People's Park

[peteredner]

I'm 63 years old and I spent most of my life living within 4 blocks of 21st Ave. in one neighborhood or another. Moved to 1060 Madison Ave. in 1955. School 16 playground was one hangout. Neighborhood "hoods" besides me were Eddie Banta,Bobby Rose, Gene Kilpatrick,Vince Gigante,Pete Steele,Jimmy Vitale,Gary DeGroot,Dave DeProspero and many others I've forgotten.This area was home to The Cobras,punkiest gang in the history of gangdom. Moving down 21st Ave. towards St.Stephen's , in Tedeschi's territory, you found the Sultans, tied with the Cobras for punkiest title. Bill Ferrazano, Mike Weizerak,Richie Bland,Bobby Rugel,Macky,Frank Shea and others.Teshon Village! 21st Ave. was a great place;the little A&P,Gross' Drug Store,United Hardware,Campy's and so on. What was the name of the movie? Was it the Capital or State? Chris Amato,Dave Shirey,Dave Stewart, the twins. All knocked down for Route 80. Later on, the Prelude Lounge and Jerry Gerber's "Cousin's Tavern" were my favorite watering holes. Great times made for great memories.

[Dolores Graham]

Hi Everyone, I am 64 and lived on Martin Street just down the street from St. Stephens's and Giannella's. Went to School 16, then 15, graduated Eastside in 1964. The movie was the Capital. Used to spend all day there! Lived right across the street from the Tedeschis', hung out in Gross' Drug store after school on 21st Avenue, my friends father worked at the A& P, our house on Martin Street, #168 was knocked down for Route 80 and we moved to 19th Avenue right across the street from School 24 where my brothers and sister went. Friends on my street were Louis Cafiero, Henry Cenicola, Kathy Welch, good times, wonderful memories of a great neighborhood!

[Nick Michelli]

As a kid, we lived at 121 Martin St. Later we moved to 338 21st Ave, above my father's meat market--S&N Market. St Stephens--The Capitol--Gross (and Country Club ice cream!)--Cascone's liquor store--Wally's tavern--the whole areas brings back great memories. I am in touch with a group of about 10 from Eastside, reconnected at our 50th reunion. We exchange dozens of emails a week. I keep in touch with Al Weiss (Eastside English teacher) and have lunch with him a few times a year. By the way, the demolition caused by Rt. 80 cost my father his store--about 300 families, many his customers.

Nick

[sahid]

I lived at 183 Madison Street between 20th and 21st Avenues from 1947 or so until I went to Rutgers. Is that People's Park, Sandy Hill, or something else?

I always thought Teshon Village was built after WW II for veterans. Am I correct? What happened to get it torn down?

I spent many Saturdays at the Capital theatre and spend much time browsing at the nearby Army/ Navy store on 21st Ave. I even remember buying a wooden rifle.

Blanche ran a small diner on 21st Avenue near St. Steven's, where I was a boy scout, that had a pin ball machine into which I poured much change. How can I criticize the kids who obsess on video games?