Welcome to my site! Feel free to leave a comment. If you live or lived in East Harlem, tell us who you are and where you lived! Also, if you have a special memory of East Harlem, feel free to share it with us! Thanks for visiting!
DONATIONS ARE MOST APPRECIATED! GRAZIE MILLE!
Hello! I created this ancestral urban history blog, way back in 2008. At one point or another, I thought about adding a donation button, but felt indifferent about asking for money from my readership. At this point in time, after over 14 years of keeping the memories alive and ticking, I decided to ask for donations! :-) I intend to upgrade this site, by adding more storage space, in order to upload audio, video, more photos, etc. I'd also like to do a podcast, and to finally scan all of the ephemera/memorabilia/vintage photos, that I have been collecting for over 15 years! I look forward to the journey! Thanks so much for your donation! I really appreciate it! Best regards, Angela :-)
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Italian Harlem 
Hello!
Welcome to my site! I’m a 2nd generation Italian American. My heritage is 100% Italian, from the regions of Campania and Puglia. I enjoy sharing my knowledge of immigration history and genealogy! My paternal great grandfather came “straight off the boat,” from Naples,Italy to East Harlem in 1901. My familial roots called East Harlem “Home,” for over 67 years!
I have a Juris Doctor degree in Law from Widener University and a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice from John Jay College.
As for my interests, I have a penchant for researching a plethora of subjects on the “internet superhighway.” My favorites are within the areas of Genealogical Research, New York City Urban Sociology,and New York City History. I also enjoy my work in Photography/Digital Enhancement,Photo Restoration/Preservation,and of course,Italian Immigration History!
I actively scour the web for any information or resource that I can find on my old neighborhood. Although my family left East Harlem 45 years ago, I will NEVER forget where I came from, and how it shaped me as a person. East Harlem rests within my inner conscience. Always ready to vividly recall a fond memory, or images of it’s past. The old neighborhood comes alive through my mind’s eye. The family photos that I cherish,seem to magically transform into a living scene! Though long gone, my ancestors spirit and memory are alive in the old neighborhood. The tenement windows symbolically reflect their “images,” and those of the former residents of Italian Harlem as well…
Long live the memory and true essence of Italian East Harlem!
Sincerely,
Angela Bella Puco
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Angela:
A beautiful concept and a great piece of work! We need to do all that we can to preserve our heritage which, through the miracle of genetic integration, will be soon lost.
All that I am was gifted to me by my ancestors, of whom I am extremely proud. Though all nationalities have and continue to make their marks on America, I believe that we are special.
Thank you for helping to keep us “alive”!
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Dear Anthony,
Thank you so much for your kind words. I really appreciate it!
Best Regards,
Angela
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Yo Ange! Where in Puglia is your family from?
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Hi Frank,
My mom’s family was from Foggia, within the region of Puglia. She was from the Bronx. My dad’s family was from East Harlem.
Thanks for asking!
Best regards,
Angela
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My parents nee Caponigro also came from Foggia. The town was called Bovino.
Is that the same town your parents came from?
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Hi Olga,
No. They were from a town called “San Marco in Lamis.”
Best regards,
Angela
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Angela, that was beauty and sums up how I feel about East Harlem.
I grow up on 116st but spent most weekend and summer with my Nanny on 115st.
I feel like I can close my eyes and be back there.♡
My grandmother passed away in 1978
But my wonderful memories of her and East Harlem are vivid in my mind.
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My name is John Vairo I was born in 1958 My Mother was Dolores Desantis Vairo and my Father was John Vairo AKA Johnny Long. We lived in 3 or four different apartments in East Harlem I attended Our Lady of Mount Carmel and graduated in 1972. As a teenager I worked in Delightful on 116th Street . My memories of the Neighborhood are wonderful Us Itailians stuck together and helped each other. My favorite memories are of the feast of mount carmel being an alter boy I marched in all the Parades and served the Masses it was a great child hood wouldnt change it for anything
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Hey John, Did your mom move up to the Bronx on Fowler Ave in the 80s. They called her DEE
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yes pat its me john
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Ask your father if he remembers Vinnie Ponzo. I lived a couple of houses away.
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Hi my name is Patricia Orzo I was born in Harlem and my Dad was Freddy Orzo called him Freddy cigers hung out on 116 th between first and second ave along with rest of our family also went to Delightful all the time growing up I was born in 1956
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Did your father live at 428 E. 115st…is so we were great friends. If I am not mistaken his wife Dolores lived on my side of the street roughly the street address might have been 420 E. 115 st. Vincent Ponzo.
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I was born and raised on ahun 118th 2nd/3rd ave.
My mother came from Foggia Italy town of Ishcatella.
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My dad built delightful
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My mom worked at Delightful’s in the 70s with her friends Rosalie and Lulu.
So sad to see that it’s gone!
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My dad built Delightful. Actually originally, then again after the fire. Him and John (owner) were very good friends. I usedcto eat there every morningcwhen I worked with my dad on 103rd.
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My Dad had the fish market on !st ave between 115st and 116th. I used too deliver fish too Johnny Delightful and Rao’s on Friday . I remember Lulu
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I graduated Our Lady of Mount Carmel in 1950. Lived at 421 E 114th St. My Dad owned Tocco;s Fish Market on 1st ave between 115 & 116th
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My father, Junior, worked at the fish market. My mother was Rosalie. I believe Lulu was my Aunt Louise; though I could be wrong. They all moved to the Bronx except my grandparents.
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Hi John, this is Pat, hope all is well. I lived on fowler Ave, when you did.
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Thank you very much!!!!
When my paternal grandfather, Pietro Maiorella, first came to the USA in 1906 his destination was 401 East 108th Street, where his uncle lived. (He eventually ended up in Newark, NJ where my father was born and raised.) His uncle’s last name was “DeNichilo”, but I can’t make out the first name on the Ellis Island records. Would you by any chance know any DeNichilos from East Harlem?
Regards,
Steve Mairella, Nutley, NJ
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Thanks for your comment. I don’t know anyone with that surname, but perhaps some of my readers will recognize your uncle’s last name.
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my name is benedetto cassara they called me benny. iwas born june 17th at 1939 177 east 107 street. my fathers name was frank sr. my mothers name was marianna. i had 6 brothers carmine,louis,frank jr.anthony,and baby micheal,who died when he was 6 years old. i have 2 sisters, rose and frances.i am on facebook, anybody who remembers me please contact me.
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Hi Benny You’re My Age I Lived On 111ST 2nd an 3rd Ave My Aunt Lived In 163? 107st M btw Did You Know Paulie Farina Or Nicky Piss Pisanelli ??
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My family lived on 108th st. when I was little then we moved to 107th lex and third. we knew your brother carmine and his wife millie, their children for many many years. my brothers and I went to st.ann school with their daughter joann. my fathers name was vito and my mom was dottie termini. they both are gone now but I do remember all the good times we all had. just thought I would say hello because I knew the last name. Christine termini menniti
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Dear Benny, You inquired about Katie’s Candy store on 116 St. Unfortunately I have no pictures but Katie was my Aunt. I would love to hear from you and exchange memories.
Annette DeGregorio-Grimm napoli50ang@yahoo.com
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My dad always talked about benny his name was Freddy Orzo
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I lived on 107th St…between 2nd & 3rd Ave. Went to school at St Ann’s
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I lived at 229 E. 107th St., between 2nd and 3rd, for a few years until they knocked the buildings down. I have 3 sisters and we all went to St. Ann’s. To Benny Cassara, you may have gone to St. Ann’s with my sister, Grace Di Bella. She is 7 years older than me and probably graduated in 1953?? She had a good friend Camille Di Bello (no relation), who I think also went to St. Ann’s. I was born in 1946 and graduated in 1960. We lived in my brother-in-law Phil Callaci’s father’s building. Phil had 2 brothers, Nino and Frank “Moon” and one sister Mary, who married Tony Maldonado. My other 2 sisters are Mary, who married Jack Nasi from 104th and Anna, who married Phil. They are both older and may have graduated in 1946 and 1947 from St. Ann’s and all went to Cathedral High School.
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I grew up.on 107th.we owned 158 e 107th street from around 1974 and my dad had a iron shop at 130 e 107th st from.1956. I remember a francis i know she has long passed her son diminick still lives there. Inwas born in.1974 but theere where still a few i tilian owners. I used to love talking to the ladies on the corner sitting in front of their building net lex and third . It was a great block since i grew upnafter franklyn plaza was built it was like living in a suburbs. It was great
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Hi i grew up on 158 e 107th street late 70s early 80s but my dad had a building at 130 e107thst from 1956 2006
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Hi Angela, My name is Christine, maiden name is Termini. I grew up in Harlem 158 E. 107st. Went to school at Saint Ann’s then went to Saint Cecilia. My family moved out of harlem when I was 15 yrs. old. I remember such great times and loved my childhood. I am trying to find my childhood friends with no luck. But still trying. Also remembering going down to Little Italy for the Feast of Saint Anthony. I truly miss those days and having such a great time with my Family. Christine Termini Menniti .
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Wow hi my mom and dadowned that build I wish I could know more of ur time win the block if u have pictures
N the 70
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Angela I love this site! I lived at 309 East 110th street from 1946 till I married in 1965. I loved growing up there and would not change a thing!
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Hi Diana, my family lived in East Harlem probably since the early 1900 when my grandparent’s came from Italy. Not sure where they lived then but I do know that my sister was born in 1948 and they lived on 110th Street across from St Anne’s. I was born in the Bronx 13 years later and 18 months later we moved to Long Island. I used to love hearing the stories about Harlem sadly my parents and my sister are gone. I have one cousin left from Harlem but we lost touch. When I read these stories it keeps my childhood memories alive.
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I lived at 234 E. 110th St. between 2nd and 3rd Avenue, 1945 to 1954. Do the names Vecchio, Tenore, or DeGregoria sound familiar? My uncle was Pete Tenore and owned a club on 110. He was more familiarly known as “Black Pete.”
My aunt and uncle, Katie and Jimmy Forsini owned a candy store a few blocks from 110, cannot for the life of me remember the address. He had one unmoving eye that was always filled with some yellow caked-on stuff. They yelled a lot at kids, not the friendliest people. Does anybody remember them?
I would so love to hear from anyone who remembers that candy store or who knew Black Pete.
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Hi Diane
This is Johnny good friends with your hubby Joe Fig. Remember your family well, your mom was so nice.
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My grand mom lived on 110 street in east harlem she died in 1959
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Hi Tony, my great grandparents lived I that building until the late 1920’s. Also, my dad’s grandmother had a second hand store located at 346 E 110th Street, until she passed in 1946. Small world! My dad and his family lived in 346 as well, until they moved to the Bronx in 1942.
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Hi my name is angela. 100% Italian. I lived in East Harlem for seven years, from 1958 to 1965. I lived in the Jefferson projects on 113st and 2nd Avenue.
Lots of memories. I remember Delightfuls, Mondelos Bakery, Franks candy store. Of course I cannot forget the feasts at Mt. Carmel Church on Pleasant Ave.
After moving out of East Harlem I moved to Queens. I got married and moved to Long Island to raise my family and lived in my first home for 30 years.
I know live in Florida, when asked where I come from I proudly say East Harlem!!!
Thank you for your blog. I appreciate it always. Love reading about East Harlem.
Angela
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Hi Angela Always nice to read about old friends from the neighborhood because that is who we were even we have never met….I to am from East Harlem…..114 ST between 1st and Pleasant Ave….a few doors down from the now famous Rao’s restaurant…..Attended Our Lady of Mount Carmel School…..transitioned to CardinalHayes HS……then Military Academy …US NAVY…..Moved to south shore of LongIsland and worked at Grumman Aerospace as an engineer. One thing for sure Angela you can never take away those years we spent in our neighborhood…I often tell my children their was no such thing of ever locking our doors… God Bless Vincent Casale
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Hi Vincent,
Vincent was my brothers name. Thank you for replying. Even though we never met, it was nice to hear from you. I had the best childhood living in east harlem. We were poor, but life was good.
Bless you and your family,
Angela (113th St and second ave.)
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Hi Angela, I lived in Ridgewood, Queens in my younger days. I wrote a novel ” Marcello & Me” you may get a kick out of reminiscing the old neighborhoods. Especially, Long Island towns. My wedding picture is on the cover. I’ll appreciate your feed-back. Carolyn Scanze Giglio
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I lived across the street from Mt Carmel. Yes, I went to the same stores as you did. Problem was when you are very young and the crowds came for the feast I could not find my way home. The park was our playground.
vincent
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Hi Angie… Yes I’ve heard of Black Pete. I grew up at 226 East 110 Street. My Uncle Frank Muscolino ( nickname- Sussy ) belonged to the club on 110 Street ( between 2nd & 3rd )..
All 8 families in my building were relatives. Names were Auriemma, Muscolino,Gaetano, Vecchio, Piri, Gregorio. I lived there from 1949 until 1960. Moved to the Bronx because the city purchased the tenement to build an annex onto PS 83 and we were forced to move.
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So nice to hear from you, I remember Gracie, they found another little “neighborhood” on Roosevelt Island and were very happy there until they passed away in 1994. Thanks for the note
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Hello! Wondering you anyone knows my father and mothers families. They grew up in the neighborhood at this time.
My fathers name was ALEX RIZZO, he had an older brother Anthony and two sisters- Maria and Debbie Rizzo. His mothers name was Josephine and father was Alahambra (spelling wrong I am sure).
My mothers family is LOMBARDO. LOMBARDO is my grandpas side and my grandmas side is SANTARPIA. They owned Santarpia liquors and my grandfathers side owned LOMBARDOS DELI AND BAKERY.
Wish they had the internet back in the day so I can learn some more about my father (passed when I was just 4-I am 32 now) and the overall history.
From spending much time with my grandmather Carmella to this day, her stories make me wish I was around in that era!!! Any info would be appreciated! Salute!
Lisa
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Hi Lisa, my name is Pat Maschi, your mom Lisa and dad Alex were friends of mine .
Pat
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I lived at 430 E 115 st. across from Mt Carmel.I have a younger sister Rosalie. I knew both families you mention. We would eat at Lombardos and I guess my dad bought from Santarpia. You have to remember at the time Italians would buy scents?? and add alchol to make whiskey. I believe my dad bought them from a store on 116 st at a stoe whose name began with an F…Fiore??? One male friend, very handsome guy, married a gal from the Santarpia family. You have to remember if anyone lived more than three blocks away we would not know them. Also an age difference of 2 years made a big difference. Within 60 feet of both those places you mention was Lous Ice Cream parlor. WE all hung out there and some of us married the gals we paled around with. We are still close knit friends with the Maggis, Peter Bruno and some others. I had the best time of my live living there. I almost forgot I played football for Cardinal Hayes and % years on the MT Carmel football team. We played against the Jets before they went pro…known then as ….it skipped my mind. Our QB then was Mikey Lentinni from Pleasant ave and about 120 St. sorry about the typing…one handed for now..I broke my shoulder.
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Hi my fathers name was Jim Schiavo his nickname was”junior “. He had one sister Tesse, And brothers Louie mike Tony joe . They lived on 117 street between 1 st and pleasant Ave. wondering if anyone knew them. My dad was friends with Lenny Massi and Mike lentini,
Sent from my iPhone
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Hi Lisa,
I went to school and was friends with Gina Santarpia
I lived at 2228 1st Ave. and I knew your family very well.
They are a part of my childhood memories that I will never forget.
Joe
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Hello Everyone,
It would seem that many of you know my family, my name is Gennaro Santarpia, son of the late Gina Santarpia, my grandfather Jerry owned and ran the Santarpia liquor store with his brothers, it was nice to see people who actually knew my family from back in the day. If anyone has questions I can be reached at my email median04@gmail.com
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Hi Angela,
Great website. My name is Rosario “Ross” Di Bella and my father Louie was from Canicatti, Sicily, as well as my mother Josephine’s parents. My mother was conceived in Sicily and born in Lee, MA, where my Grandparent’s moved when they first got to America, before they moved to NYC. I was born at Flower Fifth Avenue Hospital in 1946. We lived on 104th St., right across from the Union Settlement, where they had overhead sprinklers that kept the kids cool in the summer. We then moved to 229 E. 107th St. between 2nd & 3rd in a building owned by my brother-in-law Phil’s father, Carlo Callaci. Carlo was the brother of Frank “Chic 99” Callaci. This building was right down the street from Casty’s Bar. 107th had to be one of the safest streets in NYC. I went to St. Ann’s on 110th St., as did my 3 sisters, Anna, Mary and Grace before me. I graduated in 1960, Grace in 1953, Mary in 1946?, and Anna in 1945?. They all went off to Cathedral High School. I remember a few names of my classmates that I went to school with, most from Mrs. Del Karpeni’s? Kindergarten class through 8th grade. My 5th grade teacher, Fillipini Sister, Sr. Norma kind of sticks out in my mind. She was tough. Some of my classmates who lived in the area were (excuse my spelling) Nicholas Chiavetta, Frank Letteri, Santo Farina, Anthony Mancuso, Anthony Esposito, Bernadette Martucci, Johanna Porcello, Barbara Petito, Carol Ann Andrews, Michael Del Vecchio, Richard Squiteri, Angelo Anzizi, Catherine Chementi, James Toth and more. I’m sorry, I see their faces, but can’t remember their names. There was also “Cookie”, who happened to be a guy. I believe his Grandmother nicknamed him. He lived on 109th between 1st & 2nd. Funny thing, I live in Connecticut now, but I have a condo in Tarpon Springs, FL. Guess who has relatives there and also bought a condo………James Toth. The last time I saw him was June, 1960 at graduation.
Anyway, like so many other stories, they knocked down 107th to build the projects, so we moved briefly to 120th St and finally to 105th St., between 2nd & 3rd, probably in 1956 or 57. My Uncle Gasper Bonuso and my Aunt May, along with my cousins, Frank and Vinny Bonuso, as well as my Uncle Jerry Megna and his wife, Alba, My Grandfather Jimmy Megna and Grandmother Maria and my other Uncle Gino Della and my Aunt Angie also live on 105th St. Frank and Vinny went to St. Cecilia on 106th St. A couple of neighbors were Phillip Gugliemetti? and Phillip DeStefano. My Father had a Candy Store on 105th between 2nd & 3rd, where he took Numbers (Policy) during the day and in the night, in the back of the store was the “Harlem Star Social Club”, where they played cards. Everyone knew him as Louie with the White Hair. I remember the police from the 23rd Precinct would occasionally stop in on a cold winter night to have a sandwich and shot of scotch, while the “Wise Guys” played cards.
I remember Kresge’s on 3rd Ave. between 105th & 106th, as well as E & B Supermarket. Occasionally, as kids, we would walk down to either the Eagle Movie House on 101st, 2nd or 3rd Street (don’t remember) on Third Ave to catch a Double Feature of older movies, 3 Stooges short and cartoon for either $.15 or $.30. We would take the bus down to 86th St. to the Lowe’s, RKO, Brandt or Grande Movie Theaters and stop at the Papaya stand on 86th for a Hot Dog and Papaya or Coconut Milk Drink. If we walked down to 86th, we would pass the Rheingold Beer Brewery on 96th St, possibly between 3rd & Lexington and couldn’t walk fast enough to get out of there. The smell of the hops brewing was terrible. I guess if you lived in that neighborhood, you got used to it. We moved to Pleasantville, New York in 1960 and I went to Archbishop Stepinac High School in White Plains. My Father kept the store in Harlem until 1972, when he and my mother retired to Hollywood, FL.
Sorry for the long post. I hope this will jog some memories. Many more stories about the local shops and neighborhood area resident’s, including Burt Lancaster from 106th.
Best regards,
Ross
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Ross,
My name is Louis Vespoli. I was also was born at Flower Fifth Avenue Hospital in 1946 (Nov 14th). We lived on 104th St at 236E 104th right across from the Union Settlement. I went to St Lucy’s for the 1st and 2nd grade. We moved to Corona Queens when I was 8 or 9.
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Omg my dad owned 158 e 107th street. Wow what years did u live there?
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Wow you have been remembering, I grew up on 107th street between lex & third, the building was 158, I went to St. Ann & Dt. Cecilia, great memories miss those days, both my parents are gone now, but my brothers are around, George & Bobby Termini my name is Christine I now live in Connecticut. We were born in the 50’s moved out of Harlem in the late sixties, I think 68 or 69. Thank you for the memories, I remember all those stores.
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GGOD MORNING
I WAS IN THE U.S. NAVY AT BOOT CAMP IN GREAT LAKES, IL. IN LATE 1960 WITH LEONARD RIZZO. WE WERE IN THE SAME COMPANY AND THAT WAS IN OCTOBER OF 1960. WHEN WE WERE PARTING WAYS HE GAVE ME HIS ADDRESS AND PHONE NUMBER: 320 PLEASANT AVE., NEW YORK, 35. N.Y. WE NEVER MET AGAIN OR TALKED AGAIN BUT I OFTIN
WONDER IF HE IS STILL AROUND. WE HIT IT OFF VERY WELL: ME BEING AN IRISH-CATHOLIC AND HE USED TO RUB THAT FACT IN. LEONARD WAS A GREAT GUY AND I HOPE HE IS STILL BEING THE GUY HE WAS TH
NICK NOLAN
GTAND RAPIDS, MICHIGAN
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Hi Angela, I knew your father very well. I am a friend of Marilyn’s. Someone wrote something on here and I would like to answer her, how do I do it. (there is no “reply” below her comments. Thanks.
Carol Esposito
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Hi Carol,
Sorry, just saw your comment. You can leave a separate comment on the same thread, and will see it. Thanks for visiting my site!😊
Angela
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Was your father Benny Esposito?
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Hello Angela!
I’m hoping for a long shot here! I’ve never been to New York, but growing up we
kids were told stories of how my parents were married in Brooklyn. (On Halloween) lol
Anyway, My dad was a young man working up in NY, and he sent for my mother to come
To NY to be married there. It was called Little Italy and their reception was held at a huge corner restaurant and bar. My dad has passed and my mom has end stage dementia, but I always heard them talk about their wonderful reception at Mom’s Place/aka Mom’s Restaurant. It supposedly was huge on a corner and the woman that they talked about was named Rose/Rosie. I have run across two photos and would love to mail them to family,or descendants of her remaining family. This would have been in 1950-1952. They also talked of someone named Joey that was called one of Mom’s boys. I’m sorry, but that is all the info I have. Again, I know it’s a long shot. I thank you for your interesting column! NY is definitely on my bucket list!!❤️
Thank You,
Dee
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Hi Dee,
I’m not very familiar with Brooklyn, but perhaps one of my readers will be able to help you out. There were many Italian neighborhoods in Brooklyn, back in the 50’s. Not sure which one your parents had their wedding reception at.
However, if they had their wedding reception in the “Little Italy” in East Harlem, there was a corner restaurant and bar known as the Colonial. It was located on 1st Avenue and East 116th Street. The owner’s were named Giuseppe and Rose Medici. They lived on East 114th Street. Joey is a derivative of the Italian name, Giuseppe. Pershaps they had a son by that name as well. They also had a son named Sal Medici. He ran the restaurant until it closed down, in 2003, after Sal died. They had a reception room that could hold a larger crowd. Many East Harlemites had their parties there. Do you have a photo of the party room? Email it to me at italianharlem@gmail.com
I may be able to recognize it by the room decor. If not, I can post it and maybe someone will recognize it.
Best regards,
Angela
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Hi Angela and all,
I hung out in the Colonial Tavern also . Real old school excellent Italian food and remember the Medici family. My parents had their football wedding at the Half Moon on First Ave between 114 and ahun15 in 1952. I have some wedding pics .All the stories on the site from all I cherish.Thank you
Regards to all, Joe Linzalone
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Well written,
I lived in the Jefferson projects off 112 st and 3rd ave,from 1958-1969 and returned around 1973 after leaving home at a young age.Lived on the streets of Harlem for another 3 years and as tough as it was for me I would never change a thing.
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Anyone remember Rosalie and Anita Ray from 114th Street?
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Meant Rao!
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Comment Hello Nancy,
I have posted a few comments and requests in the past and have not been able to connect with anyone who knows my family. My dad was Sal or Sally DeAngelis from 118th. I believe the apt was between Pleasant Avenue and 1st Av. His dad Gaetano DeAngelis was a part owner in a pastry shop on or near 113th. Gaetano and Rose had 13 children. Only my Aunt Delores has survived and doing well.
You mentioned the name Rao and I do know of the restaurant on 114th. Never been there but I know it is still a popular spot to dine.
I would like to learn more about the earlier days and possible make some connections for my Aunt Dee.
Thanks for your post.
Tommy DeAngelis
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My mom nickname Lulu (Aurora Comulada) may have been friends with Rosalie and worked at Delightful. She had 2 sisters Elizabeth aka Betty and Lenora (she was half black). Mom Florence, and Grandmother Petra.
Mom(Lulu) had a boyfriend called Anthony (don’t know last name) she did point him out on the street. It’s not clear to me but he possibly had a nervous breakdown and was never the same again. Anthony continued to hangout in the area for sometime. I recall seeing him around till the mid 80s. He was tall, slender and dark hair.
Growing up she lived on East 112th St and Lex Avenue. She purchased a coop on E108th St in Franklin Plaza in the 80s. She worked at NY TEL, BELL and then Verizon most of her life.
I remember going into Delightful several times as a kid and possibly in my teens. She had very fond memories of that place. It was a diner on E116th Street and 2nd Ave. She passed 20 years ago.
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My grandparents came from Cava di Terreni Italy and they opened a fruit stand on 112th St. between 1st & 2nd Ave. in 1898. My mother was born there on April 4, 1904. They opened a 2nd stand, but I’m not sure where. Last name was Casaburo
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Wonderful that you are doing this. My maternal great grandfather was Joseph (Giuseppe) DeStefano, MD born 1865 in Italy – Laurenzana, Ptenza, Basilicata – south east-ish of Naples…(had sibling Adeline, Ann, Benventuro, Fred; married to another DeStefano – Giuditta or Judith/Julia. They lived in that area of NY.
I look forward to you posts
Judy
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So glad I came across this site! I noticed your post on the family-run cheese shop, “Latticini” located at 311 East 107th St., N.Y.C. I was researching family on my husband’s side that lived at 301 East 107th St. – Vincenzo and Mariantonia (Mucci) Mastroliberto and their children. The photos and additional insight gave us a look into their lives in the Italian East Harlem between 1896-1902. Thank you!!
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Hi Angela, I grew up on 120th between Pleasant and 1st.in 50s and 60s.
Went to Holy Rosary. Moved to the Bronx when I started Cardinal Hayes HS. Great website.
Robert Carbone
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Bob what year were you in Hayes….played varsity football while at the grand cncourse
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I am Vincnt Ponzo…remember me??
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Angela,
I’ll start with you have a very impressive resume’. I will also never forget my early years in East Harlem,i feel an empty spot in my heart when i think of kick the can or johnny ride a pony .Thank you for all of this.
Harold/hkuemmel@creativetrucking.com
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Hi Harold, you are so very welcome! I’m so happy that you are enjoying my website! Please visit often!☺️
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I have some very old pics – what email can I use to forward to you? doesn’t seem to allow me to post photos on here or at least I can’t figure out how to do it!
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Hi Carmela, email me at italianharlem@gmail.com
If you have old photo files from East Harlem, I will post them to my site, only if they are properly scanned. If it’s a “photo of a photo’ I won’t be able to include them, as the quality will not be ideal for viewing. Thanks!
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Hi Angela. How to I add to,edit or delete a post or comment? I can’t seem to figure it out. Thank you
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At the bottom of the post, there is a prompt for you to click on, to add a comment. If you need to delete it, I can do that for you. Thanks for looking!
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Thank you so much Angela. You did gre
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My family was on 114 street,did anyone know the caravella family. Thank you it is a great site.
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I lived on 114th street. 423 next to Franks Grocery store…..
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I am a caravella from115 st my moms granfather owned andys colonial tavern on first ave 116 who are you
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Hi Frankie I’m Milly Worked The Delightful Rest From 67~77 I Use To Stop In The Colonial Johnny Hands Tended Bar He Lived On My Block 111st All Gone Now !!
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Milly, my mom Ann, worked in Delightful Rest in the 60s and 70s.
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Hi Frankie, I was related .to Paul Caravella’s wife, Rose Tufaro, knew all of tufaro family from Carmine to Jimmy, to Shep….would love to connect especially if you have any old pictures of them
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Hi Frankie Tufaro family were cousin’s of mine, Your great grandfather paul married into Tufaro family. Would love any pictures you may have.
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Hi Frankie,
I am wondering, were the original owner’s of Andy’s Colonial Tavern, named Giuseppe(Joe) and Rose Medici? I believe that Sal Medici ran the restaurant until he died, around 2003. Do you have any vintage photos of the tavern? If so, please share some. Email me at italianharlem@gmail.com
Thanks so much!
Angela
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and I remember the little pizzeria next door that was run by two Madonna brothers. It was a little hole in the wall and the cafe next to that that sold espresso Italian ices. Never found another place that sold it.
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Thank you, Joseph. I don’t personally know your family, but perhaps my older siblings do. I’ll ask them if they remember the Caravella’s of E.114th St. Thanks for visiting my site. Come back and visit soon!
Angela
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Angela I would like to get in touch with Vincent Casale. We were good friends living in harlem.
If I remember correctly his parents gave him a MG sportcar when he graduated. He gave me a ride and I have been hooked on sports cars ever since.
How do I get to him.
Vincent Ponzo
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I don’t know Vincent Casale, but perhaps he has a facebook account. What would his approximate age be? I could check some of the East Harlem groups on facebook.
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HI VIN….Yes I remember you from the neighborhood. What a memory..i did get an MG when I was at 114st….Currently living in Seaford Long Island….Retired Aerospace Engineer from Grumman….e-mail me at ( ne1410is@verizon.net) and tell me where you live…I still am in contact with John Medici California if you remember…..Look forward to hearing from you
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Hello Vincent,
I’m glad that you responded so quickly to Vincent Ponzo’s comment. Thank you for reaching out! 🙂
Angela
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Hi Angela,
I was so excited to find your site.
I am actually writing about East Harlem for a paper and wanted to focus on the Italian heritage there.
I was wondering if you’d be able to get together sometime soon or might know somebody I could talk to about the area? Or even just personal accounts would be super useful.
Thanks!
Danielle
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Hi Danielle, I was born on 119 th 1st and 2nd. Lived in east harlem until Dec.1963.
I have lots of memories .If you would like we may be able to get together to share.I will be 73 this month..
Rscorzelli@aol.com
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Richarde,
I lived on 119th st between first and second ave, I do not remember you by that
name, did you have a nickname. Mine was Johnny C.
john
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Excuse me, but my name is john carozza and I lived at 333 east 119 from 1939 until
1957 when I went in the Air Force. And Johnny C was my nickname. Loved Italian
harlem. In the 50’s I used to hang out on 116 st and pleasant ave. Great times.
john c
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Hi my name is Joseph Miqueli I lived at that same address did you know the De Simones if so contact me please josephmiqueli@yahoo.com. Thankyou
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Hi Angela,
We communicated previously, and somehow we lost touch. I visited S. Antimo about six years ago. If you recall I told you that I saw many named Puca on the monument that is in the piazza in S. Antimo. Send me your e-mail and I will send you a photo. I am unable to upload it on this site.
I was born on East 112 Street. My husband was born on Second Avenue, between 112 and 113 Streets.
I don’t know if you will see this today, but I probably will not reply before tomorrow. I am going to my home in Port St. Lucie today and will be staying there for about two months.
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Hi Phyllis,
Can you send me the photo of the monument in Sant’Antimo again? I can’t seem to find it in my inbox. You sent it to me a long time ago. Would love to double check the names inscribed on it. My email is: italianharlem@gmail.com
Thanks,
Angela
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march 3,2013 hi my familey too come from east harlem . i am 55 years young and remmeber it vivitly. as a young boy it was th best place i could imagin growing up …i have fond memmories,playing Johnny on the Pony ,STICK BALL ,STOOP BALL,skellzy you knoe we”dmelt the wax in the bottle caps ,and flick them acrossed the calked side walk….we didnt have computers back then ,infact we were one of the first famileys to get a color T.V. Hay, when we did move to Long Island most of the the kids there didn’t have a clue what these games were. and yea there were some sad memmories too . i remmeber when some of our friends didn’t come home from vitnam .they were our hero’s. i lived on 1st, ave then on 115th st, between 1st. and 2nd. ave in .fact my uncle owned “The Candy Store, there and the Sabbarret Dist.” we used to load the truck for dilivery . and i remmeber counting the change too i went to our lady of mt carmel school also was an aulter boy for the church .. yes it was a tough neibor hood and extremly safe ( if you were “ITALIAN” of course ). and in the summer it seemed like the hole neibor hood moved to “Long Beach” , for the summer that is.. ” WOW ” good times . may be you will remmember the last names desimone / vittorino… we are very proud of our heritage yea we all move, and moved on, but thats just the way life is ,.. we all evolve …sooner or later , THANKS always, joey d.
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Both my parents were born & raised in E. Harlem. I think my mom lived on 1st or 2nd Ave & 121st St. & my dad on Pleasant Ave. All 4 of my grandparents were immigrants. Mom’s were from Naples & Dad’s from Bari. I was born & raised in the S. Bronx & we played all those street games you mentioned in the ’60’s. Then moved to Queens at age 10. Kids there never heard of those games. I still feel like an outsider with people from Long Island. I am so glad I grew up living in the “hood” & visiting my grandparents who did not want to move from Harlem. We took the Willis Ave bridge every Sunday to have our macaronies and gravy. Everyone is gone now & I miss those days. Nothing’s the same & never will be again. Oh remember going under the “johnny pump” in the summertime?
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Maryann
I too was brought up on 121 st in the projects right off east river dr. My mom’s family from Naples. Dad’s from Bari. My twin brother Jim and I went to Cardinal Hayes graduated in 65. Went to Our Lady Queen of Angels on 112th st.
Do I miss the football games and stick ball games we played on Pleasant Ave between 120 & 119 street. Played little league in Jefferson Park. Miss the “greeks hot dogs”
All six of my siblings graduated college and went on to successful careers. Loved East Harlem and all my great friends. We still meet once a year for a reunion. Thanks mom and dad for our wonderful years in East Harlem.
RoccoPoliseo
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Joey, Are you related to Donny & Phil Desimone. Old friends from the early 60’s
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Hi my name is Joseph I may be related to those boys you mentioned can you get back to me
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Hi I’m looking for the same brothers did you find them I might be Related can you text me any information or call me 410 302 7063 My name is Joseph Miqueli. Thankyou
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East ahun12 st?…Great block..Phyllis…were you related to Christie Petito? He had a dog named Rusty?..I hung out with the Sacino Bros, Caruso Bros, Rizzi Bros Anthony Madio and Paul Romano..Member Joe Borelli’s Candy store? Still connected with most of the guys and am very much involved with the Giglio Feast.
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What about Rosie’s Candy Store on e 116thst…, the biggest hangout………..
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I lived at 416 E 116 St, loved Rosie’s Candy Store!
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Do you know Frankie nuthouse I also remember the good days.
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I loved Rosie’s candy store. Lived right next door at 416 E 116st.
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Hi it’s Rose’s daughter, so glad you have memories of that store.
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I have wonderful memories of Rosie’s!
Thank you for responding.
I remember the teenagers would sit on our stoop and listen to the music coming from Rosie’s. I remember buying paddle balls and Hershey bars were a dime. Do you have any old pictures of Rosie’s? It would be so nice to see a picture of Rosie’s! ♡
I also remember a pool hall and a toy store on the corner. I think it was called Sidd’s.
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Omg ! I used to hangout at Rosie’s all the time. I am 59 and that’s when I started singing and I haven’t stopped since !! I loved Rosie’s. I would get all dressed up and meet my friends there. My name is Debbie Catalano.
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Hi I am Rose’s daughter do you remember me? You are much younger and I can’t place the name.
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Bobby,
Sorry this is a LITTLE late. Yes, my cousin is Christie Petito. I don’t remember you. Of course I remember Joe Borelli’s Candy Store. Hardly ever go the East Harlem. I am married to Andrew Corella who came from 111 Street, but I think we are both older than you are. I am 72.
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Phyllis…Guess you don’t for I’m 66..Back when they had the Borelli store I was about 10 and you were about 16…Big difference..I was the crazy kid who grabbed a broom and imitated Elvis Presley by shaking my hips in front of the juke box everytime somone played “All Shook Up”..I do remember when there was a drive by shooting and someone named Carol caught a
shotgun pellet in the chest..She was lucky..just a superficial wound..
Joe a bit after that closed the store and a new one owned by Phil opened up by 310..Great block. Sunday we had a stickball game and a few hun12vers were there..Mikey Leo
and Ciro(Savey’s son)
Here is the link to the Stick Ball Game photos.(other EH event photos are also on the site)
Pictures can be downloaded to your computer
for printing or put on a disc.. provided one opens up a free Shutterfly account..
but one does not need an account to view the pictures..Go to :
https://bobbymaidasgigliopictures.shutterfly.com/24003
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BOBBY THIS PHYLLIS PETITO WAS FROM 112 ST HER PARENTS OWNED THE GROCERY STORE HAD 2 BROS FRITZ A/K/A/SONNY AN R.I.P. TOMMY !!!
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I’m an Italian American and grew up in Spanish Harlem. Still live here, now with my husband and 3 kids. It’s improved a lot here since I was a kid but may soon have to move because the rents are going up, I don’t wanna live anywhere else!
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i am from 2234 east 115th street bet 114 and 115th street my name is carolyn narducci i also lived acroos from mt carmel on pleasant ave and 116th street mt carmel was of course my school and church and most of my aunts and friends worked in delightful my sister is kathy and rhonda my mom and dad were nicky and bunny
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Hi Carolyn,
I knew your Mom and your Aunt Gracie. Also knew your maternal grandparents, Caroline & Popeye. Also knew your Aunt Scutchie. Were next door neighbors with your grandparents many years ago, I would say in the early 1950’s…we lived at 441 East 117th Street.. I was a little girl back then and now I am an old lady.My sister Pat was friends with Aunt Gracie. I believe you know my nieces Nancy(lives on S.I. & Patty.
Last time I seen you, you were beautiful child. You’re probably still beautful. Nice to hear from people from Harlem. The best place to ever live. Great memories. Take care.
Nancy Bayron
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NANCY I READ ON ONE OF YOUR COMMENTS THAT YOU SAID YOU LIVED AN 441 EAST 119ST ????
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Hi Carolyn, this is Pat Maschi. I lived e114th st between 1st and pleasant ave. i hung out withCarol LaPetina, went to Mt Carmel as well. I moved out of this great place in 1973..
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Hi I lived on hun7 st.between 1st and 2nd Ave.My name is Nancy Savoca.I went to St.Cecilla for a little while and than to St.Ann’s on E.hun10th St.Greatest memories
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Nancy — both my sister Connie and I knew your family well. Y father, Nunzio, owned the parking lot across from where we lived in 309. Never forget Mrs. Bolge’s candy store, the live chicken market, Mr Divitali’s grocery store, the Giglio feast on 106th street, and the biggest dog in the world, Lupo. Hope that you are well!
Anthony Iovino
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i lived on ahun7 tween lex and 3rd i went to saint cecilla il 1944 till 1951 my name is benny cassara
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Hi nancy I’m joe lucania lived 401 e 107 st I went to school with your brother Charlie and knew your brother anthony
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Lived there too and knew your family. My sister Connie, also. My father, Nunzie, owned the parking lot and we lived in 309. Great memories of Mrs. Bolge’s candy store, Mr. Divatali’s grocery and the poolroom. I’ll never forget Lupo
Hope you are well.
Anthony
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Hi Anthony,
What street did you live on? You mentioned 309. Thanks for visiting my site!
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Angela I was responding to Nancy Savoca’s post (should have hot Reply rather than Comment. I lived on 107th street between 1st and 2nd Avenues. Still a part of me.
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Does anyone have any pictures of Katies candy store on 116th street between 1st & 2nd avenue or of the block
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I lived at 362 ahun 21st ST I went to Holy Rosary from 1950-1955. We had to move out because the city needed our block for a school that’s still there. I came back on weekends & hung out on ahun19th between 1st&Pleasant at Benny’s candy store the CYO &later at Paddy Bones & Grieco’s& Patsy’s on 1st Ave. I statred coming back,&was there Sunday for The Giglio and saw some friends, and also in Sept. for the stickball game on Pleasant Ave, ala Mikey Lentini. I love East Harlem & Pleasant Ave. Jimmy Paolino
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Hi Jimmy,
My name is Maria Rocchi and my brothers, Albino, Rolando, Stino and parents, Rina and Antonio lived at 418 East 119th Street, between 1st and Pleasant avenues from 1958 to 1966. I remember going downstairs to Patsy’s Candy Store for years. We all went to Holy Rosary church, up the block from us and also attended Holy Rosary school. My brothers were altar boys and we also hung out at the CYO which was in the basement of Holy Rosary.
I was a tomboy and was always outside playing, stoop ball, punchball, stickball, Chinese handball, double Dutch and hopscotch. But, what I remember the most was all of the kids outside, no parents watching their kids. It was safe and we were never afraid. There were fights and arguments but everyone watched your back.
My family moved in 1966 and I am in the Bronx and my brothers are in westchester but I think I am the one with these memories and longings.
I came across this site because I am trying to locate Guiseppe Albeti (Joe) who also lived on119th Street. His parents were Luigi and Lodovica Alberti. All of the families that we wer close with, Alberti, Gallini, Crevani and Rocchi were all from Romagnese, in the province of Pavia in Northern Italy.
I truly enjoyed my childhood and coming across this site.
Angela, thank you.
Take care.
Maria Rocchi
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I believe you lived across from Holy Rosarie Church. My brother and I took our hunter safty test in 1957 .
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I played football with Mikey Lentini. He was the QB and I was the Half back. I lived on 115 st. We are about the same age I think..78…..
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Vincent do you remember my brother Alfred Guglielmelli (Al). We lived across the street from you and we went to Mt Carmel. He went to Cardinal Hayes with you.
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Of course I remember you and your brother. You went to school with my sister. Say hello to your brother and give him my email address. ponzv@comcast.net Thanks and good to hear from you.
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Hi Angela,
I will be in NYC next week and was wondering if yoi knew of anyone that give tours/history of Italian Harlem? I am looking for a short tour of the area. My grandfather grew up at 323 E 116th St!! Would like to learn more! Thanks for any info!!
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Hi Angela,
Do you know of anyone that gives tours of Italian Harlem. Ill be there next week and would really lime to find someone who knows the neighborhood history! My grandfather grew up at 323 E 116th St. His parents came from Muro Lucano 1908; 1910!
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Hi Doug,
Sorry, but I won’t be able to give you a tour next week. I’ll be out of town. I will post your comment, and perhaps someone will see it, who can help you out.
Regards,
Angela
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Gratzie,
So to anyone that may be available and interested in sharing their knowledge about the old neighborhood I would be interested in a quote for a tour. I would be able to be in NYC Sept 3, 4, 5, or 6. Thanks. Doug
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i was born at 177 east a hun 7 street. that was 74 years ago my name is BENNY CASSARA. does any body remember me
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Were you also known as Benny Lips? This may be a duplicate reply. If you got it twice, sorry.
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some times
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Does anyone remember “Robbie Roach” and “Joe Raccoon” and “Peter Mouse”??
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Were you also known as Benny Lips?
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Great photos Bobby Maida. Recognized 2 guys, Carmine Cioffi (he was in my class at P.S. 78.) and Frank Cassanetti….he was a neighbor on 117th Street. How the neighborhool=d has changed. Good to see Pleasant Avenue. Thanks.
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Would like to hear from Frank Cassenetta.
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My family arrived in E. Harlem in 1892 from Corleone, Sicily. The family name is Orlando and my dad was born on 101st. St. They lived there a few years and then moved to 106th. where they remained until they left for New Rochelle in the 1930’s My grandmother was a midwife to the neighborhood and my father’s oldest brother became a doctor. I am very interested in East Harlem history.
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My Grandmother and her sisters all lived on 106th street. My Grandmother lived at 244 that was between 2nd and 3rd and her sisters one lived between 1st & 2nd and the other between 3rd and Lexington. My Grandmother lived on 106th street from 1914 to 1970 and had four children. The last name is DeStefano. My Grandmother came from Sarno Provincia De Salerno in Naples. My Fathers family came from Nicosia and some Uncles from Corleone they all lived on 107th street between 2nd and 3rd.
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My name is Anna Petito. I grew up on 112th between 1st and 2nd. My brothers are Christy,Tommy red and Angelo.I also have cousins who owned a grocery store on a 112th st. Im married to Benjamin (GooGoo) Taddeo.He lived on 110th street. His sister was Chickie. I love this wesite and if there is anyone out there who remembers me and my family please let me know.
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I am Anthony cocomello and I can’t believe how many people from the old nieborhood are on this site. My mother was Mary red and had the ice store on 114 st. Mt Carmel class of 1970.
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Anthony, how are you? I ran into your brother Ronnie in NJ about a year ago, he never changed. Your mother had her candy store in my building 413.
Michael “Cat” Vallillo
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Hey Anthony don’t know if you remember me Angelo Leone we use to hang out together I think you had a brother Ronnie I remember your moms Ice shop
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Hi my father grew up with your mom
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I lived next to RAO,S 114 and pleasant ave
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Hi Anna,
I am your cousin. My father had a grocery store, but our store was between 2 and 3 Avenues. I know you had cousins that had a store between 1 and 2 Avenues. My girlfriend Joanne sees your brother Chris all the time. I think Bobby Maida (or someone) left a reply that I had two brothers. In fact I had three brothers, Fritz, and the now deceased Tommy and Sonny. Stay well. Sorry, I don’t remember you. I think you are younger than I am. I am 72.
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Hi Phyllis,
I remember your family very well. You might remember my sister Barbara she was your age.
Everyone calls me Annabel and I am a little older then you. My brother Chris lives around the corner from me. Are you living in Long Beach? Stay well and I hope to hear from you soon.
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Hi Anna,
I know you made your post back in April of 2014 and hopefully you will see this. I think I went to school with your sister Barbara at St. Ann’s. We graduated in 1960. I just left a post of my own and included many of the names of the kids that were in my class, including your sister Barbara. If so, I hope she is well and please give her my regards.
Rosario “Ross” Di Bella
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For Millie Caivano: I lived at 441 East 117th Street. It may have been a typo
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Anna,
Now I remember you because you said Annabelle. I live in Oceanside. My friend plays cards with your brother, and she updates me on Chris. One of these days I’m going to go over there when he is there and see him. Stay well.
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If anyone is from 107th Street please let me know. trying to locate old friends. My name is Christine Termini Menniti.
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My name is Joe Alberti, Myself along with all of my family came from 107th street between 2nd and 3rd ave. Our address was 235 E. 107th. I was the last of my family to be born there as I am the youngest. My entire family on my fathers side came from 107th street and on my mothers side from 106th street between first and second. My mothers maiden name was DeStefano and they lived in 244 east 106th st. When the city tore down the buildings to make room for the projects we moved to the Bronx and Yonkers. My entire family history is deeply entrenched in East Harlem and 106 and 107th street.
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Hi, Joe My name is Christine Termini Menniti, My address was 158 East 107th St. between Lexington & Third. My family moved out of Harlem in 1968 or 69. We also moved to the Bronx, Castle Hill. I truly miss the old neighbor hood in Harlem great times & memories.
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I lived at 210 E.107th .My Grandmother owned the Bldg we lived in, and when she passed away she left it to my Mom, who in turn sold it to the city, so they could tear it down.
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Hi Christine, We moved out of 107th street in 1956 when I was 2 because they threw down the building to make way for the projects. My mothers mother lived on 106th street between 2nd & 3rd. I would be at my grandmothers house every Sunday until I was in my late teens and my grandmother moved in with us in the Bronx. Thanks for contacting me. I miss East Harlem and I miss the feast of Our Lady of Mt. Carmel and Oulgilia that was held on 106th st.
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have just found Angela’s website and am so enjoying reading all the posts. I am Mary Ann Sciallo (Cannone), my parents owned Rosie’s Candy Store at 412 East 116th street. Would enjoy hearing from anyone who remembers them. I miss them and the neighborhood.
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HI Maryanne, remember me, Pat Maschi, my brother is Steve, we stayed at the candy store what seemed like forever. I hope all is well with you. It’s funny, I just saw Vicky about a month ago. She looks great. I miss those days. I talk about Rosie and Tony all the time.
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Pat of course I remember you, my memory is blonde, short hair, tall and thin and a jacket with fur trim. I am happy to hear that you still think of my parents.
All is well with me, I live in Long Island(Rockville Centre), my husband and I are retired and spend our winters in Hollywood Lakes, Florida. Our oldest and youngest sons live and work in Manhattan(both single) our middle son is an air force pilot and now lives in Maryland with his wife and our first grandchild, Charles.
I am thinking of heading to the neighborhood on the 16th of July, as they are taking the statue out at 11 am, if you go , let me know and we can meet in front of the candy store. I would love to see you.
I smile as I think of your brother Stevie, such a great guy,he came out to California when I lived there and had such fun with him, Michael and another friend. such a good looking guy but younger than me. Please send him my best and thanks for the shout out, it made my day. love, Mary Ann
ps. I still keep in touch with Vickie and hope to see her next week, I am going to call her right now!!!!
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Hi Mary Ann, my family lived at 416 E 116 St, when I was a kid. My brother, sister and I have happy memories of Rosie’s. I wish I could find some old pictures of Rosie’s. I remember getting taffy and paddle ball. I think I remember a jukebox. Best wishes.
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I remember your parents well your father would always look mad while your mother was always very nice they would let us stay in the store when it would rain or be snowing or cold they were wonderful people .my brother was Nickie bean he played football for Ponzo ..your parents was a big part of me growing up 116st.it was a great hang out at night
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After playing for Cardinal Hayes football I played for zooch?/ on the Mt Carmel team. We played for 5 years and won 3 out of 5 years NYC championships. Mostly due to Mikie Lentini as quarterback. The dates are from 1956 to 1961. Then I got drafted and moved to the Bronx. We played the Jets before they became the Jets..at least I think we did. They were not called the jets at the time. [ 1960-61?] I lived across the street from Mt Carmel. Therefore I went to Mt Carmel also. Franklin was not good enough so I went to Hayes.
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Hi Mary Ann, I remember your mom & dad very well, when they moved out of Harlem they moved to Roosevelt Island as did many from EH including my mother Gracie from 114.
I always knew where to find my mother when she wasn’t in her apartment, she was with your mom & dad, wonderful people. They all looked out for each other right till the end. May they all rest in peace.
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Hi Mary Ann, Welcome.
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Is the 16th the Giglio or the Blessed Mother? I go to the feast but only on the day of the lift. So If I don’t go on the 16th, try to come to the Giglio lift..My brother is well He has two small children. 10 and 7. He played the field for way to long…lol. I did come out to California myself , Don’t you remember that…He was working out there for Forster Grant and I flew out there with Vicky…I think even Vinny lived there at that time. (I think his name is Vinny).
I have two sons, 1 is 23 and the other is 16
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Love this web site, miss the “Old Neighborhood”. We lived on 123rd St. between 1st and Pleasant Ave. until the city took over and we moved to the Bronx. My grandparents stayed in the neighborhood until they both passed.
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Hi, Marie. What’s your last name? My Grandparents and my Dad and his siblings were raised on 123rd Street (406 E.) between First and Pleasant Avenues, not far off the corner of First Avenue (as you probably realize). Our last is Colicino, my grandmother was Frances (Francesca) and my grandfather was Nick (Nicola). My Dad was Tom, and my uncles were Nick and Russell. My aunt was Marie. Louie Zinzi’s junk shop was just about directly across the street from my Dad’s building. Does our last name sound familiar at all? My grandparents also had to leave in the early 1950s when the city bought the 6-family house, which my grandfather, Nick, inherited from his father, my great-grandfather, Tommaso Colleccino, who bought the building years earlier, and who passed away in 1944 at 79.
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We much improved the Giglio Society of East Harlem webiste…Still a work in progress
Check it out
http://www.eastharlemgiglio.com/
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Love your photos, are you adding the 2014 Stick Ball photos. I so enjoy your photos. They bring me “home again”. I miss the “Old Neighborhood”
Marie
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Bobby Maida,
If you have pictures from the 2014 Father and Son Annual Stickball Game, please add them to this website or please let me know where I can find them on your website.
Thanks,
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Hi my family lived on 106th Street and First Avenue for many years. We all attended St. Lucy’s Grammar School on 104th Street. Perhaps you or some of your readers remember the Corrado and Salerno Families. My Mother Margaret Corrado married Eugene Barisano and we lived at 2059 First Avenue. My Aunt Nancy owned a Pizza Store on the corner of 105th Street and First Avenue. Would love to hear from anyone from the old neighborhood.
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I am your distant cousin, Theresa.
My grandmother on my mom’s side was Louisa Salerno before she married my grandfather John Abbate. Her older sisters were Suzy Corrado and Josephine Castaldo…her brothers were the Salerno boys…Charlie, Bobby and Bibby. We share a great grandmother…Otilia Salerno. I know your Mom, your uncles Charlie and Bobby too.
BTW…do you happen to know great grandma’s maiden name?
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Hi Cousin….Happy to meet you. Small world isn’t it! Mom passed away in 2008 and Uncle Bobby passed last year. The only children left are Uncle Charlie in his 80’s and his Sister Aunt Jeanne who is going to be 92.
I do not know our great grandmother’s maiden name, but I have heard my Mom talk about her. I will ask Uncle Charlie if he knows. I remember Aunt Caroline very well. She used to live in the projects on 122 Street across the street from us. Then Mom moved to the Bronx. The remaining family still lives around the Bronxville, Yonkers, Hartsdale area. I am currently living in Massachusetts with my husband of almost 42 years. I have two sons who live close by. One is having his first child any day. So I’m going to be a “Grandmother” “how the heck did that happen” LOL! and my other son is getting married next September. Where are you living? Do you have any children? What is your Mom’s name? Lost touch with the Castaldo family. I do remember Honey and Jeannie and daughter Marta and Son Charles (Bubby). Are you on Facebook? I am….feel free to contact me by email terricullie@gmail.com. Hope to hear from you again. Take care, very nice hearing from you.
Terri
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Hi Mike,It’s been awhile since we spoke. Hope all is well with you and the family. Been doing some research on Ancestry and found out that our Great Grandmother Othelia’s Maiden name was Orzo. Our Great Grandfather’s name was Ferdenando Salerno.
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My name is jimmy Paolino. I grew up on ahun21 st between 1st&2nd ave from 1945 -1955. We were forced to move by imminent domain isn’t that a lovely term. Anyway The name Salvatorelli rings a bell. I now live in Astoria, and had to go for an MRI, and the tech’s last name(maiden name) is Salvatorelli. I was wearing a Pleasant Ave stickball shirt and this very nice lady said her parents were from east harlem…. any relation?
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Jimmy, I lived in east harlem in the 40’s and 50’s. I cannot find any of the guys I know then.
One problem was I never knew their last names. I have been trying to find anyone that
remembers a candy store on pleasant ave between 115th and 116th called Arnolds.
Some of the guys nicknames were charlie ding ding, Philly black, fasul and yanteze.
john
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the candy store on pleasant ave 115st was called SHEPPS…..during school hours at
our Lady of Mt Carmel we used to play stoop ball for ever….next to Sisters convent….what a place and what a time….No one believes we survived without (cell phone-laptops-facebook-tablet computers-twitter…..etc)
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Hi – I’m Suzanne Corrado Paribello – my father was Angelo (Charlie) Corrado and my grandma was Susie Salerno Corrado who was Aunt Louisa’s sister. Unfortunately, they are all gone now – we lost my father in 2014 and Aunt Jeanne, the last of the 8 passed early this year. Now since they are all gone, whatever info we can get on the family would be great – I only recently found out that my great grandmother was Otilia Salerno!
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Hi my family lived at 236 east 107th. Between 2&3rd. Does anyone remember the bar Casty’s and Joe Martino’s candy store?
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Hi my is Christine Termini Menniti, we lived at 158 & 107th st. Went to St. Ann’s then to St. Cecilia’s. I have two brothers, George & Bob Termini. We moved out of Harlem around 1968-69. Miss the old block and all our friends, would love to hear from the friends we rew up with. I am married have two children and four grandchildren. My parents are both gone but have great memories. Of those times growing up in harlem
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Hi my family lived at 236 east 107th. Between 2&3rd. Does anyone remember the bar Casty’s and Joe Martino’s candy store?
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Hi Nancy& Elenor, yes I do remember Casty’s bar, although we lived on 104th st and second avenue, my grandparents, the riccardi’s lived on 107th st between 2nd and 3rd. He rented the fruit and vegetable store to a man nicknamed “Red”. My godparents (my mother’s sister) the Orlandos lived in my grandparents building til the early 50’s, when they moved out to LI, where we had moved back in 1949. I spent many a time with my godfather in Casty’s, where he b ought me many “Mahattan Specials” coffee sodas……………Rich
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LiLived at 309 e 107. My father owned the parking lot across from our building. Such fond memories of the neighborhood, the feasts (il Giglio, St. Benedetto, etc.). Richy Castellano, whose father owned Casty’s bar was a friend on my sister, Connie. Our candy store was run by an old woman, Mrs. Bolge. Wonderful time in my life, for which I’m grateful.
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Hi Nancy, I remember Casty’s bar and knew the family very well. I was born in 235 E 107th st as was most of my cousins. Joey Martini was also a very good family friend.
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We lived at 235 east 107th st. Most of my family lived in that building. We knew Casty very well as well as Joey Martini. They are all gone now. My mother was Santina and my father rocco I have a sister Nina I was only 21/2 when we moved to the Bronx because they threw down the buildings to build the projects. My family lived on 107 for many many years.
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victor cassella st lucys 104th 1957
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anyone out there from that year
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Hi I’m doing a research project for art in college, and have a picture of the Subway being built in 1901. It is on Lexington and 113th street and I would like some info about it. Anything will help, and I would really appreciate the help! Here is the link: http://postimg.org/image/vt7r1sg7p/
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Frank Casanneti lives somewhere on Long Island, Nassau County.
I went to school with your sister Annette.
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Nancy, I lived at 422 East 117th St. and I remember a handsome young boy named
Manuel Bayron who had a little brother and a single Mom. Any relations?
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Olga, yes I was married to Manuel….sad to say Manny passed away in 1994. His younger brother Benny also passed away about six years ago. Ironically, their Mom passed away three years ago.
I think I remember you.
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I lived at 158 East 107th St. between Lexington and third
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Hi I lived on 107th st. until I was 15yrs. old. Went to St. Ann’s until the 4grade then went to St. Cecilia if anyone lived on 107th between Lex & Third would like to hear from you. Miss the old block and Feast on 106th st. Good memories, miss my childhood, Christine
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Thank you, Angela! You found so much family history for me!!!
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My name is Robert Prestano, I am third generation italian American , my family came to East Harlem in 1906 from Palermo Sicily ,my great grand parents came there with four children and had another four born on 106th street between 2nd& 3rd my grand father being the youngest. Seven boys one girl , all the boys were bakers , I remember my grandfather telling stories of how they used to bake bread in the basements of the bakery where the ovens were, stories of my father growing up as young boy there.by the 1950s they all had moved up to the bronx and all got into the bakery business ,since then most of the family moved to suffolk county ,n.y. And some are still following the family trade ” baking”.I have a special feeling in my heart for east Harlem because of this is where my family got started ,we all should be proud of where we are today, but never never forget where we came from, I am glad that this web site is available to read all the stories and memories people have of east Harlem , Thank You,Robert Settimo Prestano, be proud and never forget!
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Hi Robert, just found this site. Replying to you about the bakery in E. Harlem on 106 St Was your families bakery “Victoria’s ( iGS). We all called it Victoria’s. Don’t know why. They would bake the bread in the basement. We would go down at midnight, knock on the cellar doors and they would sell us “THE BEST ITALIAN BREAD”. Hot, hot, hot. Remember they had sons name Eddie, Mario I believe they had another son. I remember Eddie going off to war.. We too had to leave the neighborhood when they tore down they North side of 106 St.
We lived on 106 from the mid 30th to 50ths. We were the ONLY Spanish family on the block. The GONZALEZ FAMILY 5 girls ,1 boy. Louise, Eileen,,Mary Sylvia (me) Helen And Charlie.does anybody remember us. We still remember you.
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Robert, I am sure that somewhere along the way our family’s knew each other everyone knew everyone especially on 107th street and my mother was born on 106th st as well between 2nd and 3rd and my Grandmother lived there until 1970. We also moved in 1957 to the Bronx when they tore down the buildings to build the projects.
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Thanks Joseph for your reply I’m sure our families must have known each other it was a a very close community where everyone would watch out for each other .My grand father used tell us about the hard times in east Harlem being italian had to work real hard to servive he always spoke of the neighborhood with pride, but also my father would tell us stories of growing up there winters were cold and summers were hot some stories of the feast on their block my father and uncle would swim in east river, all good stories good times with a very large family . I used to love them stories.Where in the bronx did you end up, we went up by boston road between eastchester and gun hill ,we lived on Fenton av and Burke , we had a bakery on white plains 234th- 235th,our store was mostly bread and biscotti oh yeah ravioli and pasta. but the family had bakeries all over the bronx using the family name Prestano Bakery mostly.Ones that I remember, Boston rd., bronx wood ave 225 th.tremont bakery on east tremont ave. joseph it is nice to to hear from you.Thanks for the reply ,Robert
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Hi Robert.
I just found this site today.
I remember the family bakery across the street from my mom and dad’s luncheonette. Do you remember my dad Sal? We made home made French Ice cream.
We closed the family business in the early 70’s.
Small world!
Tommy D
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Are you related a Nina Alberti…she live on East 107 in the 50’s. I think the address was 235 E. 107 st. between 2nd and 3rd ave. We lived next store to a bar. My name Nick D’Amelio we moved to NJ in 1954. My grandparents lived on E 107 st from 1919 to the early 60’s before they tour down the buildings. I believe the building were own by the Raio’s.
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Nick, Nina is my sister and we lived at 235 until the buildings were torn down. The buildings were owned by my uncle Vince Rao. Are you related to Kay and Angelo D’Amilio as our family’s were very close friends.
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When we had to leave Harlem most of the family moved to the Pelham Parkway area of the Bronx. So many interesting stories and so many fascinating people. It was a very special place. My mother and father missed 107th street all of their lives.
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Looking for people who went to St. Ann or St. Cecilia School back in the sixties, I lived on 107th St between Lex and Third. Moved to the Bronx when I was 15. Miss the old block and anyone who remembers me Christine, my brothers were George and Bobby Termini
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My father lived at 427 east 117 street , his name was Jim schiavo. He had brothers mike , tony, joe , Louie , and a sister tessie. My grandfather was Vincenzo but they called him jimmy. My grandmother was Felicia .My fathers best friend was Lenny Masi, they worked at the bakery on first Ave. if anyone knows them let me know?
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My fathers nickname was junior
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Hi Jim, My name is Nancy Bayron, I lived at 441 East 117th Street. I remember the
Schiavo family. hard working boys. Your uncle Joey used to cook for the social club in my building…..Club Aloha. Your uncle Tony is married to Delores and they lived in Yonkers.
My husband and I were good friends with Delores brother JR. I remember your dad.
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Hi Nancy, I live at 501 east 117 St., my mothers’ name was Dolores Vaccaro, married Joe Fiore, my grandparents names were Ralph and Rose Fiore, they live in the building next to the bocce ball court on the third floor and my Aunt Rose lived on the first floor and married Joe Letterise ( Joe Brains). I lived in the building where the bar was at the corner I think my and across the street was Buick’s cleaners. Next to the bar was the barbershop, gift shop, hot dog store, parking lot, another shop,grocery store – butcher shop, and let’s not forget the candy store at the corner of 118th St. and Pleasant Avenue. My Mother divorced my father Joe Fiore for reasons I do not want to say, she then married Mario Bino, the Bino family live on Pleasant Avenue between 114th St. and 115th St. across the street from Benjamin Franklin high school. His brothers’ names were Jimmy and Richard Bino. I have so many memories of growing up on Pleasant Avenue. Did you know any of my family members ?
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Hi Joseph, I do remember your parents. Your mom was a lovely woman. Your grandmother Rose’s sister Celia lived in my building. I am friends with Celia’s son Ralph & his wife Marie.
As a young girl I remember your grandmother and her daughter Rose(i guess this would be your aunt) would always visit Celia.at times your Mom would be with them. I believe the family was very fond of your Mom. Happy to hear she remarried.
Last year
Ralph celebrated his 75th Birthday which I attended. It was great to see old friends.
Nice speaking with people from the old neighborhood.
Nancy
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Charlie Ding Dong was the candy store on 118th st. & Pleasant Ave.
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Hi! I am trying to find a friend of my grandmothers. His name was Leonard Benedetto but his nick name was LENNY BONES. I think his mother’s name was Dolores, Not 100% on her name though. He would be in his late 70’s early 80’s now. I believe he moved to texas to go to school/college. I believe his mother moved from 112th (around that area) to Williamsbridge at some point. If anyone can help me out I would SO appreciate it thank you so much
Elaine 914.403.9183
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Willamsbridge rd in the Bronx sorry forgot ! thanks again
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Wow I remember my uncle Joey talking about the social club, he loved to cook. Unfortunately he is gone now, so is my father and uncle tony and unle Louie .aunt Delores is around and uncle Mike .did you know Cosmo he was a good friend of our family and lived on 117 . Also if you have any stories I would like to hear them. Nice talking to you.
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Hi Jim, Sorry to hear many of your family members are gone. My husband Manny is also gone. He also knew your family. He too came from 117th Street.
I remember Cosmo. His family housed the Saints….there would be a feast every September.
“St,Cosmo & Domian”. those were the good old days.
Life was different back, very simple. We didn’t have much in the way of material things but everyone was in the same boat. therefore, we didn’t feel as though we were missing anything. IT was a community and everyone watched out for one another.
The highlights were the feast, cooling off under the “Johnny pump” in the hot summers, no a/c, stickball games in the street on Sunday. then marcaroni (not pasta) for Sunday dinner at 1 pm.
Have you ever visited the old neighborhood?
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Jim, I lived at 422 E 117th street. I remember Cosmo and his brother Dominick. I have a vivid memory of Dominick pacing the street every day with his hands in his pocket jiggling coins – he was the local bookie.
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Hi Nancy, My maternal grandmother was a Laspina. Her family lived in 420 117th Street. I am searching for some people who may have know the family. I never knew my Grandmother because she died of cancer at the age of 45. With ancestry, I am connecting some information and would love to learn more about her life. My Grandmother’s maiden name was Calderona. They were from Sicily.
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Sure as a kid my uncle Joey would take us all around, we would go back to the old neighborhood. He would run into old friends playing cards at LuigI social club. My father moved to yonkers when he got married , and a couple of years later 1972 my grandmother and uncle Joey left Harlem . So I grew up in yonkers with all my uncles and cousins.as a family we had a lot of fun . My father always liked Sunday dinner early, and we said gravy not sauce in my house . Also did you know my aunt tessie she is 90 now .also Lenny Masi , Sally risco, Nicky , mike lentini. These are some of the guys I met that were friends of my father. Also I have a picture from back then that has a bunch of people, I will try to upload it. Maybe you will recognize the people.
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Jim, can you send that photo. I may be able to identify some of the people.
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No, I didn’t know your aunt personally. I did know who she was. She was older than me. I Knew your uncle Joey. He was closer to my age. My husband and I went to a party at Delores & Tony’s house in Yonkers. Probably in the 80’s. I don’t recall what the party was for. Your uncle Tony was very funny.
I believe your uncle Mikey was there with his wife. did you know Delores’s brother JR.?
I remember Lenny Masi & Mikey Lentini (they were older than me).
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Yes I knew jr my aunt Delores brother and she had a sister also I forget her name . Also my aunt Josephine who married my uncle Louie was from the neighborhood also, did you know her.? Do you know how to put a picture on this site?
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Hi Jim,
Send me the photo file. The site’s email address is:
italianharlem@gmail.com
Don’t forget to include the name , date, and where the person lived.
Sincerely,
Angela
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delores’ sister was Barbie, I understand she passed away. JR is living in SC. We keep in touch .He was a good friend of my husband and my daughter’s godfather.
I believe your Uncle Louie was the oldest of the boys. I’m not sure about Josephine….did she have blue eyes.
I’m not sure about putting a photo on the site. I think first you would scan the photo and save to your computer and then upload from your computer to the site. It’s worth a shot….try it. good luck.
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Hi Nancy,
If you have a vintage photo from Italian Harlem, you can email the photo file to: italianharlem@gmail.com
I will upload the photo for you to my site.
Thanks,
Angela
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Thanks Angela. I love your site. I wish I could go back in time. I guess this is the next best thing. I will look for some photos.
nancy
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Hiii Nancy thank you again for your help! Elaine
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U r welcome. sorry I wasn’t any help.
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No it ok hun
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Hi Elaine, I have been thinking about this Danny Beneddto guy. I knew a guy who we called Danny “Neck” who was a big guy with a thick neck. this Danny also played sports. I believe his last name was DiBenedetto and if my memory serves right, he came from 118th bet. 1st & 2nd Ave. Not sure if this helps.
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thanks but this Lennny was tall and thin:) Lenny Bones but ty so much for going over it…i hope to find him!
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Dear Angela….Nothing can ever replace our neighborhood of East Harlem. My recollection of “The Neighborhood” as it was called dates back circa[1950]….My address was 433 East 114 St just (4) doors away from the famous Rao’s restaurant where we played every day. The highlight for me was living across the street from Jefferson Park were we developed lifelong friendship free from harassment and crime. Our block was one big happy family where everyone knew each other and visited each other without previously calling them…Just show up – we never locked our doors [to our cars house etc]…after OLMC [115 street between 1st & Pleasant Ave]. grade school moved on to Cardinal HayesHS[Bronx].–.CWPost College — USN tour — and finally as an Aerospace Engineer with Grumman Aerospace on Long Island. God Bless our neighborhood. .
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Hi Vincent,
Thank you for answering my post. I will never forget my years in east harlem. It was the best of times. There never will be anything like it again.
Bless you and your family, and of course our east harlem.
Angela R.
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Vincent, I used to go to Raos all the time. My Uncle was Angelo the Jet. My grandfather was Tommy Cheesecake. I used to stay at my grandparents apartment on 455 E 116th street every summer. Those were great times. Just like you said, we never locked our doors, everyone was always welcome. Everybody knew everyone in the neighborhood. People would hang out until 6am in the summer.
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Hi, not sure what years you are talking but my husbands family grew up in the late 40’s through 70 on 116th street between first and second. Does anyone know them the Carlos sister cookie, 4 brothers?? Planning on organizing a 70th party on the streets of Harlem. He had so many amazing memories. That’s where his heart is
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Hi Angela I too am very proud of my East Harlem roots. Could not have come from a better place.
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My name is Christine Termini Menniti, grew up in Spanish Harlem on 107th Street, moved out when I was 15yrs. Old, Just remembering my childhood and what great memories, went to St. Ann’s on 110st. Then to St. Cecilia’s on 104st. Went to the Feasts with friends and having the best time just being there. Also went to Jefferson Park with my grandparents also with friends to the swimming pools there. Anyone who came from 107th st. Between Lexington and third please contact me or went to St. Ann or St. Cecilia let me know, would love to talk about old times. Thanks Christine Termini Menniti
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My name is Theresa and I went to St.Ann’s graduated in 1951
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My grandparents lived at 311 E 111th st next to the boys club. I went to school at St. Ann’s on 110th street . I lived at 191 E 115th st. Went to Benjamin Franklin High School.Our main hangout was 117th between 2nd and 3rd ave. Ed Fiorella .
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Christine…Although my parish was Our Lady of Mt. Carmel ..115st..I to have unforgettable memories of EAST HARLEM……..God bless us always
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I lived on 107 Street between 2nd & 3rd. Apt building was 158. From the 1950s till the late 60’s. Went to school at St. Ann’s then went to St. Cecilia’s. Just great memories of East Harlem. Remembering all my friends and the feasts we all went to. If anyone remembers living there send me a message here. Christine Termini Menniti
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Hi Christine, I lived @ 310 East 109 st. I went to St Ann’s from 1960 to 67. You may know my brother ,Jack Celentano. Sr. Beatrice was principal at that time. He graduated from St. A’s in 63.
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Not sure if I remember your brother but I graduated 68 or 69. And remember Sister Beatrice
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Christine…My name is Vincent Casale –I to grew up in Harlem (114st between 1st & Pleasant Ave) 3 doors away from Rao’s. My parish and school was Our Lady of Mt Carmel. Let me say this — nothing ever has or will ever replace those cherished moments growing up in East Harlem. We were poor but we were happy and loved one another…Try and tell your Grandchildren or your Children that we never locked our doors — to our home, our cars. We drank water from public fountains in Jefferson Park (that probably weren’t cleaned for a year)– never had bottled water…no cell phones –when Mamma called we went home immediately and had dinner as a family — especially with Sunday gravy…Often went to visit friends without first calling and shared milk & cookies with your friends…No computers – tablets -Pods -Pads Wi-Fi –or Skype…See if they even could understand it rather than comprehend it…..Life was simple and beautiful we all made mistakes but one thing for sure we all loved one another….Does any of this ring a bell?
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I’m Anthony cocomello my mother was Mary she had the ice store on 114. You lived next to Johnny red and Philly fat and Charles and cat.
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Anthony …where exactly was the Ice Store on 114st between 1st & Pleasant…We had the SleepyValley Club – a grocery Store and Rao’s
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hello Anthony
this is Louie Puccio. If I’m not mistaken you lived at 326 East 116th on the ground floor. Next door to Katies candy store. Then you had a deli on Barkley Ave. in the Bronx. I remember your Mom Mary.
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Yes it does Vincent remember it very well. A time I will never forget
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To John vairo it’s your cousin joe hooks.aunt Theresa,s son.we lived 441 east 117st.i am a member of the giglio society of east harlem.i live in east cheater New York now.be well.
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My grandmother was Madelaine vairo born in Lacona Italy to Peter vairo of lacona Italy as well. His father was Giuseppe Vairo, we had several family members who stayed in New York as well, my grandfather Giavanni John Polo from Laconia as well had family in new York as well
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My grandmother was Madeleine vairo from Locona Italy her father was Peter vairo and Giuseppe vairo was his father. My grandfather was Giavanni John Polo who came from Italy as well. Both had family that stayed in New York as well.
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My name is John
Me and my family still live in Harlem.l remember katies candy store.
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My name is Vincent Casale 433 east 114st circa 1959 now. On Long Island . Attended OurLady of Mt Carmel school and lived a few buildings away from Rao’s between Pleasant and 1st Ave.
Growing up in the neighborhood at that time will never be duplicated and cannot be explained even to your children. We didn’t need summer camp only Jefferson Park and the pool and ball fields
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So true. I lived 117th Street, between 1st & Pleasant. Jefferson Park was our day camp.
Can’t believe RAO’S is a celebrity place. i remember it being a neighborhood bar with two dogs lying out front basking in the sun.
Youth of today would not understand.
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HI Ann Marie, I think my brother George might remember your brother, I might remember him just not sure. But those were great days, if he remembers my last name is Termini, 2 brothers George and Bobby, Thanks for answering
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NICE HEARING FROM YOU NANCY……………
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One of the happiest of times was the Feast of Our Lady of Mt Carmel… Truly a family and festive time when everyone enjoyed each other’s company and did not have to worry about all the garbage going around today.
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greetings all,
my name is Louis Puccio. I lived at 322 East 116th. right above the famous Morrone bakery.( how lucky was I). For me being born and raised in East Harlem back in the day was the best time of my life. I would do anything to relive those days. Everything about the neighborhood was great. The Church- candy stores- the best neighbors and friends and lastly the great stories. I’m sure we all have about 100 stories to tell. I still say they’re only 2 kinds of people on this earth. Those who were born and raised in East Harlem and those who wished they had.
I’m glad I found this site. it’s good to read about the great people of East Harlem. we had the friends- the closeness of families and most important we had each others back. Not like today, but that’s another story. it would be nice to hear from old friends. stay well, talk soon. ciao
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Hi Louis, How have you been, Its while since we spoke..
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good morning Pat
yes its been a while since we last spoke. How are you, doing? I’m going to give you a call this week. I still have your number. hope all is well
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All is good, yes call……
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Hello Louis….I lived at 114st between 1st & Pleasant a few doors down from Rao’s. OLMC was my church and grammar school. I agree 100% we could not have lived at a better time to grow up. The important thing I tried to explain to my son and brought him to the neighboord. No clue .God Bless us all and all the wonderful people and friends we made in the neighboord
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Both my grandparents settled in East Harlem when they came here from Naples. They were the Casale & DiSpirito families. The Casale’s lived on E 112th st. The DiSpirito’s at 2272 – 1st ave…..Eventually they moved to Brooklyn and raised their families there.
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Hi I need someone who lived on 104 th street in appx 1957 looking for someone it would help if anyone that would respond would be at least 75 years old thanks so much my e mail is lolasmom512@verizon.net
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Nancy, Sorry to hear about Manny and his family.
It’s funny how some memories stay with us. . I remember Manny vividly because he was such a gentleman.
I had a friend named Pat (Patricia) whose younger sister dated Manny at the time. Could this be you?
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No, that wasn’t me. I believe you may be speaking about JoAnn who dated Manny.
Sometime I amaze myself with things I remember from long ago.
You are correct when you say Manny was a gentleman. That’s what attracted me to him.He was always so nice to me. Never dreamed we would marry. He was always just a friend.
Not sure if you remember me. I believe I may be a little younger than you. I lived in 441….my parents owned a laundry business at that same address back in the day.
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Anyone remember the Schiavo
Family, they lived at 427 east 117 street. Mike, Louie , Joe , tony, Jim, and Tessie.
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Hi Angela,
I have been doing genealogy research and found out through the 1915 census that my grandmother was born in this neighborhood and lived with her family at 326 East 113th st from her birth in 1908 until the family moved to Philadelphia around 1916 or so. I’m guessing she was baptized at OLMC church. Do you know how I could access church records? I would like to confirm her mothers maiden name and learn as much as I can about what her life as like during those years. Her name was Annunciatta Lento and her parents were Salvatore and Cusumina. She had an older brother Gennaro born in Terranova da Sibari. There were 3 other brothers born after her, all in New York City.
Many thanks for any information,
Carolyn
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Hi Carolyn,
You can contact the rectory office at Our Lady of Mt. Carmel, which is located at East 115th Street. If you know the date of birth of your grandmother, it is likely that her parent’s baptized her within a year of her birth. The church maintains records that date back to the 1880’s, so I’m sure that they have a record of your grandmother’s baptism. There was also another church on East 112th St. between 2nd and 3rd Ave. It was called Our Lady Queen of Angels. This church was shuttered 8 years ago. Not sure what happened to their records. Also, St. Ann’s is located on East 110th Street, between 1st and 2nd. It’s possible that she was baptized there. You can begin by calling Our Lady of Mt. Carmel. Also, as your grandmother was born in New York City, the Municipal Archives maintains all the records of birth for the 5 boroughs. Her birth record would have her parent’s names on the certificate. This would be a great way to confirm your great grandmother’s maiden name. I did a quick check of the birth index records on http://italiangen.org/records-search/births.php I found a record for “Isabella Lento” born on Oct. 9th, 1908. The index number is #53237 Here is the link to request birth records from the municipal archives: http://www.nyc.gov/html/records/html/archives/birth.shtml Type in the index number that I found for Isabella Lento. It’s possible that Annunziata was her middle name. It’s worth a try, as the record only costs $15.Good Luck!
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Thank you very much! I have found her birth record on familysearch.org and yet another spelling of her mothers maiden name, that makes six now! I was not able to find any records of her brothers births on the Municipal archive site, ancestry, or family search which is odd. I’ll keep digging.
I love your site and have had a lot of fun looking at photos and reading the various links. Where can I find the documentary Pleasant Days? I was only able to find a trailer on YouTube so far. Was it ever released?
I am also interested in the history of the Italian immigration to this area. It seems from the census that my great grandfather and many living in the same tenement as my family were bricklayers and stone Masons, etc. Was there a lot of work of this type in this area of the city? It is interesting that they came straight to East Harlem as many other cousins stayed in Lower Manhattan after arriving.
Thanks again for all you do, you have done a beautiful job with the site and with helping others! I am so appreciative.
Carolyn
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Hi Carolyn,
You are most welcome! I think I can solve this conundrum, but I need to ask you a few questions. Send me an email with your phone number. My email address is: italianharlem@gmail.com
Best regards,
Angela
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CAROLYN…..MY NAME IS VINCENT CASALE AND GREW UP ON 114st AROUND THE CORNER FROM OLMC. IF YOU WOULD LIKE SOME INFO FROM THE CHURCH MY RECOMMENDATION IS A PERSONAL VISIT TO OLMC. I AM PRETTY SURE THEY DO NOT HAVE THE RESOURCES FOR THIS TYPE OF RESEARCH.
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Thank you Vincent. Do you know if of the three churches Angela mentions if one was predominately Italian (OLMC?). Some sites have said the other churches were Irish, etc. I’m just trying to narrow my search at bit. Do either you or Angela recall the building at 326 or 327 East 113th street? I know it has since been torn down. I’d love to see a photo. Finally, an odd question, but do either of you know if there were horse troughs on the street in the 1940’s? This is a vivid memory of my dad when visiting so I’m curious if this detail rings any bells.
Many thanks,
Carolyn
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I’m sure there were horse troughs in the street since I remember horse and carriages still being used in the 1940’s.
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Hi Carolyn,
Initially, back in the 1880’s when OLMC, Holy Rosary, and Our Lady Queen of Angels were erected, there were no Italian priests or pastors. The priests/pastors were German or Irish. However, with the influx of Italian immigration, and the vast amount of Italian flooding the neighborhood of East Harlem, the churches there had no other choice but to let the immigrants pray in the main area of the church. Hence, the Vatican began to send Italian priests to the area to serve the residents of Italian Harlem. While interviewing my great aunt Columbia, she told me that the Italian immigrants had to pray in the basement, even though their blood, sweat and tears went into the painstaking building of these enormous churches!
This type of discrimination would gradually come to an end, as on July 10th, 1904, the statue of the Blessed Virgin Mary, located above the alter of OLMC church, was Coronated by Archbishop Farley. Archbishop Farley, by special permission of Pope Pius X, crowned the statue of OLMC in Thomas Jefferson Park. The Pontifical decree was initially issued by Pope Leo XIII, in 1903, and a gemstone was donated by Pope Pius X for the crown of the Blessed Mother! What a resplendent moment in time that must have been for our Italian Harlem ancestors! According to a New York Times article, it is said that there were over 50,000 people surrounding Thomas Jefferson Park on that Coronation Day! At that time, in 1904, my great grandfather, Stefano Puca was the only one here in America. One year later, his wife and children sailed over the vast Atlantic Ocean to begin their new life together, in L’America. 🙂
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There was a horse trough/fountain right in front of the Jefferson pool on First ave. We would drink out of the running water. This fountain was about 3 feet by 4 feet and maybe made of a marble.I would say on the corner of 113 St. Also if you walked further north at 114 St. and First ave they would give out pints of milk for free. They had a kiosk on the corner. If you went east to the corner near Raos there was a guy there we called the Greek and he sold hot dogs and hot onions and a strange brew which he called orange juice.
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their was a horse trough right in front of jefferson pool on 1st ave. Walk north on first 50 yards and you could get a free pint of milk on the corner of 114 and first ave.
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Carolyn: the OLMC AT 115 ST between 1st and Pleasant Ave was totally all Italian. Not so anymore. The church is stil there but do not know ethnincity.
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Hi Vincent,
As far as I can see, while visiting OLMC over the last 10 years, the majority of parishoners are Haitian and Hispanic. Just a handful of Italians are left in the old neighborhood. My great aunt, Columbia Pennino Altieri, lived there from birth, until she died in 2009. It was a wonderful experience visiting her in the old brownstone where she lived, on Pleasant Avenue. She was the last person in our family to live there.
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I went to Our Lady of Mt Carmen grammar school and was for a time an altar boy at the church. great place to live and learn about life. I lived at 430 E.115 st.
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Pennino….I played and paled? around with a Pennino. He lived on 117 st and Pleasant Ave. We would hang out at the ice cream parlor on first ave between 115 st and 116 st. We were about the same age and went with the same gals. All sweethearts. If this is who I think he is he should be about 75-76. Now on Pleasant Ave between 116 and 117 street lived my good friend Arnold Maggi. He lives not more than 100 yards from me here in Florida. Great friend.
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Hi Carmen,
I think the “Pennino” that you are speaking of is the younger brother of my (late) great aunt, Columbia Pennino Altieri. Columbia was married to my dad’s uncle, Titi. She lived on Pleasant Avenue until she passed away, in 2009. I think her brother’s name is Arthur, and he lives in North Carolina. Although, my Aunt Columbia told me that she had many brothers, so I’m not exactly sure as to which one you knew.
Thanks for your comment!
Angela
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Vincent, Nina is my sister and we did live at 235 E 107th st. and the buildings were owned by my Uncle Vince Rao. Are you related to Kay & Angelo (popeye)
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Looking for some folks who were raised on E 107th Street in the 50s. I lived in 309 and my father, Nunzio Iovino, owned the parking lot there, I went to PS 168 on 105th street. Anyone out there? — Anthony Iovino
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Hi Joe…….I lived at 433 East 114 and did not know your relatives Kay. Eventually went on to Cardinal Hayes HS
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HI Carmen……R U related to my friend Vinnie Ponzo who I knew from Our Lady of Mt Carmel school and alter boys. I lived at 433 E. 114st opposite the Park
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yes…this is Vin….for some reason my wifes name comes up on this site. I vividly remember Ceci Stracci who lived next to you. She died real young.
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Carmen….Do U know Frank Badano…Cardinal Hayes and Football Team….I also went to Hayes and probably played on the same team at Hays….small World
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I am Vincent Ponzo and I played for Hayes 1955 and 1956. Later played on the Mt Carmel team for 5 years. What years are you talking about.
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Anyone know the Schiavo’s
They lived 117 st between 1st and Pleasant ave. My father was called ” junior” his name was jimmy his friend was Lenny Masi. He had one sister Tessie and four brothers Joe, Mike, Louie Tony .Also I remember a name Cosmo who lived a few doors down.
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My family lived on 107th between Lexington and third in the sixties, our last name is Termini, I have two brothers George and Bobby, my name is Christine. we went to St. Ann’s School then went to St. Ceceilia School, remembering the feast with all our friends, such great times, miss the old block. if anyone is from 107 st. lexington and third please respond. would love to hear from old friends.
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My mom was a waitress at the Delightful restaurant, we lived across the street next to Rosie’s candy store. They had a jukebox and I can remember hearing Knock three times playing. I also remember the toy store on the corner, I think it was called Sid’s.
My grandmother live at 2224 2nd Ave, on the corner of 2nd Ave and 115st.
I have fond memories of East Harlem and playing as a kid in front of her building.
Makes my heart happy just thinking about it!
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Great Theresa…that’s what made our neighborhood so great never to be duplicated by anyone
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To Vinny Ponzo…absolutely right when it cam to buying HoyDogs on 114st the Greek was the landmark…he usually was at the end of the block near Pleasant ave and across the street to Raos’s. Amazing we never question whether the HotDogs were Organic-Gluten Free and especially that Orange drink…good memories
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I lost your email address but have since found it. Did I tell you that I live only 100 yards from Arnold Maggi and his daughter. We see him all the time. It is the reason we came to Florida. We have been to his daughters wedding as far as Calif. and as near as NYC. I will have him get in touch with you. His sister lives in Manhattan and had daughters. Arnold had three daugthers. Me? I have two adopted boys who have done very well in their lives. We will be in NY in August but in Manhattan and Conn. As I said to you….. you spoiled me forever with the ride in the MG. I went the Porsche route and owned about ten of them. Currently still own three. If we get a chance maybe we can get together.
Vincent Ponzo
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good morning all. if I may make a comment about the Greek, hands down the best hot dog and drinks back then and now. also I remember when he used to play a game with us where you give him a nickel and he would have 2 swings with his stickball bat to hit it.if he misses you get a free drink. Well we never got a free drink.
there should be a special place in heaven for anybody who was born and raised in Italian East Harlem. We were one of a kind.
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Louis…..Three words “We were one of a kind” Amen-Amen_Amen
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Those hot dogs were the best. And only 20 cents each when I used to live there! And anyone remember Coppolas Pizza? My grandparents used to like their pizza even better then Patsys.
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Hi louis its Pat. How are you
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My mother is so enjoying your site. Her name is Lucy Catalano. She is 94. Married Rocco Gregorio. His dad owned a candy store; we think it was 120th. Mom attended ps 80 and lived with her family on 122. Sisters Jenny, Mary and Gloria. Brothers Angelo and Dom Jr. Uncle Dom was a member of a social club called the Bisons. Lucy was friends with the Amatussio girls. Went to Holy Rosary. Fond memories of Father Bob and Dr. Constantine.
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Thank you so much for your kind words, Barbara! I’m so happy to know that your mom is enjoying this site. That’s what it’s all about! 🙂 Say hi to Lucy for me!
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I was reading your comment to my mom and she was friends with your aunt Mary catalano my moms nickname is chubby she originally came from ahun 122 ST and later ahun 120 St her maiden name was giardiello they were 6 girls and 1 boy she also knew Mary amatuzzio does she have the right family
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Yes. You got the names right. There were several Amatuzzio girls. My mom was thrilled to hear your mom’s name and that she remembered my aunt. Sadly, all my aunts have passed. Lucy is the oldest and the last one standing. So great to hear from you
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And my mom remembers your mom well. Wants you to give her a hug.
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To Vinny Ponzo & Arnold Maggi….First off I am impressed of your selection after my MG…a lot of fun…My only contact was a lease for a Panamera. Since then i have switched to BMW Mseries also a lot of fun…I hope you and Arnold respond. Arnold might not remember me – however you can tell him i was a very good friend of PeterMorrone. I am putting together a dataBase program with John Medici of all our OLMC friends…altar boys..school pals.etc.You should check out this Site above: “CHURCHES AND PAROCHIAL SCHOOLS” and see my report card from Sister Kathleen after 67 years…Hope to hear from you soon
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WE will keep in touch. My phone number is 718 286 8881. Arnold number is 772 283 3870 and he lives about 100 yards away. We see him all the time. I tried to get in touch with Medici but he never responded. He and I were in basic training together and he was sent to FT Hawchuga?? I went to Germany. During our basic training a guy was a photographer and took pictures of us all during basic. He published the book and John and I are in it. It is all photos. I think the guy became a big producer??
Mary Ghiraldi died a while back. She was a sweet gal but later on she was loosing it. She was friends with my sister. Last I heard Andrew Proto lived in Buffalo.
Email ponzv@comcast.net Great to hear from you.
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HI all ! What a great site ! Vinnie Ponzo just called me and told me about it.
We grew up together and are still together after 150 years.
The guy that sold hot dogs was called “Harry the Greek” and owned 3 2 Family homes in Astoria , Queens so he did OK with that little Hot Dog Stand.
I lived on Pleasant Ave.and my Grandfather and Father are the ones that made the Statues that the Feasts still carry.
Hey Vinny, Peter Morrone was married to my sister Jean. Peter passed away 5 years ago. She is still in touch with Camille and Raymond Priore who are good friends of Johnny Medici.
Camille and Raymond are”:Snowbirds” and have a place on the west coast of Florida. The rest of the time they live in Long Beach, Long Island.
Email arnoldmaggi@ymail.com
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I grew up in East Harlem in the 50’s. I came there as an 8 year old from war- torn Italy, To re- unite my father after 8 years of separation. Went to Mt. Carmel school and Benjamin Franklin H. S. Lived at 434 East 117th St. Moved To Denver after my second year at St. Francis College where Arnold Maggi and I attended. I married a girl from Denver who had lived as a child in East Harlem. Our families had known each other. It was not an arranged wedding as my friend Arnold Maggi has claimed. Many fond memories of the neighborhood. We had our after school hang out at Mt. Carmel Ice cream & Soda parlor on First Ave. Vinnie Ponzo , Arnold Maggi and I played on the Mt. Carmel football team. We won league championship in 1958.The celebration at Jake “The Baker” Crisquola’s pizza restaurant after closing was unforgettable. Not one sober person left at the end. I remember the “Greek’s hot -dog stand on 114th and Pleasant Ave.
In between soft-ball games we bought-him-out. Also the touch football games in front of Rao’s. When we turned 18 “the Hole” bar was visited often at.
I have often said: ” Living in East Harlem and being a teen ager in the 50″s was the best.” As a write and published author in my retirement years, I can write a book about it and if I live long enough, I still might. Many stories to tell.
Arnold Maggi , Vinnie Ponzo and I have maintained our friendship for the past 58 years. Visited them in Florida three years ago and reminisced about the “Good old days in East Harlem.” America today is not the same and will never again be.
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Peter my father grew up on 117 street Jimmy ” junior” Schiavo Maybe you knew him ? He was friends with Lenny Masi.
Sent from my iPhone
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James, Junior and Lenny Masi seem to register. But, I can’t seem to remember the faces of those associated with the names. I practcally knew everyone living on 117th st. between 1st and Pleasant Ave. All the guys on the “Arrows” and their social and athletic club.
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Vin; I contacted Andrew Proto about 15 years ago. He was living in a suburb of Buffalo where his wife was from. We were class mates at Mt. Carmel and were very close friends. About 10 tears ago, I received a letter from his daughter that he had passed away. His wife had died three years before.
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Arnold…you might not remember me I was good friends with your sister and Peter…Also have been in touch with JohnMedici and Ray&Camille Priore…We are putting together a data base of all our friends and class mates from OLMC, Sent vinny ponzo an e-mail relating the same thing so when you see him given him a nudge for me. Send me (spouse-name – your address – city – state – zip – email address – cell# – and Home tel# ) Intent is to distribute so we are all in one place.) Also tell anyone else you know that might want to join us…..Great story if you go to Angela’s web site and click on “CHURCHES AND PAROCHIAL SCHOOLS” good story about SISTER KATHLEEN our 7th grade teacher signing my report card again after 67 years at age 100.
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Joey Lucania/- I too lived in your neighborhood. My father owned the parking lot across from our building (309). I knew The Savocas – Nancy, Anthony and Charlie. As a kid I worked at Cisco’s luncheonette, hanged out by the poolroom (Gigi Wabbs) and bought live chickens (whacked before I took them home) at Toddo’s chicken market. Great memories!
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Hi, my family came from 107th street between Lexington and third, my brothers and me went to Saint Ann’s and then to Saint Cecilia’s, I moved out of Harlem when I was about 14. Remembering the feast on 104th street all my friends from st. Ann’s where there. All the good times we had. Now living in Connecticut married grown children and have four grandchildren. I’m 63 and would love to hear from my friends, my last name is Termini, Christine and my brothers are Bobby and George, my parents are no longer with us but their names were Dottie and Vito Termini. Great memories always with me, if anyone is from the old neighborhood contact me. Thanks Christine Termini Menniti
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So nice to hear from you, I remember Gracie, they found another little “neighborhood” on Roosevelt Island and were very happy there until they passed away in 1994. Thanks for the note
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So great to re connect and share memories of the neighborhood
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Johnny C……..Vinny Casale here 114 st. Pleasant Ave…..where did hang out….Remember Schepps candy store 115 st Pleasant and great stoop ball games near Olmc sisters convent
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Did you know any of the Schiavo family? They lived at 427 east 117 street, between 1st and pleasant
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Remembering this weekend with my friends, going to the feast Giligo sorry if I misspelled it. But what fun we all had. I grew up on 107th st. Between second and third ave. went to st. Ann then went to st. Cecilia schools. Have two brothers George and Bobby. Our last name is Termini. I do remember the friends where the feast was, Frankie, Tiny, David, Julia, Jeannie, Phyllis and many more. Yes remembering the good times, my name is Christine Termini
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I meant Lexington and third
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Sorry, but I lived on 107 th st between Lexington and third. Not second and third. Sorry about that
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HI All…my name is VinCasale..lived on 114St between 1st & Pleasant..4 doors away from Rao’s. I am currently gathering information (Name, Address, telephone + cell and e-mail Addresses) so that we may all stay connected and use it to send Greetings Cards (Like Christmas – Easter Birthday and notices etc). Primarily this data base will be for students of Our Lady of Mt.Carmel circa..1948 – 1955. If you would like to participate please send info to:VinCasale e-mail address: NE1410is@verizon.net
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I am Rosalie Spata-Todino (maiden name Ponzo…Vincent Ponzo’s sister) from 115th St….did you remember a Barbara Montera who lived on 114th Street also the Andrinella sisters, I think the younger sister was Janette, who lived practically next door to Rao’s. I went to Mt. Carmel grammer school with Barbara Montera and also St. Joseph’s HS in Greenwich Village, NYC. Do you know about them?….Hope to hear from you soon.
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Rosalie….vinnie PONZO and I went to Cardinal Hayes together and yes the Andriella sisters lived in my building 433 E 114.’’’ A magnificent building overlooking the PARK….Didn’t get any better than that…..Met up with my 7th grade teacher Sister Kathleen 65 years after leaving OLMC and posted my report card ITALIAN HARLEM. if you go to web site and open PAROCHIAL SCHOOLS MENU ITEM you can see the report cards from Olmc. Sister Kathleen was 100 yrs old when I met her agai
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I guess I’m one of the lucky ones. My mom still lives on 115 and first. Every time I visit it’s like a trip down memory lane. I tried to give my boys an E. Harlem history lesson, but I honestly think that you had to live it. I tried to explain about putting wax in the bottle caps to play skelsy in the street, or renting bikes from Old Man Shubalee. And that was Lombardo’s and that was Tocco’s and that used to be Santarpia’s. etc etc. . I do miss my old neighborhood! My friend Pat Maschi told me about this site. I’m happy to have people to share some of these memories with.
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Welcome aboard Carol….vincent Casale I was at 114st between 1st and Pleasant a few doors down from Rao’s….I found the best years at OLMC School…The sisters we had were hard on us but molded a tremendous friendship for all who went there……plus you cannot ever take away our hangouts….Pat’sy Pizza etc
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Hello Carol,
my name is Louis Puccio. I lived at 322 at hun 116st. Right above the great Morrone bakery. yes we are the fortunate ones to experience a great way of life. I would cut my right arm off to relive those days. I have to admit, I rented a bike from Shubalee 45 yrs ago, but never returned it.LOL. Because of this site I was able to reconnect with some old friends such as my classmate Pat Maschi. Great girl
I hope this message finds you and all Harlemites in good heath.
PS. If I had to write down all the good and funny things I experienced being raised in a great community with great people, I would have to spend a whole day writing. ciao for now
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Thank you for being out there. It is a pleasure to know that this site exists. I was searching my dad’s name Sal DeAngelis Bx, NY and your site was one of the options.
My dad’s family lived in Harlem close to 50 years. He had 12 brothers and sisters. Their father Gaetano was a brick layer and also owned a family pastry shop with his sons on E.113th.
I have only one Aunt who has survived and she was the baby who is now 80.
My grandmother Rose DeAngelis, died in July 1950. Her maiden name was Taurone.
With such a large family, I am hoping to learn more information. My Aunt would be very able to contribute any information you might want to learn or share with us.
Thank you,
Sincerely,
Tommy D
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My mother’s family came to Italian Harlem from Polla Italy in the 1880’s. My mom grew up on East 114th Street and was baptized at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church. I have been doing genealogy on her family and it is very very interesting.
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Where on 114st”..I lived at 433
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where on 114st…my name is vincent casale 433 e 114
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hello Vin…..been to nyc but never got a chance to go to LI. Short note… broke my shoulder is why. I see Arnold Maggi.very often….lives about 100 yards away….
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Hi, I grew up on 107th Street between Lexington and Third went to school at St. Ann and St. Cecilia. Born in 1953. Two brothers, George & Bobby, My parents are both gone, their names were Vito & Dorothy Termini. Have so many memories of friends and fun times in the summer, Orchard Beach & the feasts. If anyone is from 107th Street back in the late 50’s and 60’s send me a reply. Thanks Christine Termini Menniti
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I grew up on 107 street, between 1st and 2nd avenue. Great memories — Giglio feast, Orchard Beach and swimming at Jefferson Park pool. I remember Casty’s Bar (between 2nd and 3rd), shopping at Kresge’s on 106th Street, etc. — nothing but fond childhood memories. Went to school at PS 168 and church at St Anne’s. The world was kinder and gentler then!!!!!!!!
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I lived in the building next to Casty’s bar and knew the family very well.
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Hi Joe which family did you know,
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I was born in 1954 in 235 E 107th st between 2nd and 3rd. Moved to the Bronx when I was 2 1/2 but was in Harlem every Sunday until I was 17 as my Grandmother lived at 244 E. 106th st. I was Baptized at Our Lady Queen of Angles. Spend many Saturdays and some Sundays at Orchard beach and lived by Pelham Parkway in the Bronx.
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My name is john carozza and I lived on 119th st between 1st and 2nd avenue in the
1950’s. In all the sites that I have looked at on Italian Harlem, I never see any reference\
to friends that I had. We usually hung out on 116th and pleasant ave. or a candy store
on 119th st between 2nd and 3rd ave. called Joe Becks. would love to know it
anyone is still around and where they may be living. I used to be called Johnny “C”.
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JOHN….Was the candy store you were referring to was SCHEPPS…actually on 115st and pleasant……Great stoop ball games there along side the candy store and next to the SIsters Convent of OLMC..great times never to be repeated in history because no one would believe us anyway….Ciao I lived on 114st…/ Pleasant Next to Rao’s
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john…excuse typing broke my shoulder. my name is vin ponzo ..I lived across the street from mt. carmel school. I graduated in 1952 and then went to hayes. I played football at hayes for two years and then played for Zooch?? with mikey lentini for 5 years and then got drafted and married. currently living in fla…lived in mineola for 35 yrs.
as you read these stories you will see we had nothing but lived grandly. sorry about the typing
vincnt ponzo
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Hi my name is Joseph Miqueli I lived right there at the same time you did I’m looking for anyone who knows the De Simone’s can you contact me email josephmiqueli@yahoo.com Thankyou
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hi Vin…..we ex football athletes from Hayes are alike….Also broke my shoulder last winter which turned out OK….key is stay in gym …..Got to see Jeane Maggi a couple of months ago and also inquired about Arnold…..So far I have not received anything….address …email….phone etc…so if you see him you might indicate we are trying to keep friends of OLMC in a data base to share…Some day i will share with you the day i spent with our seventh grade teacher Sr,Kathleen at age 100…..unbelievable
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Is Shepps the store that sold French Fried Potato Heros?
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772 283 3870 is Arnolds phone number…………3545 s.w. quail meadow trail ,unit b , palm city fla 34990
vince
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I lived at 416 E 116th st next to Rosie’s candy store, back in the 60s & 70s.
Great memories!
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Olga did you know anyone in my family
My grandfather was Vincenzo
My father was Jimmy “junior”
They lived to the right of Cosmo
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Jim,
Too my best recollection, the only name I can recall from that building was a boy by the nickname “GOOMBAH”.
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Hi Nancy, Ralph would be my cousin, my Aunt Celia and Uncel Ralph had two daughters, my cousin Pam and Connie. After Mario Bino died in 1965 my mother moved from the old neighborhood to New Orleans, La. The last time I saw my uncle Ralph and aunt Celia and my cousins was in 1969 when visiting. My Uncel Ralph and Uncel Joe were like fathers to me, I love them so much. Many memories going to see them at the corner bar and at my Grandmothers house.
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Hi Joseph, I guess you have lost touch with the family. I had dinner with Palma & her husband Louis over one year ago at a mutual friend’s house. Palma’s sister Carol passed a few years ago. Ralph is retired and doing well and has a lovely family with seven grandchildren.
If I recall correctly your Mom was from out of town. Was it New Orleans? Is that where you r now living?
I sort of remember you……you were much younger than Ralph and I. Our family doctor was Dr. Anthony Letterese,,I believe a relative of your uncle. Back then doctors made house calls LOL!
Big Ralph was a good guy. I also remember your dad. I think he had a tattoo which was not very common back in the day. Strange how certain things stick in your head.
Not sure if you have any questions. Been out the neighborhood myself since 1969.
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Hi Nancy, Sorry to hear about my cousin Carol, say hi to Raph and Pam for me. Yes my mother was from New Orleans, La., she past away in 2004. I’am 64 years old and lived in New Orleans until 1999 and moved to Diamondhead, Ms. about 50 miles from N.O.,have so many memories of the old neighborhood. That’s funny, Yes the doctor did make house calls, you probably seen me in the streets all the time, playing ball, pitching coins, playing cards, shooting off fireworks, opening the fire hydrants, and much more. I went to school at Our Lady of Mount Carmel, what a great school and church. There was nothing like growing up in the old neighborhood on Pleasant Avenue.
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Does anyone remember my grandfather Vincenzo Schiavo but they called him jimmy . He lived on 117 st, between 1st and pleasant Ave. He passed away in 1960s.
My grandmother was Felicia
She eventually moved out in 1970.
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“GOOMBAH” was from the “Pizzo” family. They lived a few houses
Down going towards First Ave. the Schiavo family lived across the street from
Olga’s house. Olga,Do you remember Joey Schiavo. He was youngest of brothers.
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My name is Tommy DeAngelis. My dad Sal DeAngelis came from a large family of brothers, sisters, and cousins.
His mother Rose died in 1950 and her husband Gaetano moved to the Bronx in the mid 60’s.
The family last lived at 423 E. 118th street. I am inquiring on behalf of my Aunt Delores DeAngelis in order to learn more from those who can share stories about the early years with her.
My Aunt is the youngest of the family and the only surviving sibling.
I would like to chat with anyone who knows about my family.
Thank you.
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My dad’s family DeAngelis lived at 423 E. 118th St.
My Uncle was Dr. Louis Lanzetta had his medical practice on 116th street near 1st Avenue. Did you know anyone from these two families?
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I knew the entire family. Did you know them as well.
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Hi Ross my name is Christine Termini Menniti. I grew up on 107st between 2nd and 3nd ave the address was 158 east 107 st. I too went to St Ann’s with my brothers George and Bobby I remember Sister Norma my brother had her I think in fifth grade. I left St Ann’s when I was in the fourth grade and went to St Cecilias now I live in Connecticut. My family name is Termini. Glad to know someone else lived on 107 st
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Grew up on East 119th Street, right across from Holy Rosary. I remember Benny’s candy store right next to my building, further down the street was Paddy Bones. As a kid he would ask me to let him know when the police were coming down the block and by doing so I got to pick out a candy bar. One time I lied to get a candy bar and he scolded me ‘little girl don’t you ever do that again’. I never did! But I went to Holy Rosary School and the Public school across from Holy Rosary School. My relatives were Thomas Famiglietti (now deceased) Tony and Blanche Tocci, Adolph Tocci, Joseph Tocci (all deceased) I had a good friend Maryann Neglia that lived across the street from me, a little closer to pleasant avenue. Memories of East Harlem are very fond, the people, the culture, the food! My sister was very pretty and many guys wanted to date her but she married her sweetheart Pat, her name was Carolyn Tocci. I do remember they filmed Murder Inc. in the area and the Boy with Green Hair. Jean
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Hi Christine,
Great to hear from you. It was an amazing neighborhood. When did you and your brothers go to St. Ann’s? I have 2 cousins, Vincent and Frank Bonuso that went to St. Cecilia’s at the same time I went to St. Ann’s. They lived on 105th St. between 2nd & 3rd, where we eventually moved to, but I stayed at St. Ann’s, only because my 3 sisters graduated from there. Sort of a family tradition. I graduated in June, 1960. I think Father Rofrano??? was the Pastor at St. Ann’s Church. I now also live in Connecticut. Great minds think alike.
Regards,
Ross
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Hi Ross, we all went to St. Ann’s in the sixties then left to go to St. Cecilias around 1964 after graduation we moved to the Bronx , now I live in Litchfield County with my family.
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Hi Christine,
I moved to Pleasantville, NY after St. Ann’s and my cousins from St. Cecilia’s moved shortly thereafter first to Lodi, NJ and then to Staten Island after they got married. I got transferred to CT in 1987 and have been spending time here in New Haven County and in Tarpon Springs, FL, where we have a condo. Short story about that condo. I bought it from a guy named Geno Sorice, who lived in Sterling Heights, MI. Turns out, he also went to St. Ann’s, but with my oldest sister in the 40’s. I think he was from 108th St. Anyway, he passed away about 3 years ago. Small world.
Regards,
Ross
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I well recall the wonderfully times I had as a kid during the feast of our lady of my. Carmel
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My name is Joe Linzalone.My family lived at 441 east 117street.I still hang out in the neighborhood weekly to this day and am a member of Mt Carmel Church and the Giglio Society. Anyone remember the feast of Cosmo and Damian on my block,Italian bakery and social club downstairs. Lizzis restaurant on first avenue.Eaglette bar on second avenue. I could go on and on. It was a beautiful time in my parents days.I love the nabe and feel good when I am there all the time.Its very special to me in my heart and soul.
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Hi Joe, Thanks so much for your comment! I think the bakery that you are referring to was my dad’s grandfather’s. His name was Andrea Altieri. He passed in the late 1950’s. His 2 sons were named Anthony”Titi” and Jimmy. Later, Titi worked in the bar on Pleasant Ave, between ahun 17 and ahun 18. His wife was Columbia. Do you remember them?
Best regards, Angela
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Hi Joe, nice to meet you. What years did u live at 441? I also lived in that building. Do you recall which apartment?
Nancy
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Hi Nancy, I was too young .Sophie Romano was the landlord.Very nice.Lived there till early 60s on 4th floor.Rent was $28 a month.Had a combination sink in kitchen.We moved to Morris Park in Bronx after Jefferson and Wagner projects went up.My parents probably knew Angela’s family from bakery and my father might have knew all in the bar on Pleasant Ave and 117. My father grew up at 332 east 118.The brownstones are not there anymore. There is a school in the schoolyard. Enjoyed our correspondence very much. Regards,Joe
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Hi Joe, I believe you are younger than me. Your last names sounds very familiar. I vaguely remember your parents. Did your Dad have a younger brother Tommy. If so, he was in my class at PS78.
Sophie was our landlord and our rent was $26.00 a month. My husband ran the card games in the club that you spoke about. I remember the feast of St. Cosmo and Damien’s. Fun times. The best neighborhood to grow up in.we left the neighborhood in 1969 and moved to the Bronx. I also remember the bakery next door to the club. Although that was probably in the nineteen forties early fifties.
Still have many friends that I keep in touch with from the old neighborhood.
Take care. Nancy
.
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Hi Nancy,I was too young.We moved away in early 60s after Jefferson and Wagner projects opened. Lived on the fourth floor rent was $28 a month Sophia Romano was the landlord. We had a combination sink in the kitchen. She was a very nice landlord. We moved to Morris Park in the Bronx.my parents probably knew Angela’s family’s bakery and the Pleasant Tavern on 117 and Pleasant.Big Ralph I think was the owner. My father grew up at 332 East 118. My grandmother owned two brownstones. They are no longer there.there is a school and school yard there now. Enjoy corresponding with you both.Regards,Joe
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Does anybody remember Rita-_Dolores_Jerry from ahun 118-119 Pleasant Ave….If so do you have a contact
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Angela, I enjoy your site very much and give you my sincerest gratitude for keeping our neighborhood roots and heritage alive.I come down to the old neighborhood weekly to attend church and hang out.I will be participating in the Mt Carmel Feast on July16 and Giglio in August.It is always worth a trip for me from Easthester,New York. Take care.Best Regards,Joe
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Hey joe,
My name is Jim Schiavo. My grandfathers house was on 117 between 1st and pleasant .
His name was Vincenzo Schiavo and my grandmother was Felicia. My father was Jim “junior” Schiavo. Do you remember them. My uncles were Joe, Tony, Mike, Louie and my aunt Tesse.
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Hi Jim, I am a much younger generation sorry. My parents lived on that block from after they got married in 1952 for around 10 years.They are both deceased.My father would have been 90 and my mother would have been 81.My mother came from 115st between.1 st and second. Regards,Joe
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Jim, send those photos of your dad and friends. Thnx. NAncy
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Hi Jim,sorry I am from a younger generation.My parents are deceased and would have been in their 80s and 90s.They were married in 1952 at Mt.Carmel church.We lived on your block from 1952 for around 10 years.My mother came from 115 between 1st and 2nd.Take care.Joe
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Joe, was your Mom’s name Theresa?
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Nancy, My moms name was Theresa.Wow! What a small world. My father’s younger brother’s name was Tommy.👍God bless you.My fathers name was Joseph oldest of 11.brothers and sisters he had.Best Regards,Joe
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Hi Joe, I’m racking my brain.it’s amazing how I can’t recall what I had for dinner yesterday. But I remember this stuff. I guess it was really a happy time for me. Also your Mom had sisters, Delores,JoAnn and I believe a younger brother Joe. I think he is on this site also.
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Nancy, Wow.What a small world. My fathers name was Joe like me and my fathers younger brother was Tommy.👍 I know about the neighborhood from their conversations about their youth.I did a lot of soul searching in Harlem and its history when our families came from Italy.
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My mom was Beatrice, she was from Brooklyn. My dad grew up on 117, then moved to Yonkers after he got married
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I have a lot of 8mm films from the 50s when my parents were young.Always a full house.Neighbors.Doors were left open.Never see that trust and sincerity in this day and age.Dont see it here in Westchester county either. My older sisters playing on Second Avenue.Wiseguys protecting the neighborhood. Sleep out on fire escape and car door windows open. Wish I can go back my mother used to say
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Nancy,Wow!she also had a sister Sylvia.my uncle Joe I see him once in a while he lives in the Bronx since the early 60s. My mothers fathers name is Benjamin and mothers name is Josephine. Everybody moved away in the early 60s.my aunt Dolores lived iin Harlem till 1974 actually. What a small world over 60 years ago you have a great memory I wasn’t even born.
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LOL!!
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Hi all – My father grew up at 438 E. 120th Street (by 1st Ave.). He was born in 1932 and his name is Angelo LaValle. He was friends with two kids in school by the names of Max Rabinowitz and Jerry Louisi. I am trying to find out if these guys are still alive and see if I can arrange a reunion phone call at least with my father.
My great-grandfather had a cafe/bar in the 1930s. It was in the 120’s and he was known as Big Bill. His actual name was also Angelo. Anyone know that place? He died in 1940.
My 2x great-grandfather Eustacio Aufieri used to own a stables which was next to The Palace movie theater, affectionately known as “The Dump”. Anyone have any old photos of that area or the shops?
Thanks!
Michele
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Hi Michele,
Thanks so much for your comment. Do you know where the Palace Theatre was located?
Best regards,
Angela
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Hi Angela, I believe the Palace Theatre was located on Second Ave. between 122nd and 123rd Streets or 123rd and 124th Streets. And yes, it was referred to as “The Dump.”
Regards,
Nancy
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I remember the Palace a.k.a the Dump. Only cost 10 cents when we kids went there.
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Hi All, I didn’t know about a theatre there.Probably in my parents and grandparents time.I work nights at the NYC transit bus depot and I sit and take my lunch break at the Wagner Housing Projects Park on Ahun 120st and 2ndAve. There is a city pool in the area. My parents met on the corner of ahun 118 and 2nd. I am always down here. Best Regards,Joe
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Sorry, all, I lied. My 2x great grandfather didn’t own the stables,he owned a shoe shop on 123rd Street between 2nd Avenue and 1st Avenue. The shop was in the front with a kitchen in the back and they slept upstairs. There was an alley between their shop and the Palace movie theater that they used to sit in (with my father as a baby in the early 1930s) and they would open the doors to the theater so my grandmother could hear the movie and just see it if she positioned her chair in the right spot! So, the Palace was on 2nd Avenue and was between 123rd and 124th. On the corner of 123rd and 2nd Avenue was a stables. The shoe shop was on 123rd, just off 2nd Avenue, behind the stables.
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greetings Joe. My name is Louis Puccio. After departing Calabria Italy my parents made a wise decision to move to East Harlem in the late 30″s. My 2 brothers and I were born at 322 hun 116th next door to the famous Morrone Bakery. what a time we had growing up there. We moved out in 1971 and relocated to Throgs Neck where most of the residents in that area was from Harlem also. its funny when reading about you mentioning the Wagner houses. My uncle Tony has been delivering mail there for 58 years and has no intention of retiring. since you work in the area you probably know him or seen him around.
as far as growing up in East Harlem, I wish I could do it all over again. The people there were the best in the world.
regards Louis
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Greetings Louis, Wishing yourUncle Tony many more years of great service to the USPS and to the old nabe.May our Lady protect him daily on his route.My father was also a career USPS employee.Looking forward every year to being at the feast in the summer.Take care.Best Regards to you and all the best people in the world who come from East Harlem.
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Hi Louis (Vespoli),
Great to hear from you. Really funny, same hospital and same year(June 26). I went to St. Ann’s because my sisters went there. Sort of a family tradition. Anyway, my sister Mary married Jack Nasi, also same block, 104th street. He had 2 brothers, Frank and Tony. Tony had 2 children that also went to St. Lucy’s. Janet and Anthony. They were same age group as us. Janet is still alive and living in the Bronx. Anthony passed away a few years ago. Did you know Burt Lancaster was the lifeguard at the Union Settlement pool. He was on a late night talk show, it might have been Johnny Carson and he was talking about the old neighborhood, he grew up on, which was 106th street. He said he got through without any scars, except for one incident. He said he was the lifeguard at the Union Settlement pool and he told one of the kids, probably same age as him, that he couldn’t go swimming. So, the kid evidently stabbed him in the leg. Turns out when the kid got older, he became my father’s “partner”. His name was Charlie Barcellona and he had a brother Frank, also known as “Sleepy”. Charlie had a son named Charles and we always considered ourselves cousins. I believe Charles also went to St. Lucy’s same time. Anyway, let me know if any of those names ring a bell.
By the way, I don’t know why, but there isn’t a direct response to your post where it would say reply. I know your message was dated March 16, and I got it today, March 19. Angela probably scrubs the messages to make sure the content is not spam. Anyway, best regards and I hope to hear from you again, especially if you know any of the people I mentioned.
Ross
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Greetings to all, My father went to Galvani JHS on 109st.He told me Burt Lancaster was in his class and Anthony Franciosa went to Benjamin Franklin with him.His real name was Anthony Papaleo I think.My father would have been in his 90s. Regards,Joe
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Hi Joe,
Unfortunately, that generation is all gone and it is up to us to pass the stories down in blogs like this one. Funny, the story goes that he and his Acrobatic Partner, Nick Cravat, also I believe from the area, were given money from the guy who owned a shoe store, I think on 106th Street and Second Ave, to go to Hollywood. Probably an Urban Legend, but I remember someone mentioning that when I was growing up. Maybe somebody out there could shed more light on it.
Regards,
Ross
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Hi, Joe – My Dad, Tom Colicino, Sr., also went to Galvani JHS in the 1930s (he was born in November, 1924). I believe we still have his autograph book somewhere when he graduated from Galvani. I’m sure you know that the dance scene in the school yard in the film “West Side Story” was filmed at Galvani, which had been closed years before and condemned for demolition. My Dad then went to Benjamin Franklin HS on Pleasant Avenue but dropped out in his third year there to go to work.
Best wishes,
Tom Colicino, Jr.
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Burt Lancaster came from 106th st between 1st & 2nd. Hew wanted to date my mother back then. He was two years older then my mother and she was born in 1915.
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Hi Joe,
You might have been born Joseph Lancaster. LOL. He was a great actor and like I said in another post, that generation is gone. It’s funny, but many of todays kids probably don’t even know who he is.
Regards,
Ross
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To all,I apologize my fathers older brother went to school with him.Mixed up with my memory.Thank you.Happy St Joseph Day to all .Joe
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Hi,Joe I am in my 50s and am old school. I am still a parishioner and a member of the Giglio Society of East Harlem .I work and hang out in East Harlem on a weekly basis as said in my prior blogs. Your generation and the prior generation is the greatest . I wish we all could go back. Thank you.😊Salute
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Very inspiring story from Joe and Ross.Take care,Joe
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I forgot. My mother Josephine’s name day is today. The Feast of St. Joseph. Zeppole for everyone. Ross
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Buona Pasqua to all the people of Italian East Harlem who share their wonderful memories here on the site.
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Hi just wandering if anyone knows my dad Freddy orzo
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Hi, was your dad’s mother’s name Millie?
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I grew up at 416 East 116th Street right next to Rosie’s candy store. I was wondering if anyone had a picture Rosie’s candy store from back in the sixties or seventies?
Thank you, Theresa
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I grew up on 455 East 116th Street. My grandparents were Tom and Tessie Urgitano. My mother is Josephine and my uncle was Angelo. I remember Rosie’s.
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I played Football with a guy on your block called Zooch. He had a withered leg and sometimes would play in the game. As the Mount Carmel football team we won 3 city champion ships out of 5. Lots of fun….Time frame 1956 to 1961. A fellow named Mikey Lentini was our quarterback for most of those years.
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When I was a kid there was a bakery on the corner of 116th Street and 2nd Avenue, can anybody tell me what the name of that Bakery was?
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Cincottis bakery.? Lentini funeral parlor was near 118th St. and second Avenue near the eaglette bar at 2294 Second Ave. in my fathers time.
Sent from my iPhone
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Cincottis bakery. Lentini funeral parlor was on second Ave near the Eaglette bar in my fathers time in the 40s and 50s. Regards Joe
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Thanks, Joe. My family were good friends with Lentini family. They also did all of our family funerals. But I never knew they were right there in the old neighborhood. It makes sense, but I never thought of it.
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Cincotti Bakery!
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Not sure of the name but my father and Lenny masse used to work there
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Jim, the bakery u r referring to was Marconi’s Pastry Shop which was on the corner of lst. Ave. and 117th Street where Lenny Massi worked at. Jim, post those old photos.
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you are refering to cincotti bakery, his nephew was freddy known as ‘freddy eggs”his since pass away, but he has a son Peter cincotti who is a famous singer and model
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Mondellos
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What a great site! I look forward to reading everything here. My paternal ggrandparents lived at 221 East 108th Street in 1903/4. I lose track at them after that point as my grandmother was adopted from the NY Foundling Hospital. Their names were Maria & Luigi Cannarozzo. I’m sure no one remembers the name or family, but you never know.
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Found this site when my daughter -in-law asked me when we were discussing the childrens “Field Day ” and I asked what’s that,she replied didn’t you ever have it.
My reply was no…. we had GaS Tanks across the street from my school (St.Anns).
I was then promped to find a photo,
Can’t believe I found one.
So many memories I cannot tell,
But what we also discussed was the Live Chicken Market right next door,when the Nuns opened the windows in the Spring the feathers blew in.
So many more tales from St Ann’s ,taught by the Fillipini nuns most all who were Italian some not speaking English.
The Pallotine Fathers were in charge of the Parish.
No more time now ,but tons of stories.
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Wow! What a nice story! My dad lived across from the gas tanks on 110th. Their parish church was St.Ann’s, and he worked as a “bag boy” in the chicken market! Do you have any photos that you can share? I can add them to the photo gallery. You can email them to me at italianharlem@gmail.com
Thanks so much,
Angela
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When you mentioned the chicken market it reminded me of an instance with my mother. I was very young about 8 or nine. She walked over to a coop and pulled out a chicken. She spread its legs and sniffed, opened the chickens mouth and looked in, squeezed it breasts,spread it wings and then it happened. One of the workers walked over and said…..”hey lady can you pass a test like that.”
I hope you liked it. Vince
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Hi Camille, I went to St.Anns church recently for some soul searching to get a copy of both of my parents baptismal certificates. It is a mostly Hispanic congregation and I sat in a Spanish mass. The people were so welcoming and humble to me. I speak and understand Spanish because it is so close to our Italian language. It is a poor parish and it was raising funds for window replacement. I tend to spend time there and at my parish Our Lady of Mt Carmel frequently. I never see this closeness andhumility at all in the suburbs of Westchester where I live now .All the parishes of Italian Harlem are a jewel. Regards,Joe Sent from my iPhone
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Great Story! I graduated from St. Ann’s in 1960. At the end of the school year we took our bottles of ink (no ball point pens at that time) and threw them at the gas tanks, so you saw multiple blotches of Blue/Black ink on them. I was also a Patrol Boy, so I would stand in the street stopping cars while the different grades lined up and crossed the street. I believe I mentioned in another post that the Italian Deli on the corner right up the street from the chicken market was in a movie with Burt Lancaster called the Young Savages. It’s claim to fame was that it was in 1 shot as he was turning the corner. I also have 3 sisters that graduated before me at St. Ann’s. The last was probably in 1953. All went on to Cathedral High School and after that 2 went on to Hunter College.
Regards,
Rosario “Ross” DiBella
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Hi Ross and all, I went to St Ann’s Church recently to find a copy of my parents baptismal papers and attended a mass in Spanish. A lot of Italian names are still on the walls even though it is a mostly Hispanic congregation. The parish is poor and has a fundraiser to restore the windows. The people in that parish were so humble and welcomed me like they do when I attend Mt .Carmel frequently. You would never see the closeness and sense of community in the suburbs of Westchester county where I live now .Regards,Joe
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My name is Christine Termini Menniti. I grew up on 107th Street. Between Lexington & Third. Address was 158. Went to St. Ann’s then went to St.Cecilia. My brothers were George & Bobby. Great memories there we moved from Harlem in 68. Moved to the Bronx. I am married now and a grandma we live in Connecticut. How I mix my friends the neighborhood and the feasts. I meant to say miss my friends. Any way I do remember the chicken market and the bakery. Well if any one remembers the TERMINI’s send me a reply.
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My name is Theresa. I lived at 416 116st back in the 70s. My mother Ann worked at Delightful Restaurant. I have found memories of East Harlem. Like the music from Rosie’s candy store.
♡
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I was born in 1958 and grew up on 229 east 116 st. between first and second avenue. I went to Our Lady Of Mt. Carmel Elementary School and Our Lady of Mt. Carmel church. Moroni’s bakery was across the street. Fresh bread every day ! I went for after school activities at the Harlem House and was very sad to see it boarded up one day. Went to Delightfuls with my friends and ordered a lemon coke and French fries with brown gravy on the side. Someone always picked up our tab on Sunday mornings. We bought penny candy at Busters candy store. And played the juke box and hung out outside of Rosie’s and sang songs with my friends. Played in the streets. Street games. Refrigerator boxes were great ! We would make tunnels and mazes out of them. Moms sat outside on the streets in lawn chairs watching their kids play. Easter Sunday was a big deal everyone dressed up .
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Hello Debbie. My name is Louis Puccio. I was born in 1956. I lived at 322 hun116th. right above Morrone bakery. My crew of friends were Skippy, Larry, Joey and Anthony Coppola. You cant say enough about growing up in east harlem. To me those were the best days of my life. From hanging out at the LaGuardia house, to playing stick ball in the street, stoop ball etc. People in harlem were one of a kind. all we have now are memories. im wondering if we know each other. Tell me more about your friends etc.
regards Louis
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Hello Louis
Im writing a book about what it was like to grow up in the city—- specifically Manhattan. I want to include chapters on all the different neighborhoods and what it was like back then. I saw your post and I could see the nostalgia associated with your memories —- and how much this neighborhood meant to you. This is exactly what I’m looking for, would love to hear your recollections. It’s really so important to put this stuff down on paper so it doesn’t get forgotten. Look foward to hearing from you
Danny
Dkavan4710@aol.com
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Hi Debbie. My mom’s maiden name was also Catalano. Parents were Dominick and Fanny. Uncle Tony. Kids Lucy, Jenny, Angelo,Mary, Gloria and Junior. Cousin Costy. Moved to East Meadow in 1953. They lived on 121. Attendendec Holy Rosary. Wonder if we are related.
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Hi Debbie,
How are you, we went to OLMC together, Michael Vallillo, I was from 114 st.
It would be great to have a reunion, I still keep in touch with a few. Rosily, Sammy, Lucille, the Oddo brothers. Are you on Facebook, that’s how I reconnected with a lot of our friends from the neighborhood.
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I wrote a lengthy reply and when I tried to post it I could not… I used to date a gal who lived on 116St and Second Ave. Do you remember the Tear Drops…they lived in the area. I went to MT Carmel grammar school and ten to Cardinal Hayes HS in the Bronx. I did not go to Benjamin Franklin HS which was about a half a block from my home. .If you went to Jefferson Park pool in the morning it would be free . They had two pools ..one was 3ft deep and was about 70 yards by 35 yards…the other was a 15 foot deep pool. It had three diving boards. Raos was on the corner of 114St and Pleasant Ave. I tried to have a meal there and you would not be let in. You had to know someone to get in. Cecilia Stracci, a real beauty lived next door to it. Some names that I remember….Mary Ghiraldi, Arnold Maggi, Marie Scervino,on the sand James Sweet, Cecilia Straci, Frank Celentano, Andrew Proto and many more. The feast of Our Lady of Mt Carmel would be attended by a lot of people from all over the country. Street gangs were in every neighborhood and they had gang wars. In Jefferson park one of the gangs was called the Red Wings. If they did not like your looks they would not let you stay in the park. There was a large building in the middle of the part which we called it ..the White House. Summer evenings they would have bands playing. It looked like a Grecian building. The roof of this building was supported by large round columns. We would climb all over it. Looking out of this structure was the large Jefferson pool, bocce courts where the older men would play. It also had three baseball fields…two were with grass and the other was paved. They also had handball courts next to the paved field. Raos was on the corner across the street. One other comment I want to make is that during the summer months all the windows on the back side of Franklin HS were used for target practice. All of them were broken by the young guys. Thinking back I guess this park was a place to rest, play,farm and much more. There is a lot more to discuss ….Cosmo movie theater, the live chicken market on or about 110 St, You should know a gal who lived right next to you…Marie Scervino. Of course who has forgotten Orchard Beach….our entire neighborhood would spread out just as you would walk on the sand. More later…I have errands to run…..
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YOU COULD NOT BE THE SAME VINNY PONZ THAT PLAYED FOOTBALL FOR HAYES..OR ARE…YOU …MY NAME VINNY CASALE ALSO EX-HAYES THE MOST WINNING TEAM OF ITS DAY EVEN AGAINST THE MOUNT
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Happy 4th to all, it’s that special time of year for all of us from East Harlem . Sunday, July 16 I will be at the procession of Our Lady of Mt. Carmel. I hope she will continue to work great miracles for us all through the years . Hope you can all be there for our parents and grandparents. Best regards . Best Regards, Joe
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Thank you for your Fourth of July wishes. I would attend mass and walk in the procession every year for our Lady of Mt. Carmel. I now live in Arizona and not able to attend please say a prayer for all of us who do not have the ability to be there but we are there in spirit and in heart
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I sent a story about Jim Luisi the movie actor from the rockford files a tv show he came from east harlem 123rd street it ws neve published my name is Joe Raimo I come from 437 Pleasant ave I am 88 years young and would love to share some East Harlem stories
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Hi Joe,
Thank you so much for your comment. We would love to hear your stories! Share away!
Best regards,
Angela
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Joe – My father will be 85 in September and he grew up off 2nd Avenue on 123rd Street. His name is Angelo LaValle. He ran with Jerry Luisi and Max Rabinowitz in his grade (class of 1950 at Benjamin Franklin High School). He’s told us a bunch of great stories about the hold neighborhood. His grandfather had a bar/cafe that he ran (but he died when my father was 10, so he can’t remember the name). Also, his great-grandfather ran a shoe shop on 123rd Street that backed up onto the old Palace theater (the Dump). I just found photos of (my 2x great-grandfather’s) shop that was right there by 2nd Avenue. Please share your stories. I love hearing them and love to share them with my father!
Michele LaValle
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Hey do you guys remember a guy named Bob Narducci?
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My father is 85 as well I know he said it went to machine and metal I think that was the trade school must’ve gone to the same high school as your father just wondering if he knew him Joseph Durso
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Hi Joe,
Jim Luisi was a member of the Boys Club Drama Group on the lower east side. He showed promise as an actor at the time and was given a lead in the play, “Desperate Hours.”
Sorry to say about 8-10 years ago while visiting my daughter in San Diego, I read in the obituary that Jim passed away. He was in his seventies at the time.
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I remember seeing the Boys Club Drama Group doing “Guys and Dolls” They were terrific. So long ago.
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to Joe Raimo…..437 Pleasant had to be right on the corner 115st…In that case you probably know SHepp’s candy and soda fountain store….Going to Our Lady of Mt Carmel we used his stoop to play ball every lunch hour….did you know the store?????
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Hello Vin….If you remember the spot it was very small. You had to throw the ball at a bump at the bottom of the wall. First base was about 8 ft away. You also had to contend with a fire escape above. Lots of kids played there but looking back it did not seem like fun but it was. I hope you are well. Have not been to Long Island in a long time.
Great times at almost no cost.
By the way if you remember Shep had a very good looking wife. Regards to all.
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Boy that describes Shepp stoop perfectly whereyou would hit the ball off this bump near the fire escape and eventually wind up in the Sisters yard…I’ll never forget as a young child running into their yard to get the ball and seeing their laundry on the Clothes Line…What a site
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I remember a store across from Benjamin Franklin High School that sold French Fried Potato Sandwiches. Was this Shepps? I can, to this day, taste those french fired potato sandwiches on a hero smothered with homemade gravy. WOW!!!
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Yes, it was Shepps.😊
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YES IT WAS…..RIGHT ON CORNER 115 AND PLEASANT AVE
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Was that a pizzeria?
I lived on 116st and I remember going to a pizzeria across from Benjamin Franklin. 🙂
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What a time …What a place…Never to be duplicated or seen again ever. Even if you tried to explain it to your children no one would ever believe we had so much fun without “I-Phones / I-Pad / Laptops…etc…just us
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Kids today don’t get it. You’re right….growing up in East Harlem can never duplicated.❤️️❤️️❤️️
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Feel the same way. I am at the Mt Carmel Feast this weekend. My hopes and prayers go out to everyone on the site.
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you had the option of having the french fries served with vinegar which still stay with me this day.
no A/C in those days, we would sleep on the fire escape and oped the “johnny pump” to keep cool.
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I lived across the street from Mt Carmen and often was in Sheps. He had a beautiful wife. In front of Ben Franklin in the summer months we would play the finger games which might have been called mora?? If you or others were from this area there was also a Mt. Carmel football team. I played with them for 5 years. We did very well in he league winnin 3 championships during those years. Good memories that most of us will never forget. vincent ponzo.
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Vincent Casale, did you ever live in Seaford?
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I LIVE IN SEAFORD NOW….SOUTH OF MERRICK RD BY SEAMANS NECK PARK
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I taught in Seaford for 35 years. I had a Vincent Casale. Your son? I’m 68. I was born on 122 and Pleasant Ave. lived there til I was three. My mother was a Catalano, my father a Gregorio. Both told of wonderful times in Harlem.
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Lupo the wolf ran that neighborhood
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Yes, until about 1910. 🙂
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So true it was a simpler existence, no scheduled play dates you just went out and there would always be someone As an only child the neighborhood was a perfect environment I never felt alone , only as an adult when my parents passed did I feel that way without any siblings to reminisce with… luckily I still have my neighborhood girlfriends who fill that void. Miss that neighborhood, miss the people even more, we were poor but wealthy in so many other ways
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Can’t help but sharing this with all of you…and not because it is mine – but to show who we were (poor but rich in friendship)….I share a unique thing with you — when you go to the italian Harlem website look for for the menu item Italian Harlem Churches and Parochial Schools…..there you will find a report card from OLMC signed by my 7th grade teacher TWICE…only 65 years apart…Met sister Kathleen again at age 98…God Bless Her
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How wonderful is that? A lifetime of service to the church & teaching children. ❤️
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How beautiful! God bless!
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My heart could just burst with emotion think about East Harlem.
I grew up on 116th Street back in the 60s & 70s. My mother worked at Delightful’s restaurant on the corner of 116th Street and 1st Avenue.
Was baptized in Our Lady of Mount Carmel. Spent the weekends with my nanny on 115th street, playing hopscotch in front of her building and going to church on Sundays at Our Lady Queen of Angels.
East Harlem will always have a special place in my heart!
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Does anyone know the Rizzo’s . Their was 13 siblings. Nicky, Fiore, “Shorty”, Albert, Frankie, Mikey, Georgie, Nancy, Tessie, Fanny, Muffie, Viola, Raffaela, Nettie.
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Giglio Sunday Today.Buona Festa!
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Wow what memories growing up and going to the feast with friends and family . I miss all my friends that I went to school with @ St. Ann’s & St. Cecilia’s. I grew up on 107th street between Lexington & third. Many good times and all the fun we all had. Wish I could go to the feast but unable to this year my last name is Termini, my brothers are George & Bobby my parents are gone and there are times I wish I could go back.
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My 92 year old dad lived on 118 st and pleasant Ave and would love to reminiscence with others who lived around there
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My 92 year old dad lived on 118 st and pleasant Ave and would love to reminiscence with others who lived around there
His name is Peter Cirolia and is from Cosenza Italy he lived in Harlem until family moved to castle hill Ave in the 1940s
He tells stories of Harlem that I could listen to for hours
From the schools to the stores
Public pools etc
His dad had a shoe store on 125st
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Hi John,
My family lived at 505 E. 118th, from 1950-1966. My dad had a television repair shop on Pleasant Ave. Ask your father if he knew Al Puco. His brothers names were Steve, Andrew and Philly. My dad was born in East Harlem, on ahun 10th street, in 1924. He passed away in 2013, at the age of 89. He would have been 93 years old if he were alive.
Best regards,
Angela
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My dad’s grandmother, Teresina, operated a second hand shop in their building on ahun 10. She passed in 1946, so perhaps your dad remembers walking by her shop. It was down the block from St. Ann’s, across the street from the gas tanks.
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John, my dad’s father was a produce peddler. He had pushcarts on E. 110th Street, near First Avenue. His nickname was “Tony Cowboy.”
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My grandfather grew up on 323 115th St. in the early 1900s. His name was Tony Iannarelli. He had many brothers and sisters – Salvatore, Pasquelina (Patty), Carmela (Millie), Rocco, John (who I believe passed away around 12 years old), Grazia (Gracie), and others whose names I can’t remember. In all, I think there was 11 children. Their father’s name was Salvatore and their mother was Teresa (maiden name DiStasio). Patty married a Becchinelli and I believe remained in East Harlem until she passed away. Her son, Vincent Becchinelli, was shot in a bank in the 1980s.
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Vinnie owned Ideal Pet Shop on second avenue then moved to 356 East 116st. He was a businessman. I remember when he got shot in the bank in 1990. He always got involved with the Mt. Carmel Feast in the 1980s with the street decorations. He loved the nabe very much till the end.
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Hi. I lived next door to Ideal Pet store. Vinnie was a friend to us. It was heart breaking when he was killed. We left the neighborhood shortly after that as the crime was out of control with the crack epidemic. I really loved living there for years though.
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Dear Angela and all, East 116street and Lexington Ave was just named after Vito Marcantonio The Lucky Corner by the local NYC Council. Just sharing the wonderful news. Happy Holidays to all.Buon Natalie!
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Happy to see that Italians that formed Italian Harlem are getting some recognition. Long overdue and not enough..
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Hi Angela and all, Happy and healthy new year to all. East 116street and Lexington Ave was just named Vito Marcantonio Lucky Corner by the NYC Council in his honor. It’s a great thing to keep our past and contributions alive in Italian Harlem. Just sharing.Be well.
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We lived on a hun 7 between 1st and 2nd Aves the best place in the world to grow up where everyone watched over everyone we had the best block parties unforgettable memories ❤️
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Hi Nancy went to school with your brother Charlie and knew Anthony as well. Remarkable place to grow up.
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Lived 111 st. Across from fire house. Name Ann Morano / Maddalena. Aunts had grocery store between 2nd and 3rd ave. My fondest memories are of all the adults playing the illegal numbers. For a quarter you could get back $2. Playing on the street and talking on the stoop…..made for lifetime friendships.
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I was born 1946, 125th and Park, right directly across the new Haven line el…. I rem the Italian deli, the fish market around corner, mu parents moved on to 116 btw lex and 3rd ave…know of the Louis August Anne and Rita Bernardi family, their parents were Armida and Bernardo ,the year they married would 1920…anyone know Jeanne Stanley, married Louis Bernardi, my mom and dada. Coleman, Joe and winnie
Harlem hotel….and Garvey Park. My mom moved onto 116
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Hey I am Marco first generation Italian (I grew up in Sicily but live in Spain now).
I just visited NYC and since I always made a point of visiting the little Italys of the cities I travel to, I made a stop at East Harlem.
I was a bit disappointed as it looks that its only Dominican and Mexicans now no Italians left.
I stopped at Claudio barber shop on 116th the guy is 88 years old but still going strong! He was complaining how all Italians died and hes basically the last man standing. He seemed happy to have a young Italian guy to speak to.
I also tried to have lunch at Rao’s but there was a guy outside that said they didnt serve food…
Its a shame it changed so much because it seems like this was a really beautiful area in the past! Went to arthur ave in the Bronx and loved it, I imagine this is what East Harlem used to look like but on a much bigger scale!!
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So sorry Marco that you only visited the remains of what was a wonderful Italian community. Circa 1950 it was the largest area of Italians in NY. I grew up there and cherish the terrific memories I have. I wished you’d visited out beautiful church Our Lady Of Mt Carmel. Raos is a great success story in our neighborhood, it serves the food I grew up with but is difficult to get in as it only opens for dinner during the week. If you read the introductions to the Rais cookbooks you will get a feeling of what the neighborhood was like
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I’m proud my family is from East Harlem. Last week like I do every year I walk the procession of Our Lady of Mt Carmel and attend mass there frequently to this day. East Harlem Giglio is every August. Regards to all.
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Dee Leo Ivezaj
Went to Giglio feast August 12 2018 for the first time the surroundings have changed
but the memories growing up there will forever last a lifetime.
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Italian Harlem needs a revival. More Italian businesses need to come here. It would be a great investment. Salute!
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My name is Carol Buzzetti I lived at 301 east 104 st. I attended St Lucy’s down the block from me. My grandparents owned the building. My grandfather had a shoe store Buzzetti family shoes. I have a brother Albert. My cousins lived on East 106 st Marilyn and Anthony Stracci .Those were the best days of my life.
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Good morning Carol, my Dad also lived on 106th and many cousins in the area the last name is Prestano they were all Bakers
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Hi, I grew up in East Harlem went to St. Ann’s and also went to St. Cecilia’s I lived on 107 th st. Between Lexington & Third. My name is Christine Termini my brothers are George & Robert (Bob) Termini. My parents were Bito & Dottie. So proud of growing up in Harlem it was the best time and so missing those days . The feast on 106 Street my friends and just remembering good times. I’m married and live in Connecticut I have two grown children & four grandchildren as I get older I’m 65 I think back of the days when my life was having fun and Harlem was a great place to grow up. So if anyone remembers the Termini’s who lived on 107 St. between lex & third reach out. Would love to hear from friends
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I was a alter boy at st. Ann’s on 110thst in the late 40’s early 50’s. Sister Mary was in charge of the boys.
I have great memories of those great days especially shopping with the nuns on 1st ave.
I still know most of my Latin prayers.
My name is Patrick Rosa.
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I remember St Ann’s Church on 110th Street in the 1960’s
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I grew up on 116th Street right next door to Rosie’s candy store. I’m wondering if anyone on this site has a picture of Rosie’s candy store? I have such wonderful memories of Rosie’s. I remember paddleball, tootsie rolls and Tony Orlando and Dawn playing from the Jukebox.
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My dad’s name was Albert Puco. He had a television repair shop on Pleasant Ave, during the early 1960’s. He was born on E.110th St.
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I grew up on 116th Street right next door to Rosie’s candy store. I’m wondering if anyone on this site has a picture of Rosie’s candy store? I have such wonderful memories of Rosie’s. I remember paddleball, tootsie rolls and Tony Orlando and Dawn playing from the Jukebox.
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Hi I am Rose’s daughter if you contact me I’ll send you some pictures. I must know you. Mary Ann
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Hi Mary Ann,
I’m sure anyone who grew up on 116th Street, near Delightfuls would love to see pictures of Rosie’s candy store.
How do I get in touch with you?
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Hi Mary Ann,
My family lived right next door to Rosie’s candy store at 416 E 116st.
I can’t picture what you look like, but I do remember. Rosie’s daughter working at the store.
When I look at the building now, there’s no sign of the candy store.
I was 9 years old in 1974 when we move. My brother is a year younger than me, he has very blond hair. I remember a teenager called Savio. He used to call my brother Tweety Bird. Our mother worked at the Delightfuls restaurant on the corner of 116th Street and 1st Avenue. Which I’m sorry to say is a Dunkin Donuts now.
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Passarelli065@gmail.com
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Mary Ann,
Thank you so much for the pictures!
It brought back wonderful memories!I love the picture of your mom! I remember our bicycles were kept in the storage room right there next to Rosie’s. Thank you so much,Theresa
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I was born on 106 Street between first Avenue in the River in 1959 , my father was born there my grandmother and grandparents migrated there in the 1900s the family name is Durso and we lived there till the late 60s when my grandfather Tony who was the super of the tenement building was run over by a man that stole the car and was Intoxicated ,while my grandfather was walking his dog wonder if anybody remembers this or the name ?
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Maryann, that would make me so happy! My brothers and I have the Fondest Memories of Rosie’s candy store! I would love to show them some old pictures of the store and bring back those memories!
We moved from East Harlem when I was 9 years old back in 1974. While I can’t picture your face I do remember Rosie’s daughter working in the store.
Thank you for responding to my,Theresa
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Mary Ann*
Thank you for responding to my post*
I couldn’t find the edit button. 🙂
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Send me your email. Mine is Italiancan@aol.com and I’ll send some photos
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Mary Ann, thank you so much for the pictures! Brought back wonderful childhood memories! Love the picture of your mom, God bless!
I was wondering who was in the picture she was holding?
It was very nice of you to send the pictures, Thanks again, Theresa
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My mom owned a dry cleaner. Rose Quality Cleaners 115-116 street on second avenue from 1963-1997
My grandparents came from Naples Italy in 1923 and moved to East Harlem. My mom lived in the same apartment 253 East 116 Street till the day she died July 5, 2015
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Hi, was the dry cleaners near Mario’s?
I’m trying to picture the dry cleaners?
I wish we had more pictures from the 60s and 70s.
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Mario’s and Dominick butcher were directly across the street from her store
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I was probably able to see the dry cleaners from the window of my Nanny’s apt, she live in the building on the corner of 115st and 2nd Ave.
I remember a liquid store on one corner and I thing a drugstore on the other, with a hotdog cart out front. I think I’ll search the internet for some pictures of 2nd Ave and see what I can find. Thanks for bringing back the memories, Theresa
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You can email me vintage photos of East Harlem, and I will post them for you! My email is: italianharlem@gmail.com
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I’ll see what I have. Funny thing is no one mention cincotti pastry shop on 116 st 2nd ave northwest corner. We lived upstairs from it our entire life.
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Aw yes that right you have a great memory. My mom was on the same side as the drug store at first she was one store away from the drug store and then there was Safeway grocery store then an old Italian man had a grocery store when he died she moved to his spot.
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I remember seeing that big gas tank in the air from our apt window as a little girl in 1962. If I remember correctly the Celentos Bros owned the grocery store on 109th street and Second Ave. Summer carnivals were the best. There were an Italian men’s club who gave free hotdogs to the neighborhood kids next door to 329 East 109th Street. Those were the good old days!😃
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I have very fond memories of Cincotti pastry shop, 116th Street and 2nd Avenue.
I remember going in there with my mom and my brother oh, the cannolis were $0.25 and there was a string hanging from the ceiling to wrap the boxes. Oh and it smelled so good!
I wish we had pictures of all these places!
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I wish I knew how to edit my post.
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Hi Theresa,
No worries…you can write a corrected post, and I can always erase the old one. I’ll know which one is corrected. 🙂
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I worked there. I’ll find pictures. I have to go through my moms treasures.
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My father bought sfogliatelli every Sunday!!!!!!so happy to see this poat
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That’s so nice of you! Thank you!
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Carmela, that would be wonderful!
I would love to see pictures of Cincottis, I think it’s so cool that you worked there!
My mother worked in Delightful’s restaurant on 116th Street, was so sad to see it was turned into a Dunking Donuts.
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I found some pics what memories. What email
Should I send too?
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Would love to see the pictures. Where will they be posted?
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Hi Carmela,
Send them to me, and I will post them for you. My email is: italianharlem@gmail.com
Thanks,
Angela
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Are they’re historic photos of 2nd Ave. and 121st East Harlem taken in the 1950s? My father lived in a tenement there.
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Hello I have a deep love and interest in my family tree. My father comes from Rofrano in Campania and there was a family member in The late 1800’s who was a priest. His name was Don Giuseppe De Angelis and I have searched and searched for a photo of him. Can you help me at all.
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I am doing my family ancestry and found out my great grandfather was a grocer here in 1911.
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My Mom was from Castelforte in Italy. She lived on East 114 street( 437 East 114 th) from 1946 to 1952…she was friendly with Cecelia Stracci. she was a niece of the Rao family restaurant… she lived on 116th on second ave.. does any body know of her now
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Does anyone have any information on a Vincent “Jimmy” Salzano, who lived in the 4th story of an apartment on 118th and Pleasant Street? This was in 1970.
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Theresa Passarelli
My mom was nicknamed Lulu. She spoke of Delightful. However. She was Italian and Puerto Rican. Her name was Aurora Comulada. I was born 1966.
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I lived above the pastry shoppe and It was my first job Tying those boxes from
The string on the ceiling was a challenge only good memories, the best most diverse place to grow up We tend to remember the good
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My parents owned a building and a cafe/ deli/ restaurant on 116th about 33 years ago. Right near / next to the Becchinelli pet shop.
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This is where I came from 109st between 1-2 ave
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Hi Angela, I just joined today….I was born in the home at 437 E. 116th St., a little one-family house with wrought iron railing across the front ….when my family left, I was very young, about 3 but returned with and later without my family for the fiests and friends…most of my family bought furniture from Joe Furniture at Sanfred Furniture, I think it was 119th St.
we didn’t go far, just north to the Bronx, and more recently (30 years ago) to Pelham Manor. I enjoy your blog, and look forward to reading more….
Ed
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My parents and grandparents lived on108 street , would love to see how they lived.
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Hi I grew up in East Harlem. I have fond memories of John and Gloria’s Deli on 121st st between 2nd and 3rd Ave. I happen to be black but my family lived on the block. Just thinking about old times.
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My mom and dad owned a restaurant and building at 354 East 116st next to the bechinelli pet shop.
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Hi my Name is Irene Fringuello originally Mancuso from a 106 st First and East River Dr. The Giglio, Jefferson Park pool , As a teenager hanging out at the candy store 108th called Uncle Mo’s or Pippies on second Ave I still keep in touch with those friends. We created a bond for life.
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Hi Irene How are you doing?
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Hi,
I grew up on 120th st between 2nd and 3rd ave. We used to hangout on the roof called tar beach and brother Vincent Becchinelli had his pigeons. We also used to go under the fire hydrants to cool off and sleep on the fire escape. My brother also owned Ideal pet shop on 116st between 1st and 2nd ave. We both graduated from Benjamin Franklin High school and went to Holy Rosary church. Every year we went to the feast of Our Lady of Mount Carmel.
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Rose did you know my mom and dad? Michael and Donna shlifer? they owned the restaurant next to the pet shop
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No I moved out of Harlem 50 yrs ago, I don’t remember a restaurant there. My brother was the owner of the pet shop til he passed 30 yrs ago, he was a victim of a robbery and was unfortunately killed.
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Yes my parents lived there at that time during that incident. That’s why I figured you would know them. They were friends with your brother. Your brother let me play with the chicks in the window at the pet shop
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I’m so sorry to hear about your brother, God bless his soul!
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He was a good soul, we miss him a lot!
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We’re you related to the Bechinellis who owned the pet shop?
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Yes my brother Vinny owned the pet shop.
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My parents owned the restaurant cafe on the right of the pet shop !
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I have a clip of the article where my parents had to speak with the news about the incident
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We’re you related to the Bechinellis who owned the pet shop
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My family The Catalano’s lived on 119th st. Went to Holy Rosary. Very close to Father Bon. We left in 1954, but my mom talked about her neighborhood with loving detail.
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Hi Anthony, it Pat Maschi. How are you?. I love reading the stories on this site.
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Where did you live
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309 E 107th Street!
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Does any body remember Blue Note Music Shop 115th between 2 & 3rd Avenues
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Yes, I remember the “Blue Note”
Would get all my 45s there back in the day!
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My Father Chick Ciccotelli was the owner of that store. It is now a Dollar Store.
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Sad. All the old stores I remember growing up in East Harlem are gone.
We do have our treasured memories!
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who wouldn’t remember Blue Note. Mofitano was next door it was the tuxedo rental place.
who remembers Charly the Frankfuter man on Second Ave and 115th street. and Rose Cleaners and Dominic the butcher next door Mario’s.
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Lived at 309 east 110th st across the street was st.ann’s church . Around the corner was an Italian deli called celento’s on 2nd ave.back in 60’s. My name is pino
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Hello, my family came to NYC from Sicily in 1956. We lived at 110thSt.& Second for about a year then moved to on Second Ave. between 109 & 110 St. until 1962. We went to St. Ann’s and yes, the Nuns’ were very strict! A couple of family names come to mind, Mondalbano and Cilento whom we knew well. People around us were nice and helpful. We then moved to the Bronx where my parents bought a home which was quite a change from living in a 4 room apartment on the third floor! Many fond memories I look back on!!!
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My family had a bar maybe 1940’s called The Hole on pleasant ave . How can I find out ?
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I remember the “The Hole” It was located on Pleasant Avenue between 116th & 117th Streets.
You had to step down few steps to enter.
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Hello! I am new to this site and so glad I found it! My relatives lived at 224 E 115th Street – 1920s-1930s. We believe my great grandfather (Salvatore Lauro, also was called Sam) had a barber shop in the area? His wife was Maria…children were Andrea, Frances, Mary, Anna… Does anyone know anything that may help? Hit a brick wall with Ancestry! Thank you!
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my mom owned Rose Cleaners between 115 n 116 St 2nd Ave I noticed someone wrote nice things about Mary n George Cutrone, they owned a grocery store and fed all the strays in the neighborhood. they walked our dog when my father no longer could. I worked in the pastry shop n in the bread store on second ave 116 street — Dominic the butcher was the best and watched over all of us
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I remember all of those stores on 2nd Avenue including Mario’s deli and the bank on 116st. Would you happen to have any photos of Rose’s dry cleaners that you would like to share?
Thank you for sharing your memories with us, Theresa
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My Father owned Blue Note Music shoppe on 3rd and 115th. Next to Mafatanos Tuxedos
Sent from Yahoo Mail for iPhone
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I remember but stores in 3rd ave!
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[…] credit: 1) 1st Avenue, East Harlem, 1908, Source. 2) Published in 1850 when the population of New York reached 500,000, “New York by Gas-Light” […]
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Lived on 116 St and 3rd Ave until 1964. I was 17 when my father retired to Italy. After that I disappeared into post high school life. I attended Our lady queen of Angels through 5th grade and then went to St Agnes. I had a fabulous 16th birthday at Harlem House. Hung out for awhile at the candy store on 117 St between 1st and 2nd avenue. I remember Vinnie Rizzo, Vincent Golio. Junior Fat. Jimmy Martin, Willie Pot, Anthony DelPrete and so many more…
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Any memories of Eaglette Bar, favorite wiseguys hangout?
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I can’t tell you how much I love reading these posts. It’s hard to make people understand what the neighborhood was like unless you came from E. Harlem. What a great place to grow up! Cold cuts from Mario’s, bread from Marrone’s and “buns” from Cincotti’s. Everything in a two block radius!
Thanks for sharing
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Let’s not forget, French fries with brown gravy and a milk shake from Delightfuls and the best hangout at Rosie’s Csbdy store.
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Ah Pat my mom would smile knowing that you still remembered her. Hoping all is well
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Why no activity after 7/3/23?
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