Image by Chris Kreussling
If you never saw Columbia Street before 1960, you missed a lot. The street is still there; the sidewalks, the street sign, but the stores, the people, the charm are all gone. That strip of avenue is unrecognizable, now lined with barrack type housing and no character at all.
The house where I was born no longer stands. 11 Woodhull Street. Next door at 9 Woodhull Street was my grandfather’s candy store, Ralph’s. I can still picture him in his canvas Daily News apron and metal changer hanging from his belt, a Camel cigarette dangling from his mouth.
Columbia Street was colorful, with old stores, old people, and lots of kids. It was a neighborhood of Italian and Puerto Rican poor people, produce, poultry and petty gossip; And everyone we encountered knew our names. My Mom might be known as Ralph’s daughter or Lefty’s niece, or Christina.
On the corner of Columbia and Summit Street was Mr. Bell’s Pharmacy. This is a vague memory, I was very young. But, I do remember Mr. Bell’s shock of white hair and the glass counters with old medicine bottles lined like soldiers. And the big scale, which cost a penny to use.
During a typical grocery-shopping afternoon with my mother, we’d first stop at the chicken market on Sackett Street, right off Columbia. As a kid I thought it was a pet store, hearing those live birds squawk, until my mother would walk out of that store, one hand holding mine and the other carrying the bag with a freshly killed chicken.
On the corner of Columbia and Union Streets was the open fruit market. The produce crates covered half the pedestrian sidewalk, skirting the entire corner. With her hands full of bags, my mother would squeeze the fruit and inspect the vegetables. She would meet a dozen other women going through the same drill.
Our next stop was on Union Street, to the original Mastellone for some fresh cut bologna and American cheese; orange, not white. Thick and delicious, slapped on Wonder white with mayo, it was our Saturday lunch routine. I grew up on it, no baloney.
On occasional Saturdays, my mother’s youngest sister Sophia, an aunt who is four years older than myself, would sometimes take me to the Happy Hour Movie House. We’d buy brown soft chocolate licorice, the kind with the two holes down each side. I’d suck the flavor right out of them. The concession stand was oddly located – down by the screen, just to the right. The matron was mean and you couldn’t make a sound. After the movie, we’d stop next door at Izzy’s for a Charlotte- Rouse. At a dime apiece, it was mini layer cake with whipped cream, topped with a cherry, wrapped in a white cardboard cylinder, easy to hold and wonderful to eat.
Everyone in the neighborhood eventually got framed. Anyone in the neighborhood who received communion or confirmation, got married and had a baby would all wind up hanging in Pamasano’s window, the local photo studio. I hated seeing my face up there, white veil, crossed eyes, and buck teeth framing a forced smile. The most beautiful photo to grace his window was that of my youngest aunt and future uncle, their engagement picture. Blue eyes sparkling right at you. Diagonal to Pamasano’s was the competition, Natoli Studios. Each of these two stores had their own loyal following of customers.
In those days, no one had money, at least not my family. My parents furnished their entire apartment from Sokol Brothers Furniture Store. Furniture on credit, a month, no interest, no contract, just an agreement kept track on a 3X5 lined index card. This was real old fashion mahogany, not the pressboard stuff passed off as furniture today.
There on Columbia Street near Union Street stood the BIG Clock. If you ever had to meet anybody, it was always under “The Big Clock”. That’s where the Shoe Box shoe store was located. Every end of August my mother would take me in for school shoes. I would always wind up getting smacked because I wanted loafers and she insisted on ugly laced oxfords. I never won, but I do have a closet full of shoes today, and none of them have laces.
My Easter outfit was always purchased at Mrs. Summers’, a small clothing store run by an elderly Jewish lady. Hers was another store I often got smacked in. I hated hats and every Easter my mother would insist I wear one, the most ridiculous assortment of bows and fake flowers. I looked goofy enough without that straw upon my head. On Easter Sunday, with my young aunt, we’d be on our way to Mass at St. Stephens Church, but when far enough from the house, I would pull the hat off and replace it with a tiny lace chapel cap.
Making a left onto Union Street we’d hit “Cheap Cheap” Louie, where everyone in the neighborhood bought nylons, bloomers and aprons. My grandmother used to do her Christmas Shopping there, probably spending no more than thirty dollars for twelve people. She would buy the girls pajamas and the boys socks, always socks, and sometimes handkerchiefs.
A few doors away was Choffi Pastry Shoppe. It was only once a week, Sunday mornings, that my grandmother would give me three dollars to buy some pastries for the house. That three dollars would be enough money to feed pastries to the whole family. This was not something we did during the week; it was only on Sunday afternoons, after the big meal when expresso was served to the entire family and, for unexpected relatives who would drop by. The door was always open at Concetta’s.
As we’d walk home toward Woodhull Street, we’d meet many of our relatives on the way. My mother’s Uncle Lefty Big Ears (They all had nicknames) would be hanging out by his house on President Street, in front of Gargulio Florist. He’d be dressed in a suit, no matter the season, surrounded by his loyal friends, ex-long shore men and ex-cons. He could take your watch right off your arm and you’d never know it. He did that for entertainment for the kids while producing a quarter from behind your ear.
Next door was their club, an old rented storefront. Beach chairs filled with cigar smoking men, coffee in hand would gather in front of their social club. In the dark recess of the store, a card game would be going on as the TV blared baseball or boxing. His wife, my Aunt Anna would cook homemade lunches for a dollar or two, serving black espresso afterwards.
Sometimes Lefty’s brother was in town from Hollywood, CA. Louie, the uncle that got away. He was so dapper and tan, when you ran into him you’d have thought you were meeting a real moviestar. The whiteness of his teeth blinded you and his conversation had you mesmerized. We could not get enough of Uncle Louie. I never did find out what he did for a living, but he sure looked good. Never worked a day in his life.
There were many other stores and people worthy of remembrance; it was truly a great community, but my memory does not delight me in every detail. Those things I do remember, including “multiple smacks along the avenue,” I will never forget. For me, the ruins of Columbia Street are as significant as the ruins of Rome. A lost civilization.
Tina Portelli, baby boomer, lives in Cobble Hill Brooklyn, where she was born. She self published a book called Brooklyn Lasagna, 55 Layers a collection of humorous short stories based on life in Brooklyn. She still works as a full time office manager, and continues to write for fun.
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There are many lost civilizations in New York. Sometimes this website feels like a collection of bureau chiefs reporting on their own precinct, Peter Eder and his Germantown on York Ave for example, McGreever and his schools, Lopate on Knickerbocker Village, Passaro At Large, Roberta Allen on the old Upper West Side, the list goes on and on. Glad to have a dispatch from yours.
Tina, I loved your story! You really captured the feel of the way things were. And I know exactly how you feel. I’m a Carroll Gardens native and I also miss the “lost civilization” of our old neighborhood. It’s still a good neighborhood; just not what it used to be.
Tina, My name is Louise my mom was Mary, aunt Anna’s sister. I remember you and your mom Christina she was the avon lady, Of course I remember aunt Concetta and aunt Dada, and all the rest, I loved aunt Dada, She pierced my ears when I was a little girl, I bet she also did yours… I enjoyed reading “A Walk on Columbia Street” It was written beautifully, That’s exactly how we grew up. Thanks for the memories……………
Regards, Louise.
I also came from 261 Columbia Street great reading
I didn’t grow in Brooklyn but I’ve always felt at home here; maybe because I grew up in a Boston, mostly Irish, world a lot like this. Thank you for sharing
I am a Columibia girl born and bred. You brought back so many memories. P.S. 29 and JHS 142.. I was born at LICH and my first home was on Columbia and Summit St. Pizza or calzone with no ham every Friday. The friesh fruit and fresh vegetable wagons, oh what a life we had. Yes, so many memories. Thanks. Hope to hear from you.
I still live in the neighborhood. .
49 years and counting. My sisters confirmation picture was in the window of Natoli.
The place has changed quite a bit..
All the old timers gone..it doesn’t not have the character as it one did..
Remembering as a child, picking up a hot dog on the corner of President and Columbia street.
Going to john’s bargain store on Columbia street passing the army navy store. My parents also bought furniture from Sokol brothers!
And still my mom has pieces of furniture from that place..it’s gone now..A High rise condo in its place that truly kills the charm of the neighbor hood.
Thank good we have memories to keep and pictures to look at.
Thanks for sharing ur story..it was great!
Thanks for the walk down memory lane. I lived on 31 Woodhull St and remembered Ralph’s Candy Store and Mr. Bell’s drug store. I also remember playing with author’s aunt Sophie. However, my ol’neighborhood was Red Hook and NOT Carroll Gardens!!!
Thank you for the memories. I often think of what was and now is. I was raised on Sackett Street. Union Street Park was my back yard. I also remember the Happy Hour, Izzy’s, The Shoe Store, The Beautiful Clock, the stores and the mixture of people. Yes, We were poor but we never knew it. In a lot of ways, we were all family. My picture was also displayed at Napoli’s, Sacraments at St. Peter’s, PS 29 and the lady with the jelly apples, 142 and Angie’s. The waterfront, the ships, the longshoremen. I smile every time I remember. Its a shame how much things changed. Even the name!
Yes Ralph it is and always will be RED HOOK.
Hey all,just listening to these story brings back some real true memories. my name Fernando Torres, some of you might know my brother underdog, he worked with ceasar Carisquillo in the grocery store on columbia between degraw and sackett, I lived at 165 columbia street right in front of what used to be Sedwick street. I lived right in front of the factory Valley candles in i remember the shoe factory when it caught on fire, The bodega owned by Don Juan and Teresa. I still remember watching the Twin towers being built. It felt like everyone was your mother and father because if they caught you doing something wrong you got a cocodaso, then they would take you to your parents and tell them what you did and get another cocodaso and be punished after. put wish we still had people like that who cared and everyone looked out for each others kids and family. I really miss those days.
I live in Italy since 1977, but your story brought me back to my childhood and it’s exactly how I remember it. I lived at 174 Union street across The Police Station. Thanks for sharing your story…sei stat assolutamente pittoresca!!! Grazie di cuore <3
I was born at Long Island College Hospital in January of 1934. And that would make me 80 years old and I was touched with your story.
Red Hook was exactly as you described it even when I was little. My family moved there in the twenties, migrating from Puerto Rico. Most of us lived at 298 Columbia Street. Family was very important to us. Most ladies were homemakers and most men were Merchant Marines. Children were safe and carefree.
Thank you for the memories, though we are from different generations and cultures, in Brooklyn we were all kin.
I was born on 427 Columbia Street. Great Story…Why do I remember cheap Charlies and not cheap Louies? The landlord at 427 was named Ralph any relation?
I’m Jose Garcia and I went to JHS 142 and graduated in 1962. I used to go to the House of Pizza and Calzone on Union for lunch. I recently visited the new House and it looks great. My youngest son Joseph finally tasted what Brooklyn pizza and calzones are all about. I live in east Orlando, FL now but I visit every year.
Nothing beats Brooklyn and its special people.
Hello all. My name is Billy Chaparro. My mother Rosa Elena Torres worked at the Candle Stick Factory.
My mother passed away in 1990 and took so many secrets with her.
I lived at 3 President Street and was born at LICH in 1969.
I would love to talk to any of you about the candle stick factory and want to know if any of you knew my mother.
Especially Fernando Torres, since you lived across the street.
Please email me at bchaparro@gmail.com and i can send you a couple of photos of her in hopes that someone knew who she was.
I would really appreciate any feedback. Thank you ALL.
OMG! Thank you for your post, but…most of all, “Thank you” for bringing back my very childhood! I lived at 33 President St. right next to St. Charles Church for many years, until I married. My house no longer stands, nor my grandma’s home which was at the corner of Van Brunt & President Sts. My memories are happy ones, even though things were tough in those days. We may have done without some things, but there was always love, food & good friends to get you by… So much has change & my tears rolled, when I revisited my neighborhood later on in years. Every one is either past or moved. I will always remember, the many memories I cherished then & will, until the day I die.
God Bless, Santa Fumo Age 77yrs. old & pround to be from Brooklyn……
My father had candy store Summit &Columbia Muskie..my mother was Maggie…19575-1970. Sophie had blond hair. and I went to school ps 142. She had a sister Annie Somma…
My nick name babyann…write back..thanks. columbia was special…the guys summit lodge. Had baseball team, Vinny Bracco was capt.. sugar ray was short stop..those were great tkmes. 50’s were the best
1955-1970. Was the year. We had candy store. Lived above store..
Wow this is refreshing in bringing us back to our childhood. Those were the best days, We grew with RESPECT, Love caring, plenty of hand me downs, and helping your neighbor. There was no such thing as to who was rich and who was poor, everyone was poor there were families that had from three to ten kids and then some. I remember at dinner we had first second and third, then there was the fruit. Yes those were the good old days. Most of all we did not have any RACISM.
I lived at 5 Woodhull Street next to Ralph’s candy store, his daughter Sophie was my best friend. I remember all the names and places, that you mentioned, there was also Anna’s Ice cream parlor on the corner of Columbia & Summit street.
Three of my brothers belonged to the summit lodge club. Our first cousins are the Bracco’s. I come from a family of 13, 8 sisters and five brothers.
Great story. I didn’t grow up in Red Hook (I grew up in Kensington) but the story could’ve taken place in my neighborhood. The bakeries, the haberdashery/clothing stores etc. the one thing I remember going to in Red Hook were the street races on President Street. My grandfather worked in a factory in the area and his coworkers raced there.
Excellent read. Remembering where we’ve been makes us appreciate every moment of the day. I lived at 155 President St on the other side of the highway but Columbia Street was where we would take Bus No. 61 to get downtown and for me to get to high school. Columbia and Union Streets were our outdoor strip mall. Thank you Tina.
Thanks Mary, having grown up on President between Columbua & Hicks Street, you’ve covered a part of the neighborhood I lived & played in as a kid. It’s nice hearing your recollections of a typical week on Columbia, my mom owned a dress shop on 589 Hick St,
Sal’s Ladies Apparel ( originally my uncle Sal’s place, handed down to my Mom. (50′,60s)That store did for ladies clothes, what Sokols did for furniture, most customers paid on time, as a kid I’d visit the apartments of our customers and collect weekly payments from them for the dresses and other items the purchased….great memories, I can’t tell you how many of those friendly customers would offer me food or coffee at each collection stop
If a daughter was getting married, Mom would outfit the entire wedding party, including supplying everything from table cloth, towels to drapes, rugs, coats, gloves, and anything else they needed to start a home of their own! The look on those ladies faces, knowing their daughter was starting married life with all the essentials is a memory I’ll never forget. And my weekly collection visits, with small notepad in hand, gave me a look into many Red Hook homes, the smell of tasty food and the thoughtful offerings of those ladies will always be a vision to remember forever….
Thanks Again for the memories
I can relate to all the memories those are all my memories of Columbia Street everybody was family I miss it
Tina dearest, you always amazed me… But now you made me soooo proud that I k ow you, have you as a friend for so many years.. You are a beautiful inside and out lady with a brilliant mind and Nobel heart .
Wow, what memories. My father was” Jimmy Nose”clover taxi limousine on Columbia street next to Mary and Otto’ s they made bra straps.I use to sit and play with their dog and go in play as the women would work. In the storefront where my father and his friends would hang out was a shoeshine stand real brass and marble on his stand and leather chairs. Bobby was his name he was the nicest man. Than there was Tony Spanish,Flip, Shave, Sandbag, Envelope,Johnny Steak and so many others
Tony Spanish was always dressed with his tan and white hair and smelled good! Mr Murphy would walk the neighborhood and I always say “Good Morning Mr. Murphy”.
I lived on Columbia St.between President and Summit we lived on the top floor, under us was our wonderful landlord Mr. Rollo. He charged my father $17 in rent would not take more than that. He only came in on Saturdays and I could hear his secretary typing in the morning. His office was like a scene right out of the 1940s movie large front window, wood gate , old oak chairs and desk. Downstairs was a storefront was the club and the jukebox.Next door was the army and navy store. He use to get so angry as my dog and other dogs in neighborhood would lift their leg on his steamer trunk out front. I remember the good looking sailors etc getting off the ship in their peacoats. I think we all had a coat and the sailor pants with thirteen buttons. .Yes I lived right next door to Muskie to the right of store “parlor floor” Jennie and her husband in basement ,
Louie and his family and third floor. His name i think I’m not spelling it right twitty I think twins… Does anyone Remember corkleg? Beansy? The Johnny pump,pimple ball, donkey and how the rides came around “The whip”and the”half moon”with the ape on the front. Yes, as someone mention and the matron of the Happy Hour, she threw my girlfriend Angela and me out of movies. I paid .17 cents! I lived all over the neighborhood President,Summit,Rapeley, Carroll, Columbia, Sackett street. The best sandwiches Pollio on Columbia Street. So many good memories. My best friends Carmela,Anna,Angela, and Wanda. I wish could find Wanda. We were called “The Columbia Cats”. Yes and we all got along no matter what nationality .Great neighborhood , I can still smell my father’s Italian cooking throughout the hallway. WHAT A COOK!
Does anyone remember my sister Carol? Who remembers Maggie and BoBo???
How I wish I could be back on my front stoop with us opening the Johnny pump again. Going Coney island and especially on Sundays the smell of meatballs and sauce or gravy, you could hear a Pin drop on Sundays as everything was closed. So we watch TV and read the “News”
Hi Anna. Yes I lived on summit street right next to Muskie.
Jenny and her husband in basement, Louie and family on second floor and Twitty and family on third floor.
I hung out with Beansy, Carmela,Anna, Angela and Wanda. I was always in Muskie whether it was for butter, bread or buying cigarettes for my father “Jimmy Nose” I think they were .20 cents.
Yes and I went to school with Michael Bracco he was in my class I remember Jimmy he was related to Anna in candy store on corner of Summit and Columbia street.
They were the best memories, rides coming around the “Half moon” the “Whip” opening up the “Johnny pump ” simple days.
At night I go to the feast and eat all that great food and the games. I REMEMBER you had to get the ball in the fish bowl and the penny inside the whiskey glass. I remember on Sundays when we had the peanut man come around we had ices and the man who came around with the horse and sold the vegetables.
I remember how busy it got on a Saturday morning on Columbia Street. How we went to Shoebox to buy sneakers for $2.00 and trying not to pay the tax. I remember living on Columbia Street and my father paying $17.00 rent . Our landlord, Mr. Rollo was such a great person he was a lawyer who only came to work on a Saturday. His office was under our apartment. It was an office right out of an old movie large picture window, oak chairs and wooden gate in office, I could hear the typewriter going early morning on Saturday. When I came down the steps to his office always said “Good morning Mr.Rollo” than go ride my green bike with streamers on handles.
Sometimes my scooter made out of skates and a wooden box.
Anywhere you went no matter what hallway you could always smell the cooking. My father was some cook. They always said “Jimmy you should open a restaurant”.
I remember the “Happy Hour” and yes, like someone mention the “mean matron” who threw my girlfriend Angela and me out of the movies. The candy stand was to the right of the movie screen which was always a distraction as the ladies room right there too . The movie house always noisy and kids alway throwing tbings.
The best pizza on Union St., you go along Union St., up and down street vegetables were sold right on the sidewalk. bakeries. pork store. meat market anything you wanted even clothes from “Franks.
On Columbia St. “Packers ” our family supermarket and they delivered by bike. Everything you wanted was right in our neighborhood even my father’s limousine service .It was called “Clover Taxi Limousine Service ” one old limousine. He worked from morning to night picking up calls, regular calls, weddings, proms. He even drove some famous people from the movie “View from the bridge” with Carol Lawrence . Playing the numbers was a big part of neighborhood and with my father also the horses. On Saturday when I saw him take his best hat out of the hat God. He would say “Am going to feed the horses”
I always had to include in my prayers “I hope daddy hits the numbers ” I thought nothing of that.
I can go on and on, all I can say is there was nothing like those days. Love to know where some of my friends are, found some after forty/ fifty years!
Linda,
“I lived on Columbia St.between President and Summit we lived on the top floor, under us was our wonderful landlord Mr. Rollo. He charged my father $17 in rent would not take more than that. ”
“How we went to Shoebox to buy sneakers for $2.00 and trying not to pay the tax. I remember living on Columbia Street and my father paying $17.00 rent .”
Linda, You have the rough draft of a piece here, why don’t you write it. Just put it all in the context of events in a single day or few days, and these memories and facts can wraps around that narrative like lights on a tree.
Wow, you people brought back so many memories. My Dad, Mike, dad TV repair shop,265 columbia st. Corner of Carroll st. Next to Sokol Bros. Actually, the photo studio was nxt door. across the street was Palmisano’s photo Studio, next to Packers, our food shopping, store, across the st. Was the Bakery, the sold iceies, in the summer, Remember? Then Pollios, Deli. The best Sandwichs, in Brooklyn. Then, Izzy’s candy store, then the Best Meaito Movie, in Brooklyn. As we called it. Fruit stand on the corner. Those were, great days, the late 50’s and early 60’s. My mother, was called La Gitana. She used to sell nicknacks, and records, Spanish, music. And, the early salsa, and I helped them sell, the rock and roll records, the 45’s, do U remember those? I tell my son and daughter, and grandkids, that back in the day, on union street, The Italian ‘ s had pushcarts, fruit and vegetables were sold. All lined up, from Columbia st. To Hicks st.the Pizza store, John’s Pizza, was the best, for 60 cents you would get a Whole pie! Remember that, Calzones, we’re 25 cents, I think.?
The park on union st. Near Van brunt sts. The big trucking company was there. Hope to hear from someone. I joined the Marine Corps, in 69. I had a sister, maybe u knew her Johanna, aka, La Cana. There’s so much to say. But fir now. Ttys.
I lived on Columbia street in 1965-66….at 235 Columbia, above the shoe store run by Sam. I was on the second floor with my boyfriend who was a painter. It was a large and wonderful space…you can see part of the pivoting front window to the left of the clock. The front room had a sink with cold water only, the toilet was in the hall at the top of the stairs. We boiled water on a hotplate and stood in a zinc tub to bathe. The back room had 2 skylights…one sloped down the wall to the floor. I presume this was a photo studio originally….I found boxes of glass plates in one of the closets and regret not looking at them.
Does anyone know the history of this building? owners, tenents?
I remember guys harmonizing at night on the corner. Our bedroom overlooked a bakery on Union street…hard to sleep to the scent of baking bread.
A few years after I moved away, I visited the area again and was able to see the space again…it had been turned into dozens of cubicles for sleeping, I assumed.
The fire truck came every day to buy groceries and Italian Ices at the bakery across the street..this at a time when fire alarms had notices that a false alarm cost the city $100.
And there was a movie theater across the street….a pretty funky place….I saw Bye Bye Birdie for 50 cents. And at the docks were lots full of wooden barrels..I think they were full of olives.
I’d like to hear from anyone, who grew up during the best years 59. 60, 61. Im hoing to the old neighborhood. This summer. Taking my son and granddaughters.to see. Where i grew up. Old Columbia St. Great memories.
Tina Portelli, I felt like I wrote this “A Walk on Columbia Street”; everything you wrote brought back memories I had forgotten. The fruit stand on Union Street, the Movie Theater on Columbia Street and even the the names of each. Remembering where everyone took their pictures. I still have my first communion picture a 5×7 in the orginal cardboard frame from Pamasano. I also remember the Longshoremen, since my Dad was one. The Union Street Park. Where all the kids hung out in the summer time. WOW. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for taking me back in time. A time long gone but always remembered in my heart.
Ada Santiago
I just connected I think last year with someone I haven’t seen in about 50 years we talk on the phone we still didn’t meet yet
There is nothing like growing up on Columbia Street downtown Brooklyn it was the best neighborhood
Hi Tina
We texted about four years ago; we were supposed to meet one day. You said your father owned Ralph’s candy store on Woodhull Street. My father was the one that was by Rocco‘s bar, clover limousine service; he had the old limousine across from the Brooklyn tunnel and gas station. I lived on Columbia Street, Summit Street, President Street, all the streets, and I think you said you still lived in the neighborhood but up by
Hicks or Henry Street. Hopefully one day we can meet because I’m sure we knew each other as kids. I used to go to your father‘s Ralph’s candy store all the time on Woodhull Street and Izzys on Union Street
I now live on Long Island and I’m dying to see my old neighborhood I know it has changed. Do you remember the Murphys on Degraw Street I miss those days
Linda