Greenpoint Photo Du Jour: Ellis G.

March 29, 2010 ·
Filed under: 11222, Greenpoint, Greenpoint Brooklyn, Greenpoint Magic 

From Leonard Street.

Miss Heather

New York Shitty Day Starter: Bless Yourself

March 7, 2010 ·
Filed under: 11211, Street Art, Williamsburg, Williamsburg Brooklyn 

From Leonard Street.

Miss Heather

Spotted On Meeker Avenue: Tears

February 28, 2010 ·
Filed under: 11211, Williamsburg, Williamsburg Brooklyn 

When I saw this billboard (which hails from Leonard Street and Meeker Avenue) I smelled a rat. Sure enough, when I got home and looked up the url my suspicions were confirmed. I understand all to well that everyone needs to make a living. But— and this is a big BUT— given the sheer quantity of illegal advertising (foremost among them billboards) I have seen in north Brooklyn over the years I find it a bit difficult to be sympathetic to these people’s plight.

Besides, how many billboards spreading the good news about surgery-free hemorrhoid treatment (replete with a graphic of a prostate gland, no less) does our fair city require? Really?

Miss Heather

From The New York Shitty Inbox: A Correction— and a Nifty Link!

January 1, 2010 ·
Filed under: 11222, Greenpoint, Greenpoint Brooklyn, Greenpoint Magic 

PLAVras

Some of you have brought it to my attention that this post has certain, how should we say, discrepancies. Although I do my best to thoroughly pick over my posts before I publish them, the fact of the matter is sometimes (especially when I am busy— and busy I have been) I do make mistakes. For this reason I am very grateful when folks speak up to set the record straight. One such person to do so is a gentleman named Philip. He is the historian for the St. Stanislaus American Legion Post 1771. He writes:

Heather,

The picture I have attached is from the New York Public Library Digital. It is picture of PS 59 as it appeared in 1931. It never has been an American Legion Post. The P.L.A.V. Is a national polish war veterans  association. They still exist 535 – 539 Leonard Street was George Washington Post #3.

St. Stanislaus Memorial American Legion Post 1771 never occupied the building . The Post was chartered in September 1949, the first meetings being held of the club rooms of St. Stanislaus Kostka located at 10 Newel Street. They eventually held meetings in the democratic club above the old Winthrop Theater located at 135 Driggs Avenue, which is now an Associated Supermarket. From there they moved down the block to Driggs Avenue and North Henry Street and occupied the building until the 1960’s. After Oakland St. (McGuinness Blvd) was widened they purchased the lot where the Slovak credit Union is now located. In 1996 – 97 the Post sold the building to them and in 1999 relocated to 519 Leonard Street which was the Knights Of Columbus Fidelity Council. 519 Leonard Street started out as an Italian protestant church in 1900, the building is about 110 years old.

By the way I spoke to a real estate rep in May of this year and the PLAV had an asking price of over 1 million for the property.

If you want to see more on the post we have web site. The photo album has over 6,000 pictures from the past 60 years. The post history section contains newspaper articles from the Garden Spot News, Greenpoint Star and the Greenpoint Gazette.

I have casually glanced through St. Stans Post 1771’s photo albums. Even if you are not into military history there are some really neat items to be found in this online archive. Among my personal faves are these undated images from the Pulaski Day Parade and these images from their 1979 Valentine’s Day dance. If you’re looking for something to while away this overcast New Year’s Day give this wonderful resource a look-see. It’s really neat!

Miss Heather

Quicklink: Leonard Street Slice

December 30, 2009 ·
Filed under: 11222, Greenpoint, Greenpoint Brooklyn, Greenpoint Magic 

sliceTHUMBThis week my buddy Kevin at Forgotten New York regales us with a slice from none other than the Garden Spot of the Universe! He writes:

When Christmas comes around, my thoughts sometimes wander toward Greenpoint. I have many memories from when I was in my twenties concerning the Garden Spot of the Universe. I once accepted the keys for but never lived in an apartment on Green Street that was outfitted with a single electrical outlet and a bath tub in the kitchen…

Of particular interest to Mr. Walsh is the building you see at left: the Polish Legion of American Veterans. The following should give you, dear readers, some indication why.

plavNYS

Of this establishment my buddy Laura Hofmann reminisces:

This is the old American Legion. The first time it was located on Leonard St. Then it moved to McGuinness Blvd and now is back again on Leonard a few doors away from their old address…The American Legion parade used to start here, on Leonard St. in front of the post with the 21 gun salute.

amercianlegion

You can read Kevin’s slice in its entirety by clicking here. Check it out!

Miss Heather

Photo Credits: the old images of P.L.A.V. courtesy of yours truly. The news come from Kevin Walsh!

An East Williamsburg PSA: To Who(m) It May Concern

October 20, 2009 ·
Filed under: 11206, Dog Shit Signage, East Williamsburg, East Williamsburg Brooklyn 

phooch

To who it may concern & you know who you ARE! There is a LAW prohibiting depositing you dog’s PHOOch! in trash cans other than your OWN. Sence there is a consistant ingonrance of this ON your behalf, I feel obligated to apprise you, this area will be under electronic watch. So when you are charged for violating the law you cannot claim ignorance of it!

So there!

Miss Heather

New York Shitty Day Ender: Greenpoint Public Library Bake/Book Sale

October 18, 2009 ·
Filed under: 11222, Greenpoint, Greenpoint Brooklyn, Greenpoint Magic 

BPL

This is a quick reminder that Greenpoint’s very own public library will be having a “Book & Bake Sale” this upcoming Saturday, October 24, starting at 1:00 p.m. A buck for paperbacks and two bucks for hardcovers is hard to beat! What’s more, you’ll be supporting a very worthy cause.

Book & Bake Sale
October 24, 2009 starting at 1:00 p.m.
Greenpoint Branch of the Brooklyn Public Library
107 Norman Avenue
Brooklyn, New York 11222

If you have been meaning to donate books (as I have) or baked goods (I’m am doing everyone a favor by refraining) to this cause it’s time to get moving!

Miss Heather

P.S.: Those of you who want to become a friend of the Greenpoint Public Library can get the ball rolling by contacting their Friends Coordinator at (718) 230-2406.

Greenpoint Slide Show du Jour: Creepy Cavalcade!

October 18, 2009 ·
Filed under: 11222, Greenpoint, Greenpoint Brooklyn, Greenpoint Magic 

devilgoose

As All Hallow’s Eve draws closer Greenpoint keeps getting more and more ghoulish (like this goose I found on Noble Street). Follows are some highlights from my sojourn around the neighborhood today. Enjoy!

648 Humboldt Street didn’t disappoint. However, I am concerned about the absence of the demonic clowns. They’re my favorite (after the Humboldt Hurler). But we have thirteen days to go…

Miss Heather

New York Shitty Day Starter: Summer Love

East 20 Street, Manhattan, 10010

dou

North 1 Street, Brooklyn, 11211

lovelight

Leonard Street, Brooklyn, 11222

emily

Miss Heather

New & Noteworthy: Meeker Avenue Chic

August 25, 2009 ·
Filed under: 11211, Williamsburg, Williamsburg Brooklyn 

leonard street

I happened upon this as I was walking down Leonard Street towards Meeker Avenue. They were busy painting the interior a sunny shade of yellow.

meekerave

As you can see no expense has been spared on advertising.

USAnys

Yup.

718302flea

I have no word on when this will open, but here are their business hours.

Meeker Avenue Flea Market
Opening Date: TBA
Location: Meeker Avenue and Leonard Street, Brooklyn, New York, 11211

Miss Heather

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