LONGTIME Forgotten fan David Silver found this small fence “medallion” in Jamaica, at 143-13 95th Avenue between Allendale Street and Brisbin; it’s left over from the 1960s or earlier, before all-digital area coded phone numbers. Then, phone numbers had named exchanges that were usually (but not every time) abbreviated with two letters. For example, on a rotary phone, you dialed JA 9-4100 to reach the business. Often, these medallions are the only remaining references to long-gone businesses.
According to the AI robot, Brancato Iron Works was a historic mid-20th-century metalwork and fence fabrication business founded in Jamaica, Queens, New York City, by Vincent Brancato, who immigrated from Italy and established operations on 159th Street and Meyer Avenue during the 1950s. Known regionally for ornamental ironwork, gates, and fencing, with vintage Brancato nameplates occasionally surfaced today as local New York.
The business was located at 159th Street and Meyer Avenue.
Check out the ForgottenBook. As always, “comment…as you see fit.” I earn a small payment when you click on any ad on the site.
2 comments
According to some city zoning records online Vincent Brancato was still around as late as 2013. The records showed that he had come from Italy at the age of 19 in 1950. His son (most likely) Paul runs Ideal Street Supply a few blocks north.
True story Vincent is my grandfather he’s still just as wild as he was when he came from Italy. He’s 95 and truly a remarkable man. He really did achieve the American dream. If you get rid of that plack I would love to have it!