dry cleaners.
Bakery, hardware store, another antiques shop, all closed.
This used to be the fish store. Something is coming soon. The nearby fruit store and drug store have moved elsewhere.
This was the butcher. While I was in the neighborhood it moved to a different location between 43rd and 45th Avenues, then closed after a few years. The local Grand Union became a Korean supermarket several years ago, but I imagine people get meat there now. There was always a vinyl awning sign, which recently was removed, revealing this wonderfully hand lettered linoleum sign that I’d guess was put there in the 1940s.
Kessler Signs, Sanford and 162, is still there as well as the corner weeping beech.
The big Tudor on the corner is home to Petrocelli Insurance as always.
Liquor stores rarely fail. Leiser’s, on the other corner, is a veritable liquor supermarket and is even doing TV commercials now.
Can we kiss 162nd Street goodbye or will it become the mecca it was when I first arrived in the 1990s?
7/18/2012
274 comments
When I was kid in the 1970’s and early 1980’s, my mom often referred to 162nd street as “antiques row”. There were at least 5 or 6 antique stores. Quality antiques, not common junk. Sad to see its all disappeared.
There are still 1, maybe 2
Pete setzer owned one of those stores.
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Hi Liz……Who could forget that smile that broke 100 teenage boys hearts.
Thanks for the memories……..Stay well love……
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E LIZ abeth
Looking at these photos makes me so sad. I spent the first 33 years of my life in a house my family built on 162 Street and 43 Avenue. That block and that house holds so many childhood and young adult memories for me. We stayed until after I got married and had my first 2 children. In 1995 we decided to sell everything (my family owned several houses on the block) and move. The neighborhood had already started to change. My husband and I raised our 4 kids on Long Island and I have no regrets about moving. Flushing, however, will always hold a special place in my heart despite all the changes. Occasionally, I’ll drive down 162 Street and I still cry. Sadly, it’s true, you can’t go back.
Grandparents owned a house on 45th Ave. They sold in 1973. The Hill Family
Oh the memories! As a kid my family lived between 46th & Kissena Park on 162nd in 80-81. My Dad used to bounce between Harry’s & Velvet Cup after work throughout the early & mid-80s (after the divorce). Spent a lot of time in both bars as a pre-teen, playing Asteroids at Harry’s & reading comic books from the shop around the corner on Northern Blvd at the tables in Velvet Cup. Got my hair cut from the Italian barber who bent your ears too much across the street. We would then load up on VHS tapes to watch all weekend with a bunch of junk food bavk at Dad’s house. Venus Video was a few doors down from the Cup. Glad I got out of NY when I did in 04!
Maplewood Lanes, remember? And the Post Office where I used to buy newly issued US postage stamps. I grew up at 155th and Northern, behind Firestone.
As some classic author (Eugene O’Neill?) observed: “You can’t go home again”. Prior to my AZ exile in 2005 I would pass through this neighborhod every Sunday on my way to Church On the Hill. As late as 6/05 the are appeared to be thriving but in transition. Apparently the Era Of BO has transformed it into a wasteland like so many places in this faded glory nation. Hurry November.
Oh how true- you can’t go home again. I had an office around the corner (in the old bowling alley) and my grandmother lived around the corner on Sanford & 161st, (Pic of her house on FNY)
Remember? The Roosevelt Movie, Popeyes, Pizza Garden (up Northern a bit), the bowling alley, the saw sharpening shop with the big handsaw sign (was a diner once) , Finnochios bakery (great cannolis).
Now I’m just rambling. To make a long story short, it was a great place at a great time and I’m sorry to see what it has become.
So sad, grew up there, 165 & 43ed, first job was at fiinnochios, I filled my share of cannolis, I loved it ! think I was 14 or 15 yrs old and worked there for a couple of years…. loved it !! I’m 57 now and I teach, I still tell my students about that job and how we had to use string to tie the boxes… then I worked at mapleways bowling ally, snack bar ….. loved it, the owners Manny & Bill were great and all my friends hung out there. well now I’m rambling.. LOL… and yes it was great, to see it now is so sad to me. but thanks for the memories.. :))
I worked at Maplewaay’s Bowl, 163st and Northern Blvd., through high school and college from 1967 through early 1973. I did everything from pin chasing during leagues, painting, bartending, cooking, working the desk. I firrst worked for John Giordano who then sold to Manny Bologna and Bill Kelly. It was a great time and I had lots of laughs. Harry’s Bar and Grill was next door and Harry was an interesting character. Sal’s pizza was great neat the tressel. I had my first underage drink at Michael’s lounge on 162nd street off Sanford Avenue. It was a clean and spotless neighborhood. When I drive by now it makes me very sad. I am also sad when I drive by my old neighborhood near Flushing Hospital.Ppeople had pride in their homes. It looks rundown with bars on home windows. Nothing last forever except memories – thank God.
Hello Frank
It’ s been about 50 years since our last contact at St. Mary’s. Remember Johns candy store, Ryskinds, the German Deli, the Hobby shop ( before the Pizzeria) and Ray Fernandez, Dolph Chirino,and Peter Mihalick?
c u in another 50.
George Hennessey
Hey George,
How are you? It’s Dolph, your old friend from the 50’s. Where are you living now? I’m in Maplewood, NJ since 1981. How are your cousins, Kathleen & Kevin? I see Charley Seaman & Frankie Leckler every month or so. They are in Whitestone & Bayside. Send an email to: ezyrider123@yahoo.com & we’ll catch up. Take care & Merry Christmas.
George Hennessey-There’s a name from the past, as is Frank Malafronte.
In addition to the stores you mentioned, remember John’s Pizzaria (spent lots of time hanging out with “my crew” (Paul Lahey, your aforementioned Ray Fernandez, my brother Tommy, Henry Cardozo, Dennis Carr and Eddie Testa (deceased.) I hadn’t thought of it in years, but Frank’s father (also Frank I believe) was a super friendly guy, known as the Mayor of 45th Ave. I hope all is well with you guys.
Hey Jimmy,
How are you? It’s Dolph from 149th St. Wow, I went to school with Paul Lahey, George Hennessey, Ray Fernandez, Frank & Jimmy Leckler. Still see see Charley Seaman & Frankie. I used to see Mario from the past but he passed away about 10 years ago. He had a pizzaria on 149th up by the Whitestone Bridge. I remember Peter, Andy and Jackie Mihalik along with Jimmy Antoinette, Paul Langrock, George Macrae, Chipper, Bill Florio and many more. Merry Christmas!
Do you remember the small grocery store (owner was Andy) that was across from Amoruso’s on 45th.? Or Bill from the hardware store? My family moved to 45th. Ave. & 149th. St. @ 1954. So many changes. Moved to Elm Ave in 1971. Now, Florida. The neighborhood was so nice and clean back then…was a great place to raise children. Mine both went to St. Mary’s school, and still remain in touch with childhood friends.
I remember Andy’s grocery store, Weinstein’s Pharmacy, Bills Hardware, the Chinese laundry, the Hobby Shop, John’s candy store, Harris Liquors, Carsten cleaners. Ibwen to school with Bucky Amoroso. I lived on 45th and 149th. Corner house. My family, Adolph, Terry, Maria & I (Dolph) moved there in 1952. My grandfather bought that 2 family for $12,500. My parents moved out in 1990 and got $450,000 for t home. I moved out in 81 and went to Maplewood, NJ. Have been retired 10 years and am still there. Say “hi” to all the people you chat with. Email: ezyrider123@yahoo.com. Merry Christmas.
Hi Frank- was browsing this am and came across your post- I dont know if you remember the name , but my father was Pete DiMarco- he also bowled at mapleways- I remember specifically that he bowled with you in a father/son tournament because I was too young to bowl at the time- had to be 50 yrs ago!– I saw the name and it brought back great memories!
Hi Jim George and Frank. What a flashbacks! Hope you all are well. Ray Fernandez joined the marines in H.S.
John Conway? You were in my class at St. Mary’s. What are you up to these days? Still in Queens?
The failure of many of the older retail stores in the neighborhood is the result of both internet shopping and changing local demographics. You must evolve or eventually your business will wither and die. The neighborhood is still great. Crime is way down compare to the 60s-90s. Home values are up. Schools are better. Services have increased. It’s a great place to be and start a family. The one constant about NYC is change. Being nostalgic is understandable. Feeling sad in entirely different. There is nothing sad about a young, vibrant, safe, and affluent community.
I am trying to think of 3 clothing stores in that area (Flushing/Queens) in the 1950’s. Do you remember what they were , owned by the same man with a relative named Vicki?
Thanks,
Dayle
Murray’s on Northern Blvd. between 160th & 161st Streets!
I spent a lot of time in the bowling alley growing up. I lived down the block next to Stephen Thorpe. Great memories! Loved Manny & Bill. They’d let me work behind the food area and with the shoes.
Carolyn Peralta
Hey Frank,
How are you? Remember me? Dolph, who lived in the corner House on 149th & 45th Ave. Where are you living now? I’ve lived in Maplewood, NJ since 1981. I go back to the old neighborhood and meet up with Charley Seaman, Frankie Leckler and a few other guys. The area has changed immensley. Have a Merry Christmas!
Let me clear up the pizza joints because folks here remember the names but are getting locations mixed up. Salerno’s was under the LIRR trestle on 162nd and had the old school guys in red and white striped shirts. The owners may have changed a couple times but it has been Fratelli’s now for a long time. Happy Days was closer to 161st on Northern and was owned and run by two married couples, one was the Curto’s, not sure about the other or if they were related. Sal’s preceded Happy Days but was on the opposite side of Northern, closer to 160th. They were gone by the time Happy Days opened, probably in late 70’s. Then there was the place that opened where Mapleways was. La Trattoria I think. Spacious place with seating in back and under tinted glass on the side, like a little greenhouse. Opened around ‘85 or so, hung in there until early 2000s I would say. First place I ever had white pizza, and they had a lot of special items that are common now but unheard of back then, at least among the little cluster of nearby places I grew up with.
i also worked at Finocchio’s. 1966 to 1969. I was a kid. 13 to 16. My uncle Cosmo owned it. I would help in the back, and on the bread truck. Also filled cannolies. Yes the boxes were string tied. But they had an automatic string tie machine, that would sometimes get stuck. Progress!
Its nice to see even after we are gone over 20 years that people still remember us
Cosmo Finocchio
how could we forget! I think it was the first job for so many in the neighborhood. I was introduced to the job by my friend Maddalena – she had the early morning shift counting and loading the breads for delivery and I had the slower afternoon shift restocking the trays and cakes. Mr. & Mrs.Sr. were the nicest people, but we were taught how to work from Mr. & Mrs. Jr. upstairs- they expected a job well done but could also forgive debacles like putting all the new cheesecakes away before they cooled- and often sent us home with bread or a pie. all of us were kids, but the characters were the bakers (and others) that kept us entertained while making the best Italian baked goods I have ever had. we worked hard for our $1.25 an hour, but the memories are still sweet.
I think I was the only one from The Delligatti or Rullo family who didn’t work there in the early 70’s Didn’t the family venture into the Hotel business in Lake George.
Hi Cosmo – My step Dad was Paul Midiri. He would bring me to the bakery and I washed baking pans. I was about 6 years old. My brother is Michael Midiri. We just talked about the ole days.
Sadly, Cosmo passed away several years ago-I believe from heart issue. I’m friends with his brother John Finocchio on FB. 🙁
Finocchio’s bakery! I worked there as a kid. 1966 to 1969. My uncle Cosmo owned it. Yes, great cannolis, and Italian bread. Remember the moving and storage warehouse next store, before the bakery bought out the property?
thats funny went to school with john finocchio.i think his grandfather owned it.
Had a sign shop on 161st
between 46& laburnam
Did work for finocciohs
Mike
I lived on 165th and 45th ave. 162nd street had everything in the 70’s. My friend’s mom ran the soda shop on the SE corner. Another friend’s family ran the bakery. So many memories growing up there. That street was are stomping grounds and Martins Park was our hangout. I’m afraid to go back cause NOTHING is the same. Shops are gone, handball courts are gone…But I cherish all those friends and memories in my heart ❤️
Hi Sylvia. I’m reading all the wonderful memories written on here and came across yours. I’m hoping you can tell me the name of the bakery the was on 162nd in the row of stores that is now Leisers Liquor store. Please let me know if you remember. You can text me if you like. 516.642.1082. Thanks.
Sooo, this city’s (and nation’s) selling out the “Main Streets” of America over the past 40 years or so is all because of a President who has been in office 3+ years? Yep, that must be it.
Damn that Wal-Mart and Home Depot! Wish “B.O.” never came up with that idea!
Ugh…
it was thomas wolfe that said,,you cant go home…sorry
The Obama Depression has killed off or wounded many local shopping streets. New Dorp Lane on Staten Island is among them. Stores lay vacant for years, and more of those gold buying places spring up. Same all over the country.
C’mon, bush put us there.
2.5 years later I can report that it was Thomas Wolfe (not to be confused with Tom Wolfe) who wrote: “you can’t go home again”.
I lived in the apartment building on the corner of 161st and Northern. On Sunday March 6, 1977 my son was born in the morning and my in-laws and I made first call at noon at the Velvet Cup on 162nd Street for a celebratory drink. Everything a man could want was within a two-block walk of my apartment, including an OTB.
I’ve been a Long Island homeowner for 34 years now but I loved that neighborhood, But lordy, how it has changed. Right across from the Velvet Cup was a small piizzeria whose name I forget. The pizza was no great shakes but Mama worked a small kitchen in the back and the Italian food was the best I have ever had.
Was it Happy Days pizza? Or Fratelli’s? I grew up on 162nd St and 35th Ave. We still live in the area, but closer to Holy Cross HS now. I still miss Bridie’s!
It was originally Happy Days, But turned into Tony’s which turned into Fratelli’s
before happy days it was sals, from the late 60s too 70s
I remember it as Salerno’s – good pizza.
I remember my Uncle Joe going to Finocchio’s bakery every Sunday
morning for hard rolls and crumb buns. I would ask my dad if I could
go downstairs and have uncle Joe make bacon and egg sandwiches and then a crumb bun to wash it down. God bless you Uncle Joe, I miss you Born 10/1944
I grew up in that apartment building, too, but I was born in 1946. The building itself went up in 1941. My grandparents sold their house on 160 St. and moved in there after it opened. It was a great place to grow up. I moved out of the building in 1974 and spent a year in San Diego. When we came back, we got an apartment in a house near Memorial Field. I moved out of New York for good in 1991. I’ve been back several times in the past eight years or so ago, and I recognized all the buildings but didn’t know what they housed anymore. I can’t go back without seeing a lot of ghosts. I just drove down Northern on my way to Glen Cove. I had no idea 162nd had become such a mess. I see someone blamed the problem on Obama. It’s Bush and the guys who are in the pocket of Wall Street that have put cities into a mess. People had been fleeing them like mad in the past decades for the suburbs. It’s a shame because it is an historic area. My grandparents moved there in 1920. The only way to reverse it is to gentrify the area and have suburbanites move back into the city.
it was sals mama and papaand son
Salernos pizza it was called
The pizzeria was named “Sals” and I agree it was the best italian food I ever had also…I lived a few doors away over the barber shop right next to the trestle …before it was a barber shop it was a tailor shop… I lived there from 1961-1980 ..i remember the velvet cup well …it was the first top less bar in queens …and the had a small peep-hole in the velvet curtains that covered the inside of the store front windows lol … i remember michaels meats…the fish store…b&b sporting goods with Will and Al …the milk barn…art of things card shop…dave syme the electrician…the little coffee shop next to sals…the candy store (forget the name) further down the block…the deli (name?) I remember when the liquor store opened before that it,was a pharmacy I think …too much to rememberlol
Do you remember the name of the fish store on 162 Street, off Sanford Ave.?
The deli nearest the corner of Sanford & 162nd was North Shore, I think the candy store next to it or a store a way was Dorfman’s. The drug store on the corner was Ritters.
I grew up on 162nd St between Sanford and 43rd Ave – 2nd house from the corner of 43rd on the west side of the street. We moved there in 1953 and at the time there were 2 vacant lots – one across 162nd from our house and one on the SE corner of 43rd & Sanford.
I mean 43rd and 162nd
Sadly, many of the main drags in Brooklyn and Queens are shuttering up. Have you seen 86th Street in Brooklyn up by Bensonhurst and Gravesend? Really sad to see so many business closing shop now, unable to compete with the big box stores. Even 18th Avenue is slowly dying.
Ugh, the modern age…
The pictures were cherry picked for effect. Northern Blvd. from Main street east to Little Neck parkway has literally exploded with new businesses, buildings, and facilities in the last 15 years. Ditto Main street. It’s a dramatic transformation that speaks volumes about the positive aspects of change. I have been living in 11354 since 1981 and have chose to stay and raise my kids here even though I had many options elsewhere. It’s a fantastic place to be. Cheers.
Living in 11354 (that’s a large area ) is not the same as being a 162nd native, which is what this site is about. The times spent in the area were great and everything was right there in the neighborhood. Northern from Main to Little Neck always was populated but that’s not the subject here.
Does anybody remember the name Jo Al’s? I seem to remember it as something on 162nd street. I bought many cards at “The Art of Things”. What a delightful store that was. I also celebrated my Sweet 16 at Mapleways with a bowling party. Still have my little Sweet Sixteen homemade water globe (made in a beer pilsner)!
Sad to see this. My mom was a volunteer EMT and dispatcher with the Flushing Volunteer Ambulance Corps for many years, and their HQ was right there on 162nd Street. I used to buy vino at Leiser’s on my returns to Flushing to visit my family.
A walk down memory lane. Grew up on 163rd around the corner from Martin’s park. Have had a few drinks in each of the watering holes. Bridies is definitely missed. You practically have to go to Bayside to get a burger and a beer these days
I always spent my half an hour to read this webpage’s content everyday along with a mug of coffee.
Well, I just took a Google Earth tour of the one six two going from 46th south to Kissena Park and many of the original houses are still there and appear well kept up. Some Queens crap too but not a whole lot. The old houses are gorgeous, full of class and character. I imagine you had it made if you could afford to move into one of those just off the Park back in the day they were built.
The fish store used to be B&B Sporting Goods in the 1970’s It was originally 2 blocks up and across the street on the corner of Northern and 162nd. Lots of fishing gear purchased there.
will and bill ran b@b sporting goods with wills mom ruth
What was the name of the fish store?
What a shame. The area around 162nd and Northern was really the hub of all activity in North Flushing, at least in the fifties. It’s painful to see what it’s become. I have a picture that was taken of the Bridie’s site in 1956, with the Memorial Day Parade passing on it’s way to Flushing Cemetery. Bridie’s was, at the time, the Boulevard Luncheonette (otherwise known as “DJ’s”) the local teenage gathering place. Got my 75 cent haircut next to the Velvet Cup and pizza across the street at Salerno’s. Great baked goods at Claus Bakery further down the street. Sad.
Saw some of your posts. I grew up on Northern Boulevard, with Muller’s, the Slab and all the great businesses in the area. so much nostalgia. left there in 64′ …. Have only been back a few times with much disappointment. flushing High, St. Andrews, the Roosevelt theatre and on and on and on
OMG…I can’t think of anyone who would remember The Slab. My older sisters and one of my brothers hung out there. The McCartins..we were a big family…7 kids. Only my brother Don & I are left. Wonderful memories
I too remember the Slab…we hung out there and Muellers in the 50’s then graduated to The White Thorn and The Black Rock! It was great back then. I wouldn’t want to se it now I’ll just hang onto old memories!
The Slab was our meeting place in the early-mid 50’s. I remember the owner finally got so sick of us sitting in the booths that he told us we’d have to order a coke (15 cents) every hour.
My family moved to 162nd street in 1957. Next to the moving company. House cost $12,000. It housed three generations. We celebrated our life in that 1906 house. We loved eating under the grape arbor in the backyard. My Nonna grew all sorts of vegetables from tomatoes to guguzza. My grandfather, grandmother and father passed away in that house. My grandpa used to go take me to the candy store on the corner of 162 and 45 for his Italian newspaper El Progresso. He’s give me two cents for candy. Across the street was the A&P and the Pharmacy. We did not have a car so we took the Q65 to Main Street. My grandma would go to 12 noon mass every day at St. Andrews. I went to PS 107. I still have two antique trunks I bought on 162. I loved being able to get whatever. There was the German deli. The Italian deli further up towards Northern. The fish store. The butcher. The Chinese laundry. My best friend was Mrs. Jones. She was African American and would tell me stories about growing up in the south. I would wake up to the aroma of baking bread from Finocchio’s. Across the street was the German bakery. That was my world until I left to get married in 1992. I now live in Maryland but tell people by way of Flushing Queens. It was a good life – and yes. You can’t go home again. It breaks your heart.
Birdies didn’t exist in flushing until the 1980s. I don’t remember what it was before Bridies. I know a woman who worked there when it first opened. Many of the businesses in Flushing died when Fluching became little Korea. The Koreans didn’t go to the movies eat pizza or frequent bowling alleys. Bakeries or card stores. So all those businesses closed. Koreans frequent Korean owned businesses only. They made the signs in zkoresn until Guilianni who was mayor of NYC then, made a law requiring all businesses to have the main large sign in English. So politics aside, it was the changing population of Flushing. RIP FLUSHING Suz
The demographics in the Flushing-Broadway area have undergone huge changes over the past decade, from largely Caucasian to almost entirely Asian. Vitually every store along Northern Boulevard from the Flushing River through to roughly Utopia Parkway now bears signs in Chinese or Korean. As to the decline of 162nd Street, there was a lengthy construction project closing it to vehicular traffic on the crucial block between Northern and Sanford. So it could be that many of the businesses didn’t survive it,.
Guy R. Brewer Boulevard, n/e/e New York Boulevard, fills the slot of 162nd Street from Jamaica Avenue south several miles towards the vicinity of Rochdale Village. Many numbered streets in Queens are similarly under-represented. Ditmars Boulevard fills the role of 22nd Avenue through Astoria and into Jackson Heights. Lefferts Boulevard=119th Street. Eliot Avenue/Horace Harding Boulevard=61st Avenue. As a kid, I decided 6 is my lucky number and was very frustrated that 66th Avenue had a short run in Rego Park and Forest Hills, but completely disappeared through the Pomomok, Fresh Meadows, Oakland Gardens and Little Neck neighborhoods. A token piece was added in the 70s with the constuction of a townhouse development in Douglaston.
Wasn’t there a large factory/warehouse on 162nd, too, up until about a decade ago? I think the name began with an “A”?
It was called Anglers. Saw it for years, but have no idea what they made.
Thanks Laurie! I just checked online, and Anglers was – of all things – an office furniture/supplies company.
I lived on 164th Street between 43rd and 45th Aves in the mid ’80s. I recall that on 162nd Street there were at least three businesses named “Queen Bee____.” Seemed like a mini-dynasty. I guess they’re all gone now too?
I believe the laundry is still called Queen Bee, though the deli isn’t.
I still visit 162nd st for the liquor store but as kids (34 now) we used to go there all the time for the DJ’ing shop and the Sorrento deli (friend’s dad owned it). Even get groceries at Milk Barn Farms. My mom still goes to the antique shop now and again to sell some stuff. I was lucky enough to visit the Velvet Cup once for a drink, place was f’ing cool.
Still 2 pharmacies open on 162nd..Regal and Franconia
regal no more
Stumbled many a night out of Popeye’s Pub(Nevin Bros FDNY owned it ) and across the street to the Queen Bee deli for a sandwich before I crawled back to my parents house. Weekend liberty was good in Flushing .
My uncles were those FDNY brothers. The Nevins family of whom you speak had 12 siblings, 6 boys and 6 girls. Only half of them are left sadly. I just stumbled across this page, I’m not even sure how but it sure took me down memory lane. Salerno’s Pizza is called something else but is still there, next door, the coffee shop that has been there forever is still there, that is unbelievable how these two businesses survived. I lived on 161st, between 45th and 46th avenue. Remember the Kissena bowling alley, they used to have picnics in the back. Whimpey’s diner, I used to wash dishes there while in school at St. Mary’s, worked in Finnochio’s too and Bell Moving. How sad it makes me feel. I just lost my dad a little over a year ago, he was still in that little blue house with the giant christmas tree in front. Well I just drove over there to visit one of the original Nevins (12) and I passed my parents house. The tree is down, and a three family house is up. We got very little for the house, we were told it was in poor shape. New roof and new oil burner. Anyway, that house is now going for 1.3 million dollars, I wanted to throw up! I was hoping to end on a happy note. I’m glad I live in a place now that has that street in the middle of town with all the mom and pop shops and I try to buy everything there. You wouldn’t catch me in any Walmart on the face of the earth. Sorry for the rant.
Hey Mary, This is Susan (Baeder) Bragg. A friend of mine, Paul Campadonico past this along and mentioned to look for your comment. It is very sad to see our old neighborhood the way it is now. I left in 1981 and moved to Nashville. Stayed for 20 years and currently live in Riverview (Tampa area), FL for the last 14 yrs. How are you and the rest of your family? I have one daughter and she has 2 beautiful little boys. Really love being a Grandma. It would be nice to hear from you.
My name is Madelaine & I grew up on Utopia Pkwy between 45th & 46th Ave. Paul Campadonico was my classmate at P.S. 107!! I don’t know if Paul remembers me, but please say hello to him if you keep in touch. I came upon this site by accident while looking up 107, Martins Park, Kissena Park & all the great places in that neighborhood. So many memories….It was the best!
I knew Paul Campadonico. I went to 107 too…
Susan, was just scrolling through this site and saw your name. Couldn’t believe it! It’s hard to see what’s happened to the old neighborhood. Happy to hear you’re doing well Grandma. I’m still waiting. I have a daughter and a son. My daughter-in-law is pregnant. She’s had two miscarriages, so we are hoping for the best!
Mary ujsnkr used to baby sit for my daughter’s u also worked in p.y dad’s bakery I never forgot u your family I..moved to Florida in1993 but always. Missed the neighborhood n those left behind I m still in contact with some. Many sad to say r gone but I was glad to have us sitters it made mine easier at times I hope u and your family are doing well you and Jane were never forgotten you both were a part of my home at that timr
I grew up with your uncles. They were a few years older but while there were different groups that hung out we were all family. Drank many a brew in Popeye’s but that was the late 60’s and we were all growing out of our youthful bar hopping.
I always admired your uncle Bobbie. He some how survived financially just by working for UPS at Christmas
Great family. Great guys. Sad to hear so many are gone
I’m 67yo and getting to the top of the batting order
My dad, Jack Mathe and uncle Dominik Savino, hung with your uncles back in the 50’s. My mom’s parents owned a home down the block from their bar. My aunt and uncle sold the family home a few years ago.
Hi Mary!! Remember skippy sichler?? I’m his daughter Donna!! I grew up on top of the velvet cup with my grandma and grandpa!!! My dad worked for bell moving!!! What a flashback!!! My daughter lives on 164 with her daughter now and good old aunt sue!! Yeah flushing is just not the same….
My aunt and uncle were Al and Mae Sichler and Skippy was my cousin. Often visited my aunt and uncle in their apartment on 162 Street with my grandmother Edna Maher. Al used to raise canaries and had cages all over the place. I and my parents, John and Vivian Maher, moved away from Flushing in 1970 for Florida. My parents are now deceased, but we have had no contact with anyone in Flushing for a long time. My father was a charter founding member of the Volunteer Ambulace Corps and both my mother and myself were members. Flushing is not the same but was a great place to grow up. I went to PS 163 and attended the kindergarten at St. Joseph’s Convent at the corner of Kissena Blvd and Sanford Ave. The covent has long been torn down along with many old and beautiful mansions along Kissena Blvd and north of Kissena Park.
Hi Mary. I knew. The Nevis Wonderful family. That was when families were big. I went to St Mary’s even though we lived on 157th only two blocks from St. Andrews. Many families with between five and ten kids
I went to Popeyes often in the early seventies
We owned. Blarney Stone bars in Manhattan. That was the time of reasonable rents not like today
One of the Nevis girls used to come into our bar after work with her girlfriends I guess coworkers is correct term. Very pretty girl
That forty or forty five yeas ago. That was a great corner. 45th ave and 162nd
I knew Popeye , Georgie and Bobby Nevins. Sorry to hear there are only a few of them left…
Grew up there. Remember it from the 50’s on, antique row, also wonderful bakeries, including our favorite Finocchio, hair salon, what we used to call a Chinese laundry on 45 th ave corner prior to Busy Bee, up until recently there was a remnant stained glass transom window there. Franconia Pharmacy named for the old name of 45 th Avenue, remember when the Anglers building was built, office supply, but can’t remember what was there before. Many private houses on the street at the time. Yes, awful construction has torn up the street at the tressel area twice during the last 2 years, killing businesses, the street impassible, no help for the businesses, months long closures. Fratelli Pizza still there, and Steve’s luncheonette. Remember when the Velvet Cup darkened it’s windows and became a topless bar, we were scandalized. Parades for holidays. A beautiful pet shop. An old fashioned Jewish owned clothing store. A fabric shop. There was also a church, don’t remember the denomination on the east side of the street, white and wooden. We would walk to Northern up 158th and then come around 162nd on the return trip. Two rival paint stores, Svend Kent on the corner still there, the other long gone by the Velvet Cup. My grandpa briefly owned the corner store, under the tressel, Big Eagle fruit and veg. It’s still a food store. 162nd was wonderful and one of the first places I was allowed as a child to walk to myself. Used to go that way to get to the McGoldrick library’s old location, where my sis worked as a teen.
My dad owns Steve’s coffee shop calling it a ” forlorn coffee shop ” is a slap in the face. It is open for over 30 years and will continue to be open. 162ND STREET is changing but it will be back I promise you that. A crooked politician decided to change the sewer line down 162ND street. The entire street was closed for over 2 years. That obviously affected business. Yes the demographics have changed but a few new businesses are starting to get established and the existing ones will continue to push through. I am too young to actually experience the Velvet Cup but I heard it was great. When 162nd street makes a comeback come by Steve’s for breakfast.
No disrespect intended…
No problem. The article in itself is very informative. There are many factors into why 162nd has changed. It is showing some signs of life.
sotiris — We were next door neighbors back in the day! (You and your brother were just little tykes when I moved away.) Just wanted to tell you I remember your parents, Andy and Maria, as the nicest, loveliest people. They were always so kind to my parents, who were much older than yours, and so friendly to me whenever I was visiting and we bumped into each other in the alley. I am so grateful to your mom and dad for being such caring neighbors and I’m so glad to hear these wonderful people are still in the area and still at the coffee shop — I’m not in NY very often but next time I’ll stop by! Please tell them they will always be 35 years old in my memory (: My very best wishes to you and to your family.
the other paint store was petersons, next to the cup, steves is a fixture there I know andy and before him was his uncle steve, and before them a man named jimmy owned it, my mom worked there for many many years,as far as the cup, it was my last stop a fw nights b4 going home, when I was a kid we jumped up on the windows too sneak a peck , long live steves and 162street
Thats right I remember Jimmy and then Steve i delived food for a few months back in the 1970’s…and I remember Andy too …he was young then lol
memories! I worked at the coffee shop my last year of high school- and probably hold the distinction of being the slowest waitress Steve ever hired. Andy was the nicest person and I probably lasted the summer because I did my shift while steve took his afternoon nap. It was an interesting job because of all the neighborhood people that came in to eat- most of the shop owners on the street and some regulars. I drive through now and then to visit mother in law that is the last person I know that still lives in the area. it is a sweet spot for memories of a time it was a great place to grow up.
My dad and his old Con Ed buddies had many a breakfast there. Thank You
the jewish lady was annie and abe and there was the sewing box across the street ,the son ran it for awhile, larry and mary
Donna, the other paint store was called S Petersen Paints, he was my grandfather. S stood for Svend as well, he and my grandmother were from Denmark. I believe he opened the store in the late 30’s. He worked for Svend Kent but went out on his own. He first lived in an apartment over the store and my Mom was born there. He later purchased a home on 167 st off of 29 ave, a realy beutiful neighborhood. I worked there as a kid in the 60’s. My dad married Petersen’s daughter and he and grandpa and that little store provided a wonderful living for our families. It was a different time and i miss it a lot. My grandparents and parents are all gone now but my memories live on.
Do you remember the name of the Jewish clothing store? Think the family owned 3.
And Vicky was one of their kids.
Thx, DD
I remember the fruit store…I ved right accross the street
i grew up on 161st right off of Sanford Ave…before the liquor store was the drug store..then u had the deli with Mike, Molly, and Pete…down further was the candy store with Ruth and her son Lester..i dont remember the husband and her other son…Broadway Supermarket…Milk Barn..I’m trying to go down the block…lol…Steve’s Coffee Shop..i worked there 1975…lol..across the street i remember Cheap Charlies…i loved that place…and going back down towards Sandford was Dominic Bakery …the Meat store…with Mike….oh back up the street Velvet Cup…we used to love trying to peek in the window…ahhhhhhh good ole 162nd street…Mom just moved from that neighborhood and may i say just in time…it now looks like a slum area…i go to Flushing once a week to take mom shopping we hit Bj’s and Pathmark…mostly …but every now and again we visit Andy at Steve’s Coffee shop…and it really is depressing…Regal Pharmacy just closed down recently…very Sad….but they can not take the great memories that street holds in my heart.
murry was the father
Hey Irene. I grew up on 160th and Sanford from 1960-1993. I recognize all the places you are talking about. No one to my knowledge has mentioned “the Art of Things” owned by Gloria and Ann.
I remember the art of things my mom worked there (Carol)… Ann and Gloria were great people and would invite us to there house (up past the broadway station) …their Mother would stuff us with home made italian food lol
Ann and Gloria were my aunts. They moved to California in the late-70s/early-80s, with my grandmother, where they continued to stuff the family with homemade Italian food whenever they could. Gloria passed away in 2003, and Ann in 2006. My mom, the middle sister, is still with us at age 95. I remember visiting their store in the mid-70s, where I met you your mom, and I believe your dad (was he English?). At a time when women were not expected to own their own businesses, they accomplished much, and touched a lot of lives.
I remember The Art of Things. It was a beautiful store and I always enjoyed buying cards there.
Do you remember a womens clothing shop called The Village Traveler on 162nd St…same side as the fruit store?
My brother and I used to consider BB’s and Sports World sacred shrines back in the late 60’s, when sports was all we lived for. Flushing offered all the rest when we moved on to a different kind of sporting life. Paddy Quinn’s ain’t dead yet. My band, Terminally Blue, just played a gig there on 7/21. A lot of the remaining Irish contingent came out that night and we all had a great time. Doing it again on 9/29 and looking forward to going back. Come on down & put some life back into a still trying spot. Maybe a 162nd Street reunion?
My house was right there!! See? Right there where Vic Kessler now has , had, (he’s passed) a sign shop. Think his brother runs it now. Can’t tell you how many times I’ve been up in that tree. That’s where I was when “the lights went out..”
My uncle Sal had a barber shop on the west side of 162nd street, 4-5 stores south of 45th Ave. Franconia Drug store was on the corner. I remember as I received my haircut hearing loud pounding coming from the nearby store. I believe it was the butcher shop originating the sounds as they tossed around heavy sections of the meat to prepare it for customers. I was a kid of 14 years (1951-52) and my brother and I would ride our bikes to get a haircut from Uncle Sal. Sal lived in the rear apartment where he and his wife Rose raised 2 daughters and a son.
Can you please contact me! I think we are related!! I have been searching for my great grandfather ) salvatore E. Caruso.. I think his brother was Vito Caruso (they came over on the same ship as kids under an uncle!). Looking for the two girls fannia and josephine as well..????
I worked in ’63 and ’64 at Muller’s Boulevard Confectionary (ice cream parlor, candy making and lunceonette.)
On Northern Blvd. under the LIRR trestle was B&B Gun and Ammo, then heading west Sven-Kent paint store, a beauty salon, Muller’s at 161-20 (both stores became Bridie’s), a coin and stamp store, a laundromat, Woolworth’s, Halperin’s candy store and the New Republic Chinese Restaruant. It was a great block filled with nice people. The store owners looked out and helped out each other. It was the starting place of many a young person securing their first job. We probable learned more about life and dealing with people than earning a degree from an Ivy League business school.
This is a sad state of affairs but let’s hope the area makes a come back.
Yes, Denis, I hope so. I remember you working in Muller’s. I have some old photos of the area going back to the 1950s, when we were kids. With cars on the street dating from the 1930s with running boards. Remember when cars were made of steel? I recently got hacked, and I’ve started longing for rotary dial phones!
Hello Barbara, My husband’s family owned Mullers and I have been trying to gather information about
it to record the family history. You mention that you have some photos of the area. If it is possible, we all
would love to see them. If you were a customer at Mullers and have any memories about it, could you share them with us? Any and all details would be appreciated to build our family story! My husband was young at the time his grandparent’s Henry and Anna Muller and parents, Stu and Marge Stuart ran the operation and remembers bits and pieces. His sisters remember the Easter baskets of chocolate that they
made up for sale and his brother remembers his dad mixing the ingredients for ice cream. Since you remember an employee there, you probably were a frequent customer and may have some interesting memories. Sincerely, Joanne Stuart
I spent many days after school at Mullers. I remember Marge and Dennis. This was 1963 and 1964. Fr I ends from gramnar school at St Andrews. Holy cross HS, Bishops HS, St. Agnes HS. Great friends and wonderful times.
Ronnie Murphy
.
We spent EVERY day in Muellers! We considered it “Our Place”. That was 1952 thru 1960.I don’t have any pictures, just WONDERFUL Memories!
Hello Denis – My husband’s family owned Muller’s Boulevard Confectionary and I have been trying to gather any and all
information and photos about the store. My husband Don was the youngest in his family and remembers a bit of what his grandparents (and owners) Henry and Anna andparents, Stu and Marge Stuart did. We would be interested in every detail
you might recall about working there…what the place looked like, what they served, who else worked there, what types of candy they made, the flavors of icecream, wages at the time, any funny stories, descriptions of Henry and Anna and any knowledge of their background and what ever else you recall. If you have any photos we would love to see them. I thought
it was an interesting venture they persued and that our son and cousins would like to have a bit of their family history in place. I would have loved to found their recipes for icecream and chocolate to share with all!!! Looking forward to hearing from you. Sincerely, Joanne Stuart
Joanne – Just happened to be reading through these threads and thought I’d mention, I have at least one photo of Muellers, taken by my father, from the Studley Triangle during the 1956(?) Memorial Day Parade. I’ll be happy to email it to you – if we can figure out a way They probably won’t print email addresses here. Ed
Oh my goodness. Hung around Muller’s every free moment. I remember Marge so we’ll. Was so great with all of us. Also, knew your grandparents and they were great too! After school, FHS, we would go to Muller’ and hope they had some potato salad left. It was 10 cents and came in a blue bowl. What memories. In the evenings with such a big crowd we would have to order something every so often or out! If anything was left behind, we could always find our lost possessions behind the Jukebox. I think the potato salad was made with raw egg, scallions, vinegar and of course potatos and salt and pepper. It was the best …….I left Flushing in 1965. And sad to see the change that has taken place there. Also remember a cherry tree behind the store. Maureen
Joanne, What happened? I remember we hooked up years ago for a picture of Mueller’s in ’56. But I don’t think you ever got back to me. I recall you were on may have been on Instagram or something that I wasn’t. These sites don’t generally allow email addresses but, If you can decipher my address: ebzo6atgmail. I can send you the photo.
Denis I remember you and your big head working at Mullers. You ate all the profits.
Hey,
Does anyone remember the arrests at the velvet cup that led the evening news one night? I think it was a mob thing?
my mom still lives in the neighborhood, so I have witnessed the neighborhood changing since I moved away in 1982. this has happened to nearly every Main St. but it has everything to do with 40 years of real estate bubbles that saw waves of old neighbors cash out and head to cheaper and warmer places. no stores can compete with the big boxes, and it was our neighborhood loyalty that kept so many people in business (Anita’s Corset shop? Saturday allowances spent at Woolworths (pop the balloon for your sundae prices) and the newest 45’s at the record store.) it is sad because I doubt anyone found a better place to grow up- it was just a different time. thanks for reminiscing- I recognize some names, but am also sure to have crossed paths with the rest of you- working at Finocchios, and Steve’s Coffee Shop.
Yes I do and your right it was
I am trying to remember the name of a clothing store owned by a family (think they had 3 stores)
and a daughter by name of Vicky. Do you remember what clothing stores were in the area
in the 50’s and 60’s.
Thx, DD
Murrays
Murrays
I can remember going in to Anita’s with my mom…she needed a new girdle.
Just came across this website and reading all the comments brings me back. I grew up on 159st and Sanford, just remeber walking up and down Northern and 162 and being in all those stores. I moved out of Flushing in 84′ to long island but I still traveled back to finish my last year of high school at Holy Cross. Back in the 60’s and 70’s my whole family lived within 3 blocks of each other. My good friend who lived right behind me ( McNamara), parents still own the house on 158st. I have gone back a few times and I am almost to tears, wish we still had neighborhoods like that , it was a great place to grow up. I used to work at the Villa Bianca and my parents actually got married there in 1967. Going to the UA Quartet, saw Star Wars at the RKO Keiths. Miss it all, nothing will ever compare. Long live the memories of good old Flushing.
I lived at 158th & Sanford….is your friend Jack McNamara? He was part of our crowd.
My best friend lived on the corner of 158st and sanford … name, Richard Beiner …his mom lived there for many many years (still might)
Did he have a brother named Gerard (I think) … my younger brother by a few years had a friend Gerard Beiner (if I remember correctly) but don’t remember where he lived.
No, 2 brothers – Mike and Ray (and I’m Mike) Our mom is still on 158th and Sanford. I’m not too far away in Bayside now. You may be thinking of Gerard Beirne (it’s close) and I happen to know him too. Dave – let me know how to contact you to catch up.
Loved reading all the memories (have quite a few of my own of 162nd as well as the old neighborhood). Too many changes.
Dave – Fran Beiner {Richard’s Mom} would like you to contact her ASAP – it’s VIP!!! Same phone number she always had!!! She’s still living at the same place!
I went to school with John mcNamara
And I also saw Star wars at the RKO Keiths lol
long live 162 street with all our memories past and present,from northern to 46th ave
There was no better place to bring up kids. Recognize some of the names from St. Mary’s Grammar school. Also , hadn’t heard anyone mention Michaels Lounge, Martins Park Handball courts. My wife, Linda P also worked at Finoccios Bakery before Eilleen i believe, is that eileen, Kevin Corbetts sister ?
I lived on 161 street between 46 an 45 ave.
No cell Phones, you left the house in the morning and your parents wouldn’t see you till Dinner time ! If they needed to find you they’d have to drive around the neighborhood looking for you, either at Martins fields, or playing softball at P.S.107 playground, Kissena Park .
You’d have to learn how to speak Korean to live their now, i hear they call it Flu-shing now ! Oh well
Is that you Bill Baeder from 161st street. Marlene speaks of you often. This site sure brings us all back to a simpler time.
Hey Jim,
Yes it is I . How you Califorians doing , you all need to head back East with all the problems going on out there, weather wise. I’m still in touch with Marlene on occassion, we e-mail each other.Well Buddy , good to hear from you, to bad we couldn’t set up another reunion, i just looked at the video i have of the original reunion, GOOD TIME
I lived on 166th ST around the corner from PS 107. My brother Don McCartin played handball at Martins Field and did well on the paralell bars in the early fifties.
Wow! This HAS to be the Bill B I’m thinking of…lol We had a common friend in Fred Valis, also of 161st between 46 & 45th.
What? no mention of KBA (Kissena Bowling Academy)?
Nick ,
Not sure which Nick, Kanderis maybe ? Well whoever, how are you ? I’m doing fine, Can’t stay on here right now, got a bunch of stuff i have to do, You have my e-mail, send me something and we can continue this discussion, later
Bill B
Wow, Fred Valis was in my class at St. Mary’s back in 1960.
Hi Ed – What a surpise!! Thank you !! My family would love to have the photo!!! Are you registered with any photo sharing sites? Joanne
Joanne, Sorry for the delay . . . I only just saw your reply. Actually, I do have an account on Flickr – but haven’t used it. I’ll post the photo there. Ed (gotta find it first)
Hi Ed – Thank you – I joined Flickr in anticipation!!!
Good grief . . . I just saw this. It’s been almost 4 years. Did I ever send you the picture?
I will if you haven’t got it. Are you on Facebook? Ed Britton
Didn’t receive it,,,yes I am on Facebook under Joanne Marshall Stuart
was down 162 street sunday, while the bakeries, regal the candy stores, are gone, steves is still there,along with the pizza store and the liquor store, hopefully 162street can make a comeback , maybe not to what it was ,but a comeback just the same. you would never go without a drink, something to eat or your sweet tooth would never go without being full, , 3 food stores 4-5 bake shops, 3-5 pizza stores,2-3 candy stores, long live the memories, and hope for a sweet future ,no disrespect
There was a large deli on the corner directly opposite the Velvet Cup. 3 thugs attempted to rob the deli in the 1970’s. Some guy who was going o the deli for milk saw the shotgun toting robbers in the deli and ran to the Velvet Cup yelling to the bartender “Give me a quarter to call the police the deli is getting robbed.” Seems the entire 109 Pct. Detective Squad that had just gone off duty was in the Velvet Cup having a few beers. Did those 3 robbery suspects get the surprise of their lives when they exited the deli. The Detctives were waiting for them and it was like the gunfight at the OK Corral.
Does anyone know the name of the Deli on 162nd street between 45nd 46th avenue????
Seems like another world I once lived in! Stationary store with Ruth..Sal’s Pizza..I used to get egg creams at a small place right next to the broadway LIRR station. Bill’s deli (RIP)..and of course Bridie’s when i got older and was allowed in a bar! Had plenty of good memories there!! Mike and Paul were fantastic bartenders!!
Jim, the ‘stationery’ store was George’s – at least in the 60’s . . . and George made a mean egg cream in a paper cone cup, I remember that. What was there – like 4 counter stools – in the place?
Yes! 4 Stools!! George’s Yes!! Thank You!!I think that was the last good Egg Cream i had!! Not sure if i had any at Farmer Boy across street from St Andrews…I had the School Special there..Hamburger french fry and a coke for like 1.25.
Tony and Ida Mongelli bought it from George in the late 60’s, Tony also made an incredible egg cream.
Then it became Tony and Ida’s (our friend’s parents) .. that was my neighborhood, played football, stickball, etc… on Depot Road al the time … used to go to the bar on 164th between Depot and Crocheron … forgot the name, that is where I had my 1am interview for a job that eventually moved me out of Flushing (and NY) in 1979 … I can picture all those stores down 162nd and around Northern … great memories.
I believe you may be talking about “Breffnies Pub ! I lived on 158th &Crochrene Ave in the late 70’s early 80’s !!! My Husband Al & I (Patty) were the superintendents of the bldg on that corner & had a coffee truck
Patty, Crocheron doesn’t begin west until 162nd Street, so your building couldn’t be on 158th (168th?). The Briefne was on 169th and closed a year or two ago.
That bar was the Depot Bar & Grill, otherwise known as “Peck’s”.
Yeah Farmer Boy…a mom ‘n pop joint…we referred to the Mrs. as Farmer Lady.
Lots of buttered rolls consumed with those yummy egg creams. We also would cut church and hang there instead.
The luncheonette across from St. Andrews Church was called Sy’s . Spent many a first Friday there after mass for a toasted English muffin and a cherry coke.
Before Sy’s, it was Eddie & Duddy’s. Sometimes I would go to early mass at St. Andrew’s and mom would give me 15 cents for an English muffin and hot cocoa before going to school.
Wow i used to get egg creams there also..my grand parents lived right across the street over the coffee shop that was there …remember the deli around the corner (Martha’s?) The best ever
Knew a girl that also lived above that coffee shop, think her name was Christine … knew her just to say hi … had several friends who lived in the large apartments on the corner of 165th next to Martha’s … and the owner of the pharmacy on the corner of 164th lived across the street from us … then it closed and it became a head shop … you could smell the incense any time you walked past even with the doors closed.
“The Hungry Head”.
Left home sweet home in the sixties. So many great memories. Muller’s of course was on the top of the list. When Sunday’s came, Muller’s was closed and we had to make do with the Slab around the corner on 162nd st. that was neat too! I remember two bars on the street, a great bakery, a shoemaker repair shop right before the trestle. there was a drugstore on the corner of station road and also one down on Sanford Avenue. Cannot believe how awful it looks now. There was also a Merkel Meat store and a super great Italian Deli. And so much more, all going businesses that we frequented daily.
In Merkel’s, ‘Unlce Otto’ always had slices of bologna for the kids . . . memories . . .
We I’d buy our meat there. My great grandparents owned a home on station rd., but I see that it’s been replaced with multiple housing…..
My husband went to school with Neal Sabo. Could that be your brother. I went to school with his wife Kathy. Is this the same family?
One of my first jobs was at Sanford Pharmacy…Joe Avinogne ran the place with Ronnie…they were the pharmacists. He’d call the house and ask me mum if one of the would boys would like to help, making deliveries. A number of times I got to do that…loved it…
Thats right Sanford pharmacy …thanks i couldnt remember the name…I remember Ronny being a bit of a play boy lol …and he had a red Cadillac convertible if I remember correctly lol
I just came accross this site about 162 St. My grandfather opened his paint store, Petersen’s Paint and Wallpaper, at 40-33 162 st, next to the Velvet Cup. I believe he opened it @ 1940. He worked for Svend Kent paint store but decided to go out on his own. My grandparents lived in an apt above the store, then bought their first home on 167 st off on 29 ave. That store provided 3 generations with a great start life. Those were wonderful years for me growing up. I learned a lot about retail, customer service and basic business practices, which helped me through out my carreer. I have many and numerous fond memories of stocking shelves, delivering to various customers throughout Queens, waiting on customers etc. Back then stores were closed on Sunday and most closed @ 6PM. A lot of time to spend with family. I was back there @ 5 years ago and it sure was changed. I now live in western NC in a log home on an acre of land. A far cry from Flushing. Dad sold the business in the early 80’s. My Grandparents and Parents are all gone now, but it is fun to stop and remember those times.
Do you know the name of a Jewish clothing store that was in the area in 1950s and 60s , maybe long
run by a family – believe their daughter was Vicky?
You thinking of Murrays
That’s so interesting Bob…used to shop at both places, as did my ole man.
Thank you for sharing that.
Hi Relep, Yes it was a long time ago, before Lowes & Home Depot, folks went to local stores to get their paint, hardware, plumbing etc needs. It was a different time and era back then, but the times do change. Thanks for sharing with me about your experiences shopping at our family store, made my day…Bob Wade (Petersen Paint & Wallpaper).
In 1959 I was 12 years old an my paper route for The Star Journal was both sites of 162nd from 45th avenue to the LIRR trestle on Northern Blvd. Molly & Pete’s market was called “the Irish Man’s”. Across the street next to Angelo the shoe makers was “the Guineas” aka the Brothers. Across from Molly was “dirty” Jack’s Jewish Deli. Best corned beef or pastrami sandwich in town. I think it from him sticking his hairy arm in the pickle barrel to the elbow. The always present one inch ash on his cigarette must have periodically fallen into one the food items. No one knew or cared. No one took the names as insult and no insult was intended. At night they rolled up the awnings and not roll down the steel security gates
my fathers name was Frank Grabowski and he passed away in 1985 when i was 9 yrs old . One of the few memories i have of him was when he played softball for Pop Eyes Pub we would go to the bar after the game and my dad and George Nevins would keep me busy by giving me change for the shuffle board game. George Nevins was one of my dads pall bearers and a great man. Every year i went back to the cemetary on fathers day and after visiting my dad at ST. Marys cemetary i would stop by to see if George was at the bar and when he was he was knee deep in a racing form and a beer. He would tell me stories from back in the day we would hoist a few and i would be on my way.If anyone on here knew my pop it would be great to hear about it. Thank You.
I worked for Vic Kessler during the Summers, starting in the late 70’s. In 1980 he was just building his new shop in this neighborhood at that Sanford corner location – probably completed in the Fall of that year. The previous year, or so, he bought Ed Kral Signs, which was on the other side of 162nd Street – right across the street, IIRC. He ran both Kral’s and his original location (on College Point Blvd), for a year or so, until fully moving into this new location ~ 1981. He must have closed Kral’s at that time.
Does anyone remember the Blue Mill Diner on Northern blvd and 162nd Street?
Yes I do…1950’s
How about Jo-Als…
And the record store, and the guy who ran ran it.
How about Bohacks, on the other corner of 162nd and Northern … and Martha’s deli on Crocheron between 164th and 165th.
Bohacks yep..went every weekend with my mom…and Martha’s was the best Her and her sister were so nice…My Grandmother worked for them …and learned the recipe to their awesome potato salad that has been handed down the generations to my family members lol
Frank’s Flushing Records. Frank was missing his pinkie finger – remember? Had a folded dollar bill ring. Frank passed a little over a year ago, the oldest living WWII veteran in College Point! Jo-Al’s to Maverick’s to Blu Adriatico.
We would go to Mueller’s or Jo-Als after school (we all went to St. Agnes ‘ .. Both soda shoppes were the great hangout places back in the 50s. The owners were always so patient and great with us kids. Flushing is definitely not the same.
Sure do
Anyone remember who owned 3 of the clothing stores in the area back in the early 50s, maybe even earlier? Trying to locate relatives. I believe one of the stores was in College Point area. The owners had a daughter named Vicky.
An old fashioned Jewish owned clothing store – does this help, does anyone know the name of the owners?
Murray’s?
Does anyone have a picture of St. Mary’s (from the 1940’s)? I am trying to identify the site of a wedding and think that St. Mary’s may have been the location. The couple is standing in front of a double door with small high rectangular windows. The stone arch appears to have an engraved swimming duck or swan. Under the engraved section, there is a motif of 6 arches.
I lived on 162st.from 45 to 46 avenue in the forties. I’m writing a book called the Boys of Flushing and would like to get in touch with Popeye Nevines or any of the boys of the Sunrise Eagles football team. I know a lot of the folks on this web site. Jackie Mathe was my brother-in-law. The book is full of nostalgia about the old neighborhood. By the way Popeye my grand son David Worko played with his group in Burks a while ago. I almost fell through the floor when he told me about it. Yeah ‘m still out here at 89.
I grew up on the corner of 162 st. and Sanford Avenue. My dad worked at Krals’ sign shop across the street. I mom worked on the ambulance at Flushing Hospital. My brother, Joey, and me attend PS PS 107. Marlene Morello lived up the block with her brother, Philip. There was Klaus’s Bakery up the street and Paddy’s Paddock. Quinns Funeral Home was across the street and there were many soldiers that died in Viet Nam that had their services there. I now live in CA. and am a published poet world wide.
I was driving home from work with a friend and he was heading down 162th St south and as he crossed Sanford Ave this Volkswagen pulled out and hit us. The driver of the VW was a big guy who was the owner of Paddy’s Paddock. (Paddy Mahan). My friend got out to exchange insurance, license,etc .I also got out of the car (mistake) and this guy keeps glaring at me. He was at least 6’5 and strong as a bull. I am 6’3. He was real agitated. I said “take” it easy”;.(mistake). He says” why you” and starts throwing punches at me. I saw the punches coming at me and wanted no part of this. The bar emptied out and the cops came and greeted him like they knew him real well. I live in Dallas now and have a license to carry. Today I would definitely have blown one of his knees out in here in TX and would be NO BILLED.. . Sorry, but that is how I feel. This was all a long time ago, so long that somebody had a radio playing a new hit at the time “Jeremiah Was a Bullfrog”. Any way he is dead, my friend is dead, and I am an old coot now hanging on..
Judith, I think we went to school together. ‘Don’t remember your last name. 107 and 189. Andy Nasal, Andy Setzer, Richard klein, and Michael Chernaik ring a bell? 🙂
When I was a kid in the early 80’s, my dad used to hang out between the Velvet Cup & Harry’s Bar, which was around the corner on Northern Blvd. He used to give me money to go to Mike’s Comics and go to the pet shop, until it burned down (that was rough for a 9 year old). The old men in the Cup used to walk back and forth to the OTB too. I also got my hair cut across the street from the Cup, from the really old Italian guy who would rough-handle your ears and constantly snip his scissors! I looked up the area on Google Maps & it’s all changed – lots of Korean signage on the stores.
I’m trying to locate pictures of 162nd at the split that shows the Optometrist office circa late 50’s / early 60’s before Dr. Zonana took over in 1965. Would also like to see pics from the early-to-mid 80’s that shows Peoples Music which was previously Piano People. By then Jo-Al’s had become the Blu Adriatico (sp?) and there was a slew of cats living out back in the alley. Went to PS 32 in the 60’s – – always had lunch at the Big Scoop – – and then after that the newly minted IS25 (renamed Adrian Block) which was the first school in the area with AC. Svend Kent, New Republic Gardens, The Roosevelt and of course Woolworths. On 162nd was the Milk Farm — great roast beef sandwiches — and the already mentioned Leiser’s Liquors where I worked during the late 70’s. Lots of good memories.
I went to St Andrews in the 60s, we had a saying … all the monkeys in the zoo go to PS 32 … would play softball on 32’s concrete playground before they tore it up and expanded the school, so we continued up 35th ave to IS 25 … played basketball in the mid-late 70’s in that small playground that had just enough room for a fullcourt, would pull the fence out at the bottom and crawl under, no one ever used that court so we always had it to ourselves … and played softball on the big play area but had to stop whenever someone hit the ball up on the school roof.
Hey Denis you remember the O’Sullivans ? They were a huge family and they went to St. Andrews…they lived around the corner from 162st
No, didn’t know that family … knew a few guys on 163rd between 35th and 33rd (George LaPlace and Pat Faughan) … and the McGurrans on 162nd … my crowd was mostly on 165th and 166th.
Went to is-25 from 1973-1976
And remember that small basketball court on the end of the school property
My name is Gene Rackovitch I am an author of seven books the one that might interest people on this site is “The Boys of Flushing. I lived in that area all my young life.. I am still trying to get more information of the football club the Sunrise eagles if any of you wold like to read the book here is my address 68555 Rt. 48 Greenport, NY 11944. The cost of the book is $20.00 p[us five dollars handling, for that you receive a signed copy. I am still interested in further adding to the pages of the book anyone having information about that time please call me at 631-477-8678 Thanks Gene Rackovitch
I moved away in 84
I lived on 189th street & 48 th Ave & went to St Kevin’s. My mother taught swimming at the Flushing YMCA. We hung out at Willies Candy Store & Feinstein’s candy store which was on the corner of 192nd & Northern Blvd. Anyone remember?
Hi jay. I was one of the kids you hung out with. My name is Denise I married nick primiani. We had a wonderful life as kids. I would love to hear from you.
Aaaaahhh…’your talking almost Bayside…… :p
I lived on 162nd street from when I was born in 1961 to 1980. I remember Salernos or “Sals” and it was the best italian food I ever had. I became good friends with Sal even though he was more than twice my age.. we used to go to coin shows back in the late 70’s .. ..i remember the velvet cup well …it was the first top-less bar in queens …and the had a small peep-hole in the velvet curtains that covered the inside of the store front windows lol … i remember michaels meats…the fish store…b&b sporting goods with Will and Al …the milk barn…art of things card shop. My mom used to work there for Ann and Gloria…dave syme the electrician, I used to go with him on jobs sometimes when he needed a helper…the little coffee shop next to sals, (Jimmys, then Steves)..the candy store (forget the name). I remember when the liquor store opened… before that it,was a pharmacy the great deli next store (name?) I remember there was hair salon my mom used to go to… a small laundromat. Across the street was bar, antique stores, and womans store (bra and girdles lol) I remember i used to get embarrassed when my mom took me in there when I was a kid. … Svend Kent paint store which had a long alley way behind the store to get to the apartment above the store (my friend lived there) peterson paints, the fruit store …too much to remember
Forgot to add…I lived over the barber shop right next to the trestle (40-30 162st) it used to be a tailors shop before it was a barber shop. As mentioned above, I lived right next to the trestle and thus the tracks lol…I remember the building would shake everytime the L.I.R.R. would rumble by…I used to climb out the side window of the apartment, walk down the side of the tracks, climb down a tree and cut through an alley way that ran along the back of those buildings (sals, coffee shop art of things etc) to get to station rd to play with my friends…oh the memories 🙂
Yeah, Station Road … we spent our teen years on Depot Road, right there by the Broadway Station parking lot … all those cars that would leave whenever the trains unloaded in the late afternoon had the nerve to interrupt our football or stickball games
Hey Denis.. I remember well you guys playing on Depot road…my grandmother lived on depot road right across from the train station over the diner.
Where you there playing football the day when a guy was shot and killed by police?? My mother and I were only 100 ft behind the guy when it happened
My dentist was on depot rd. also (Dr Kassen (sp?) )
Hi David
I’m looking for any information about a pub in Flushing from yesteryear. The pub was ran by my father’s uncles. In particular Daniel (Dan Sullivan). Dan was a bachelor and sadly passed away 1986. I don’t know the address of the pub but the address was definitely Flushing. I know it’s a long shot. I have some photos but can’t seem to include them here. Any information would be greatly appreciated.
I stumbled on this website today, and after reading through the many wonderful comments, I must join the fun. I lived on 45th Ave. between 162nd & 163rd in the late 60s/early 70s. I attended St. Andrews and then Holy Cross. I am one of seven kids of Irish-born parents — Mike and Bridie. 162nd Street was the setting for all or part of nearly everything in my life in those years — from Northern Blvd to Kissena Park and the golf course (for sledding of course). There are many stories, but the Velvet Cup brought me here and I have to say that peeping thru the curtains to catch a glimpse of topless dancers on stage in that bar was a favorite after school activity choice. My friends and I preferred to sit on our sting ray bikes as we gawked so that we could make a quick get-away when we were inevitably chased away.
My regards to Mary above of the Nevins clan. It was always so much fun to run into Mary and her sister on Station Road when teens were out drinking around the LIRR tracks on weekends. Her brother Billy and her cousin Eddy were both good friends.
Regards also to Bill B above whose wife Linda is my brother-in-law’s cousin. Bill, a few years older than me, would stop his car, get out, take my cigarettes, and tell me not to smoke with a butt hanging from his lips. My pals were impressed that I knew big guys in fast cars. He and a whole crew that hung around the handball courts at Martin’s Field were at my sister Kathy’s wedding. It worked Bill; I don’t smoke.
Compliments also to the O’Sullivan girls of Station Road just up from 162nd Street whose brick stoop and rail fence were swarmed by boys in those years. Their house became a real gathering place and once the stoop broke from the constant weight of courting lads waiting for a sight of the beautiful sisters. Patricia was in my class at St Andrews and our 7th Grade social studies teacher, Mr. Stam, would always ask, “How are things in the nylon jungle Miss O’Sullivan?”
There are many stories, but I must relate one from Flushing Cemetery. My friend Kevin Mullane, who lived above Shmidt Dental Supply across the street from Finocchio’s Bakery, and others often rode bicycles around the cemetery, entering at 46th Ave and 163rd Street. One summer day we came upon a gathering funeral procession near the gate. A large group of musicians were assembling; there were all sorts of horns. We sat in our bikes and watched from a short distance. A television crew arrived. The band started playing and the procession of cars and marchers moved away up the cemetery road. We followed a bit behind. That evening we were on TV and learned that we had attended Louis Armstrong’s funeral.
All for now. Peace and good memories.
Didn’t know the family but remember the houses … I had an early morning NY Daily News paper route in 69-70 over there and would ride my bike past those houses every morning, rain or shine or dark or cold … crossed Northern Bvld, down 162nd, right onto Station Road, then left on 161st, tossing a few papers along the way.
Just came upon this post. My family owned our home on 191st and 35th ave and my grandparents were on 162nd and 45th ave. My neighbors, Val and Frances and I rode our bikes to my grandparents’ home, had a delicious lunch made by my nana Savino then rode down the block to Louie Armstrong’s funeral at Flushing Cemetery. We were about 12 years old. I just remember lots of people trying to get in to the fences. Thanks for bringing back fond memories!
Hey Tommy…. we have alot in common in your post…I also attended Louie Armstrong’s funeral (not by invite of course lol) my aunt told me about the funeral and we ran down to the cemetery …first we were at the main entrance waiting with probably 200 people …then some guy told my aunt that the funeral procession would be going in the rear gate so we ran all the way around the cemetery just as the cars were going in…cops were there trying to hold people back but my aunt grabbed my hand and dragged me in lol
Also I remember the O’sullivan girls well as I only lived around the block on 162st over the barber shop. I was good friends with the only boy in the O’Sullivan family (John) and was at that stoop or playing basketball in the backyard everyday.
I didn’t move to far I stayed in Queens. I gave a lecture at my old school PS 22 I last stepped foot in there in 1975. The principal wasn’t even born yet.
I think I may be the only one from my family who didn’t work at Finocchios Bakery. My brother Al did and so did a few of my older cousins. Didn’t they venture into the hotel business in Lake George.
My family owned the corner house at 157th street and 45th avenue. Nothing like beeing a teen in the late 70’s through 80’s. Fred’s German Deli and Max & Kims, candy store across the street. Topps baseball cards, wiffle ball or hand ball, egg creams, Fred’s heroes and potato salad and meat cakes.
Why I lived at that corner house on 45th & 157th Street..Across from Fred’s German Deli. My dad Giuseppe would always be outside doing some sort of lanscaping to his lityle garden. My older brother Joe would be hanging with his friends by Max and Kim’s candy store. Is there a part of this site yhat allows people to post pictures? nice reading these stories. Oh yeah..I had a twin brother named Mike
I hung out at the candy store (then owned by Joe Kirschner & wife). I hung with Bill Florio, Dougie DeDonato, Andy Gaffney, Jack Kirschner, Steve Gates, John Ciatto, Paul Langrock, Charley Seaman, Ed Bergelt, etc. Was 1963 to 67. Knew Fred (Deli) and son Reiner. Those were great days. The whole area is Asian and very different.
Joe’s had everything, egg creams, walk away Sunday’s, banana splits for 35cents penny candy in the back, cigs ,and he made change from a cigar box. I remember all those “greasers” all great guys my mother never had any problem with me going down there. I remember I was taking a lick off my sisters ice cream come and dougy said to my sister I’ll give you a dollar if you stick it in your nose. I remember dolphins by name but not by face. I lived on Murray and Delaware.. Johnny dinko
Joe’s had everything
We had the best 4th of July’s. Cherry bombs, ash cans and m 80’s..we bought from the Nova man??? Kids kids a million kids. 63 to 69
Mike Scarola’s family owned the candy store after Joe Kirshner I guess and then Max and Kim must have owned it.
My family owned the corner house at 157th street and 45th avenue. Nothing like being a teen in the late 70’s through 80’s. Fred’s German Deli and Max & Kims, candy store across the street. Topps baseball cards, wiffle ball or hand ball, egg creams, Fred’s heroes and potato salad and meat cakes.
God Bless Flushing. There was a time when young men protected the area and kept out the undesirables. The boys of 22park defended the neighborhood and helped keep it solid for another generation to enjoy in the late 80’s early 90’s. All hope is gone now. Anyone left in the wasteland should enjoy the high real estate prices. Peace
I remember a bunch of you and, if you don’t know me you most certainly knew my brothers… I remember the old neighborhood well growing up there through the 70’s and 80’s. I still was around in the 90’s a bit and remember Fred’s deli and those barrel pickles they had.
The thing about that neighborhood is we covered a large swath in our ventures. From the crusin days at Franny Lewis to Jones Beach there was no end to it. Kissana bowling ally died away where I once went bowling and played space invaders for the first time.
Johns Pizza was up the block on 45th by Billmar what use to be Riskins (spelling?) and Queen bee laundry and Deli up the other way on 162nd. And we all hung out in Kissana park of course.
Most of us knew about everything from the Adventures Inn over by Flushing Airport to All Skates USA under the train tracks heading toward the queesboro bridge. But yes, we all remember 162nd and the Quartet movies right up on Northern. And don’t forget Johns Florest on the other south side. I bought a lot of flowers there. I’ve not been back since I moved away and it’s rather sad to see what happened to the old neighborhood. But there indeed were many fond memories.
Ryskins Candy Store and Bach’s Ice Cream Shop. Amorosos Grocery, the Little Triangle Park. Mario (John’s Pizzas brother) passed away 10 years ago. Kept in touch with him for a while. The Hobby Shop, Carstenz Cleaners, John’s Candy Store, Bohacks (Sanford/45th Ave), The Shoe Maker, etc. Those were the good ole days.
Bohack’s was Northern and 162 nd…..A&P was 162nd and 45th. 😉
Hi all!
My mom is trying to remember the name of the store where they sold kids furniture, maybe also bicycles, near Murray’s. Maybe the bicycle store was different but with the same owner? She used to work across the street back in the 80s when there was a big fire and the pet store burned down.
The children’s furniture store was ‘Juvenile Mart’.
When I lived on 168 Th St in the 40’s and 50’s , the area around 162 and Northern was “Downtown” for us kids, The Roosevelt Theater was a favorite in my younger time. I am not sure but was the Slab the really great malt shop on the corner? At age 82 my memories are a bit dim but still good times.
Went off to the USN in 56 and wound up in San Diego where I still reside. My best to all of you all!
WOW! All the power to you! Roosevelt theatre turned into Quartet I believe.
Yes it did.
Horrible just horrible
Sals Pizza was a popular hangout in the early 80’s, but didn’t Sals son Louie take it over? Mapleways too. I remember Bill and Manny. Eddie Glynn the relief pitcher for the Mets hung out at the bar. I think more people hung out and played the video games than actually bowling.
I knew sal very well…he had no children
Wow. Great memories. Had forgotten most of these businesses – Velvet Cup, B&B, Murray’s, Maple Lanes…. all part of growing up in North Flushing or Broadway in the ’60s. We lived on 158th and 32nd by Bowne Park but spent a good deal of time on 162nd both north and south of Northern. Worked at Kissena Golf for 8 summers from 1970 to ’78. Great summer job. Would ride my bike down 162nd at 4am in the summer to get to Kissena to open up. Always an adventure riding down that street in the dark all the way to Kissena at that hour of the morning! Found this site looking for info on Joel Verne. A childhood friend, Joel and I went to St. Andrews. Just came across a few St. Andrew Card Party booklets last night from the late ’60s and early ’70s. Like a time warp looking at the photos in these boots. Many of these businesses were sponsors and are listed in the books. Very moving looking through these. I found a picture of Joel in one of these books. He was killed playing on the LIRR tracks in the late 60’s. I still remember him as a nice kid. Must have been my first exposure to such a sudden and tragic loss. Anyone remember him? I have a St.Andrew Class of 1970 class picture if anyone has an interest in seeing it.
Hey Bob, I was St Andrews class of 69 … I remember Joel, didn’t know him but knew who he was … I remember his tragic death from the train, myself and friends used to play in the streets next to the Broadway station but rarely went on the tracks, unless the football or whatever happened to end up there … went to Bowne sometimes but were usually scared off when we would see larger groups of older kinds around, they liked to find some younger kids and toss them in the pond, so didn’t bother going after a while … I had the Daily News route in the area just south of Northern between 162nd and 159th from 1969-1970 so we may have crossed paths on occasion … I remember the card parties, adults would bring their own bottles in and get hammered …
Hi Denis, Class of 69. Funny but in grammar school it seemed like you didn’t interact with other grades – or so I remember. Did you know Dick Ragazzo the track coach or any of the basketball coaches? I had a newspaper route up around the 170’s and 35 Ave. Used to pick up the papers from some storefront run by a scary looking guy up in that same area. Good learning experience doing that in the 7th or 8th grade. Not so sure I would want my kid doing that today. Remember Sister Madeleine? Just can across some old paperwork with her signature. Remember the dances? Sly and the Family Stone. We never threw anyone in the pond. Honest. We did go fishing thee often and would sometimes wade out into the center to get the large carp that had dragged out rods in. A million stories from that park. Are you still in Queens? Did you know Chuckie Scelsi or the Mongelli’s who lived by the station?
I remember the candystore on 162 st in the mid 60s,my grandmother lived next to the building that housed the roofing co.there was a bakery on the st ,had a lot of fun as a child in my grandmothers back yard on sunday ,with all my cousins.the 60s 70s are very missed.john Lizotte jr
Hi everyone!
Does anyone have any knowledge of or may have heard from parents/grandparents about O’Sullivan’s bar and grill in Flushing in the 1940s 50s and 60s ?? My father’s uncle Dan Sullivan owned and operated a bar there during those years but I dont have a definite address. Dan died in 1985.
Many thanks for your help
Marian
I lived in the corner house under the weeping beech tree. Lived there long before it was turned into Kesslers. It used to be owned by Ed Kral. He had the sign shop across the street.
Here’s what I remember from the 70s and 80s
Mikes comic hut (under the UA Quarter marquises)
Piano people (162nd and northern)
Scaturros (162nd northern)
A candy store next to piano people
What was the name of that restaurant across the street
from Scaturros? Something III
Muffler shop on the corner
The barber shop under the trestle ( the barber was mike
Stravlopopulus ( crazy I remember)
How about Aqua pet? Bad fire, lost all the animals.
I worked at Thomas M Quinn funeral home 192-14 Sanford Ave.
Blu Adriatic III. ( just remembered)
Anyone remember the saw shop directly under the
Trestle on northern blvd? My landlords son ran that place. It
became some artsy place early 80s “au port Paris?” He was a outdoorsy guy who decided to paint. Funny.
Hi All:
Just ran into this site. I had lived at 159th street and 35th avenue from 1953-1968 moved to bayside . Good to see all the remembrances
of the good old days. After 50 years difficult to remember some of the old names I used to know but would like to say hello if you remember me.
Hope all are well during these difficult times. Bob Nyilas
I just came across this site and it made me smile. I grew up on 168 St between 43rd and 45th Ave. My street was the dividing line for St Andrews (west side) and St Kevin’s (east side). My mom was born in that house in 1921. I remember Dr Zonana, Pecks and Mapleways. Does anyone remember Minnie’s Candy store on 163or 164 St and 43rd Ave?Safeway supermarket on Northern. One time my older brother took all the ashtrays from The Pizza Garden. He must’ve been about 12. Circa 1962.My dad found out and he took my brother back up there by the back of the neck and made him hand out all the ashtrays back and apologize to the owner. Wetsons by St Kevin’s. Stride Right shoes next to Murray’s across from Woolworth’s My brothers were scouts Troop 1 at the Lutheran Church on Sanford and Northern. Taking the bus to Main St and Glorias Pizza and popcorn at the Hurdy Gurdy. My brothers worked at Villa Bianca from 1966-1968. Did anyone go to a dentist named Dr Rawitz. I hated that guy. He didn’t use Novocain. I love reminiscing. My family always went to Marguerite bakery. My dads shirts were always done at the Hand Laundry on 162nd. And the shoemaker. I could go on and on…..
Moved to Sanford and 162nd in 1975. Lots of antiques stores (got some terrific finds there; one of them now in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum!). There was an Italian Latticcini, a Greek bakery that made the best
spinach pies, a small mom and pop grocery store,a fruit stand, the Dairy Barn for late night shoppers, a fish store, and a funky Legend pharmacy. AFter going through a big slump though, 162nd is steadily morphing into a
Korean hot spot. There are quite a few coffee houses, restaurants and food supply places. The Latin population still has a presence as well, with a smattering of restaurants and barber
shops. It’s still going through changes, but it is getting lively again.
I used to live on the corner of 162 and Sanford. In the house that was torn down to build Kesslers Signs. My dad worked for Ed Kral signs right across the street. It is a horror the way that let such a historic tree die. Shame on them
Hi everyone! Anyone with any information/history of 136-98 Roosevelt Ave? My grand uncle Dan Sullivan had a bar there. Would love to know if anyone remembers him.
Thanks everyone
Marian
Does anyone remember Rutha’s italian restaurant… it was near the Roosevelt Theater
Hello all!! It has been a great deal of fun reading all these posts!! I spent many of my childhood weekends (1970’s and 1980’s) staying at my grandmother and great grandmothers’ home on 32 ave/166th street. Long gone are those days of parents and grand parents sending their children out of the house with strict instructions, “Be home in time for dinner!” and no other rules. I would go fishing for catfish in Bowne Park or walk to Northern Boulevard to browse my favorite pet shop. From reading the posts above, I’ve found my favorite childhood pet shop burned down! I had long forgotten the name of that shop. Was Aqua Pet the name of the shop on Northern Boulevard and is that truly the shop that burned down in the early 80’s?
Ive spent many a long year on and near 162– i used to inhabit the music store on northern for many years — i first found it when Frank ( I think) owned it – then he sold it to john and he and his son Jeff ran it — after awhile Jeff became the owner and i hung out all the time — after another while Jeff sold to Larry and it became Piano People — i still hung there -Larry was a great dude with awesome stories — in the meantime Casey Jones Tavern was the place to be at night — i would be there drinking and playing darts every night –(collected alot of unemployment then !) I met tons of people and made alot of friends and some even to this day are still around — i cruised past not long ago and both caseys and the music store are gone — it was a great time of booze and music and being younr — Flushing is where i grew up and itll be in me forever !
I used to go to Casey Jones back in the Day ,great place . Ralph Scailpi , Bill Hauschildt we lived across from each other on 172nd 34 ave
I used to take 162nd St. from my apartment in Electchester to my parents house in Whitestone. Picked up cannolis at Finocchio‘s many times. They were the best because they filled them when you ordered them. So the shell didn’t get soggy. Moved out of Queens in 1990. Sad to see it go downhill.
Does anyone remember a restaurant in the very early sixties called “Aldino’s?” My father and an uncle owned it until about 1962, but nobody in the family remembers exactly where it was. It was either on, or near Northern Blvd. I distinctly remember the LI Railroad was behind the kitchen. I think that location had a restaurant in the 1970s called “Salerno’s.” If anyone remembers, please let me know. This has become a family mystery.
okay havent been on main street since well 1980s i miss it so bad grand parents lived there. i so want the babka from that Jewish bakery on main and jewel. for the life of me i cant remember what it was. Can anyone help me?
Shelly’s bake shop near Gloria pizza
Amoruso’s grocery store, Ryskind’s, John’s Candy Store, Bach’s soda shop, Teddy’s Shoe Repair, Pralle’s Butcher shop, John’s Pizzeria, Laundry shop. All around Parson’s and 45th Ave. many, many tears ago! Playing baseball at Kissena park and stick ball in the street.
Hi Grant, I too remember all those places..My husband Jim might have played ball with you at Kissena Park. He’s now 83 Would you know the name of a very small Italian Restaurant off Northern Blvd. in the Murray Hill Shopping Center. Rock Bottom was at the back of the center, Consumer’s catalog store was there as well.. The Italian Restaurant was in the corner next to Rock Bottom. If you know anyone that might remember, please ask them and get back to me. It was my mom’s favorite.
That’s “years”, not “tears”, but both could be true.
MOVED TO 160 AND SANFORD IN 77……………….STILL LIVE HERE…………………REMEMEBER ALL THE MEMORABLE THINGS…………………BRINGS TEARS TO MY EYES TO READ ALL OF THE COMMENTS
Great stories and better yet Best Memories. We had it all.
I’m trying to remember the name of a small Italian Restaurant in the Murray Hill Shopping Center. Rock Bottom was the big store at the back of the Shopping Center. The restaurant was to the left of it in the corner if you were looking at Rock Bottom. It was a favorite of our family and we are all trying to remember the name Can you help?.
Pete DeMarco, If you read this I believe our families lived on the same street Poplar Avenue. My in-laws were Frank and Nancy Gombar and our son married one of Jim and Kathy Neville’s daughters, Diane. My husband is Jim Gombar.