HOW many painted ads on buildings do you see around town for hospitals? There was one painted a long time ago at #710 Hunts Point Avenue at Spofford Avenue in the Bronx. Prospect Hospital in Longwood, the Bronx ceased operations in 1985. The privately owned hospital was located in the Longwood Historic District and was constructed in 1963. It could accommodate 175 patients, but had 167 patients and over 300 employees near the time of closing. It was an economic blow to the struggling community. Unusually, the hospital had a sign advertising itself on Hunts Point Avenue, near Spofford Avenue.
That’s not the only sign of interest here. The ad for an alcohol rehab center has the phone number 777-5752; I’m not sure of the area code, but it could be 718, 347, 929, or 917. I’ll leave determining what area code goes with the number as an exercise for readers with spare time.
Lastly, the auto glass place has a plastic illuminated sign popular in the 1950s and 1960s. I don’t intend to stomp around this section of Hunts Point at night, so can area readers tell me if it still lights up?
As always, “comment…as you see fit.” I earn a small payment when you click on any ad on the site.
10/31/22
5 comments
The area code for rehab. center was more than likely 212.
777-5752 is 212. The exchange exists in the other Area Codes, though not in The Bronx.
The five boroughs were 212 when area codes were first implemented, and calling within the same area code, one did not need to dial the area code.
The area code back then in the Bronx would have been 212. The Bronx area code is now 718
According to what I found online Prospect Hospital provided many drug and alcohol treatment services, so these may really be a single ad.