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Hi from Berkeley, California — Brooklynian

Hi from Berkeley, California

berkeleybob
berkeleybob
edited November -1 in Crown Heights/Prospect Lefferts Gardens
Hi to everyone on this board. I came here via the Sunday Times. I was reading about Park Slope and a checked out the link to this blog.
I have a very long history in Crown Heights. My grandfather owned a 3 story building on Sterling Place between Franklin and Bedford. that he bought probably around 1915 and it was where my mother grew up and I played as a child. I have strong memories of the building and my grandparents apt, and playing outside. I remember the Studebaker showroom and Lohmen's. My mother just loved the neighborhood. She use to tell me about the Gardens, Prospect Park, Ebbets Field, and how much she loved Erasmus. When my grandfather passed in 1961 my parents sold the building.
It was very interesting reading the various posts.
I have been in CA. since the early 70's. From what I have read the area has gone through some incredible times since my family left the street.
I am interested in any info on what Sterling Place is like now and any past history that anyone can share.
The next time I am in Brooklyn I will check out the old neighborhood.
Cheers,
Bob

Comments

  • won't ub my nabor
    won't ub my nabor
    It would probably take a book to describe the transition and transformation of Sterling Place (and Crown Heights more generally)over the years. However, as they say, a picture is worth a thousand words.

    Then:
    http://www.brooklynpix.com/catalog30bk.php?locality_no=11251 http://www.brooklynpix.com/catalog18bk.php?locality_no=11252

    Now:
    http://www.citizensnyc.org/projects/crown_heights_photography_project.html

    I came across the "Then" links a couple of nights ago while searching for old photos of the neighborhood. The "Now" link is from the Crown Heights Photography Project, which someone posted about a while ago. I had the pleasure of checking it out the other day.
  • kenieva
    kenieva
    wow, thanks for the link, it's great! There is an awesome picture of the Park Place shuttle station. It's funny to see that the station itself used to be over the bridge!
  • margie
    margie
    Hi Bob,

    I lived on that street and live around the corner now. The Loehmann's store is now a church -- and still a very beautiful building, inside and out. The Studebaker showroom is now an apartment building.

    Best,
    M
  • berkeleybob
    berkeleybob
    Hi Margie,
    I have so many deeply intense feelings about Sterling Place. So much family history. Can you give me an indication of what the vibe is like. Are people generally friendly? I know it became dangerous when we left in 1961. We left because my grandfather had a business on Sterling and became a victim of armed robberies and he died as result of the last one. My memories of playing on the street in 61 was that it was totally safe and peaceful but I guess after dark it could be dangerous.
    From reading the various threads, seems that there was a lot of drug dealing on Franklin but its getting better now.
    Regards,
    Bob
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