A happy and Holy 2011 to all my fellow travellers to and through Richmond Hill.
It shaped us; we shaped it and down deep inside, it has left a lasting imprint in our hearts.
Thank you all for this woderful vehicle to travel down memory lane.
Added: December 31, 2010

I hope everyone enjoyed the Christmas holiday, and that u all have a wonderful healthy New Year in our beautiful Richmond Hill.
Added: December 31, 2010

May all present and former "Richmond Hillers" and their families have a wonderful new year, filled with good health, success, and love.
Added: December 31, 2010

Wish everyone season greetings and a prosperous new year!
Added: December 30, 2010

Hello, I am a teacher at P.S. 66 in Richmond Hill. We are searching for alumni of the school.
We recently were granted landmark status and we are hoping to hear from former alumni and administrators to kind of gather up a who's who at what are they doing now. We'd love to hear any stories or memories that you'd like FTP share about the "little red schoolhouse" on 102nd street.
Please feel free to contact me at mogara2@schools.NYC.gov or you can write to me care of the school, Mrs. Marygrace O'Gara, P.S. 66, 85-11 102nd street, Richmond Hill, NY 11418.
Added: December 30, 2010

Happy New Year Richmond Hill!
My usual thoughts of the holidays always include RH and childhood and of course the "good sisters" at HCJ.
Anyone remember the Chinese restaurant across Myrtle Ave. from where the RKO used to be and down that block toward Jamaica Ave. As I recall Mr. Stanley, the owner, used to accompany us kids back into the kitchen to visit and see the cooking. Good food especially around the holidays. Seems like there was a Christian Science bookstore right around there and an art's supply store where my folks bought me modeling clay. Of course Jahn's was right across the avenue too.
Years later when we lived in Miami we were amazed when a Jahn's opened near the Americana Hotel. Too many years. Fun though.
Added: December 27, 2010

Hello, Happy New Year to all Richmond Hill, residents and former residents. May we all have a good year with good health, good jobs, safe in our homes and loving friends and family surrounding us through the year, this is my wish to all.
Martha Power, which schools did you attend in Richmond Hill, and when, your name sounds familiar to me. Ken Ball, San Diego Ca.
Added: December 26, 2010

Did anyone on this site graduate from SBJL in 1962? Looking for some old classmates.
Have been in contact with Mary Hamel, Pat Lustberg and ran into Butch Aliberti a few years ago.
Added: December 26, 2010

I'm feeling homesick lately and find myself drawn to things past this Christmas night.
I read recently that although we have aged, so has the world. It was as though a great weight was lifted from me because even though everything we loved about growing up in Richmond Hill is gone, the memories are there because we were there and they're real.
So, I guess you can take the girl out of the Hill but you can't take the Hill out of the girl after all. I wear what I call the "ancestor necklace" made of silver charms: a Big Apple, a Star of David, a Crucifix, the Chinese character for God, a subway token and a heart representing my parents and all the people in Richmond Hill who made me who I am. I never take it off.
Merry Christmas, old neighborhood, your avenues bedecked with lights. Best wishes for the New Year, everyone. Stay safe. Martha
Added: December 25, 2010

I graduated in 1961 and lost track of just about everyone from my class. I would appreciate hearing from anyone who knows the whereabouts of Sylvia Meltzer, Gloria Lambert and/or Barrie O'Brien.
Many thanks, Marty Munitz
Added: December 24, 2010

To all,
Merry Christmas & Happy New Year to all Richmond Hillie's, may you all enjoy warmth, love, good companionship, and also the wonderful food of the Christmas Season.
We also should spend quality time in our favorite house of worship thanking Mary, Joseph, and the Little Baby Jesus for all the wonderful inspiration and love they have instilled in each and everyone of us throughout the years.
My favorite place to go was the midnight mass at Holy Child Jesus with Father Shine performing the mass.
Ken Ball Sunny (Rainy) San Diego
Added: December 24, 2010

Merry Christmas to each of you who visit here.
Christmas was a special time growing up. It seemed that the essence of the holiday was intact then. In the post WWII baby boom, most families that sprouted up in the early 50s began with very little. As such Christmas was a time of splurging on things like special desserts - many were ethnically based, and hand down from generation to generation. For us, it was things like struffoli, torrone crescent shaped anise cookies, a grain pudding with pectin, and fruit cakes. For parents of that generation, social life revolved more around families.
In my family, with all of my maternal aunts and uncles and ost of the paternal ones within a few miles of each other, it meant that the entire holiday season was spent visiting each others homes. Christmas eve and Christmas day was spent at grandparents with all of my aunts, uncles and cousins present. We'd then visit and host each aunt and uncles in both theirs and our homes.
New Year's eve? Also spent with aunts and uncles. Sadly today, I see those cousins and few remaining aunts and uncles mostly at sentinel events only - weddings, funerals, etc. The decorations seemed to take on greater significance - bright lights brightened spirits. Shoppers really did rush home with their presents - not ordered over the internet. Malls barely existed then - Green Acres was an outdoor mall, remember? A trip to Jamaica and the Christmas display on the 6th floor of Gertz seemed magical. Even if on a smaller scale, Liberty Avenue was transformed into a holiday crush of shoppers, and music, and Christmas adornments on street lamps or under the El.
The heart of Christmas then was in family, and friends, and joy - not in elaborate gifts. While there is nothing wrong with nice gifts, they can serve as an unnecessary distraction. So, I wish for each of you a Christmas filled with simple joys, family, friends, and faith. In each of those simple things - a hope baked dessert, a warm Christmas greeting, a kind gestures, and the chnace to be with family or a call to someone you haven't spoken to in a while - my wish is you rediscover the joy of Christmas this season.
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to all.
Added: December 23, 2010

Mike:
Yes the track meets were awesome, remember the Millrose games in Madison Square Garden? What a blast back then. We saw Jim Beattie run a sub-4 min. mile. Great memories.
Again to all Hillite's have a Merry Christmas and a Happy new year.
Added: December 22, 2010

Merry Christmas to all those who grew up in the best neighborhood of all time, always remember the kick off for the season...
the lighting of the tree up in the park... oh well merry christmas to all
Added: Deceember 22, 2010

Paulie,
I do remember those days, your right about the rainbow bar it was a great place. as for bobby I guess after the Nam he kinda rode off into the sunset with his princess.
Ronnies brother was Eddie, and he could fight. and then there was Corrine Smith almost married that gal. Nam really changed us i guess.
Merry Christmas to you and your familly. I pray that the Lord Jesus blesses you this comming year.
Remember when we used to go to the track and field meets.
Added: December 22, 2010

Merry Xmas and Happy New Year to all natives of Richmond Hill.
Reading Rich Culotta's memories of Liberty av. at xmas bring back great memories. Many more stores that I can't begin to name let alone remember.
Added: December 21, 2010

Seeking the past, especially photographic or prints.
Added: December 21, 2010

Mike Hedler:
Of course I remember Ronnie Mantz. We all hung out at the RAINBOW BAR (106th and Jam. Ave.) His brother (forget his name) was always in a fight it seemed. That was the best bar in RH at that time. Anyway you and I hung with him many times.
Mike: Whatever happened to Bobby Brown? He was also a cool dude. There were a lot of Nam vets like us back in the Hill. Miss them all.
Have a great Christmas and Happy New Year.
Added: December 21, 2010

Does anyone remember Mikes Tavern on liberty ave in ozone park...
My dad used to take my sistes and I there as kids...
Added: December 20, 2010

Mike Hedler:
In a previous post, you asked if anyone remembers the Manz Family from Jamaica Avenue and 115th St. I do remember a little about the family. If my memory is somewhat accurate, they had a large family and lived between 114th and 115th Streets on Jamaica Avenue. They may have been neighbors to Ron Gorecki (sp.)
I remember Franky Manz, his brother Ronny, and they had a cousin whose name I will never forget, Tinkerbell.
Added: December 20, 2010

awesome site,
thank you all for sharing such great memories nothing could ever steal them away. may Our Lord Jesus richley bless all of you, merry Christmas.
what times of joy getting up in the morning with such anticipation carrying out family traditions passed down. man I miss those days.
Added: December 20, 2010

As the holidays approach, I usually find myself thinking about past Christmas memories and growing up in Richmond Hill.
I remember as a young kid getting dragged up Liberty Avenue almost every day with my mother to go shopping. Usually I would complain, but around Christmas time I must admit, it was enjoyable.
I remember all the decorations that hung across Liberty Avenue. The bright stars and bells that continued all the way underneath the "EL" (train). There was always a Santa ringing a bell outside of Kresge's 5&10 collecting for the Salvation Army. By the time I reached the end of the block, and stood at the corner of Lefferts Blvd., the sound of Santa's bell would fade and be replaced with the aroma of the Pizza coming from Carlos Pizzeria around the bend.
People hustled back and forth doing their Christmas shopping at places like Dodds and Goodys or Buster Brown shoes. Perhaps having something sweet at Karp's or grabbing a meal at St. John's Resturant. It was always fun to run into a friend of the family or a school buddy and share a laugh.
I'm sure we all have fond memories of Christmas in Richmond Hill. For some, I bet that it's hard to believe that in a borough of New York City, where people can be cold and preoccupied, there was a town, where you felt the warmth of friendship and the joy of just being a kid.
From My family to yours, A very Merry Christmas, and a safe and Happy New Year.
Added: December 20, 2010

I lived in Richmond Hill from 1951-1981, OLPH '65, Christ the King HS '70.
My father, Willie (Bill Siems) lived there from 1920 until 1980. I lived at 104-50 117 St. and 109-46 116 St. My dad lived at 104-21 116 St. 1920-?. Does anyone remember him. He played basketball ALOT. RHHS, Jahns, St. John's Lutheran church on 107 Ave?
His friends were Larry Kuhn, Joseph McCade, Russell Jones. My Grandfather was Charlie Siems.
Added: December 19, 2010

As always I enjoy reading the updated Hill website.
Added: December 19, 2010

Ms. Mayer-Gaffney,
Thanks for taking the time to explain your anger and frustration concerning your new neighbors. There is always two sides to every story, but from your side, I don't think it is likely that these people will ever come around.
As difficult as it is, it may be time for you to move, if that is easier than putting up with such sub-human behavior. Some of our newest immigrants have a vastly different concept of immediate family, and population density within a dwelling, so it is not unusual for 2, 3 or more families sharing a house.
In NYC, such violations of housing code are not enforced as rigorously as other places, but you may find some help in advocacy groups or block associations.
Added: December 19, 2010

Mr. Wood:
It's a pleasure sharing our comparisons and stories of your house. I took a few pictures of it when it was down to the last, probably original shingles that you weren't familiar with showing the window that we never knew was hidden behind the siding of later years.
Possibly we can exchange e-mails and I can send them to you. I'm sure you would find it just as interesting. Thank you for the invite and send my regards to your wife. That is very kind of you both and surely we have a lot to talk about.
Yes, I've been through a nightmare here for a few years but have only hung on because it's my family home for 47 years, hoping for better times. Anyone else would've moved or have brought up more charges, as well as getting an order of protection, which I was advised to do but didn't, fearing it would just instigate them more. Instead, it made me a prisoner for awhile. I'm trying to cope the best I can, though the past and bad memories cannot be changed.
Mr. Barcia:
I agree that change is a way of life, likes, dislikes, everyone's entitled to them. I know that things should be done legally though. Even disregarding that, in my situation, and I'm not going to pour my heart out with the story which would be a mile long, some people are just crazy with no other explanation, which unfortunately is what I'm encountering.
I pride myself on being good neighbors to everyone, never having a problem in my life. I thought I had new neighbors/friends. When they tried to build up to or almost over my back door, including part of my front lawn, my two surveys weren't enough. I tried, still talking as friends, but it enraged the other parties that I would not go along with their using a tape measure to determine a new property line, so I am still being accused of "stealing their land."
I am quiet and easy going so I assume they thought I was an easy target. Yes, they did get away with a lot and most would be in jail. As I mentioned, they've since taken legally what they could, according the the surveys, building directly on the property line, but no where near where they tried to. When someone physically goes for your throat, the police have to be called. When someone urinates on your front sidewalk out of spite, the police have to be called. When someone bangs on your window laughing, then points a video camera at you taping, the police have to be called. When someone reports a violation that they did and you get the blame, you have to go to court. There are a million more incidents and I'm not going to get myself sick over it again, yet I'm sure it's not the end.
In 47 years, I never had to call the Police before. I know of an elderly woman who was going through the similar harrassment when new houses went up and they fought with her, trying to take her back yard. She ended up in the hospital. Thankfully she's okay. There was an elderly man who was beaten to death with his own cane in a similar incident a few years ago when he wouldn't accept a minimal payment, I think $10,000 for his home that the didn't want to sell. Could you imagine? It was all over the news and is heart breaking!
As for over crowding, yes, these homes which used to house 4 now house 30-50 people. I know of many and it is the majority now. I haven't a clue as to who lives here anymore. Yes, this is Richmond Hill and I as well try to keep the good memories alive.
Mr. LaVecchia:
Thank you again for understanding and I know it's heart felt!
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year Everyone!!!
Added: December 18, 2010

Wishing you all a Merry Christmas and a Happy and Healthy New Year.
May the spirit of the Hill always be with you.
Added: December 15, 2010

Certainly, it is disturbing to see front lawns cemented over to make parking lots. I guess it's a reality because today there are multiple cars in a family, and very limited on street parking.
Let's not forget that in the 60's and 70's, beautiful wood clapboard and shakes were covered by what we thought were "beautiful" aluminum siding, or the faux rainbow colored fieldstone. Many homes tore out or covered deep stained "old" solid oak or mahogany fascia in homes to be replaced by "modern" masonite paneling. Solid wood kitchen cabinet with glass panes replaced by formica.
Thankfully, the movement today is back towards traditional appointments, but this is also likely a phase, until the next movement in home design takes root. The manmade materials, such as Hardy planks, and premium vinyl siding, are much more realistic.
While some can lament mini-mansions, I think neighbors can and should be appreciative that a neighbor is sinking large amounts of money into a home, likely increasing the value of your own home. It's a lot better than someone moving in who turns a large one bedroom home into a tenement and letting it decay.
I've had difficult neighbors in my life, and always found that a little kindness CAN go a long way in bridging disagreements. There will always we knuckleheads who don't respond in kind, but more often than not, kind gestures will be appreciated by even the hardest of hearts.
What made Richmond Hill special at times were neighbors looking out for neighbors. It seemed that anyone's father had the authority to discipline you for any number of offenses. Despite the diversity in the "new" Richmond Hill, kindness can still reign for those who remain, and help invigorate the town. Today's a good day to start. After all, it's the season!
Merry Christmas to all who visit here. May good health, joy, and prosperity fill your holiday and upcoming year.
Added: December 15, 2010

To ALL my Hillite family and friends,
I wish you all a VERY MERRY CHRISTMAS, and a HAPPY NEW YEAR.
Ms. Gaffney: I understand your grief. Hang in there.
Added: December 13, 2010

To: Marilyn Mayer-Gaffney
Lord help you it sounds like you got mixed up with some "non-ideal" neighbors! Sorry about that.
Think I mentioned that the window was in the center of the front bedroom while I lived there but the real estate photo shows it missing. There were only four of us on the first two floors while we lived there so my parents used the front bedroom (large). Our tenant, Ms. Ruth Schilling, lived on third floor.
It was the best of times in Richmond Hill for us anyway. Wonder what ever happened to Schilling? Anyway times and houses change I guess.
Watching "It's A Wonderful Life" the other night reminded me of scenes from Richmond Hill although I think it was all shot on a lot in Hollywood.
Wish you the best. If you ever get to SC you'll have to visit with my wife and I! Then we can really talk old times!
Added: December 13, 2010

i was 6 went 2 ps116 then was 7 or 8 went 2 ps55.
teachers- mrs. davis, mrs. keller, mrs. berlinsky. best friend tejnerine sookai. went to the libary off of jamaica ave etc.
Added: December 10, 2010

To Mr. Wood:
From how you describe it being gray and white when you were there was obviously not what we saw underneath. I'd guess that was the original shingles and frame that they peeled away to do the stone front, which was a deep green, possibly from 1915. We took a few pictures.
As I mentioned, I never saw screens on the porch and yes, the garage still stands! Was the oval window in the center of the 2nd floor as I described? It was beautiful and certainly a piece of history in itself, as was the rest of the house. Our house has been shaking from the commotion of the work going on.
A tree overlooking the yard was cut down months ago and the yard is completely cemented over now. Yes, the historical society and block association has tried to help in the past but the law doesn't seem to be on it's side. The problem lies in that we were supposed to be "landmarked" 10 yrs. ago from what I heard and now it's probably out of the question. I've been to a protest and meetings regarding all the illegalities going on with the demolition and construction here but it's a viscious circle, a no win situation. I became of victim of it when the house next to me was taken down illegally, no permit, with asbestos covering all, which was bad enough but then it turned into continuous fight over the property line. I had to call the Police many times being fought with constantly and it all pertains to they did not want to believe my surveys, rather use a tape measure to take my property, so now I am accused of having thier "land." They built right on the property line starting with an illegal wall which they reported to the D.O.B. saying that I built it when they got in trouble, leaving a violation in my name. They trespassed when they felt like it, video taped me in my window, hit the side of my house with sticks, cursed us, came at us physically and got away with it all except for a list of Police reports from these times. It's awful and to think my Parents worked so hard to purchase this house in the 60's and we've been good neighbors to all!
Who would've thought this would be? Not me! So, I keep to myself, but live next to a "fake" mansion surrounded with electric gates and cameras, some of which point in my direction, as they always remind me that I'm being taped. It's pure harrassment and they continue to this day to try to start a fight every chance they get. I guess the house wouldn't bother me so much if the people weren't so crazy! What a way to live! I've seen it all though and how they get away with it.
Ms. Garretto:
I went to school with Richard and used to ride bicycles, play games etc. with Maria, as well as the other kids on the block. How's the family doing? It's been many years. Please tell them I said "Hello!"
When I tell Mr. Wood about knowing the house from 2 families, it's the Pante's and my friend's since the 60's who's Uncle passed away, hence the house went into an estate, having to be sold. Yes, it was a beauty and I'll assume that they're making it into what they want, but it's sad with what we've seen being trashed.
I don't understand how anyone doesn't appreciate what's already there. We all loved the stained glass and the sitting area down stairs, along with the beautiful wood through out. Sure enough, it was probably exactly the same as you remember it until sold, being well kept and preserved.
Mr. La Vecchia:
Thank you and I'm being polite!
Added: December 10, 2010

Hi, want to know if there is any more info about the Forest Park Carousel. Did the City find a vendor to take over yet??
Even though I don't live in the area any more I still like to keep up on the news in the area. I really hope it opens by next spring so people can enjoy it until the fall. For a while there was a flood of info about the carousel when they started filming the movie up there. Then it just died out, nothing available.
If any one has the latest news about the carousel please post here.
Just curious about whats gonna happen with it. Thanks A Million!! Jeff Costigan.
Added: December 9, 2010

Anyone have any news about frequent contributer to this site, Michael Romano?
He was a classmate of mine at "The Hill". He loved Richmond Hill.
Added: December 8, 2010

To: Louis Garretto
Your grandparents must be the folks that purchased our house from my parents at 114-11 in 1957! Small world.
My parents moved to Miami after selling and that was where I grew up through High School. Quite a change from Richmond Hill!
My wife and I still watch the movies my Dad took of the old place.
Added: December 8, 2010

Ms Gaffney: You hit the nail right on the head.
Added: December 8, 2010

To Michael & Ronan Murphy,
Michael, unfortunatally the obituary you saw is the same Hughie Tetonic you & I knew. You may remember me, Kathy, his ex-fiance from 114th Street, between 95th & 101st.
I remember your apt & your lovely mother, Bridie.
Added: December 8, 2010

To Marilyn Mayer-Gaffney:
It's heartbreaking reading your account of the renovations being done at 114-11 86th Avenue. My grandparents bought the house in the mid 50s and lived there with their daughter and her family, the Pantes, until January 1967 when they moved to Connecticut. The kids are my cousins Louis (he passed in 1978), Richard, Maria, Linda and Christopher.
To hear that the magnificent woodwork and stained glass in the front hallway have been removed is a travesty. They were admired by all who stepped into hallway. I did notice when the house was listed on realtor.com that no renovations had been done since my grandparents sold the house 43 years ago.
The old kitchen on the first floor had the old waxed paper holder on the wall that my grandmother used!
Added: December 7, 2010

To John Teplansky...
are you related to Larry Teplansky who went to Gate of Heaven and John Adams HS?
If so, he and I along with several others cut John Adams and spent the day at his grandmothers house accross the street from Adams HS eating Dugans powered donuts... ask him about that sometime...
it would have been in 1959/60.
Added: December 7, 2010

I lived at 91-50 110th St for many years and the house next door to ours (towards Atlantic Ave.) was the house that Jack Cassidy had lived in per our neighbors.
Added: December 7, 2010

Thank you Marilyn!
It must truly be sad to live that long in a neighborhood and see houses, no people's homes, being torn apart. Times change but I am a little amazed that the local historic society does not come into the picture.
Here in the South, especially Charleston, we have learned that preserving the old homes is very important. So many of them are very modern inside but retain the exterior.
Anyway, thanks for writing those comments. My wife and I were thinking about visting the old neighborhood but have decided to leave our memories to last. It would be good to see HCJ all these years later so who knows what may happen. The house at 114-11 was bright grey and white. Porch was screened in summer (big job for Dad) and then open in winter months. Think I mentioned that the garage was built by parents in 50's and bricked on the inside by my father who was not satisfired with overall construction. Bet those bricks are still there! Maybe the Historical Society can tell me if they have any interest in early pictures of the house.
I'm glad that my parents had the pleasure of living in Richmond Hill for so many years from the 30's to the 50's. Grand area and I'm only learning most of this now.
Added: December 7, 2010

To Alice Ruschmeier Love:
The Jack Cassidy that you refer to is probably Jack Cassidy the actor that is the father of David Cassidy.
His production company was called Richmond Hill.
Added: December 6, 2010

It was great to stumble on this website.
Mucho memories here from Richmond Hill and Ozone Park, even Howard Beach and Woodhaven.
Added: December 6, 2010

To Bob Wood, Past & Present Homeowners And Residents:
As Mr. Wood and I have talked about a few times was the fact that I've known 2 families who've owned his childhood home since he moved, spending much time there. We like to compare as to how he remembered it and how I've seen it for all this time and again would appreciate any feedback from him on this latest post.
For 47 years, I and the neighborhood knew the house for how it looked over the years, pretty much the same, but in good condition. Since it's recently been sold and now under renovation, we saw the unveiling of history, possibly how Mr. Wood remembers it.
Since the 60's, it always had aluminum siding, pale green and white, a beautiful lawn, gardens etc.. Suddenly as the siding was removed, there we saw the house covered in deep green shingles, possibly the original. There was also a beautiful oval window upstairs in the center, which seemingly must've been covered up for all these years, which no one even knew it even existed behind the living room wall. As silly as it sounds, we were seeing history, a house we thought we knew, now looking authentic and like the Victorian it was called. We were amazed by it all!
I'm not sure if this is how Mr. Wood knew or remembers the house. I believe he mentioned a screened in porch, that was never known to us. It was always all cement with the wrought iron scrolls going up to the 2nd floor. Now, due to the current construction, no one would recognize it.
We understand that when one purchases a house, they can do whatever they want with it, which is only fair, but we've seen some things which are disturbing. The precious stained glass windows, that were still mint, were knocked out only to be replace with regular glass. Windows on the side are undone, no longer existing, covered with stone work. The beautiful wood, which was high sheen and original through out, was possibly ripped out as new wood was brought in, as a garbage pile accumulated on the front lawn. The outside is now tan and brown stone face, as the scaffolds still stand as more work is to be done.
There's absolutely nothing left to say that it's the same house, which we all think is a shame. As I say, of course people are entitled to do what they want with their property, but doesn't anyone cherish the historical beauty of this and other homes? Why would someone knock out stained glass windows? Why would someone rip out beautiful un-marred wood only to replace it with the lower grade quality of today? I'm sure all of it was original during the building of the house in 1915. This is of course not the only case but a trend in the neighborhood.
Sadly too many good houses have met their destruction, being sold for the land they once stood on, only to be replaced by cold, generic houses, which is now the style and front lawns with their gardens replaced by cement. The lucky ones who still stand are usually gutted from top to bottom, bought only for their frame. I/we don't understand why someone would buy a house unless it was what one was looking for in the first place or at least similar.
We all see the historical part of Richmond Hill declining with this and especially with the demolition of so many homes with so much history, as well as so much to share. Maybe it's just me or a few of us, but we appreciate the work, art and craftsmanship that once went into these houses which truly made them beautiful. No one can say that about the new ones that are hurriedly going up like building blocks, with no personality as we know it.
It's a shame Richmond Hill wasn't landmarked as it should've been years ago!
Added: December 4, 2010

My name is Alma Surita, I graduated RHHS in 1973, I have a very good friend name Agnes Colucci but last as I known she got married, her last name is Watson and has a daughter.
I always stood in touch with her and when I moved to Ky from Calif I lost her number and that was 10 years ago. I been looking for her ever since.
Please if anyone knows anything about her please let me know. Thank You so much!
Added: December 3, 2010

Trying to get some history on my Church: Gospel Baptist Church. Corner of 129th St. & 97th Ave.
During the 1950s, Cass Santos was the pastor. Any info would be great. Thanks.
Added: November 30, 2010

With regard to Churches - possibly Our Lady of Perpetual Help, and funeral home possibly Leo Kearns on Lefferts Blvd. near Liberty Ave.
Added: November 29, 2010

I am reporting the passing of a longtime Richmond Hill resident, my dad, John Ruschmeier at 93 on Nov. 21, 2010 in Burlington, NC.
Dad's family moved from the Bushwick section of Brooklyn to a row house on 95th Ave just off 123 St. during the Depression. Dad often spoke of one of his friends, Jack "Chickie" Cassidy and how all the girls in Richmond Hill thought he was the best looking guy in Queens.
Dad left R.H. during the war for the South Pacific with the Navy and married Mom in 1946 when they bought the house from my grandparents and began family life there.
Three of us grew up in that house - me, Steve, and Irene going to SBJL, joining Scouts, marching on Liberty Ave. in the Memorial Day Parade, etc. going to local Catholic HS, then on to college and marriage.
Dad was a member of the Knights of Columbus for 74 yrs., and Holy Name Society at the Church and sometimes performed in the parish talent show. He had a beautiful voice.
For over 40 years he was an usher at 10 a.m. Mass at St. Benny's. In 1984 Mom & Dad moved to the Poconos and in 2005 I moved them to NC. Mom passed in 2006 and Dad peacefully joined her last week.
One of Dad's favorite things was a trip to Weiss' in Broad Channel on the way to Rockaway for clam chowder and french fries. Good memories from the olds days when our pleasures were simple.
Added: November 29, 2010

John Peri, my father, threw money in the street on Thanksgiving for many years.
We lived on 109 Avenue between 126 and 127 Streets. My father died in 2006. Virginia married Ronald Walsh and lives in Oceanside. John Peri Jr.
Added: November 28, 2010

The Holy Child Jesus Parish of Richmond Hill will celebrate the ending of their 100th Anniversary Year with a final Gala Event.
DATE: Saturday, January 8th, 2011. LOCATION: Immaculate Conception Center (ICC) 7200 Douglaston Pkwy. Douglaston, NY 11362. TIME: 5:00 PM - Mass of Thanksgiving at ICC; 6:00 PM - Cocktail Hour; 7:00 PM - Dinner Reception. TICKETS: $75.00 per person. RSVP.
To order tickets, go to: Registration Form.
Added: November 26, 2010

Happy Thanksgiving to all of the people who hold the wonderful memories of growing up in Richmond Hill deep in their hearts.
May you have a peaceful day and a joyous holiday season.
Added: November 25, 2010

Happy Thanksgiving to each of you who help to enrich my memory of a small town in Queens that was a special part of our existence.
Though the years have dispersed us, some to very far away places, I am thankful for those of you who recollect, and those of you who visit just to read.
In a not so small way, you've created an authentic sense of thanks to God for placing us in Richmond Hill during our formative years.
Wishing each of you a thankful holiday, and thanking God for the places and people who helped make me the person I am.
Added: November 25, 2010

Happy Thanksgiving to everyone,
remember all the great times, especially the night before, Glenns bar was always packed, and then Regents Row... great times to be had in the old neighborhood...
Richmond Hill was the place to be on thanksgiving...
Added: November 24, 2010

Hello to John Leahy--
saw your post and just wanted to send a greeting to your sister Julia. I was in her class ('63) at SBJL. I remember you as the "little brother".
Would love to hear from Julia. Good luck with your reunion! It's a shame SBJL has closed.
Added: November 23, 2010

Hello Friends! A very Happy Thanksgiving to everyone.
I was just reading some of the postings about the old neighborhood. It really sparks some old memories. Some I had forgotten about. Keep it up! Regards Mary
Added: November 23, 2010

Hello All,
It has come that time of year when you could listen with a sharp ear and hear the strains of "Any Thing For Thanksgiving", this of course would have been back in the late forties and early fifties and I think it is a Richmond Hill, generated tradition and I am not sure how long it carried on. Different to say the least but fun none the less.
Happy Thanksgiving to all! Enjoy and for goodness sake save me a drumstick, LOL Ken Ball, Sunny San Diego
Added: November 23, 2010

to mike pallidino
the hitching post was dug up and given to a friend of my sister joan back in the 70's.
as you may know donald died in 1984 and robert died in 2006. donald from drugs and robert from lung cancer.
Added: November 22, 2010

back to jim lettiere...
I graduated S.M.G.H. with your brother Donald... Hung out with him and your brother Bobby when they had the band.
Is that hitching post still in front of the old house?
Added: November 21, 2010

i'm a graduate from richmond hill high school, i played varsity baseball, i'm from the class of 1992...
two of my closet friends died during my high school years: anthony delgado (track star) and douglas ruggiero (star catcher for the richmond hill lions varsity baseball team)...
Added: November 21, 2010

Hey Mike, did you go to HCJ? Think you were one of the "cool" guys.
Added: November 20, 2010

to mike pallidino
i lived on 102st from 1936 to 1953. my grandfather purchased the house in 1920. my parents lived there until the mid 70's. the house still looks the same as when i lived there.
check it out on google earth, the address is 97-27 102 st ozne park n.y. 11416. jimlettiere
Added: November 20, 2010

to jim lettiere...
did your family live on 102nd st. between 101st and 97th ave.??
Added: November 19, 2010

I grew up in Richmond Hill from 1957 to 1974. Graduated from SBJL. Lived on 117th street and Atlantic Avenue.
I would like to hear from SBJL - the class of 1971 as we prepare for the 40th reunion.
Added: November 19, 2010

Doctor Frank,
perchance you knew me when my parents had the C&F Bar & Grill on Liberty at 111th from 59-63. I used to hang with the kids in that area.
you may even remember Danny Manning who lived above my parents business.
Added: November 19, 2010

Does any one remember the Mantz family on Jamica ave. around 115th st?
Added: November 19, 2010

Lots of new people visiting the site so I'll try this again.
Anyone out there recall a James Dooley or Anthony Market or Kenneth Erwin? This would have been in 50's. Lived at 114-11 86th Avenue. James lived on Bessemer Street as I recall. How about Margaret Dempsey or Virginia Giaconni? Christopher Hauk? Maureen Cummings, Betsy Forey or Barbara Speedling?
Added: November 18, 2010

Art,
The Barcia's who lived down near St Mary Gate of Heaven were not related. I never crossed paths with them either.
To Dave,
Thanks for the kind words about my writing. I practically lived in that schoolyard for many years, so I feel a kinship to know you were there just a few years earlier.
When you think about it, all of our memories of Richmond Hill are shaded in colors framed by the era that we lived in -- the grand (and scarcer) automobiles of the 40s and 50s, the olde style Green Line buses replaced by the more modern ones in late 60s.
To this day whenever I step on a bus, I instinctively look for the vinyl cord that would ring a bell or buzzer signaling to the driver that you are getting off the next stop.
Anyone remember the sharp smell of sawdust and God knows what else it was in Scaturro's on Liberty Ave?
Added: November 16, 2010

Mark Young:
The "Q-60" bus that ran on Woodhaven to Rockaway was not a Green Line Bus, it was a Triboro Coach line bus and originated in Rego Park at Queens Blvd and 63 Drive.
Working on the boardwalk in the middle 1950's I learned the hard way, by picking up a girl from Rego Park, that the Q-60 was an express bus that was going to leave me at a local station on Queens Blvd. to catch a "GG" train to 71st Continental, where I could switch to an E or an F to Union Tpk, and finally, a Q-10 that could get me home to Jerome and 120St.
By the way, I was a classmate of your sister, MaryAnn, at SBJL.
Added: November 16, 2010

I believe the Woodhaven Blvd bus was the Q-21; and that it ran from Queens Blvd and Woodhaven down to, at least, Liberty Avenue.
There was another Green Line Bus that ran from Woodhaven and Liberty (Crossbay and Liberty) to Rockaway Park (B. 116th Street and Rockaway Beach Blvd.) where it connected to another Green Line Bus that ran to Roxbury (Riis Park).
Prior to the summer of 1956, when the subway to B.116 St. opened, in order to get to my job at B.97 and the boardwalk I had to get to Crossbay and Liberty to catch that bus. I had many choices depending on the day of the week and the time of day.
I lived on 120 St. between Jerome and 97th. I could take the Q-10 which ran frequently, to Rockaway Blvd and transfer to the Q-7 on Rockaway Blvd ran on a 25-30 minute headway. I could take the Q-8 to Woodhaven and walk down to Liberty; I could even walk to Lefferts and Liberty and take the train to Rockaway Blvd and then go downstairs and take the bus.
The amount of cash I had in my pocket decided if I paid one fare and took the buses I could get a free transfer on, or the train.
Added: November 16, 2010

to jane dinsmore summa
i knew your mom and dad many years ago. your mom lived on 97th ave between 103rd and 105th sts. i left ozone park to join the marine corps where i stayed for 30 years.
i sure miss all the frinds i once had.
Added: November 16, 2010

looking for jean cannon who lived on 111th street in richmond hill.
I (the family sullivan) lived at 91-14 111th street just three or four houses down from where jean and freddie cannon lived. Lovely people...
we left from richmond hill and moved to malverne, long island in april 1945... I attended holy child jesus.
remembered: eileen costello, claire devoy, irene kling, patrick karl, william carter, barbara l'hreux, edward hofman, gerard, anyone remember old john sullivan...?
Added: November 16, 2010

To Sal Barcia:
How are you related to the Barcia family from 100 St. & 101st Ave.? My wife's cousin Joanne married into that family.
P.S. I lived on 102 St. off of 101st Ave. (behind Kawalla's store) for a short while, in the late 60's.
Added: November 15, 2010

Sal, You are the best writer on these pages...
I played basketball at ps 62 on many days from around 1960. First with st. bennie's cyo team and then in schoolyard at 62. I used to either walk to 62 from from my apt on 126th and 101st ave or take bus along jerome. I thought 62 was so modern and clean compared to other schools from that time.
Between you and Mark Young, my days from long ago come alive. Thanks, Daveo
Added: November 14, 2010

I'm not one to post negative stuff about the state of Richmond Hill and actually have a disdain for any talk of which group is responsible for a perceived decline.
However, looking at the following school report card for PS 62 shows pretty miserable academic performance:
http://schools.nyc.gov/OA/SchoolReports/2009-10/Progress_Report_2010_EMS_Q062.pdf
Added: November 14, 2010

The schoolyards:
Very often, people who grew up in NYC will say they grew up in the streets. In Richmond Hill, this was only partially true. More correctly, we grew up in the schoolyards. For me, that schoolyard was PS 62, technically in Ozone Park, officially called the Chester Park School, and straddling the Ozone Park-Richmond Hill border.
As a kindergardner in 1960, the school was nearly spanking new, a carbon copy of dozens of NYC public schools built around that time. What varied in most of these schools were the schoolyards, based on the footprint of the lot they were built on. After school let out, the schoolyards were transformed. During the schoolyear, there was an after school program staffed by teachers, which transformed the cafeteria into a game room (a pool table, bumper pool, knock hockey (!), ping pong. There were arts and crafts for younger kids and girls. (How many elastic band pot holders and plastic string key holders were made over the years?)
The gym was mostly used for wiffle ball (in the winter months) and dodgeball. At night three nights a week from 7 till 10, the school doors opened again, for the night center. Again, the cafeteria was a game room, but the gym was used for basketball. At night, HS teens and college men flooded the tiny gym to play halfcourt pickup games. Lose, and you may have to wait 3-4 games to play again, unless you were good enough to get chosen by someone waiting winners.
In the summer months 6 days a week the schoolyards were flooded with kids until dark. In a more respectful time, Sunday was always for church and rest, and the schoolyard remained empty.
Today on Long Island and elsewhere, softball is considered mostly a girls game for youth. In the 60s and 70s, I'd venture to guess that more boys played softball than baseball - usually because fo the lack of turf. Without instant messengers or cell phones, and with a telephone being a guarded commodity in most homes, you simply showed up at the schoolyard at the appointed times when chooseup games began. Weeknights, softball games began around 7, until there were enough guys to fill a team - usually 6 or 7 on a side until more guys showed up to fill in positions (you'd pitch and catch to your own batter until a full team could be fielded).
Basketball was an entirely other story, played outdoors at the 95th avenue side of the schoolyard. Sheetmetal backboards painted dark brown at some point, no nets, bounded east to west by a chain link fence and the cafeteria and gymnasium walls. Those were the short sides. If the ball escaped north to south, and especially south towards 101st avenue, a familiar cry of "Ham and Eggs" would ring out as guys raced to the fence. Be the last one there, and you'd have to trot nearly a block to retrieve the ball if the scholyard was empty.
We had a core group of guys who played basketball in the PS 62 schoolyard for nearly a quarter of a century. I was never in most of their homes, never phoned most of them, yet new where to find them and when - in the schoolyard.
On Saturdays, from about 1968 to 1990, at noon a regaulr group played outdoors, on the same court. After all that time, you'd be hard pressed to know everyone's last name. A couple of guys had enduring nicknames that resonated out of this schoolyard to others. (Anyone remember "Head" or "R"?) Our pickup games were mostly comprised of non-varsity basketballers, unlike the more elite 106th street park. However, on many occasions, when a high school star from public or CHSAA schools wandered into our schoolyard expecting to dominate, they were mostly surprised to find that halfcourt 4 on 4 on asphalt was much different than fullcourt in aseptic gyms. More often than not they found they couldn't dominate our guys at PS 62, and on many occasions, didn't come back when they lost more than they won. Home court advantage meant knowing the dead spots in the backboards, just how forgiving the rims were, and every crack in the asphalt.
Instant messengers? Just tell a guy who lived on the kid's block that you were looking for him.
Added: November 14, 2010

I believe the Q60 ran along Queens Blvd.
I remember taking it into the city when the E/F would suspend service.
Added: November 13, 2010

To Mark Young,
You've really shook up the marbles in my head now. I thought the Q60 ran along queens blvd into nyc, and now that you mention it I think the crossbay blvd bus was the Q37. The red bus on liberty ave was the Q110. I picked that up on the corner of 125th & liberty ave.
It was the pits after the race track got out and all the red buses would go up liberty ave on their way to Roosevelt raceway or Yonkers raceway.
Back to the green buses, I thought it was the Q7 that ran on rkwy blvd and ended at rockaway blvd and liberty ave by the old white castle.
Added: November 12, 2010

I justed wanted to say thanks to Frank, Margaret, and Ginny who read my comment of 7 Nov 10 and as a result helped me locate my family that I have been looking for over the past several years.
Also thanks to all the others who responded with suggestions. This web site and those who helped with information have truly made a difference in my life!!!! Thanks john
Added: November 12, 2010

Kingsly Hermans - South Africa,
Thanks for the very early Christmas wishes. just curious, do u remember the house number on 93rd Av bet 112-113 St?
I'm pretty familiar with the block, family lived there for 30 years. Pretty sure that the last "original" of the block died several months ago Frances Stimburis, mid-late 90's.
Added: November 12, 2010

The Q8 and Q10 took relatively straight routes on Jerome and Lefferts. The Q41 zig-zagged covering everything else.
New busses could not be assigned to the Q41 route because they were too big to make all the turns on narrow residential streets.
Added: November 12, 2010

Remember the saying "Where were you in 62?" from the movie American Graffiti; I was graduating from RHHS.
It was the year our basketball team played in the playoffs for the first time at the old Madison Square Garden, it was a great year!
Added: November 12, 2010

I rode the Red Bus Line quite often to go shoppping in Mays, Goodwins, Lerners, and Gertz on Jamaica Ave.
It began around 100th Street on Liberty Ave., and continued through South Jmaica, going down Old South Road. I believe it ended a block from Gertz.
Added: November 11, 2010

To Mark Young
Didn't the Q41 go to Howard Beach at one time. I think by the bowling alley at 157th av. We used to take this to the Big Bow Wow.
Added: November 11, 2010

Mark, You have most of it right on the busses.
The Q8 used to stop in front of my Apt. bldg. on the corner of 125 St. & (Jerome Ave.). It ran from the bus terminal in Jamaica (near Gertz) to Euclid Ave. in Bklyn.
The one left out was the Q37 which ran down 111 St. from Aqueduct racetrack to the subway station in Kew Gdns. (my wife corrected me on this).
The Q41 went down 127 St. past P.S. 121 to 109th Ave. to Rockaway Blvd. and west, past John Adams H.S.
Added: November 11, 2010

Hi All,
Thanks so much for helping with my survey (as well as the kind encouraging posts) K...
Added: November 11, 2010

To the folks who attended Our Lady of the Cenacle:
Anyone remember Jim Raftery OLC '55 who was a great basketball player at Holy Cross HS in Flushing and St. Francis College in Brooklyn.
Jim came from a large family and I believe they lived on the east side of the Van Wyck near Hillside Ave which we used to call Briarwood.
Added: November 10, 2010

My great grandparents Hugh and Mary Livingston lived on 113th st. 1900-48 when my grandparents Mabel and John Slattery lived there until 1950.
Hugh worked as an engineer on LIRR and was first to drive the electric train from Jamaica. John Slattery was a NY city cop. My mom, Mabel Slattery Wittmer lived there as a girl and married Ed Wittmer who lived down the block.
trying to find info. on William Slavin father of Mary Livingston and lived in the house in 1900 with son Thomas. William also worked LIRR but had owned a bar earlier. If any one knows any info would appreciate it.
Added: November 10, 2010

Kenea Letts:
Took the survey for all 3 lines. I used all 3 when I lived there 40 years ago. It was the green bus line back then. Good luck kid.
Added: November 9, 2010

To John Miller:
Adding to the information you have already received, another church is Our Lady of Perpetual Help, So. Ozone Park. Also, if your family has Brooklyn roots, obituaries might have been in the "Brooklyn Eagle" - which has been out of business for a number of years.
Added: November 9, 2010

Hello John Miller,
The newspaper was the Long Island Press, its no longer in business, try asking Dennis Doyle, he might help you... Churches were Holy Child Jesus... or Saint Mary Gate of Heaven... they would of been the closest two churches to your family and 109 st.
Added: November 8, 2010

Anyone recall the Columbus Dady parades that marched down 86th Avenue?
Since I went to HCJ we did not take part but curious if that has changed over the years.
My father was Lutheran and Mom was Catholic but that war has simmered down over time and perhaps the HCJ kids take part in the parade???
Added: November 8, 2010

Hi All, I recently moved to South Richmond Hill and basically learning the "lay of the land". It is a cool neighborhood!
I am familiarizing myself with the buses and I decided to do a school project of people's perception of the buses (Q8, Q10, Q41) that service the area.
So here is a general plea for help with my project. Anyone who lives or have lived in the neighborhood and uses or have used these bus routes, please feel free to fill out this survey - one survey per bus route. Here is the website - http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/3Q6PZDQ
This is for a final grade for a college project, so any help would be greatly appreciated.
Added: November 8, 2010

Hi Folks, Need some help.
I am trying to locate my father: John Aloysius Miller (Jr.; II; born 1924/1925. He and his family lived at 107-33 109th St. Richmond Hill, NY.
My grandftaher's name was the same (John Aloysius Miller; born approx. 1875) and my grandmother's name was Margret Miller (born approx. 1880, Maiden Name was Grover). I know that they lived at the above address as late as 1947, but can find no records after that date.
My dad's sisters were Emily (born approx. 1900), Elizabeth (born approx. 1902), Anna (born approx. 1905), and Veronica/Vera (born approx. 1919). My father worked at Mary Immaculate Hospital as a chauffer in about 1946/47.
Any help would be most appreciated. Can anyone tell me what newspapers carried obituaries for the Richmond Hill area in the 1950's and 1960's? Funeral Parlor names? Names of churches? Any info would really be appreciated. Thx, John Miller.
Added: November 7, 2010

I stop back here once in a while to reminisce and read the postings of former niegbours to my late Father.
My family used to live on 93rd Avenue between 112th and 113th Streets. It was a wonderful time of my life. Just want to wish everyone a very Merry Christmas, and all the best for a Happy New Year.
Added: November 7, 2010

I have photos of my daughters at a Memorial Day Parade that was on Rockaway Boulevard in 1963.
I also remember that parade when I too (long long ago) was a little girl.
Added: November 7, 2010

I started at OLC in the early 50's and left in 58. Anybody remember me?!!
Added: November 7, 2010

I marched in the Memorial Day Parade with the Brownies and Girl Scouts many times.
It started under the train tracks on Liberty Avenue, past Lefferts Blvd. It ended on my corner, 133rd Street and Liberty. There was a small Triangle named the Roby Ryan triangle. A wreath of plasic flowers was always placed there. Sometimes it would be there all year.
Many groups and bands marched to represent their organizations and respect for the holiday. Local politicians and storekeepers participated. Rifles may have been fired in the air to salute fallen heroes. Old cars were also featured. There were crowds of onlookers, many people deep, and lots of chairs would line the route. People came outside many hours before to get a prime position to watch the event. Ice cream trucks would park along the way, and make a "killling".
For me, the parade was the official start of summer, and it also meant that school would soon be over. As the years went by, the crowds dwindled. I lived on Liberty Avenue til 1970. I do not recall when the parades stopped.
This is another wonderful memory I have of my hometown, Richmond Hill.
Added: November 7, 2010

I marched in the Liberty Avenue parade from maybe 1965-1972 with the cub scouts and boy scouts.
I don't remember the direction it ran, but spanned from about 104th street to the VanWyck Expressway. The avenue was lined 6-10 deep the entire parade route.
Added: November 6, 2010

To Jonn Mulry
Trust me Jonn they were on liberty av. Can't remember exactly what street they started on but ended at Roby Ryan triangle. This was at 133 rd st. and liberty av. This is where 103rd av started.
My last parade I marched in was 67-68. I remember sitting in front of Bill's Bike store at 125th & liberty where I lived. After 77 when I moved I don't know.
Added: November 6, 2010

Jim Lovett, are you sure you don't mena the Memorial Day Parades being on Rockaway Blvd.?
That's what I remember there being. I did take part in the 1962 parade. Don't recall there being such parades on Liberty.
Added: November 5, 2010

Does anyone remember the Underwoods of Richmond Hill?
My great-grandfather John A. Underwood of 118th Street had an electrical contracting business there until he was 85 years old.
I am looking for any Underwood or Patten cousins who can give me any information on my family tree.
Added: November 4, 2010

Does anyone know the Schoeppler family from around 1955?
They had a daughter, Mary, who went to Our Lady of Wisdom Academy in Ozone Park from 1950 to 1955.
Wondering if anyone knew Mary or the family. If you know of her or her family please contact me. I believe they lived on Lefferts. I am Mary's daughter. Thank you.
Added: November 4, 2010

To Anthony Taglienti:
Alice Furci is my cousin. She moved to Florida many years ago.
Added: November 2, 2010

To Dennis Doyle:
I was good friends with Lucille's older sister, Grace, during my years at OLC (I graduated in 1966).
Don't know where she is or what she is doing these days but another friend of Lucille's and Gracie's, Michael Ginocchio, is living right across the street from OLC!
Added: November 1, 2010

Hustedt Chevrolet moved out on Long Island to the town of Centereach, location about the middle of the Island length wise and width wise.
Hope that solves the mystery. Ken Ball, Sunny San Diego
Added: October 31, 2010

Art is right, Hustedt Chev was on corner of 124 & Liberty.
If memory serves me right it was closed and vacant before I left area in '77. On a different note I just read Daily News article online about Little Guyana in RH and parade on Liberty Av.
Do they still have Memorial Day Parade on Liberty Av., if not when did it end. I marched in it with cub scouts and So. Ozone Park L.L. in late 60's.
Added: October 31, 2010

I believe the location on 101st avenue for Hustedt Chevrolet was parts and service. I think this was circa 1960-1970.
I think it became for a while after that the same for Lichtenstein Buick.
Can anyone help here?
Added: October 30, 2010

Houstedt Chev. was located on the corner of 124th St. & Liberty Ave.
Added: October 30, 2010

To Denise Martin:
I graduated from Cenacle in 1968. I remember Lucille Spears very fondly. We were friends in Cenacle and later through RH High School.
To: Linda Trick Fleury:
Wow! You really brought a (embarrassing) smile upon my face. Thanks for your discretion! You are absolutely right... John Rommel had the best Halloween Parties down in his basement, as well as other swinging soirees. His stereo was like a sacred altar upon which we played our favorite albums and anxiously listened to the latest releases of our favorite bands!
Thanks for reminding and remembering all the fun we had during Halloween in our costumes. I remember one year Wendy and me went as Bonnie & Clyde. I also recall Pete Troy's face was covered in blue makeup (way before Blue Man Group) because he was so into playing blues music, Larry (Larz) was wearing some kind of Russian fur hat, and I think Mike McCormick was banned for being a "little too much."
Fun memories in Richmond Hill... Happy Halloween!!
Added: October 30, 2010

As Halloween approaches I look back at all the fun times we had on that holiday.
If it fell on a school day, we'd race home and usually dress up in some hastilly put together get-up and makeup, grab a shopping bag or pillow case and start out to trick or treat with friends.
Living on 114th St. it was Teresa, Susan & Regina. We'd skip the houses that weren't decorated -- they usually didn't answer and looked too creepy. The word always got around as to which houses had the best candy.
Mrs. Menzel always gave out home-baked donuts in little white bags. Mrs. Batthany threw coins to us out of her second story window. When Halloween occurred on a weekend, some kids even changed costumes and started all over again!
As we got older, we still had fun dressing up and going to parties. I remember a particular party at John Rommel's house. Dennis was an Indian (won't go into detail about that costume!), Brian Farren was the Teenage Werewolf (he swept up in a barber shop & glued the hair to gloves and socks-it was all different colors!), Eugene Donnolly wore his mother's housedress and a mop on his head.
Over the years, Tom & I went to various parties and kept a box of assorted costumes and accessories. When we had our children, they even got to use some of the funny wigs, hats, clown noses, etc. when they started trick or treating. After moving to Florida, I wasn't sure how festive it would be down here for my favorite holiday. I was pleasantly surprised to see how big Halloween is in South Florida. Also, the weather is usually in the 80's and the trick or treaters don't have to wear any jackets like up north.
This year our kids both carved pumpkins and will be celebrating with friends. Tom & I will be buying extra candy - expecting a big turn-out Sunday. Happy Halloween everyone!
Added: October 30, 2010

To John Treubig,
Of course you are correct about George's - middle of the block between 110th and 111th, on the north side of 101st Avenue. Between 110th and 109th was Hustedt Chevrolet, which relocated it's show room to New Hyde Park until hey closed a year or two ago.
Say hello to Charlie. The hoops are long gone from PS 62. I don't know that there was a longer running pickup game - it ran for more than 20 years on Saturdays. I hope you are well.
Added: October 29, 2010

I remember how much fun we had on Halloween!
The houses were all attached or very close together, if you just trick or treated around the block you had a shopping bag full of candy! If you went to the apartment buildings (we weren't supposed to) you had two shopping bags of candy!
Happy Halloween to all past and present Richmond Hillers!
Added: October 29, 2010

That Pet Shop was Marvel. Owned by the DiBlasi family.
In my teens, I went out with their only son Joe, for about 3 years.
Added: October 29, 2010

This Halloween thinking of the best costume store in RH... RUBIES !!!!
Loved that place couldn't afford any costumes but loved walking around. Can't remember where my car is but remember that !!!! HAGD
Added: October 29, 2010

I lived in Richmond Hill in the late 50s on 130 St and went to Our Lady of the Cenacle.
Later, I lived behind Jamaica Hospital, which was technically Jamaica, but still hung out on the streets of RH. All of your comments brought back so many things: yes, I remember the book club and the Christmas Village at Gertz, Chelis Hall, the Roller Rink (in front of which I was hit by a car when I was 9!), the RKO, egg creams from a candy store on Jamaica Ave, Barney's pharmacy (that's now an auto parts store, I believe), the bowling alley on Jamaica (still there, I think), even Joe, the Bungalow Bar guy!
Speaking of Bungalow Bar, we always thought it was better than Good Humor, so we would let the Good Humor truck go by and wait for Joe!
Anybody go to OLC? Remember "Sister Superior", Monsignor Dillon, Sr Katherine Richard, Sr Francis Dorethea, Father Manzo?
I fondly recall friends and neighbors: the Ginocchios, the Kerns, the Pafumis, the Calcanes, the Capacotta and Spears families, Ellen Velsor, the McDermotts. Thanks for the trip down memory lane all of you!
Added: October 28, 2010

Hello,
Does anyone remember Sid's Candy store on the corner of 104th and Jamaica Ave and a bar almost directly across the street with a Glass Brick front not sure of the name. I also recall the barbershop a few doors down from Sid's were I had my first haircut and at two years of age and put on quite a show for the customers, that is what I was told anyway, LOL.
A little bit down the street was a Glass Shop (Saul's) and a Pet shop owned by an Italian family an excellent place for a young lad to go on a rainy day watching the critters an fish put on a show for free. There was also a bakery that had Onion Rolls in a torpedo shape that were to die for 5 cents each, buttered, yum. Ken Ball Sunny San Diego
Added: October 28, 2010

To Sal Barcia:
I think George's candy store was between 110th and 111th. Always a dilemma if I had a whole quarter to spend (rare)...
Should I get two scoops of ice cream with chocolate syrup or one of the infinite combinations of dime, nickel, and penny candies? Life was tough.
Added: October 27, 2010

Richmond Hill High School 1958-1962.
Still remember a beautiful young lady, named Alice Furci. Hope this note finds Alice happy and in good health. You were a good friend who had so much Class. I know you are the same today.
Your friend, Anthony Taglienti.
Added: October 26, 2010

Hello everyone... looking forward to using this site!
Added: October 25, 2010

I currently live in North Carolina, but a very good friend of mine is from Richmond Hill, NY.
She always mentions a boutique that was on 109th Street with fabulous clothing for women called "Blanche's Boutique" in the late 50's early 60's. I adore the styles from that time, and am very familiar with the area because I lived in Jamaica, N.Y. till I was 22 years old.
Do any of you remember this shop? Or, do you have any photos of it. I understand that Blanche had impeccable taste, and new exactly how to dress the beautiful women of Richmond Hill.
Many thanks. Sincerely, Lauren graduate of Jamaica High
Added: October 22, 2010

Ah Yes! Life in Richmond Hill, New York. My family lived in Richmond Hill for many, many years.
My Grandparents (Roy and Anna) lived on the corner of Myrtle Avenue and Hillside Avenue. They lived on the top floor of this apartment building (cold water flat). My father was raised in this apartment. His name was Raymond Immerso. His brother Johnny Immerso, George Immerso, Joseph (Ducky) Immerso, Charlie Immerso, and sister Gloria Immerso all lived here.
They all spent their lives in this corner of the world. My Grandparents shopped at the A & P. They even rented the lot that the A & P was on (before the building was put up) and parked cars for the RKO Keiths Theatre.
My father worked as a soda jerk in Jahn's Ice Cream Parlor for years. He worked for Frank Jahn. He also helped in the projection room at the movie theatre when he was younger. Uncle Johnny opened a small deli right around the corner from Jahn's on Myrtle Avenue. My Grandparents lived in this apartment all of their lives. My Grandmother moved out of this apartment around 1981.
The Immerso family lived here from around 1926-1981 - 55 years! A long time family of Richmond Hill, Queens!
Added: October 21, 2010

yes Linda it was the best summer... and yes I do remember you...
our crowd was a great bunch of people... Jimmy Perrin, Hondo Halsey, Tom Osborn, Bert and Stevie Cedermark, and all hanging out on Joy Stockers stoop... lol... great time.
Added: October 20, 2010

Hi everyone. I'm looking for some old friends from the best summer of my life, 1968.
I lived on 91st Avenue between 107th and 104th Streets. For some reason I find myself thinking about that summer and the great times.
Let's hear it if you remember!
Added: October 18, 2010

To Sal Barcia: Good try but your a full block off. First (as a favor to me) are you related to Pete Barcia?
By the time the Itch became a factory where guys would play "fast pitching"and handball the questioned establishments had disappeared. The candy store immediately adjacent to Jerome belonged to Sam Pashkoff and his wife Becky and so much penny candy for sale that you couldn't believe it. Oh, he also had the Daily News and Mirror @a price of $.03.
Several stores west on the south side of the street was Avery's Hardware. It could challenge any Home Depot. I would hang around there and help in the afternoon, but my hardware career came to an abrupt end when I mentioned the flat & round Bastard Files to my mom one evening. Well Tempus fugit and in another 20+ years there will probably be ageodesic dome and a huge depatment store. Seeya!
Added: October 17, 2010

Go To http://cinematreasures.org/search/
This will give you the details of most Movie Houses, some like the "Valencia" has pictures.
Added: October 17, 2010

to all you richmond hillers,
the jerome movie was called the ITCH.
Added: October 17, 2010

To Steve Bathany,
Now the Jerome Theatre was before my time, but I have a vague recollection of a building on 113th St and Jerome (101st Ave) that was formerly a movie theatre. That being said, there was a candy store on the north side of 101st Avenue, just east of 111th Street alternately called Chester's or Pops. Right next door (or next store as we pronounced it) was a small grocery market called Stanley's. There was a stationery store on the south side of Jerome on 113th whose name I can't remember. A few doors down from Chester's/Pops between 110th and 109th there was a candy store called George's (I think his wife who worked with him was named Ethel). On the corner of 109th was a candy store called Looie's, also called Cheap Looies, where Looie was a ascerbic little old guy who hated kids. There was a hardware store between 110th and 111th stree called Bermans.
The name candy store has kind of vanished, but stationery stores do exist. Gone though is the wonder to a child of a place stocked high with penny candies in jars on shelves, soda, ice cream, racks stuffed with comic books and magazines, as many as 7 daily papers including morning and after editions (the Long Island Press!!) and a luncheonette counter. It seemed like those who could afford to eat at the counter were wealthy to a kid wo came from a post depression and post WWII family that watched every dime.
Like many kids of the era, I read many comic books cover to cover, and came to know what days the new editions of my favorites would arrive on newstands. Twelve cents for a regular comic book. 25 cents for a thicker annual. I favored the Superman series - Action, Superman, Superboy, Lois Lane, Adventure, Jimmy Olsen - and also read Batman and a few others. I thus favored DC comics over Marvel. By the 60s, there were also Western cowboy comic books, but they were remnants of the 50s that were much less popular. Peruse the comic rack for more than a couple of minutes and you would be reprimanded to buy something. I favored George's to buy my comic books, which I read faithfully from the age of 4 till about 13, when a love of baseball overtook my love of comics. I learned to read mostly from comics at about age 4, asking my mother to help with words i couldn't recognize. My interest in learning to read was driven by comic books.
Drug stores also had comic book racks too. There was a drug store on the corner of 110th (whose name I can't remember), and another on the corner of 108th street owned by a pharmacist named Eichler. I went to grade school with his daughter Helen, who was a brilliant, quiet, but very kind kid. I seem to remember that she became a physician. If true, I'm confident she became a great one.
As a child, I thought these local store owners were wealthy. They seemed to bustle day and night with a cash register going non stop. As a young adult, I came to realize that many of these store owners lived in small, sometimes one room apartments in the back of the stores, a meager existence for certain.
Added: October 16, 2010

To Mike Zaveckas and all who remember the $.09 admission to the Jerom theatre.
#1 Hi! Mioke1 #2 what was the item given to each paying moviegoer for a raffle to obtain free admission to the 2 features 15 cartoons 1 Serial and 1 News real the nxt week?
If that was easy, What was the name of the Candystore on Jerome Ave west of the theatre and of the Hardware store several doors west of the candy store? Now That's Trivia!
You all have a great night tonight watching the Yankees effort in Texas.
Added: October 15, 2010

FOR MARILYN MAYER (GAFFNEY)
Thought it easier to talk about RH here. Sorry to hear that 114-11 was being renovated but have to say that the pics I've seen online looked like the place I remember! That would be 1957! Kitchen does need work but then it's historic and we all hate to see that kind of change.
I did send my sister copies of the real estate pics posted online. She graduated HCJ 1954 and went on to Mary Louis Academy then St. Mary's in Notre Dame. The Gaffney () had me thinking it was someone in SC as Gaffney is not too far away. Ha. You did say that you lived down the street, right?
Tell us more about the old house. I can still see my father painting the screens in the winter in the basement. And do you recall the porch being enclosed with screens in the summer? Shoot us an email and I'll try to get some old photos of the house to send online. Bob
Added: October 15, 2010

I grew up in Richmond Hill in the seventies and eighties.
I remember Liberty Avenue. I lived on 120th street and 101 avenue. Key Food was on 121 Street and 101 Avenue. I remember going there as a kid and bagging groceries for change so I could buy baseball cards.
I remember St. Johns Diner and the poor crippled guy on the corner of Liberty Avenue selling ice cream out of that freezer hooked to a bike.
I miss Richmond Hill but I have all those memories I will never forget.
Added: October 14, 2010

Bob Rainis: Last name rhymes "WITH" LOL.
Bob: I'll be coming up between Dec. 1-8. I'll will be in the area, but can't right now pin down a specific date. But your escort will be appreciated. LOL.
I'll list on this site the day I'll be up there. We'll see who really knows RH. LOL. Still can't believe you lived down the block from me on 108th and we never met.
Added: October 14, 2010

As always your web page takes me to places that were always here but were always overlooked.
The passage of time covers and hides such beauty that once was truly a garden called Queens... I enjoy walks through forest park and the areas adjacent to the park so rich in history it saddens me to see our youths lack of interest in it's history. We must never forget it's gorgeous history or any history for that matter.
Please continue your fabulous work and please keep us informed of future outings.
Added: October 14, 2010

Does anyone have any further information about a Lynvets Reunion? Google brought me here but I can't seem to find the post about it.
Although I lived in OZ and went to OLPH, Richmond Hill was certainly part of the journey. And of course, there were lots of guys from the Hill that played on the Lynvets.
Having played on the Lynvets Intermediates and Juniors, (circa 1961-65) I was lucky enough to continue on to play for Coach Larry Kelly at Manhattan College. Then another season after collgege with the Seniors.
I suspect this may have been posted here previously so excuse the redundancy but for those interested in some wonderful stories about the Lynvets, Pop Warner Football, Coach Kelly, and locations surrounding Richmond Hill, read Timburg's "State of Grace"... a great read. Again, any info about a Lynvet reunion is appreciated.
Added: October 13, 2010

For Barbara Benom... try lirrhistory.com.
I'm sure that history website will answer your questions, good luck.
Added: October 11, 2010

St Paul's Lutheran Church- 114th St was finally sold to an AG congregation.
Yeah, I missed the HCJ re-union, shame on me. When i saw Tony Peretta's listing of '67 attendees, well i kicked myself in the butt. Still in the neighborhood, now weekly bringing an elderly lady to church in the Bronx, she was a fmr member of st Paul's and st John's, well it ain't st Paul's.
I was up at the park the first day of Fall waiting for a certain transplant from Florida looking for an escort... LOL LOL
Added: October 11, 2010

To Sal, I remember those days all so well.
As we played in the school yard or up at the pond each of us picking a team remmbering the linups and batting in the same order and lefty or righty depending on who was to bat. God your message really brings back the good old days of being free and easy and good old summer time.
Yes and our own ground rules. Short right field fences were automatic outs, longer drives of the fences in left or right center were doubles, with telephone poles used as markers. Mom looking for her broom that little did she know was in the school yard with no broom on the end any more.
Enjoy the World Series - GO YANKEESSS
Added: October 8, 2010

To Dan Zaveckas,
You old guys remember the turn-out gear of old. But you had a somewhat better gear. I see you're still a Longggislander. I'm now in Williamsburg, Va. Hope all is well with the family.
I vaguely remember when we lived across from each other on 97th Ave. betw. 133 & 134th Sts. Our wives would sometimes push the baby around together. That baby is now 43 with 5 children of his own and a Lt. Col. in the USMCR. His brother is 40 with the same rank.
Stay in touch. Art
Added: October 8, 2010

Im saddened by the post that St. John's is now a Indian/south American rest.
St John's was my pit stop for Veal parmagian and a side order of spaghetti at 4 am on sat or sun mornings as I NAVIGATED home from Al's Stereo.
Added: October 7, 2010

As I watch the MLB playoffs, I'm reminded that for us in Richmond Hill, most of our ballgames were played on asphalt and concrete in schoolyards, and in the streets.
Sewer plates were used for home and second, and car door handles for 1st and 3rd. The tiny schoolyards had their own ground rules. Short right field fences were automatic outs, longer drives of the fences in left or right center were doubles, with telephone poles used as markers. Clinchers would quickly get scuffed and worn, soft and light. We'd play with them until their covers tore off and their lives ended as a mound of string.
With all World Series games played in the daytime in those days, few of us stayed home glued to black and white tv sets. For the lucky few, we'd be out playing some form of ball ourselves (stickball, softball, or something) and have transistor radios, which seemed like an amazing invention. Imagine that - a radio that didn't need to be tethered to an electric outlet.
We'd emulate the World Series teams in stickball games, mimicking a particular batter's stance, or pitchers windup. It was a great way not to get too upset as the days grew cooler and shorter as the leaves turned ablaze.
Added: October 7, 2010

To Christina:
The Ice Cream Parlor you refer to was "Hugo's" which was located between a candy store on the corner and St. Johns Retaurant on the other side. Hugo's later became an OTB parlor.
The St John's was an Indian/South American restaurant the last time I was in the neighborhood (7 years ago).
Added: October 7, 2010

To Barbara about what firemen wore in 1947:
They had black raincoats (no reflective yellow stripes yet-came later in the late 50's). And the firetrucks were bright RED.
Grew up on 112th bet. Jerome and 95th Av. Remember when the Jerome Movie was .09 for kids and a quarter for adults. First date with my future wife was a movie at the RKO Kieths followed by a sundae in Jahns nextdoor.
Added: October 4, 2010

We ought to have a reunion of people who lived in R.H. and who are now living in South Florida.
I liked the comments that Mike P. made about the neighborhood. "You can take the girl out of Richmond Hill, but you can't take the Richmond Hill out of the girl".
I have so many wonderful memories about the people, the shops, the schools, the parks, the movies, and the events of my childhood there. Who wouldn't want to relive those carefree days? We felt safe and secure in our little town/world. People got along well, and worked together. I guess everyone has the same "warm and fuzzy feeling" when they think of their hometown.
The world is everchanging, and as a result, we must "go with the flow", and except the fact that our R.H. does not exist any more... however, it does exist in our hearts. Those precious memories can never be taken from us.
Added: October 3, 2010

It amazes me to see how many Richmond Hill people have moved to south florida.
I was reading how many people were lamenting the changes of the neighborhood. Its sad but is it the change in the area they lament, or the loss of their youth. Some of my fondest memories were of smokey park... or shopping with my mom on liberty ave. One change that has occured that I'm happy about is the change in me that has occured with age and maturity. I thank GOD for that. We were blessed to be born in the time we were.
This site shows me that most of us have matured into productive citizens who remember their youth with fond memories, not bitter about what has changed. We don't need negative comments...
Added: October 3, 2010

Hi, lived in Ozone Park, but we shopped in Richmond Hill.
Looking at the intersection of Lefferts and Liberty, I recall an ice cream parlor not far from the corner. It would have been katty corner to the the street where Leo F. Kearns Funeral Home was located.
I've been trying to locate Steve Mistretta. Anyone know?
Added: October 3, 2010

I'm writing a memoir and my current chapter is about a fire we had at our home in Richmond Hill in 1947.
I'm wondering if anybody knows what color the firemen's jackets were in those days and also what color the fire trucks were at that time. I want to make it as realistic as possible and, obviously, don't remember since I was only seven years old.
Added: September 30, 2010

Does anyone have any information about the Coulter Family?
Ann was my classmate at HCJS. We graduated in 1966.
Added: September 28, 2010

I hated missing the 100th anniversary of HCJ.
Love reading all the comments.
Added: September 26, 2010

God Bless Sr Margaret Theresa my 2nd grade class teacher.
She looked fabulous that night at the HCJ Reunion!
Added: September 24, 2010

To Robert Sheridan: Yes the party was a real blast.
Save the Date: Saturday, January 8, 2011. The HCJ Gala Event Party will conclude the 100 Year Anniversary 1910-2010.
In an earlier post, both you and John Celauro mentioned how you knew the Dirienzo Family. I was also friends with them and I am happy to say that Tracy Dirienzo recognized me at the Reunion Party.
She told me all her sisters are doing really well and while we were talking a younger woman came over and I was introduced to her. It was "little" Tracy's daughter who is now 20 years old. Her daughter's name is Stefanie in memory of her sister.
Robert, I don't think we ever met, but I do recall your family name as good friends with Mrs. D. and the family.
Added: September 23, 2010

Regret missing the HCJ gathering but enjoying it 'virtually' through comments being posted.
Pensey Pinky or Spalding? (I recall them at .25 - bought one for my daughter the other day @ 2.00!)
Added: September 23, 2010

Thanks for the website.
I was searching for information about the old Grebe Radio Factory. I found where the plaque was placed on the building in 2004. I saw where it was part of the Jamica Hospital Medical Center.
On another site where the building was mentioned it said 1922-2009. Does anyone know if it is still standing?
Added: September 21, 2010

Lived in RH & WH for 18years. Graduated HCJ 1955, attended RHHS until 1958. Did 4 years in the USAF.
After discharge I married and stayed in California. Have resided in the bay area for 48 years but I sure miss the good old neighborhood. Glenn's after a visit out to Hofstra college. Jahn's or Corde's after a special date. A slice at Connie's (aka Jimmie's). A cone at Carvell's or some clams out at Cross Bay.
I see a lot of names going across and wonder if these are the same kids or their kids that I grew up with. My travels would take me far and wide in the city. Jamaica, Ozone Park, Cypress Hills, East New York, Woodhaven, "Irish Town" Rockaway, Lower Manhattan.
I don't get home as much as I used to but most of the NY family have passed on. The cousins are spread all over the US. The man who mentioned the Schaefer Family, they were my grand parents and Aunts and Uncles, all have passed. Would like to hear from anybody I went to school with, dated or hung out with.
Added: September 21, 2010

Next year, 2011 will be the fiftieth anniversary, for those of us who are 1961 alumni of RHHS.
If anyone hears of a reunion please submit to this website. Thanks, would love to see y'all again.
Added: September 21, 2010

HCJ- reunion/100 Yr. Celebration 9.18.10, class of '67--
It was an incredible and great time shared with so many old friends and wonderful memories. Thank you to all who put this event together. It was an outstanding accomplishment and everything was great.
The classrooms, the church, and especially the Mass brought me back to a wonderful time in my life and it was a night I will always remember.
I am still very close with Bill Heaney, Tom Osborn, Kevin Heaney, and Mark Rollins, but to see again and talk with Vinny Pinto, Leo Dooley, Mike and Tommy Manzo, Johnny McDonough, Jimmy McGuinnes, Lou D'Stefano, Johnny Penner, Andy Shea, Joe Sorice, Betsy Delaney, Marie Manzo, Susan Ryder, Andrea and Joy Stocker, and so many others was just great and like old times.
Added: September 21, 2010

John Devine email address corrected!
When placing John's comment into the Guestbook yesterday, I incorrectly placed two @ signs in his email address which is now corrected.
For those who tried to email John and got an error, please try again.
Added: September 21, 2010

Attended Holy Child Jesus reunion on Sat.
My hat goes off to all those who organized this event. It was very well done. Having worked in the old nabe for 25 yrs. First at Glenn's and 20 yrs at Regents Row I got to see many people I hadn't seen in yrs.
The school looked magnificent and walking into the gym brought back many fond memories.
Added: September 20, 2010

To Laurie Feliciano, where do you live in the Poconos?
I have been here, an old member of Adams, and P.S. 121, and it seems I run into more people from Queens, than native of Pa. That is after 30 yrs. of living here.
It has changed here, too many people, stores, etc., but everywhere is different now. I liked country living, which I did have in R.H. with a chicken coop in my backyard as a kid, and could hear a rooster (not ours) crow every morning from Libertay Ave. around 132 St. or so.
Those were wonderful times but time marches on and far better than the alternative. This note is for Betty Akus's daughter, please give Betty a wish from me for a happy birthday on the 27th. and I do hope to hear from her. God bless, Ginny Kopp
Added: September 20, 2010

Hello Friends! I was just looking at the site again. How nice that Holy Child had a reunion. I'm sure a great time was had by all.
To Jim: I graduated from St Theresa's in 1964 and then I went to John Adams for 4 years and graduated in 1968. I moved out of Richmond Hill in 1971 when I got married and moved to Ridgewood in Queens which wasn't that far away. I have a few years on you I see.
We have all good memories of Richmond Hill and our old alma maters. Regards Mary
Added: September 20, 2010

Dennis, left about 11:45 PM, had a long trip back to the jersey shore, but I was so impressed with the school and church and the people who put this all together.
It was a special monment in time that will mostly likey never happen again, so many people, they said it was 800, then I heard a thousand, who knows, but the best part was everyone knew your name.
It started when a man tapped me on the shoulder in the school yard, and said hello billy, it was the bartender from glenns, john devin class of 57, my God he looked the same.
I knew it was going to be a special day, and my classmates just kept showing up, most like me decided to make the trip the day before... lol... and it was amazing to go to church and see the place packed and three deep along the sides.
When Father Colamaria stood out there in front of us I know he was so impressed with the crowd, more like overwhelmed, it was truly amazing to see that many people who just showed up because they came from the greatest neighborhood that there was and it showed that so many people really cared about richmond hill.
It was special for sure, yes Dennis I missed you by about 10 minutes, I was with all my classmates and my brother stayed till the end, he had a driver to drive him home at least.
I was so impressed with the school it was so clean and it was just like I left it... amazing, they did a great job with that place, my hat goes off to all that worked on this anniversary... great job... would love to do it one more time... Bill
Added: September 20, 2010

Holy Child Jesus Church 100 Year Anniversary Party:
I am so happy to say that I was able to attend the Party. However I did not arrive until 10:45 PM. Inspite of that, the Party was still in full-swing when I arrived (it went until 2 AM). The Holy Child Jesus Schoolyard was packed with people. It was truly a sight to behold.
Soon after arriving, I began to recognize many familiar faces from long ago. Maybe the hair was thinner or grayer here or there, but all-in-all everyone was in top form after so many years.
It is nothing short of a miracle to see so many of your friends from your childhood over 40 years later partying together and sharing good energy throughout the night.
Bill Heaney: I am so sorry I missed you. I was able to speak with your brother Kevin and expressed my big hello to you. I may have missed you by a half-hour or so. We will have to figure out something another time.
Huge thanks to Regina, Marie, Ivan, Laura, Mary, and so many others who volunteered their time and energy who made this a wonderful and memorable event.
Also to Brian Gray for shooting off the loudest fireworks I ever heard. And especially to all my friends who came up to me with a warm hello who recognized me after so many years.
This was a once in a lifetime event. Congratulations Holy Child Jesus Parish!
Added: September 19, 2010

I found this website by accident.
My mother Beatrice Walczyk nee Petrucci grew up in Richmond Hill and went to John Adams High School. My dad Walter Walczyk, who lived in Jamaica on Liverpool St. also went to John Adams.
Both my parents maintained friendships with their childhool friends. Something to be envied for sure. Florence Petrucci and Lawrence Petrucci are my aunt and uncle.
Over the years I have heard great stories about the good old days and Richmond Hill. Geri Grasso
Added: September 19, 2010

I had really good memories of r.h.
some make me feel sad as I had a mother with mental illnes and really didn't understand what was going on in her life. but going to jahns for ice cream and going to the keiths to watch flipper will stay in my thoughts 4 ever.
I took 2 buses to work and 2 buses to come home. loved going to jamaica with my grandmother. Got my first bra at Gertz.
went home last sept. and I cried the first day I was there. The only nice thing left is Alfie's. Had to go to the police station and no horses, just a bunch of cars with no place to park.
most of richmond hill has changed, the people are different but keeping my memories are priceless.
Added: September 16, 2010

Hey Dennis,
just talked to Reginia and she told me theres over 800 people coming, and I could pay at the door... will be coming anyway, spoke to johnny mcdough today and hes coming as well...
seems alot of people like myself had to wait and see... its going to be a great day... hope to see you there... Bill
Added: September 15, 2010

Mention was made of Phil Rizzuto playing ball for RHS...
I wonder how many remember when he and Eddie Yost (Washington Senators) taught gym during the off season at PS 121 (I believe it was 1950). I remember him giving me pointers on the chin up bar, as well as teaching me how to run the 100 yard dash.
Those were the days when ball players weren't making the millions they now make, and used the off season to supplement their income.
Added: September 15, 2010

For Ginger Kopp:
How nice to hear from you! I do remember you from the scouting events so long ago.
My Mom, Betty, is doing well and will be 80 on September 27. My Dad, Eddie, passed away in 1983. Mom lives up in West Hurley, Ulster County, NY now and was thrilled when I called her to tell her about your message. She remembers you with great affection and it really made her day.
If you would like, please contact me directly via email. Take care.
Added: September 14, 2010

Holy Child Jesus Church 100 Year Anniversay Updates:

Although the Dinner on Saturday, September 18th has been sold out (over 600 people) there is a possibility that tickets may become available if some cancel or can not attend. But there are no guarantees. This would require being there before 6:00 PM to take a chance that your year has an opening.

Agenda:
All invited to following events except the Dinner is for Ticket Holders.

Starts 2:00 - 2:30 PM mingle outside (also ticket holders registration)
3:00-3:30 PM Garden Memorial (Respecting Deceased Alumni)
3:30-5:00 PM Tour the school and grounds, Meet Faculty Old and New
5:00-6:00 PM Mass will be held in the Church
6:00-10:00 PM Alumni Dinner in Auditorium ($55 Ticket holders only)
After 10PM Doors open for extended party (no tickets required)
10PM-1AM Cash bar outside w/Music

Although the Dinner is for Alumni of Holy Child Jesus School, many friends as well will be attending from the neighborhood.

The Dance which was scheduled for Saturday, September 25th has been cancelled and has been changed to January 8, 2011 as a Gala Event which will be the ending of the Centennial Year Celebration of 1910-2010. More details To Be Announced for this event.
Added: September 14, 2010

Class of '60
If anyone remembers me please let me know if you are going to the reunion. I only attended RHHS 59-60. Graduated 1960.
Helen Fabel are you going?
Added: September 13, 2010

Rich Ohle,
The Holy Child Alumni 100th Anniversary Dinner this Saturday the 18th required pre registration for the event.
The RSVP date was sometime last month.
Added: September 12, 2010

I graduated from John Adams High School in 1960 and lived on 123rd St. between Liberty Ave and 107 Ave.
I have wonderful memories of living in Richmond Hill.
Added: September 12, 2010

Can anyone provide more information about these functions:
All Year Comeback Reunion! - Holy Child Jesus School - Saturday, September 18, and 100th Year Celebration Dance - Saturday, September 25.
Added: September 12, 2010

To Mary Johnson,
You mentioned St Theresa's. When did you go there? I graduated in '69.
Added: September 11, 2010

Hey Larry,
I've sat here and shook the cobwebs loose for some names. Sister Agnes was principal then Sister Helen. I was in 8th grade when Father Smith died and we acted as ushers at the doors. I remember Father Schuck, he was pretty good. Remember the softball league in the schoolyard and handball games in the pit.
Some people I remember in my class, Maryann Geary, Diane Zuber, Michelle Messsina, Tom and Stave Zido. The McGowens, Jimmy, Johnny, and Tommy. Raffanello's. Dan Armagno and Gary Carpenter. How about little league at Lincoln park. I think it was Lincoln park.
Will shake more cobwebs loose soon.
Added: September 11, 2010

To: Anthony Palmisano
Not sure of the timeframe with Sister Francis Agnes but maybe you recall Sister Saint Luke, Sister Mary Fontbaum. Long time ago but I was more than a problem for these good nuns! And let us not forget the "spanking machine" in the office across from the principal!!!
Funny memories.
Added: September 11, 2010

Hi Larry!
I'm glad you have some good memories of Richmond Hill and St Theresa of Avila school. I think my Mom knew your Mom from the neighborhood; you know, shopping and all. I don't remember your Mom's name but I kind of remember her face.
I was only a child too and it is long ago. My Mom was Mary Micka. She passed away about 3 years ago at the age of 85 sorry to say. My Dad passed in 1997.
But those were the days in St Theresa's and in the old neighborhood. Nice to hear from you. Have a nice day! Regards Mary
Added: September 10, 2010

Hey Ru, nice to hear from you here on the RHHS guest book.
I too played in the Rich-Haven Little League during those same years. The "Robins" if I remember correctly. We had the pitching and won two titles.
Oh and by the way, south siders rule!
Added: September 10, 2010

To Richie S.:
That's certainly the truth that everyone knew everyone and being 2 doors down from the "Milk Farm" we knew everyone who walked to "Smokey Park". Our dog Shane used to sit out on the stoop and everyone would stop to pet him.
I believe you were friends with my younger brother or sister. Some of the other names you had mentioned I remember also.
It's been a long time but I do treasure my RH days.
Added: September 10, 2010

Great post about Bill's Bicycle shop on Liberty.
After a few months working a part time job at the A&P on 104th and Liberty, I saved enough money to buy a Schwinn Varsity 10 speed bike at Bills. It was sold at a fair trade price of about $105. It opened up my world as I biked to the beach, Worlds Fair grounds, and even to Long Island. I had it until a few years ago when I moved.
When my kids got their first bikes, a fleeting thought was to return to Richmond Hill and Bills (if it were even still there). Instead we went to the Mineola Bike shop on Jericho. It felt vaguely familiar, but I didn't know why until now.
Thanks to the poster who alerted me that the shop was owned by Bill's son. In a small way it connected the dots.
Added: September 10, 2010

To Laurie F. -
Yes, you are correct. My brother Randy lives in Brooklyn today. Our house on 123rd btwn Atlantic & 95 Ave. was ours for over 3 generations.
Your name strikes familiar to me too, but I must confess that my recollection of names from the past is not as good as when we lived there.
Back then we knew everybody, every home, every crack in the sidewalk. I'd never wish for a different time and place to grow up.
Added: September 9, 2010

Richmond Hill, born & raised... and quite frankly, DAMN proud of it, as I KNOW most of you are... familiar with MOST of those of you who have previously posted on this site.
If you don't know me, there's always a good chance that you knew one of my siblings, cousins, aunts, uncles, etc. I, myself, went to H.C.J. and graduated in 1972... and will be proudly attending the reunion along with a bunch of family members.
An escort around R.Hill???? Although I'd be ably qualified to serve in this capacity, don't think the need is really there, security-wise. After all, we were told that Richmond Hill was "changing" since our early years and in truth, as it might not be as it once was, it still is the same in our memories, as my friend Rich Scmidt, so eloquently stated (even though he was from the "other" side of R.H... jk)!
A few random thoughts:
Diners... They were all good! The Triangle Diner (Myrtle Ave & Jamaica Ave.), The Club Diner on Atlantic Ave. (111-112 Sts.) where my friend, Frankie Schipp's father worked the midnight shift. We always had to be quiet in his house during the day while his dad slept. Has expanded over the years, but was always good for those after-hour, drunken meals back in the good ol' days ! And of course St. John's on Liberty Ave, 118 St. - Lefferts Blvd.
Pizza... was always partial to Steve's on 111th St. & Jamaica Ave., although Alfie's, across the street from Jahn's (No Address Necessary) was also top shelf. And again, for the after-hours crowd... Dani's, across from Regents' Row (again, no address necessary!) was ALWAYS a late night and worthy option.
Rich-Haven Baseball... played for them for 3-4 years (late 60's-early 70's)... Twin Fields, where we played most of our games, was located across from the Forest Park Bandshell, down in that ravine on Freedom Drive (also sufficed quite well for sledding in the winter!)
Played on the Indians with George Cassata as manager (with his son, George, as well) and the Twins another year along with Kenny & Butchie Greco...
Angelo the Pretzel Man... at H.C.J. Schoolyard during lunch recess... Sold those big soft pretzels for 15 cents, but would break it in half and sell half of it to you for 10 cents!!!
South Queens Boys Club... went there, almost religiously, along with my brothers & cousins, for almost every day from the ages of 7-18, made countless friends who are still counted amongst those to this day!
I could carry on for awhile, but you get the idea... All GREAT memories... to us native R.H. folks!
Added: September 9, 2010

Hi, I was wondering if anyone remembers a nun from Holy Child Jesus named Sister Francis Agnes?
She was my Religious Instructions teacher when I was in first grade. Thanks, Anthony
Added: September 9, 2010

Hi Jim -
My sister, Ellen, had "Tank" - I dodged that bullet.
From St. Teresa's - Father Shuck; Sister St. Hillary; Sister Agnes Florita; Mrs. Ruth Sinnott (I was in her 2nd grade class); Sister Laurina (principal when I was there); Mrs. McGlean (her son, Barry, was my classmate); Sister Marguerite (I was in her 7th grade class); Sister Alice Marion.
Classmates: Charlie Probst; Dennis Haynes; Gary Stevenson; John Munnelly; John Trudden (one of his brothers, Michael, was my classmate); Helen Huber; Dawn Cardi; Georgiana Xerchaikis; Anna Chilemi; Clare Holmes; Mary O'Connor; Sally Sullivan; JoAnne DeCico.
I'll have more by the weekend. (This is a riot - I came up with all of these names off of the top of my head!)
Added: September 8, 2010

I posted earlier today (not on here yet) how much I enjoy reading memories of RH. Recognize many names.
Some from my days at Smokey Park and being #7 of 9 children, I also recognize names from my brothers and sisters age group. Richie Schmidt sounds familiar to me. Brother Randy?
Anyway, it always put a smile on my face when I read the postings and have many great memories too. Used the vpike website and saw my old house, Looks nice still. 124-13 95th ave. Family home from 1943-1995. Regards to all.
Added: September 8, 2010

Frank, and everone else.
Kitty Esposito passed away early yesterday morning. we are gathering in Florida tomorrow to sort through things and make the arrangements. oh, Frank, Mom remembered you fondly. Jonn
Added: September 8, 2010

Smokey Park will always be "Smokey Park" to me. Or "Smokey Oval" if you want to get technical.
I found it unfortunate that the present Hillers, due to a belief that "smokey" was a derrogatory term, would initiate the name change (no knock on Phil Rizzuto). So many years of being "Smokey" should count for something, but I guess it's just another sign that nothing lasts forever and change is inevitable.
As far back as my parents generation, and probably further, sports and playground leisure of all kinds, including swinging on the flag pole rope from one side of the parkhouse to the other were regular activities. My dad pitched for the RH Saxons there. I spent so much time and made long time friends there who I'm still in close touch with. For sometime now, my mom, a writer, has been soliciting stories to compile as a book of "memories of Smokey Park". With all the many generations of Hillers who were there, it would certainly be an interesting read.
If anyone wants to contribute, you can contact me. I've tried to contribute a few stories, but found myself censoring the best parts (Mom still believes I was a good kid). Some say the park is located btwn 125 & 127 Sts, and while that's physically true, to me, it's located in the memories of those who grew up there.
Added: September 8, 2010

Good to hear from you Dennis...
Salty Parker was a baseball player, I believe... Kevin still goes by that... I'll have to ask him about the Louie Pante connection.
Looking forward to seeing Bill Heaney and Rob Ranis at the HCJ reunion and hopfully many more... it's been along, long time.
Added: September 8, 2010

To Larry Lutzak,
I lived over Bill's bycycle shop at 125th & liberty ave. til '77. I also went to Saint Theresa's. I think I remember your sister Linda, as I graduated in '69. I hung out with all the McCabes brothers Terry, Frank, Tim, Brian, I think there were more, but can't think of the names.
If you went there you must remember Sister Teresa Margarite AKA Tank. I saw stars many times after she was done. And Sister Lewis' metal ruler.
Refresh my memory of anyone else from there.
Added: September 8, 2010

To All:
looks like I will be making the trip up to the hill on the 18th, was waiting for my son to tell me the date of his daughters christing...
so andy shea and bobby raines will be seeing you there... talk to tony perretta as well and my brother kevin... hope to see a few old friends on the 18th...
Added: September 7, 2010

For real, Smokey Park was and is located between 125th St. & 127th St. on 95th Ave. & Atlantic Ave.
Added: September 7, 2010

There are many more comments here than there were the last time I visited!
I noted there's now a book on Maple Grove. The Marist Brothers at Molloy used to use Maple Grove as a peaceful place to walk while saying their prayers. Some of us kids from the Kew Gardens Road area used to use it for less pious reasons.
Best to anyone who takes the time to post a memory here.
Added: September 7, 2010

Mark Young:
Is that why you live in Jersey? LOL. Mark, we all love The Hill, so chill out my man.
Added: September 7, 2010

Glad some of you see the humor (like me) in my bodyguard quest.
I will be there this fall, if anyone wants to escort me around I'll be up the park on a date I'll publish on this site.
But really, just sitting up at the park talking about the Hill would be great. If the Hill makes that "comeback" some of you speak of, I'll be the first to return. "GO JETS".
Added: September 7, 2010

This is the article regarding the renaming of Smokey Park: http://tinyurl.com/255whmr
I am not certain if Rizzuto attended Richmond Hill HS for all 4 years or if he played baseball all 4 years. About 20 years ago, I met Phil at a baseball card show in my hometown where he was signing autographs. His personality was a carbon copy of his on-air personna and he initiated conversations with the long line of autograph seekers.
I asked him where in Richmond Hill he lived, and he replied that he never lived in Richmond Hill, but went to school there because Franklin K. Lane didn't have a baseball team in those days.
One other interesting note on Phil Rizzuto, from his NY Times obituary:
As for his trademark expression "Holy cow," he said he adopted it in high school at his baseball coach's suggestion, to replace profanity.
So, not only did Richmond Hill spawn the greatest public address announcer in the history or U.S. sports, but arguably the most famous phrase in Yankee history.
As Mel Allen would say, "How about that?"
Added: September 7, 2010

To Jim Burke,
Nice job remembering the low backyard fences and gates in the garageless alleyways of many homes. As a small child I remember that our next door neighbor, a kind, elderly spinster named Tootsie Ryan, often surprised us by tapping on our kitchen window or screen to announce that she had made Rice Krispie treats or some other baked goods for us kids. My mother never forgot those small kindnesses (nor did I).
Years later when Tootsie was confined to living in a nursing home in Brooklyn, I never minded the treks via public transportation to accompany my Mom to visit Tootsie.
Added: September 6, 2010

to all Hillites:
A sorry day for all of us. Smokey Park is no longer called smokey park it is now called Phil Rizzuto Park out of respect for Phil he did go to school at RHHS as a student.
Now Paul La Vecchica can take his friends on a tour to the bad side of Richmond Hill and take a map to find 124th st because the park is not on 124th st. its between 125th and 127th to be precise. PS: dont forget your bodyguards Paul.
Added: September 6, 2010

Paul, the dodgerman, so you'll be hangin by the soldier one nite this fall... I had to search a bit to find why u riled my brother Dan. He stayed, we didn't.
Can't argue with your assesment myself, but Dan is very proud of his community and it shows.
To Andy Shea, looks like I'll be stoppin bye HCJ on the 18th. Never knew the Ohle's lived anywhere but 113th st. Me, I hung with John Ohle who married Marie Travis from city-line.
Paul, I can't spell hyph-nated. Ra-Inis... nope LOL LOL
Added: September 6, 2010

Paul La Vecchia - will be glad to escort you and your wife around R.H. for a Slight Fee... lol.. lol...
let me know when... vinny
Added: September 6, 2010

In looking up information for our family tree, in particular my "Uncle Vinnie" the late Vincent P. McCormack of Ozone Park (and OLPH), I came across the website.
I have been here for two hours and it's 2AM, Labor Day. This site is truly a "labor of love" and I'm so glad I stumbled upon it! Sooo many memories viewed which stirred hundreds for me. I and my family grew up at first home, an apartment on 118th Street near Jamaica Avenue, then moved to our house at 105-76 130th Street, "South" Richmond Hill, NY 11419, between 1954 and 1972.
I would love to share so many of my own memories with all of you - I just need to get some rest! I'll leave you all with several memories of my own: Karp's soda fountain on Liberty Avenue between 122nd St and Lefferts Blvd (right near Crone's bakery, my Mom's close "second favorite" to Gebhardt's on Jamaica Avenue) and Bill's Cycle shop on Liberty Avenue about 126th Street, when they started it in the back of the appliance store. Bill (the son) later opened up a store in Mineola on Jericho Turnpike - sadly he passed away about 4-5 years ago.
All four of us - me, my sister Ellen, brother Phillip, and sister Linda all attended St Teresa of Avila (graduated June 1965, 1967, 1968, 1969) and we knew the McCabes, Father Raymond Smith, and all those priests (thanks, Mary Johnson!). Best wishes, all.
Added: September 6, 2010

In the '40s & '50s, houses on 129th St south of Liberty had low fences between backyards, with gates, to facilitate casual neighborliness.
As tots, my sisters and I would ring doorbells and announce to old ladies "We came to visit". Cookies and drinks would ensue.
Added: September 5, 2010

To John Mulry...
will keep your mom, Kitty, in my prayers as I knew her well. She served me my first legal drink (rum & coke) on my 18th birthday in September 1960 after checking my brand new draft card.
She was a real nice bar person, ciao, Frank.
Added: September 4, 2010

Thank you all!
I truly appreciate all the comments and information regarding the horse stables in Forest Park.
I look forward to going to Dixie Dew with my granddaughter.
Added: September 4, 2010

John Mulry:
My wife and I want to extend our hopes and prayers for your mom. When our parents (the greatest generation) leave us, its with the memory of how they brought us up to be how we are today. (pretty good). They gave us so much back then.
Added: September 4, 2010

I can't think of the last time I checked in on Richmond Hill.
I know that it has changed so much, most all are gone. I know most of my family is no longer in the area.
Peter might be still trapped in Ozone Park but I would think he just fell off the end of the family tree.
Added: September 4, 2010

hello, haven't lived in God's country since 1962, when at age ten, I was dragged out. can never get it out of my blood.
on a serious note: for all those who remember the C&F Bar&Grill at 111-11 Liberty Ave. and my folks Kitty and Frank Esposito who ran the place from 1958-63, there is not too good news.
my mother is being moved into hospice in Florida (God knows I wish it were on the Island, instead, where her family, outside of me lives) she has a perforated bowel and due to heart condition, cannot be operated on.
please remember my Mom in your prayers at Mass, Liturgy, Shul, or service. that she may be comfortable in her final days and that she may be reconciled with God. thanx. Jonn
Added: September 3, 2010

Mike Romano:
I'll be up in NY this fall. My wife and I will certainly be touring the Hill. If ANYONE wants to ESCORT us for safety reasons let me know on this site and I'll gladly meet you up at the park (Soldier). (LOL)
Mike it would be great to meet you also. CIAO. I'll post the dates this fall, or sooner.
Dennis Doyle:
If you like I can contact you when I'm coming and meet you too.
Added: September 3, 2010

To Will Bremmer:
The horse stables at Forest Park still operate.
Dixie Dew Stables, 88-11 70th Rd, Forest Hills, NY 11375, 718-263-3500. Lynn's Riding School, 88-03 70th Rd, Forest Hills, NY 11375, 718-261-7679.
Enjoy the ride!
Added: September 2, 2010

We are all very passionate about our home, Richmond Hill. Past, present, and future!
Added: September 2, 2010

Paul La Vecchia,
I'm from a different branch of the Romano family tree, but like you, know just about every corner of Richmond Hill, and still have very fond memories of the place.
This website is a great place to connect with people like yourself, who share those memories, and treasure the past, and "tell it like it is"!... so, from one hyphenated-American to another, "Saluti, e buona fortuna"!
Added: September 2, 2010

I am working on a research project that centers around Joan Newton Cuneo.
I believe that she was a resident of Richmond Hill at some point in her life but have not been able to narrow anything concise down. I am hoping that I can garner some assistance.
Added: September 1, 2010

Would anyone know the Feluren family?
I think they lived in Richmond Hill a long time ago around 110th St? Sam Feluren, Esther Feluren and their children, Ann Feluren, and Leo Feluren. Thank you
Added: September 1, 2010

I was born on 102 St. my parents are both deceased and I don't know what ave...
anyway I am looking for Connie Mistretta, she had ran the family dry cleaning business on Atlantic Ave. and I think about 117th St... there was a church around the corner...
does the name Mistretta ring a bell with anyone? I loved Richmond Hill
Added: August 31, 2010

Hello fellow RH folk.
I haven't posted in awhile but was to curious to see who was going to the HCJ reunion. I keep in contact with Kevin McLernon '67 and he will be attending with his sisters Patty, Nancy, and Mary.
I was happy to see the post from Rick Ohle. Rick you lived next door to the shea's on 106th street. We used to go to Belle Harbor with you and your family along with your mom Mary's brother and sister... a good Irish name that escapes me. I think one of them was in the clergy. Do you remember when your 3rd floor went on fire! Big excitement on 106. I remember how beautiful your house was on 113th street . It does not surpise me that it was an original it was very grand.
Sorry to hear about your parents and sister. We lost our parents and my sister Kathleen (car crash 1993 at 37) she is sorely missed. My brother Jack, Mamroneck NY, was just ordained a Deacon, Michael is CPA in SC, Billy is a loan officer in Dallas and Mary Ellen lives near Peoria Ill. selling adverising space for local newspapers. I live in Hartsdale NY and am a school social worker with a private practice.
We had wonderful times growing up in RH... from all the fun on 106th street where everyone stayed on the block playing army, coco-monster, ring alevio, stick ball, kick the can, stoop ball, etc. To the days at Jackson Pond playing basketbal touch and tackle football... and later on drinking schaffer beer at the upper log.
I hope to see many of you (Billy Heaney, Rob Ranis) on this site at the HCJ reunion. Rick (who was once called Ricky) please pass my regards on to Bill, John, Steve, and Tom. Andrew Shea
Added: August 31, 2010

To Mike Romano:
Kudo's on your remarks, and Ms Emanuele's also. Mike are you related to the Romano's who use to live on 115 st. (95-38)? I lived there many moons ago.
To Peter Pennington:
Yes, some of the numbered streets in R.H. were previously named streets. One that comes to mind was 101st ave. (I believe it was Jerome ave.)
Someone on this site should be able to help you with name streets. Good Luck.
Added: August 31, 2010

It seems my recent comments re: the "state of the neighborhood" touched a few raw nerves.
To those of you who took my comments as honest appraisal of the facts, no further explanation is needed. For those who have pointed to the ever changing ethnic makeup of "the New York neighborhood", it should be noted that some have brought with them contributions and advancements which have improved the quality of life for the community as a whole. They valued the opportunity to be Americans first, while still maintaining a more personal connection to their ethnic roots, rather than ignoring the customs and social behavior of those who welcomed them, and that includes in no small part learning the language.
And as to Dan Rainis' offer to tour the neighborhood and offer his services as bodyguard, I was born and raised in Richmond Hill, and lived there for better than the last 45 years, so I've seen the changes firsthand, and don't need you to "clear things up" for me.
I'll let your comments stand on their own merit, or lack therof...
Added: August 30, 2010

Hi, I so agree with Dan Rainis:
This is still a great area, beautiful homes, I love it here, I have great neighbors. My block is still beautiful, the only downfall is that where losing our beautiful old trees when we have a bad storm. its a community, and a very safe place to raise a family.
Added: August 30, 2010

Saw someone mention the Good Humor Ice Cream truck. Ahh... what an adventure I had way back when...
In the old days, The Good Humor truck came around daily and one of the things the driver offered was a "Day in the Good Humor Truck" with him. You had to be good (or a good buyer) to get invited to sit in the truck and go on the driver's route with him for the day.
One day Joe the driver (or whatever his name was) picked me. Yes, me. I was so excited. I went with him all over the neighborhood and helped him in his daily routine.
I would ring the bell, hand out the Toasted Almonds, Eclairs (or what have you) ice cream bars to the customers as Joe stuck his frozen arm in the truck to retrieve them. He had two doors, a rear one and a side one. He never seemed to know where anything was because he would always open both doors to find the specific ice cream bar the kid wanted. (Bad inventory control I guess.)
Anyway, he would hand me the ice cream to give to the kid who was buying it. All the while the frozen vapor from the open door obsuring Joe's face, as he stuck his head into the cavity of the truck, sort of like a lion tamer sticking his head into the lion's mouth. I had to be 9 or 10 years old. It was so exciting.
Fast forward 50 years... first off, my mother would never allow me in any Good Humor ice cream truck with no seat belt, ringing any bells while sitting next to a frozen arm pervert driver. She would say "Sure, no wonder they call him the Good Humor Man, you're not going in any truck". Times change. Bet they got seat belts now.
Added: August 30, 2010

Could some kind person in richmod hill please help me?
I live in England but my grandmother's brother - James T Macarthur lived at 515 Beech St., Richmod Hill. There is an article in the archives of the NYT about a divorce in 1911 and which gives that address. He was a house building contractor and family legend says he was responsible for building a lot of Queens.
I cannot find Beech St on maps or google of Richmond Hill. Where was or is it and can anyone please help me to read up anymore about him.
He is buried in Greenwood and I do not know of any family in NYC. Thanks.
Added: August 30, 2010

Mr. Richmond Hill:
Nobody, expecially me ever said RH was a slum. People like you who put words in other peoples mouths is not very nice.
It's great you live there all these years, and every Hillite wished they (including me) could move back.
But do me a favor, don't call me or anyone else any names when you really don't know the person. Maybe you are one of the reasons people left. In the future refer to people on this site by their names. But please don't think you know the Hill any better than anyone else who's lived there during the good times.
P.S.: I lived on the "North Side" of The Hill. I've been everywhere. There's absolutely no area you could possibly take me I don't know. I know the beauty and the beast of RH.
As far as being afraid, never happen. As for being a hyphenated American, I'm proud.
Added: August 30, 2010

was great growing up here...
lived here from '50 to '64... went to St. Teresa till '64... Remember uncle jacks toy store, st. Johns restaurant, mr. softee coming down the block everyday... lived on 125th st and 97th ave...
looking for some old friends from here... always enjoy thinking back on the good times.
Added: August 29, 2010

Due to the Miracle of goggle earth, and street level maps, anyone can virtually drive around Richmond Hill at anytime, from anywhere.
I did just that, looking for recognizable signs of the neighborhood I grew up in, wondering if any of the folks and families that I knew as a kid still lived there? Is it me, or limitations of the google camera, that makes the streets look much narrower than before?
I looked for the familiar front porches that were so welcoming to neighbors that now are all closed in! The business now are mostly protected by security gates, and where once Bakerys, Delicatessens and markets used to display their goods promenently in their windows, now there is very little of that to be seen! (I'm speaking primarily of Jamaica Avenue from Woodhaven to Van Wyck, all along Hillside and Lefferts - not much of the old neighborhood to be seen!)
But, realistically, this is saddly true of just about any place! Does anyone know of a place that is better now than 30-40-50 years ago? We could as New Yorkers look and see - a New Coney Island, and greatly improved districts in lower Manhattan, but for the most part its all gone downhill!
I have lived in south Georgia for 30 years now since retiring from the Air Force, and we have a lot of people moving here now out of Florida, saying how bad it is getting there!
My Uncle Ed moved down to New Port Ritchie when he was in his mid 70's from Floral Park, and after about a year he was ready to move back! Philisophically, I believe God wants us to look forward, and not backward, so I am happy with the good memories I hold in my heart and mind, of the families and friends in the community, all affectionately remembered and stored in my personal time-capsule...
Wishing somehow, just one more time, we could all just show up together, on any given Friday or Saturday, at Jahns ice cream parlor, after seeing a double feature movie at the RKO Keiths, or meet up and walk down Jamaica Avenue, (or Liberty Avenue) together after school.
Maybe with the guys gathering on the corner and try singing harmony, all sweet memories to cherish indeed! What we have is a gift! Treasure that! God Bless each one of you, where ever you are now, and look forward with great anticipation and excitment to the New neighborhood that The Lord has promised that we shall live in! One that will never run down or deteriorate, and our friends will never grow old or die!
Like good wine cheers and warms the heart, good memories do as well! So I raise my glass of memories in a toast of thanksgiving for the gift we have all been given "To the Hill that was, and to the Hill that will be!" Salute...!
Added: August 29, 2010

"Mr. Softy" was the other ice cream truck.
Added: August 29, 2010

I recently was told about this site and I skimmed thru it quickly for now, but soon I'll look at it more closely.
With that in mind, I'll say that what caught my attention was a comment that the neighborhood changed and not for the better. Years ago, many years ago, the streets and sidewalks were immaculate. Raked and broom swept was the rule rather than the exception. Now when it rains or the wind blows that is how the place gets cleaned up.
As a limo driver I occasionally pass thru the blocks I grew up on: Liberty Ave., Lefferts Blvd., and the surrounding blocks. What a difference between the ethnic make up from then to now and how the properties are generally maintained.
In years past on a summer night you could hear the juke box from the ice cream parlor. Now the sounds are more like tortured cats howling. Sad to say it, but I don't see this community ever regaining it's former place as a place to call home for a proud society as it once was. I come from the South side, 107 & 133 where there were stick ball games, roller hockey, ring-o-leaveo, skully, and anything else you could play on the streets.
Joe, the Bungalow Bar ice cream man hit my block twice a day, John from Good Humor did it once as did another vendor whose name I forget. A dime bought you a piece of heaven during those hot Summer days. My neighbor left a glass tumbler near his garden hose so the Sanitation crew could get a drink. Those days there were three guys to a truck which was the chain and bar conveyor type.
Anyone remember Duggans bread truck where the driver stood up while doing his house to house route? I remember my father would burn the fallen leaves at night to reduce the amount of trash to be picked up.
Being so close to the South Ozone border, I went to PS 121, and then to St. Teresa on 130 St. untill 1960, then on to John Adams HS on Rockaway Blvd. After that, the US Navy. more to come...
Added: August 29, 2010

To Mike Romano and others who agree,
I think if one is going to be TOTALLY honest, and not just applaud these comments, is that those of us who agree are more uncomfortable with the ethnic and racial diversity that is NOT western european than we are with the condition of the houses and front lawns.
Brooklyn has gone through a renaissance and many glorious brick and brownstone homes have been renovated to their former glory. In Richmond Hill, the homes except as you approach Park Lane South were simple smaller frame houses, many now approaching 100 years old. Many have been modified and enlarged to support the new Hillite's concept of extended family under one roof. We don't like to speak about it, but Irish immigrants found prejudice when moving to the mostly German Richmond Hill in the late 1800s, and Italians that followed in large waves from 1905-1920 encountered the same prejudice from the Irish and Germans who arrived before them.
Many neighborhoods in Queens are more unstable ethnically and racially because for the most part, Queens is a gateway borough to America. People come here, often prosper, and leave for other places. To degrade its current condition we would likely have to retreat and find that ethnicities that who arrived in Richmond Hill before us didn't care much for us either. The only difference is that for the most part, we were caucasian europeans, and the new Hillites are more diverse in their skin color and where they hail from.
So, yes Richmond Hill has changed a lot from when we were kids. The reality is that it's always been changing and there were times when our ancestors who represneted a newer ethnicity were not so welcome either by those more established here.
Added: August 29, 2010

This reply is for Vince Glasser.
I do remember you. You were one of the mini bike guys down on the end of 123 street.
How wierd that you remembered the ball gettin stuck in the car. I forgot all about that until you brought it up. That was funny how that happened. We laughed all day
Added: August 29, 2010

Mr Florida,
Having lived in Richmond Hill for 44 of my 47 years I am insulted by your ridiculous comments. Has the neighborhood changed, of course, what neighborhood hasn't. Is it a slum or unsafe, NO.
There are many fine people still living here who care for their homes and neighborhood. Some of us haven't fled like many of you have. Come visit again some time, I'll walk the neighborhood with you and show you how fine it still is, don't be scared I'll protect you.
I also don't chose to go through life as a hyphenated American.
Added: August 28, 2010

to jim burke my boat thief buddy and any one else that lived in the hill.
the diner on atlantic ave was and still is on 112 st. i lived on 112 st as a kid in the fiftys when they bought the diner there on a huge trailer.
does any one remember sheffield farms on atlantic and 130 st and reo moving co on 125 st and 101 ave?
Added: August 28, 2010

Did a Rita Demayo go to this school?
Mother Jean and father Lenoard and sister Lenora. Graduated around 1957, '58, '59. She is a family member that I'm trying to locate. Thanks.
Added: August 28, 2010

Suprising that the diner debate has had no mention of St. Johns on Liberty Ave.
Added: August 28, 2010

No one loved living in Richmond Hill more than I did.
Times were simple and safe. (I lived there from 1947 to 1970.) I could ride my bike from Van Wyck and Liberty to Crossbay Blvd., weaving in and out of streets and roads. Also from 111th Avenue to Jamaica Avenue, and many in between. Smokey Park was our place for recreation and socialization. The Lefferts and Casino Movie Theaters were our places of "culture".
The schools that I attended were some of New York's finest... P.S.55, P.S. 121, and R.H.H.S. '65 (The teachers I had inspired me to be a N.Y.C .teacher.)
One could walk all the way down to the A train station, and take it into Brooklyn, or ride to Rockaway Beach. The Red and Green Bus lines got you to your destination.
It was fun to be able to know the storekeepers on a first name basis. There were many different ethnic types back then too. Some people did not even speak English. However, there was a common ground among all of them: respecting each other's differences and property. Police and Firemen were revered.
The world is upside down and there are other values now. Richmond Hill is only one town which has fallen victim to the "new morality ". Do not pinpoint any one neighborhood in particular as being the best or worst. Of course those people who lived and loved in R.H. would like it to be the same as it was when we they growing up, myself included. (I was there for a reunion in 2005.) Nothing stays the same. That is why there may be hope for our beloved town.
Mike Romano... please contact one of us to let us know you are ok. Someone was asking for you and left me a message.
Added: August 28, 2010

Any memories of the ice cream man, Angelo?
I believe at times he would even come into the school yard at HCJ at lunchtime and sell ice cream. Don't ask me why his name just came to mind!
Added: August 28, 2010

Will: Yes the bridal path is still there and the horses are still in service.
I believe the stables are in the same place. Visit: http://www.nycgovparks.org/facilities/horseback
Added: August 27, 2010

You're not really old unless you remember the barn with the milk wagon horses on Atlantic. My sisters gave them names.
Added: August 27, 2010

Well it seems everyone had a great time at the reunion.
As for the diners on 111th st and Atlantic ave. You are right on about the best eggs, home fries and bacon, plus coffee and cheap, well at 2 in the morning after a long night of partying.
Added: August 27, 2010

To Will Bremmer:
If I am not mistaken, the two stables were Dixie Dew and Parkside. I may be wrong but those are the names that come to mind. It was always a thrill to see the horses while running through the woods. Don't have a clue if they are still there.
Given liability issues in this day and age my guess is that they are no more.
Added: August 27, 2010

Will Bremmer:
Yes they still exist. At least "Dixie Doo" does. Maybe the name may have changed, but I saw the new wooden rails they put up in Forest Park. They dug out trails too. I use to ride with my friends back then, what fun it was.
Go to the soldier, walk up the hill and you can see the new paths they built. Unless they changed it since '05, it should be there.
Added: August 27, 2010

Mike Romano:
Nobody has more respect for the HILL than me. I am totally correct in my assessment. I spoken to quite few of my friends who grew up there and they agree with me 100%.
However, hopefully the town will re-bound down the road. Yes it is diverse w/many many new peoples. Would you really bring up your children up there right now the way the it is, I don't think so.
As for Italian-American as I am, we brought a lot of class to the area along with our Irish, German, and other ethnic friends.
I'm sorry, you are incorrect with your analogy. The place is not the SAME. I would not in the condition it is now move back. However, we both know how beautiful it once was, and that is the memory I will always cherish.
Mike, you would actually walk with your family along Jamaica Ave, and feel comforatble? I don't think so.
Added: August 27, 2010

Mike Romano...
your dead on with your statements... the neighborhood is gone... the new people are not european and have no respect for there homes... all they do is live in it... theres no up keep no gardens, and no paint brushes... lol... but I still call it home... it was once a great place to live
Added: August 27, 2010

The name of the stables in Forest Park was "Dixie Stables".
As a kid I would get there early on saturday mornings to help clean out the stables and saddle the horses. My pay was 3 hours of free riding.
Added: August 26, 2010

Re mike romano's comments
It takes honesty and heart to express what many of us feel from such a great place to live and grow up. It was the very best and no one nor time will take away.
Dave O, 126th st and 101st (liberty) ave. St. Bennie's 61 and Molloy 65.
Added: August 26, 2010

Does anyone remember the horses in Forest Park?
Do the stables still exist? I remember seeing them as a kid and always wanted to ride a horse through Forest Park.
I plan to visit nearby in Great Neck, Nassau L.I. for 1 week in September (Labor Day weekend) and would be willing to finally make a dream come true if it is possible.
Added: August 26, 2010

I wondered if anyone who went to St. Benedict Joseph Labre School on 117th Street remembers Donald Edwards and his sister, Mary?
They moved around 1951-52 to New London, CT. We lost touch and I'd really love to reconnect with them now. I lived across the street from them on 116th Street. Gail Metz
Added: August 26, 2010

Paul La Vecchia,
I had to write in after reading your honest, politically incorrect comments about the embarrassing decline of the once noble place called Richmond Hill.
The truth is undeniable, like it or not-the decay of the neighborhood, like so many other proud suburban enclaves throughout Queens and Brooklyn, seems to be directly linked to the fading influence of the once ubiquitous European American influence- yes, I'm stating the obvious, what we all know in our hearts to be true, but have been stifled from expressing in today's social climate...
I'm proud of what my Italian-American ancestors, along with German, English, Irish, Polish, and all other European people have contributed to the quality of life in our local communities and the country as a whole!
Neighborhoods were safe, clean, and a great place to raise children in the tradition of their parents and grandparents. I'm sorry to say that today I can walk from one end of Jamaica Avenue to the other, and I'd be hard-pressed to hear more than a handful of conversations spoken in English- yes, does anybody remember English?
Listening to today's social commentary, you'd think it was somehow wrong to cherish being an American who embraces the values upon which this country was built- hard work, respect for the family, which included a mother and father married to one another, and friends and neighbors too proud to take a free ride on their medicaid and benefits cards...
Richmond Hill is still a great place to visit, provided you have a time machine in which travel to the past, or you visit this website and connect with the people who remember how proud they once felt to call Richmond Hill home.
Added: August 26, 2010

Paul that is correct,
Your Dad made a catcher out of me like it or not, great memories.
Added: August 24, 2010

Paul, I guess I was in the 6th grade to the 8th grade, so that had to be about 1965 to 1967...
Mr demayo was one of my coaches... he lived on 98st... think his son mickey was our center fielder... and ox polker also was on the team... lol... man have to think way back on those guys...
remember the parade start at the chase manhatten bank on forest park drive... one thing about rich haven they had great uniforms...
Added: August 24, 2010

Glad I found this website.
I lived in Richmond Hill briefly during the 1970s while attending St. Johns University. I'll never forget getting lost at Union Turnpike. So many buses.
But I truly loved living there (Lefferts Boulevard and I think 91st Avenue). I was in the center of everything. University, JFK Airport, Jamaica Ave, Queens Boulevard, Parks, Subways to Manhattan. I plan to visit again.
Added: August 23, 2010

Lived 101-31 130th Street, south of 101st Ave.
Attended R.H.H.S. until 1946... Whew, that seems like a log time ago. Don't recognize any of the names logged in here...
Added: August 23, 2010

Mike Hedler: I think it was the Giants.
I believe you, me, and my brother Tom were on the same team.
Billy Heaney: What years did you play in RHLL?
Just spoke to Mike Landers who lives in Mississippi (yes that Mississippi) LOL. We spoke for while about the Hill. He worked in Harry's Deli 62-65 and lived on 108th between Jam ave and 89th ave. Great Chat.
Checked out the Wall St journal article, what a joke. To say the neighborhood (especially Jamaica ave) is getting better is crazy. It has deteriorated to a slum. I was embarassed to parade my wife around back in 2005.
The only area still beautiful is the Park. Most of the north side of Jam Ave. was somewhat in tact. The European heritage is gone.
Added: August 23, 2010

I grew up near Metropolitan Ave and Lefferts Blvd. Enjoyed all the comments on the website. It truly brought me back. Hoffbrau, Jahns, and RKO Keith, I will always cherish. Thanks!
Added: August 23, 2010

Have been missing lately. I like to look and go back to my childhood in Richmond Hill.
My father served in World War I and received the purple heart for his wounds. I remember the parades with the American Legion to Forest Park and the Monument. We were so proud and thought this country was the one and ONLY.
Keep up the good work and the memories alive.
Added: August 22, 2010

My Great Grandfather was a Laborer on the L.I.R.R. out of richmond hill in 1870. His name was patrick callan, how can I get any info. on that.
Also his children went to the early school 1875 that was opened september 16th, under the care of miss ella g. gale. Where and how can I get any information on my family?
They lived on 111th. st. in 1867 then moved to 112th. st. They are all buried in maple grove cemetery queens.
Thank you for any help. Melissa C.
Added: August 22, 2010

John Trainor, good to hear from a neighbor.
Names don't ring a bell but it's been many years. Memory is going.
Hung out at the schoolyard til 72-73, graduated to the liquid hangouts. On 125th st. by school there was a brother and sister named George and Janice. On 124th right by school, Rob Morelli lived. We played sponge ball there, too many windows and houses. Played hand ball in back of school by the ramp that went into the yard.
We use to "borrow" 6 packs of Piels from the Key Food on 101st av. When we had money we got an OLDER teenager to buy Yago Sangria. They were ONLY 89 cents a bottle then.
If you can remember more let me know I'll jar my memory more.
Added: August 21, 2010

if anybody would like to take a trip to richmond hill,
just go to vpike.com, type in a address and you can see the changes.
Added: August 21, 2010

Hi, want to know if there is any info yet bout the Forest Park Carousel.
Been closed for a while now. A shame the City could mess with this landmark. I hope the City can find a vendor to operate it, would really be a loss to the neighborhoods around it. Even visitors from other areas. Great for little kids.
If anyone has info bout the Carousel please pass it on, really appreciate it!! J. Costigan
Added: August 21, 2010

Today's (Friday Aug 20) Wall St Journal has an article on Richmond Hill and the changes it has seen.
Perhaps someone can supply a link.
Added: August 20, 2010

Just skimming thru posts of previous years and found 2 real close to me.
First from Ralph Morea from a post in 08 about Nick's on 123rd & Liberty. Great place to stop walking home from the lefferts movies. Second from Rich McDermott in 8/08 about Ralph's candy store. I lived 4 doors down above the bike store. Hung out there at the store with the Raffanello's, McGowans, to name a few. This was between 67-75.
If you remember more email me.
Added: August 20, 2010

Jim Lovett,
If you played ball on 125th st between 101st & 103rd Aves you remember the school there. My friends and I played basketball & softball there often. On 124th st we played stickball and punchball. Later we hung out by Hugo's Ice cream parlor, Liberty & Lefferts.
Do you remember anyone from 125th st, Bobby Belanti, Diane Dietz, Billy Cummings? They were two lovely blocks, large, old trees, quiet, a good place for kids growing up.
Added: August 20, 2010

Reading about the old watering holes. Brings me back to the more care free days.
There was a place on Park Lane South called The Park Lane. I don't know how any guys from Richmond Hill (under 18) got their first beers in bar but it had to be there.
The police from the 102nd would be in the front door everyone would be out the back door. It was a comedy. The place burned down few years ago.
Every one keep up the good work on the site .
Added: August 20, 2010

Good to see comments from Bob Rickert, Jim Burke, and Vinny Smith.
Will try to straighten out some geohistorical facts about queries on the website. Yes cordes was an ice cream parlor if you went west to 114th and Jamaica (hard by the Garden Theatre with it's outdoor theater on the roof.
Jahns is now closed. I had the occasion to stop in before they shut the doors and the place was last owned by a Russian couple who waited on 4 old folks and sold them coffee and buns, and "no" Selma was no longer the cashier nor was "Pickles" Flaherty the manager.
Most sad there would no longer be any of those Friday night poker & crap games, we would have to go to 130th St behind "Bungalow Bar".
As far as Salernos, all you said is true but rumor has it that is is an Indian restaurant. When Jay Marshall sold Glenns to AL Wolfendale (Glenn was Als son hence the name).
He moved up to 135th St & Lefferts and yes Jay Kennedy and TV John were the batrtenders. The place was frequented by air port folks, (Kennedy was still Idlewild in those days) and by the racetrack fans and personnel. Some rumor has it that it was the prototype for the gin mill in "Good Fellas".
Hi Vinny Smith, yes that was Al Victor a really nice guy & my sister lives in East Port, she is well. Mike is still up in the Catskills and I'll tell him Hi.
Jim Burke we knew your uncle John and I can say on his behalf that I never saw him fall down. To Bob Rickert, HI! Marie just had knee surgery Tuesday. She is doing and can you imagine that Bobby Thompson is dead.Should of been the other way around like old #13.
I remember that Branca, Thompson, Jean Hermanski, and a few Yankees showed up to play at Dexter Park on the Sunday following that terrible game.
Well that's all folks. Would love to roll the years back and go to the Jerome for 9 cents, no one believes it.
Added: August 19, 2010

To answer the inquiry from Jim Grady.
Salerno had a store front restaurant/pizza place next door to Marshall's - which was located on the corner. Jay and Bill Marshall sold their bar to the Salerno people in the late '50s and bought a bar down Lefferts near the Belt Parkway. Salerno then expanded their store front into the old Marshall's.
Many a cool brew I enjoyed in Marshall's.
Added: August 19, 2010

Paul, yes I played 3 years in rich haven baseball...
best baseball there was... much better than the cyo... I think myself and jack maple along with vinny shelhorn played on the mets, and the cardinals... lol... man that was a long time ago...
played down on the conduit... i think it was called TWIN FIELDS... Vinny Shellhorn was a very good pitch... fast...
hey what was the name of the mens store on the corner of 111 st. next to steves pizza...
Added: August 19, 2010

Paul, I played in that league.
Remember your dad was one of my coahes.
Added: August 19, 2010

I will not go on f.b. anymore. Burned by hackers too many times.
This msg. is for Mrs. Akus (forgot your first name, sorry) but wanted to know if your Mom is Betty and your brother is John.
I use to be a den mother with your Mom if that is your relative. She was/is a wonderful person and we had great times. We shared many a laugh together and marched in all the Liberty Ave. parades, along with our little Cub Scouts.
I hope she is well and if so, please tell her Ginger sends her best regards. Too bad I cannot put email address online anymore but know she will remember me, as dearly as I remember her.
God bless... excuse typos but this text is too small for we old folks.
Added: August 19, 2010

Have enjoyed reading the comments. Some of my memories are living in RH from 58-77.
Lived at 125th & liberty. Went to St Theresa's, graduated in 69. I remember Mrs. Sinnot and getting my bell rung many times by Sister Rita. Went to Brooklyn Tech, graduated in 73.
Discovered the real world of parties. Al's Stereo, Red Den, to name a few. But best memories were pizza at Lefferts & Liberty the best, Lefferts movies, Al Victors for music, Uncle Jacks for anything for kids. Brakfast at St John's at 4 am. Smokey Park, stickball at the school yard on 125th st between 103rd av, and 101st av.
Anyone remember the places around these dates email me.
Added: August 18, 2010

When did Salerno's come into existence?
I remember that location as Marshall's until 1955, was not around after that.
Added: August 18, 2010

If you are on Facebook, there is a Richmond Hill page with some wonderful conversations, recollections and photos.
Added: August 18, 2010

Jimmy Lovett,
I do not know if you are THE Jimmy that lived over Shannons Bar for a long time. If it is, I wrote to your email address, if not, please disregard.
For some reason I thought you had moved to California. I miss the days when you were all little boys playing on 126th. St. and being told by our only unfriendly neighbor that only people that lived on our block, could play there.
How the heck are you and if you do get my email (which I cannot post as I was burned on facebook) please let me know how you are and what is happening.
Those sure were the days and I miss them a lot. God bless
Added: August 18, 2010

Yes, Cordes was cool, but I believe in the late 60's, the place was called GRIPPA'S, right next to Steves Pizza and Richie Napolitano's apt. (The Best Pitcher in all of RHHS History).
Jimmy Arleo (drummer) played in Grippa's (He set up a small stage in back) for a short time. I think Tom McCann shoes or Miles shoes store was on corner and the pool hall around the corner, upstairs on top of the shoe store.
And of course the great Gebhardt's bakery across the street. Frank Molinaro's dad own the Hat blocking place (also sold them) I believe next to Gebhardt's. And let's not forget the 111 st. bar w/ bowling alley downstairs (played in league 62-4.)
I still can't believe nobody on this site has played in Rich-Haven L.L.
Added: August 18, 2010

Tommy Manzo,
God how are you, been a long time, hows your brother mike, does your family still live in the neighborhood, and are you going to the hcj reunion...
my brother is floating from fire house to fire house... think hes up in harlem right now. He told me he work with you a few years back, along with jimmy weirner, and I think JIMMY HAMEL... not sure but pretty amazing all of you in the same house...
anyway hello and yes know all my capitals... was taught by the best... the sisters of st joes... lol
Added: August 17, 2010

Gloria, your right on both -
cordies was on 111st next to al's candy store, and frairs maybe wrong with the spelling was on the corner of 107 st... and sweeties was on 102 st.
Added: August 17, 2010

To Gloria Albanese:
Good catch on Cordes. Whether or not it was "Mrs. Cordes" behind the counter we knew her by her first name, "Flo". Good jukebox, great tuna fish, very nice people.
And the Seidler sisters studio was run by Miss Louise if I am not mistaken. Had to sit there many a day waiting for my sister to finish her routine.
And as for Dorgler's auto repair, that was run by a Ferdie Dorgler (60's) - someone my father knew. A name I would have completely forgotten if not for this site.
Added: August 16, 2010

Let's not forget the Old Bailey (now Austin Ale House) and 10 Downing Street (now an Italian restaurant owned by Marty Spolan who used to own the sporting goods store).
Added: August 16, 2010

To Dennis Doyle - Thanks again for this great website!
One small correction - the ice cream parlor on Jamaica Ave. between 110-111 St. was Cordes (cor-dies). There was another one further west on Jamaica Ave. - Frer's (and now maybe I have the spelling wrong!) at about 107 St., I think.
I grew up on 110 St. near Myrtle Ave. and my grandparents lived on Hillside Ave. between 121-122 St.
Speaking of Glenn's Bar, we went to Seidler Sisters Dancing School as little kids. The Dancing School was upstairs.
Hello to all my fellow dancers ...
Added: August 16, 2010

only one month away from the big Holy Child Jesus 100th Bday Bash and my class of 1970's big 40th reunion.
hope to see all my classmates there.
Added: August 16, 2010

To John Celauro:
Richie Kreppein and I thank you, it was great seeing old friends again. And yes we will be doing it again next year.
And for the sailor hat, it sure bought back a lot of memories. Rich Newell
Added: August 16, 2010

I guess I remember Dorgler's and Lumber Yard and they merged in my mind.
Added: August 16, 2010

Grew up on 111 st., family all over RH.
Looking forward to hearing from people born 1937 or so.
Added: August 15, 2010

Dorgler's Lumber Yard (1950)
Added: August 15, 2010

Want to give a shout out to Richie Newell and Richie Kreppen for hosting our reunion on Saturday night.
Lots of laughs and good time had by all. Thanks guys for the work you did in gathering us together (herding cats) and supplying the facility and eats and drinks.
Had a good time, hope to do it again.
Added: August 15, 2010

the lumber yard on Atlantic / 114 - 115th st was called (drum roll here) The Richmond Hill Lumber Yard... I think...
Added: August 14, 2010

Does anyone remember Al's Stereo Bar (111th St & Liberty Av), O'Neil's bar, and Shannon's.
Lefferts movies, Sat matinees in the early 60's for a buck. @ movies, soda and hot dog. Bill's bike store. Uncle Jacks toy store. Great times.
Added: August 14, 2010

Billy Heaney,
Billy it was Billy McMahon @ RR not Monahan. Billy can u still name all 50 state capitals?
Added: August 14, 2010

There's probably no one still around who remembers my uncle, John McElroy who hung out in Glenn's.
He read newspapers and news magazines from cover to cover and was a walking encyclopedia of news and sports.
Added: August 13, 2010

Does anyone remember the name of:
the Ice Cream Parlor on 111th St. & Jamaica Ave, the German bakery diagonally across from it on 111th St & Jamaica Ave., the little mom & pop German deli on 111th st. just off the n/e corner of Atlantic Ave., or the name of the Lumber yard on Atlantic and 114th-115th Sts?
Added: August 13, 2010

I remember Glenns Bar. I used to hang there in 1968, drinking my first beers at 18 (legal then), in those tiny glasses, for 25 cents. Every third was a buy back.
In August 1968, I was in there watching TV and the Democratic National Convention in Chicago was on and we were watching the protesters in the streets getting beat by the cops and yelling "the whole world is watching". I was then radicalized to leftist politics.
Now, I listen to Rush Limbaugh every day religiously. We've come a long way baby.
Added: August 13, 2010

Hi. I just picked up my granddaughter from Del Taco's and she was telling me about all of her friends hanging out there.
For some reason, I remembered my days of hanging out with my peers at Jahn's Ice Cream Palor in Richmond Hill Queens. I told her about the kitchen sink and how great the place was with wooden tables and how we would carve our name in them. What a great time I had there with my friends. I started going there as soon as I got my driver's license in 1967 and kept going there with dates and friends till about 1975 when I got married and moved to New Jersey.
I said to my granddaughter tonight, maybe I will go on line and look up Jahn's and see if anything comes up. I am glad you had this web site and that you printed a great article. You brought great memories alive.
God Bless You, Phil Curia.
P.S.: I went on to read about Forest Hills park. Another memory that was such a great place to visit with my family. We had such a great time there. Just a few short minutes from the "city", brooklyn and we were in the country, complete with a carousel and pony rides. The trees were tall, the atmosphere was fun and there was never a threat of vandalism or anyone bothering us. No crime ever was present back then in 1955-1965.
What another great memory to have lived in those times was something really special. Sharing with my family was especially great. I moved out to California in 2000 and still live here, but it is so great to remember those simple times.
Thanks again for the web site, Phil Curia.
Added: August 13, 2010

There is considerable mention of Glenn's bar. It was my next door neighbors on 107th between 86th Ave & Jamaica Ave who founded and first opened Glenn's.
Their names were Al (I think) and Paula Wolfangle - to me they were Mr. & Mrs. Wolfangle. They had two children. Karla - a dancer in NYC, and son Glenn, hence the name Glenn's. He was a fair bit older than I was and a deaf mute. A gem of a guy and a lovely family.
I recall them being very generous to their next door neighbors (me) at Halloween. I trust there are others who may also be familiar with the heritage of Glenn's- a spot my parents would periodically visit before it morphed into a spot for the younger crowd.
At the same time my parents were fairly close friends with the Four Bros (Triangle Hofbrau). At the Hofbrau I had the chance more than once to be brought into an inner courtyard (Hof?) where I would see a recently dressed deer hanging by its haunches. Venison was a fixture, in season, on their menu. Pretty rare for me to see a deer - dead or alive - in Richmond Hill!
With the proximity of these two institutions they could very well have offered up Richmond Hill's first version and opportunity for a pub crawl.
Added: August 12, 2010

Anyone remember the tailor on Park Lane South opposite Jackson's Pond? (He resembled a brown-haired version of Harpo Marx).
I once brought a leather jacket in to have the pockets re-lined, and when I returned days later to pick it up, he had sewn the flap pockets shut, rendering them useless. It seems he didn't know how to replace a pocket lining, and when I complained, he became indignant! I paid the bill, but I should have disarmed his sewing machine before I left...
some things you just never forget, especially if you're a kid with no money for a new jacket!...
just another story from the old neighborhood.
Added: August 12, 2010

Just reading the 2010 entries, looking for names, from long ago and found Phyllis Chechile. That was a name that was part of the Ponce Pizza gang.
I am retired now and have been seeing the world by bicycle. I am planning a bike trip from Minnesota to the old country Richmond Hill.
Dennis Doyle keep up the good work hope all is well for you.
Added: August 12, 2010

Glenns was across the street from the RKO Kieths and Jahns. Does anyone know if the bar is still there?
Took the wife there on our first date.
Added: August 11, 2010

Paul:
the royals played at richmond hill high school in the night league, we had a group of guys who played together for about 20 years...
we became Glenns bar when the old owner AL Katz wanted to sponcer us, he bought the uniforms and paid the fees in the long island press league...
we won the division about 6 or 7 times and played in the finals of the press league a few years in a row... very good team... we use to play the 102 pct every wed night for a barrel of beer at victory field... and all went back to the bar to have some fun... later we change to regents row...
speaking of the randell island tourment, yes we played in it as well... and yes we made it to the finals in that as well... something like 6 or 7 games in a row... I remember vinger hill...
we use to drink in the bar on the corner of 112 st... the one nobody went into... but you could be 16 and drink... it was called pops...lol and the bookies use to place the bets on the horse in there... they could care less who drank there... we also played out in jones beach...
later on... team finally broke up a few years ago... to old to play...lol
Glenns bar was across the street from jahns and salernos... 117st and hillside ave... bar tenders freddie schmidth, and bill monahan, to go along with old ralph... great bar... like cheers everyone knew your name...
Added: August 11, 2010

Hey Steve Batthany -
thanx for the info but there was a more correct entry that stated the music store as Al Victors. That's what I recall also. Liberty and 123rd St.
Just saw my brothers Danny (lives on LI) and Bob who lives in SC. Visited w/ them at Dans' over this past weekend. Tell Mike to give me a shout. Is Cecilia still living on LI? What about Rod?
Here's to Kavons'! Stay well, Vin S.
Added: August 10, 2010

Billy Heaney:
Where was Glenn's bar (sounds familiar) and where did the RH Royals play softball (What years)?
We played for Pisano's on 112th I believe and Liberty Ave. Also played for Guy's Vinager Hill across street from The Big "A" back in the early 70's. Played in tournaments at Riker's Island (elimination) played until you lost.
We did quite well except by the 3rd game you were drained somewhat by the summer heat, and the fact we usually partied the night before. Great times we had playing ball.
Added: August 10, 2010

It is enjoyable to read some of the entries. They bring back alot of good times in Richmond Hill. We truely grew up in Gods Country.
Guys keep up the good work. Lived on 102nd and 85th ave from 1943 to 1975 .
Added: August 8, 2010

I have a beautifully embossed green autograph book from your Edgar D Shimer Junior High School class of 1934.
It belonged to a George Gross. The Principal was D. Daniel Wallstern. His graduating teacher was Miss Etta Maker.
I was wondering if you have any information on the students in this graduating class.
Added: August 6, 2010

What a great site!!
I grew up and was raised in Richmond Hill and this is truly a way to go back to those great days when life was much easier and without cell phones, and people actually talked to each other!!
Lived on 93rd Avenue between 104th and 107th Street. Great memories of RKO Keiths and all of the other sites.
Thanks again!!!!!!!
Added: August 6, 2010

ok best softball team from the area... richmond hill royals... then later we were called glenns bar.
Added: August 6, 2010

Yes the best diner was on 111st and Atlantic... especially after closing hours at Glenns bar.
Best damn cheese burgers with all the grease, just help fill you up at 3am... or 4am... spent many a night there...
and on saturday which was really sunday, then off to the beach... lol
Added: August 6, 2010

A great website for R.H. and all of "old New York":
http://www.screanews.us/NewYork/ContentsNewYork.html
Added: August 6, 2010

Cyndi Lauper lived down stairs from my wife when they were growing up. We got to go to some of her concerts by invite both before and after she made it big.
Another star who didn't quite make it big was a worker at Steve's pizza place off 114st street and Jamacia ave. His first role was in Happy Days as a pick pocket and his most noticable was one of the thugs in Goodfellas... can't think of his name.
Added: August 6, 2010

To Matt W.:
I remember you as if it was yesterday. I believe you were more commonly known as "Mattie". I was in the younger bunch and you probably remember my older brother(s). Most of us were Met's fans and while Shea had it's own personality, our 123rd Street stickball field was unique with our outfield starting at 95th Avenue.
I still remember a ball that was hit hard enough to stick in between the hubcap and rim of a car driving by, causing a "car rule" game ending. At least if it would have went down the sewer we could have lifted up the sewer plate and fished it out with a coat hanger.
Such great memories. Hope all is well and keep the memories alive.
Added: August 6, 2010

I have a picture dated July 1921 of the Richmond Hill's Business Association.
My uncle is in that picture as he was a builder. Since all of his immediate family is deceased I thought you might want to keep it in your archives. I can be reached by email. FRAN WERNER
Added: August 5, 2010

If you didn't go the diners on 111th st and Atlantic ave. and the one down the block from the bowling alley that was across the street from the Triangle Hoffbrau, then you weren't a true Hillite.
The diner on 111th was Silver and sort of oval shaped and looked like a train car. Best eggs, home fries and bacon, plus coffee and cheap. The other one was similar, great breakfast. We would go to the 111th st diner after a long night of partying. Me, Bobby Winters, and the "gang" and eat. Then trek home. Don't forget on Atlantic ave and 108th st was CARVEL.
Went back to 111st diner in 1980's, and it changed its outer appearance to a aluminum siding look (Brownish) if I remember. I spoke with Richie Newell 9:00 AM this morning and we talked for almost an hour about our experiences back in the day. We also spoke of the many people on this site that claim they were in the Park the years we were, and we coulnd't re-call any of them. They say they were there the same years we were with many friends (like us) but who were you people? We never SAW YOU.
Remember were talking 1960-thru early 70's. So the rest of you Hillites stop claiming this was your "turf" IT WASN'T.
Added: August 5, 2010

To Dennis Doyle:
I am glad I was able to forward that information to you about Bob Sheppard. It was fun learning that he came from Richmond Hill and had such an interesting life. And I love the website you created for him.
And it gave me a chance to look at some of the other famous people from Richmond Hill too. I knew about Jack Lord; I didn't know about Cyndi Lauper though. How interesting! The more I think about it, the more I realize how fortunate I was to grow up there.
Thank you again and have a great day! Regards, Mary Johnson
Added: August 5, 2010