July 06, 2005 21:21:06
Connie Spinelli (Nucito) email	This message is for Shirley. I tried to respond to your e-mails several times at the addresses posted on this website but they all came back. Here's my address, please write. Want to continue our conversation.

July 06, 2005 20:50:30
Reverend Edwin Goldberg Marriage Clergy email	Greetings to my neighbors at 141 Joralemon Street. May you be blessed with the Good and Beauty of Life.

July 06, 2005 20:02:23
Lynne (Connors) Barba email	I remember Father Maroney well, when I was in the 1st and 2nd grades, his overwhelming stature and gruff exterior did intimidate me. One day Sister St. Jane, my 1st grade teacher sent me on an errand to another classroom and as I was skipping down the steps to deliver whatever it was, there was Father Maroney looming above me, he said and where are you heading off to Blondie, and I told him on an errand. I remember he reached down, put me over his big shoulders and carried me to the classroom where I had to deliver the message. From then on, I had no fear of him, I was in awe of him! Through my years at Visitation, he always was a towering personality, a big teddy bear in disguise though. I remember the tribute that was given to him in the auditorium, my class performed for him, we sang "No Man is an Island", I was so proud to be a part of it all. I also helped out in the rectory after school for Father Maroney, along with a few other girls, we stuffed envelopes and did other little chores. As a reward for our help, he said he wanted to bring us to him Mothers house in New Jersey for a barbeque, we were thrilled. I went home and asked my Mom if I could go, her answer was an immediate NO, which shocked me. I asked her why I couldn't go, and she never really answered me clearly. Sadly to say, that was the trip that Father Maroney was in the car accident that took his life, I remember the cloud that sort of hung over the Visitation "family" when we got the news and the funeral, and to this day, I wonder, did my Mom just have a "feeling" or a Mothers instinct about refusing to let me go on the trip.

July 06, 2005 18:13:09
Linda Morrissey email	I havent visited this site in a while. I just spent the weekend upstate in West Hurley where I got to see quite a few old "hookers". I spent the weekend with my sister-in-law Johanna (nee Buglisi) and I visited with Dottie Buglisi(nee Gallagher). I saw Mary Sheehan for a quick wave. As usual, seeing everyone got us talking about Johanna's mother's store, my folk's candy store etc. I told them Visitation School was now a Court house. It also brought back memories of all the great 4th of July's in Red Hook - especially the Bi-centennial. Being around all these people over this holiday made me feel that it was like being home in Red Hook even if for a short period of time. This is a great site and I really love visiting it.

July 06, 2005 13:17:16
John Burkard, Red Hook email	a reader posted his memories earlier about Visitation School, and recalled Fr. Maroney as being a grumpy guy? I know he came across that way to many of the students, But in fairness I must point out, Mike Maroney came to Visitation as a young newly ordained priests and inherited a real bag of problems that should not have been his. The Pastor suffered from a debillitating disease (incurable), Fr Maroney became his crutch, he assisted him at every turn, at the masses, he was his right hand man, helping him up and down the steps of the altar during mass (in those days it was a different mass), and after the mass he would see to his daily needs through out the rectory. Fr Maroney became the administrator, finanial officer, Pastor, fund raiser, trouble shooter, maintenace chief, all of this unofficially without any fanfare or recognition from either the parishioners, or even the Diocese of Brooklyn, His sermons turned to nothing but plea's for financial assistance to pay the huge debts incurred by other people. he stood out as a man who had a mission, and he performed it well. he was truly an unsung hero.He also worked with and moderated every church related society existing, in those days there was quite a few, enough to keep any man very very active. It's just a shame the people did not recognize the huge burden he carried during his short time at Visitation, up until his untimely death in an automobile accident.

July 06, 2005 12:30:10
John Randazzo email	Hi Louise: I always went to the Clinton Theatre during the day not at nite. Glad to hear the old neighborhood is still good. You mentioned Hicks Street I had 2 cousins that lived at Hicks St. & Lorraine St. may be you knew them Henry & Anthony Mazzariello they lived in the project accross the street from the park. They both went to 27's, they left the hook around 1953.I didn't get along with Melvin he always accused me of doing something to him or his brother. Good to hear from you, take care of your self.

July 06, 2005 11:53:57
Harry Boyle email	Just wanted to thank Shirley for pointing out that wonderful site with the pictures of "OLd RED HOOK". I really enjoyed them. Hope everyone enjoyed the 4th of July holiday. Got a little homesick this year thinking of all the great 4th of julys when I lived in the hook. Getting those illegal fireworks(cherrybombs,ashcans) and blowing up innocent tin cans! hahaha. Going to Coney (Bay 14) and hanging out all day,then going home to Van Brunt St. in time to go up on the roof to watch all the fireworks. Sorry to hear about College Bakery. It was one of the joys of Court St. along with SAMS italian place. Is SAMS still there? Special hello to all my friends and family.

July 06, 2005 10:37:21
Lucy Suarez email	Ahhhh! enjoyed your posts! I dont rembember then ,but it was hoping for you that you "Hook UP" with special people from your time period... This site is a wonderful place to stop, and reflect and help answer sometimes..."Wonder whatever became of that girl on Van Brunt St. with the mean stepfather...the tough guy that spoke like he had marbels in is mouth,and a "Ginny (excuse!please just what they were called) sherru!!! Dinobi or Pulumbo cigers! Frankie Longo Youd find him standing on the corner of King & Pionner Streets... Gallos turf!? and matter of oppion...I watched as a man was beaten to death or near it!No faces just shadows but its pretty blurry in my memory now...And a man from the Spanish section...lower Sullivan Street between Van Brunt St and Conover... bashed his wifes head in beucause of jealousy!I remeber 5 cent piclkels in a wooden jar near Gabes bar...The Gressy Spoon...and boy it was! on Van Dyke & ? The last stop for , Crosstown bus in front of Crosstown Diner...names I remeber...Eddie Perez.aka,.SABOO!!Bulldog Able Bracero who was first married to late Sharrion Plunkett...there was Legs(Marrion Bounocore) we hung out for a certain time frame...also Joannie Kwiat (Sandy) Lucy Me! aka Sessie Aka Fraulein (Chenos name for me now its Frau!) So of course Cheno Suarez aka Rubin... A true Red hook boy that was "El Kovan"... he lived at 149 Richard St. ..many years ago!at least the year I am sure of 1963! We he and I met and was in a special place in the heart for all these years we reunited in 2001...A true Love story indeed...P. S. 30s my teachers were Miss Parris the most wonderful ...sweetest teacher ever!Miss Pollocretto (a tough nut !) I think miss Fords first then Mr walter Berge Great teacher! then 142s it was Mr Danes ugggggggggg! whatta creep!!! screwed me up in math for many years ! oko gotta go ...So Cheno & I were married shortly after reunion of 39 years! our Love to you all Lucy & Cheno p.s. the girl was me!

July 06, 2005 09:35:49
Cathy Sei Malvasio email	Hi! anyone remembering us ?(Paul & Joey)Malvasio-the twins.Hoyt St. Cathy Sei, President St. Would love to hear from you

July 06, 2005 07:10:41
joe finley email	Just been reading old posts and saw the Pie/Cake question. According to my dad who lived in Sacred Heart/St Stephen's parish in the 20ths and played ball in the Hook long before the Projects were built, the question had two connotations. Pie stood for Italians and cake for Irish was one, Pie was for the area near the Gowanus canal and cake for the hook. Italians lived closer to the canal and the Iriah in the Hook area (mostly) so if you answered incorrectly, you were in for a tussle.

July 06, 2005 04:58:59
Joseph Finley email	Attended Visitation BVM from 45 to 53. Brothers James and John graduated V-BVM in '46 and '47, sister Virginia in '49. Lived in projects on Columbia St. Knew the Redmans (cousins - one lived on Visitation Place) Remember Fr. Maroney not fondly, he was a real grump and unfriendly IMO. The Hook to me ended at Clinton Street/Hamilton Avenue and consisted primarily of the Visitation Parish. St Mary's SOTS was the terrritory of the Dukes. They called themselves Red Hook and did hang out at the Riis Community Center, but I id'ed with the docks. Columbia Street was shopping with pushcarts on Union Street, Smith Street had a decent (cheap) italian restaurant with great sausage and peppers. Now I understand it is the In street. Had Sister Filistra (1st grade), Ms Kelly and Ms Lizzie - 2nd and 3rd grade, Sister St Helen in 6th grade. The 8th grade sister was a terror. Names of classmates are: George scroope, marty holland, peter swanson, charles pfister, bob Barker, daniel donnelly, Butch Como, Eugene O'Brien, Maurice Doyle, Eileen Coyne, Maryann Aulette,Fortunata Pagano, Marion Johnson, Margaret MeCabe, bob kelly, John Sullivan, Eddie McCauly, Guy Izzo, well enjoy names - if anyone remembers me well send a note. BTW, If you remember Tommy Morrissey who graduated Visitation in '51 and married Johanna Buglishi, I heard from him recently and can get you in touch with him.

July 06, 2005 01:49:22
Tom K. email	To Ed Murphy -- Re: College Bakery." Hard to believe another landmark is going to disappear from the old neighborhood. Do you know why it was named the "College Bakery?" Because years ago, St. Francis College was between Baltic and Butler and Smith and Court. They moved the college in 1960, I think. Sad news. Remember Ebel's Ice Cream Parlor across Court St. from the College Bakery?

July 06, 2005 00:08:18
Louise email	Hi John, Coney Island!!! My grandson is 11 and my husband takes him there all the time. It has changed but for the better. The court house is in the old Visitation School. I guess they felt they needed something here for the Community. My granddaughter worked there for a while after school when she was 14. They have teens judging neighborhood teens who get caught spray painting or jumping the turnstiles and a lot of other little things. They also handle family matters and crimes but nothing really major. The crime rate here in Red Hook is not really bad, not like it was years ago. AHHHHH Melvin, he was nuts about me. Hahaha, I remember I was 8 months with my son and he came around my block. Hicks St. My husband told him I was married. I felt really bad for him. I think it was him that worked for the Mayor. The pool was great but they did away with the 16ft. That whole side is for kids...toddlers, my speed. I used to love the Clinton. Remember Wednesdays? Dish night, don't drop your plate, the whole house clapped. Remember the Halloween contests and how they would have the bikes in the lobby? Thats something we will never see again. My son is 43 and he said he wished he was born in our time. Those were good times. I hope this finds you well.

July 05, 2005 22:48:18
John Randazzo email	For Louise: Yes i remember Melvin Ginsburg i know that in the late 60' early 70' either he or his brother worked as an assistant for Mayor Lindsey. I think one of them passed away but i don't know which one. They lived in my building. I mostly hung around the community center and i went to the 76th pct with the PAL. Went to the Clinton theatre in the winter and Red Hook pool in the summer. I don't remember the red head but now at this age i don't remember alot anymore let alone 50 years ago. I also hung around with Billy Marrone we were always in trouble. Hope the old neighborhood is still as good as it was then, I saw a show on tv about the Hook & they have a court house in a converted building hope it's not because of the crime rate. I moved out in '55 and went to Clinton Ave & Myrtle 3 houses from the el trains, i know live on Long Island. My friends and i are planning a trip to Coney Island It's been a long time since i went there. Nice hearing from you hope this finds you well.

July 05, 2005 21:03:38
ed murphy email	Hi everyone, just found out on the mcmahon family website that the college bakery on court street is supposed to close very soon. i remember the great crumb creme cake. i am sure they will be missed.

July 05, 2005 18:12:31
John Desant email	My grandmother Domenica Amendola asked me to look for descendents of Eugene Amendola who lived in Redhook in the 1920's. She remembered ging there as a girl. If the is anyone with any info on the Amedolas who lived in Red Hook in 1920's on I would appreciated it. My Great grandfather was his brother Alessandro Amendola B. 1885 Lipari, Italy D. Dec, 20,1966 emigrated early1900's to NYC Brother Alessandro Amendola B. 1885 Lipari, Italy D. Dec, 20,1966 emigrated to New York City in the early1900's his wife was Margerita Romano B. 1886 they first lived in Manhattan 53rd street 7th ave then in 1920 moved to Corona Queens. Their children Anna, Bartolomeo, Domenica (Minnie), Edward, Camille All lived in New York area.

July 04, 2005 10:41:28
Shirley email	go to www.maggieblanck.com/brooklyn for some interesting photos of Richards st and Conover sts.

July 04, 2005 09:03:09
Shirley email	Hi, I changed my email address, please use this one. I got some really weird email when I signed on here. Yes, there are kooks out there but the people from Red Hook are not kooks, we are sincere in our quest to remember some of the "best years of our lives". Good loyal friends, a great neighborhood and a simplified lifestyle. Can't beat it.

July 04, 2005 08:41:31
Shirley email	Hi Connie, I lost your email address when I closed the other one down. Please email me and let me know if I can try to send the picture of your sister and the other "kids" from King Street. To all: Happy a great safe "Independence Day" Holiday. I am thankful for our Independence and I know you all are.

July 03, 2005 23:36:18
joe ross email	It seems as if Red Hook is under attack by Alien comics, & Mutant spammers. Mark, be our Tom Cruise. On this great 4th of July, lead us into the "War Of Words", & gain victory over those who would spoil the spirit of "RED HOOK NATION"