Having decamped to the Left Coast some years ago, I try to explain to Angelenos the quirky and adaptable side of New Yorkers, and how we always find a way to get things done. Those Goya cans under the A/C window units are a perfect example of five borough ingenuity that you'd be hard pressed to find anywhere else. Great post Rob, as always.
"A Bronx Tale, the 1993 American drama directed by and starring Robert De Niro, is based on writer and actor Chazz Palminteri’s life growing up in Belmont." I was gonna mention that a lot of what you wrote about reminded me of that movie, particularly the racial divide and revenge beatings section. The only thing more reminiscent than your descriptions is Astoria, Queens, where it was actually shot -- about a block away from my apartment.
Actual streets, 30th Ave between 42nd and 46th essentially. The church is still there obviously but so is the place they used as the funeral home. You can see the fire escapes characters lean from.
What isn't there is the stoop they sat on. That was added to the building for the film.
So much to like in this post, the history (snuff!), racism 😢, Goya cans plus an outlier, and the pictures of the city. Specially love the trees, and there are two flanking a Tesla Cybertruck, what a combination! Also the End sign or sometimes Stop sign, I look for that each time, signifying the formal end of each piece. But please don’t take this as pressure to always have a photo of an End sign 😅, just whatever catches your eye in any place 😍
Thanks Raquel! My End of New York project predates this Neighborhoods project by several years, so I feel compelled to track them down. Maybe the Goya cans will replace that…
Oh yes, yes, yes, Arthur Avenue is a treasure trove of Italian foods. And having studied horticulture at the NY Botanical Garden know the Lorillard Snuff Mill. But you filled me in on its history. Back then had too many plants to learn.
Italian Americans aren't alone re racism. Other groups systematically created centuries long racial discrimination that is a large contributor to oppression. Neighborhoods with wealthy whites call the cops when people of color walk down their streets. The last time I checked the majority of the proud boys, kkk, gentrifiers, Amy Cooper, Derek Chauvin, Donald Trump, etc were not Eytalians. Why don't you mention the tragic murder of Junior. He was dragged out of a deli and beaten to death by a gang who was not Eytalian... on a street in Belmont!!!!
Having decamped to the Left Coast some years ago, I try to explain to Angelenos the quirky and adaptable side of New Yorkers, and how we always find a way to get things done. Those Goya cans under the A/C window units are a perfect example of five borough ingenuity that you'd be hard pressed to find anywhere else. Great post Rob, as always.
Thanks Eddie! Maybe you need to introduce the Goya movement to LA. You could market a line of authentic, bespoke NYC AC accessories.
"A Bronx Tale, the 1993 American drama directed by and starring Robert De Niro, is based on writer and actor Chazz Palminteri’s life growing up in Belmont." I was gonna mention that a lot of what you wrote about reminded me of that movie, particularly the racial divide and revenge beatings section. The only thing more reminiscent than your descriptions is Astoria, Queens, where it was actually shot -- about a block away from my apartment.
In the studios or on the actually streets of Astoria? I need to watch the movie again.
Actual streets, 30th Ave between 42nd and 46th essentially. The church is still there obviously but so is the place they used as the funeral home. You can see the fire escapes characters lean from.
What isn't there is the stoop they sat on. That was added to the building for the film.
So much to like in this post, the history (snuff!), racism 😢, Goya cans plus an outlier, and the pictures of the city. Specially love the trees, and there are two flanking a Tesla Cybertruck, what a combination! Also the End sign or sometimes Stop sign, I look for that each time, signifying the formal end of each piece. But please don’t take this as pressure to always have a photo of an End sign 😅, just whatever catches your eye in any place 😍
Thanks Raquel! My End of New York project predates this Neighborhoods project by several years, so I feel compelled to track them down. Maybe the Goya cans will replace that…
Now THATs a garage sale!
If the nipples had been intact, I would have made an offer.
OH and how did I fail to comment on the best part of this post which was the AC/Goya can phenomenon. Will be on the lookout here in BH!
I would love to see a more AC cans! I suspect BH AC units (that aren't maintained by a super) will trend more Eden Organic or Campbell's than Goya.
Oh yes, yes, yes, Arthur Avenue is a treasure trove of Italian foods. And having studied horticulture at the NY Botanical Garden know the Lorillard Snuff Mill. But you filled me in on its history. Back then had too many plants to learn.
What a special place to study horticulture! I've seen the mill several times but never knew its original purpose until this week.
As soon as I saw the name of the neighborhood, I thought "Is he going to mention Dion and the Belmonts, or do I have to remind him?"
I dodged a bullet!
Italian Americans aren't alone re racism. Other groups systematically created centuries long racial discrimination that is a large contributor to oppression. Neighborhoods with wealthy whites call the cops when people of color walk down their streets. The last time I checked the majority of the proud boys, kkk, gentrifiers, Amy Cooper, Derek Chauvin, Donald Trump, etc were not Eytalians. Why don't you mention the tragic murder of Junior. He was dragged out of a deli and beaten to death by a gang who was not Eytalian... on a street in Belmont!!!!
Love the Goya can phenomenon! (Obviously)