“THE STOOP” CHAT ROOM HANGOUT
“The Stoop” is where friends should get together and reminisce about the “old days” in East Harlem. Perhaps you are looking to reconnect with a long lost friend, or just want to write a comment about your days in the old neighborhood. This is the place to do so! The weather’s always fine when you visit Italian Harlem’s, “The Stoop.” 🙂
Feel free to email me your vintage “stoop” photos from Italian Harlem. It would be my pleasure to post them here!
My mother, Margaret (aka “Margie”) on the stoop of 505 E. 118th St., with my sister, Margaret. Circa 1957. My mom passed in 2011. Riposa in Pace.
My Great Aunt, Columbia Pennino Altieri’s stoop, on Pleasant Avenue, between 116th and 117th Street. Columbia was born in East Harlem in 1922, and died in 2009. She was a life time East Harlemite! May she rest in peace. Riposa in Pace.
Italian Harlem 
Wonderful site . Love reading all the stories and seeing all the old time photo”s
LikeLike
yes, it is – Does anyone have photos of P.S. 78 on Pleasant Avenue and 119 street. I remember my favorite teach, Miss Hart.
LikeLike
Does anyone remember OUR LADY OF MT CARMEL GRAMMAR SCHOOL
LikeLike
Hey Vinny, you were part of my sister’s group Jean Maggi, Camille, Ida, Johnny Medecci, Michael Martucci,etc. I’m down here in Palm City, Florida with Vinnie Ponzo. Glad there are still some of the old crowd left. Arnold Maggi
LikeLike
Hi Arnold…..yes that is our group…..still here. On Long Island…..not far from Camille & Ray……….Hope all is well stay safe and God Bless
Sent .from V CASALE` IPAD
LikeLike
Funny before I even seen the picture of Mommy and me that’s the first thing I thought of how Mommy and me used to sit on the stoop and talk to neighbors passing by.I wish I could go back in time for just that day.❤️💕
LikeLike
I lived on 119th and Pleasant.
LikeLike
RITA…..WERE YOU FRIENDS WITH DOLORES AND GERRY FROM 119ST….iF SO YOU MIGHT NOT REMEMBER ME VINNY CASALE aka (hoppy)
LikeLike
Vin Casale here……also played football for Cardinal Hayes email if Rita: NE1410is@verizon.net
LikeLike
i remember you hoppy as a child you hung out with my brother Anthony who was shot by BF high school He also hung out with Binky ! iwas only 9 but remember it all! He was killed on m moms bday sadly to say
LikeLike
I just found this website and I am amazed when I read all of the comments…it brings back great memories of East Harlem. We moved when I was in the 2nd grade but my cousins continued to live there. I lived on 119th and Pleasant Avenue, also. Family last name Zambrano. My cousins last name was Simmons. Do you happen to know anyone with those last names?
LikeLike
I grew up on 104 Street between 1st & 2nd Avenue. I went to St. Lucy’s grammar school.
I knew the Lamonica boys Nick & I think Richard and they lived on 106 between 3rd & Lexington. That school yard right next store ais where they filmed the big fight in West Side story. We all use to hang out at Johnny Mungs candy store on Second Avenue between 105 & 106 Street. Anybody from this area?
LikeLike
i lived on 119st pleasant down by east river drive.
LikeLike
Reminds me of the days that I only got a glimpsr of back in the 60’s. Our family (Sautte) lived for years on Arthur Ave. in the Bronx. I attended Roosevelt HS and lived in the area for a while. My dad Tony, Uncles Andrew, Mario & Dominick, Grandma Vinnie, and all their famiies gave me the opportunity to really feel Italian. Often heard of Cousin Philly Puco, but never got to meet him. Maybe will connect with Puco family on one of my trips to Florida:) Cousin, Dave Sautte
LikeLike
Hi David, do you live in New York? Most of the Puco’s live in New York, although some do live in Florida. Katie Puco was my dad’s mom. Your grandmother Vincie (Katie’s sister) was my dad’s aunt, and my great aunt. I guess that would make us 3rd cousins! Aunt Vincie’s kids were my father’s (Albert) first cousins. Who was your dad? I’m glad you stopped by to leave this message! How did you find my website? Angela 🙂
LikeLike
My great grandparents from Calabria settled in Italian Harlem around 1898 ( East 109 Street between 2nd & 3rd ). My great grandfather eventually bought the building – 226 East 110 Street between 2nd & 3rd Aves ). Everyone in this 8 family tenement were relatives. The building was adjacent to the schoolyard, where the opening scene of the movie West Side Story was filmed.
Family surnames – Auriemma, Muscolino, Vecchio, Gaetano, Piri, Gregorio, Volpe.
We were forced to move in 1960 when the City purchased the building ( eminent domain) to build an extension on to the public school. The family relocated to the Bronx, most moving to City Island.
LikeLike
Oh My God, My name is Kathy and I lived at 239 E 109th St. It was a beautiful building, and I certainly remember My Mom and I being kicked out of the building. Which was so horrible for us, We were one of the last to leave, and I was so scared to go into he building with the students that were there just hanging out in the vestibule. The Principle of the school came to visit my mother; he told her PLEASE get out They would have no problem with killing you!; My Father died when I was 2 years old. My Mothers Maiden name is Capolina. My Grandmother lived around the corner between 109th & 110th Street, on Second Ave. I had a Cousin Serafino there, who was mostly called Sony or Joe. Next door to my Grandma, we had Cousins May, Caesar and JoAnn Santorelli.. I remember the Deli across the street with Millie Cilento. I attended St. Ann’s School. and I remember the Pharmacy, Joe Calipos. After this we also moved to the Bronx, off Allerton Ave. and I attended St Lucy’s School and then went to Christopher Columbus where I graduated. Please Reply Back, I’d LOVE to here more
LikeLike
My father was born at 227 East 109st . 1927 delivered by midwives. I still have the original birth certificate from the City of NY . Public school is on that block. I’m still a parishioner at Our Lady of Mt Carmel to this day
LikeLike
I knew a Johnnie boy. He use to hang out at Johnny Mung’s store. He had a girlfriend by the name Joanie. Is that you?
You must know the LaRocco boys – Nicky & Robert. Do you know them and have you kept in touch? I use to have a crush on Nicky!
LikeLike
Julie….. I didn’t know the LaRocco’s . I lived on 110th Street ( 2nd & 3rd ) Moved in the Bronx in 1960 at the age of 11. Attended St Ann’s.
LikeLike
Hi Julie,It’s DINO from 104Th 341
I went to school with your brother Guy & my sister was in Anthony’s class
LikeLike
Hi Dino
Did you live across the street from Saint Lucy’s?
I was your mother Kitty, a brother Vincent & Robert??
I have a brother Guy but I think you went to school with his son, also Guy. Anthony is his brother (my nephew) and his sister is Concetta. My sister is Mikki (Michelle).
We lived at 318 & my Uncle had a barber shop on ground floor.
Please have Vinnie contact me by email:
Juliadavec@aol.com.
.
LikeLike
Hi Julie — My dad’s family owned the shoe store on the corner, opposite Pace. The store closed but they were there until around 1985, when my Uncle Rico passed away and they sold the building. I worked in Harlem for quite a few years in the late ‘80s and late ‘90s and used to see some people on 104th St. and more on 116th St. where my mom’s family was until the late ‘90s. (I emailed you also.)
LikeLike
Hi there..
Do happen to remember the Borello family on 110Street
LikeLike
So glad to find this site. Much of my childhood was spent in E.Harlem, until NYC’s projects took over. I lived at 447 E. 122nd St. between First and Pleasant Avenues. Lived there from 1946 – ’53. Went to P.S. 80 and P.S. 159 (middle school). Enjoyed that part of my childhood.
LikeLike
Hi Joan, I lived one street over from you , 409 E. 121st from 1945 until 1949, and went to PS 80 also. We might even have known one another , was in 5th grade in 1948. Spent most of my time on the streets roller skating and use to go over to the park under the bridge, ride my bike along the East River with my brother. My brother was Buddy, my sister Honey Lea, and I am Gerry. My mother was a Rutigliano, and had been bought up in the same area but on Pleasant Ave. where her Father who came from Italy had an Itlalian food store. Her Mother was an Angiulo and came from Italy.Have many happy memories of my childhood in Harlem, and feel sad that our apartment house was amongst those torn down to build the projects.
LikeLike
sorry it took so long to reply. I think that when you were in the 5th grade, I was in the 6th. My teacher’s name was Mrs Weiner. I remember a grocery store on Pleasant Ave. (between E. 122nd & E. 121st) – close to P.S. 80. I remember Mike was the name of the grocer, but I think he was from Malta.
LikeLike
I used to stay at my grandparents every summer on 116th st and Pleasant Ave when I was a kid. Tommy cheesecake Urgitano was my grandfather. Angelo the Jet was my uncle. Great times there. Patsys pizza, Coppolas pizza, Raos, Hot Dogs for 20 cents each , Scottys store on 119th, The Chinese restaurant on 1st Ave, Manhatten Special Coffee Soda, The Social club on 116th street, Yipee, Weegee, Johnny Monkey, Frankie Hearts, Blackie, Zoola, Johnny Roast Beef, Petey neck, Iggy Moe ect ect. Hanging out on the stoop until 6am after the bar below the social club closed. Patsys and Raos open until 4am in those days. The delightful coffee shop open 24 hrs. Leaving the apartment door unlocked all the time. During Christmas Holiday have big dinners on Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Years Eve and New Years Day with 25 people over for each day. There will never be times like that again.
LikeLike
Tommy’s wife Tessie was my great aunt
LikeLike
Was that Tessie Mondello who owned the bakery on 116 street? Bob
LikeLike
Mondellos had the best pastries and cheese cake. Ed Fiorella
LikeLike
Was that Tessie Mondello who owned the bakery on 116 street? Bob
Mondello’s had the best pastries and cheese cake. Ed Fiorella
Hi Ed: Yes that was Tesse Mondello’s Bakery on the corner of 116 and 2nd avenue from what I remember. She was a customer of my Grandfather Anthony Serio, from Anthony’s beauty Salon on the corner of 119 and 3rd. I remember always loving “Frazales” that really hard bread that was great buttered and dipped in coffee!!!
Also, doe anyone remember Lucy Capolla, I believed they had a pizza place close by in the area. She used to have may Mother, Helen Serio, do a special “Red Henna” treatment for her hair for that glowing color of a redhead.
Also how about Faranga Brothers funeral home, 117 street??
LikeLike
I remember the Frank X Orio ? funeral home on 1st Ave between 114th and 15th. It seems my grandfather Salvatore Di Stefano would go to there when he had any legal problems and some how Frank would resolve it. He must have had some good connections. Regards, Richard J. Ventola rventola99@yahoo.com
LikeLike
I know Farenga Brothers. My Grandfather grew up with the original owners and everyone in my family was waked and buried by Farenga
LikeLike
Angelo the Jet was my grandfather’s cousin. My grandfather’s name was Carlo Borgia, his mother was Rose Borgia.
LikeLike
Angelo was a close friend of my dad’s. They grew up together in the neighborhood. I met him, back in the late 1980’s. He was a very nice man!
LikeLike
Thanks Angela, that’s so amazing! What was your fathers name? I never got to meet Angelo but my mother and all her siblings knew him well!
LikeLike
Hi Tom,
I’m new to the site, and noticed you mentioned The Social Club on 116th Street. Frankie Harts was my mother’s cousin, and I remember as a young boy eating at Rao’s. I actually grew up in the Bronx, however my family lived in Italian Harlem and we visited it so often we might as well stayed there 🙂
LikeLike
Lived ahun16th between 1st and second on top of Cavas funeral home. if you mean the Chinese restaurant from there the owners name was Paul. we use to ask him how long and he would always say 5teen minutes.My ad hung at the social club on 116th. he worked at Liies clam bar on second ave tween 115 and 116.
LikeLike
Sorry for the bad spelling should have read my Dad and the clam bar was named Lizzies
LikeLike
I hung around the social club for a while on 116th while i was dating a girl who lived there.I was at BFHS at the time her name was Madeline I believe she had 5 sisters this was the early 50s
LikeLike
You’re forgetting the feast at a hun 8th and first Ave..lol beautiful times wish I can go back in time!
LikeLike
ELLIE…. Even if you tried to explain the fun times we had in our neighborhood to our children they could not believe it….NO money..NO car..NO cell phone And yet we. were the happiest…I lived at 114st three buildings from RAO
LikeLike
They used to call my grandfather blackie! Wondering if it’s the same person?? Do you know what his real name was? I know lived at 349 e 116th st above the funeral home.
LikeLike
Looking for pictures of Lexington Ave and 126th Street from the 1920s or 1930s. My grandfather grew up there and I want to show him pictures. He’s 98 now!
LikeLike
Does anyone on here remember the Tagliaferro or Cecchio families? My grandfather was Louis, Louis the eel – i grew up hearing all the old stories and nicknames. He’s not around – but his best friend from the neighborhood is and just last month we got together to talk. He told me about the riots and how he met Sinatra. He was 16 and was at BFHS then – crazy stories – crazier nicknames – Sally Bloomers, Louis the Eel (or louis the nose), Sonny Check but his real name was Tony. It was a great day for me to hear everything. They were born in 1929. He said they used to call themselves the red wings, i think, which he said ended up getting really bad as he got older, married, and moved to the Bronx where we all grew up.
LikeLike
I to am from the neighborhood lived a few doors away from the famous Rao’s Restaurant and although i did not go to BFHS …the Red Wings did turn out to be a pretty bunch of rough dudes in the neighborhood always in trouble…..
LikeLike
Can’t believe the photo of Columbia Pennino Altieri’s stoop is where I used to play! I lived across the street at 311 Pleasant Ave in the 1970s. Thanks for sharing that photo.
LikeLike
did you know the DeStefano’s Beverly–Lucille
LikeLike
My friend Annie lived in a beautiful building on pleasant avenue next to Rao restaurant. Spent so much of my youth on that wonderful stoop. Unfortunately it was sold to someone who did not appreciate its beauty and the stoop was removed, creating an ugly entrance, so sad…
LikeLike
Couldn’t agree with you more MAryAnn…I lived right around the corner from Rao’s on 114st only 2 buildings away…..Playing in front of Rao’s stoop when they were closed was fun…Never bring back those days..
LikeLike
Tommy Cheesecake was my great uncle. He was married to
My grandgathers sister tessie
LikeLike
Hello everyone!
My name is Kelli Goodman and I am the manager of Volunteer Initiatives at the Harlem Educational Activities Fund (HEAF), a college access organization located in Central Harlem. HEAF provides an extended continuum of educational and youth development and leadership opportunities to high-potential, under-served students throughout the city. HEAF’s goal is to help students develop the intellectual curiosity, academic ability, social values, and personal resilience they need to ensure success in school, career, and life.
As one of our electives for our 7th graders during our Summer Quest program this year, we are offering an Italian class and we thought that a tour of East Harlem’s Little Italy would be a perfect addition to the class. I am reaching out to see if anyone has any contacts who might be able to give a walking tour of East Harlem’s Little Italy and give the students a history of the neighborhood.
There will be about 25 students in the class who would be on the tour, and usually visits take place between 2:30 and 3:30pm. We are hoping to have this trip on one of the following days:
Wednesday, July 18
Monday, July 23
Wednesday, July 25
I can be reached at kgoodman@heaf.org or via phone at 212-663-9732
Best
Kelli
LikeLike
Hi Kelli,
Sorry, I just read your message. Unfortunately, I am unavailable next Wednesday, to take your class on a neighborhood tour. I have matinee tickets to take my family to see Wicked, on Broadway. Perhaps another time! Thanks for visiting my site!
Best regards,
Angela
LikeLike
Hi Angela. Thanks so much for your response. We are somewhat flexible in our dates for a tour. Would you be available on Monday, July 30th, Wednesday, August 1st or Monday, August 6th for a tour? Thank you again,
Kelli
LikeLike
Hi Angela is there anyway my dad (nickname) Alahambra aka Tony Rizzo We livd on first ave between 115and 116 for years from the 1940 until the 1980s then my dad passed and we moved to NJ
I come in every summer for the feast and also for mt carmel too
My brother Anthony was the 16 year old that was shot ad killed across from Raos in 1969 on my moms day on july 6 1969 i
I was 8 years old and i know itwas in the newspaper but i cant find the story, ive been searching archives but nothing
LikeLike
Hi
I grew up at 318 east shun 4th Street between first & secon Avenue. Any one out there from this part of Italian Harlem? I went to Saint Lucy’s School.
LikeLike
Hi Angela,
My name is Krista and I am so happy I stumbled across your website! I am doing research on my relatives who lived on East 113th Street from the early 1900s. My great-great grandfather, Giuseppe Gargano, immigrated to America around 1895 and settled in the area with his wife, Margherita, who immigrated a couple years later. I’ve been so intrigued by the rich history of the area they lived, but have been unable to find any photos of East 113th Street. I was wondering if you may have any in your records, or could direct me somewhere that may?
Thank you!
Krista
LikeLike
I grew up on 112 St and 2nd Ave
Live there till 1967 remember the hot jelly apple push cart and you can double dip for 5 cent
Joey j
LikeLike
Great web site for those who lived there. Does any one have information on the Jefferson Park Fresh Air Home in Long Branch NJ. We would go there for 10 days in the summer months with mother and children, no fathers. If was sponsored by the Church on 114th street and 2nd Ave facing the Park.
LikeLike
Hi Richard:
Yes indeed I spent many summers at the Jefferson Park Fresh air home in Long Branch.
My brother Fred was a counselor and my Aunt Vera was the the activities director.
The Jefferson Park Methodist Church on East 114 Street between 1st and Pleasant was the church that I and y family were members. The pastor was a Rev.Compo followed by Rev. Notar and his family. Oh the boardwalk at Long Branch at that time was a truly magical place with a wonderful Merry Go Round. The dining room at the Fresh Air home was a wonderful place and it had an aroma in it they I will never forget. The front porch was heaven on earth to this city kid who lived on 114th Street between 1st and 2nd Ave. I also remember the wonderful train ride from Grand Central passing though the Amboys and Red Bank and the steam locomotive that pulled the train. If you recall, each Sunday morning,
we all had to walk from the fresh air home to church in Long Branch. A two car garage in the back yard of the home was converted into the boy’s dorm complete with double decker beds.
I am sure somewhere in my attic, I have plenty of pictures fro that time…
OK
By the way I went to PS 102 on 113 Street then on to James Otis Jr.High School which was th second floor of Benjamin Franklin High School and then on to Peekskill Military Academy where I spent four years and graduated in 1952.
Well Richard,
I hope you get this’
Bob Bracilano
LikeLike
Bob,
I answered you but could not find the tread.
Sounds like a lot in common.
Give me a call if you get this.
Richard Ventola
201-452-0539
LikeLike
Hi Richard
Email me at magimoment@aol.com
LikeLike
Tomorrow is Columbus Day, The Giglio Society is having a street renaming ceremony on the corner of 115st and Pleasant Avenue, It will be renamed Giglio Way. I will be attending after church. It’s great that our heritage and the future of Italian Harlem is kept alive.
LikeLike
My dad in top pic with white hat and little girl in front of him in The Godfather May 1971
LikeLike
I lived on 117th street between 1ave and pleasant. I was baptized at Our Lady of Mount Carmel.I remember the feast of Our Lady ofMount Carmela the parade down our street, what a great day and party
LikeLike
I was from 114 street between 2nd and 3rd Ave.
I remember during the feast that their was a $100.00 bill pined to statue’s neck as it was carried by men. I those days a one hundred dollar bill was a big deal. My dad said the the “mafia” took care of the church. Lots of great times in Jefferson Park, pool And the “White House”
Does any one remember the camp in NJ run by the Church on 114th Street across from Jefferson Park?
LikeLike
Hi Richard
I lived at 114Street between 1st and 2nd ave.
Went to PS 102 on 113th Street
My Mom had Lee’s Variety Store at 335East 114Street and I had a Hobby dept. in that store.
Bob Bracilano
LikeLike
Bob,
I went to PS 102 and the Boy’s Club on 11th street opposite the gas storage tanks. I don’t remember your mom Varity store on114th, was it between 1st and 2nd Ave?. My address was 243 East 114th S and the building was owned by my mother’s parents Di Stefano. Jefferson Park played a good part of my growing up with the veggie gardens and trees to climb.
The church in 114th St near 1st Ave provided a camp for the local kinds and their mother in Long Branch NJ called the Jefferson Park Fresh Air Home. A great place to spend part of the summer (10 days).
LikeLike
Hi Richard,
Yes indeed I do remember those scary looking tanks.
My Moms store was at 335 114Street between 1st and 2nd Ave.
I too spent many hours at the boys club ..
Found out later so did Burt Lancaster..
I had his sister for a fourth grade teacher at PS 102.
She brought a bunch of 8×10 pictures of her brother who just appeared with Ava Gardner in
his first movie The Killers
Bob
LikeLike
Interesting information about Burt Lancaster and his sister at P 102. Was Lancaster his real name or was it changed for film work. I remember. the push carts and Iron Works on 114th between 1st and 2nd Ave
Richard
LikeLike
Lancaster was their real names…
Of course, back in those days, we never called a teacher by his or her first name
so it was always: Miss Lancaster.
She was a rather tall young lady..blonde hair and attractive and had a very nice rapport with her students…..If any others remember her from PS 102 let’s hear about it.
LikeLike
Bob,
I answered you post but can’t seem to find it.
Richard Ventola
LikeLike
Hi Bob; Bob Serio here we were from 119 street between 1st and 2nd. My grandfather Anthony Serio had his beauty salon on 119street and 3rd ave. since the late 1920’s. We have a picture some where with Burt Lancaster and Ed Sullivan hanging out on the stoop in from of my grandfathers house. I spent most of child hood there till 1962.
LikeLike
I remember some of the people mentioned above. The Redwings were some rough guys.If you knew them they made great friends.. Since everyone had a street name if you weren’t related and didn’t go to the same schools we only new them by the street name. By the way the Redwings helped keep the neighborhood safe . Ed
LikeLike
In addition to the Redwings there were the Italian Dukes and the girls had a group called the Italian Debs. The guys and girls had very colorful jackets. Your right about the gangs keeping the “hood” safe.
LikeLike
Thanks for the comeback. If I remember the right group of Debs. One was Anna Mulengoni another was Theresa Aro Anna had a brother Johnny who was a hell of a baseball player. Stayed with yankee farm teams for a good while. The last name may be spelled wrong
LikeLike
Love this site! I grew up on a hun18 between first and Pleasant. My parents still live there! I was a kid in the 70s and teen in 80s. I have been doing a Podcast for over a year- telling my stories about growing up East Harlem. Please take a listen! Its called THE STOOPS OF ATLANTIS. Here is an episode about movies made around The Avenue. https://www.buzzsprout.com/258528/1315387-episode-19-making-movies
LikeLike
Well done Von CASALE 114 @ PLEASANT CIRCA 1945 —-1963
LikeLike
Thank you. I hope you enjoy more episodes! https://www.buzzsprout.com/258528
LikeLike
Ed you could be right about the names of the girls connected with the Red Wings and Italian Dukes. I don’t remember an of the names as we moved to the Bronx when I was 10. The on thing I remember about the older girls was a language call “Pig Latin” it seemed all of the older girls spoke it. Maybe it was to talk about the guys behind there backs.
Some on posted that their grandfather purchased an apt building and may relatives live in it. That was similar to my grandfather Salvatore Distefano who purchased a building on 111th street between 2 and 3rd Ave, near the fire house on the opposite side of the street. The building was a cold water flat, no central heat except for a coal stove in each apt. He then purchase his second building at 243 E 114ths street. It was a higher end building, central heat and rugs on the stairs. It seemed that there were very few Italians on the block and most of the tenets moved out as the landlord was and Italian. He rented the apartments to Family and other Italians. So I guess one could say “he broke the block”. That’s the building I lived in. It was next to a vacant lot, with a concrete wall to keep people out. Great for hand ball, “off the wall” ball playing and the big guys would pitch coins.
LikeLike
your 100% on the pig latin. That would drive me nuts. I guess we would understand the Italian.
LikeLike
My father vic Zeccola lived on E119. All his relatives also. They came from Muro Lucano Italy around 1900. Anyone know any Zeccola’s. He lived 103 yrs.
LikeLike
The last picture, if you scroll to the top is 310 pleasant Ave. and that is where my family lived. My Grandfather made the Balcony.
LikeLike
Hi Arnold, that’s right! My great aunt Columbia Pennino Altieri, lived at 312 Pleasant Ave. I took this photo when I went to visit her. I’m sure that you must have known her, considering that your family lived next door. She was married to my dad’s uncle, Anthony “Titi” Altieri. It’s a small world! I wonder if you remember my great grandfather’s bread store? His name was Andrea Altieri. He, and his 2 sons, Titi and Jimmy, worked there. It was located on East 117th Street. Back in the 1930’s, it was located at 320 Pleasant Avenue. The banner photo on this website was taken at 320 Pleasant Avenue, in front of the bread store.
Best regards,
Angela
LikeLike
We knew everyone in 312 but not the people you mentioned. A doctor lived on the 3rd. floor who use to make “house calls”, imagine that They use to make wine every year and then sell it by the glass. They had a backyard with tables and chairs with a covered awning for the men to sit and enjoy their wine.We sold our building(310) to a plumber and hie family in 1958.
LikeLike
I think you are talking about Dr. Masitelli. I was good friends with LINDA WHO LIVED IN THAT BUILDING. They moved to the Bronx and they also had a house in Mt. Carmel. I think her last name was Saltorelli. Do you know them?
Wasn’t 310 where Pace Funeral parlor was?
LikeLike
310 Pleasant Ave. was between 115 st. and 116 st.To the left of 312 was a BAR. To the right 308 was where the Gallos livedArnold
LikeLike
Sorry, wrong street. I thought you were referring to 104th Street between 1 &2 avenue. Yes, Dr. DR.Masotelli’s office was on 104th Street.
LikeLike
Arnold this is a great site…I am having a conversation with Vinny Casale from 114st. Remember him.
LikeLike
Speaking about making wine and the wrapping of fig trees. The men would sit at a table near the fig tree and decide how they were going to wrap them for the winter. While they decide the how and what in wrapping of the tree they go through a few bottles of wine, Each man had his own wine to share with the others. I lived on 114th Street between 2nd and 3rd and Ave. We were next to a empty lot with cement blocks forming a wall so no one could easily get into the lot.
My building was 243 East 114th street and from our side window I would watch the men fold each branch of the fig tree and wrapped in roofing tar paper and cap it with a empty 5 gallon can of roofing tar. It’s interesting what you remember as a young kid. My grandparents (DiStefano) owned the building until the city took it over to build the projects. An we mover to a project in the Bronx.
LikeLike
my name vincent casale 433 east 114….3 doors from Rao’s on114…..My mother was a DeStefano……………Angelina…were was your building…..
LikeLike
Debbie Rizzo I was a good friend of your brother Anthony and Grapes ,Jerry, Cozzi, and also liked Alex your other brother.May they R.I.P.
LikeLike
Does anyone remembers a Big Mike from Plasant Ave Palma Boys Social Club..he was very old man 20 years ago,amazing charisma.
I tried to google him but not sure of his full name..
LikeLike
Hi . My mother Rose (Nappi) and brothers grew up at 212e.117th st.. Dad Frank Eufemia and brothers and sister lived on116th st near Lexington ave. Mom Rose is getting a kick reading these comments. Thanks!
LikeLike
Hi
I am so glad you mentioned your Mom. I am trying to track my GGM’s brother Antonio Nigro from 1st Ave and i keep getting confused. Did he marry a Rose Eufemia?
LikeLike
Hi. No . Rose married Frank Eufemia( my parents).
LikeLike
Hi My Family lived on 119 street between 1st and 2nd avenue in a brownstone. My Grandfather, Anthony Serio, had Anthony’s Beauty Salon on the corner of 119 street and 3 rd. avenue from the 1920’s to the early 1960’s.
My Aunt, Anita Serio eventually re-met up with a Michael Eufemia that she knew back in the day, who moved to Hollywood Florida. He had a butcher shop and sold mostly to restaurants,
I was wondering if he was related to you since he also came from Harlem. Bob Serio
LikeLike
Hi Bob. Yes Mike was my uncle and I met Anita several times down in Florida. She was very nice.
LikeLike
Hi Frank and Dawn? Is your name Dawn also?
So I think we are all talking in different centuries. I do genealogy. My Great Grandmother was Felicia Bitetta (b. 1879) They made a mess of that last name and some branch of that family became Bedetto.
Her half brother was Antonio Nigro (who was the oldest and came to NYC from Italy 1st)
He was born in 1862. His father died (either right before or right after his birth). His mother re-married Francesco Bitetta. After he married, he lived at 2209 1st Ave. Prior to that, I think he lived on Pleasant Ave with his half brother Domenico (who I have yet to find other than a few early references)
Antonio’s last name was all messed up too. Alot of times they spelled it Neager or Negro. He married ROSE Eufemia who was born in 1861 according to marriage records that I found. (But Frank this was clearly a different Rose than you are talking about) and they had 4-5 children.
I have Angelina b. 1893 Francesco b. 1894 (named after the father that raised him), Tomassina b. 1895 Tomaso b. 1896 and Vincenzo (James) b. 1897
And then I loose them totally……..
So…….who was your GGM???????? I am dying to hear because she must have been my GGM’s sister also?
There were 9 siblings all together and one definitely went to California (I thankfully found that family)
LikeLike
My older brother and Frank ran around together his name is Pat Fiorella. I hung around with Neal Nappi . I left in 1957 and basically never went back after mom died in 1955
LikeLike
My mother remembers you well Ed. She says hello!
LikeLike
My Uncle Neal Nappi passed away several years ago.
LikeLike
Neal had a brother named Pat he was a good friend of my brother Pat Many names from the candy store on 117th st. 2nd and 3rd. What is your moms name. HOPE ALL IS WELL
LikeLike
Rose (Nappi) Eufemia is my mother’s name. Neal and Pat are her brothers.
LikeLike
Hi everyone! My family were the Grieco, Bitetta (later known as Bedetto) and Nigro families. The bulk of the family members lived on 113th St and 114th St and in the 1st Ave buildings. I know my mother lived on 110th St at some point. In trying to put the pieces together for our family history I found an incredible site and thought I should share (even though you probably know about it already)
http://www.mountcarmelshrine.com/
LikeLike
Hi my father lived on east 107th st between 2nd and 3rd Avenue when he was young he and his brother were shot by Vincent mad dog Coll. His brother died. Their names are Michael and Salvatore Vengalli. My question is there still a building at 210 east 107th. I have been looking but can’t find it.
LikeLike
Christina I’ve only recently discovered this site and your question so you probably already know by now but that whole block-107th between 2nd and 3rd was demolished. It’s not even a street anymore.
I would be interested in hearing your story and that of your family if you want to email me: jimmystanfield@gmail.com
LikeLike
Does anyone recall (1954) when the Red Wings, after an altercation with the Fordham Baldies at Orchard Beach, went to Piggy’s (Baldies handout) on Belmont Ave in the Bronx and another alteration occurred and the Red Wings, with guns, opened fire and three Baldies were hit and one died. The trial convicted Ciappetta and Gugliemelli and were sent to prison for twenty years.
Does anyone know what happened to them and did they serve the full term?
Richard
LikeLike
Greetings,
Can anyone here tell me if you remember anyone from the Grieco, Bitetta, Picone or Petrone families? The Grieco family lived on 214 and 2nd Ave. The Bitetta family lived near 1st Ave and Pleasant Ave. At some point my mother’s family lived on or near 110th.
Thanx!
Dawn
LikeLike
There was a Butch Petrone that lived on 117th between 2nd and 3rd ave in the 50s
LikeLike
In the 50’s East Harlem and surrounding schools was the best place to make LIFEL LONG friends. And enjoy our friendship even though we didn’t have much money
LikeLike
That sounds like my Uncle. Would he be in his late 80s now (86-88)?
I know that my Grandfather Grieco moved out (and he was one of the last to leave) in the late 50s, early 60s maybe. So those of you that are on here may not know my family but mother mother and all her cousins were born and raised there.
A lot of the family slowly moved up to the Bronx (around E Tremont area- Pelham Bay).
My Grandfather Picone didn’t leave until the 1980’s. But things had all changed around him by that time.
LikeLike
My family left 114st in the mid 1950’s (the city took over the buildings) and moved to the Bronx River Housing Project and by the late 1950’s my parents purchased a home in Country Club section of Pelham Bay. Regards, Richard J. Ventola rventola99@yahoo.com
LikeLike
Hi Richard,
My folks left 114Street in 1952 ( city took over the buildings ) that year I graduated from Peekskill Military Academy.
We all moved to Richmond Hill, L.I.
I went to NYU nights taking business administration with emphasis on Advertising and Display.
Worked for Rainbow Shops out of Brooklyn and then with Lerner Shops in their Display Depts.
Opened the Hobby Shop that grew and grew to include Go Karts and Scuba Diving Depts.
Later we took on Honda Motor Bikes in the late 50’s ( You meet the nicest people on a Honda) and expanded to two locations in Queens.
LikeLike
Bob,
If I remember correctly the buildings between 1st an 2nd Ave on 114th street were taken down before ours and we would play in the rubble of the buildings. I remember going into one building and we pushed the wall down for the 3rd floor. When I think about it we are lucky that we didn’t go down with the wall. One thing I remember well was pulling out the BX electrical wires and building a fire to burn the insulation off and pull out the copper wire to sell to the junkman. We did this for a few weeks and would store the wire in on of the basements until some one (maybe an older guy or the junkman) cleaned out our stash of copper wire. So much for the budding business kids.
We moved to he Bronx River Housing Projects in 1954 and I went to Aviation HS, then to CCNY received a commission via ROTC, went to Vietnam, got married to a local girl from Throggs Neck (Mary Lynn Florio) , moved to West Caldwell NJ and had boy girl twins. I got into the computer business in 1971 and spent my work history buying, selling and leasing IBM mainframes.
I remember going to camp, the Jefferson Park Fresh Air Home in Long Branch NJ, which was run by the Methodist Church on 114th St near 1st Ave. Great memories of the camp and swimming in the ocean with real waves.
Where did you have the hobby shop?
Richard Ventola
LikeLike
For crying out loud you might have been playing on my old house!!!
Hope you didn’t run into any of those rats that were in my basement.
They were huge and ugly after running around the old coal bin.
Bob
LikeLike
Bob,
It may have been your house and yes I do remember the rats running around.
Richard
LikeLike
That sounds familiar too. My Grandpa moved to Wellman Ave. He lived in a private apartment building. But his sister and her husband bought a house on the same block as his building. Did you know the Stio brothers? One was a lawyer and the other was a policeman.
LikeLike
Dawn,
I didn’t know the Stio brothers. Where on 114th St did you and your family live. I was at 243 East 114th St between 2nd and 3rd Ave.
Richard
LikeLike
Did anybody live 114st between 1st and pleasant…..I I’ve two doors away from Rao’s
Sent from Tomcat Ipad
LikeLike
Hi Vincent (not sure if you are the Vincent Casale that I know; actually there were two of them, cousins but they looked like twins).
Anyway, I didn’t grow up in East Harlem.
My mother did. Her Grandmother lived at 341 and then 320 E. 114th St until the 50’s. My mother grew up at 323 E. 114th St. Then my grandfather had them move near my grandmother’s family for a short time and then they came back and lived on 110th. My mother went to Washington Irving H.S
Both my mother and father are from East Harlem (all of their relatives) and my uncles and their respective families. When my mother was growing up, all of her cousins lived in the same building (114th St) between 1 & 2 nd aves
LikeLike
Our church was our lady mount carmel….115st near Pleasant…I went to Cardinal Hayes High school..the GLORY DAYS will leave forever in our. Hearts never to be repeated for the friendship and love we had toward each other
LikeLike
Yes Mt Carmel was where my family went; where my mother was baptized and so on
LikeLike
Hi Vin
Oh my , 114th Street between 1st and 2nd ave…
What a block
A Chinese laundry, 3, I believe, candy stores, a garage that held the ice wagon, an iron works my Mom’s store, and oh those push carts row after row of them from 1st Ave to 2nd Ave.lined up end to end close to the curbside.
Not to mention 2 empty lots plus large appt.houses….
Bob
LikeLike
My Bitetta and Nigro relatives came from Pleasant Ave and 1st
LikeLike
Hi
I grew up on 112th Street & 1st Ave and went to a nearby elementary school around 1953, can’t recall which school? I have a class picture and thought it would be interesting to post it here. Maybe someone will recognize my classmates from back then. How can I post the picture? Thanks,
Steven B.
LikeLike
Hi Steven,
Email your scanned photos to me at:
italianharlem@gmail.com
I will post them to my website! Thanks so much! They should be scanned though, not a snapshot of the photo. Thanks!
Angela😊
LikeLike
HiIf you lived on 112 Street and 1st Ave. You most likely went to PS102 on113tth St .What years did you attend grammer school?Bob
LikeLike
My family lived in the same vicinity on pleasant Ave. 117th st. I bet she knew my Grandfather and Grandmother. Salzano was the last name.
They lived in a few tenements in East Harlem. I believe 3. They came to EH from Mulberry street. In the 1930s. My mother was borne when they occupied a residence on pleasant Ave. I think 396 pleasant ave. The building was taken down and a small empty lot was there the last time I visited?
LikeLike
Beautiful site. I’m just learning about the history of Italian Harlem. My family lived at 324 E. 124th and 324 E.123rd. Ceci and Nictotero/Marinaro families early 1900’s until 1940’s they moved to the Bronx shortly after my Dad’s birth. The buildings are long gone, believe they came down in the 1950 for public housing. My grandparents were married at Holy Rosary with the reception at Lexington Hall in 1933.
LikeLike
Hi,
My mom was born in an apartment on 119th and 2nd Ave in 1946 and was there until she was 4yrs. old while her dad played for original Knicks (Tommy Byrnes). Do you have any photos of her street that I could show her? Her Italian side of the family lived throughout the street (Astuto and Baccarella).
LikeLike
I have a cousin on my ancestry Adele Altieri. My father was born in East Harlem in 1924 Salvatore Vengalli.
LikeLike
Is the pastry shop stronconis or Lombardo’s?
LikeLiked by 1 person
I remember a pastry shop on 2nd Avenue between 104 & 105 Streets. I thought the name was Franconi’s.
LikeLike
Hi! Looking for Vincent Paribello? Or Barbbila. Buffalo NY. Came from Italy.
LikeLike
Did anyone know my grandfather Anthony angiulo some called him Tony blackie sonny. He had 2 sisters Clara and Angie and 2 brothers Frank and nick. He was born I believe In 1927 so was a teen in the 1940s would love to hear about any stories from his old neighborhood. Not sure exactly where he lived but I know it was an Italian Harlem neighborhood.
LikeLike