"Why not an astronaut? Or a janitor? Why?” - Solid questions- LOL. I am not quite sure from the photo if Carlisle jr.'s hat has 3 corners, but you had an old German children's song popping up when I saw it which literally translated says "My hat, it has three corners,Three corners has my hat.And had it not three corners,It would not be my hat." and equally like the hat itself makes no sense.
I am confused by the 59C or 69C deal ...Everything 1Dollar or more...- nice. As to the Norwood Scale for Boldness...is that because of the donut? Kinda makes more sense than the hat.
I know it's not actually funny, but it's kinda funny that the Ducky Boys hated plants so much and became nemeses with the NYBG. It's just such a niche feud.
This is a beautiful neighborhood however the photos do not capture any of current beauty, current landscape current life and culture of the current Norwood residents. The IG page of Norwood Community Library shows more accurate photos that reflect Norwood. Most of the recent photos you took during your walks, show an false narrative of a broken down dead community with decaying buildings, not anything beautiful. There was No vibrancy no color no life no culture in your current pics. The culture of the many great food spots and restaurants were left out. The article also intentionally leaves out any inclusion of the Latino and Black history of Norwood. These 2 populations are the current majority racial groups keeping Norwood thriving economically now. Many Latinos and Blacks that reside here also are the front line medical staff that run Montefiore and North Central Hospital keeping the community going taking care of their neighbors. They live in the same buildings as their patients.
Thanks for your message and for sharing your perspective. I appreciate your thoughts on what makes Norwood vibrant and important to its residents.
This project was never meant to be a definitive or comprehensive history of every NYC neighborhood—it’s more of a personal exploration, a way for me to navigate and document the aspects of the city that I find visually compelling, even when they aren’t conventionally beautiful. The history and anecdotes I include follow the same approach—they’re things that catch my attention, rather than a full representation of a place.
I understand that this approach has its limitations, and what I highlight each week won’t resonate with everyone. But I always approach each neighborhood with curiosity and respect. That said, I truly appreciate you pointing out what was missing for you, and I’ll keep that in mind as I continue the project.
Thankfully, there are great sources like the Norwood Community Library IG and Norwood News (which I link to at the bottom of the piece) that showcase different sides of the neighborhood.
The Ducky Boys reign only lasted up until the early 70s, so predating the wave of immigration from Northen Ireland. According to "Lost Boys of the Bronx: The Oral History of the Ducky Boys Gang" most of the gang members got into drugs, got drafted, or just aged out.
Excellent research. I grew up nearby and have worked in the area for many years. Penny Marshall and her TV and film director brother, Gary, lived at 3235 Grand Concourse, across the street from Rob Reiner's family. Robert Klein, the comedian, grew up off of Gun Hill Road on Decatur Avenue, thus the title of his autobiography, " The Amouris Busboy of Decatur Avenue" where he mentions youthful encounters with local gangs near the Oval. I wondered when the Oval Reservoir became a park.
Having grown up on the neighborhood, I loved your writeup. However, I also wished your photography would have scratched a little bit deeper, maybe capturing the library, St Brendan's or some of the more interesting apt buildings. I read your reply to a similar post above and acknowledge it, so don't feel the need to reply similarly.
What a fun piece, crotchety complainers and all! What BIG moves too, a whole fieldstone house and a lake! And fashion to boot, that makes us feel bad about ourselves, which is all fashion, really😅
Thank you for the End sign at the very end! Thought there won’t be any, and thought the picture of the one-seater green couch made for a very good end sign, looking so lonesome and poignant. But looks quite clean and comfy too, I wouldn’t mind sitting on it if I make my way there, if it’s still there😊
Roaming bands of out of control teens is my living nightmare.
You and me both.
"Why not an astronaut? Or a janitor? Why?” - Solid questions- LOL. I am not quite sure from the photo if Carlisle jr.'s hat has 3 corners, but you had an old German children's song popping up when I saw it which literally translated says "My hat, it has three corners,Three corners has my hat.And had it not three corners,It would not be my hat." and equally like the hat itself makes no sense.
I am confused by the 59C or 69C deal ...Everything 1Dollar or more...- nice. As to the Norwood Scale for Boldness...is that because of the donut? Kinda makes more sense than the hat.
Great article again- thanks Rob!
That sounds like a terrible song!
I think you would have to be a Norwood 6 or 7 to consider wearing that hat in public
I know it's not actually funny, but it's kinda funny that the Ducky Boys hated plants so much and became nemeses with the NYBG. It's just such a niche feud.
Not to mention the ducks they shot!
Good to see an AC can in the mix! Another enjoyable issue all around :)
Thanks Rob!
This is a beautiful neighborhood however the photos do not capture any of current beauty, current landscape current life and culture of the current Norwood residents. The IG page of Norwood Community Library shows more accurate photos that reflect Norwood. Most of the recent photos you took during your walks, show an false narrative of a broken down dead community with decaying buildings, not anything beautiful. There was No vibrancy no color no life no culture in your current pics. The culture of the many great food spots and restaurants were left out. The article also intentionally leaves out any inclusion of the Latino and Black history of Norwood. These 2 populations are the current majority racial groups keeping Norwood thriving economically now. Many Latinos and Blacks that reside here also are the front line medical staff that run Montefiore and North Central Hospital keeping the community going taking care of their neighbors. They live in the same buildings as their patients.
Hi Dee,
Thanks for your message and for sharing your perspective. I appreciate your thoughts on what makes Norwood vibrant and important to its residents.
This project was never meant to be a definitive or comprehensive history of every NYC neighborhood—it’s more of a personal exploration, a way for me to navigate and document the aspects of the city that I find visually compelling, even when they aren’t conventionally beautiful. The history and anecdotes I include follow the same approach—they’re things that catch my attention, rather than a full representation of a place.
I understand that this approach has its limitations, and what I highlight each week won’t resonate with everyone. But I always approach each neighborhood with curiosity and respect. That said, I truly appreciate you pointing out what was missing for you, and I’ll keep that in mind as I continue the project.
Thankfully, there are great sources like the Norwood Community Library IG and Norwood News (which I link to at the bottom of the piece) that showcase different sides of the neighborhood.
Thanks again for your feedback—I appreciate it!
"Rob Reiner, aka Marty DiBergi, the director of the greatest rockumentary of all time, This is Spinal Tap, grew up in Norwood."
Likely because his father, actor/writer/director Carl Reiner, was making his living on television down in Manhattan then.
I assume the reign of the Ducky Boys ended when the Irish population of the neighborhood evaporated...
The Ducky Boys reign only lasted up until the early 70s, so predating the wave of immigration from Northen Ireland. According to "Lost Boys of the Bronx: The Oral History of the Ducky Boys Gang" most of the gang members got into drugs, got drafted, or just aged out.
NYC is a breeding ground for big gangs; I wonder why?....
Because nobody wants to be in a small gang?
Excellent research. I grew up nearby and have worked in the area for many years. Penny Marshall and her TV and film director brother, Gary, lived at 3235 Grand Concourse, across the street from Rob Reiner's family. Robert Klein, the comedian, grew up off of Gun Hill Road on Decatur Avenue, thus the title of his autobiography, " The Amouris Busboy of Decatur Avenue" where he mentions youthful encounters with local gangs near the Oval. I wondered when the Oval Reservoir became a park.
Thanks Susan! I wish I had know about that Robert Klein book, I'll have to look out for it.
Swell photos, as usual. I like the graffiti on the wall.
Thanks Rowland!
eeek Norwood! my home!! Thank you for this <33333
Thank YOU!
Hi Rob,
Having grown up on the neighborhood, I loved your writeup. However, I also wished your photography would have scratched a little bit deeper, maybe capturing the library, St Brendan's or some of the more interesting apt buildings. I read your reply to a similar post above and acknowledge it, so don't feel the need to reply similarly.
Again, thanks for the fair writeup.
What a fun piece, crotchety complainers and all! What BIG moves too, a whole fieldstone house and a lake! And fashion to boot, that makes us feel bad about ourselves, which is all fashion, really😅
Thank you for the End sign at the very end! Thought there won’t be any, and thought the picture of the one-seater green couch made for a very good end sign, looking so lonesome and poignant. But looks quite clean and comfy too, I wouldn’t mind sitting on it if I make my way there, if it’s still there😊
Fascinating (as usual). And love the opening story too.