To: Bob Winter(s).
Are you the same Bobby Winter's that grew up with Wayne Gibson, And all the crew from Forest Park? You lived in Kew Gardens in an Apt. Bldg?
Please contact me at my E-mail address or call 561-638-8647. I've read the all the current reply's to this beautiful web site, if we could all go back that day we lived there wouldn't it be awesome.
Added: December 31, 2007

To John Dowd (and others)--
My family- the McLaughlin's-- lived at 105-22 133 St. from 1957-74. I am the eldest of 7.
My sibling's are Bill, Peggy, Tom, Jim, Danny and Ginny. We went to STAS and my parents were active in Boy Scouts for many years so we knew many families. They moved to 116 St. and Jamaica Ave. just behind Jahn's and the RKO so Dan and Ginny transferred to HCJ.
I'm very sad to learn that Jahn's has closed. My last visit there was several years ago and they were celebrating their 100th anniversary. I had hoped to take my grandson there. I also often stopped at Carlo's pizzeria with Fran Lazinski and Barbara Locurto when I got off the A train at Lefferts after HS (Bishop McDonnell's).
The name you mentioned that caught my attention was Greg Rogers. I lost contact with him about 1968 or so when he was in the Marines.
I love visiting this site and the memories it brings back. (Thank you to all those who support it and contribute). There is a small group of classmates from STAS- 1961 who are organizing a 50th Reunion in 2011. We have located 60 people so far. Anyone reading this list from those days can contact me for more information. Several classmates have already reconnected in FL, CA and L.I.-- why wait until 2011? I had lunch last week with Jim McCann, Vivian Carroll and Barbara Locurto in NJ. Amazing what we can remember from those days. I also am in contact with the Goddard family from St. Bennies-- Paul was in my wedding back in 1970. Those were the days!!!
Wishing everyone a Happy and Healthy 2008!
Added: December 30, 2007

Looking for ANY info or help locating anything on Karl/Carl Kilian/Killian who lived at 5076 Jamaica Ave #22.
He was a bar owner and he lived above the bar with his wife Caroline Kilian until 1920.
Added: December 29, 2007

I love reading the comments and have caught up with a lot of old classmates and friends.
I just want to wish anyone who lived, still lives, or visited Richmond Hill a Happy, healthy and successful New Year!!
It was a special place to grow up.
Added: December 28, 2007

I remember the days of hanging out at Jackson Pond playing stick ball, bike races, playing football behind the Buddy Monument in the early '60s.
If anyone out there remembers me, please get in touch. Happy New Year!
Added: December 28, 2007

To John Dowd, who lived on 133St Between 107th and 109th Ave.
I lived on 109th Ave and 133 St. There was a vacant lot on the corner that all the kids used to play in, and I lived right next to it. You are a little older than me, but may remember my brother David Boyle or my sister Patricia. All of us went to St Teresa's.
I seem to remember a Maureen Dowd, if she is related, but my friends were John Kmetz and Charles Everhart on 132 St, or you may remember Neil Matheson on 134 St. He was the guitar player in a popular local band called The Coachmen. They played all of the local dances.
Love to hear more from you. Other families nearby were the McCabes, the Daly's, the Rubinackers, Henry Otten whose father owned a deli on Van Wyck. Billy Lumsden, Frankie and Billy Moran, and Steve Santos.
If you remember any of them, let me know.
Added: December 27, 2007

Att: Cody Chuchul.
Look up ufoa.org/history.htm. They list a Winford L. Beebe as Fire Captain from 1944 to 1945. You can contact that organization and maybe they can provide you with more details.
There were two brothers named Beebe, who owned a fast food rest. on Atlantic Ave.& 107th St? Winford might have been their father. I have two friends, who worked for the Beebes. I'll ask them if they know if the Beebe boys were related to Winford.
Just remembered the name of the rest. It was Mabees. Take care.
Added: December 27, 2007

I grew up in Richmond Hill, went to HCJ until '64 then to RHHS.
Hung out at the pool room on 111 St, Johnson or Jackson park in the summer.
Added: December 27, 2007

i am looking for an old friend.
we graduated 1981 from RHHS, her name is nydia velez and i believe she lives in briarwood. anyone know her or where i can reach her?
Added: December 27, 2007

Hi, I only lived in Richmond Hill for about 8 years and left when my mother Margie passed away in 1955.
I lived at 109-32 123rd St between 109-111th Aves and went to P.S. 121 and St. Teresa's for the 3rd grade. I think it was the year it opened because we had no desks. Remember my dad used to take w/ him to Helen's Bar on Rockaway Blvd. See Ya.
Added: December 26, 2007

Hi, After becoming a volunteer fire fighter at the local village my grandmother had given me my great Grandfathers Helmet.
His name Was Winford L. Beebe. He apparently was a chief in the FDNY At what i beleive was 107-12 Lefferts Blvd. I am looking to peace together some history for my family.
If you have any information or could point me in the right direction that would be great. Thanks - Pete
Added: December 25, 2007

I didn't live in Richmond Hill / Ozone Park, but my grandmother and mother did.
As family legend has it they were both born in the same 2 1/2 story Victorian house on 106th St between 101st and 103rd Ave. My grandmother lived there her entire life. The house is no longer there, replaced by some row houses.
My Dad and Mom moved to Westbury where I grew up, but my sister and I would visit with Gram when my parents went into the City for an evening. When I was old enough to have a drivers license, I would go to Gram's house and cut the grass, shovel snow and rake leaves in the fall. There was a huge pear tree there. And I discovered the coal chute which before oil heating systems received the coal deliveries. Still coal dusty in the 60's. Gram had her lady friends on the block and when we visited, we'd sit with them on the front porch and listen to their stories. One of her friends had been crippled by polio. She walked with two crutches and leg braces, but did fairly well. The big thing when we visited was for this lady to give my sister a Toni Home Permanent in the kitchen.
If any of you have read Jimmy Breslin's book "Table Money" which had much of its story set in Ozone Park and Jamaica, I imagine that the kitchen was about like he described it. It had room for a small table, stove, sink and a refrigerator. That's all. And it's back door led to an unheated pantry in the back. The house was next door to a P.S. which burned out in the 50's. Gram was visiting at our house at the time of the fire. When the word came that the school was on fire, Dad drove her back to the house. FDNY had hosed down her house so that the flames wouldn't catch it on fire.
Aside from our Grandmother's love for us there were three great memories of that house at that time. 1- In the mornings we'd wake up to the pipes clanking as the steam heat rose from the furnace. 2- Not long after that in the mornings, we'd hear clanking and the clop clop of horses hooves. We'd go to the window to see the junkman go by in his horse drawn cart, pans hung on the sideboards to make the sound. This was in the 1950's mind you. 3- And there was an older gentleman who walked down 101st Ave every day, his arms loaded with Italian Bread. Everybody knew him, I think his first name was Jim, and he'd smile and wave when people called out his name.
I was just web surfing when I found this website. It added a little understanding to family records as a matter of fact. My Mother's birth certificate lists Washington Ave as her parent's home. I looked that up in current maps, and found only one Washington Ave in the City of New York... in the Bronx. But this site shows that 106th St. was once (at least until 1911) known as Washington Ave. Very interesting history lesson.
Thank you for publishing this site. It has brought back some very nice memories.... Dave
Added: December 24, 2007

Wonderful to read these guestbook entries and remember my childhood, HCJ, RH /Woodhaven Little League, the stores and the great family names. Thanks!
Added: December 23, 2007

Lived on 126 St and Jerome (101 Av.) 1944-50 then 125 st. betw. 95th Ave and 101 Ave. 1950-52 then back to 125th St. and 101 Ave. (REO Moving Co.)
Went to PS 55 then PS 53 (old wooden school) then back to PS 55. Went to PS 121 from '55-'57. On to RHHS until 1961. Retired from LIRR since 1995 (28 yrs).
Any takers on the above locations? e.g., I watched the diner on 112 St. and Atlantic being built.
Added: December 23, 2007

John's Candy Store (101 Ave. & 114 St.) with the juke box, the acappella group "The Duquenes" who practiced on the corner.
I could hear them practicing songs like "Stormy Weather" from my house around the corner. John's had "Raunchy Nights" for dressing up, cokes and potato chips, fresh bagels from the Bagel Factory @ 7 cents ea., the handball court, Harry Honda, the nightly chorus of "Goodnight Mr. Rosen!" when Mr. Rosen closed the pharmacy, Kavon's packed to overflowing with mdse. and just enough room to get to the counter to pay, and so much more.
Anyone remember the name of the grocery store between 114 & 115 St. on 101st Ave.?
Added: December 22, 2007

Merry Christmas to everyone out there.
Anyone remember midnight mass at St. Benies. How about Angelos restaurant on 101 ave and 125th St. They had the best Pizza ever.
I remember Angie the waitress. Does anyone remember Angelos?
Added: December 22, 2007

Merry Christmas to all in Richmond Hill and those who have previously resided there.
Added: December 21, 2007

In answer to Mike Landers wondering about the Choir masters name at HCJ his name was Professor Blotz when I was in the choir back in 1946.
Added: December 20, 2007

To John Wilhelm from Florida:
Did you live in the apartment house on 97 Ave between 120th and 121st Streets? Are you the son of Anne and Henry Wilhelm? If so, our moms were good friends and we often visited you in Roosevelt.
Shoot me an email, if you like. If you're not that John Wilhelm, have a nice day anyway.
Added: December 20, 2007

Happy Holidays to all Hillites, especially the 57 crew, Snow's, Didio's, Monetti's, O'Malley, Bardram, Mcdermott's, Cobos!!!!!!!
Flight 116, Lenihans crew, RHHS 76, jhs 210 '72, Rubino's, John Adams crew, Smokey Park people, Jackson Pond Eminence Front and everyone else from the 70's and 80's.
Dr. Dorothy I lost your web address, send me a line.
Added: December 20, 2007

Nice
Added: December 19, 2007

To All Fellow Richmond Hillites and Naysayers of the current Richmond Hill:
I recently found this website and I am over-joyed with the amount of shared memories we all have in common of our beloved neighborhood.
Who woulda thunk it? I remember a time when I could not wait to leave this place. Well I did... and for many of the same reasons that people here have mentioned.
However, I visit Richmond Hill quite regulary due to my family ties still here and its strange but inspite of the changes regarding the closings of "old" establishments, the influx of a greater amount of people moving in, there is still this "spirit" through out the town. Richmond Hill for better or worse is still that "hometown" neighborhood trapped inside the NYC metropolis.
I love walking on actual sidewalks to small Mom & Pop shops, the Library, and I can still get my shoes repaired there! I love the fact that people still have an opportunity to own their own home rather than live in a multitude of hi-rises. I am even considering moving back after all these years.
My congratulations to the RH Historical Society for pulling together and fighting the good fight in protecting our community as best as possible from the over-developers. And I also want to especially thank all those responsible for creating this website where people like myself can find some "missing pieces" from one's past.
Wishing All a Happy New Year
Added: December 18, 2007

How many of you HJC grads of the 50's and 60's remember that when you got to the sixth grade you were in the choir?
I can't remember the gentleman's name that played the organ for us but I do remember him pointing to the last row of seats where us non-singer types sat.
We had the joy of singing for the lighting of the tree at the Buddy Monument. The year we had it, it was cold and there was snow on the ground. I believe that was '59. What I wouldn't give to be able to do that again.
Merry Christmas to all who would love to be in Richmond Hill for one more Christmas.
Added: December 16, 2007

To All:
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year, in this day of saying Happy Holiday. I might add we all of us on 104th street loved to say "Merry Christmas". There is a warmth about it that makes us all one with the Yuletide season.
I had fond memories back in the late forties and early fifties. Wondering just how Santa, was going to get down our sealed off fireplace and we all assumed it was magic because lo and behold Christmas morning there were all the gifts under the tree. We listened to Rudolph The Red Nosed Reindeer, sung by Gene Autry on a Red colored plastic record.
We had "lead tinsel" for the tree and boys had Marx, Lionel or American Flyer trains or even an Erector Set to play with for days to come.
As a boy those were fun times going to each others houses checking who got what, lots of new street skates, Radio Flyer scooters & wagons and also bicycles, Schwinn, Columbia and Rollfast. Fun times, good memories.
Added: December 15, 2007

I would love to hear from anybody who remembers Freeman's Curtain Store at 117 St. and Liberty Ave., or any other stores in that area.
Added: December 13, 2007

My father Waldo was born and raised in Richmond Hill. He graduated RHHS in 1934.
My brother Ken and I were born and raised in Richmond Hill also. I graduated from RHHS in 1975. My brother from Brooklyn Tech in 1974.
We lived on 121 Street and my parents owned the house until 1983. My parents Lucy and Waldo have great memories especially the Triangle where they had their wedding reception.
We also visited Jahn's quite often and hope that they didn't close.
Added: December 13, 2007

I see a few posts asking why if Richmond Hill was such a great place - why did we leave? Richmond Hill was a great place - it just died little by little until there was nothing left.
In the beginning it was a suburb, my grandfather's home just north of Liberty on the east side of Lefferts stood alone (later a real estate office). My father told me about sledding down Lefferts Blvd in the winter and watching his father inspect the buildings he was putting up along Liberty Ave. long before the EL came along.
In the 50's I went to St. Bene's and even played basketball with Kerouac and Ginsberg at Smokey Park but already it was getting overcrowded so in '59 we moved to Nassau County.
I returned with my wife in the 70's living by Forest Park. My sons even went to the Park school but alas Jackson Pond was no longer the pond where my father would take me to sail model boats. And now - no Hofbrau House, no Jahns, no Gebhardts, no RKO Keiths. All the good Liberty Ave pizza places gone...
what is anyone still doing there?
Added: December 13, 2007

Just looked at the site tonight after a few years. A few comments.
So many names from the past, Jahn's. Anyone remember what "Stretch a pair" was?
Gebhards, the Garden, Keiths, Forest Park. In the winter they would close the hill from the drive to Myrtle for sleigh riding. Someone would stand at Myrtle and give the all clear. If you were lucky you could go on down 109th St. We also would go down by Jackson Pond out onto the frozen pond.
Miss Koch she was unmarried. She told me "I was wasting my time in RHHS, so I went to a vocational school in Brooklyn. In later years about maybe 1965 we met her in a gathering at the school and she was very nice to everyone.
I wonder if anyone is still around from 1942-1943 to get a reunion started? Last one was 2003.
Anyone remember Tex Foster with his sailboat in Jackson Pond? Sorry to hear Simonson Funeral Parlor is gone. Most of my family was buried from there.
Hope too make it back there a few more times. Hank
Added: December 12, 2007

As long as I'm visiting Richmond Hill, I have to make at least one comment about the closing of Jahn's Ice Cream Parlor and that is; (you know the tune) 'whoops, there goes another rubber tree plant'!
Being a long time resident of Kew Gardens (1938 to 1963),I think one of my most enjoyable experiences as a kid was taking in a good 'Abbott and Costello' flick at the RKO Keith's and then submerging myself next door (along with a few friends) in one of Jahn's fabulous 'Boiler Makers' or even a 'Kitchen Sink'!
Fortunately, I lost most of the weight I gained from those escapades, but the memories have lasted a lifetime!
Don't feel bad though; we lost Blum's in Beverly Hills early on and I'm not even sure that Rumplemeyer's still holds court on 59th Street!
Things keep changing, and I guess you have to go with the flow!
A. Linsky
Added: December 11, 2007

Just a curiosity;
During my college years (late fifties to early sixties) I drove summer relief at Green Bus Lines and was often assigned to the Q10 (Lefferts Blvd.) line with one of its southern terminations being 'Richmond Hill Circle' located just south of the Belt Parkway at 130th Street adjacent to the old town of Idlewild for which the airport was originally named.
My question for you historians is; what, if any, connection did this remote (and it was remote in those days) area have to do with the real Richmond Hill that was many miles away?
History does show that there was a golf course there at one time. Could this playground have been built by the apparently affluent residents of Richmond Hill that were so prevalent at the beginning of the twentieth century?
Just food for thought - would love to know the answer. A. Linsky
Added: December 11, 2007

I lived in RH from 1950 until 1965 when I went into Army.
Attended PS 121 - and St Teresa's. Good friends were Rich Stemmler, Greg Rogers and Pat Lopez. I think about all the great times and how I was fortunate enough to grow up in RH. I lived at 107-39 133st and almost wish I had never left.
Hope to hear from anybody from the old neighborhood !
Added: December 9, 2007

According to a recent article in the Queens Chronicle, Jahns has in fact recently closed. The fixtures and other contents have all been sold off.
Richmond Hill has lost another historical landmark.
Added: December 9, 2007

Anyone here old enough to remember either Ken Polsley, who managed Jahn's sometime in the late 40's to early 50's, or his wife Adelaide (Rusty) Mason?
She was a graduate of RHHS probably 1929 or so.
Added: December 8, 2007

Hello, I'm looking for my ancestor. I have following Information:
WILLIAM LUEHRS / Adress from 1924: 8420 - 118 St. / Richmond Hill. Also Williams brother and sister lived in Richmond Hill NY. Thats Arnold Luehrs and Anna (Anneliese) Luehrs who arrived 1926 in Richmond Hill. If you have any information, it would be great to hear from you.
Greetings Michael Lührs
Added: December 6, 2007

Went to Jahn's for my birthday and the 3 of us ate "THE KITCHEN SINK"(Ice cream for 8)
Added: December 6, 2007

I am looking for information and/or photos of Joan Newton Cuneo.
I believe she was a resident of Richmond Hill and was a very successful and prominent race car driver until 1909 when, after she defeated Ralph DePalma in a race, the racing authorities banned women drivers from further competition.
Added: December 5, 2007

I use to go to Jahns a lot as a child and young girl. Loved their ice cream and old fashioned atmosphere. My cousin Maria and I used to love going there.
That is sad news indeed...
Added: December 5, 2007

RE: Jahn's Ice Cream Parlor (correct name).
I remember going there in 1958 with Rich-Haven L.L. team the Hawks. We were 18-0. and won the first league championship. We were treated to The Kitchen-Sink, a giant bowl of ice cream that we all ate from and played the nickleolodion for 5 cents. What a great time.
The old R.K.O. Keith's was right next store, and Salerno's Italian restaurant was next to the Keith's.
Added: December 4, 2007

Jahns is still open.
Added: December 4, 2007

I lived at 86-30 108st, went to P.S.90 for 8th grade and to RHHS.
Went into the Army May of 1968 with pete feldman, kenny ross, frankie heitlinger, eugene mathews, alot of us from the rich/hill area. Alot of us went to viet-nam, my brother Paul went first in the navy back in 1967.
We had a group of us who called ourselves the NATIONS, there was so many of us i couldnt remember all the names.
Added: December 4, 2007

Wonderful website.
I am interested because my mother (Ruth Maunton) graduated from Richmond Hill High School in around 1933. She walked to school from her home on Loubet Street in Forest Hills. She lived to age 91 and one would suspect that few of her classmates survived as long as she.
She died on October 25, 2007. Thank you.
Added: December 3, 2007

It was reported in the Times Ledger that sadly Jahn's has closed.
Added: December 2, 2007

I use to live in Ozone Park until I was 6 years old but was born in Richmond Hill and use to be there a lot due to family.
I belive I lived on 111th street in a duplex and the Kramers (Ruth, Grace and their brother Lee) were our dear friends. Ruth and I are still in touch.
There use to be a small neighborhood grocery/deli type store right next door to us. We lived by JFK as I remember always hearing airplanes. I think I went to PS 100 (is there such a school) for kindergarten.
I had a lot of good memoires there and remember getting stitches at Jamaica Hospital - Is that still there?
Added: December 2, 2007

This is a message for Brian McNerney...
please note my new email address. Have not heard from you since your visit to China in October!
Added: December 2, 2007

Hi Gail i use to live on 127st and 97ave. its nice living up here aint it
Added: November 29, 2007

Well i live in Richmond hill right now.
the place is fabolous. i will not want to move and go anywhere else. i am now 19 years old. but i assume that when i get married and have my family i will have to move. but i love this place.
well i was reading and they said the Rite Aid was a theater but now it is become so populated with west indian people. it is a very busy place for grocery shopping and clothese shopping. we have dunkin donuts, Mc Donalds, Burger King, Pop Eyes, KFC, lots of Roti shops for west indian foods.
Itz a very nice area. and of course we still have smokey park, but thats where all the pot heads go and smoke. so it became very dangerous now in the night that is.
but i love this place!!!!!!!!
Added: November 27, 2007

I am trying to locate Doris Essert (maiden name).
She used to live on lll Street between 95th Avenue and Atlantic Avenue. She attended P.S. 63 and P.S.108. She moved to Highland Lake, New York (12743) around 1959. I would love to contact her.
If anyone has any information on her whereabouts or her married name I would really appreciate this information.
Added: November 26, 2007

great memories...
I lived on 103rd st. between Liberty and 103rd ave. My parents owned a candy store, and later a lunchonette on Liberty and 102nd st. (candy store was in the Post Office building and the lunchonette next to th Liberty Lounge.
Hung out on 104th st. and also on 105th st / 101st ave. circa 1961-1967
Added: November 25, 2007

Happy Belated Thanksgiving everyone.
As a child, I lived in Richmond Hill from the late 50's until the mid 60's. My street address was 94-04 124th Street. (Even remember my phone number: Hickory 1-4825.)
Anyone else out there from the old neighborhood? If so, I'd love to hear from you-drop me a line at karen_pere@yahoo.com
Cheers, Karen
Added: November 24, 2007

Our family operated Walter's Luncheonette and Ice Cream Parlour located on the triangle formed by Myrtle Avenue Jamaica Avenue and 118th Street in the late 1950's (next to the Triangle Hoffbrau).
We lived above the store on the Janmaic el side.
We have many happy memories of our many regular customers and friends we made. Competing with Jahns was a formidable task but we were usually busy after the movie and high school social events. problem. We were the choice of the kids that went to Congregation Church Sunday School.
I wonder how many people remember my mom, my dad Henry, my sister Irene, counter men John Burns and Bill Smart each of whom worked at one time or another at the store.
Added: November 22, 2007

Does anyone remember THE FLATS building, where I grew up @ 53-03 43 street in Maspeth.
This was from the years 1959-1962, when my parents left to move to the City. The Flats had four or five tenements connected to each other and opposite us was a few small homes and a neighborhood bar on the corner. You could walk a few blocks and be at the Calvary cemetery and Koskiosko bridge.
Looking for any friends or pics from that time and place.
Added: November 22, 2007

Hello all,
Happy Thanksgiving to everyone and it's right about time to bring up the phrase, "Anything for Thanksgiving" this was a Richmond Hill, only special and I have never heard of this, maybe jaded tradition any where else in the USA.
I can still see the confused look on our neighborhood people when we, as little beggermen rang each and every doorbell asking, that was part of the fun of this tradition not to mention all the fruits nuts and small change we collected.
The small change was spent for candy at Sid's Candy Store 104 st and Jamaica Ave. Bring back any memories? Take Care. Ken Ball
Added: November 21, 2007

Anyone who has lived on or near 105th street between 97th and 95th avenue; remember Angelo Tabacco?
He graduated Richmond Hill High, Class of 73, then joined the Marines. I'm trying to reconnect with him
Added: November 20, 2007

Went to PS 66, PS 90 and Graduated from RHHS 1964.
Love to hear from you
Added: November 18, 2007

To Eddie Wachtel:
My brother Tom and I remember you and Chuckie from hanging out with Mike & Maureen Hedler. We didn't hang out, but when we were with Mike we occassionally ran into you and your brother at his house.
Also, remember the Bezousek's. Janet, Johnny, Jimmy and Charlie, they lived a few doors from you. What ever happened to them?
Added: November 17, 2007

Tressa Laszlo:
The Heimerles lived next door to us at 104-41 90th Avenue. That was a long time ago.
Added: November 16, 2007

To Richie Newell:
This is Paul La Vecchia, my brother Tommy and I played ball with you at the Annex, the R.H.H.S. yard, and tackle football at Victory Field. Remember the Bomeisels (Kenny, and twins Bobby and Stevie? Jimmy Xinis? What great times.
I'm married (2nd time) No kids. Went to Nam in 1966-67. Brother Tom is married w/2 kids for 33 years and lives in W. Babylon L.I.
Nice to hear a familiar voice. Drop a line if you like.
Added: November 16, 2007

Anyone remember the Heimerle's?
Added: November 15, 2007

To Chuck Bardram:
Good to hear form you, thanks for the memories about NAPOLI'S PIZZERIA
Added: November 14, 2007

Annette Maggio -
The memories I recall upon reading through this site are bittersweet. When I came upon your comments, my eyes quickly became blurry with tears.
I also attended OLPH. I graduated in 1957, so I am a bit older than you are. I do, however, recall vividly my fear of Sister Denise and especially those visits to the classroom of Mother Benigna.
I lived on 123rd Street, off Liberty Avenue and often went to the Lefferts on Saturday afternoons. The Lefferts had 'dish night' back in those days, so I enjoyed seeing a movie every Monday evening, as Mom used to take me along paying the adult price for me and receiving an extra dish. :-) I saw some great films back then.
I definitely remember Millie with her jet black hair and cranberry velvet uniform. What memories! Thanks.
Added: November 13, 2007

Hello to the Wachtel's.
I was in the same graduating class as Susan. Your mom and mine (Edna Wagner)were good friends. We lived across the street from you on 109th St.
I have been living in Delaware since July 1972. I miss Richmond Hill but understand it has changed quite a bit.
Added: November 11, 2007

I happen to see a long time friend of mine Richie Kreppien and we got to talking about the old days growing up in Richmond Hill.
He told me about this site, so here I am. I would like to hear from anyone who remembers the days playing stick ball and slap ball at the Annex and the High School. The late night basketball games in the school yard or just sitting around talking. Who out there remembers the Nations. Those were the days.
Here is a little about what I have done. After getting out of the Marines in 1970 I got married to a girl from Hackensack NJ and Moved to Lodi, NJ were I lived for 35 years before retiring and moving to South Jersey. I have been married for 37 years and I have two children and 1 grandson and l on the way which we don't know yet.
Added: November 11, 2007

Hi "Eddie" Wachtel!
I was a friend of your sister Sue. And I recall that we used to babysit together for you and your wife Maria. Before you married, I was Maria's neighbor on 115th Street. If my memory serves well, you married and lived on 114th St. near Babbage St.
That is exciting news about your brother Chuck and his first novel, JOE THE ENGINEER, set in Richmond Hill. I'll look it up for sure.
Please say hello to Sue for me.
Added: November 10, 2007

F.Y.I. - My oldest brother Paul passed through Richmond Hill last week and noticed a Popeyes Chicken where Carlos Pizzeria (Lefferts Blvd.and Liberty Ave.) used to be.
Added: November 7, 2007

You need to add Bob Sheppard "the voice of the NY Yankees" to your list of noteworthy people.
Added: November 7, 2007

I just discovered this web site and I want to thank everyone for bringing back some great memories.
My name is Ed ("Eddie," back then) Wachtel, RHHS class of 65. Brother Chuck, RHHS '68 and sister Sue (now, Daurio) RHHS 71.
We grew up at 91-27 109th St, next to Michael and Maureen Hedler. I would love to hear from anyone who remembers me. I can put you in touch with my brother or sister if they were friends of yours.
Chuck is a novelist, and his first novel JOE THE ENGINEER is entirely set in Richmond Hill. It was published in the mid-1980's won some awards, and a movie is being made of it. The film will star Brad Renfro and they will shoot it in Richmond Hill next spring. If you have fond memories of RH, you might like to read the book.
To Paul La Vecchia: Paul I remember your name, but I can't picture you. Do you remember me?
Added: November 7, 2007

I am looking for Patricia LaConte who lived in Richmond Hill with Larry LaConte in 1990 to 1991.
The last I knew of her was that she lived in St. Petersburg, FL.
Added: November 6, 2007

To Frank Onolfi:
I was (and still am) a good friend of Greg O'Malley and Doug Palma.
I believe I met you on a few occasions. O'Malley would yell out 'Onolfi' at you. I remember the Napoli brothers very well, with Momma in the back making the sauce. They had great meatball hero's also.
Added: November 2, 2007

I lived at 107-40 131 St between 109 and 107 Ave.
PS 121, John Adams HS, ST T Basket Ball Team, Along with Jim Riche, Don Cassamassa, Bob Greytag, Bill Kozlowski, Rob Lanzone.
We could go on & on. They started a reunion meeting once a year in our town Lynbrook.
It's great to see some of the old and young guys again. You all remember Walter Manning, He flew in to see the guys. Kee p in Touch.
Added: November 1, 2007

To: Chuck Bardram
I have to agree 100% about Napoli's Pizza, it was my favorite, good pizza & calzone's, casual and comfortable. I actuallly became friends with the owners and use to hang out there and have a slice every day. Tommy's was more commercial, 2nd best
Added: October 31, 2007

'Capeman' was a man named Arnie Rabinowitz, who lived in the park and slept next to the the old 'lake' across the boulevard where we used to go and catch tadpoles.
He was a WWI veteran that served in the volenteer Jewish brigate that secretly worked along side the French troops. His family lived in the 'projects' across the street from the park, but they let him out every night because of his constant snoring.
Neighbors would leave a trail of food leading into the main portion of the park, hoping he would head in the direction of Jackson Pond and get lost over there, but Arnie always found his way back home to pick through the garbages of his bretheren.
Arnie died of a heart attack while picking up his new bowling ball at the sports store at Crossbay and Liberty, at the age of 107.
And if you believe this, I got a bridge...
Added: October 31, 2007

Hi, Anyone remember me from St Benedict Joseph.
Graduated 1958 Or Richmond Hill High, Graduated 1962.
Added: October 30, 2007

"Cape Man"?
I think any generation growing up in Richmond Hill, and/or hanging out in Forest Park has heard of him, spoken of him and the whole idea scared the wits out of all of us! Now that we're all grown up, was he real? I don't know if there really is any factual proof after all?! Everyone I know does have a horror story of an encounter with him though. I do remember hanging out in the park at night with groups of friends, as most have and one particular incident stands out. As a girlfriend and I were walking leisurely back to the road, getting seperated from the rest, we first passed a man innocently sitting on a fallen tree playing the flute. It sounds nice, but when you're in the middle of a forest alone, it's eerie!
We then started walking faster, as the music seemed to be all around us. The faster we walked, we suddenly heard the crunching footsteps behind us in the fallen leaves getting closer. When we glanced back and started running, there was a shadowy figure running behind us. Thankfully, we were almost to the road and could see people as well as cars. We were screaming and yelling so much that whoever it was had vanished when we turned around upon reaching safety. Was it "Cape Man?" Who knows, but this happened in the 70's and I've known of people talking about him way before this, along with the kids later to come. Whether real or just an old "folk-lore" story in Richmond Hill, it has been passed down from generation to generation scaring us all!
P.S.- I know it's not in Richmond Hill, but how many people out there ever went to Houdini's Grave around this time of year? My friends and I did which was pretty spooky as well.
Added: October 29, 2007

Happy Halloween!
Who remembers "Cape Man" of Forest Park?
Added: October 29, 2007

Napoli's WAS the pizza in town. Tommy's was second.
I met a little red haired girl named Regina... She went to Dominican...
Added: October 27, 2007

Hi! I used to live on liberty ave and 121St.
I was called Whitey back in the 50's, and I'm looking for anyone that remembers Tom's candy store on I think 128th and liberty.
please email me.
Added: October 26, 2007

To ifredmcred @aol.com -
Just went back to the website and saw your comment about remembering my parent's store. Yes - I remember the store next to Levinson's Deli. It was a grocery store - I think the owner's name was Mr. Marcus. I used to buy a hard roll and a fresh pickle from him.
What wonderful memories.
Added: October 26, 2007

Our exodus from Richmond Hill appears to lack a discernible pattern.
The scattering of locations from which we send our e-mails to this guest page suggests we were individually and collectively attacked by an outside force. That is, most of us have taken flight, not only from Richmond Hill, but from NYC as well. However, as the reflections on this guest page testify, we have not taken flight from our cherished memories of growing up in Richmond Hill, and have remained the custodians of the luminous impressions stored within us.
I lived at 97-13 129th Street between 1951 and 1970. Every thought of that time in Richmond Hill is bathed in warm sunlight, for it was to me a warm and friendly place to be and become, an idyllic setting in which to have roots and to sprout wings. I recall with great fondness playing baseball, stickball, and basketball at Smokey Park; playing fast pitch and slow pitch softball in the P.S. 55 schoolyard, especially on summer mornings when the aroma of Kaiser rolls from Bellman's bakery wafted through the air. I had the privilege of playing baseball for the Richmond Hill Saxons in the Queens Southside League, the Richmond Hill H.S. Lions, and for a team in the Queens Alliance. But it was a much greater privilege to grow up with those friends who lived nearby, namely Johnny Aiello, Al Blake, Jimmy Capone, Sal DeViva, John Gaffney, Norman Marston, Barry Mastellone, Danny Soccorso, Gerard Straub, and my cousins, Charlie and Dorothy Gill. Within my reveries you are all inherently the way you were and are - each one a delightfully good soul.
Upon graduation from R.H.H.S. in 1961 I joined the army. After completing my B.A. in sociology at Hunter College, and working for a time in corporate management in the financial sector, I got married and moved to Houston, TX where I earned an M.A. in sociology and a doctorate in educational psychology from the University of Houston. I then taught graduate psychology courses, worked as a staff development consultant to business and education, and authored a self-help book.
My wife and I have lived in Pebble Beach and Carmel, CA the last twenty years. Here I have had ample time to pursue my lifelong interest in the practice and teaching of Ch'an (Zen) Buddhism.
Added: October 26, 2007

To: Peggy (ANDERSON) Bonagura
I lived at 101-57 116th St from 1966 to 1978.
I met Donnie through John DiStasio, and we formed our first 'band', along with Keith Fiore. I played guitar, the Don on drums, Keith on bass, and John as singer... We were pretty pathetic! We did play an afternoon dance at St Benny's, and Keith didn't show.
Over the the next few years, we hung out a lot, going to dances at St Benny's to see the bands (BattleAxe, Cherry Cannabis, etc), playing music w/ Greg O'Malley, etc. We lost touch in the late 70's, though we saw each other occaionally. We had some good times when we did hang out. I had always hoped to see him again. He was a unique individual and I have nothing but good memories about him. I hope his life went well after we lost touch.
Added: October 25, 2007

To Mary Rudolph:
I was your Long Island Press paper boy. You owe me 50 cents.
Added: October 24, 2007

very interested, i have family (nancy cataldi) thats works here...
Added: October 23, 2007

peggy bonagura, we lived in r.h. in the 40's and 50's at 106-08 97 ave.
when my sister was born her godmother was gloria bonagura, she was in the marine corp. just wondering if there was a connection.
Added: October 22, 2007

To Mary Perry Rudolph:
Billy Glass worked in the deli when my parents owned it. He bought it from them in 1950. We lived above the deli until 1953. He was a great guy, I was an only child and he was my "big brother".
I remember my mother mentioning the Rudolphs when she talked about the old neighborhood. I remember the Ochs, the Tedermanns, the Bensons, the Montabanos and the Sullivans among others. I was eight when we moved to New Hyde Park.
Added: October 20, 2007

Does anyone remember the Checker Diner across from the theater and Jahn's?
I believe they tore it down years ago. My father and a partner ran it in the 40's and 50's.
Added: October 18, 2007

To Diane Cotrone...
I went to John Adams HS and graduated in 1961...left RH in 1984 for Island Park, Nassau County. Relocated to Iselin NJ in 2004.
Many happy memories of RH, I lived at 107-37-109th Street until marrying in 1968.
Added: October 17, 2007

Was curious if you had any relatives in Minnesota, Wisconsin or Nebraska.
Mark Jahns
Added: October 17, 2007

What a trip down memory lane.
I lived on 95th Ave. btwn 111th & 112 St. Anybody who went to St. Bennys must know one of the Rudolphs. I graduated in 66 and then went to RHHS. My brothers were Mike and Jim and my sister was Anne.
Does anybody remember Bill Glass's Deli?
Added: October 17, 2007

Very sad to hear about Don Andersons passing.
About five years ago, after not seeing Donny in about ten, I went to an ELP concert at Jones Beach. Out of 4000 seats who was sitting right next to me but the "Don". We had a great time talking music and memories. Who could forget the drum battles between him and Artie Gutman in the Black Hole of the O'Malley basement?
I check in about once a month on this site and am always glad to hear other peoples recollections of the Hill from the 70's and 80's. Have been able to contact some old buddies like Bucko Bargo, Andy Golba and the reclusive Greg O'Malley. Good to see a posting from Frank Onolfi.
Anyone hear from the other component of Frankenstein, Frank Zuccaro? I saw him last when I was working at Adams High School in the mid 80's. Also has there been any sightings of the creator of the Kenniston Hypnotic Hair Maze? Best wishes to all!
Added: October 17, 2007

I grew up on 101st Street, a block away from P.S. 66.
We knew everyone on 85th Rd - the Ehrlichs, the Lamprects, the Planskers.... Everyone looked out for everyone else, and, of course, if you did anything wrong while you were outside playing, you could count on someone tapping on their window and wagging a disapproving finger at you. Parenting by the community!
I remember Mrs. Feingold, the principal at P.S. 66. I particularly remember her shoes - those black, chunky, shoes with one toe poking out. She was *scary*! Other teachers there at the time: Mrs. Amman, Mrs. Schroge, Mrs. Weeks (who had a really nasty temper), Mrs. Schwab, Mrs. Knopf, Miss Imperanti, (who would make kids stand up while she yelled at them and tried to make them cry), Mrs. Sheridan (who was nice to a lot of kids, but, uh, not to me), Mrs. Harris (who also had a pretty rough temper), Mrs. Richards, Miss Weinstein, and yes, Mrs. Rimmer and the Chicken Fat song. "Give that chicken fat back to the chicken, and don't be chicken again, no, don't be chicken again." Remember the June Fete and the maypole dance? What about that "ack-ja" dance that we all had to do in fourth grade. (Remember - you bow toward your partner and then you bow away from your partner??) Remember films being shown at assembly in the auditorium? We had to wear white shirts (or blouses) and pants (or skirts) on assembly day. I can still hear the sound that the cord from the flag made as it banged against the flagpole on a windy day. Remember the deli that was across the street from the boys schoolyard?
I went to P.S. 90 for 6th grade and had Mr. Zimmler there. I was *so* afraid of him because he yelled so much, but he was the best teacher I ever had.
Then I went to J.H.S. 210. Scary times. Pretty unsafe school, especially for the first year I was there. They closed it for a couple of days because a riot broke out, then they fired the principal. My family ended up moving in part because of how dangerous the schools were getting at that time.
I remember going to Rockaway Beach in the middle of the summer, sitting out on the stoop and talking with friends, going past Schwede's at Easter time (remember the huge chocolate rabbits they used to have in the window)? I remember Halloween and being told, "Don't go to that man's house - he makes you sing before he gives you anything!" I remember Mister Softee and Joe the ice cream man. I remember going down to Jamaica Ave to the pizza place where you could get a slice and a cup of Teem for 25 cents. I remember Wessling's and going down there to buy Penzy Pinky balls.
I remember the sound of the El train and the hum that you heard when you walked past the Endo pipe factory. I remember going sledding in the park and coming home just when it was getting dark. (Remember how your mittens would get all encrusted with snow and ice?) I remember Miller Bros. butcher shop and how the guys there always teased me when I was little. "Will you marry me???" They'd laugh because I got all shy when they said that. I remember Roberts and Lewis of Woodhaven, and Woolworth's, and John's Bargain Store and Rubie's (back when Rubie's was in Woodhaven. I remember the A&P on Jamaica Ave. I remember going on the bus out to Jamaica with my mom to go shopping at Mays and Gertz dept. stores. Remember the "winter wonderland" display they'd have at Gertz?
Man, it has been a *long* time, but what wonderful memories!
Added: October 17, 2007

I was raised in Richmond Hill.
We lived on 111th and Jamaica Ave. I remember good times but alot of not so nice memories. My mother was Arline Boyce who had mental illness. It was so hard to know that most people in the neighborhood new us because of her.
I do miss Alfies pizza, taking the bus to Jamaica and shopping with my grandmother, and Forest Park.
Added: October 16, 2007

My parents owned a 2 Family house on 102nd St. Richmond Hill around 1947 through 1949, and I was 5-6 yrs. old at the time.
I remember Jahn's Ice Cream Parlor was a very special/fanciest place to go for an occasional - most delicious ice cream soda.
A real treat!!
Added: October 15, 2007

Can you please tell me where all the people that lived and grew up in RH and went to John Adams High School are?
We were about 1/2 the population of J.A.H.S.
Added: October 15, 2007

Great Memories!
Lived at 111-29 122nd St. 1951-1968. Attended P.S. 100 & 126. John Adams H.S. Played on the South Ozone Park "Dukes" baseball team in the Queens Southside League.
Ohhh! what memories...
Added: October 13, 2007

To: Greg O'Malley
I'm glad you read my entry and it's good to hear from you. Hopefully we can get more of the guys from 115th street to jump in. One couldn't have more fun in an attic than we did in yours.
Thanks for the memories, talk to you soon.
Added: October 12, 2007

Came accross this web site surfing, found it brought back a lot of memories from my Youth.
I was born in Jamaica Hospital in 1945, attended PS121 from 49-58, Richmond Hill HS 58-61.
I worked at Norma Deane Sportswear on Lefferts Blvd. Lived on Liberty Ave only a few door down from Piccano's Grocery and accorss the street from STAR Lumber.
Would like to try to find a childhood Friend named Ritchie Weis, we both both went into the Military in 1962, he in the Army and me Navy. I also have some pictures of Liberty Ave circa 1952.
Added: October 11, 2007

To Julia Wissel and John Treubig
The diner at 112th and Atlantic had the real original name of "The Atlantic Diner". Grew up at 93rd Ave and 112th. Used to hang out in the huge (to us at that time ) cherry tree that grew in the middle of the lot that the diner is in now.
I do not remember when they built the diner. I went into the Navy in March 1952 and I think the tree was still there. My mom lived in that house until 2002. She was 102 when she died.
Graduated from PS 90 June 1948. Anydody out there from that class (other than you Shirley). Would love to here from you. I would love to identify the people in the class picture.
Ed Scullin fourth row second in from the right.
Added: October 7, 2007

Thank you to all who e-mail me with their condolences and well wishes on the passing of my brother Donnie.
I didn't really know how many people remembered him, thanks for sharing your memories with me.
I miss him very much.
Added: October 6, 2007

I was born in Woodhaven, then shortly moved to the "Garden Apartments" on 112 St. between Jamaica and 86 Ave...
It was a nice complex then, like a private park with benches and a small playground for the kids. For a few years we relocated to Kew Gardens, but moved back so I was in the district to go to Holy Child Jesus.
I'll never forget my Mother saying that it was time to buy a house, as it was cheaper to pay the mortgage than $125 rent in 1963. Imagine? When we first moved, other family members who lived in Long Island, were very impressed. Richmond Hill? Wow!
I remember spending a lot of time at the 109 St. playground, not before picking up candy at Ed's on Myrtle Ave.. We always had the R.K.O. movie theater to go to on Hillside Ave. on the weekends. I do remember seeing The Dave Clark 5 there, as well as Lucille Ball and Bob Hope one night. No one knew what was going on inside, but we saw them come out! I used to go to Woolworth's to buy the latest 45's and Kays Variety for the newest games. We had Gebhard's cake every day, since it was on my Dad's agenda to go every morning. I always had the best shoes since we had Miles on our corner, as well as Tolley's and Paramount. There was always Lipshultz if you needed a card or gift, as well as Springer's, Thoet's and Doctrow's for the ladies. Dunstatter's was the biggest men's shop. The greatest option we had shopping in these stores was they'd always ask, "Do you want that gift wrapped?", free with a bow included! When was the last time you heard that? We had 3 real butcher shops within a few blocks and 2 real deli's with home-made dishes. As for supermarkets, we had our choice of the A & P, Associated and Food Fair, all at our convenience.
I'm sure that I'm forgetting many others, candy stores {what ever happened to them?}, diners and other shops, but the best thing about all of them, was the great personal service that was given. Every store owner treated everyone with care and respect. It was just their nature. Even just walking down Jamaica Ave., they would wave out their windows, always with a friendly "hello." Actually back then, you could walk anywhere and everyone said "good morning" whether you knew them personally or not. If anything, we all knew each other by sight. It was a quiet, cozy town where everyone felt safe in their surroundings, knowing one another or knowing of them. It was the best, not appreciating it until I was older, and as I'm reminiscing now.
I graduated Holy Child Jesus in the Class of 1969 and then attended Richmond Hill High School. The best thing going on then were school dances on the weekends. I remember most of the Church's had them often and the auditoriums would be filled with us teens dancing to a good rock band, who were also young themselves. Many were very talented. Specifically, there was a band called "Rampage" and if we saw their flier on a pole, we went no matter where they were playing. They had a big following. Those dances were the best! It makes me want to go back in time.
All in all, we had it made back then. Yes, it was another "era", but it was a more innocent time, which I wish we could bring back. I always say, "We didn't know how good we had it then", thinking things would always be the same.
So here I am now, still in the same house. I've had some great times in Richmond Hill and I know people move on, but where did everybody go? Though I'm in touch with some friends, I miss those friendly, smiling faces that I'd pass in the street every day, which gave me a sense of security. I miss the familiarity of the way it used to be and the peaceful atmosphere.
The trees used to meet like an umbrella across every street. I miss the sprawling gardens, which so many took pride in. Most of all I miss the respect we had for each other and the caring,concern we had for all. As for Jamaica Avenue, the only surviving stores from "the day" are Wise Drugs, Brite Hardware and Cameo Pet Shop, all with the original people. That is a big positive and we are grateful to have them and their services still here. I still love Richmond Hill, after calling this home for almost 44 years. I just long for the "good old days" as most of us do.
I think this site is a wonderful idea and educational, by the same token. There's so much to learn about this little town, as well as to appreciate the beauty of it's architecture, and the history behind it. Richmond Hill certainly deserves recognition and it's place on the map. It was a very close community. As I said before, I rarely see a familiar face anymore and that makes me sad. I miss that most living here.
Is there anyone out there? Marilyn Mayer {-Gaffney} 114th St.
Added: October 5, 2007

Hey, Rich Hill, (from "not here"),
find your own guest book name, then disappear... people grow up, find employment, have families, and sometimes can't stick around forever... doesn't mean that the place they left wasn't a great place to grow up... hope you find yourself.
Added: October 5, 2007

Peggy (ANDERSON) Bonagura:
Terribly sorry to read about your brother Donnie passing away. :( We were good buddies and hung out A LOT! He was a real comedian and we used to have a blast together. Plus, he was a Ladies Man and he fixed me up with some of his "rejects". Donnie was just an all-around Great Guy!
Please accept my condolences and pass them along to your Mom and Dad, whom I hope are both well.
Frank Onolfi:
Man, Frank, your message brought back a ton of memories! Making our own comic books in my attic. Z.O.O.N. Publications! (Zuccaro, Onolfi, O'Malley and Napolitano.) Wrestling matches in that same attic! What a unholy racket we made! Sending Al Napolitano home with dirt on his face! TO THIS DAY I tell people the story of that time in the Elizabeth Blackwell Junior High gym when I got hit in the head TWICE with a runaway basketball. The punchline is that when we started hanging out a couple of years later, you told me that you did it both times - the first time by accident and the second time to "see if you could do it again." HAHAHA! Good Times!
My email in prior messages is defunct but this one is current. Drop me a line if you so desire!
Added: October 5, 2007

On Sat October 6th from 11-3pm Molloy is having a 50th Anniversary Family Day.
Would love to see some fellow classmates from the Class of 74 there. Check out the Molloy website for info www.molloyhs.org.
Added: October 4, 2007

when my mother and stepfather had the C&F Bar&Grill on 11th at Liberty (59-63), a couple by the name of Bob and Loretta (had a son Ricky, my age) came in often. we even went to the beach at Far Rockaway with them. anyways, Loretta taught my mother (Kitty Esposito) how to make soup. Mom showed that to me, and many a pot have I made. I was thinking of Bob and Loretta and wondered what became of them.
Added: October 3, 2007

This site is awesome.
I was glad to read about everyone's memories. I have so many of my own. Like Tommy's pizzeria on 117th. on Liberty ave. THE OWNER never smiled!! Kavon's store on 114th. That store had everything you could possibly think of or needed, and some stuff had dust on it, Mr.Kavon was so nice, Mrs. KAVON WAS MEAN!!
I KNOW EACH ONE OF THE ODERMATTS, COOPER FAMILY.ETC... GREAT FUN... DON'T FORGET THE MILK FARM!!
To anyone out there who knew my brother Donnie, he has since passed away last May...
KEEP THE MEMORIES GOING..
Added: October 1, 2007

Massapequa Park; Pheonix, AZ; Hazlet, NJ; Delray Beach, FL; Elkridge, MD; Albany, NY; Massachussetts; Montauk; Greenville, SC; Westminster, CO
10 of the last 14 posts.
If RH is such a great place, why did we all move away?
Added: September 30, 2007

Rich-Haven Little league?
I remember the parades down Jamaica Ave in the damp drizzle. I played all three divisions: Minors (The Jays), Majors (The Cubs); Youth League (The Twins). My brother Roy too. My father managed. My friend Bob Rodman pitched. I lead the Youth League in homers my last year. We played at Twin Fields on Conduit. Some games at Franklin K Lane.
A few years later I managed (The Indians, aptly named) and my girlfriend Maryanne Lopez coached. We played at the new fields in Forest Park not far from where the Carousel was before it burned down.
The umpire and league official Dick Schultz had son who was a great pitcher for the Tigers and who later pitched for RHHS. Some had him pegged for the majors. Did he ever make it?
Added: September 30, 2007

Robert Garguillo!!! You wrote this:
What a great site! I was in you class in OLPH for 8 years and lived 117th 107/109. Please email me, love to say Hi.
I live in California. It brought back a flood of memories. I grew up on 117th St. between Liberty and 107th Avenues from 1952-1962 when we moved far away to 116th St. from 1962-1971 between Liberty and 107th. I went to PS 100 (Mrs. Jhost for kindergarten) and then on to OLPH where I could be tortured by the likes of Mother Benigna and Sister Denise. I was practically excommunicated when I refused to go to Christ the King in favor of Brooklyn Tech (remember taking the A train to Lafayette).
In those days, 117th was a great place to grow up. The street was lined with Norway maples and was always shady in the summer. Friends on the block in no particular order were Henry and Lynn Medefindt, Peter and Frances Fyfe, Selena Lyons, Charlene, Sandi (see her entry above) and Barbara Schick, the Farrugias at the corner where we hung out (Alex, Joe, Carmen and Rose?), Carma Annese, Teddy Donnelly, George Browne from 107th Ave. We used to play stoop ball, slap ball, stick ball, punch ball, ring-a-levio, "I Declare War", flip cards against stoops or the side of the A&P on Liberty and 117th. We used to go to the Lefferts every Saturday where for 45 cents you could see two monster movies, 25 cartoons and get a free bag of popcorn although most of us bought a huge bag of popcorn at Kresges for 10 cents first. The then following week, we'd go to the Casino at 114th and Liberty to see the same movies for 25 cents.
On the avenue, I remember Levenson's deli with the best knishes for a quarter, Scatturro's market, Hugo's ice cream parlor next to the fish store mentioned elsewhere on this site. Al Diamond's which was the local record store, the library at 111th St. And every Thanksgiving night after dinner, we'd all go down to Liberty Ave. and walk the length of it because it was the first night they turned on the Christmas lights. What a great place to grow up.
I went back to 117th Street recently and all the trees have died. I also had a little trouble finding the house I lived in because the open front porch had been enclosed but at least the address (104-31 117th) was on the door. And the old Pritchard house (our local haunted house) was across the street.
If any of the old gang are out there, give a holler. I'm in the book. Added: February 17, 2007
Added: September 30, 2007

I went to OLPH, AKA as Our Lady of Plenty of Homework. 1955-1963 (we all feared the Spanking Machine and Sr. Denise.)
Randy was the Ice Cream Man... he had the bag of charms, pink you got a popscicle one free and blue you got Ice Cream Free, I remember getting an eggcream on Lefferts and Liberty in the corner candy store, they had a sidewalk- walk up window.
Millie was the usher at the Lefferts, where every Sat we paid a quarter and laugh and play and have a ball... and someone always opened the side doors so kids could sneak in...
Summer nights out till 2 am playing "War" our 117th Street 107/109 ave version of tag... game went on for days... Mr Jefferies who lived on 116th street used to hide behind trees and spy on us kids.... spooky... Going to the German Deli and buying a 25 cent cup of homemade tapioca, and a 5 cent devil dog... with the money I got from the A&P for the soda bottles we collected from behind garages on the block.
Yelling DID YOU WIN? to the SUCKA'S from Aqueduct as they rode down the block. I sure had a great time growing up in Richmond Hill. And thanks to those nuns in OLPH, I got a good education... I also got put over the desk a few times, and spent a good amount of time in the back of the room and in the hall....I had a ball.
Anyone out there from OLPH or 117th... I was a chubby little girl with curly brown hair, always laughing... I have thinned out... still love to laugh.
Live in California now, but return to NYC to "run the streets" for a week every year.
Added: September 30, 2007

114 & Jerome Avenue (1948 - 1966)
120 & Jerome Avenue (1966 - 1967)
Lefferts & Jerome (1968 - 1969)
123 & Liberty Avenue (1972 - 1978)
108 & 86 (1978 - 1995)
One of six - Bob, Dan, Loretta, Virginia, Vincent & Theresa
Kavon's / John's / Imperial Bar / D & G bagels
Added: September 29, 2007

Another memory update on the old neighborhood.
I remember handging out in Al Stereos. He use to draw quite a crowd. I am sure he made a fortune. S everal years ago I stopped in with some of the old gang for a beer and I spoke to the bartender. At that time he mentioned that Al still worked on Sundays at the bar. I heard that he sold the place and it has since closed down.
Saw Thunderball at the Lefferts and thought it was a big deal that we were a ble to get into a night movie. You had to be 16 or 18.
Remember the Karps Hot Fudge Sundays they were the best. Someone told me that Karps opened up an Ice Cream Parlor in Connecticut which is still open and is run by his family.
How about Grovin at the Grove (Maple Grove Cemetary). Going up to the newstand on Jamaica and Lefferts to pick up the night addition of the daily news.
I will visit again and share some more memories.
Added: September 29, 2007

"Can't remember the restaurant on the corner of 112th and Atlantic Avenue but the son went to Christ the King and his name was Richie"
Could it have been Westfal's on 111th & Atlantic, (Richie Westfal)???
Added: September 28, 2007

I hope this gets in.
I moved to RH in 1950, at two years of age. Born in Jamaica in Jamaica Hosp. My Mother, Doris Herman, was the crossing guard for P.S. 51 for many years, first on Hillside Ave, & Myrtle, and then on Jamaica Avenue and corner of the PS 51 school block. She has been dead since 1993, but loved kids till the end. She was hired with the first group of crossing guards ever in New York City.
I attended PS 51 until fifth grade, there was no sixth grade in little ps 51 (no cafeteria, auditorium or gym either.) Then we all were transferred to Huge PS 90. We then attended sixth grade through seventh and eighth. No junior high.
I have many memories, and hope to write again. My best friend in sixth grade was Eileen Langenfeld, and her little sister, Maureen. I wish I knew what became of them; did eileen enter a convent?
Please let me know if anyone knows. love, al
Added: September 27, 2007

Does anyone out there remember The Rich-Haven little league?
My brother and I played from 1957 (their 1st Year) until roughly 1962-1963. It's now called WORKS (WOODHAVEN-OZONE PARK-R.H.-KEW GARDENS-SO.O.Z.)
It was beautiful times playing in Smokey Park. The smell of the Locomotives across the street in the L.I.R.R. yards on Atlantic Ave. and 124th st. Has anyone out their played in this league? We also played in highland park in Brooklyn on Jamaica ave.
Added: September 27, 2007

It was great to read Greg O'Malley's comments about life on 115th street.
My nephew Emilio Onolfi (RHHS Class of 82) mentioned the posting to me. I live on 115th next to then Richmond Hill Savings Bank, just north of Liberty avenue. Walking the avenue just isn't nearly as much fun as it used to be.
I spent alot of time hanging out on 115th between 101st and 95th avenue with Greg O'Malley, PAt Buffalino and Al Napolitano, Barbara Burke.
I also remember the Copper family, a rather large brood and everyone had the same initials DC. I know that Pat and his younger brother Rocco are Set Dressers in Hollywood. I come across their credits in movies. Unfortunately, I've not been able to contact them.
We had several layers of contacts with a lot of the guys from school and the neighborhood. Georgie P and I got most of them jobs as waiters at Le Corodn Bleu and we had a football team the RH Cobras. Greg was neither on the team nor did he work with us but we had lots of fun nevertheless.
Added: September 27, 2007

searching for relatives of my birth father Frank Louis Heimerle who lived at 219 St Queens Village, NY 1950
Added: September 26, 2007

There are so many memories tied in one place i just don't belive it.
Added: September 26, 2007

So many memories tied up in the old neighborhood...
no matter how many years go by, they're still vibrant and clear as a new spring day... hey, joanne, I was in your class in HCJ... remember Sr. Regina?... tough, but a good teacher-I still remember EVERYTHING from English class!... too bad we spent so much time being obnoxious kids and not enough time getting to know one another better... part of growing up, I guess...
still pass through R.H. from time to time, and the place has changed, but if you look real closely, you can still find some familiar remnants of the past lurking around... by the way, Joe had his ice cream truck up for sale about 20 years ago, and I considered buying it, just for the fun of ringing those bells, but unfortunately had no place to store it!...
sometimes memories alone will have to do... all my best
Added: September 25, 2007

We are planning a 50th Reunion celebration for 1958 graduates of St. Benedict Joseph Labre School for next year [2008].
Please contact me if you are a class member or would be able to assist us in locating class members of both the June 1958 and accelerated 1958 class. MANY thanks!
Added: September 24, 2007

HI
does annyone remember or have any information on the family of Morris and Fannie Stein? last known address 101-49 117th St Richmond Hill Long Island, NY.
This was my dads family who i never got to know. My father was Robert Stein who has passed away. My dad was born in 1911.
hope there is help.
Added: September 22, 2007

What great memories.
1957 Holy Child Jesus Grad. 1961 Our Lady of Wisdom H.S. Grad.
Wondering about Anita Wederholt, John and George Kennedy, (twins), Chris Hauck, Robert Smith, Brenda Wolfert, John and Fred Piderit, Ethel Mary Fusaro, Barbara Kucija, Laura Gilepsie. Did our class ever have a reunion?
Lived on 108th street just south of Jamaica Ave. Mary Jo GaNun Fioresi
Added: September 21, 2007

Another visit to this wonderful site -
I love reading about "our" Richmond Hill of the late 1950's and thru the 1960's. Some more names from memory lane - Davidoff's Jewelry Store on Jamaica Ave.& 110th Street - he had a son-in-law named George Miller who had a son named Douglas Miller - are you out there?
Also remember the guy named Lenny who always walked on "the Ave." (Jamaica) in a sailor suit? Anyone remember Sima Reynolds? What about Gordon Scharpf? Also Mary Hauck?
WHERE IS EVERYONE?????
Added: September 20, 2007

Hi - grew up on 102nd St and 87th Ave -
went to HCJ (class of 69) and then St. Michaels. Reading all these entries brings back great memories - Joe the Ice Cream Man, Jewish Center, Hand ball, Jahn's - Joie's Meat Market - etc... etc...
Anyone from HCJ or St. Mikes?
Added: September 19, 2007

I was born in 1958 in a house located at 101-30 111th Street.
We moved from Richmond Hill in 1967 to Miami, FL and that was surely a culture shock - all of us kids were homesick for RH and probably still are somewhat, to this day!
It's been 40 years and I still remember Chester's, Stanley's Grocery Store, the Sinclair Station on the corner of 111th & Jerome Ave.
My father had a bar at 117th and Jerome Avenue called "The Imperial". I went to PS 62. The friends on the block that I remember, Jeannie D'Agostino (little legs), Curtis Trutler, Philly Palazolo and Jimmy Daly. My last name back then was Landsperg. Our neighbors: Mr & Mrs Hamm, Evelyn Campbell, she was my Godmother, she lived next door. Margie Hagmann lived on the other side of us.
We went to the World's Fair in 1963 and got these little Chinese Lanterns that ran off of 6 volt batteries and during the BIG BLACKOUT - we used those lanterns to walk people up and down the block during the black out.
Wierd things that stick in your head... I remember having to clean the erasers at PS62 and I remember they gave the hearing tests in that same closet! Forest Park, we have some great family reunion photos from the late 50's taken there. The fire that claimed the Carosel. Did they rebuild it? I've only been back once since we left and that was in the 70's.
I still miss Richmond Hill and that house on 111th.
Added: September 18, 2007

this is in reference to john saladinos message about simonson's.
our museum was on the second floor. the simonson funeral home people sold the building early last year for over 2 million dollars. they have moved to smaller quarters in forest hills. all our hearts were broken.
a developer that has already mauled our neighborhood with overdevelopment was the buyer. since it is right next door to the landmarked vacant republican club, we were able to make the demolition of simonsons go slow... no bulldozers... simonsons was taken down brick by brick, and took months to come down. what will go there? nothing that will be attractive, nothing that will ever be able to replace the pride of such a beautiful structure.
unfortuntely, the landmarks preservation commission denied our continual requests for protection. money talks, as the property values in richmond hill goes crazy.
it is sad that all our icons are being destroyed by outsiders who profit and don't give a damn about our community.
Added: September 17, 2007

I continue to enjoy reading the postings here.
Remember cutting through the Banana Factory and Long Island railroad to get to Jamaica and Lefferts News Stand. How about Steak and Brew in Forest Hills. All the wine and beer you can drink with your steak dinner. I think we had 22 pitures of beer in one sitting and were regular customers. We pretty much put them out of business.
A lot of the postings mention many stores but none mentioned Reprechts. That lady was a tool. She would never take return bottles back if she felt you did not purchase them from her. How did she know. I lived right up the block from Ruprechts on the corner of 124 and 95 avenue. I lived at 124-09 95th Ave.
I remember two early girl friends from those days. Joanne Oliveri who lived on 125th St and Janette Dietz who lived on 125th and 101 Ave. Does anyone know what happened to them? I remember Robert DiBiasi whose father owned Star carting. We went to RHHS together and he would pick me up during our senior year in his old restored suped up car "The Judge". Has anybody heard from him and is Star carting still in business.
I will post some more memories at a later time.
Added: September 17, 2007

Hi To All:
Who would have thought a kid from Richmond Hill would wind up in NH... but not for long...
Lived all over the world but must say there was nothing like Richmond Hill to grow up in. I went to Sacred Heart In Glendale, but hung out with all the kids from Richmond Hill.
The Werners, Pratt, McGee's, Bucky Gillespie, Bobby Winters, John Cerillo, the Kosher Twins, the Dougherties, (played basketball for HCJ, Tommy Washington, OMG so many people, Patty Malaney, Malaney's Funeral Parlor, Mary Kelly, Irene Nowake, Pat Erhardt, Perez ? his first name at the moment, Richie Newell, the Galahues (spelt wrong), so many memories.
Larry's Lane lol, Steve's Pizza, Cordes Ice Cream Parlor, The Triangle Diner instead of going to Mass at HCJ, Park Lane South, Forest Park, The Golf Course especially in the winter time we called it the Soup Bowl and bobsledded down the hills.
Can't remember the restaurant on the corner of 112th and Atlantic Avenue but the son went to Christ the King and his name was Richie, Jahn's Ice Cream Parlor and free Ice Cream on your Birthday, Keith's,worked at A & P, the Hummels twins, Tommy and Timmy, Dougie Lane, Bobby Winters, OMG so many people just can't name them all. It was the best place to grow up, skulzy in th street, stick ball, sliding down the back entrance to Richmond Hill H.S., remembering watching the dances in the spring on the roof top, I went to St. Michael's H.S. in Brooklyn... fun time. My brothers, Tommy, Richie, Marty and my sister Mary... the Delaney's, playing hide and seek or ring a levio and hiding in the Christian Science Church on 112th street and waiting for the guards to catch us. Yeta and Izzie's candy store on 91th Avenue and she would pick her teeth and give you candy YUK. My brothers Tommy and Marty let loose about 500 frogs in the store. lol, lol too funny they called the cops on them. Bobby Morehead, Bobby Shumann, too much fun that you just can't put it in words...
what a great place to grow up in and live. To this day it was one of the greatest experiencs in my life even though I have been to places like Cairo, Thailand, Africa, Europe you name it and I went there. Who would have thought a regular kid from Richmond Hill would have that opportunity? Tully's in OZ Park..Ruby's House of Fun in Woodhaven. Oh God so many places and so many people... I wish you all the best and will contact Mary Kelly and see if I can get to go to the reunion... take care, from one of the kids from the best neighgorhood in the U.S.
Julia Elizebeth Kreppein Wissell
Added: September 15, 2007

I visited my childhood hometown today and was saddened to see that the beautiful home that housed Simonsons Funeral home was torn down.
Does anyone from the historical society have any information to share regarding this unfortunate occurance?
Added: September 14, 2007

HI Paul, you are really testing my memory about your hockey referee days.
Maybe I had retired by then. Do you remember me playing? I wore the Bobby Orr jersey. I remember that Tod and Andy Osmolskis had a referee jersey and would occasionally do the job.
As you said it was a risky proposition especially considering the compensation. Regards!
Added: September 14, 2007

I lived on 117 Street right off Liberty Ave until I got married in 1948.
My parents owned Freemans Curtain Shop on the corner of 117 St (right across from Levinsons Deli). I graduated from John Adams HS. Used to have wonderful times - the Casino theater, Kresges & Woolworths, St. Johns Restaurant, etc...
Added: September 14, 2007

I just came across this site, and reading all the emails was great.
I've lived in Richmond Hill since 1955 and I'm still here. I went to SBJL graduated in 1964 and RHHS in 1968.
Added: September 13, 2007

SMGH: 1968; Molloy: 1972; Baruch: 1977
Grew up on 110th between 101st & 95th.
Moved to 113th off 101st in'77. Vacation Day Camp at P.S. 62 and Saturday afternoon schoolyard basketball remembered fondly as well as Jahn's ice cream, St. John's (restaurant) burgers, Casino Theatre and Ozone Park girls.
Added: September 11, 2007

Grew up on 97Ave and 121St in the late '50s and early '60s:
Stickball, skelly and skating on the street; punchball on the four corners; stoopball and box ball. Amazing how many games can be played with a little pink rubber ball. Probably bought it at Uncle Jack's toy store on Liberty Ave! Good Humor and Bungalow Bar Ice Cream trucks, later Mr Softee. Bike rides to Wilson's Hobbies on Jamaica Ave every other Saturday to buy a new model car. Carlo's Pizza on Lefferts off Liberty: 15 cents a slice, 10 cents for a Coke! The Protestant church on 97Ave and 118St had a youth center with a bowling alley in the basement with a manual ball return. You had to step on a pedal to raise the pegs so you could set the pins. Names from that era: Jeff Cummings, Joe Rolston, Mitch Harris, Sal SanFilippo, Jeff Dreizen. SBJL Class of '67.
Hung out around the corner on 123St and 95Ave in the late 60's and early '70s: More stickball, street football, summers at Smokey Park's concrete softball field, handball. Miracle Mets of '69! Got into music. Met that nut Wasilefsky from earlier posts (I mean that in a good way, Matt, call me): Who's better Cream or Hendrix? Drum lessons at Al Victor's on Liberty Ave. Dances at St Benny's - the Tremeloes and the Six Pack are bands I remember. The hot dog vendor along Atlantic Avenue, across from Smokey Park by the LIRR yard - three dogs and a Yoo-Hoo for a buck. Names from the era: Pat Carmody, Joe Sica, Joe Tusa, Steve Seyster, Paul Rohr, the afore-mentioned Wasilefsky, Al Cimaglia. Discovered girls! Debbie, Lorraine and Barbara. Do you know any of them? Archbishop Molloy Class of '71.
Early 70s: Working at Key Food on 123 St and Jerome Ave. Don't really know why we called it Jerome Ave, all the signs said 101St Ave. Would love to hear from the gang there at Key Food. Did my time there from 1971 to 78: Deli, Dairy, Grocery. Cut off a little part of my finger slicing salami for Joe Tusa's mom. Concerts at Central Park's Wollman Rink - the Schaeffer Music Festival - first concert - the Mothers of Invention, Buddy Guy the opening act - you can't beat that! Stadium seating, waiting on line all day to be among the first to enter the rink. Queens College, class of '75.
Late 70s: Played in a country rock band with people whose last names I never knew! One was from Richmond Hill, his name was Bob but we called him Yogi. He played banjo and pedal steel guitar and we played a few times at the Little Brown Jug on Jamaica Ave. If anyone is in touch with him, please let me know.
Met a girl from Glendale, Joanne Stedman, got married and moved to an apartment in South Ozone Park (almost Richmond Hill), three years later bought a house at 91Ave and 104St (back in RH, yay!), seven years later moved to the suburbs, Brewster. I still miss a few things about RH.
Don't want to be redundant, everyone mentions all the great places they remember from Richmond Hill: Jahn's (of course), Forest Park, the Lefferts, Casino and RKO Keith's movie theatres, Triangle Hofbrau, the diner across the street, the newsstand at Lefferts and Jamaica, Buff's and Schaeffer's candy stores on 101st Ave (Jerome), Kresge's and Woolworth's, buying your first packs of cigarettes at the Teamo on Lefferts and Liberty, they didn't seem to care how old you were, Karp's, Prusier's and Otto's (?) diners, Dr Dunne, the dentist, everybody from St Benny's went to him, it seems, little league baseball, those scratchy wool uniforms.
I love reading the posts on this site; please keep it up!
Added: September 8, 2007

hey john-
did you remember that once in a while i was hoodwinked into refereeing those games! i too had a referee shirt with a number and red armband!
almost got beat up many times for a bad call! hahaha, paul
Added: September 7, 2007

Jacob A. Riis is my grandmothers grandfather.
I would like to know if you have a geneology of his descendants
Added: September 5, 2007

Lived at 105-35 125th Street, Richmond Hill, N.Y. near Liberty Avenue, attended P.S. 121 from 1941 to 1949.
My High School was John Adams and I used to love Jahn's Ice-Cream Parlor. Loved the movies at the Lefferts, Casino and the Jerome, if you missed a film at the Lefferts, you could see it the next week in the Casino. On Saturday's I would spend most of the day in the Jerome Theatre viewing plenty of serials and Old Western's.
On the Queens Board, I sent in a picture of the Class of P.S. 121 1949. Is P.S. 121 still a functional school today, just wondering.
Added: September 5, 2007

A few months ago, I posted information about living at 120-14 91st Avenue, from 1944 to 1958.
At the time, I asked if anyone knew about Walter "Chip" Loomis. Chip joined the Navy, and we lost touch in 1963. Fortunately, a woman who is the daughter of Chip's sister responded, and I was happy to learn that he is alive and well. Chip and I met at one of his relatives homes, and to say that it was a terrific few hours, is a gross understatement. Although 44 years had passed, our memories of Richmond Hill were still sharp. We lived next door to each other on 91st Avenue, off of 121st Street, and from the ages of 5-17, considered each other best friends. We talked about our days at PS 90, spending time at Smokey Park, all the pranks in the neighborhood, and our old friends. There was the Geraghty brothers who lived across the street, that beautiful woman who lived on the corner (she wasn't a friend - but a boyhood fantasy), Clinton Kessler who had chickens in his back yard, Michael Pernhagen, and even Evelyn Matheson. We both remembered the old "haunted house" on the corner of Lefferts Blvd. and 91st Avenue, and the day that one of the Hague brothers almost killed himself when he accidentally fell from the top of the church that was built at that site. We both remembered the Harrison brothers, Billy and Mickey, the gas station on the corner of Atlantic Avenue and Lefferts Blvd, the Park Richmond Delicatessan, and even the Chinese guy that cleaned shirts near that deli.
We even spoke about the Chiuzzi family. At that age, we thought they were a gang, especially after we learned they set fire to their house.
Chip is moving to Nevada, and he invited my wife and I to spend time in his new home. He's still the same guy, has a terrific wife, and we're looking forward to making the trip to see him again.
This site has helped me to find my best buddy from the 40's and 50's, and for that I'm grateful.
Added: September 4, 2007

To Paul La Vecchia regarding Jackson Pond.
Do you remember when they used to fill the pond with water? They would fill it in the summer with about 12 inches of water. There wasn't much you could do there but sail a boat.
The last time it had water in it was probably around 1960. At that time the pond was a series of concrete slabs. As you mentioned you could play softball, stickball and touch football.
I would estimate that around 1966-68 the concrete was torn up and the pond was paved with blacktop. The pond now became a great place for roller skating and with that the pond became a great place for roller hockey and an informal league developed with the Rangers from around the park area and the Bruins from down 85th Avenue between 113th street and 117th Street.
The core of these two teams was the HCJ class of 1970. Each team had official NY Rangers (Tommy Moran, TP Cahill, Brian Casse, Mike King, Kevin McGuiness) and Boston Bruins (Walter Ciacci, Rich Gilman RIP, John Castellano, Mike Cannon, Eric Sparman and myself) jerseys from Paragon sports in Manattan each with an actual player number.
That informal league lasted thru our HS years and around 1972 the basketball courts were installed at the west end of the pond.
It wasn't until many years later, perhaps the early 1990's that the garden was installed and stickball, softball, football and hockey were no more at the pond.
Added: September 3, 2007

I'm looking for JOHN CONDE, who dated my mother, Deborah (Debbie) Donaghy, in the mid to late 1960's.
My mother lived in Kew Gardens, on Metropolitan Avenue. Her mothers name was Olga and my mother has 2 brothers; Jonathon (John) and Henry (Hank).. One mutual friend between John, Debbie and John (my uncle) was Ethel Steiner. I grew up in Kew Gardens as well; same street and building.
Should anyone have known him, his relatives (I know he had siblings) and/or even friends he hung out with, please contact me.. If ANY of these names sound familiar, I greatly look forward to hearing from you.. Any information is better than none at all and I thank you in advance..
Regards from south of the Mason Dixon... :0)
Added: September 3, 2007

It's back to school time...
just a reason to stir up some more Richmond Hill memories. I remember shopping for school supplies at Wesslings, Bills Stationary and Lewis of Woodhaven. Remember the teacher strike in 1968? They housed us in the Jewish Center on 102 street for a month or so.
Anyone remember these teachers at PS 66? Mrs. Ochenarra, Mrs. Almond, Mrs. Kolletty (she actually lived on the north end of 104th street), Mrs. Kahl, Mrs. Sheridam, Dr. Zuill... and the Principal Mrs. Feingold. What about the gym teacher Mrs. Rimmer who used to make us exercise to that silly Chicken fat song? Remember, doing your HW early so you could go out and play in the PS 66 schoolyard or at Forest park? Those were the days.
Someone should make a tv series... simply call it "Richmond Hill"...
Added: September 3, 2007

Since this entry did not get in the guestbook three weeks ago, I'm doing it over.
I read the entry from Eddie Scullin, mentioning Edmund Nash and since both names seemed familiar, I looked on an old graduation program from PS 90 and sure enough they both graduated from there along with me in 1948.
I attended RHHS for three years after the two I had spent at PS 90. Prior to those two years there were six at PS 66. Along with my parents, I had lived briefly in an apartment house on 102nd St. near Jamaica Ave and then at 102-16 Park Lane South for around 5 1/2 years.
When that house sold, we moved to 9103 107th St. then across the street to 9018 107th. I came to SC for my senior year of High School.
I am in touch with Barbara Foote Dennis, Alice Mai Smith Arzani, Marlene Haake Brainard, Carol Gertzman Brennan, Janet Clarke Churchill and Grace Hamcke Millington, all of whom attended PS 66 and PS 90 going on to RHHS. Does anyone out there know what happened to Bob Sommer, Heather Chaplin, Elizabeth Alwang, Catherine Willenbrock, Harry Von Oehsen, Ronnie Carbone and Erich Reitmann?
Since we are all over 70 it's time to make some contact. Also, does anyone else remember the apartment house on 102nd St and what the address is? I have the address for every other place we lived in NY except that place.
I love this website.
Added: September 1, 2007

Love this web site.
I stumbled upon it by chance and have spent hours reading the postings. The thing I find most enjoyable is the memories that are posted. I will be posting my own thoughts from time to time.
I graduated from The Hill in 1969. Is there anyone out there from the class of 69. I remember a talent show at the school in 1969 where local bands played I believe there names were Back Door Men and the other was Albatros.
The first time I actually heard any Led Zeppelin music was when Albatros played it. I later saw Zeppelin at the New York State Pavilion in Flushing. Anybody remember those bands. I lived at 124-09 95th Avenue.
Added: September 1, 2007

We are trying to put together our Richmond Hill High School's 40th reunion.
If you graduated in 1968, your help is needed in this project.
Please email me and keep posted to this site for more information. Thanks TD
Added: September 1, 2007

About Jackson Pond:
They ruined the pond when they installed the basketball courts and plants and walkways. The pond was at one time (up until the 60's) use by us as the best stickball (field) and touch football (stadium) of any neighborhood. It was also the best ice skaking rink when it froze over in winter.
I believe after 1970's they did all the installation of the above. The park though, is still a beautiful place. What glorious memories we had from 1960-1972.
Added: August 31, 2007

My father Jack Maute(RHHS 1941) was born and raised in Richmond Hill.
My favorite memory was the German butter cake we always got from Gebhard's Bakery when we came to visit. I can still see and taste the butter, sugar and sliced almonds.
Sure wish someone in the Gebhard family would post some of the old recipes so we could enjoy them again.
Added: August 31, 2007

08/28/07
To anyone who was in the neighborhood in the 70's, but first to Tony San Pietro,
It was wonderful to read your nostalgic entry! When I saw your name, I recognized it right away. (I think you had a daughter named Theresa? I didn't know her but remember the name.) You were our landlord for a few years in the 70's. We lived at 107-37 113 St. The people downstairs were the Ciminos. They had two girls, if memory serves me. We lived upstairs and I loved that apartment. I was about 4 or 5 then and would sing showtunes out my bedroom window that overlooked that indented garbage can area on the side of the house.
My father had passed away in 1971 and my mom moved us from Brooklyn (as you said...where else?) to Queens to be closer to my grandfather, who lived by you on 116th Street and 109th Ave. I remember walking to your house to drop off the rent money. I guess it was safe then because everyone knew everyone else. I would never send my 6 year old out alone with a rent check nowadays... especially in NY. I missed out on the 50's and 60's but my aunts and uncles have fond memories of those times. ------------------------------------
The 70's..
I was only a little kid then, but I too loved the neighborhood. I saw "Star Wars" and "Benji" at that movie theatre on Liberty and 113th St. It was next to Martin Paints. And you could get anything you needed at Kresgee's or the 5 & 10 on Liberty btwn ~ 114th and 115th Streets. I delivered flyers for Masta's pharmacy whenever I needed a few bucks. Spent it across the Street at the Hallmark Store or at Carvels' or Marlowe's jewelers or that big pizzeria on the corner of 116th or 117th St... can't remember the name of that one, but it had red booths and I couldn't stand it when they raised the price of a slice to 75 cents! Oh, and I remember the smell of the fish store as you approached Lefferts on Liberty, on the way to the Library. Is it still there, I wonder?
I had my first bank account at the RHSB. I remember how it felt to enter the air conditioned branch on the north side of Liberty at about 112th St on a Saturday morning, passbook in hand. You didn't mind waiting in line; it was cool and you'd likely see someone you knew and chat. I even recall recognizing the white-haired security guard and feeling almost welcome.
Then there was the flea market, oh, and there were the block parties! Every block had one and it felt like the DJ's would go on all night, 'til they finally played "Last Dance" or "NY,NY"! ----------------- There are dozens of people I'd love to hear from...if you grew up on 113 St or went to OLPH from '77 to '84, I'd love to hear from you. Remember Sr. Angela and then Miss Mahon? And freezing when that huge bell rang, monthly poetry recitals, eating lunch on your lap in silence in metal chairs that you folded up yourself when done? (no one believes we did that!). Miss Condon, who knew us all by name and typed up that newsletter on that long paper each month? Mrs. Abandon?? And Father Tully who made mass bearable for kids? If any of this rings a bell, please write. It would be a fun trip down memory lane! I left the neighborhood ten years ago in '97, and each time I go back I recognize less and less. Yet I still go back. And I think I always will.
Cara
Added: August 29, 2007

I moved here in 1989...
alas I too was born in Brooklyn and grew up in Long Island... so I found my way here as it is a blend of the city & country... great little town... and very diverse community.
Three of my kids all graduated PS 66 the best elementary school in town... small and caring and there is SO MUCH HISTORY within those walls... and 2 graduated from MS 210 on 101 Avenue and the youngest attending now into 7th grade... great school lotz of wonderful programs!!!!
I am glad I moved here 17 yrs ago... and I have lived them all in the vicinity of Jamaica and 102 St we have been gone thru many changes some good some bad but we survived them all and will leave many memories for our kids in the future... long live the HILL... I just miss some of the staples like GEBHARTS, and recently the Cordon Bleu but we hold the memories.........
Added: August 28, 2007

can i please make a suggestion, can you add on to the guest book after RHHS guest book richmond hill historical society b/c it looks like this is the richmond hill high school website.
Added: August 27, 2007

To Donna P:
My husband and most of his brothers and sisters hung out at Jackson Pond at one time or another during '76-'87.
If you stayed at The Pond then, you probably knew at least one of the Kennedy's.
Added: August 26, 2007

Well, thanx to this site I have reunited with cousins I had not heard from in 25+ yrs.
They saw my comments and emailed me -- out of the blue!!!! anyone else that wants to chat and remembers me, please do the same. Ciao!!!
Added: August 25, 2007

Hi, There is an entry in your guest book from Meredith Hoell DeLorenzo - Of Bellmore, USA on Saturday, 6 December 2003, that mentions a "Miss Clark-Duff" as a teacher at P.S.90 around 1958-1966.
If anyone has any information about Miss Clark-Duff, I would be really happy to hear from you. I believe that she is the step-daughter of my grandfather's brother, the Rev Robert Clark-Duff, originally from Australia.
There are now only six Clark-Duffs left in Australia and Robert would be long gone. I am assuming that "Miss" Clark-Duff is also deceased, but I would be very grateful for any information - eg her christian names, what she taught, etc
Many thanks, Janet Clark-Duff.
Added: August 25, 2007

Dear Guests and Members:
Although I do my utmost to enter all Guest Comments into the Guestbook in a timely fashion, there are some that unfortunately "fall through the cracks" due to Spam filters. My apologoies to Matt Wasilefsky for his delay posting in which I just posted his test comment.
During the last week of August I will be away on vacation and will not have the opportunity to post any new comments until the first week of September.
We truly appreciate all our visitors who take the time to enter their comments into our Guestbook. Many Thanks!
Yours truly, Dennis - webmaster, richmondhillhistory.org
Added: August 25, 2007

Hello Richmond Hillites.
This is Matt Wasilefsky checking in. I posted an email on Monday that never showed up so I am trying again. This is the third time I am trying to get a message posted. This is a test to see if it goes through.
Added: August 24, 2007

I was born in Brooklyn, (everybody was born in Brooklyn) and my family moved to 113th Street in Richmond Hill in 1948.
I lived down the block from the Casino Movie theatre which was on Liberty Avenue between 113th. & 114th Streets.
My memories of the Casino always go back to the sweltering hot days of summer when everyday was in the 90's, and since no one had air conditioning, when the Casino installed it every possible chance my friends and I had to spend the entire afternoon there we took.
For 19c we got to see two full length features, about 20 cartoons, a serial like Buster Crabbe or Tim Tylers Luck, and the first 100 kids would get a free bag of popcorn, not bad for 19c.
The Lefferts Movie was down on Liberty Avenue past Lefferts Blvd., and that had a balcony which as we got older proved to be most enjoyable when going with a girl. I lived in the area both on 113th St. and 116th St. between 107th and 109th Avenues until 1990 when we moved to Long Island. There are so many good memories of playing ball on the fields on Belt Parkway, what a walk that was, and riding bikes to Forest Park, visiting Idelwild to get airline stickers which everyone collected, and even going to Rockaway Beach when you could go there and it was clean and a great place to spend a summer day. Anyone who is familiar with the things I mentioned and the area, would remember Joe's Candy Store on 113th And Liberty, and Dadsons clothing store, Blue's store, Alexanders hardware store, Winters and Karps Ice Cream parlors, Diamonds novelty and record shop, Mobelgotz hardware store, Wexlers Tuxedos, the A&P on Liberty, Trunz, St. Johns Restaurant, Carvers Bakery, Greenwood and Hoffman Bakeries on Liberty, and on and on and on..... Riding on Crossbay Blvd in the Summer in my 58 Impala feeling like I owned the world. Like all 'Good' things, Richmond Hill also, came to an end and changed into an area that in no way whatsoever resembles the Richmond Hill of the 50's & 60's.
Life for most people was good and money was NOT the driving force, health and happiness was. Everyone took care of their surroundings and for the most part, everyone lived peacefully. Schools had rules, and enforced them, people went to their specific house of worship each week, and Easter was a big Day to show off your finest.
The Brooklyn I remember, the Richmond Hill I Remember, Gone for Good.
Only the memories last with each of us who were fortunate enough to spend a good portion of their lives in the 40's 50's and early 60's, in Brooklyn & Queens, for all those who did not have that opportunity, you missed the greatest time being a New Yorker!
Lastly, You can ask anyone who is from my era, if they had a choice of growing up 'then' or growing up 'now', what would they choose? I'll save you the trouble, To A Person, They Would All Choose, T H E N !!!!!
Thanks for the site and for stoking memories that have been sleeping for some time now, Tony
Added: August 23, 2007

What great memories this site has for me.
Attended P.S. 55, then P.S. 57 and graduated from Richmond Hill High School in 1952. Lived at 132-17 97th Ave. until 1974.
I remember Richard Donagon, Sterling Peterson, Reginald Grant, Robert Pecore, Geneveve Clark, Francis Trainor, Charlotte Chiffo, Maryanne Abbetello and many, many others.
If anyone remembers me please e-mail.
Added: August 23, 2007

looking for the old jackson pond crew from 1976-1987.
Added: August 22, 2007

Trying to find out what became of Jimmy and Rickie Daley.
They worked at Eisenhardt's Prime Meats on Liberty Ave, lived on 111th and had a sister named Doreen, father Dick, has anyone seen or heard from these two guys????
Added: August 20, 2007

If you are a classmate of Holy Child Jesus and graduated in 1962 and were in either Sister Fontbonne's or Sister St. Lucy's class we want to hear from you.
We are holding a reunion on Oct. 7th 2007. Please contact either Mary Kelly at Foxglove444@optonline.net or myself, Judy, at Lilac1@optonline.net.
We are finding more and more classmates and are hoping we will hear from you. Sincerely Judy Alfano
Added: August 19, 2007

Does anyone remember Mary Ann ONeill.
She lived on Liberty Ave in the 60's. I am an old friend and would like to renew acquaintenance. I would appreciate any current information. Thanks
Added: August 19, 2007

I really enjoyed your site and appreciated seeing so many of the places that I remember from when I lived in Richmond Hill.
I went to PS90 from 1943-1951 and attended RHHS from 1951-1955. We lived at 91-56 112 Street and the house was sold in 2000 when Mom died at 101 years old. I moved to Glendale when I got married in 1958 but moved back to Hillside Avenue in RH from 1961-1963.
Have been in Floral Park since then.
Added: August 17, 2007

A Richmond Hill legend died today... Phil Rizzuto.
Like other great R.H.H.S. students (Cyndi Lauper), Rizzuto never finished High School.
A couple of friends of mine got a copy of his transcript from Mrs. Koch's office (God, I can't believe I remember her name) and we went to Yankee Stadium. We approached Phil before the game started and jokingly told him that we would expose his miserable grades unless he upgraded our lousy seats. He smiled, played along, and let us sit in the Press Box for the 1st 3 innings!
Holy Cow! Class guy. R.I.P.
Added: August 14, 2007

To Diane Fabitti Cotrone:
I saw your entries in the guest book for the first time about 2 months ago. I lived down the block from you two doors from Moblegotts. We went to John Adams together. Our moms used to talk all the time. I remember your dad was a teacher at John Adams. I believe your grandmother lived downstairs. I remember your husband, Louie. I tried to send you an e-mail, but maybe you didn't get it.
It's so good to hear someone reminisce about all there was in Richmond Hill. I have so many fond memories of my childhood there. Recently went back about a year ago, and sadly it has changed so much.
Hope to hear from you soon.
Added: August 14, 2007

I was born on 127th St. and raised on 130th St. between 107th & 109th Aves.
Met and married Barbara Helfrich (maiden name) from 107th Ave & 117th St. Moved to Uniondale L.I. in 1950.
Went to PS 121 on 109th Ave. and then to Edison at 161 St. and Jamaica Ave. It was an annex to Woodrow Wilson High.
Had wonderful times in Richmond Hill. What a great place. Have many fond memories. Spent most of my time with the guys between 107th and Liberty Aves. with the guys. Jack Farley, Don, Artie, Junior, Norman Brown. Some of the last names I can't remember and I apologize for that.
If any of you guys are around and reading this, please drop me a line. It sure would be great to hear from you.
Added: August 13, 2007

I've been on the messageboard for 6 years.
I'm always looking for old friends from the 1940-50s. Went to PS66, PS90, Woodrow Wilson HS. Lived on 88th Avenue off 102 street, and 127 and jerome (101) ave. Miss the boys from karp's.
Remember me? Send me an e-mail.
Added: August 10, 2007

re: John Adams..
lived on 109th street between 107 & 109th Avenues. Went to Gate of Heaven and graduated from John Adams on Feb 1, 1961. Hung at PS 108 school yard, Winthers and then Al's Stereo Bar.
In the Air Force from 61 to 65 and then lived on Lefferts Blvd from 68 to 84.
Went to Island Park, Nassau County until 2004 and relocated to Jersey in 2004.
Added: August 9, 2007

I lived in Richmond Hill from 1941 (4 years old) until 1962.
A great town, much under appreciated by me and many others at the time. Now, the memories are golden and all the places (and some of the people) seem legendary.
Fortunately, I visit NY regularly and drive around "memory lane" every once in a while.
Added: August 7, 2007

this is a shout out to all the people that lived in richmond hill but attended john adams high school.
where are your roots. please post. friends pizzaria, winthers, john's candystore, cambridge studios for your grad pictures, p.s. 108, and the school yard, hand ball, my mother's place ices. please contribute.
we are rhillers also. we were the john adams spartans with coach harry ostro and coach palumbo we went to school in ozone park, but we lived in richmond hill. my dad taught in john adams but lived in richmond hill.
let's get it going. CONTRIBUTE
Added: August 6, 2007

Lived at 91-56 112 th St.
Went to PS 90 and RHHS. Would have been in class of 52 but enlisted in Navy in March 52. Enlisted with Edmund Nash also of 112th st but near Jamaica Av.
Was a great time and place to grow up. Played outside till the street light came on (stick ball, stoop ball, hide and go seek etc)
Added: August 2, 2007

I was born in 1977 in Mary Magadeline hospital and lived on 107-16 108st between 109th and 107th avenues.
I was a block away from Liberty, and P.S 108. Lived there 17 years went to Saint Mary Gate of Heaven grade school, and Christ the King High School.
Added: July 31, 2007

Grew up in Richmond Hill (last address 85-35 112th Street) graduated from Holy Child Jesus ('49) as did my sister, Mary, and brother, Michael.
Met Judy Alfano (sp?) who told us about the site -- what a delight!
Added: July 29, 2007

i grew up in queens the ages 6-13, now im 19.
i went to PS55q & PS116. Holla NY mad big apple love!
Added: July 24, 2007

To Patti Bamberger Becker:
Patti, Please tell me where was Tommy living when he passed (R.H.?) Did he live in R.H. his whole life, or did he move after the service and move back.
I had three stents inserted in my lower heart chamber, all is good and the Doc says I'll live forever. No main arteries were affected. It took 1 hour and I was wide awake the whole time. I'll keep in touch.
Give my best to your family, and my brother sends his regards also.
Added: July 24, 2007

Terrence Flanagan:
Recived your E-Mail on my web site. Wasn't it the best of times then. What memories.
I see you moved back to R.H., where do you live now? Your one of the only people that I heard of, moving back there. I hope it's been a pleasant experience. I've always dreamed of it, but when I visited w/my wife in 2005, I quickly changed my mind. But I know it still has it's charm, and if I was single, maybe I'd give it a shot.
Nice hearing from you, and the best of luck to you and your family. Paul.
Added: July 24, 2007

Our Lady of Loreto
124 Sackman St.
Brooklyn, NY 11233
We are looking for people who attend Our Lady of Loreto School, 124 Sackman St. Brooklyn.
Many people from East New York relocated to Richmond Hill. Perhaps someone you know may have attended Our Lady of Loreto.
We are currently planning another reunion and would like to locate anyone who attended Our Lady of Loreto or was a member of the parish.
Over 700 people attended to last reunion.
If you know anyone who attend Our Lady of Loreto please have them contact me at pi4dom@aol.com
Thanks, Donny
Added: July 24, 2007

Was there between 1939 and 1964 and moved to sufolk county.
Went to SBLJ cathoic school, then to PS 90, then to Edison the old one on 161 street.
Hung out on atlantic ave in morris park with all the gang, also at the beacon bar and the diner on 111 street.
Some names I remember are herbie, rudy and otto and also marion hellmen, lorraine and marilyn kerns. Also hung out at the ice cream Parlor on 118 st and atlantic ave. Went in the navy in 56 till 60.
Would like to here from some of you
Added: July 22, 2007

I was born in Richmond Hill in 1973 and left when I was five years old.
I have vague memories of my childhood there. It is great to see that so many people have fond memories of that area.
I even saw one person remembered my cousin! Great website.
Added: July 21, 2007

The restaurant next to Carvel was Mabee's Charcoal Broil, owned and operated by Don and Noel Beebe.
I was the first ever dish washer and buss boy there and worked full and part time for many years.
My father loved the clam broth also... secret recipe: it came straight from a can.
Added: July 20, 2007

For a great haircut there was Paul and Phil's Barber shop on Jamaica Avenue between 112 & 113th street. Two great guys!
Also what was the name of the restaurant next to Carvel on Atlantic Avnue? I remember as a kid getting great clam broth there with my family, must have come along with steamers!
Added: July 19, 2007

Great Web Site!
Went to SBJL and Richmond Hill High. Graduated 1965. Grew up on 125 ST. Good ole Smokey Park!
Added: July 18, 2007

I used to buy bologne sandwiches at Harry Kahn's on that huge dark pumpernickel bread.
Remember the dark dreary atmosphere at Connies but the great food. My Dad would bring home ziti and meatballs... yum!!
What was the name of the candy store at 11th street and jamaica Avenue? Was it Marie's? Remember the Hot Dog guy... Tex? Rack'em'up pool hall. I would purchase one of those pastrami sandwiches in plastic wrapping that they would heat up in some microwave contraption.
China Inn, cameo Pet store... Robert's toy store... Duncan yo-yo's and tops... flipping cards... the Flame restaurant... Lipshiutz Stationary... Little Brown Jug... Richmond Hill needs to have a re-union... and make up a better tshirt...
Added: July 18, 2007

Bill's candy store was between 108-107 sts and Jam. ave.
His last name was Hoerter. He and I were the only two Dodger fans that I knew that lived and died with the team even though they moved to L.A. from Brooklyn. I knew Bill's son and wife for many years, as did my mom and dad. He had the great rock n' root and at 9 p.m. every nite people line dup to buy the early one star edition of the Daily news for 4 cents.
Also, there was a great German bakery right next to him (2 stores down on corner of 107th.) I beleive the name was Heidi's, and Harry Kahn's deli was 2-3 stores down near 108th st., next to Lemke the plumber. Does anyone remember them?
I could go on and on, but I'll let others reminisce.
Added: July 17, 2007

I stand corrected... hcj 1959!!
Added: July 16, 2007

I am looking for any possible connections to my Spencer family ancestors.
My Father was Wallace Ray Spencer, my grandfather was Earl Lafayette Spencer, my Gr. Grandfather was Albert Louis Spencer, and my Gr. Gr. Grandfather was Robert Spencer (bn. 1821, N. C.).
Any help would be appreciated.
Added: July 15, 2007

Looking to get in touch with anyone that used to hang out at the 117th P.O. Circa 1965-1972.
Added: July 13, 2007

I have just spent three hours reading through all the comments from 2007.
I have enjoyed seeing familiar names. I grew up on 107 and Jamaica. Mom worked at Bill's Candy Store. Went to PS 90, 210 and RHHS (82). Moved back to RH eight years ago.
In September my fifth child will be attending HCJ.
I was given a flyer and wanted to post the information here.
PS 90 is having a "100 year celebration", on November 3, 12:00-4:00 PM at PS 90.
The contact is ps90queens@yahoo.com
Added: July 13, 2007

Does anyone remember Miriam Kirchgessner, Janet Bezousek and brothers, Johnny, and twins Charlie and Jimmy?
They lived on 109th st, 2 blocks south of Jam. Ave. Also, anyone remember Michael Hedler and sister Maureen? They lived 2 houses from the Bezouseks. How about Bobby Schulman (112th and Jam. Ave.)
Contact me if anyone recalls these beautiful R.H. Alumni. Thanks, Paul
Added: July 11, 2007

It's stunning to read the commonality among the myriad comments submitted to this site.
Simply put, RH was home. The fact that so many of us have such similar experiences and reminisce in so simiar a vein is a wonderful reinforcement to the fact that RH was not some imaginary place, certainly not a utopia, but was in fact a solid, safe, real, nurturing place.
Me?? I graduated from HCJ in 1959 and went to Brooklyn Prep... then on to college... then the Air Force... grad school... and have now been in Monterey far longer than I lived in RH.
Nevertheless, if asked where I'm from , it's RH... It was home. True, I've made a home with my wife and 2 daughters and Merritt, our older daughter, has made the round-trip and is now an architect in Manhattan. Our younger, Lauren, has gotten as far East as Chicago and is searching for her success in Chicago theater. My wife Victoria is a Reading Specialist and I am your humble garden variety Financial Advisor/stock broker... I've kept in irregular touch with a variety of old RH folks... Linda Beyer, Tom Hays, Tom Simonetti, Tom Eckert, Bruce and Karen Claro, Brian McNerny... I still have family back on 105th Street and get back @ once a year.
But, I have discovered that it's true you can't go home again. Sure, you can visit, but...
Added: July 11, 2007

Was it the area in RH that made it so special, or just the people and the times, and the games we played?
I believe Forest Park, the stores on Jamaica Avenue, and the schools also made it special. Who could forget the knife sharpening man, milk man, neighbors who watched over you and put you in your place when it was necessary.
Halloween... almost everyone opened their door back then to give you something. Remember Lou Boda's who had that little luncheonette on the north side of Jamaica Ave. at about 105th street... comic book rack to the left as you walked in and newspapers outside with weights on them to keep them secure.
Bill's had the best Rock-'n-Roots in frosted mugs. Villa Grande meatball heros and small and large pizzas. I would buy a small pizza sometime on friday night and take it home and eat it all during Zacharly's Chiller Theater.
Carving names in the hot asphalt streets during the summer with sharpened popsicle sticks. Ash cans and cherry bombs on the 4th of July! Does anyone remember baseball tryouts at Richmond Hill HS in the schoolyard on cement with a hard rubber basebal? Swimming in the nude for boys at RHHS.
The best part of growing up in RH was the friendly neighborhood feel... not far from a Leave it to Beaver scene. Remembering the Old days in RH are pleasant and helps us appreciate a childhood and times that our own children will never know...
Here's to a great neighborhood that gave us all so much!
Added: July 9, 2007

Read a comment from a lady in deland Fla who lived on 129th and 95th and was what ceria she lived there and if she new sharon Cusamono or the girl that shattered my hart so bad it took ten years and my second wife to repair.
her name was Francine Dunruff. I was just wondering what became of her.
Added: July 7, 2007

This is an interesting site...
lived on 88th Ave... HJC '89, OLWA '63... saw the name of an "old flame"... good site!!
Added: July 5, 2007

What serendipity that I happened on this site.
I lived in Richmond Hill when I first moved to NY--from 82-91. It was my first home and my ex and I bought our first house there.
I have nothing but fond and wonderful memories of the place and, even now when I am so far away, I miss it still. The Triangle Hofbrau was the BEST for Saturday night dinner after a Mets game. Connie's was great for Italian food. The park was so nice (we lived next door to it both in our apartment and our house!).
I miss everything about the area. Here's to ya!
Added: June 30, 2007

There ARE two Richmond Hills.
The area south of Atlantic Ave is zip code 11419, north of Atlantic is 11418. Back in the old days, they were just Richmond Hill 19, and Richmond Hill 18. The "original" settling of Richmond Hill took place, as we learned, north of Atlantic and north of the LIRR tracks. The south side was the "other side of the tracks".
Generally, the homes on the north side were (are) physically bigger buildings than those on the south side.
In reality, a lot of 11419 was known originally as Morris Park and/or Dunton. I lived in RH19, but had friends from both zones. We really didn't pay attention to any type of "boundaries".
I guess we were known to each other by the name of the candy store (and later the bars) that we hung out in.
Added: June 30, 2007

I was raised on 102nd Street and 90th Ave and lived there from 1931 until 1956 then moved to 92nd Ave.
I still visit the area as my children still live on Long Island and have found many changes but it is still nice to visit and still see many memories. I moved to Florida back in 1988 after retiring from NY city. I can still remember playing stick ball as a boy on 90th Ave dead end street without worrying about cars. Those were the days.
I went to Holy Child and graduated in 1945 then onto RHHS and then into the Navy. I would love to here from anyone from that era.
Thanks for the History site, it's great
Added: June 29, 2007

Things I remember about Richmond Hill
1) The cement ballfield at PS 55; 2) The Sheffield Dairy on Atlantic Ave; 3) Smokey Park; 4) Forest Park; 5) Liberty Ave El; 6) Jamaica Ave El; 7) Sneaking under the turnstile to go to Dexter Park; 8) Sneaking under the turnstile to go to Casino Pool;
9) Swimming at open pool night in the HS bare ass; 10) Playing over hand softball for Watt and Watt Drug Stores; 11) The Hillside Rollerdrome; 12) Riding a bike with my glove hanging from the handle bars; 13) Having so many relatives on Liberty Ave that "a little bird" always told my mother where I was;
14) Spalding Hi-Bouncer balls; 15) Stickball, boxball, handball, ring-a-leevio, I Declare War, hide and seek, guns, stoopball, flipping cards, pitching pennies, trading comics, (never saying "I have nothing to do"), 1 Acat, 2 Acat, Knock Hockey, pitching to a box on the wall, running the walls at the foundry on 135th and Liberty, Marbles, Mickey's (Potatoes thrown in a bond fire in the corner lot), stealing apples, climbing trees, etc., etc., etc.
All of this in 11 years from 1938 when I was born in a house until 1949 when we moved out on the Island.
We knew how to make do, how to live without money, hand -me-downs and the fear of Father Sullivan at St Tereasa's. We saved our money, took back deposit bottles and wet down newspapers to the junky so we could get a pair of Keds or PF Flyers. Hitching on cars when it snowed.
We had ice delivered, junk taken away and knives sharpened all by men with horse and wagons.
I could go on forever but I have to stop before I try to invent a time machine to go back.
I know our Kids good old days will not be as good as ours, Tommy Blank
Added: June 29, 2007

There must be 2 Richmond Hills in Queens! --
-- most of the letters in this guestbook are from the south side of Atlantic Avenue towards Liberty Avenue, I lived on Jamaica Avenue between 125th and 126th from birth till about 1959, but I don't see much from anyone else in that area.
My best friend was Bobby McNamara, who lived on 126th, Paul Magno, who's dad owned a fruit and veg store on the corner of 126th and Jamaica, Ralph Pagano who's Dad Fred had a candy store btwn 125th and 126th. Barney Theissen had the Deli (great meat cakes and dill pickles!), next door to the bakery.
Others who were from that part of the Hill were, the Dean Family (Jackie, Maureen, Joan, Phillip and Carl), Judith Tracy, Donny Shu, Charlie Kalein, Gene Toomey, Dennis Herbst (lived in the Apartment on 126th), Bobby and Crystal Fager (Crystal came into my class at PS54 straight from Germany and could'nt speak any english at all, but wow was she beautiful! Also Carolyn Weiss (my childhood sweetheart) and her brothers Albert and Richard. So many others!! Do these names ring any bells out there?
I sure would like to hear from any or all of these, or at least hear about them! (especially any Viet Nam vets) - thanx for the memories - God Bless !
Added: June 27, 2007

I just logged on after many months and saw Jo-Anne Preziosi's posting.
Wanted to say hello. Several former RH girls have wondered where you are -- Alice Blake (McLaughlin), Angie Ianiello (LaMarche),me Linda Beyer (McHugh),Carol Gibson (Outram). You didn't post an e-mail, but we'd like to be in touch.
I also want to comment on Gambarella's store and Julie Gambardella. What a fine man he was. I babysat for Julie and his wife's kids when I was about 14. My mom shopped in the family store and one of the boys (Julie's brother?) did deliveries after school. I remember he was 5-6years older than I was and I thought he was cute!
We bought our vegetables and Christmas trees at Gambardella's. I always remember, at Christmas, going to the yard behind the store with my dad and selecting the "best" tree.
Julie was a wonderful church leader and a kind, kind man. I'm sorry he's passed, but I am glad I logged on in time to learn that news.
Blessings to his family. Linda Beyer
Added: June 27, 2007

I was born in 1938 in Richmond Hill.
I went to PS55 K thru 6th grade graduating in 1949 going on to 57 for a half year and then switching to St Pius. We lived on 133St where 103 met Liberty by the Honor Roll for WWII Vets. We moved in 1951 to North Bellmore (the Sticks) and I came back and stayed with my grandmother for the summer so I could continue to play ball for Watt and Watt Drug Store Team. I had cousins that played ball for The Atomics, The Royals at the school yard at 55.
My Dad was a bartender for Baumans Bar and Grill on Liberty Ave and played for their team. I also played softball during the summer on 55's 54 Team. We played other schools 97/66/121 Etc. I was short in school.
Anyone who was around the same time please contact me. I was fortunate in 1988 to attend the 50th Anniv. of PS 55 and it brought back many memories.
Please contact me, Tommy Blank
Added: June 27, 2007

To Patti:
I e-mailed you also about Tommy. I will always treasure my relationship with him. We had the most wonderful times in 60's. Do you remmember Miriam and Janet? If so, what happened to them. How old was Tommy when he passed?
I wish you and your family the best of health and my mom (87) remembers him very well he was at my house a lot. I'll keep in touch O.K. Paul.
Added: June 27, 2007

To Paul Landsperg:
I lived at 101-32 115th St.for 10 years, and went to St. Bennys with your brother Harold. He has been e-mailing me for a few months now. Harry & I hadn't seen or heard from each other in over 45 years. I've lived in England for the last 39.
Do you remember me or my brother Herb?
Added: June 26, 2007

Dear Guestbook Visitors:
If you have signed our Guestbook but do not see it listed, within a day or two, please re-enter your Guestbook entry. Although every effort is made to continually post new entries into our book, unfortunately, some fall into a spam filter and are lost.
One helpful tip is when signing our Guestbook please include your first and last name.
Added: June 26, 2007

I am so glad that I found this web-site.
Dodgerman25, Paul, I am Tom Bamberger's younger sister, Patti. It sadens me to say that Tom passed away on September 6, 2005. I sent you an email explaining.
It would have made him very happy to know that you were asking for him. I remember when you, and he, and Eddie, and Fitz joined the Navy and were going to Nam to end the war. What a nice feeling knowing that you are out thinking about my brother.
Best regards.
Added: June 26, 2007

To Pat:
I went to PS 53 from 1950-1953 (K-3). Do you remember Mrs. Ortner, Mrs. Hart or Mrs. Teats? I lived on 95th Avenue between 112th and 113th streets. My parents owned the Deli there until the early 1950s.
Although I was very young when I lived in Richmond Hill, I have so many vivid memories of my life there.
Added: June 26, 2007

need to get in touch with tara coiro '73
Added: June 25, 2007

To Patricia:
Sorry I called you Teresa. To anyone else, do you remember Carvel on 108th St and Atlantic ave?
Added: June 24, 2007

To Teresa:
Yes, I went P.S. 53 in 1953 - 4-5., before moving to Woodhaven in 1956. It was an old wooden school house, and my brother and sister attended it also. I lived on 115th st. from 1952-56. We moved back to R.H. in 1960 to 108th st. Until 1980. Do you remember the 5 and 10 cent store I believe was on the corner of 101st ave?
Added: June 24, 2007

Lived in Richmond Hill from 1947 until 1973.
Wonderful place to grow up all great memories for sure. I was just looking for anyone who went to PS 53 which was on 114th St. & 95th Ave. We lived on the corner of Lefferts & 95th Ave. I was the last class to graduate this old school which was torn down and two family houses were built in it's place.
Would love to know if anyone else remembers going to it.
Added: June 23, 2007

I was lucky to have found this website.
It brought back so many memories. I lived on 125th St off of 95th Ave. from 1949 until I was married in 1965. I remember Smokey park before diesel engines. I remember spending countless hours at Smokey Park playing stickball and basketball, and Joneseys candy store. Dancing at "Confraternity" at St. Benny's on Friday nights.
Added: June 21, 2007

TO ALL:
Enough about the Hill and all its changes, it's still a wonderful place and always will be in the hearts of all us. I knew the Hill then, and still know it now better then most people, and it's a beautiful place. Just hearing all of your praises of the glorious past says it all.
Keep writing only positive and great things so we can all enjoy. Thanks, Paul La Vecchia.
Added: June 19, 2007

There has been a lot of things said about Richmond Hill the last few weeks but let's remember things are different in every city in America.
I grew up in Richmond Hill from 1944 until the late 70's and loved every minute of it. I love what Frank Wajert wrote about Glenn's. The jukebox was the king and people would sing songs as a group for hours. I have never experienced that since!! Old Ralph Pinessa was the bartender and he would take care of you.
In Richmond Hill you could walk around anywhere anytime and never have a problem or be worried about being attacked. I loved playing CYO ball for Holy Child with Mr. Ring and Marco Giovanelli. We had a blast. Going to Chelis Hall for the Sunday afternoon dances, the Molloy dances, going to Richmond Hill basketball games with my cousin John Devine. Being the only 2 white kids at Franklin K. Lane high to watch them play Richmond Hill and never thinking anything of it. Today it might be different. To me those days were better.
I have made friends I still stay in touch with and married a girl, Carol Ann Price, who lived on 111th Street between Jamaica and Atlantic Avenue. We would go out early in the morning and be out all day with nobody checking on us or bothering us. We used to play in forest park and we could slay ride down the hills in the winter!! boy was that fun. A big trip for us was to go all the way to Smokey Oval to play. That was a long bike ride, but enjoyable!!
When we go back to New York, we always try to take a trip around Richmond Hill to visit the old spots. We always stop in at Holy Child to say a prayer and remember. I was babtized there and married there and it looks the same and in great shape.
So remember the good times, we all wish we still had them now.
Brian McNerney
Added: June 18, 2007

I don't think it is fair that people have to defend what they say or what is accidentally miscontrued or how they feel.
The Richmond Hill I grew up in is not the same Richmond Hill today. I cannot apologize for that b/c it is true. In 1959, my mom left me (an infant) in front of the house with the netting on the carriage and periodically checked on me. You can't do that today. You can't do it anywhere. No one is picking on Richmond Hill. Times change, for the better and sometimes for the worse. I don't remember growing up once that someone's house or car was broken into. Does it only happen in Richmond Hill? No, it happens everywhere.
I have great pride and roots in Richmond Hill. I feel them, but I cannot actually see them. Everything is gone. I think the only thing left is the Hallmark store on Liberty Ave. and 112th Street. Is the Chase Manhattan Bank still on 111th and Liberty, oh and good old Greenwood Bakery.
I long for the days when you could sleep with your screens open and windows pulled all the way up. You cannot do that anymore, not even in Long Island. Things do change for better or worse. We are all entitled to our opinions, but what will never change is the security, love, and Happiness I had living on 110th Street and 107th Ave., that still grows in my heart. I wish I could take a walk to the Fish Market, ST. John's Luncheonette, Regina Bakery, the Pork Store run by the two sisters, or my favorite place on the Ave., Winther's to see Charlie. I do not live in the past, I just treasure these times and memories.
I love this site and I am afraid people will not register in the guestbook if they are going to feel they have to walk on egg shells or fear that what they feel or say is offensive. No matter what, I still love this site; and thank the people that make it possible for it being here.
Added: June 16, 2007

8809 104th street 1942 to 1955
Frank Biscay, we must save stood in the same line to see Hopalong Cassidy all those years ago as I remember we recieved a small loaf of Bond Bread and an aluminum coin bearing, Hoppy's face on one side and his horse on the reverse. I went through the line twice, as my sister had a bad cold and could not attend this event, Hoppy (William Boyd), asked me why I returned for more bread and coins and I mentioned that I was getting the second set for my sick sister, he laughed and gave me several loaves and several coins also told me I was a good boy for doing so.
At that time having Hopalong Cassidy, say that to you was a major highlite in my life. Frank Wajert, we live in the same town, small world isn't it. Frank Biscay & Frank Wajert we seemed to be in Richmond Hill, at the same point in time, let me know any of the people you guys hung with.
Be well take care Richmond Hillites!!! Ken Ball Sunny San Diego
Added: June 14, 2007

I am truly sorry for any bad feelings that I may have engendered > here on our mutual memory lane.
let me say that Richmond Hill is sacred territory for me. my first White ancestor to this land, Jan Snedeker, was sent to the general area by Director Petrus Stuyvesant to organize a Dutch Reformed church there. there had been a Snedeker presence in Richmond Hill, Jamaica, South Ozone Park from that time until 1962 when we moved from there to Seaford. I went kicking and screaming, but being only ten, what right did I have to say no?
here from my apartment in Chattanooga, I keep looking for any hints reminescent of Richmond Hill, any hints at all. would I like to have at least a pied a terre there? if it was by any means possible, yes. but this is not 1959 when my mother and stepfather opened the C&F where the old Silver Dollar, and the future Al's Stereo would be located (hey Frank, Mom remembers you, and you will always be a friend of my family, dude), nor 1962. it is now, period. my Grandfather closed his plumbing shop on 115th near Liberty because he was tired of his shop being littered with bottles and the windows hve being urinated on by drunks, no matter what ethnicity.
Uncle Matt and Aunt Marie Lozell moved from their long time home on 118th by Liberty in the early seventies to Whitestone because their home had been broken into and when the miscreants could not find something to steal, they trashed the house. the list goes on. I wish those who live there the best and God's protection, even the gent who criticized my last post. Richmond Hill is still home, and any remarks I have made are done with a heavy heart, and at times I feel adrift. I praise the work of Mrs. Cataldi and her friends, and I wish them every success. they have won a few battles, lost a few battles.
Richmond Hill is what I remember, not the dose of reality I got in my last visit to Liberty Avenue in 2000 (I wouldn't listen, but had to find out for myself). no matter what the ethnicity, there are good people in Richmond Hill, and I realize that, and again I wish them well.
Added: June 13, 2007

I haven't been on this site in some time now, but it's great to be back.
I've got alot of reading to do here... I just visited Google Maps and zoomed in on my old house on the corner of 95th ave & 129th st. Then I went down the block to Smokey Park.
I have to say, that it was a strange feeling, looking down on the rooftops, imagining me and my brother and all of our friends playing in the street and going to the park at 6 a.m. while my mom was sleeping to play Knock Hockey. The Parkie guy was there and we never had to worry about anyone bothering us back then. I can also see the garages behind the houses that we used to sit on.
It's like the neighborhood is frozen in time. It's eerie because you know that it will always be there, even if you're not.
Added: June 13, 2007

101-30 114th Street, Richmond Hill.
I could go on about all that has already been said about the old nest but I haven't been back in a while so I'll just say if people do remember it's a great place and I'm glad I was raised in this area.
Say Hi to the Navarro family Arrow Signs, billy, luie, steve, and The Kennedy's. LATER
Added: June 12, 2007

This was a treasure and took four hours from my work day. What a fabulous day off.
I was looking for information on my father (born Sept. 1922), aunt and grandparents. I wanted to understand where my dad grew up and see it through his eyes. I was hoping to find out where he lived, or if anyone knew him or his sister and parents or uncles. This might lead me to more of a family tree.
The information that I do have is as follows: Warren Edward Ritter was born Sept. 1922 He was married to ???? in the forties. He later married my mother. Elaine Ritter was the only sibling, born in April 1924/25. Dad's best pal was Jimmy Burns. My grandfather was Edward Warren Ritter born in 1897. My grandmother was Florence Charlotte Greiner Ritter (she was also a Ritter), born 1898 Louis Ritter (paternal side) was grandfather's brother and owned a moving company. There were several siblings but this is the extent of my knowledge.
If anyone has any information or could direct me, I would most appreciate it.
Added: June 12, 2007

Thank you Garry Glennon for your insightful entry.
I was born in 1943 in Jamaica hospital. Spent some of my early years in Ozone Park at 97th Ave. and 105th St. I can recall the vegetable man with his horse drawn wagon with fresh produce and the ice man selling blocks of ice for the ice box. We always got a sliver of ice on hot summer days. In the fall, the coal man would come and load up my grandfather's coal bin in the basement. They used oak barrels to roll the coal to the shute into the basement. In the winter, the cream on top of the milk in the bottles would freeze and push the caps off. Then there was always the frozen wash on the clothes line. You had to stand your blue jeans up against the radiator to thaw them out.
We moved to 88th Ave. and 102nd St., when I was about five years old. Went to P.S. 98 0n 102 st. and then transferred to HCJ for first grade.
I remember Gebhardt's, Swedes's, RKO Keiths, Jahn's ice cream parlour, and Glenn's Bar and Grill. Al Wolfangle, who owned the bar named it after his son Glenn. His wife Paula used to be the daytime bartender. It was a family bar and people would sing the songs on the juxe box in a rousing chorus. Around the corner was the great German restaurant, The Triangle Hofbrau. Still can remember eating Lobster bisque soup and Oyster Rockerfellars.
Yes, the memories are great and Richmond Hill was a true neighborhood. I have lived in San Diego for 33 years and I have never experienced the same neighborhood feeling. Vaya con Dios!
Added: June 12, 2007

I have a small conundrum.
My father was born and grew up in Richmond Hill, living there until the early 1950s. His mother also grew up there before him -- her name was Kilgallon. According to Census records, the Kilgallons lived on Cherry Street in the 1910s. However, my father always said they lived on Sherry Street -- and we have two postcards from the era that say Sherry Street.
Does anyone know about Sherry Street?
Added: June 12, 2007

To: Dennis Doyle:
Dennis it was great speaking to you the other night, talking of old times in the hill was awesome.
Does anyone out there remember Tommy Bamberger (109th St) a couple of houses south of Jam. Ave? He was a big strong guy who lifted weights. He was in our crowd.
I heard he moved to Georgia, but that was many moons ago.
Added: June 11, 2007

I too would like to add to the comments to Tom Moore --
I was born in 1936 and moved to Richmond Hill when I was two months old, and stayed until 1966. Those thirty years represent a lifetime of memories.
I can remember playing stickball on 89th Avenue when there were no cars -- no cars parked, and no cars driving through to interrupt the game.
I remember going to Frers' Ice Cream Parlor at 107th street and Jamaica Avenue -- just as quaint and charming as the famous Jahns. Across the street was Gebhardts Bakery -- three rolls for a dime. Next door to Gebhardts, a small appliance store, where back in '47 we stood three deep in front of the store to see the Brooklyn Dodgers play the Yankees on something new called television -- ("Why can't we get a television, Mom!!! All the kids have one -- why can't we get one!!") So we got our first tv -- a black and white -- naturally -- ten inch Philco -- and my mom and dad just couldn't understand why all the kids were always at our house to see what television was like.
I can remember taking the trolley car, with my mother and father, to go to Flushing Meadows, to see the Worlds Fair in 1940. I can remember driving my car to Flushing Meadows to see a different Worlds Fair in 1964, on the first date with the girl who would become my wife. Buying a beer in McGoverns for fifteen cents -- buying a beer for a dime in O'Briens -- buying a token for fifteen cents to take the train to New York, for the first day on my first job.
I could keep going, but I think you get the point -- when I was a kid in the '40s, there were many, many people in Richmond Hill who were in their eighties -- and older. I'm pretty sure those folks must have looked back longingly and said "Things sure have changed in this town -- I sure wish we could be back in the good old days in 1880" I'm sure Richmond Hill is still a great place to grow up and raise a family -- but to us who are a bit older, things will always be better when we were younger. So, by all means, enjoy your Richmond Hill of today, but please don't deny us our Richmond Hill of yesterday ---
Added: June 10, 2007

To Gary Glennon:
It was Bond Bakery on about 96th or 98th street off 95th Ave. I actually saw Hopalong Cassidy there one afternoon after dismissal from SMGH grammar school. They gave us free bread and the loaf seals which had pictures of Tonto, his horse, a six shooter etc. The Dairy I recall was Sealtest and it was on 96th Street (between liberty and 103rd Ave) across from the LIRR elevated train which ran to Rockaway. We used to sneak in there and seal tubes of milk bottle caps which we shot with rubber bands attached to wooden guns. Ah, the things we did in our youth...
I stand corrected... there was a Borden dairy on 104th Street and Atlantic Ave... We never tried to steal anything form there though, Sealtest was a lot easier !!!
Added: June 8, 2007

To Tom Moore-relax!!!
Everyone has an opinion and everything changes with time. Stop and think, weren't you happier in the early 50's with RH than you are now? Of course, because you were 50 years younger!!! We all grow older and neighborhoods grow older and change too. It's in the eye of the beholder if what they now see compares favorably with what hey saw yesterday, last month or 10 years ago. People have a right to their memories so let it rest... you love it now and they loved it then!!!!
I lived in RH from 1942 to 1984 and you have to admit there were major changes in that time. It went from Irish/Italian/German to Guyanese/Pakistani/Indian; what i would consider a MAJOR adjustment. live and let live....
Added: June 8, 2007

I love Richmond Hill!
I have lived in Richmond Hill since the late 1950's and I take offense by those who post in this Guestbook and say how Richmond Hill is not what it used to be or how it has "gone-down".
You don't like it here why bother us with your criticism. Go tell it to the NYC officials if it bothers you so much. People that moved out of Richmond Hill and post here about their memories are always welcomed but to go on about how it is no longer how it was in 1950 and what ashame it is infuriates me.
Don't you think wherever you have moved to that the locals feel the same way about you? Who are these New Yawkers moving into our neighborhood? Can you tell me what hasn't changed since the 1950's in towns throughout America? As a resident of Richmond Hill for many years I can tell you without a doubt Richmond Hill has faced some pretty dismal times but thanks to grassroot organizations such as the Richmond Hill Historical Society who have an undying love affair with this community, have seen to it that Richmond Hill will survive inspite of the onslaught of "big city" development.
Added: June 7, 2007

Once upon a time, there was a bread factory between 102nd street and 104th street--again I'm back in the 1940s--I think it was on 92nd street, and it was probably Wonder Bread.
The delightful smell of the hot bread being baked was loved by the entire neighborhood. So, how did we kids show our appreciation? Well, we would wait until about 10:00 o'clock at night, and, skulking around until there were no workers visible, we would run like hell into the factory and grabbed as many loaves of bread as our greedy little hands could carry. We next went over to Atlantic Avenue for the second course of our "meal" , and performed the same dastardly deed at the Borden--- (or was it Sealtest--I must be getting old--) milk plant; we would then find a hiding place to enjoy our ill-gotten gains. Of course after eating a whole loaf of hot bread and drinking a cold pint of milk we felt like crap--but we had beaten the system!
Oh--the joys of a mis-spent youth!!
Added: June 7, 2007

To Frank:
Frank, I (misused) entropy to convey my thought that everything runs downhill, as did Richmond Hill. I moved to Tennessee in 1971 to join other members of Mom's family, and to attend UT Chattanooga. the area is as it is now, would anyone really want to move back? I hope for a revival of the area, I truly do. if it happens, and I win the lottery, I might return, who knows? I'll say hi to Mom for you, Frank.
Added: June 6, 2007

I have been looking for Eleanor Tobin.
Her father owned a pharmacy on Jamaica Ave. in Woodhaven.
She was known as "Toby". I do not know her married name or where she settled.
Added: June 2, 2007

John, you lost me!!
As a former customer of the Silver Dollar Bar on Liberty & 111th Street, how does entropy enter into your leaving NY for Tenn? Roughly, entropy is disorder within order, etc. so how does your relocation to Tenn equal entropy??
Say hello to Kity for me, she served me my first legal drink on 9/28/60, a rum & coke which I proceeded to upchuck after drink #7!!! Had a lot of good times in the Silver Dollar/Kitty's/Al's Stereo before moving to Long Island in 1984. Relocatecd to Jersey in 2004... have a good day, Frank
Added: June 2, 2007

I really appreciate all of you who put this web site together, what a refreshing visit down Memory Lane!
What is amazing to me is how many of us all love the same things, and cherish the same memories! I read all of the letters over the last 2 years or so and I couldn't find any mention of "the Sugar Bowl"!!?? Am I the only one who remembers this very popular Ice Cream spot??
Seem to recall it was on the southside of Jamaica Avenue around 116th Street - great chocolate chip Ice cream!
Anyone else recall that place?
Added: June 1, 2007

Paul LaVecchia:
Jeffrey might have been his son. Dr. Carlin was my dentist until we moved out of God's Country (me kicking and screaming) in July of 1962. to answer the question why we moved out? entropy, folks, entropy.
as God is my witness, I wish we could ALL move back. not so much as Let's Do the Time Warp Again, but that it was and always will be, home. that includes Richmond Hill, South Ozone Park, and other areas we all knew and loved.
Added: May 31, 2007

To Jonn Mulry:
The dentist you refer to, Is his first name Jeffrey (Jeff) Carlin. If so, he played ball in the Rich-Haven little league in the late 50's and early 60's.
As to Debbie Norman:
I do not remember you at all. But maybe we met briefly.
If anyone played little league ball in the late 50's, early 60's. would like hear from you.
Added: May 26, 2007

I grew up with my two sisters on 115 St between 107 and 109 Ave.
OLPH '63, Msgr McClancy '67, St. John's for a while then the USN. Hung out on the corner of 115 St and 107 Ave, "Kelmans Corner." The Rememberance Shop, Dadsons, Ben Blue's, Al Diamonds, Alexanders Hardware, Al's Stereo, Winthers are all fond memories.
RH was a great place to grow up. I wonder exactly why most of us left?
Added: May 23, 2007

does anyone remember Albert Loney?
he lived in the apartment building on 115th of Liberty. we were great pals, he was like a big brother. my Grandfather, Mr. Snedeker, always spoke well of him.
Added: May 23, 2007

Lucianna:
when did you go to P.S.100? I was there from 58-62:
1st grade: Mrs. McManus; 2nd: Mrs. Weisbart; 3rd: Mrs. Morse; 4th: Mrs. FitzSimmons
Added: May 23, 2007

Debbie:
my dentist was Dr. Carlin, his office was above my grandfather's plumbing shop (H.A. Snedeker)
Added: May 23, 2007

Born and raised at 121st St. and 89th Ave.
During the 30's and 40's, attended P.S. 51, P.S.54 and RHHS. Late in WW II, at age 17, left RHHS (Senior Year) to enlist in the U.S.Marine Corps. Retired after 23 years of military service. Married Vita Ruccione in 1950. She was also from Richmond Hill. She passed away 6 days before 9/11.
Would certainly enjoy hearing from both her old friends and mine.
Can anyone suggest where I might be able to purchase RHHS yearbooks for Jan 46 and Jun 46?
Added: May 21, 2007

What a great sight and a wonderful walk down memory lane.
Lived on 93rd Avenue and ll2th Street. Had some great years at Holy Child Jesus and then Richmond Hill High.
Hope to get back and visit the neighborhood soon.
Added: May 20, 2007

What a trip down memory lane!!
I recently took my 18 yr old daughter to the old digs. We stopped at Jahn's and they let us play the old music box. Still 25cents. Looked for my initials at my fav booth!!!
Things are very multi-culti and colorful. The homes on my st are all gated up!!! I was lucky to live around the corner from Kresge's where we got our daily waffle icecream sandwiches. I was also a block away from the Lefferts theatre, and near Carlos' pizza---25 cents for a slice and a coke. A whole pie was only $1.25! The year was 1966.
I lived @ 104-28 120 st. We had fab block parties in those days. The Roaches, Centauros, McBrides, Lerros, Alversas, etc. We were the first Italianos to move onto the German Irish area.
We attended P.S.62, 100, 108, and Adams. I was an Adams cheerleader from 62 to 66. We had games at Baisley pk. Adams had no field back then. I dated Mike Silipo from Howard Beach. We listened to Murray the K at our Beach parties @ 110th st with the rest of "The Submarine Race Watchers"!! We actually built small barn fires on the sand.
Remember McNulty's bar? We drank alcohol at age 18 back then. In May, Adams cheerleaders led the Memorial Day parade down to the Triangle near the Van Wyck where the wreathes were placed. I could go on and on.
Oh yes, anyone remember Bella Vista Restaurant owned by my family and Nuray meats near Aqueduct owned by my relatives The Verdis and the Mercoglianos?? Oh, also, Remember Tuties bar near Woodhaven?
Added: May 20, 2007

went to RHHS 1962 THRU 1965,
hung out at smokey park, my friends were roseanne galante and diana spaulding, lost contact over the years, anyone hear from any almamata's.
I married tommy marinovich also in the crowd. Remember, Karps, Jahn's, worked at Food Fair after school. I met my husband a St benny's joseph labre dances on friday nite's.
Great memories, would love to hear from old friends
Added: May 18, 2007

hey everybody...
don't forget we march in the memorial day parade on sunday, may 27th, 2007. we meet at ascan avenue and metropolitan. come join us, bring your kids! meeting time is 11:45.
if you need more details, please email me!
Added: May 18, 2007

hope all had a great mother's day.
best food in town served at salerno's italian restaurant in richmond hill (on the block of jahn's icecream parlor). you have to go and try it once. you'll be hooked. they have a lunch and dinner menu. baked clams, hot antipasto, artichokes, veal chicken pasta and seafood - you cannot go wrong. filet mignon melts in your mouth. my son's girlfriend favorite filet mignon marsala. 5 star service along with the food
bon appetito!!
Added: May 18, 2007

I believe I knew both Maureen's.
To John Saladino we went to school with that Maureen (really nice sweet girl), but to Paul LaVecchia (I knew you too), I knew the older Maureen too.
She lived by herself on about 111-113th st. I think. It's hard to remember where everyone lived exactly, but I do remember both of them individually. I sold girl scout cookies to the older Maureen. I remember her being a quiet lady, but I was just a kid myself, so you may know things I don't.
Added: May 15, 2007

I lived on 99th St & 101St Ave.
We were the black family on the block, near the el in the 60's-70's. Mom (Evelyn) had 8 kids (Andre, Celeste, Phyllis, Dom, Chris, Francis, Patty & me.) Remember the Kusati's, Makumski's, Dolecals, Billy Casino, Eddie Rasa, Montefusco's, Nancy & Tom D'Angelo, Dolores, Ralph, Lil Ralph & Mike Villela (they had a car shop), the Vitamin men, scrap metal shop, the iron place, the milk men, Joe Russo, Conchetta (always had food there), Dr's. Mangi, Berstein, Carlin and others.
Went to school with a lot of you.
I especially remember Joe Russo cause he used to snap his fingers and ask us if we were spics. Even before we answered he said come in, come in, everybody welcomed here. He took care of his grandmother and mom and loved them so. He was always so appreciative of them bringing him to this country. He said he was going to teach his kids how to work, and everyone should know how to work cause this was America. Remembered him dancing in the Pizzeria with his wife. He loved his Italian music. Eventually sons (Joey & Frankie) took over business. Dad wanted sons to marry Italian; I remember them dating. I think he had older sons too. All sad when Joe Russo died.
Anyone remember Mrs. Miller JA swim teacher, well she's still swimming; Mrs. Adams, gym teacher; Mrs. Burton... great memories.
Remember Mr. Schultz, Mr. Schneider or Schneiderman or both. And most of all the Mafiosa with bocci ball, horseshoe, chess/checkers at the park, and other games. They sure knew how to throw a party... 4th July WOW! Gotti was my brother's godfather. Remember the big Mafia shooting at corner of 101/98 or 99st.
Remember the 3 Indians who rode the bus. They were specimens! Bodies built to the "T". Believe their names were Mike, Billy and Dick. One of them got stabbed and died, other moved and I think Billy was the last of them. He never wore a shirt and was built beautifully with beautiful brown sculptured muscles. They would dress in their gear once a year with feathers in their head... Billy continued the tradition till one day Billy was gone. I remember the motorcycle gangs, basketball, block parties (103rd was the best--especially for the zeppoli's).
My sister and I played on basketball teams at GOH. Remember Father Bernard? Jimmy Olson, Climbs, the McBrides (all of them), Arty Lopez (that guy was always crazy staying out in snow so late). Paul LaVecchia mentioned a huge group of friends we were fond of too. Remember the gangs? Such fond fond memories.
Anyone remember us email ddanorm@yahoo.com
Added: May 15, 2007

Yes Adele, I remember Freeman's.
I bought my curtains for my first apartment there. Liberty avenue was and still is a great place to shop.
Do you remember the egg store next to Levensons?
Added: May 14, 2007

I lived at 104-17 117 Street until I got married.
My parents owned Freemans Curtain Store at the corner of 117 St. and Liberty Ave. for many years. It was across from Levinson's Deli.
If anyone remembers the area, I would love to hear from you.
Added: May 12, 2007

I moved into 120-14 91st Avenue at the age of 5.
It was a two family house, with my grandparents in the first floor.
I went to PS 51, PS 90, and graduated from RHHS in 1957. We moved to Flushing in 1958.
There's going to be a 50 year reunion for the class of 1957, so if anyone reads this who knows someone in that class, please let me know.
If you also knew Mildred Clareen who lives next door to the left, or Walter "Chip" Loomis who lived to the right, I'd surely want to speak to them.
Added: May 12, 2007

Hi Friends,
I grew up on 109th street and graduated from St Mary Gate of Heaven in 61 and John Adams in 65.
Worked at Smith's Dairy from 63 to 65 and was best friends with John Mullins, Dennis Krause, Bob Maggio, Neil Gaffney. Played football with these guys on the "Winters" football team. I beleive it was called the WAC, Winters Athletic Club.
Now live in Knoxville Tn, and have been married for 37 years to my wife Glenda. We have one daughter, Stephanie, who lives here with her family and our two Grand children.
Hope to hear from anyone who remembers me.
Added: May 11, 2007

To Paul La Vecchia:
Just an update on my previous message. The Maureen I referred to was not the same one as the Maureen you knew.
The Maureen that I knew would have only been about 5 years old in 1963/64.
Added: May 7, 2007

I Graduated from RHHS in 1979 and lived in RH from 1969 to 1984.
"Sing", The "Mets", and "Smokey Park". Too many memories to write down.
I lived on 95 ave and 127 st with my sisters Lillian, Luz and my brother Al. I remember playing handball at Smokey Park for hours at a time untill my hands felt like they were going to fall off.
Regretably I have either lost or misplaced my yearbook and would gladly pay to copy one.
If you have one, would simply like to chat about the old days and if you remember me, contact me at virtualpace@aol.com or jgomez02@sjm.com
Added: May 7, 2007

I am looking for SueAnne Boerckel Falco, Artie Hagel, Thomas P. Carr, Carol Dockwilder, Rosemary Uzzi Cantello.
if anyone knows their e-mails please forward. left 131st St. 1972.
the good years were in Richmond Hill.
Added: May 7, 2007

Well' moved to RH around 1967 and lived in the area until about 1987.
PS 55 - JHS 210- RHHS Class of 75.
It was still a neighborhood then and people walked around.
The 70s were a bit crazy... Victory LAMF and all that stuff... but hey ya had to be there.
Write if you remember any of it.
Added: May 6, 2007

Lived in Woodhaven and went to Dominican Commercial with many friends from Richmond Hill.
Birthday treats at Jahns and movies at the RKO Keiths.
Great place, great memories.
thanks
Added: May 6, 2007

really enjoyed visiting this site...
thanks
Added: May 6, 2007

Thank you, what a great site.
I was talking to an childhood friend and he turned me onto it. I was born on 98-06 125 St in 1946 and in 1953 my parents bought there first home at 109-20 103 Ave and was there till the late 60's.
Would love to hear from anyone who remembers
Added: May 5, 2007

Hello, My name is Jill Ranieri.
I am a junior at SUNY College @ Fredonia and am researching information for a final paper in my American Indian History class.
I am studying the prevalance of the Spanish language among Indian culture. I am aware that there are many Spanish-speaking Shinnecock and Poospatuck people and was wondering if anybody had any information for me.
If there is anything you could share with me, in terms of statistics, percentages, contacts or related information to this topic, it would be very much appreciated.
Thank you for your time, Jill Ranieri
Added: May 3, 2007

Lived on 120th st so ozone pk 1933 thru 1952.
attended OLPH and RHHS, left NY area 1977.
Added: May 3, 2007

Hello,
I am searching relatives of Helen and Frans Larson who I visited in 1970 on 134-15 104 Ave in Richmond Hill.
Helen and my father were cousins. Helen was born in USA and Frans came to USA from Sweden.
Your site is very nice.
Added: May 1, 2007

To lynn ann franklin:
i remember the store it was right in the middle of the block on jamacia ave. i use to go there all the time to hear jokes from alex franklin.
they sold the store in april 1984. he moved to texas.
he told my mom at that time if anyone asks for him that he went there. he used to fly airplanes on the weekends. the store had all kind of stuff there.
Added: May 1, 2007

To John Saladino:
Thanks for the info on Maureen (Mickey) McDonough. She was a sweetheart. I am saddened to hear of her passing. I dated her for 4 months back in 1963-4 when I was 16. I didn' hear of anything on her passing either. Thanks again for the info.
Added: May 1, 2007

This message is in reply to Paul La Vecchia regarding your earlier message requesting information on Maureen McDonough.
Sadly, from speaking with someone on the Holy Child Alumni Forum site a few years back, I heard that she passed away from cancer.
I was saddened to hear this as I was also friends with her from my days living up the block from her on 113th street.
Is there anyone else on the site that can verify this?
Added: April 30, 2007

Thank you, Billy Gibbs, and Paul Galbraith for your responses on my e-mails.
It was great to hear from you. However, I wish I could contact those people I mentioned. If you would like to stay in touch, that's fine.
If not, it's o.k.. Thanks again, Paul.
Added: April 30, 2007

I remember buying Christmas presents at Franklin's.
I lived on 106th Street.
Added: April 29, 2007

WHAT A GREAT SITE!!
Found it by surfing the Internet. I grew up in Richmond Hill on 108 St my whole life, attended PS90 and Richmond Hill High.
No longer a resident of Richmond Hill, I live in Fresh Meadows with my wife.Still love to visit and eat at Jahns Restaurant!!
I noticed the whole make up of Richmond Hill changed a lot when I was discharged from the Navy in 1995.
Stores I remember were gone and stores I never saw were all over. Oh well, change...
Well, have to run now. If any person wants to email me, feel free. Thats all. Jeff Costigan.
Added: April 29, 2007

Hi, I have been reseaching my Family Tree.
My Mum had a cousin called Alice Veal born in Hampshire England. Alice and my mother Kathleen known as Kit were real pals when they were young. We have lots of pictures of them together. Alice married an American service man Ray Acevedo during the 2nd World War and moved to New York, Brooklyn area. Alice died in the 1970s. I'm not sure exactly when. Alice had a sister called Bertha in the New Forest England who I have met quite a few times. She came to my mums 80th Birthday party.
It would be lovely to hear from Alice's family in America. I know she was married to Ray and had a son called Eddie and daughters Heather and Margarita.
Added: April 25, 2007

It was my great uncle Abe Franklin and his son Zelek Franklin who owned and ran the Franklin Store at about 105th Street at Jamaica.
I would like any information about the store or my family who ran it, or any anecdotes. My Uncle Abe died in 1972. I last saw him at my grandfather's funeral. I've been trying since 1980 to locate them.
I'd sure appreciate any information, about them or the store. Please email me, or write back here. Thank-you very much!
I'm so excited, this is the first time I've had any concrete sign that they existed at all!
Added: April 24, 2007

SPORTS:
Opening Day Rich-Haven Baseball League, the parade down Jamaica Avenue to Smokey Park.
Standing in a cold drizzle waiting to play while Mr. Schultz made a speech. Lynvette practice under Bob Schmidt - the leg lifts! Getting killed by Broad Channel while playing for the mercifully short lived Marauders. Sledding down Suicide hill in Forest Park.
Arty Lopez's socks so wet he wore his gloves on his bare feet. The thundering echo of cheers at St. Bennie's gym during CYO basketball tournements. Hanging out for the dance afterwards.
Added: April 23, 2007

Lived on 110st bet 109th ave & 107 ave from 64-80.
Olph '64, Molloy '68, St. John's '72. Bob & David Smith, Eddie Rasa, Billy Casino (Wimpy), Bob Baudo, Bob Goehringer, Montefuscos (Charlotte married Dave Smith).
Sister named Kathy Friend, Olph '62 / Wisdom '66. She's in Glen Cove.
Added: April 21, 2007

Mother & father RHHS alumni, sister, Louise Marie Stuber, graduated 1948, now lives in San Diego, CA as Louise Conway.
Added: April 17, 2007

Looking to make contact with friends that worked with me at Jahn's Ice Cream palor in the early 60's.
Graduated from RHHS 1961. Also worked at Glenn's Bar& Grill across the street from the RKO Keiths. Lived in RH from 1953 to 1970.
Added: April 17, 2007

To: Paul Galbraith,
How do I contact him? I don't have his E-mail address. PLease try to get it for me, and I'll do so. Thanks.
Added: April 16, 2007

I was born in Woodhaven on Park Lane South in 1927 and went to P.S. 97. At age 16 in 1943 I moved to Richmond Hill.
I would love to hear from anyone who remembers me.
I am still in touch with friends I made way back then.
I would love to hear from anybody who knew me... I am trying to locate Eleanor Tobin who lived in Woodhaven. Her Dad owned a pharmacy on Jamaica Avenue.
It is hard to make connection today because many people my age never got on a computer. Do you remember Gonicks? The smell of their barrel pickles still makes my mouth water. How about Jahns? There were quite a few R.H. kids who became famous. I will only list first names but I was friends with Mary, Claire, Justine, Muriel, Marty, Bernie, Renee, Gerry, the list goes on.
In my personal searches, I never met a soul who came from Woodhaven. I went to P.S. 97. Are you out there Jacqueline, Doris, Neicie, Eleanor, Daisy, Allen, Madeline??
Is the library across from the school still as wonderful as it was in my time?
Added: April 13, 2007

this is for anthony scirica looking for info on his dad.
the historical society has a large archive of richmond hill high yearbooks dating back to the 1900's up until the 1950's. with the dates you mention, we have alot of 1930's ones.
when i get to the museum next, i will look through to see if i can find him. there is usually a picture and info on each student. i can then copy and scan anything i find. please email me.
your personal email bounced back. let me know you are still interested.
Added: April 12, 2007

This is my second E-mail this week...
If anyone knew these people who grew up in N. Rich. Hill (1960-1980) please try to contact me.
Other people in the hill were Johnny Celauro (father owned 4-C bread crumbs). Also, Billy Gibbs, Miriam, Janet, Maureen McDonough, etc. Mike La Marca, Billy Fitzpatrick, Maureen Hedler, brother Mike Hedler, Bobby Brown, and So, So many others. All these great guys and girls, were the best of friends.
Any response would be appreciated. We grew up a tight bunch, but of course growing up seperates a lot of us. Some of us went to Vietnam, etc.
Added: April 12, 2007

To: Lorraine Williams Schuler
I knew Tom Soriano. We went to PS 121 and graduated in 1953. We were in the same homeroom in 8th grade (Ms. Ferstyle) and were constantly getting into trouble, along with Joe Matragrano.
Unfortunately I didn't keep in touch with him and don't know where he might be living. He was a great guy, funny as hell.
Added: April 11, 2007

does anyone know the where abouts of tom soriano?
he was my brother warren's best friend. I believe he lived on 121st street off libery ave. the last time i saw him was in 1958.
tom if you see this please drop me a line. I would love to hear from you.
Added: April 10, 2007

Does anyone remember my father --
His name was Savario (Rick) Scirica -- He was born in 1916 and he did go to Richmond Hill High School -- I would assume that because of the year that he was born, he would have attended from 1930-1934, but that quite possibly maybe off by a year or so. I know he was quite proud of having gone to the school as I overheard him speak as it was very important to him of having recieved his high school education there.
He also was quite some handball player, as he has many medals from competing in the sport representing the school. My dad was a great guy who would be 91 if he were here today -- he unfortunately passed early on in life at the young age of 61.
If anyone knows someone who went to the school who might remeber him let me know via Email -- I would love to hear about what he might have been like in his teenage years.
Added: April 10, 2007

Grew up on 108th st. 86th ave.
Went to RHHS, Grad 1965. Does anyone know Ricky Agusta, Bobby Winters, The Bomeisels, Stevie, Bobby, & Kenny. Had a great time growing up there. The park (forest) was our 2nd home. Lived there 1960-1980.
Added: April 10, 2007

Thank you Sonia that was him.
He never left the old neiborhood
Added: April 9, 2007

someone sent me an email a while back as a friend of my cousin Richard Napolitano.
I mistakenly deleted before I talked to him. Sorry.
I couldnt recall your name. Richie asked me to find out who it was. Please email me again so I can pass along your name and hello.
Richie has just resettled his moving from Colorado to Las Vegas.
Added: April 9, 2007

there is a bob smith who works at the RKO Keith's Bingo Hall and flea market and might be the one you are looking for. 718-847-1418. he used to have some clothes stores around.
Added: April 8, 2007

Trying to locate childhood friends Robert (buddy) Smith or his sister Margret (meg) Smith.
They lived on 125th street and 89th Ave from 1950 into the 70's. I heard buy had a re-sale or baby clothing store on Jamacia ave between 117th and 111th. They also had an adopted brother Gregory. If any one remembers them or knows if they are still alive please post a note I'd like to hear from them again. Thanks
Added: April 6, 2007

Hi, came across your Richmond Hill society log in when looking up the Lynvet Football organization.
I grew up in South Ozone Park, graduate of Forest Hills H.S., class of 1967. I played on the Lynvet junior division team which beat the Garity Knights (12-8) in 1965. Would love to hear from anyone who was on that team. I have the team photo taken after the game.
Added: April 3, 2007

I am doing some research on my adoption and was wondering if anyone remembers a Dr. Charles Mangi on Woodhaven Blvd?
Thank you for any assistance. Please email me.
Added: April 2, 2007

Great website.
Grew up at 95-54 115 Street (1970-1982). Nice to see Greg O'Malley checking in. Give me a call 718-321-5585.
Added: April 2, 2007

I lived at 130-16 Liberty Avenue behind my mothers Dance Studio "Norma Deane Dance School" during the 50's...
Great memories and a wonderful childhood experience
Added: April 2, 2007

Thanks for your replies!
Yes, I found the St. Andrew Church and the Richmond I was looking for was on Staten Island NY.
Added: April 1, 2007

To: J.E. Lewis Deitz...
I believe this is the place you are looking for. St Andrews is in Historic Richmondtown. LaTourette Park, Golf Course and Clubhouse Richmond Hill Road, above Historic Richmond Town.
The stately David LaTourette House, a federal-style brick mansion built in 1836, stands as the centerpiece of 540-acre LaTourette Park.
The historic building was purchased by the city of New York in 1928 and was converted in 1936 to a clubhouse to accommodate the hilly 18-hole city-owned golf course that surrounds it. The house was designated an individual New York City landmark in 1968, and in 1982 it was included in the National Register of Historic Properties.
Following a devastating fire in 2001, the house was restored to its original splendor. Great care has been taken to maintain the integrity of the original Greek Revival architecture.
The area of LaTourette House was once the location of a Revolutionary War-era fort, mills and quarries. George Washington is thought to have visited the site as it was prepared for the defense of Staten Island. Two Revolutionary War battles took place within sight of the house, in the vicinity of nearby St. Andrew's Church.
LaTourette Golf Course is open to the public throughout the year. The Greenbelt's Blue and Yellow hiking trails traverse the park.
For golfing information, call (718) 351-1889.
Added: April 1, 2007

TO: J. E. Lewis Deitz...
You are in Richmond Hill, NY which is the not the correct location you are seeking information regarding Elizabeth LaTourette whom you say is from Richmond, NY.
Richmond, NY is located in upstate NY, in Ontario County, south of Rochester. Also there is a Richmond County in Staten Island.
Added: March 31, 2007

Looking for information on a woman born in Richmond, NY in 1768.
Her name was Elizabeth LaTourette. She married Peter Lewis and had a son John born on October 27, 1804. John was born in Millstone, NJ. The reference I have is that Elizabeth was listed in the records of St. Andrews Church.
Is there still a church by that name in the area?
Added: March 31, 2007

What a pleasant find to stumble on this site.
I loved growing up in RH. Lived there from 1976 thru 1990. Went to PS 66, JHS 210 and RHHS. Graduated in 1986. Stayed nearby in Ozone Park when I had my own apartment but moved out to Long Island to raise my children. I would love to hear from any alumni that remember me. Have many, many fond memories of Hill.
Added: March 30, 2007

HOUSE ON HAUNTED HILL at The Lefferts.
The skeleton that "came out of the screen" and floated over our heads on a clothesline, and us flinging dixie cup lids at it. The 3 Stooges and The Dave Clark Five at The Keiths.
Added: March 29, 2007

I'm looking for my Mother's lost Brother
His Mother put him up for Adoption, his Father's name was William Schweit and he died in 1976.
William this is your sister seeking to find you. You can get in contact through her e-mail BETTYFORDGREY@AOL.COM
Sister Lorraine Schweit Home Number is 1-718-677-7360. Niece Florence Schweit, WE ARE LOOKING FOR YOU.
Mr Jim Bristol or Mr Richard Houraham, I am writing to you both. Wondering if maybe you can help me find a missining relative. I believe he is a missing brother of mine. I saw his message on your website yesterday while I was looking for missing relatives.
Please if there is someway you can find that person who made that message in your guestbook cause I have been looking for years to find him. We have the same exact father William Schweit who died in 1976.
He was a chef at the TRIANGLE RESTAURANT and he died of lung cancer. I am his sister Lorraine Schweit, we had a sister Kathleen who died in 1987. I am the only living sister left.
Please contact his family right away. I did not know of the adoption. I left home when I was very young. Please contact my daughter Florence's e-mail right away, ASAP. Sincerely, Lorraine Schweit
Added: March 28, 2007

I have been in touch with a few more former classmates of mine (CLass of '75) but where are the others.
I'd love to hear from you. If you are ever in South Florida, let me know and maybe we can talk about the days that aren't so bad now that we are older.
Added: March 27, 2007

I remember living in NY.
I miss it so0o0o much. If anyone wants to move, I deeply suggest that you don't.
Richmond Hill is a great place to live in. I miss it so0o0 much.
Added: March 25, 2007

I am looking for Dorothy and Charles Dimler who lived in RH circa 1920.
There is an umlaut above the place where the letter "i" is which should be "u".
Does anyone know their whereabouts?
Added: March 25, 2007

This is for Jeffrey Bates...
I don't know were Mike is but I remember you well, you were more my father's friend then mine, Freddy Scerbo.
I remember your box nove the blue. When at school I think it was Jimmy D, thru a ice cone at the your car and you chased him and made him clean it off.
You won't belive this, I still have slot cars that you made and the green box that they came in. I still build them and still race them, not the old cars from the 60's, but they still work and I drive them around the track and they bring back memories.
I have an old car a 1970 BOSS 302 I had since I came out of the service. It's showroon con.
Well Jeffrey, hope to hear from you soon. Mike Scerbo
Added: March 24, 2007

Hi Richmond Hill
A funny thing happen today. I got a call from a friend of mine, Frank Sclafini, that I didn't see since the 70'S.
His sister saw my name on your site. I'm Mike Scerbo I do remember a few Dennis, I can't place Dennis Doyle.
To Jimmy Zuffer, I remember you an your family and I remember the story of the train wreck my father told, so Jimmy you'll be getting an email from me shortly.
Dennis I would like to hear from you. Mike Scerbo
Added: March 24, 2007

This is such a great site.
I grew up in RH during 50's and 60's. Attended OLPH, worked at Winthers and Al's Stereo.
Remember Dennis Krause, Patti Sweiker and Bob Maggio, Neil Gaffney, Bob Baudo,Joe Graffagnino, TJ Biscay. Irv's candy store on 111th and Liberty. The Winthers Football team!
The great stores, Jay Kay butchers, Smitty's, Angelos Sign Shop, Greenwood Bakery.
Added: March 20, 2007

Tickets are now on sale for "An Evening with These Three Tenors with William Thomas Smiddy" sponsored by St. Thomas Apostle Church.
The concert will include tenors Michael Crouse, Thomas J. Stallone and Rinaldo Toglia, William Thomas Smiddy, piano.
Special guests are Rose Marie Guariglia, soprano, and Mackenzie Melemed, an 11-year-old piano prodigy.
The concert will be held on Saturday evening, April 21, at 7:30 PM in Msgr. Mulz Hall, Jamaica Avenue at 88th Street in Woodhaven.
The program will include favorites from Broadway shows, Italian songs and well-known classical pieces.
Tickets are $15.00. For more information about the concert, please call 718-850-5507.
Added: March 20, 2007

I lived in richmond hill from 1943 to 1958 and i loved it there.
I used to live at 120-18 liberty ave and i went to John Adams high school.
thank you for having this book. It's like coming home.
Added: March 19, 2007

Let's see if anyone remembers this--
Back in the forties, on 108th street, between Jamaica Avenue and P.S.90, for a rather brief time, there was a little candy store. They had two glass cases, one held the traditional penny candies; the other one was filled with "loosies". You're probably asking what the heck were "loosies"? Well,they were single cigarettes, sold individually, "loose", from the pack.
A pack of cigarettes cost twenty cents which was a lot of money for a kid to come by--but every kid had a penny or two in their pocket, and could go in to their friendly neighborhood candy store and buy one or more cigarettes for two cents a piece. Needless to say, once the P.S. 90 authorities got wind of the store, the "loosie store" was quickly shut down.
So I guess we went back to our other past time--putting our pennies on the trolley tracks to be flattened out--and why we did that, I have no idea.
Added: March 19, 2007

Still Looking for Family...
Rocco Di Sipio Family lived 86-21 123 Street Richmond Hill...
Last update of any family living there was 1923 (in which Rocco Was Killed on that street while crossing it and Jamaica St...
any info would be helpful... Thanks
Added: March 18, 2007

Dear Fans of Richmond Hill,
Richmond Hill is one of very few Queens communities that can boast a resident performing arts organization. On behalf of the Sacred Music Chorale of Richmond Hill, NY, I invite you to our next concert on Sunday, April 22, 2007 at 3 pm at St. John's Lutheran Church 86-20 114th Street, Richmond Hill , Queens.
The Sacred Music Chorale, SMC chamber orchestra and soloists will be performing an all- Bach concert with some of his best choral and instrumental works.
Tickets are $15 for adults and $12 for seniors and students and can be mail ordered at this time. Ticket orders and checks made out to The Sacred Music Chorale can be sent to St. John's at the address above. For further details about the SMC please visit our website at http://www.richmondhillny.com/Arts/SMC.html or write to me via my eMail address.
Why not make this an occasion to come back to (or visit for the first time) "the old neighborhood". Call some friends, plan a reunion. Cruise the streets to see our beautiful old homes and some interesting new ones. Hear some great Bach and talk about the old days over dinner at another Richmond Hill landmark, Salerno Italian Restaurant at 117-11 Hillside Avenue, Richmond Hill.
Just show your program or ticket stub on that day and Salerno will be donate a portion of its proceeds to support the Sacred Music Chorale. Mark your calendars and I hope to see you there.
Added: March 16, 2007

I lived on 112th Street right off of Jamacia Aveune.
I attented P.S. 90 from 71-78 then a year of 210 before moving upstate.
I remember my principal Mr. Lerner, science teacher Mr. Cohen, Library teacher Mrs. Maldanato, 5th grade teacher Mr. Calamusa, other teachers, Mrs. Simon, Mrs. Adler, Mrs. Vogel, Mrs. LaBon, and the list goes on. Don't remember much from 210. Mrs. Kay. I remember both gym teachers... maybe it's because I played hookey all the time!
My friends on 112... Maria, Lucille, Patty, Annmarie, Breda, Dorothy, the Mauro's... how I miss them all!
I'm married (over 21 years) 4 kids... 19g, 13g, 10b, 8g. If anybody from 90 or 210 remembers me... send over an email... would love to hear from you.
Added: March 16, 2007

what a fantastic site...
just a short note 4 now... I lived at 103-25 123 street just up from the Lefferts theatre...
I graduated SBJL in 1965 and then went to BKLYN TECH HIGH. in my class was Lou Ferrigno and Russ Salzberg from wfan radio...
I work in the subways for 33 years as a Roadcar Inspector, now on the "r" line at 95th street and 4th avenue station...
now I am not finished there is too much more... I WILL RETURN, peace, dennis j.
Added: March 15, 2007

Found this site trying to find info on my father's diner (Checker Diner) on the corner of Hillside and Myrtle Aves.
He owned and ran it with a partner from the 1940's to 1957. Does anyone out there remember the diner and my father? I was very little at the time but remember the RKO across Myrtle Ave. and the Triangle Haufbrau house the other side of Hillside Ave.
I havn't been back since but would love to know what happened to it and what the area is like now. Thanks
Added: March 14, 2007

I am doing research for a project in Human Services and I have stumbled on this web site, what a delightful find.
I graduated from Dominican Commercial in 1971 and have lived here in RH for the last 26 years. I have worked part time in Lenihans and the Little Brown Jug for the last 30 years.
Would love to hear from anyone who was around here in the late 70's, 80's and 90's.
Added: March 14, 2007

Susan L, from the 117 Street post office gang, please email me if you check back in.
Added: March 13, 2007

Just stumbled on this site, it's reat to read everyones comments.
I was born (1962) and bred in Richmond Hill on Liberty Avenue on top of the Green Shade Bar. My family owned the bar for 35 years.
Went to PS 100, JHS 202 then John Bowne. So many great memories hanging out with friends on the corner, sitting on the stoop, riding the "A" train, the rides the whip and half moon that came around the block, skitching, skelly, selling lemonaid, the parades up the Avenue, everything measured in blocks, the blackout in 77?, Karp's had the best hamburgers, Carlos's the best pizza and the best hotdogs from the cart on 120th & Liberty.
What a great neighborhood to grow up in.
Added: March 12, 2007

Really going way back here.
Trying to trace details of the family of a Matthew Roche whom I know attended Richmond Hill High School in 1925 as I have a copy of newspaper cutting from The New York Times with details of a cross country race which he won in that year.
His mother was related to my family and would love to know what happened to the family in subsequent years.
Added: March 11, 2007

In reply to your inquiry about Kronke's Ice cream parlor.
What great memories I have about it. I used to live across Jamaica Ave. From the age of 9 years old I used to hang out there.
Your uncles George and Dick were the nicest people. They never made the kids get out and let us hang out for as long as we wanted. They had the most delicious hamburgers. They used to call them Steakburgers big and round.
On the hot summer nights we would get peach ice cream and a bottle of cream soda and go home and make ice cream sodas. Even when I moved at the age of 16 I still went back and hung out at Kronke's.
Great Times and Great Memories.
Added: March 7, 2007

Lynne Fitzpatrick --
I graduated from HCJ in l962. I had a Kevin Galbraith in my class. I think he lived on 111 St. not to far from the school. Are there any other 1962 HCJ graduates out there?
Added: March 7, 2007

Lived at 97th ave and 125th st in Richmond Hill, between 1950-1963.
Remember Smokey Park, Uncle Jack's toy store, Lefferts movie, Jahns. Playing stickball, scully in the streets, home made go carts, handball courts.
Went to St. Theresa's elementary school from 57-64, and ps 55 in 56.
Anyone around from the old block?
Added: March 6, 2007

I attended p.s. 121 until 1964...
my favorite teacher there was Mrs. Bernard. Then i attended Richmond Hill High School, from 1964 to 1968.
Added: March 6, 2007

Graduating year From RHHS 1970.
I grew up on 123 St between 101 and 97th Aves. Anyone out there?
Added: March 5, 2007

Looking for Emmy Assmus from RHHS - Prom 1964
Added: March 5, 2007

Looking for Richmond Hill/Woodhaven/Ozone Park graduates of now defunct Dominican Commercial High School CLASS OF 1959.
Some names I remember - Maureen Phaelan - Kathleen Enright - Patricia Kelly and neighborhood graduates from other Catholic and public highschools around 1959 - WHERE ARE YOU??????
Added: March 3, 2007

anyone from 1938 still alive
Added: February 25, 2007

My father has a great photo of PS54 graduating class of 1945.
This is a nice large photo and I may be able to take a photo of it, if anyone has family that might be in this picture.
Added: February 22, 2007

Hi all, more comments from my dad who lived on 125th near the railroad and then later on 111th and jamaica.
Other relatives we are looking for are the Costanzo's. They were his mothers siblings. Joe, Larry, Mary, Rose and his mother Francis. They lived in Haystown. His dad Sam Zuffrea used to hang out at tarentions bar way too much unfortunatly. My mother was actually in the bar having a drink with him when the bar caught on fire. This was in the 50's.
He also vividly remembered the train wreck. He said that he and his cousin Freddy heard it and since they lived so close ran over and watched what went on for hours. He said that the one train was accordianed against the other and you could see the people inside the windows. He said that when they finally pulled the cars apart the ones in those seats were actually cut in half. I don't think he had shared that story with me before.
Added: February 20, 2007

Hi All! My father grew up at 91-65 111th in richmond hill.
I found this site and he asked me post some memories from him.
He was born in 1931 and stayed at that house with his parents Sam and Frances Zuffrea and Aunt and uncle Frank and Anna Adelizzi. Uncle Frank owned the liqour store off of 111th on Atlantic. He hung out with two boys, his cousin Freddie Scerbo and another boy named Georgie.
He has such fun and interesting stories about growing up there. His favorite I think is crumb cake at Gebharts. Freddie scerbos dad owned the shoe repair shop on jamica at 126th or so. They called him master john.
Dad remembers a family by the name of zeker{sp} that lived across the street. Dad attended PS 54 although I dont think on a regular basis because his mom would pull him out often and let him not go to school!
He also attended Richmond Hill High school, but did not graduate with his class. He also wants to know if anyone knows of a Vivian Romano who lived off 125 and Jamica. Apparently this was his first "True Love".
If anyone can share any info on these families we both would appreciate it!
Added: February 19, 2007

I am in need of a copy of my high school diploma.
I need to know how I go about getting a copy, as I cannot place my hands on the original. If you could get back to me with this info., I would greatly appreciate it!
Added: February 19, 2007

another fond richmond hill memory and still going to salerno's italian restaurant on myrtle ave.
joe and nick used to run the place. when my husband lou and i dated we started dining there is 1973 got engaged 2 14 77 and had our son's baptism party there.
We remember julie and eddie lou and joe. food still five stars. velvet still on the walls although they closed the side room to the left and changed the bathroom. bon apetito
Added: February 18, 2007

What a great site!
It brought back a flood of memories. I grew up on 117th St. between Liberty and 107th Avenues from 1952-1962 when we moved far away to 116th St. from 1962-1971 between Liberty and 107th. I went to PS 100 (Mrs. Jhost for kindergarten) and then on to OLPH where I could be tortured by the likes of Mother Benigna and Sister Denise. I was practically excommunicated when I refused to go to Christ the King in favor of Brooklyn Tech (remember taking the A train to Lafayette).
In those days, 117th was a great place to grow up. The street was lined with Norway maples and was always shady in the summer. Friends on the block in no particular order were Henry and Lynn Medefindt, Peter and Frances Fyfe, Selena Lyons, Charlene, Sandi (see her entry above) and Barbara Schick, the Farrugias at the corner where we hung out (Alex, Joe, Carmen and Rose?), Carma Annese, Teddy Donnelly, George Browne from 107th Ave.
We used to play stoop ball, slap ball, stick ball, punch ball, ring-a-levio, "I Declare War", flip cards against stoops or the side of the A&P on Liberty and 117th. We used to go to the Lefferts every Saturday where for 45 cents you could see two monster movies, 25 cartoons and get a free bag of popcorn although most of us bought a huge bag of popcorn at Kresges for 10 cents first. The then following week, we'd go to the Casino at 114th and Liberty to see the same movies for 25 cents.
On the avenue, I remember Levenson's deli with the best knishes for a quarter, Scatturro's market, Hugo's ice cream parlor next to the fish store mentioned elsewhere on this site. Al Diamond's which was the local record store, the library at 111th St. And every Thanksgiving night after dinner, we'd all go down to Liberty Ave. and walk the length of it because it was the first night they turned on the Christmas lights.
What a great place to grow up. I went back to 117th Street recently and all the trees have died. I also had a little trouble finding the house I lived in because the open front porch had been enclosed but at least the address (104-31 117th) was on the door. And the old Pritchard house (our local haunted house) was across the street.
If any of the old gang are out there, give a holler. I'm in the book.
Added: February 17, 2007

looking for info on (or to find)
Eleanor Arguelles, Alison Bennett, Marianne Cicero
all went to SBJL, graduated 1978, then to different high schools.
also must say, where else but richmond hill could you buy a knish off an ice cream truck?
Added: February 16, 2007

to Greg O'Malley -
I definitely remember your family! your sister did baby sit for us from time to time - and i remember you had another brother? anyhow, how cool to see all those names - i knew Rocco Buffolino, Donna Napolitano, Rich Odermat, basically all the younger brothers and sisters of the people you knew. go figure!
I think these days that is sort of lost as people have less kids - you know. Now I have 4 kids, the youngest is 11 years younger than the oldest, so i wonder what their memories will be like.
Thanks for the nice words about my mom -- she's still with us, in fact she lives next door to me now. well, this is turning into a personal letter instead of a post, so i'll say so long.
take care, karyn
Added: February 16, 2007

bernard boyle wrote ...
"115th St and 101st Ave for the last 3. My father had a foreign car repair shop on the corner, and any of you who knew the neighborhood will remember that corner."
that was my street! lived there from 1966 till 1979 at 95-64 115th street. small world. i remember the garage on the corner very well - i guess it had different owners for sure.
karyn
Added: February 16, 2007

I spent 11 great years in South Ozone Park and Richmond Hill.
1957 to 1968 when I graduated from John Adams HS. I lived on 133rd St and 109th Ave for the first 8 years and 115th St and 101st Ave for the last 3.
My father had a foreign car repair shop on the corner, and any of you who knew the neighborhood will remember that corner. At one time it had been a tiny gas station, but the pumps were long gone when we moved there.
When I got older and moved away, I still came back to play football for Al's Stereo, and softball for a bar on Liberty Ave near the original PC Richards called Kurz & Lang, if anyone remembers.
If you attended any of the dances at Gate of Heaven or other places in the area in the mid to late 60's, you would remember bands like The Coachmen, Upward Movement, and maybe even The Cherry Circus. This site had me walking all around the area again, starting in South Ozone Park, passing Abe's candy store on 111th Ave near St Teresa's, Russo's pizzeria, Ann's candy store, up Liberty Ave past the library and A&P, Einhorns for school supplies, Jack's for a stickball bat and Pensie Pinkie, Lefferts theater, under the el to countless more places I have seen mentioned here.
Thanks to all who contribute, it's like coming home.
Added: February 14, 2007

I was having a medical screening done this morning by a fellow who was also born in Brooklyn, NY.
We talked about NY, as we are both here in Jacksonville, FL, and all the rich culture and energy one gets form being there. I mentioned I had attended Richmond Hill HS (73-74), as my family had moved to 129th St. off of Jamacia Ave. We reminisced about our favorite memories, and the knish came up. Immediately we both smiled and romanticized about our early childhood memories of eating a knish - with mustard of course!
We mentioned our favorite place to get them, mine was at the #7 train stop for Shea Stadium. Great memories.
Added: February 14, 2007

Does anyone remember Kronke's Ice Cream Parlor on Jamaica Ave.?
My grandparents and uncles ran the store and I was just wondering if anyone remember it. It closed somewhere in the early 1970's (I think). I recall going there as a child in the early 60's. Thanks.
Added: February 13, 2007

Hi all! this site is great.
Saw a posted message about a Ricky Hunt left by Autumn. There is no email to respond so thought I'd just post a message. ricky is my brother.
Added: February 12, 2007

Graduated from Holy Child Jesus in 1958 and then attended Dominican Commercial.
Loved RH and had great friends. Loved the dances at Mary Immaculate on Sunday afternoons. Loved ice skating in the park and sleighing. Loved Jahn's and RKO Theater.
If anyone remembers the Galbraith Family, please write me.
Added: February 8, 2007

I don't know very much about Richmond Hill, but I remember growing up in Coral Gables, FL and visiting JAHN'S all the way through high school graduation in 1969.
We used to go to JAHN'S to close out dates or to get a soda on hot weeknights when Miami nights were extrememly hot in the summer.
I sometimes think of JAHN'S old fashioned style and wish there was something like it to go to nowadays.
Added: February 6, 2007

Just wanted to say hello to everyone from the class of S.B.J.L. 1968 and R.H. 1972.
Have many good memories growing up in 95-12 123rd Street, my childhood home. Smokey Park, South Queens Boys Club, C.Y.O. and R.H. Varsity Baseball.
Anyone interested in reminiscencing give me a shout.
Added: February 5, 2007

What a trip down memory lane!
I lived at 85-30 106 Street from 1962 until 1981. I attended St.Thomas, HCJ and Dominican Coml HS.
Thanks for the memories!
Added: February 5, 2007

I Can Remember --
Every young boy had a knife in his pocket, and no one was worried. Playing War and Mumblety-peg. Playing marbles - I had a 'Steely' that was the terror of the court.
Walking home from the Valencia Theater to Ozone Park, because I had spent it all. Walking the LIRR rails at 99th St. looking for coal to use in our furnace in the 40s.
Wednesday Dish Night at the Garden Theater on Jamaica Avenue. The great fish and chips from the fish store at Jamaica Avenue and 112th Street.
The ceiling and wall décor at Tootie's on Liberty Avenue, off Woodhaven Boulevard. Being able to see your foot bones at the Thom McAn Shoe store on Jamaica Avenue.
When the 'group' went to a dance wearing black peg pants, and pearl grey jackets.
Block parties when we closed off 94th Avenue between 102 St and 106 St. Big Tony, the pizza cook at Furci's Pizza Parlor and Tavern on Atlantic and 111th St.
My first LEGAL drink at Marshall's Tavern on Hillside Ave. The nickelodeon in Jahn's, and 'brunettes', my favorite drink (Chocolate Coke).
Making book-ends and a smoking stand in Mr. Barker's shop class. Pitching pennies, nickels, dimes, whatever, when we had them.
The Straight Arrow and Mark Trail cards from boxes of Shredded Wheat. Softball league games on the sandlot at Atlantic and 106th St - and barrels of beer.
Steam engines puffing smoke on the LIRR line. When you could get 2 movies, a cartoon, a serial, popcorn and a drink for 25 cents at the theater on 101st Ave and Woodhaven Blvd (The Ace?) - we called it The Itch.
Trying to sober up on White Castles at 2:30AM
Sailing boats when there WAS a Jackson Pond in Forest Park. The Buddy Monument. Riding the Myrtle Avenue trolleys with my Grandmother.
Day Line cruises to Bear Mountain amusement park. The .99 special at the Chinese Restaurant down the street from the Willard Theater.
The organ at the Hillside Rollerink. Ambrose Clegg - Need I say more?
'Bulldog Jennings', the terror of the upper grades, in PS90. The small model shop, Tex's?, on Jamaica Ave between 108th and 109th St. Gus' Texas Wieners off Jamaica Ave, about 2 blocks east of Parsons Blvd.
Added: February 4, 2007

With sadness I pass on the news that one of our most loyal and hardworking Board Members of the Richmond Hill Historical Society, Julius Gambardella, a lifelong Richmond Hill resident, passed away on February 1, 2007.
His father owned Gambardella's Grocery Store on Jamaica Avenue and was a fixture in the neighborhood.
He was very active at Holy Child Jesus Church. As a board member and friend, he surpassed everyone with his hard work, loyalty and kindness. He was a wonderrful husband to Rita and father to his children.
The wake is at Leahy McDonald on 111th Street and Atlantic Ave. on Feb. 3rd, Saturday, 4-8 p.m. and Feb. 4th, Sunday 2-6 p.m. with funeral mass at Holy Child Jesus Church on Feb. 5th, Monday at 9:45 a.m.
He was truly loved by all of us and will be sorely missed.
Added: February 3, 2007

Havent been here in a long time.
Brought back by someone who just contacted me and knew my Dad.
Its fabulous to have someone reach out and rekindle my memories.

of note:
Richard Napolitano (my cousin) formerly of Richmond Hill was inducted into ST. Johns Hall of Fame for his Baseball playing contribution to the Redman a couple of years ago.
In his playing days he was also known as Nappy
Added: February 3, 2007

I am a descendant of the Deehans and Lallys.
I am curious who did the web page segment on the Deehans and of their interest in the family.
I am currently doing a geneology search of both families and have found relatives of the Lally family in Ireland.
I am now pursuing the Deehan/Dolan segment of the family. I was raised in Ozone Park (106th St and 97th Ave). Went to Gate of Heaven and Our Lady of Wisdom. Would welcome any info or old connections.
Added: February 3, 2007

Hi Everyone!
I'm one of the McGee family from 112th Street between Jamaica Ave. and 91st Ave.
I graduated from HCJ in 1962. I now live in Utah with my husband, Erich and my sons Ryan and Eric and Ryan's wife Wendy and my grandson Zachary now 2 and 1/2.
If anyone remembers me or my family, please email me or leave a message here. Carolyn
Added: February 3, 2007

just located this web site,
how great it is, anyone remember Mary Immaculate dances?
I lived in Richmond Hill form 1960 to 1985. Graduated from RHHS in '65 and married the same year, yes you guessed to Tommy Marinovich ha ha, and still married, have 3 grown sons. I have not been in touch with anyone and I would like to hear from high school chums.
I read all the entries and they were really great and brought back some wonderful memories.
Added: February 3, 2007