April 19, 2006

Hometown Meme.

Filed under: Uncategorized — Jim @ 8:05 pm

Gail, at Scribal Terror, tagged me with a Meme, the point of which is to have each of the tagees say four cool things about his or her hometown.  Not being flush with content at the moment, this came at a pretty good time.  Here we go.

I was raised in Kearny, New Jersey (pronounced, “CAR-nee”).

The Sopranos

Over the last few years, parts of Kearny have been seen nationwide, because many of the Sopranos’ location scenes are filmed in the town.  For example, every time Tony and his crew sit outside “Satriale’s Pork Store,” they are sitting on Kearny Avenue, the main street in Kearny.  “Satriale’s” is actually a closed-up auto parts store.  Several Kearny scenes (and those in nearby towns) appear in the opening montage as well.  It’s great sport playing “I Know Where That Is” when watching the show.

Location

One of the best things about growing up in Kearny was its proximity to New York and Newark (Newark was considerably nicer when I was a boy).  Both were a short bus ride away, or one could drive to Newark or New York in ten and twenty minutes, respectively (not during rush hour, of course).

The proximity to New York was a very big deal back in the days when New York’s legal drinking age was eighteen and Jersey’s was twenty-one.  Which, of course, meant that we were schlepping into “the City” at age 17 (with “appropriate” proof of age), starting at about age seventeen.  We could be in places like McSorley’s Old Ale House in no time.  The dark side of the drinking trips into New York was the death-defying drives back to Jersey (a product of the stupidity and recklessness of youth).  When I think back on that now, I get a cold chill down my spine.

On the other hand, Kearny was just far enough away from Newark and New York to provide some of the advantages of living in a “small” town.  (See below)

An “Ethnic” Small Town

Kearny was heavily populated with Scottish and Irish people (mostly Scottish), many of whom had parents or grandparents who immigrated to the U.S. to find work in the large thread mill in town.  Over time, these folks sponsored their relatives, so it was not at all uncommon to find one’s self surrounded by people speaking with a thick Scottish accent.  The town had (and still has) a Scottish butcher shop at which one can buy things like meat pies and haggis (I’ll take a Pasadena on the haggis), and it also boasts at least three fish and chips restaurants, an Irish-American Club, a Scottish-American Club, two pipe bands (one Scottish, one Irish), a place to buy bagpipes, kilts, and kilt stuff, and a store that specializes in darts and darts stuff.

Aye, ‘twas a bonny town, it was.

The “Av” (short for “Avenue” and pronounced something like “eeAv”)

When I lived in Kearny, shopping malls as we know them today had not yet been “invented”.  So, when we became too old to play in the street or in the playgrounds, we hung on Kearny Avenue, (the “Av”, which was the main street that ran through the entire town and continued south through Harrison to the Newark border and north through North Arlington, Lyndhurst and Rutherford.

Once all the guys got driver’s licenses and access to cars, we would spend hours and hours and hours “riding the Av” between Harrison and Rutherford (Back then, you could ride the Av all day for a buck’s worth of gas).  The stated purpose of all this mindless driving was to pick up girls, but that happened about as often as an asteroid strike.

If you stuck with this scintillating piece long enough to reach this point, this is the part where I am supposed to tag four people.  I am curious about the hometowns of several bloggers, but knowing that some people get cranky when tagged, I will invite anyone who stuck it out this far to jump into the pool, either in the comments or on your own site.  If you decide to post it on your site, please send a trackback, so we can check out the post.

 Update:  Rita posted about Marshall, Arkansas here, and Rob posted about Savannah, Georgia here.

172 Comments »

  1. I know you’re just dying to hear about the big city of Marshall, so I’ll volunteer. Assuming I can think of 4 interesting things about it. lol

    Comment by rita — April 19, 2006 @ 9:00 pm

  2. Go for it, Rita. It will be a neat cultural comparison. In Jersey, we sometimes think that the folks in Arkansas sit around, drink Dr. Pepper and chew “backy”.

    Comment by Jim — April 19, 2006 @ 9:03 pm

  3. The Piper’s Cove used to be called the Argyle, just like the restaurant, back in ’79 when I got my first set of Highland pipes there. Jim was the only dealer that sold Grainger and Campbell pipes in the NJ /NY area.

    Comment by gregor — April 20, 2006 @ 7:47 am

  4. Hey there’s a lot of them who do exactly that. And it’s “backer”, not “backy”.

    Comment by rita — April 20, 2006 @ 7:51 am

  5. Gregor,
    It sounds like the Argyle is just concentrating on fish & chips now. I thought the “Thistle” also sold kilts, pipes and stuff, but I could be mistaken; it’s been many years since I “did the Av”.

    Comment by Jim — April 20, 2006 @ 8:50 am

  6. I’m not sure I have a hometown. Maybe a beaker.

    Comment by dogette — April 20, 2006 @ 7:11 pm

  7. Jim, if you ever make it to Savannah, I will be happy to serve as your tour guide. I guarantee you’ll enjoy the visit.

    Comment by Acidman — April 21, 2006 @ 3:08 pm

  8. […] Jim at Parkway Rest Stop wrote about Kearny (pronounced "CAR-nee"), New Jersey: An “Ethnic” Small Town […]

    Pingback by Neatorama » Blog Archive » Hometown Meme Reloaded. — May 18, 2006 @ 4:43 pm

  9. so where on Kearny Avenue is Satriale’s? I’m from Kearny too and so much looks familiar in the Soprano’s …….I remember it when there was a bakery or a bread/pizza shop on nearly every corner, and when a walk home from church meant snagging a big piece of crumb cake or even a candy apple with coconut in the fall. I’ve lived in about 10 ohter states but carry the fondest memories of Bunnyland, the bagpipers in parades, Nankees, the Boystown St. Bernards, “library club” and riding bikes the length of Kearny Avenue as soon as I could ride.It really did have a small town feeling, but you could watch the World Trade Center towers being built right from our bedroom windows.

    Comment by cindy — May 27, 2006 @ 3:33 pm

  10. I still live in Kearny. I was doing a search on the web to give some information to a friend about Robert Burns night at the Argyle. The place is still there and they do the whole haggis, Robert Burns poem, Ode to a Haggis, with whisky and food, scottish music and dancers.
    Lots of the soprano’s episodes have been filmed all around town, including in Armitage Funeral Home. Pizza Land in the opening credits is on the NA side of the Pike. Satriales is down just south of St. Cecelia’s church, on the opposite side of the Ave.
    The town’s flavor has changed somewhat with a lot of Portugese and Brazilians, but there’s still the Scots Club, The Irish American, The Players club Tennis, The Lincoln Theater, Stewart’s Meat Market.
    Thanks for the moment to remember.

    Comment by JEANNE — January 9, 2007 @ 8:49 pm

  11. I also grew up in Kearn. I really miss it. My mom and dad had one of those fish and chip shops on Halstead street. I love watching the sopranos to see what I recognize. It’s exciting. My mom and I would walk to the avenue every Saturday. Drop our wash at the corner go shopping, have lunch at coffetime and come back and pick our wash up and go home. Did a lot of walking and riding bikes as a kid. Would never be in the house. It was great. Well, just thought I would share

    Comment by Betty — February 6, 2007 @ 2:32 pm

  12. I, too, was raised in Kearny, went to good ol St. Cecilia’s , which I understand does not have the high school any longer. I hung out at West Hudson Park, Tony’s luncheonette and the Crystal Palace. Even swam in the Kearny Pool at the end of Bergan Ave. What incredible memories this town has for me. Even remember “Two Guys from Harrison ” dept store on River rd.

    Comment by Marianne — February 8, 2007 @ 9:24 am

  13. Lived in Kearny during the 50’s and loved it. School and church (Saints) was the center of our lives then. Still go back for fish & chips at the Argyle.

    Marianne, when were you at Saints?

    Comment by Vince — April 13, 2007 @ 12:28 pm

  14. I Lived in Kearney from 1953, my birth, untill 1988, I was best friends of the Mayors son (Healey) I went back around 1999, now the town looks poor and has alot of crime..too bad

    Comment by Thomas — June 12, 2007 @ 12:06 am

  15. I lived in Kearny from 1953 until 1967. That was broken up with a brief period when my folks decided to pack up a move back to the ‘Old Country” – Scotland. Thankfully we returned to the States. Though that meant returning to Kearny.
    We lived at various addresses which included Hoyt St, Johnson Ave, Wilson Ave, and Devon St. Both St. Cecilia, where I attended school, and the Irish American Club, where my Dad was a member, played a major role in our life there.
    We spent our Summers playing in West Hudson Park or just hanging out in the neighbourhood. On Saturdays our Mom would send us off to the Warner Theater in Harrison for the afternoon matinee. On the way back home, we’d stop by St. Cecilia’s to go to Confession.
    On Fridays I would go up to Kearny Ave. to get the family Fish-and-Chip dinners at Argyle’s.
    I also have memories of Bunnyland. It was the only ‘zoo’ we would go to regularly.

    Comment by Nick Flynn — June 19, 2007 @ 4:54 pm

  16. I also grew up in Kearny from 1965 until 1984. Prior to that I lived in Belleville. Father’s family were very German and there were many German imigrants in Kearny too. Mother’s side was stictly Scottish and came over to work in the thread factory. I went to Kearny High School and we ate fish and chips almost every Friday night. I remember when you could order just “chips” and they gave them to you in a rolled up newspaper cone (no ink) doused heavily in malt vinegar. Any time I order fish and chips away from the Kearny area they look at you strangely if you ask for malt vinegar! I remember Bunny Land and 2 Guys store down by the Passaic river. Used to hang out in Nanke’s (corner of Kearny Ave and Belleville Turnpike). Any one remember that place? How about hot dogs at Eagans??? (even when it was just a road stand!) I swam in West Hudson park pool too. When I was very young there even was a pool down on Schuyler avenue by the park. Also how about Gunnel Oval?? I will never forget the parades and the wonderful bagpipers. To this day I just love bagpiper music. And yes everytime I watch Sopranos I can pick out a bunch of locations. They even used Mazur’s Bakery in Lyndhurst for one scene with Christoper Moltisante. Hope you all keep sharing your comments about Kearny …. I really enjoy the trip down memory lane.

    Comment by Connie M — July 29, 2007 @ 7:11 pm

  17. Just found this site, amazeing. I grew up in Kearny from birth till I went into the service in 66. Went to St Stephens and QP in NA. Lots of good memories of people and places. Lived on Columbia ave above the tracks. Nice to find something like this when you’re old and retired. Retired from LBTPD on Long Beach Island 3 yrs ago. I wish you all well.

    Comment by Tom Nealon — August 18, 2007 @ 12:29 pm

  18. HEY, ANYONE,
    MY FAMILY IS FROM KEARNY AND AS A CHILD I REMEMBER THINGS NOT SO CLEAR, SO WHERE WAS BUNNYLAND?
    I WAS THERE SO MANY YEARS AGO AS A CHILD I’M 47 NOW RLEASE SEND ME INFO.

    Comment by RICK — September 13, 2007 @ 9:43 pm

  19. Bunnyland was located on the corner of Bergen Ave. and Passaic Ave. across from the Passaic River. According to Google Earth its now called Kearny Park.

    Comment by Nick Flynn — September 13, 2007 @ 10:05 pm

  20. My family moved to Kearny from Jersey Ciy in 1974 when I was a senior in high school. My younger siblings “grew up” in the town and graduated from Kearny HS. However, I finished final year of high school in Jersey City. Still I grew to love Kearny as my second home.
    I loved walking up to Kearny Av (never got used to calling it “the Av” like my younger sisters did. For years, even though I was old enough to drive to Willowbrook Mall, I did my Christmas Shopping at the local stores because it was the closest I came to Journal Square in Jersey City. I looked forward to turning the corner from Midland Av and heading south on Kearny Av even though it meant being hit in the face by a cold wind. If it happened to be snowing, all the better.
    I have great memories helping the Kearny High School Cross County and Track Teams. The team had a great coach and even better kids to work with. Those were great years for the team. Several of the runners, including my sister, have been inducted into the Kearny HS Sports Hall of Fame.
    Christmas Eve 1982 my boyfriend and I went to midnight mass at QP in NA. We had met at a party at my married brother’s house in Kearny. I remember praying for him to ask me to marry him. We had Christmas dinner at my brother’s and he asked me to marry him in the kitchen.. the same kitchen we had met in.
    After getting married and living in his parent’s house in Bergen County for a couple years we decided to by our first house in Kearny. It was a grand house in need of loving care. Ten foot ceilings, woodwork floor to ceiling, character features upon character features. Our first Christmas Tree in the house was so large we have never had one as big since. We sold a few years later to move to a “top ranked school district”. I wish I could have moved that house with us. My son and daughter took their first steps and said their first words there and learned much about life before moving west to Morris County.. they call Kearny their “roots” and are proud that they had first said “da caw” instead of “the car”.
    We wished we could have lived there forever, but that is also how I had felt about Jersey City. Now that the kids are in college out of state, they love to talk about their “Hudson County” beginning and have fun telling people how they ate PizzaLand pizza, their grandparents’ were asked by the Sopranos if they could use this house for the show and they know that fish and chips are served with Malt Vinegar.

    Comment by C Wiecz — October 8, 2007 @ 12:37 am

  21. More Kearny(and area) memories … starting with the “Ave” … Lincoln Theatre, St Stephens Church, Maces Funiture Store,Lincoln School & Pool, Red Circle Pizza, Shugrue’s Deli, Midtowne Drug, Mandees, Ben Franklin store,(can’t think of the men’s clothing store across from Mandee where girls could purchase their first “jeans” in 1970’s! HELP!) How about the Yacht Club on River Road? Baseball at Veteran’s Field, Boys Town and Mc Nabb’s tavern on Belgrove Drive. On the N. Arlington side of the Belleville Trnpk … Asia Chinese, Prozy’s mens store, Q.P. School, Dairy Queen, Arlington Diner with the best homemade Cheesecake I ever ate. Ever have your Easter Pictures taken in Cherry Brook Park?? (borders Belleville & Nwrk) Keep those memories coming ex Kearnyians! Go Kearny Kards!

    Comment by Connie — October 16, 2007 @ 2:14 pm

  22. Connie,

    That would be Zellner’s, Branchbrook Park. I don’t think McNabb’s tavern was on Belgrove Drive. I’m thinking either Maple and Liberty or Schuyler Ave.

    Jimbo

    Comment by Jim — October 16, 2007 @ 6:39 pm

  23. Hi! Thanks for the memories!! Reading everyone’s comments was great. I was born in West Hudson Hospital in June 1956. My mother is from Scotland and my dad was raised in Scotland (same town). When my aunt and uncle came for a vist in 1967 they asked my mother if any Americans lived in Kearny! My first job was at Two Guys dept. store. I went to St. Stephen’s school and Kearny High school. My mother still lives in Kearny. I’m in West Orange and visit fairly often. Remember Ben Franklins store? Big Stach where the best sub sandwiches are made (It’s still there, we got a 6 foot hero for my daughter’s first holy communion party.) Anyone remember the Bright Spot? My older sister went to St. Ceclia’s and my older brother to Kearny High. My younger brother went to QP. I had my wedding catered by the Thistle, they did a great job. I think their fish and chips are the best in town. Anyone remember Thompson’s fish & chip shop at the end of Kearny near Harrison?(not there anymore) We use to get all our butcher meat from Cameron’s butcher shop. I went to grammer school with Mike, one of the butchers. Cameron’s moved down the shore so for Thanksgiving my older brother drove there with an order from everyone in the family. My mother made her steak pie that went first ofcourse. She has spoiled us as we don’t like bought steak pies due to the fat content and small amount of steak and links in the pie. We had roast beef and turkey which the stuffing included Scottish sausage from Cameron’s Market. We like the square sausage the best. “I’ll take a pun of slice please! Their meat pies and sausage rolls are good too! Once again, Thanks for the walk down memory lane. Did you know that Tops Diner makes a good fish and chip dinner on Friday’s too. North Arlington Diner does a pretty good job too. Remember Stewarts? and the place next to it (I can’t remember the name, Mike’s?). It’s not there anymore. What about the Dairy Queen in NA? now Jim Dandy’s.

    Comment by Rosemary — December 21, 2007 @ 5:24 pm

  24. Wow, so many wonderful memories! Thank you! The place next to Stewart’s was called Pete’s Place. It’s a Dunkin Donuts now. I heard that Stewart’s has gone out of business. So many memories associated with Stewart’s and Egans. There was nothing like Egan’s super taylor burger and french fries with gravy. I grew up in Kearny. I went to Saints and hung out at Dinky’s coffe shop which is what we called it, not the actual name of the place. I confess sometimes we skipped mass and either went to “Our Lady of the Bright Spot” or “The Church of West Hudson Park”. My friends and I took turns collecting bulletins from either St. Stephen’s (Bright Spot Sundays) or St. Cecilia’s (West Hudson Park Sundays). Everyone knows that as long as you brought home the church bulletin the folks assumed you had been to Mass. There was a Dairy Queen just north of Quincy Ave. when I was little. And, the first Shop-Rite was a little further up the “Av” on the other side. Please keep all the memories coming, it’s great to remember.

    Comment by Marge C. — December 21, 2007 @ 6:54 pm

  25. I remember the Ben Franklin Store well. As for Thompson’s Fish & Chips, I knew the son, Bobby, and the older sister, Doreen, very well. Same with Stewart’s Root Beer and Egan’s. In fact Roy, at the road stand, sold me my first legal beer. For years, I would always order a super cheeseburger and Frenchies with gravy and a tall beer, and Roy would laugh and say, “When you’re 21, you’ll get the beer.” On the day of my 21st birth day, I made my usual order, and Roy responded as he always did, until I showed him my driver’s license. He said, “Well, how about that!” and he happily tapped me out a large Rheingold. I son’t think I ever had a better glass of beer.

    Oh, and the Dairy Queen north of Quincy Avenue was actually a “Tasty Freeze” (same same as DQ).

    I also remember the Bright Spot. French fries with spicey kethup — excellent. It was across the street from Bober’s bakery.

    Jim
    Parkway Rest Stop

    Comment by Jim — December 21, 2007 @ 10:39 pm

  26. When everyone here is referring to the Bright Spot, are you referring to a place in Kearny, or the place that was in Newark some years ago? thanks!

    Comment by EJ — February 6, 2008 @ 9:27 pm

  27. I go further back than a lot of these comments. Went to St. Stephens(1949) & St.Cecilia(1953). Town was very nice then. Lived on Beech St. (dead end just north of Midland Ave.). Remember most of the things everyone mentioned. Remember you could walk anywhere in town(safely). If it was after 2:00AM you might get stopped by a patrol car and ask where you were going. Used to eat at the Bright Spot,Eagans,Stewarts or the diner at Kearny Ave & Belleville Tpke. Got married there (St.Stephens in 1959) and moved away Paterson/Kinnelon/Rockaway Twp./Holmdel and now Ringoes.

    Comment by Paul W. — March 31, 2008 @ 8:16 pm

  28. Paul W.

    Based on where you lived, you might have known the Monacos or the Romans.

    Jim

    Comment by Jim — March 31, 2008 @ 8:25 pm

  29. McNabbs was on Halstead and Maple.

    Mazuurs was not the Bakery used for the Sopranos episode with Christopher it was Joe’s (a smaller bakery in Lyndhurst).

    Comment by mary — May 9, 2008 @ 6:00 am

  30. Mary —

    Right you are on both counts. My dad used to be a semi-regular at McNabb’s, and the bakery in question was “Joe’s Bakeshop” in Lyndhurst. I used to date “Joe’s” daughter when I was in high school.

    Jimbo

    Comment by Jim — May 9, 2008 @ 7:22 am

  31. I just stumbled upon this site. You all seem to be somewhat older than I, but many of the things you are talking about bring back memories. I moved to Vermont in 1979. However, many memories of my childhood are still clear. There was a small corner store on the corner of John Street and Johnson Ave called Happy’s. The interior looked like it was from the 1930’s- old oak phone booth and all. It was run by “Happy” and his wife. There was a set of silos across the street from the store that was infested with large white owls.I often wonder what eer happened to the bear “sinowak” that lived at the bunnyland zoo. It was all a long time ago…

    Comment by Sam — May 23, 2008 @ 12:24 am

  32. I just stumbled onto this site also. What’s strange is the last poster, entry number 31, posted on my birthday, although the year was 1965. I was born in Kearny. Like others posting here, West Hudson hospital. I went to Roosevelt Elementary School. I lived just around the corner from the Players tennis Club until middle school when we left the town. My family started the funeral home mentioned in an earlier post. My Mother and Grandparents were all from Scotland. Like others have said, Kearny was real safe then. As kids we’d be out and about playing. Never thought twice about it. It was good then. I enjoyed the time while I was there. I still have relatives that live there. Now I live in Atlanta and it too has changed. Not a day goes by when I don’t see at least one, and often times more, NJ license plates. Wonder if they’re from Kearny?

    So, anyone know “Jock” at the Pipers Cove? Tell ’em I said “how ye’ dein’ ladd” 🙂

    Comment by Scott — June 13, 2008 @ 4:14 pm

  33. Just stumbled upon this site as well.

    I lived in Kearny most of my life 3rd grade until I joined the Navy when I was 18.

    I lived on Windsor St between Wilson and Bergen Ave. I remember the gasstaion on the corner “Johnnies” had a monkey in the window.

    I went to St. Cecilia from 3rd through 8th and then to KHS.

    I think that Kearny was a great place to grow up. I miss those days of the Memorial Day parade bike decorating contest, Franks Deli, and the Hygrade bakery.

    I stole this song about my hometown but Aunt Bee and Clara will understand:

    My home town is the greatest place I know,
    Where the neighbors I find are gentle and kind,
    And the living is easy and slow,
    My hometown is the only place to be,
    Here the worries are small, and the kids grow tall and healthy and
    free,
    It’s my hometown, my hometown, Mayberry, Mayberry. (err, uh,… Kearny, Kearny)

    Comment by John Steiner — August 22, 2008 @ 9:00 pm

  34. Wow! This post brought back so many memories of dear ole Kearny that I went to Stewarts of Kearny for a meat pie! I’ll be doing a little post on Kearny next week. Thank you!

    Comment by newjerseyjesus — August 27, 2008 @ 2:05 pm

  35. #31 – Sam, I lived on John Street and used to buy Tab soda for my mom at Happy’s across from the Silos!

    Comment by newjerseyjesus — August 27, 2008 @ 2:20 pm

  36. Small world! I have fond memories of Happy’s! Baseball cards, bottle caps, RC Cola and 10 cent winners under the caps! If you were from John Street in the early to mid 1970’s, you may recall an old lady named Hannah that lived near Happy’s. She would sit on her front porch and throw nails, rocks and water at kids as they went by! She would yell, “You! Yes you! You are the one who killed my husband!” The story was that some careless children knocked her husband off of a ladder and killed him- or something… In her back yard was an enormous cherry tree. I have many interesting memories of that street. Let me take a guess at who you might be. The “NJ Jesus” handle leads me to believe you are from the (pardon the spelling if incorrect…) Acoustic Family?

    Comment by sam — September 10, 2008 @ 12:59 am

  37. Amyfter coming to America , my family settled in KEARNY,NEW JERSEY . This took place in the late 30’s / early 40’s We became a family with four generations .Stewarts,the Argyle,the Thistle .The BEST meat pies & scottish sausage as well as the BEST fish & chips ANYWHERE !!!!! Alas, my problem ,now that I’m living in arizona ,where can I find a place that can provide me a touch of home through my palate . Another words , PLEASE where can I get some great Scottish food ? & can I have it shipped to me ? HELP — thank you , John Craig –class of `66′

    Comment by Jonathan Craig — November 26, 2008 @ 3:05 am

  38. Jonathan,

    Stewart’s is still in Kearny, and you can order online or by phone.

    Google Stewart’s butcher Kearny

    Jim
    Parkway Rest Stop

    Comment by Jim — November 26, 2008 @ 10:11 am

  39. Aye Kearny how my grandparents Loved it I have fond memories because I grew up there from 1966 till the mid 1980’s I have neen all over lived many places but going back to kearny is weird for me it does look a bit poorer and I no longer know everyone on the Av, as I walked by, and the dialect has changed from scottish to Spanish or potuguese. But aye I remember cruising The Av for the boys with my girlfriends, Aye those were the days , Saints C is no lkonger a school not a high school or grammer school its now mount carmel school . I miss hangin at the well at river bank park in the summertime well at least till 10 pm when they chased us then all would go to a house party , those were the days . I barly remeber kearny pool but i went there as well . I never thought I would miss the old Kearny but i do I suppose I don’t miss kearny I miss the people .

    Comment by Kim — November 29, 2008 @ 4:48 pm

  40. My parents, Bill & Mary, used to own Bober’s Bakery. I miss old Kearny. I live in the Lehigh Valley (Pennsylvania) but go back now and then to drive around, get some fish & chips, etc.

    People always complain to me that Kearny has changed. It hasn’t changed all that much to me. However, I don’t live there, so perhaps I don’t “feel” these changes as much as others do. I say this knowing full well that the house and bakery I grew up in was unceremoniously torn down.

    What I have are mostly positive memories of Kearny. I think of the times when I was a kid riding my bike, playing ‘block-chase’, playing down the tracks behind Gunnel Oval, and setting off fireworks with my friends Anthony (Tony), Julio, Benny and his brother George. I also wish I could get pictures of my grandfather’s or my dad’s bakery or even pictures of them if anyone has any. Mr. Steiner, my father new the owner of “Johnnies” gas station that had two monkies in the window. I wanted to pet them but the owner knew better then to take them out of that cage! I miss eating Thistle Fish & Chips on Friday nights, getting Chicken Galore, going to Eagan’s, Stewarts drive-in, and Big Nick’s Pizzeria.

    Enough! Now I have to visit again to get my fix.

    Comment by Mark Bober — December 2, 2008 @ 4:08 pm

  41. HI all,
    where i find drivers for Dialta CF2002?
    this is wery important for me, please hlp
    If I wrote is not in the correct section, please move to the appropriate section.
    sorry my bad english, i use translator

    Comment by johnronni — February 24, 2009 @ 5:52 pm

  42. HI I WAS BORN IN HARRISON IN 1940. WENT TO THE KEARNY POOL MANY MANY TIMES GROWING UP. THEY RENTED TUBES TO FLOAT IN. MANY HAVE FORGOTTEN ABOUT THE KEARNY POOL. IVE ALSO BEEN TO THE BRIGHT SPOT. AND WENT TO THOMPSON FISH AND CHIPS IN THE 1950,S. I REMEMBER LOTS MORE ABOUT KEARNY HARRISON AREA.

    Comment by STAN — March 26, 2009 @ 3:20 pm

  43. During eighth grade they moved us into the new Lincoln School. The old one was built in 1909 and when you opened the window at the top, with that long wooden rod, sometimes the ceiling plaster blew down. I remember playing among chemicals in the Meadows that must have made me immune to everything else. Why eat organic? Olga made her pizzas with a “soupy” sauce, so it became “Olga’s Soup Kitchen.” Bayard Avenue was closed for snow sledding. And Kearny High put its “unruly” students in a “cage.” Principal Brehm had the guys in tie and jacket, and the girl’s skirts had to touch the floor while kneeling. The caves, the tracks, Snake Hill, the copper mines, etc.

    Comment by Lawrence Morrow — March 29, 2009 @ 3:08 am

  44. Grew up on Fuller Place, near Boystown. Went to Saint Stephens, then KHS. Graduated in ’74. Great memories here. Remember Lyle’s Restraunt?? Miss the people and the food. Can’t wait for the next visit to stock up on familiar items from Stewarts, etc. and the bakeries!!

    Live in WV noe, alot different, still small hometown feel.

    Comment by Alice Z — March 29, 2009 @ 9:23 pm

  45. When did Lyle’s Restaurant close? My aunt used to bring me to this place…can’t remember the name. Think Lyle’s might be it!

    Comment by Tara — April 25, 2009 @ 4:58 pm

  46. Wow! This site takes me back! Does anyone remember Joe and Naomi from the Bright Spot on Kearny Ave? Joe made the best french fries & gravy! We would cut class to hang out at the Bright Spot Diner. How about the fresh rolls from Bobers at 1am or the sausage sandwiches from Big Nicks on Davis Ave and containers of Schaeffer draft beer from Marcones(?) on Midland Ave. Hanging out at Veterans Field or Riverbank Park till the cops chased us…..

    Comment by Kathy — April 25, 2009 @ 10:34 pm

  47. I grew up in Kearny too…..spent most of my time on Hoyt Street with my Grandparents….living in Delaware now…..how I miss the Sip & Dunk; Big Stashes and going to West Hudson Park……Great memories…..everytime I am in the area visiting family I make it a point to drive down the Ave and reminise about the old days.

    Comment by Karla — May 21, 2009 @ 2:10 pm

  48. Hi, anyone know what happened to “Pete” from “Pete’s place” when he sold out to Dunkin Donuts? Someone told me he still owns a restaurant in the area… i’d love to visit if anyone can tell me which one it is…. Oh how I miss his cheesesteaks and mozz stix! They were the best around! Thanks!

    Comment by Annie — June 16, 2009 @ 6:03 pm

  49. I grew up in San Francisco (the city) in the Upper Noe Valley area. Maybe some of you have heard of it. I loved reading your comments because they reminded me of how I grew up. I went to Catholic school, hung out at Day Street Park and went to the movies at the Del Mar theater. My neighborhood has changed from middle class working people to yuppies with alot of $$$ who paid way too much for the houses there. Practically no-one there was born in the city or raised there. You would be hard-pressed to find a native.
    I have watched the Sopranos from the beginning and think it is one of the best shows ever written. I was so sorry to see it end. Thanks for the memories.

    Comment by jeanks — July 29, 2009 @ 3:32 pm

  50. Joe’s Bakery (as featured in the Soprano’s episode) was located in North Arlington, not Lyndhurst. It was on the corner of Ridge Road and Jauncey Avenue. It has been closed for a few years now.

    Comment by John Markano — August 2, 2009 @ 5:59 pm

  51. Hey, does anyone know any links for the N Arlington side of the “PIKE”? Besides Nanke’s on Kearny side, there was Brummers, the Campus (by QP) etc. I’m a QP alumni, class of 1969 and am curious in searching for others that hung out at the Pike during this time. Remembering how the NA cops would chase us to the Kearny side, the Kearny cops would chase us back to the NA side.

    Comment by Kathie — August 31, 2009 @ 6:35 pm

  52. OK Super Taylor Burger from Eagans: Taylor ham, cheese, onions, pickles, shat else???? Help????? Now you got me craving this delacacy once again!!!!!

    Comment by Linda — September 25, 2009 @ 1:37 pm

  53. Does anyone remember the name of the bank at Kearny and Bergen Avenues back in the 60’s and 70’s? It’s currently a BofA.

    Comment by Ed — October 21, 2009 @ 12:15 pm

  54. Ed-I worked down the street @ Kearny Federal. We always referred to it as “The big black bank”. But I’m pretty sure it was First National. Hope that helps.

    Comment by Linda — October 21, 2009 @ 8:30 pm

  55. I thought it was black too….. but then I thought maybe I was mixing it up with the big black bank at Midland and Kearny Ave…. I’ll go with First National unless someone else has something better…. Thanks.

    PS – The Class of ’79 had their 30th reunion last Saturday night at the Holiday Inn Tinton Falls. It was organized through Facebook, which by it’s very nature made contacting people the work of the entire group. Turnout was huge and the event was a mega success. Everyone stayed at the hotel over night and the after parties were Vintage Kearny. I recommend using FB for your own reunions!

    Comment by Ed — October 23, 2009 @ 3:26 am

  56. I too lived in Kearny and loved reading everyone’s comments. This is note to Mark Bober. My dad (Ray) was partners with your uncle joe at Bobers Bakery back in the 60’s. We lived in the apartment upstairs next to your aunt. I would love an update on your cousin Debbie. I lost contact and would love to her from her. Yvonne (Vander Putten) ylcoog@comcast.net

    Comment by Yvonne Coogan — January 2, 2010 @ 10:14 pm

  57. I also had some great memories of Kearny born and raised there. Kearny High 1981
    How about Pizzaland the best Pizza to this day! Al is now the Man making Freddie pies.
    Howies Deli on Elm st. Elm deli Dee’s The Argyle is the last Fish and Chips in Town. Copper mines underground sewer pipes from Elm St, to the Gunnel Oval. The Y with the rock bands. Brothers Bakery and Eagans one frenchie one and swinging from a crane rope under the Kearny Ave bridge over moving trains below.

    Comment by John O — January 19, 2010 @ 12:47 am

  58. Wow, can’t believe that Thistle closed. Growing up there were so many fish places. Thompsons, Thistle, Heathers, One across the street from KeHigh by the old fire station, Argle and I am sure that I am missing some.

    Came across your site. It is a nice rememberance of days gone by.

    Comment by Mike — February 17, 2010 @ 10:33 pm

  59. Hi,

    I have recently found out my partner’s family emigrated to Kearny from Glasgow in the early 1900s (I am in the UK). Seems like that was not unusual, given the comments!

    Family name was Sievewright and I think they had a painting and decorating business. Also part of the family were called Fleming, and both families lived on Magnolia Avenue.

    Not sure if anyone remembers them but thanks for the site – it’s great to find out more about where they emigrated to.

    Comment by Cathy — July 3, 2010 @ 8:59 am

  60. I have fond memories of Kearny even though I am not from there. My grandparents lived on Ivy St through the end of the 1960’s and we visited often. I remember Bunnyland Park, Two Guys and Shop Rite. I visited my grandmother at the library where she worked. We went to see July 4th fireworks at Kearney HS. My grandfather used to let me drive his car around the Oval while sitting in his lap. I have a vague memory of the Kearny pool. On our way to RI 8 years ago I took my wife on a detour through Kearny. I stood outside the home where my grandparents once lived. I remembered some of the kids from across the street who I played with when we visited: Stanley, Anthony (don’t remember last names). When we traveled up the Turnpike I always knew we were getting close when we could pick up WABC and hear that jingle. My grandfather always complained about Ralph Houck. Good times.

    Comment by Bill — July 22, 2010 @ 12:23 am

  61. remember tillberg,s pool room on kearny av or pal on devon stor vet,s playground on oakwood ave

    Comment by larry elliott — August 29, 2010 @ 2:59 pm

  62. met my wife in at dj’s in belmar Scottish lassie from glasgow. took her home to devon st. took the backroads 1&9 to central ave, I grew up in newark central ave was quite a surprise, looked like a good place to get rid of evidence. been together for 37 years, half of kearny has moved to leisure village in lakewood, Scottish Miami. Great town, lived there for 15 years still have a great group of friends from St. Stephens we still get together after all these years

    Comment by anthony — August 30, 2010 @ 10:50 pm

  63. This is fun to read. I graduated in 1961 in January. Remember Tully’s Market on Beach St with the candy store next to it. The Hudson or Regent Theater. Going to the Cardinal after school. Working at the 1890 Fountain near Lincoln School. Teddy’s Lounge on Kearny Av. Pizza from the Blue Bar. The train station that is no longer. Manor park and the softball games. Sledding on Washington St. and skiing there too with Lou Dekany. Ice skating on the lake in West Hudson Park. Football games on Saturday afteroon. Riding your bike and playing until the street lights come on. Lyles burning down. Bird walks with Mrs Zink by the Copper Mines. Field Day in KHS. They were great time and no fear. Enjoyed the notes a lot.

    Comment by Pat Cahill Bailey — September 3, 2010 @ 5:43 pm

  64. I lived in Kearny my whole life until I graduated from KHS in 1959 and went into the Air Force. Kearny was really several towns — the one I live in was east of Kearny Avenue and south of Midland Avenue, just up from the “dumps” near the meadows.

    There are lots of good memories, but let’s not kid ourselves, most of Kearny was a blue collar town at best. The football gmes were mre abou fights than football, particularly the game at Paterson East Side HS, which was a literal riot. And it always seemed to me that Kearny could take a little piece out of you, just enough to remind you that you had been there.

    So while there is a strong sense of connection among people who grew up there, most people I graduated with have moved away with o sign that they want to move back.

    As a state of mind, there is something special about Kearny NJ, a shared sense of struggle, perhaps, or a sense of survival without upper-middle class wealth . But as a physical reality it does leave something to be desired. You have to decide which choice appeals to you. As for me, I love the cauldron I grew up in and the absence of real opportunity has made me a better person.

    Comment by Bob — September 3, 2010 @ 6:25 pm

  65. Loved walking on Kearny Ave, posed for pictures in front of burned out Regent movie, in all our Easter finery. Still walking at 71 yrs. must have great leg muscles, from hours strolling the AVE. Cr
    ystal Palace was our Bright Spot.

    Comment by Barbara Hogan Marsh — September 5, 2010 @ 4:43 pm

  66. I can’t believe that one of the “Kearny” girls just sent me this site since I have been active with a group of graduates from Kearny High for about 30 years. We’re soon celebrating our 53rd reunion. We graduated, all of us, sometimes in the late 50’s and we are all entering our 70’s. And, wow, I remember it all and if I didn’t, one of the group would remind me. Kearny was the 50’s….it was Happy Days and American Graffitti and safe. All of us could go on and on and on but everyone should go to the Kearny Museum and look at our history. It doesn’t look the same at all…it has a little run down look but with it a comfort of what was and what I wish could be again. My grandparents opened a store at the corner of Davis and Hoyt somewhere in the l920’s and my father took it over in the 50’s. I played in the park and swam at the Kearny Pool and strolled the Avenue and had my first 7&7 at the Kearny Yacht Club….I’ve lived in New York City since I’m about 18 but I’ll always be a Kearny girl.

    Comment by MARSHA — September 5, 2010 @ 5:57 pm

  67. WE NEVER REALIZED HOW GOOD IT WAS BACK THEN. SAFE.
    NICE PEOPLE. SAT ON THE FRONT PORCH AND “HARMONIZED”.IN THE STILL OF THE NIGHT. K.H.S.BAND WORE KILTS, UNIQUE!
    TWO GUYS IN HARRISON & KEARNY. OWNER’S DAUGHTER HUNG OUT
    WITH US [ALICE HUBSCHMAN]. WE PLAYED GAMES IN THE MIDDLE OF THE STREET AND SAT ON THE FENDERS OF CARS.
    NO ONE CHASED US OFF. WE HAD A COAL MAN [DROPPED IN OUR
    CELLAR WINDOW], & AN ICE MAN FOR OUR “ICE BOX”[REFRIG]
    HE GAVE US SLIVERS TO SUCK ON. OUR STREET HAD POLES,
    ITALIANS, IRISH, & GERMANS. ALL GOT ALONG. THERE WERE
    AIR RAIDS, LIGHTS OFF!. DRESSED UP FOR CHURCH. P.S. THE THISTLE IS NOW IN LYNDHURST. FISH & CHIPS WERE FIVE BUCKS BACK THEN, NOW…$17 TIMES HAVE CHANGED.

    Comment by JACKIE BLACK — September 6, 2010 @ 9:20 am

  68. What a wonderful site. I too was raised in Kearny, can remember just about everything that has been written. I can remember ice skating at West Hudson Park, they had a boat house and large cans with fire to warm our hands when it was so cold. The Cozy Sweet Shop was a place to have a coke and listen to music of the 50’s great times. Went to Nathan Hale School until the 3rd grade when they added on to Washington School on Belgrove Dr. I think in 1948. Lived on Maple St. by Johnston Ave. and Devon St. by Oakwood Ave.. Live in Florida now go back often to Kearny to visit family still living there. Hi to Boo and Jackie and the rest of the Kearnyites. Comment by Louise Cammann McNish – September 6, 2010 @ 11:25am.

    Comment by Louise Cammann McNish — September 6, 2010 @ 11:37 am

  69. I remember when I was in second grade and we moved from Emerson School up to Lincoln School. I remember all of the classes carrying our books and walking up Midland Avenue to our new School. Emerson School was knocked down and is currently a Nursing Home. I miss the great kilts the KHS twirlers wore. It was a nice reflection of the people who immigrated to the Kearny so long ago.

    Comment by Debbie Von Busch Manning — September 6, 2010 @ 12:59 pm

  70. Read with interest all the comments.The graduating classes of 1/60, and 6/60, will be celebrating their 50th class reunion on 09/09/2010 at The Breakers, Spring Lake, NJ.
    One our committee members,Steve Saviello of Royersford, PA, passed away on 8/16/2009 and he,like Marsha,have maintained the interest and spirit of Kearny High graduates and residents.
    Steve left his legacy on his website,www.smugmuglady.com
    Click on (bottom right)Town of Keary, Hudson County, NJ and youfind out more about Kearny and its residents.

    Comment by Frank S Pierz — September 6, 2010 @ 1:17 pm

  71. Thanks, Marsha, for forwarding this to me. I’m guessing #66 above is you. 🙂 This is Jack Frew, class of ’56.
    So many memories – The Bright Spot(hamburgers/fries), Bober’s (great bread/hard rolls), Crystal Palace (Ice cream sundaes), Regent Theater (I watched the fire), Lyle’s (Flo and I had our wedding reception there), Stewart’s Scottish Butcher (Meat pies & “sliced” sausage), Stewart’s Root Beer on River Road, Egan’s – yes, the super taylor ham on hard roll, RUT’S HUT – Rippers!!! Nanke’s – a “special treat” place, Argyle’s and all the Fish & Chip shops. Wonderful memories.

    I look forward to getting back soon. We’ve had several reunions – thanks to Marsha and all her committee – and I always add a few extra days (when I fly up from Florida) in order to “go back”. My family’s house (197 Windsor Street – by “Phil’s Deli” – corner of Liberty Street) burned down a few years ago (sad).

    I remember swimming at the Kearny Pool, playing baseball at Gunnel Oval, playing chess at the playground on Belgrove Drive, hanging from the “monkey bars” at the playground on Maple Street, playing with the model trains at the “PBC” (Presbyterian Boys Club – even though I was a Methodist – Grace Church), Boy Scout Troop 10, Valiant Chapter Order of DeMolay and playing stick ball on the street in front of our house with no chance of being run over.

    Yes, Kearny was a wonderful place to grow up. It’s the people that made it so.

    Comment by Jack Frew — September 6, 2010 @ 3:10 pm

  72. I lived in Kearny from 1945 until 1962, most of the time on Wilson Avenue, near Highland Avenue. I went to Nathan Hale School on Kearny Ave, near Johnson Ave, until it was replaced by Washington School on Belgrove Dr. (BTW, my dad also attended that school) I graduated from Kearny High in June, 1958. Are any of you old enough to remember the Hudson Theater? It was on Kearny Ave approx across the street from West Hudson Park. Used to go there a lot until it burned down, then had to switch to the Lincoln or the Warner, which was in Harrison.

    Someone mentioned Snake Hill. I remember walking out there along the RR tracks and climbing it (very nutty and dengerous, in retrospect). Now it almost gone.

    Does anyone remember the hokey Fourth-of-July celebrations they had at Kearny High every year? I don’t think the show ever changed. 🙂

    Thanks for all the memories.

    Harry McLean

    Comment by Harry McLean — September 6, 2010 @ 4:55 pm

  73. Pat Cahill, I remember you.

    Cathy, I lived on Magnolia Ave. on the corner of Hillcrest. I don’t know the two families you mentioned, but they might have lived on Magnolia on the other side of Kearny Ave.

    Scott, I think your grandparents were Robert and Marge.

    These comments have been a blast from the past that I have mightily enjoyed. I graduated in June 1959 and we had a 50th reunion last year. It was perfect. I also got into my old house on Magnolia.

    I remember Two Guys when it was actually in Harrison, before it moved to the huge building on River Road. Besides the Lincoln Theater, I remember the Regent; it was in the area and on the other side of Kearny Ave. from the Town Hall.

    My dad was Santa at the Town Hall for many, many years.

    I believe the bank on Bergen and Kearny was First National. I’m sure that the bank on Midland and Kearny was First National. Actually there were two banks at that intersection. I can’t remember the name of the bank on the “river side” of Kearny Avenue, but First National was on the “meadows side”.

    Comment by Judy Harrison — September 6, 2010 @ 7:18 pm

  74. Anyone remember sleigh riding in Franklin School on Wilson Ave back in the 60’s? I remember we’d all start at the very top of the hill in the center of the school and we’d form a Train (hooked our feet into the sled in back of us) and we’d ALL go down the 2 hills then walk back up them and do it all over again. Good Times!!!

    Comment by Janice — September 6, 2010 @ 8:14 pm

  75. The bank on Kearny Ave was called the “MONARCH Bank” back in the 60’s

    Comment by Janice — September 6, 2010 @ 8:21 pm

  76. I’ve got a few memories ( class of ’75, QP ): Arlington Lanes(next to the Arlington Diner), Yeagers bowling alley in Harrison on Hamilton ST., Home Liquors on Kearny Ave, Em-Kays Deli (on Kearny ave afew doors down from the BANK WITH THE CLOCK), the LITTLE A&P on Kearny ave, the BIG A&P on Schuyler ave next to the bookbinding factory on Bergen and Schuyler ( now gone to make condo’s), Weebolts Candy Store on 4th ST. in Harrison ( my Aunt took me there for soda and candy when she would babysit me), Arlington Lounge, The Canterbury Lounge on Ridge Road, the Sit-n-Bull, etc,etc

    Comment by Scott Boyle — September 7, 2010 @ 12:58 am

  77. Sure brings back memories. Hi Boo and Jackie. The Crystal Palace was my favorite hangout. I lived on Forest Street between Wilson and Bergen Avenues and walked to the Crystal almost every day. I had a 9 pm curfew and felt completely safe walking home in the evenings. Living now in Bridgewater, NJ.

    Comment by Irene Pierz Taras — September 7, 2010 @ 10:16 am

  78. I remember all of the things and places mentioned here about Kearny. I grew up there and went to Emerson Elementary School on Hickory St. then Lincoln Junior High School and then graduated from KHS …. lived on Ivy St. between Quincy Ave. and King St. Great memories. Married a Scottish girl from Kearny (originally Glasgow)and have been living at the Jersey Shore for the past 40 years. We get back to Kearny a couple of times a year to visit her relatives. Cameron’s Fish and Chips and butcher shop are now located in Bricktown,NJ…… Mickey Roeseler class of Jan. ’56

    Comment by Mickey Roeseler — September 7, 2010 @ 10:43 am

  79. I remember all of the things and places mentioned here about Kearny. I still live in Kearny. The black bank was on the corner of Midland and Kearny. It used to be 1st National Bank of Kearny across from it was Equity Savings and Loan now PNC. My son lives in Kearny with two of his children.

    Comment by Florence Hawkins Dow — September 7, 2010 @ 6:35 pm

  80. Miss Hotopp,3rd grade,Emerson. Miss Brown, Lincoln, putting her BIG thumb in my collarbone. Horseface Laughton. Judy crossing the play yard. Harry losing a race against a girl. Kearny pool,Gunnell Oval, Harvey Field,girls?,getting in trouble with Sammy whose mom would call my mom before I got home,rats, pick up games. KHS, Alfie running out of the gym during sneaker chase, skinny dipping, Judy H. basement parties, Lincoln Theater, back row with a date,cruising in not my car, thanks for the large back seats. I thank all of you. Carl 1960

    Comment by carl burns — September 8, 2010 @ 3:20 pm

  81. Does anybody remember the Blue Bar Just off Midland Avenue? Best Pizza ever. I’m thinking it was back in the late 50s or early 60s

    Comment by Midge (Crouch) Williams — September 8, 2010 @ 7:24 pm

  82. How about some of the teachers in KHS? Miss West (how eccentric!), Mrs Hanold (and all of the poems that we had to memorize), and…Mrs. Tiemersma (enough said!!!) Remember the football games against Nutley on Thanksgiving (and the pink goalposts in 1957?) As I read all of the above, it seems that we all had a wonderful childhood and teen years in a great town. How great to also read the comments from people who I haven’t seen in years. Hello to all!

    Comment by Barbara Toczko — September 8, 2010 @ 7:34 pm

  83. I DEFINITELY remember the Blue Bar. My father would bring home pizza late on a Friday night after an evening at Matson’s Tavern on Elm Street & Seely Ave. He would wake up me and my brother at approx midnight (so we could talk sports, mostly basketball) and we would eat an “early” breakfast of the best pizza. So many wonderful memories growing up in Kearny.

    Comment by Jayne Smedberg — September 9, 2010 @ 4:20 pm

  84. HI IRENE PIERZ & LOUISE CAMMAN! BARB TOCZKO & I, GOING
    TO VISIT BARB HOGAN MARSH ON SAT. IN CHESTER. MARSHA,
    THIS IS SO GREAT! WHO ELSE IS OUT THERE? THE BLUE BAR,
    OMG. I FORGOT ABOUT IT. PIZZALICIOUS! EDLINS PHMCY
    ON CANTERBURY. FRESH FISH ON MIDLAND. TALKING IN PIG
    LATIN! MORE PLEASE!!! JACKIE BLACK

    Comment by JACKIE BLACK — September 9, 2010 @ 8:13 pm

  85. WOW! What a bunch of delightful memories. First: The bank on the corner of Bergen Ave. and Kearny Ave. was “West Hudson Bank”. The ones at the corners of Midland and Kearny were correctly identified, although both of them were much later.

    Next: I went to St. Stephen Grammar School (according to Sister Rose Mary “he didn’t build it, he doesn’t own it, so it is NOT ‘St. Stephen’s’ “. Graduated in 1961. Then to St. Cecilia (same disclaimer of ownership), class of ’65.

    I lived on Davis Avenue between Midland and Oakwood. We’d beg our dad to spring for a pizza on some Friday nights by “buttering him up” (being real nice and sweet talking him. He’d relent and we’d call BLUE BAR for what has rightly been reported as the BEST PIZZA EVER. We’d enjoy the pizza while watching Dragnet on TV.

    We’d gather the whole family (lots of kids) at a time just before Christmas for our annual trek to Newark to see Santa at the department stores. The evening started with dinner at the BIG round table at Eagan’s, then the drive to Newark and Santa at Kresge’s (remember the rocket ship?) and Bamburger’s.

    The summertime outing was always the trip to Palisades Park.

    Mentions of Bunnyland cause me to report that that whole plot of land, from Belgrove Drive down to River Road, was once occupied by wooden barracks, as was the plot of land occupied by Franklin School and an area down by the river on Laurel Avenue (I think). These places were used to house Army personnel during the second world war, and were later given over to the veterans for family housing. Several of my friends grew up in these places before “moving up” to real houses in Kearny.

    Finally, does anybody remember McKinnon’s Bakery? It was on Kearny Avenue just south of Liberty Street. That was the place my Grandmother preferred (I don’t know why). Her husband is quoted as complaining (in his thick Glasgow burr)that “ye kin eat McKinnon’s meat pies on a Fridee, ’cause there’s no meat in ’em”. I loved those meat pies anyway, slathered in Lee & Perrins Worcestershire sauce.

    I’ve been back to Kearny occasionally (live in Brooklyn now) and it’s bittersweet. Many delightful memories, but it’s just not the same. Maybe it never was. Ah, yes, you can’t go home again. But ain’t it nice to remember?

    Comment by Frank Kain (Jr) — September 10, 2010 @ 10:41 pm

  86. Love all the memories and comments from friends from KHS. Remember the Crystal Palace, Tasty Freeze(the Rock), Egans fries w//gravy and Thanksgiving football games (which Kearny rarely lost)? How about Oakland Ave. playground and Al’s basement parties on Ivy St., crazy English teacher Ms. West and our great Spanish teacher Mr, Gaul? Ahh, the good old days…..

    Peg (Friend) Bingle

    Comment by Peg (Friend) Bingle — September 11, 2010 @ 12:27 am

  87. I love this site. I’m now in my “Golden” years, (a polite euphemism for “on the way out”), and many memories about Kearny have come back to me. I lived on Brighton Avenue from 1949 to 1967, so most of my memories are from that area. They’re random, and I’m sure I screwed up some of the spelling.

    “Two Guys.” The original was “Two Guys From Harrison,” located on what is now Frank E. Rogers Boulevard S. in Harrison across from the RCA building. The first year, it was little more than a storefront with boxes piled on the floor and set up on saw horses. The second year they added toys. Eventually they expanded and moved to River Road. The building, although much smaller and covered with corrugated metal, was originally used to store cork barged in for Narin’s linoleum factory.

    Speaking of the RCA building, every Christmas we took our yearly trek to see Santa and his reindeer suspended in the sky over the building.

    Currys Dept. store and Captain Jack’s Fish and Chips on Kearny Ave. between Wilson Ave. and Patterson Street.

    Bunnyland. We used to call it “down the woods.” That’s what it was, woods. There was a ball field on the corner of Afton Street and Belgrove drive. Eventually, a little league field was built on the corner of Belgrove and Bergen Ave. The two fields occupied the entire west side of Belgrove Drive. Everything else from Bergen Ave. to Afton Street and Belgrove Drive to the river was woods, but it had once been something else. Under decades of erosion and overgrowth were pathways, stairs, and even a crumbled fountain. There was also a sewer system constructed of arched red brick that we explored thoroughly. If anyone knows more about its history, please post it.

    The barracks were located between Belgrove Drive and Brighton Avenue, behind the VFW building. As far as I know, the only black families in Kearny lived across from the barracks on the East side of Brighton Ave. I can’t remember any racial problems.

    The Halloween parade was one of the biggest events of the year. The store windows were painted with witches, ghosts, goblins and skeletons, the more gruesome the better.

    The Sacred Heart Orphanage ,about 200 feet from my house, was surrounded by a five foot wall topped with wrought iron fencing. The Northwest corner was an orchard. Every year, when the fruit got ripe, we would “raid the orchard,” climbing trees and stuffing our pockets with fruit. (I’m sure we’re all going to burn in Hell for that one!)

    Remember mischief night? Ringing doorbells and running?

    There was a fenced-in tree nursery located on the West side of Brighton Avenue between Wilson and Bergen. The street side of the fence was our turf, where we played, fought, bragged, plotted and schemed. Unfortunately, it was also the place where everyone in the neighborhood walked their dogs.

    Zigarellies, the candy store located on the corner of Halstead Street and Brighton Ave. by Garfield School. You walked up a few steps, entered the store and was greeted by yelling. “Put your money up here! put your money up here!” It was Sam, behind the counter. He wouldn’t give you anything unless he got your money first.

    Miss. Killough, the music teacher at Garfield School, who made a big fuss every year demanding total silence before she would sing. Mr. Fulton, the janitor, and Miss. Taylor and Mrs. Robbins, (my cousin who failed me in the third grade!)

    The “unfinished area” behind the art room at KHS.

    You walked up the stairs into West Hudson Park, and naturally, had to stop to look at the goldfish in the fountain. If you continued walking and crossed Devon Street, you would come to a long set of steps. At one time, if you stood at the top of the steps facing East, there was a huge arbor on your right. It was about 100 feet long, made of wooden 4 X 4’s and decorated with beautifully sawn Victorian gingerbread. It served as support for various climbing flowers and flowering vines. I’m not positive, but I seem to remember that the field at the bottom of the stairs to the right, was once a lake.

    Jake Porter selling fruit and vegetables from the rear of his 1950 duce and a half. “YO PEACHES, YO PEACHES THREE POUNDS FOR A QUARTER. YO PEACHES.”

    The rag man, even at that time he was a throwback to the 30’s. Slowly he would come down the street. Clomp, clomp, clomp, the emaciated, flea-infested horse pulling a huge wooden wagon. “Paper, rags, metal.” He would holler, “Paper, rags, metal.”

    “Knifes and scissors, knifes and scissors.” It came from an old, frail man carrying a treadle powered grinding wheel on his back. All the women sewed, so they stood around gossiping while their scissors were being sharpened.

    “Satriale’s Pork Store,” was once “West Hudson Auto Parts.” It was owned by two partners. One was named Morris Marsa. I can’t remember the other. After High School I drove for them until I passed out at the wheel, (sugar), and totaled the truck.

    That’s enough for now, I’ve stirred too much sediment up from the bottom of my frontal lobes and my vision is clouding.

    PS: Remember the ride that ran along the ceiling at Kresge’s? My aunt and uncle ran it!

    Comment by Bill Friend — September 14, 2010 @ 7:10 pm

  88. HOW ABOUT THE “5 & 10” STORE ON KEARNY AVE.? I COULD
    SPEND HOURS BROWSING AROUND. THE SHOE STORE NEAR THE
    PIKE HAD A MACHINE THAT SHOWED ALL YOUR FOOT BONES
    WHEN YOU SLID YOUR FEET IN. JACKIE B. PS TERRY PIWASKI
    GAFFNEY, WHERE ARE YOU?

    Comment by JACKIE BLACK — September 15, 2010 @ 8:29 am

  89. How about the corner candy store at Quincy and Davis Avenue. It was owned by Harry Ragovin when I was a kid and later owned by the Crouch’s, Joe, Tom and Midge’s parents. I remember hanging out there many a night and harmonizing with Ed Warnquist, Tom Crouch and Albie Quadagno. Billy O’Daio would be outside, polishing his black 1956 Cadillac convertable.

    Comment by Rich Bonannella — September 22, 2010 @ 6:49 am

  90. Hello, I have been in Kearny since 1953 and I’m still here! I want to ad some places you might not know unless you lived east of Schuyler. How about Heny Kohn’s farm animals, how we called John Hay, Arlington Ave, and Quincy place the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd streets! The tracks we walked to snack hill, and the dikes!! How about Goomba’s ditch at the end of John Hay!! And on Davis, do you remember Caposi’s soda fountain shop. And what about Big Nicks! My most memorable times with my family on the front porch swatting mosquitoes. Our life changed in Kearny when my brother was killed in Viet Nam. but life goes on and we make new menories with our children. Thanks for listening! Nina Sinibaldi Burke

    Comment by Nina Sinibaldi Burke — September 22, 2010 @ 12:20 pm

  91. i was born in Kearny in 1951. lived at 560 belgrove drive and oakwood ave. both my grandparents were taken care of at the armitage funeral home. does anyone remember the black bank? i always thought it was wonderful – there was a table of picture books for the kids and the bank lady would let us choose a lollypop as long as we would sit and read while waiting for mom. my dad worked for walter kidde in belleville. we were always interested in the tall tower – rather oval looking if i remember rightly. evidently some poor woman jumped and it was then known as the tower the lady jumped off of. does anyone know what it was? i think it was torn down. my dad said that there was a sister tower in long island and it had something to do with radio waves. i am so glad that i found this link!

    Robyn : D

    Comment by robyn — October 21, 2010 @ 4:57 pm

  92. forgot to tell you my maiden name – martin.

    Comment by robyn — October 21, 2010 @ 10:34 pm

  93. After reading 92 comments I realize I am the oldest person in the bunch. I graduated from KHS in ’49 and my sister Shirley six years before that. Miss West taught English when she was there and I had her too. I lived on Magnolia Avenue and on the corner of Washington Ave and Hillcrest Road. Most of you write about the other end of town and I don’t recognize much of the Harrison end of town but of course the movies and how beautiful they were, especially the Lincoln. Gee, it is hard to remember so many years ago. People of my generation didn’t really have the money to buy fish and chips and without cars (not many around due to the war) no way to get there. What would we have done without the 39, 38 and 40 buses. I remember when they had poles on top that linked them to the electric line above. The fare was five cents.

    There were no pizza places then but I was introduced to my first pizza in a little place just over the line in N. Arlington, can’t remember the name that was a bar and restaurant. Didn’t seem to matter how old you were you could always get beer. Do you remember the railroad and the Arlington Station and the West Arlington tower by the river.

    Makes my heart ache to think of the innocence that is no longer enjoyed by the young people today. The worst crime in school was to be caught with chewing gum. Miss West made you put it on the end of your nose. Great going back….

    Comment by Barbara Harvey Womer — October 22, 2010 @ 8:11 pm

  94. This is such a wonderful site! I think about Kearny all the time. I’m always telling my kids how we would walk EVERYWHERE. And it seems to me, there was ALWAYS something to do! Reading all of the posts, it’s easy to see why! What a wonderful town! I miss it so much. Sometimes I dream of going back to my chilhood home on Bennett Ave, seeing if I could rent out one of the floors for a week or so. Just to re-discover and expolre this one-of-a-kind town. <3

    Comment by Linda Best Jones KHS '75 — November 18, 2010 @ 3:39 pm

  95. HEY THANKS MICKEY FOR SHOWING ME THIS WEBSITE ITS GREAT–A BIG HI TO BOO AND JACKIE BLACK (WHO SHOULD HAVE BECOME A BIG TIME SINGER) AND THE BEST MEMORIES OF THE CRYSTAL PALACE AND THE WOLVERINES!

    Comment by BETTY SAVAGE VAMOS — November 22, 2010 @ 6:45 pm

  96. I WAS BORN IN HARRISON NJ IN 1940. I REMEMBER QUINCY FISH MARKET ON 5TH STREET IN HARRISON. I USED TO GO TO THOMPSONS FISH AND CHIPS IN KEARNY. WE USED TO GO THE THE HUDSON MOVIE THEATRE ACROSS FROM WEST HUDSON PARK. WE ALSO USED TO GO TO THE REGENT MOVIE THEATRE ACROSS FROM POLICE STATION ON KEARNY AVENUE. WE SWAM IN THE KEARNY POOL ON BERGEN AVENUE. I COULD GO ON AND ON. BUT I HAVE GOOD MEMORIES OF HARRISON AND KEARNY FROM THE LATE 40S AND EARLY 50S. BRIGHT SPOT DINER TOO.

    STAN

    Comment by STAN KURZAWA — November 26, 2010 @ 9:27 pm

  97. We moved to Kearny from Jersey City Heights when I was 4 back in 1970. My mom still resides on Livingston Avenue in the “Manor section” which has kept up its great suburban small town feel near so many urban centers.

    Oh, I recall the Thistle Fish and Chips – probably one of the few places to sell haggis. We played it safe and had the battered fish and chips. But I recall down the street from us one of our neighbors always had his son play the bagpipes when there was a big party.

    But I also got to know a few good Portuguese restaurants as there was an influx of Portuguese families from Newark in the 70’s – by the time I graduated Kearny HS there quite a few Silva families.

    I remembered Mr Curtis who maintained a school orchestra when the band was the in place to play. Other favorite teachers were Ms Beaton (english) and Mr Stewart (biology) and a few others

    Recall sneaking to the meadows for Keg parties or friend’s houses when the parents were away. I think one of my favorites was a toga party we snuck into for a graduating senior when I was a freshman … the family was very liberal as the parents were serving drinks!

    I remember Bunnyland and the zoo and later sledding down the hill after the zoo was closed and before the built the townhouses. It was so fun but dangerous – Rover Road has traffic. Also recall as a very little kid the Pool at West Hudson Park.

    In recent years I have enjoyed going to the DeKorte park that is at the North Arlington Kearny border – a great spot for birding. And I think the town has gotten much better after a downhill trend in the early 1990’s. There are a ton of good Central American restaurants, their remains bakeries and cafes sprinkled about the central part of Kearny Ave and the parks have been given a needed revamping. And I feel very safe throughout most of Kearny. I’d say the only area I find a little dicey is the border with harrison as they removed the freight tracks there and have not put anything else. It would be great to turn it into a trail.

    I appreciate kearny the more I return to it – it was a very good place to be raised.

    Comment by c sahar — November 28, 2010 @ 5:54 pm

  98. Saw a few names I remember here, including my cousin Mickey. Moved to Kearny 1951, lived on Ivy St, when the east side had cows, soon replaced by small boxy houses. Walter’s deli was around the corner on Quincy. Moved up to Argyle Place by Midland, first house from the OLD firehouse, saw the new addition to St. Stephen being built. Remember Phil’s on the corner of Beech and Midland, later Henry and Sol’s, then Henry’s. Next door was a hand Chinese laundry, then the REALLY small A&P. Pinchak’s dry goods store was on Chestnut and Midland, farther down was Arlington Hardware, Inzinna’s fish store, and at the corner of Elm and Midland Stein’s candy store. The Blue Bar was around the corner on Elm, and Monaco’s across Midland. There was a store front Marconi Club, later a new building, but I here it is gone now, the building a church. At Argyle and Midland, Morris Hardware, across the street the telephone company and E.H. Bixler and above it the local draft board. First National Bank was light brown brick before it got those black marble slabs applied to the facade. Taft Cleaners on the corner of Kearny Ave and Midland, and Mid Town Drugs on the other side of Kearny Ave; Equity Savings and Loan was on the fourth corner, sharing its building with Borgos and Borgos Real Estate. Going North was a Chrysler/Plymouth dealership, then the old Kearny Federal Savings and Loan, the Elk’s Club, and the famous RR “cut” where we played between Kearny Ave and the dead end Argyle Place. The next move was to Seeley Ave between Morgan and Rutherford, really “high class”. After St. Stephen went to QPHS, then on to St.Peter’s College in JC. Funny but I remember the earlier years better. After a 4 year absence from the US at school in Mexico, returned to Kearny and lived with a young family on Maple St, just a block down from St. Cecilia while interning/residency at St. Michael’s in Newark, before leaving for good in 1980. Got to know the sights of lower Kearny Ave from 1975-1980, including all the places mentioned above. Mother had the Seeley Ave house till 1996, so I was back from time to time until then. I drove around last summer, it all looks so small and different now. As someone above commented, you can’t go home again. After a sojurn in California for 15 years, then 10 years in Lakewood (no, not Leisure Village), now ensconced in South Carolina.

    Comment by David Massa — November 29, 2010 @ 9:37 pm

  99. HEY CLASS OF ’56. I GOT A LETTER FOR A REUNION
    LUNCHEON NEXT YEAR, FROM TERRY OBLAZNEY, ED GROVSNER
    AND ELAINE PERRY. WHO’S GOING ? JACKIE Z.

    Comment by JACKIE BLACK ZWINGIL — December 4, 2010 @ 4:22 pm

  100. I lived in Kearny from 1950 to ’61 and for as long as I live will never tire of reading the comments related by others who lived there since most of their memories are also mine. Did someone say “front porch?” What’s a porch? I remember my parents taking me to feed the deer on Bergen Ave below Belgrove Drive. I had a picture of it which I sent in to the KHS Alumni site. I didn’t recall a name, but someone informed me this was Bunnyland of the ’50’s. They had feeders there with corn in them to feed the deer. Think it was a nickel for a handfull. I had my first communion at St Cecilia’s and let people know that here in Texas when the Saprano’s is on. Had my confirmation at St Stephen’s. Went to Garfield for 1st grade, then Roosevelt for 2nd thru 6th. Before school we lived with my grandparents on the south end of Highland ave, no. 11. Remember Happy’s well and Goldstein’s deli. Pizza came from the Arrow Bar I believe it was, East Newark.

    After a brief stint in Bloomfield we moved to Lafayette Place off Midland. I later found out this area was called the “Manor.” And the fun really began. I think Kearny had more knooks and crannies to either have a ball, or get in trouble in, than anyplace I ever lived. When I say “trouble” I mean those places my parents told me to stay away from like the Meadows,the Passaic, and the Erie Cut to name a few. Boys will be boys. Was the word “obese” invented yet? We were always playing some kind of ball, bicycling around town, or hiking around the aforementioned places. Not to mention the Kearny Pool.We may have eaten our share of pizza, Stewart’s hotdogs, greasy hamburgers, fish and chips, popsickles, dreamsickles, and enough penny candy to circle the Earth, but it was quickly burned off. Just don’t recall that many dull moments and not being biased by any means in my old age. Kearny was fun!!!

    Comment by Mark Crist — December 15, 2010 @ 3:02 pm

  101. I spent 4 of my first 5 years living in Kearny. We lived on Seeley Ave until my Dad returned from overseas in WWll. Then we lived on Highland Ave until we moved to North Arlington when I was 5. I spent half a year of kindergarten at St. Stephens and then transferred to Queen of Peace. My parents were friends with the Finelli’s ( Rose & Phil ) They owned the Arrow. I spent almost every weekend at either the Lincoln, the Regent or the Hudson theaters. Favorite fish & chip joint was Capt. Jacks though we went to the Argyle occasionally.Swam in the Kearny Pool but more often at the Lyndhurst Pool.Loved Rutt’s Hutt! Bowled and played pool at Kearny Lanes. Played basketball on Sat. mornings at the PBC across from St Stephens. Loved Stewart’s hot dogs and root beer. Even worked there one summer. Used to go down to Aster oval and Gunnell oval to watch the softball games. My great aunt owned the Bellegrove hotel on Kearny Ave. When we visited, I looked forward to going to the Brightspot diner for dinner. I thought it was a big treat.My how I enjoyed growing up in the area. So much to do, so many friends. Most of all no political correctness.

    Comment by Mike Drabin — February 12, 2011 @ 5:36 pm

  102. We lived at 11 Highland Avenue from 1950 to 55. We moved to Lafayette Place off Midland in 57. Had my Confirmation at St Stephens, also went to church there. On the way back from the Saturday matinees at the Lincoln always stopped in for confession. Used to go to the PBC on Friday nights. They always had a movie and enjoyed the toy train setup. Some Fridays we’d either go out for fish and chips or drive down to Stewarts for hotdogs and root beer. My dad would also get one of those great pizzas from the Arrow sometimes.To this day I still love a plain cheese pizza, although I haven’t had one as good as the Arrow. Amazing how something as simple as a pizza or a hotdog can taste so bland elsewhere. The hotdogs at the Kearny Pool were also good after a morning swim during the Summer. Pizza Hut has no clue! Nor does Oscar Meyer.

    Comment by Mark Crist — March 24, 2011 @ 6:53 pm

  103. My family emigrated from Scotland in 1956. I lived across from the brewery on Fifth & Hamilton in Harrison. The brewery was torn down and replaced with the high school. I went to “Saints” H.S. and hung out in Tony’s on Kearny Ave at the intersection of Boyd St. Joe & his wife made the best meatball sandwiches and burgers. The first Mandee Shop was located on Kearny Avenue. I learned how to swim at the RCA pool in Harrison close to where the first 2 Guys store was located. I perfected my swimming at the Kearny Pool. We were there from morning till night..no cell phones for parents to check on us. Each day in Harrison we attended double sessions of ice skating at JFK Stadium. I lived in Kearny for most of my married life and raised our children there. It was and is still a great place. When they dedicated the Scottish Cairn (Wallace Glen) on River Rd there was a ceremony. Father Gilchrist formerly of St. Cecilia’s and Holy Cross Parishes spoke. I never forgot his words..”it is fitting that we have this Scottish monument dedication. There is nothing to remind us of the Swedish settlers who settled here. I remember thinking, Kearny will always retain it’s Scottish flavor. Fr. Gilchrist had vision. However, the new immigrants have renovated and re-energized the town. . Kearny Avenue looks great. There was so many opportunities for jobs in West Hudson..Western Electric, Congoleum Nairn, Coats & Clark Thread Mills, RCA, Otis Elevator, Driver Harris, Kaiser Aluminum, Nopco Chemical, General Electric in East Newark. I enjoyed reading all the comments especially about nay meat in McKinnon’s pies. We used to enter the back door of Bober’s in the evening and purchase cinnamon donuts hot off the rack. Taking the bus into Newark for shopping at S Klein’s, Hahne’s and Bams was a treat with a stop at Child’s for chicken croquets. When I first arrived from Scotland I was so homesick but after making some friends I got over it and from that time on America was my home……….thanks for the memories Kearny, Harrison..thanks for the web site too..

    Comment by Helen Foran Mara — March 25, 2011 @ 4:36 pm

  104. does anyone have a picture of the old barracks that was used as housing? i think it was somewhere by the VFW building. i would love to get a copy of this. thanx!

    Comment by robyn — April 3, 2011 @ 12:06 am

  105. bank acrooss from drug fair on kearny ave was monarch right

    Comment by bob — April 10, 2011 @ 3:44 pm

  106. Where were the pony rides in the 1950’s? i think they were in Arlington, but i am not sure. also, does anyone have pictures of Bunnyland? Thanx!

    Comment by robyn — April 11, 2011 @ 2:13 am

  107. I grew up in Harrison,but of course we always traveled thru all three towns,and usually some type of food was the destination.It was all good. There’s a website about growing up in Harrison called Max’s grill after a diner on Harrison ave.A lot of reminiscing.They talk about Egan’s,the best cheesecake I’ve ever tasted,besides the frenchy gravy,and of course Roy behind the counter,who also used to bartend at the meadowland horse races,and gave me many a good tip. anyway,check it out at http://www.network54.com/Forum/660620

    Comment by Norm Trevena — April 11, 2011 @ 5:40 pm

  108. graces fish and chips on halstead street had the best in town i will always remember it as a special place i was there every week and got my hair cut at tom jollys and the used bike place i think we called him lou

    Comment by bob — April 15, 2011 @ 3:16 pm

  109. lived on johnston ave remenber we use to call up to
    dick’s deli and orer our booze/beer to be deliver to the house for our parents party’s when they delivered we kids paid for it (there was no parents at home) lol but we guy’s/girl’s partyed

    Comment by WESTBERG — April 20, 2011 @ 3:34 pm

  110. we used to order from dicks and had it delivered to west hudson park gave the driver extra 10 bucks

    Comment by bob — April 21, 2011 @ 6:00 pm

  111. hey jackie black terry/gaff now live in florida tampa bay are

    Comment by WESTBERG — April 22, 2011 @ 10:39 am

  112. Lived in Kearny from 1950 til 1958. One of my greatest memories was Davy Ryan and I went to Harrison and bought cars (we were both 16 and had no licenses, but who cared? Dave bought a 1936 Chevy, and by the time we got back up to Davison.s (our hangout) Dave had 3 flat tires – retreads. I bought a 37 Dodge for $40.00, drove it for a year or so, than we cut the roof off, painted the car with white housepaint, and the guys drove around for quite some time and had a ball. Members of our group included Davy, Frank Coogan, Sammy Dougan, (all passed on) and Jack Hammond, Artie Cierzo, (also passed), John Martorana, Pete Nolan and myself. Good memories!!!

    Comment by Charlie (Buddy) Cowell — April 23, 2011 @ 1:56 pm

  113. wow, i wish i had a time machine. how lucky we all were to grow up in such a great place as kearny.lived in kearny from 56’85’ Graduated from st stephens and st cecilias. Wow, how about Tullys on beach st and the delivery crew ? tasty freeze, and the rope over the tracks on kearny ave. sometimes I wonder how we survived. left town in 85′ stop by once in a while for a trip dwn memory lane. I miss it.

    Comment by j . bevins — April 25, 2011 @ 9:38 am

  114. mr jack we did not think back then what a great town it was but like they say life is better viewed bacwards but we are forced to live it foward bud your pal from kearny

    Comment by bob — April 26, 2011 @ 4:59 pm

  115. the drugstore and kodak film store where quick check is now the drugstore had the foyer you could stand in when it rained waiting for the bus i think that a telephone booth was there too and then sgt peppers on bergen ave

    Comment by bob — April 26, 2011 @ 5:30 pm

  116. nigros, elm deli, cardones candy store, condons candy store and Bell Playground. Nitches COLD BEER…. and steins candy store, sanzones deli, the best salami & cheese on a pizza loaf (.50) in the world and the old schuyler diner next to the old midland lounge. Some ignorant cruel sub human beings, went down to the zoo by bunnyland and started to shoot the defensiveless animals while in their cages, soooo sad. I think at that point Bunnyland was earmarked for removal.

    When did Big Sam Pass? I never knew. he was a character.

    Comment by j . bevins — April 26, 2011 @ 6:48 pm

  117. JACK NEW SCHUYLER DINER NOW TORE DOWN OLD ONE LYYN CHEVY GONE TEDDYS LOOKS LIKE ITS CLOSED FOR A WHILE

    Comment by BOB — April 27, 2011 @ 4:36 pm

  118. Igrew up in Kearny on Tappan St. somtimes colled little Paisly. Fri. was always fish and chips. I was playint tag with fiends when we heard a big bang as we looke up we saw debrise frown Congolium Nairn it had blown up.
    Playe in the old soilders’ home filed and swam in the Passiac River. Worked as a pin boy in McLarins bowling allly. Saw it burn to the ground one night also saw the Regant and Hudson Theater fall to the demise. Drove on the ice on Ferry Lke in Hudson Park.Grand PArants were both from Scotland. Lang may your chiminy reek

    Comment by Ira Brown — April 29, 2011 @ 6:53 pm

  119. Wonder if a person ever gets Kearny out of their system. I remember when Congolium Nairn blew up. I also remember standing with a crowd watching the Regent theater burn down. Parents bought our house for $3,000 and now I see it Is over $250,000. House looks much better then when we lived there. There was a Christmas tree my father put on the side of the yard and I heard it was used for the place Kearny puts a Christmas tree. Never heard of fish and chips and the Argyle.Met a freind there about 3 years ago when up for a class reunion. We never eat much for lunch and did not know to order. Will not get up that way again so will never know what I missed.
    Did stand on the corner at night with the neighber boy and some other kids. Wonder if anyone knows if Johnny Chieco is still around.

    Comment by Lois Wadewitz — April 30, 2011 @ 11:50 am

  120. I was also born in kearny at west hudson hospitl. First lived on Halstead st. and then on Bergen Ave. Betty wrote that her parents owned a fish n chip shop on Halstead street was your mom Grace. My mother brother and I went there every Friday night. I also danced for Mary Stewart and June McCain. I remember most of the places mentioned above. Kearny was a great town to grow up in. I now live in Nutley but went to Stewarts for meat pies this past Sat.

    Comment by Nancy Moffat — May 9, 2011 @ 11:26 am

  121. JACKIE “SONNY”BLACK, OVER YOUR HOUSE AND YOU HAD A BAG OF LEFTOVER POWDERED SUGAR FROM DOUGHNUTS IN A BROWN PAPER BAG..YOU SAID IF I INHALED IT IT WOULD BE THE FUNNIEST THING SO I DID AND I AM STILL CHOKING!YOUR MOM CAME IN THE KITCHEN AND SMACKED YOU IN THE HEAD!!WE HAD SUCH GOOD TIMES IN THE WOLVERINES AND THE CRYSTAL PALACE AND THE TASTEE FREEZE.AS I LOOK BACK SO MANY WONDERFULL MEMORIES OF A GREAT TOWN AND A WONDERFULL PLACE TO GROW UP..BOO AND TEENA PIERZ AND MY BFF ANN “HONEY”COSTELLO, DADDY-O AND MURPHY AND JACK WHAT GREAT PEOPLE-SOME LEFT US TOO SOON BUT THE MEMORIES OF GROWING UP KEARNY HAVE SUSTAINED ME AND I WOULD NOT HAVE CHANGED A SINGLE THING!GOOD TIMES! FROM “CHICK”

    Comment by BETTY SAVAGE VAMOS — May 30, 2011 @ 4:07 pm

  122. I’m not from NJ but we came across Thompson’s F&C in Sea Bright some years ago. We loved it and then they moved to Belmar. We went there again and they were gone. The son I think had taken it over. Anyone know why they closed?

    Comment by Crystal — June 26, 2011 @ 8:54 pm

  123. ENJOYED READING ALL THE COMMENTS, BRINGS BACK MANY GOOD MEMORIES. WE ARE HAVING OUR 55TH REUNION THIS OCT.15TH 2011, WOULD LOVE TO SEE SO MANY OF YOU. BETTY, JACKI, TERRY AND I WILL BE THERE. ANYONE INTERESTED PLEASE GET IN TOUCH WITH ELAYNE BLACK, ELAYNEB@OPTONLINE.NET, 973-601-9167. IT WILL BE A LUNCHEON AT THE KENILWORTH INN. I LIVE IN CHESTER NOW, A SMALL TOWN, BUT KEARNY WAS A LOT MORE INTERESTING. WE WALKED MILES EVERY EASTER, WE WERE VERY SOPHISTICATED IN OUR HATS, GLOVE AND HIGH HEELS. TAKING PICTURES IN FRONT OF THE BURNED OUT REGENT MOVIE. ALWAYS FELT SAFE.

    Comment by BARBARA HOGAN MARSH — July 24, 2011 @ 10:12 am

  124. hello,i did not grow up there but my parents did.i lived in the area until i was 4 but believe it or not i remember going to bunnyland and two guys.from what i remember there was a stream behind two guys where we used to catch kellies i think there was a parking lot for school buses also is this correct?i also lived in bellville on top of zig zag bar across the street from a park.i remember always getting golf balls.this was the late 60s my father henry beaulieu worked at reingold in orange. my mother was malvina miller.did anybody know them? just wondering.let me know thanks.

    Comment by steve beaulieu — September 17, 2011 @ 11:26 pm

  125. i wrote comment 124forgot to leave e mail address bugginoutside@comcast.net thanks

    Comment by steve beaulieu — September 17, 2011 @ 11:39 pm

  126. hey barbara “boo”–i wish i could join you for the get together–would love to see you all, but i live in Florida now and still run a landscape business so have to take care of business while in the growing season. I loved you all-and was so lucky to have known a great bunch of friends to grow up with–hi to all, “chick”

    Comment by BETTY SAVAGE VAMOS — October 4, 2011 @ 2:39 pm

  127. WELL, WE HAD OUR 50th REUNION, EACH ONE OF US
    TRYING TO RECOGNIZE WHO THE OTHER PERSON WAS, THEN
    READING THE NAME TAG WITH AN “AHA” ! EVERYONE LOOKED
    WONDERFUL, THANKS TO OUR KEARNY UPBRINGING.
    ELAYNE PERRY, TERRY OBLAZNEY, & ED GROSVENOR DID
    A GREAT JOB OF ORGANIZING. MANY OF US REKINDLED OLD
    FRIENDSHIPS, WITH PROMISES TO WRITE OR “E-MAIL”!
    THERE WERE LOADS OF PICTURES, GOOD FOOD, AND A
    GRAND TIME. GLAD TO HAVE BEEN THERE. JACKIE BLACHOWSKI
    ZWINGIL.

    Comment by JACKIE BLACK — December 11, 2011 @ 1:44 pm

  128. Wasnt that Hanke’s not Nanke”s

    Comment by Lois Wadewitz — January 25, 2012 @ 5:44 pm

  129. wasnt that Hanke’s not Nanke’s?

    Comment by Lois Wadewitz — January 25, 2012 @ 5:44 pm

  130. HI,
    I was in Kearny today with my 94-year old great-aunt enjoying some family history…she and my grandmother grew up on Lafayette Place. Her father (my great-grandfather) owned a small bar on Elm Street, right by the tracks. It operated through prohibition, and until his death around 1940. It’s the location that was later called the Blue Bar. I know that many of the customers would stop by after getting off the train…some people called it “Father Ike’s Church”, though that wasn’t the real name.
    Also, his brother-in-law owned a place called the Columbus House, I believe it was on Midland and Elm, but again, very long ago. I have a photo, but know so little. Does anyone know anything about these two places back then? Thanks so much!! I am really enjoying discovering the town where my grandma was raised.

    Comment by Emily — January 28, 2012 @ 8:56 pm

  131. Emily

    I lived at 25 Lafayette Place from 1957 to ’61. It
    was a dark green house. The Kings lived to our right, the Whiteheads I believe to our left. Across the street
    were the Carrs(SP) and I believe Hanson. I was up a while back and the house is now a gray color. other families on the block were the Wagners, Pattersons, and Pladeks

    Comment by Mark Crist — February 21, 2012 @ 5:06 pm

  132. So many wonderful memories come back reading over all the comments. I was born in Jersey City but parents lived on Seeley Avenue at the time. When I was a little guy we moved to Forest Street and Schuyler Ct.
    Went to Schuyler School then to Lincoln. Remember well Lou Centi’s candy store on Elm Street then, Krauses Deli and Matson’s Tavern. Times were certainly different back then, huge empty lot on Schuyler Ct and Schuyler Ave where we used to play football and baseball. Used to play in the street (Forest) all the time with out worry. Walking up to the Lincoln Theater on Saturdays for all the cartoons, cost of admission ten cents. Which even included an ice cream pop when you would leave the theater. One of us would hold open the emergency door and we would sb
    neak back in to get a second ice cream pop. We were
    eventually caught. Long list of friends from that area.
    Lots of kids in the neighborhood.

    Comment by Rich Sivertsen — March 3, 2012 @ 1:52 pm

  133. Were you born at the Margaret Hague Hospital in
    Jersey City? That’s where I started out. I went
    back to Kearny several years ago and had to wonder
    how we played ball on those narrow streets. The
    Lincoln was a Saturday matinee staple for us. The
    cartoons and 2 movies, usually some monster or
    western movies. I remember the soda machine they had
    where the cup fell down, the ice, then the soda.
    Sometimes the cup didn’t make it and watched the soda go down the drain. And to this day if I go to a movie I get a box of snowcaps if they have them. Had to give up on the Dots. Ju Ju Bees would be out of the question. I see they’re making Bonomo Taffey again, but not the same stuff as I remember. Probably “improved” like everything else. Ya, right!

    Comment by Mark Crist — March 7, 2012 @ 4:06 pm

  134. I’d love to know if anyone knows anything about the unnamed bar on the corner of Boyd St. and Kearny Ave. Thanks!

    Comment by Phil — September 30, 2012 @ 9:41 pm

  135. connolys i think its called

    Comment by bob moffat — October 16, 2012 @ 6:16 pm

  136. Barbara Harvey Womer, I lived on the corner of Magnolia and Hillcrest. I think we moved there around 1947. I was born in 1942. My mother sold that house about 20+ years ago. Interesting about the name Harvey. Another Harvey family lived across the street from me at 89 Magnolia.

    Robyn, much of what you say rings some bells for me. My dad’s office was on Kearny Avenue just down from Oakwood. So many lunches at the deli on the corner. You mentioned Armitage’s. John and Robert were good friends.

    Comment by Judy Harrison — October 31, 2012 @ 7:22 pm

  137. Barbara Toczko (Tosh) – I was in Mrs. Tiemersma’s class with you. She hated me until I took the tickets she offered to the Met – she had a subscription and couldn’t use the tickets. I think I went with Ellen Tedesco. I remember Eva B. as a teacher who could suck the life out of any piece of literature she taught.

    Comment by Judy Harrison — October 31, 2012 @ 7:31 pm

  138. Does anyone remember the Ice Cream Truck called MAMA HERE COMES JOE (before that it was Eddie) My father drove that around Kearny from about 1950 to 1970 and I had to ride with him every night selling Lemon Ice to many of you. Kearny was (and hopefully still is) wonderful. A great place to grow up and I remember all of the places that are mentioned and can smell that Blue Bar Pizza right now. And those great Sansone sandwiches directly across on Elm Street. Lived in the large house on the corner of Midland & Davis

    Comment by Joe Miller — November 10, 2012 @ 8:32 am

  139. born and raised in Kearny and i will never forget it. I remember Mandee and Gail’s at the Pike, right next to Bill Macy’s and across from Nankees and Taylor Jewelers. I also remember Eddie the ice cream man, I never had enough $ but he always gave me the ice cream of my choice with a promise of I.O.U. Blue Bar had the best pizza, Stewarts on River Rd and the Pike had the best root beer and hot dogs. I always remember Sunset Deli across from St, Stephen’s church and what a beautiful church that was. Lived around the corner on Beech St. between Columbia & Laurel I think it was. In my mind I always remember the streets alphabetically–argyle, beech, chestnut, devon, elm, forest, etc. Memories. I still miss it

    Comment by ginny c — December 11, 2012 @ 9:12 pm

  140. Anyone remember a bar that was on the North Arlington side of the pike at Forest Street (I think)? Oops just thought of it. Think it was Pat’s tavern.

    Comment by Rich Sivertsen — February 4, 2013 @ 10:46 am

  141. Hi Happy St Patricks day from Scotland.
    Just found this site.

    My mums brother James Mclaren emmigrated to KEARNY in 1929.He went to stay with my grandfathers cousin Kate fleming who lived in Devon street. My grandparents were from Paisley scotland but moved to a small town Kilsyth Stirlingshire.Uncle James died in Irvington Newark in 1971.His nephew ( my cousin)James Morgan also went to kearny , so did his sister and her husband.He had a daughter Donna and son Brian born 1960 and 1961.Donna and brians parents split up and they came back to Scotland for a couple years till they were 12. Then went back to their mum in Kearny.Their dad came back to Scotland and died 23 years ago 1989.

    Im just wondering if anyone knows Donna or Brian as i would love to get back in touch with them.Also looking for info on My Flemming family that lived in Devon street.Who knows some of you on hear might be related.

    There was also a Patterson family who emmigrated from my home village of Croy .They were friends of Donna and Brians dad as they came from the same area in scotland and were both Celtic supporters.The Pattersons used to come back for visits to their granparents in Croy. village .

    Marguerite

    Comment by Marguerite morgan — March 17, 2013 @ 5:33 pm

  142. Marguerite Morgan–i am originally from Kearny,my parents immigrated there from Scotland-my mother was Mary McQuillen from Paisley and my father was Samuel Savage from Sterling–I still have relatives there, do you know of anyone by those names?

    Comment by betty anne vamos — May 8, 2014 @ 10:28 am

  143. I am not FROM Kearney, but passed through it many, MANY times commuting from Bayonne to FDU-Rutherford between 1974-78. I wonder if anyone here knows the location and/or name of the bakery (I think it’s no longer in existance) on Schuyler Ave that made THE most insanely good cheesecakes. Stopping for one on the way back to Rutherford was a family ritual which was much appreciated by my friends on campus!

    Comment by Dave Ventre — May 12, 2014 @ 3:24 pm

  144. I was raised and married in Kearny. Moved from there to Iselin in 1978, but used to go back to vist the family that were still there. Moved to Fl in 200 and TN in 2010, but KEANRY is and will always be my HOMETOWN. So many friends and memories stored in my mind. Love it and remember the gd and bad times there. Thanks for the post here.

    Comment by Art Womer — July 15, 2014 @ 1:35 pm

  145. I was smacked on my butt June of 1956 in West Hudson Hospital. Spent most my life in Kearny, except when I got sick of it and joined a travelling Carny ..(lol) from 1979-1983. Then got home-sick and came back, got married, moved to N.A. (locals know where I mean) because they still speak English and you can actually get a parking space. but i’m only 2 blocks away and since Kearny was once called Arlington I still consider myself in Kearny. Ocassionally if I get bored I’ll cruise thAv….from West Hudson park to the Rutherford Circle and back again….but only once, since gas costs a lot more now.

    Comment by Kevin Caldwell — July 16, 2014 @ 2:48 am

  146. I was born and raised in Kearny and didn’t realize how lucky I was to have grown up there. I lived on Highland Ave between Afton and Halstead. I remember Stankus the butcher on Halstead, Sam, the pharmacist at the pharmacy (we called it a drug store then) on Halstead and Kearny, Katz’s fountain, McKinnans Scottish bakery, the Scotch butcher, the Regent theater that burned down in the late 40s/early 50s, the Lincoln theater up by Midland Ave. We used to WALK all over town and never worried about our safety. Up the “Av” to the movies, down Bergen Av to Kearny Pool. We had fish and chips every Friday and we weren’t even Catholic. My father was a fireman in town and my brother Ken was a police detective. Graduated Kearny High in 1959. Thanks for all the memories.

    Comment by Phyllis (Hook) Bruce — July 24, 2014 @ 9:04 pm

  147. I was BORN in Kearny, NJ many many years ago, but raised in nearby Lyndhurst. I went to Queen of Peace High school (in North Arlington — between the two towns).
    The best things about Kearny were
    1. Hanging out at Nanke’s after school — on the corner of Kearny Avenue and the Belleville Pike
    2. Fish and Chips that my dad would bring home from Kearny for supper on Friday (no meat!) nights.
    3. The wonderful cousins I had in that town, who lived in an old Victorian house on Laurel Avenue.
    4. Dances at the Knights of Columbus Hall somewhere down near the Passaic River.

    Comment by Rita — October 9, 2014 @ 5:55 pm

  148. I just found this website.. My mother grew up in kearny. J.bevins my grandparents owned condon candy store.. Heard many stories of the store. Does anyone remember the name of the bar on the belleville turnpike on the NA side?
    Great reading about all your memories.

    Comment by Diane — December 27, 2014 @ 8:39 pm

  149. Thanks to all for sharing! #71 you said it best, yes, Kearny was great, “It was the people that made it so” during the 50’s, 60’s, 70’s when I was there. My grandparents arrived from Scotland about 1926 and both my parents graduated from KHS in ’36 ! To the Cathy looking for Sievewrights, I remember Marilyn Sievewright from Grace Church, she’d be about 60 now, someone from there might know her current location. All the places mentioned were great. My grandparents, uncles were at Armitage’s also…anyone remember Myles’ Electric or the little fish shop on Midland ? I wish I could have a party and invite you all!

    Comment by Margaret — January 6, 2015 @ 1:01 am

  150. TO DAVE V #143. THE BAKERY ON SCHUYLER, WAS IN NORTH ARLINGTON ON THE LYNDHURST BORDER. IT WAS CALLED MILLAR’S PIES. AND YES THE CHEESECAKES WERE AMAZING!
    TO DIANE #148. THE BAR ON THE PIKE IN N.A. WAS CALLED THE SILVER BELL TAVERN. TO MY KNOWLEDGE IT IS STILL THERE.

    Comment by DR.JOHN — July 19, 2015 @ 11:44 am

  151. I’m from Toronto, Ontario, Canada; my father was from Johnstone, Renfrewshire, Scotland. We used to visit Kearny when I was a young boy, as my Dad had a lot of friends from Scotland who had emigrated to the USA, and settled in the Kearny region. This would have been in the early to mid 1960s — I was born in 1956 (I’m now 58 years old.)

    I would love to hear from anyone from Kearny who would be about my age, whose parent(s) also came from the Johnstone/Paisley area. Although I don’t recall many of the names of my father’s friends, I do remember being there on a number of occasions. There is always the possibility that our parents knew each other.

    Cheers,

    Ian McKay
    Toronto, Ontario, Canada

    Comment by Ian McKay — August 7, 2015 @ 9:32 am

  152. My email address is:

    mckay.ian.d@outlook.com

    Ian McKay
    Toronto, Ontario, Canada

    Comment by Ian McKay — August 7, 2015 @ 9:40 am

  153. I lived in Kearny 1950 to 1970’s

    Comment by From Kearny — October 16, 2015 @ 5:07 am

  154. Reading all the comments brings back so many memories. I grew up in Kearny in the 50s and 60s. Such a different world it was back then, especially the 50s. I remember the streets being so quiet, we’d play ball in the them and not worry about traffic.
    Most of our parents would take the bus to work. The 38 and the 39 buses went to Newark – right – lol.
    My walk to Lincoln school was so far that by the time I got home for lunch, I’d grab a sandwich and start walking back again. And of course we got into a lot of mischief along the way.
    We’d go “garbage picking” on Wednesday nights when people would throw out big trash, like furniture, books, old bicycles for the town to pick up the next day. We’d find old baby carriages and use them to build go carts.
    We’d go down the meadows to hunt rats on the garbage dumps. After a while we discovered girls and started wearing sharkskin pants and white dress shirts and walk the av’. On hot summer nights we’d take off the white shirt, drape it over our arms and have on our guinea T-shirts…were we cool or what… And if we could find someone old enough to buy us ‘containers’ quarts of draft beer, find a place to drink them and then go hang on the av’ or off in one of the parks until the cops came and chased us. After a while we had cars, 53 chevys and the like, and we’d cruise the Av’ – do the circuit, turn up the tunes to 120 decibels, turn on tune it and drop out.
    I don’t know how we never got busted with all the smoke pouring out of the car window whenever a cop would pull us over or knock on the window to ask – what are you boys doing parked here.
    Well so much for Kearny…little by little everyone grew up and moved on and or away with their lives. Although I guess some of the old timers are still there.
    I still get a charge whenever I’m back that way to just ride down the Av’ and see what’s changed and surprisingly some of what hasn’t after all these years. Imagine that !
    To bad we only get one childhood, but at least we got to spend it in Kearny, I kind of feel sorry for all the other people in the world who had to grow up out in some place where they couldn’t even get a decent pizza or hunt rats on a garbage dump.

    Comment by From Kearny — October 16, 2015 @ 6:33 am

  155. Hey, who is that guy on #154? You had to have gone to K.H.S. with me. Remember sitting on the fenders of cars? No one chased you off! Love those memories. Jackie Black, Barbara Hogan, Barbara Toczko, Eileen Clancy, Elaine Kukla, Kathy Arcidiacona, Vinny Schiavo, Owen McKeever, Carol Dam, Kit Elliot etc. etc. etc.

    Comment by Jackie Black — January 1, 2016 @ 10:46 am

  156. Hey jACkIE “sONNY” bLACK–YOU LEFT ME OFF YOUR LIST IN #155

    Comment by betty "chick" savage vamos — January 6, 2016 @ 11:39 am

  157. Hey Jackie, is it ok if I stay anonymous other than to say I graduated in 66. Some of the names you mentioned almost sound familiar but gosh that was 50 years ago.
    And yea we did sit on the fenders of cars and no one chased you except this one guy on our block who just got a brand new car, he was so afraid we’d hit it with a ball or something when we’d play in the street, once we actually did sit up on the front fender and he came running out screaming his head off. Us being your typical bunch of little snot nosed Kearny kids let him know what we thought of him and his stupid car. And of course we made fun of him every time we saw him pulling up in his car, I think we might have even egg’d it for mischief night.
    Speaking of which, do you remember the parade, I think it was a Halloween parade when the mayor got bombard with apples, well that wasn’t me or my friends, (cough cough). boy were they pissed…
    We never missed an opportunity for a good laugh.

    Comment by Kearny Kid — January 11, 2016 @ 12:17 am

  158. I have a unique memory of Kearny that is mentioned briefly in Richie Bonannella’s posting #89. It seems impossible that I stumbled on this site while not even looking for it. In 1964 I met a Kearny native while serving on a Navy destroyer in the Mediterranian, his name was Eddie Warnquist. I had just transferred to the USS Pratt in January that year so I could make a Med Cruise before my discharge in August 64. I was real lonely when I got there, didn’t know anyone. What I missed most was my doo-wop singing group from the previous ship.

    One thing led to another and about halfway across the Atlantic I got introduced to Ed. His nickname was “Wumpy” and he had a singing group of his own aboard the Pratt. But he didn’t know me and figured I wouldn’t be good enough to sing with them.

    Fast Forward to Autumn of 64 when Eddie invited me to come up to Kearny from my home town Philly and sing with his group mentioned by Richie in #89. By then Ed and I were best friends. Well it took a few months but by January of 1965 we were singing at a recording studio in Newark to make Demo records, called ourselves “The Hickorys” because some of the guys lived on Hickory Ave in Kearny. I sang Lead, Tom Crouch sang first Tenor backup, Eddy was 2nd tenor, Al Guidagno was the Baritone and Richie sang Bass! We recorded 4 songs that day: “The Glory of Love”; “The Jones Girl”; “I only Want You” and “Sunday Kind of Love”. A few weeks later we each got two 45 RPM demo records to play for commercial record studios. Believe it or not I still have mine tucked away in a scrapbook, all scratchy now but long ago I had mine cleaned up and digitized. They still have that great 50’s scratchy sound.

    I went back up to Kearny a few more times where we sang live at local bars, can’t remember the name of the one bar but it was on Kearny Ave – Local boys making good. I think they had those demos on the jukebox there too, everyone in the crowd seemed to recognize them.

    Sadly I couldn’t stay with the “Hickorys”, Florida was calling. But I remember Kearny vividly. I am an old man now, 72. But every once and a while I go to the Mp3 player and turn back the clock to Kearny New Jersey, 1965. I will never forget that town. Thank you for bearing with my superlong story, it is a love song for Kearny.

    If anyone would like to email in reply to this tale, the address name to send to is “John Horn” the actual address is . Yeah, I play sax too, and had my name legally changed in 1982. Way back then I was John Hershey but no more. Now its John Lyden. Thanks for listening.
    JL

    Comment by John Lyden — January 25, 2016 @ 1:35 am

  159. Born in 1938, lived at the SW corner of Oakwood and Hickory until the end of 1941, when we moved to 100 Stewart Ave., where I stayed until I was married in February, 1959. My mother lived there another 10 years until she passed away. Went to St. Stephen Grammar, then Queen of Peace, graduating in 1956.

    Walked to school in the morning, then home for lunch, back to school and home again at dismissal. Parents did not drive their kids to school in those days.

    I remember well walking to Thompsons Ice Cream down by the Regent Theater for cones on summer evenings, Schroeders Bakery on Kearny Ave. for rolls and pastries after Sunday Mass, Lubmans Pharmacy, the Memorial Day parade and the Holy Name Society parade. I think the Regent burned on Labor Day, 1952 or ’53, I know I wasn’t driving yet when that happened.

    Some of my comtemporaries were Eddy Arowicz, Paul and Walter Schmidt, Bobby Bauers, Richie and Billy Brady, William and John Keegan, Jimmy Anderson, the Thompson brothers, and Gordon Clark.

    Now living in Mooresville, NC, another former mill town with a large Scotch-Irish population, and it’s about the size of Kearny, but with a rapidly growing population due to the Interstate, Lake Norman, and proximity to Charlotte.

    Oh yeah, forgot to mention shooting rats at the dumps and sleigh riding down Stewart Ave.

    Comment by Richard Kenyon — February 29, 2016 @ 3:50 pm

  160. Comment # 73
    Judy, you lived right next to the Keegans, William and John, across from Dr. Harvey, Bruce and Carol We lived right behind Dr. Harvey on Stewart Ave. I well remember your brother, Joel.

    Everyone of you “kids” writing about Nankes, It was Muellers (Mullers) before that.

    Comment by Richard Kenyon — March 1, 2016 @ 10:23 pm

  161. Great place to grow up in The Lithuanian Catholic Community Center on Davis Avenue ,West Hudson Park and Our Lady of Sorrows Church.

    Comment by Joseph Svirnelis — July 11, 2016 @ 7:35 pm

  162. grew up in North Arlington but grandparents lived on Chestnut Street in Kearny
    Love all these memories – I worked at Nankees from 1963-1970- part time and especially for the chocolate bonanza at easter…….still good friends with Dennis and Jane Egan of Egans Restaurant fame………..still go to Argyle Fish and Chips when up there from Charlotte -what a great place to grow up in

    Comment by jan brown — January 23, 2017 @ 5:32 pm

  163. The Thistle moved to Lyndhurst
    Fios news did a story on TV on St Patrick’s night
    As a matter of fact it was rebroadcast last night
    4/22.
    Does anyone have pictures of Lyle’s?
    My aunt who just died last week and Uncle
    had their wedding reception there in 1958

    Comment by Lucille Annunziata — April 23, 2018 @ 10:27 pm

  164. Regarding post number 89 and 188 I just wanted to say Eddie work with was my dad. I remember going to watch him play in the band as a kid when he played in Kearney. John I remember your name as John Hershey if you still had that demo I would love to get a copy my dad passed away in 1997 from throat cancer he couldn’t speak for the last six months of his life and it would be great to hear his voice again you can reach me at the email above Desiree Romeo at gmail.com thanks in advance

    Comment by Desarie Romeo. Nee Warnquist — May 4, 2018 @ 7:57 am

  165. To John Lyden, Eddie Warnquist is my uncle. He passed away several years ago but my cousin Des (his daughter) and I would love to get in touch with you. Des grew up in Kearny as well. I did not but spent a ton of time there!!

    Comment by Kara — May 4, 2018 @ 8:47 am

  166. I remember the Kenyons living behind the Harveys. Only correction: Joel was my father. Richard is my brother.

    Comment by Judy Harrison — October 10, 2018 @ 7:16 pm

  167. Like Phyllis from in Post 146 I graduated from KHS in 1959. I am A Kearny original – my grandparents lived there before me. I lived for a while on Wilson Avenue and the grew up at the corner of Oakwood Avenue a Forest Street a block from the KHS field in a tiny apartment recently vacated by my grandparents Aaron and Rebecca Postman. I split my time now between Closter NJ and Oyster Point NC. I went to Emerson Elementary School — gone a long time and Lincoln High School. I particularly remember my Fifth Grade teacher Miss Stendel, she would have hated being called Ms., and my junior high English teacher Miss Anderson. They were never to know the difference they made in my life. I was a football player and debater in high school when I spent a lot of time riding the 39 bus to the Newark Y and I kept pretty much to myself. I do have a lot of mainly pleasant memories of Kearny and its interesting Scots/Irish makeup — As a child a thought Bonnie Prince Charlie was an American National hero. I have been back quite a few times and much of the small word I lived in has not changed — Ragovans confectionary on Davis Avenue has been ‘gone for many many decades and the last time I looked Malone’s meat market was boarded up. I think the fence around the playground just across from Emerson School must be the same one I sliced my finger open as a kid and all the places I used to stop on my way to and from school seem the same. I was in the library about five years ago and the “children’s” section seems unchanged from the one I spent so much time in. The cement high school stand seem the same as the ones I used to watch Alex Webster from and the visiting stands may be the same ones my wife first unknowingly saw me from four years before I met her in person. And Gunnell Obal seemed unchanged when I watched my oldest son plan soccer there some years ago. It doesn’t get more full circle than that.
    rpostman@earthlink.net

    Comment by Bob Postman — November 27, 2018 @ 6:34 pm

  168. Greetings from the White River valley route 100 GranVille Vermont, My Grandparents on Dad’s side lived in both Kearny then North Arlington, and ‘the Pike’ was where I spent many times, the Ridge road and Kearny Avenue,
    My Dad was career Sailor then Army so NA was the stop off point each time the Bases changed, Three brothers and I each born on the west and east coasts on Navy bases, the longest we lived in one place was Munich Germany for seven years, crossed the country so many times yet Jersey was always the start and finish line on each move our family made,
    I joined the Marines Thanksgiving 66, and in January 0f 67 the Marines had me for the next four years, where does one go when the enlistment is up. California where I was born and lived five different times, or Texas maybe, nah, seems my home of record waa the Gramma’s,
    I spent my twenties in the same area, till I moved west to the highlands of route 206, just north of 80, I found NJ getting crowded and left in Jan05 for a quieter life, Here at the FraggleRock5243
    Memories are for sharing, and places to visit are never far from there to where, visit the page for pictures of life away from the suburb city the yellow zone on any map to the Green Mountains of Vermont, Happy Trails

    Comment by Jimi Lormand — May 4, 2020 @ 9:17 pm

  169. Lived around the corner from Bright spot on elm st ,and yes,the best fries I’ve ever tasted.Can only be compared to a bag of fries from up the street,at Chicken galore, thnx

    Pete Galladay

    Comment by Pete G — July 10, 2020 @ 9:25 pm

  170. Wow, so many great comments! I was born in Newark and first lived in Kearny in the barracks on Washington Av for returning soldiers and their families next to the tracks by the Arlington Station. As a little girl, I can remember crossing the tracks with friends and walking down to River Road where there was a small penny candy store near the orphanage. There were four barracks buildings each accommodating three separate families. Lots of post war kids around! And Eddie, the Italian Ice truck driver, would swing by every night in season, as would the Good Humor truck. I went to Roosevelt School, the old Lincoln, and Kearny HS ’65. Went on a bird walk with Mrs. Zink in the 4th grade to Branch Brook Park. We moved to Rutherford Place and Seeley Av when I was 10, and going to the Manor playground was sheer heaven. Yes, there was virtually no time for lunch when walking home from Lincoln. I remember the cage at KHS and the enormous stands at the football stadium. The view of NYC was amazing from the top. Was a twirler with the plaid kilt, white spats and black velvet jacket and Miss Killough was the faculty advisor. The twirlers went to every football game and the Halloween parade. Sean McGonnigal was a distinguished presence at Kearny parades. Mrs. Hanold took us to the 1964 Worlds Fair three times. We’d ask, “Oh, please can we go again?” and she’d laugh and say, “Oh, ok,” and reserve a bus. Sometimes as KHS seniors we’d press our luck at lunch and drive all the way to Rutts (for a “Ripper”) or Stewart’s, or just walk to the sandwhich shop on Kearny Av near the library where the waitress always asked, “What’s yours, Sis?” Tailor ham, then to the Scottish Bakery for an Empire cookie. In high school, I’d take the 39 bus down the Av and when it was time to get off, someone would say, “Give me Liberty or give me Halstead.” Nothing was more fun than getting in a car and taking the Av with friends and laying on the horn after a football game, from Nanke’s to the high school and back. Also, walking the halls at KHS before classes was a great memory, among many, of a more innocent time.

    Comment by Laurie — November 15, 2020 @ 1:27 am

  171. Comment #159 – My family bought the house on 100 Stewart Avenue in 1969 (I guess off of your family). Lived there until the early 90’s. Great house and great town

    Comment by Tom M — November 2, 2022 @ 3:34 pm

  172. I worked at Lyle’s Restaurant in Kearny during my college years in the 70s as a dishwasher and busboy. My family went there on holidays sometimes. We loved their boneless fried chicken filet.

    Comment by LJ Thomas — January 22, 2023 @ 10:19 am

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