I grew up between Union City and Jersey City throughout my entire life, as did most of my family since the 80s. Jersey City was the hangout spot and it was always home. Every time my dad and I are in the car and driving through the city, he tells me stories of the old JC – where he used to hang out, what buildings used to be here, how long certain businesses have been around, everything.
We recently asked all of you on social media what your experiences in Jersey City were like as natives or long-time residents, and what we read was incredible.
My 86 year old Grandfather, Bernard Safner, was born and raised in Bayonne. He hung out a lot in Jersey City growing up, so it’s like things have come full circle now that I live here. After reading this post, I called him. He said he used to love seeing shows at the Stanley Theater in Journal Square. He loved the restaurants Robison’s (also in JSQ) Ilvento’s restaurant on West Side Ave (now a school) and White Mana Hamburgers (where girls on roller skates brought out your meals and you could get a steak sandwich for 30 cents). He was also a multi-instrumentalist who would perform shows at Casino in the Park and the Ukrainian Center on Fleet St. He played a huge New Year’s Eve show there. I think my Grandpa really enjoyed reminiscing with me, so thank you! Keep up all the good work! – Danielle H
The Flamingo Diner! – Janet B.
Going to the theatre in Journal Square and playing video games in the lobby before watching a movie :) This was in the late 80s/early 90s. – Jen R.
When I was a kid my parents and their friends built a shack down Greene St to hang out in. They built it right around a phone booth so they could get phone calls there. A lot of people had shacks down there that they lived in all year round. My parents and their friends used it as a hang out, but they had a boat ramp and we used to fish and crab down there. – Carrie K.
There used to be a supermarket called Foodmart International, where Target is currently located in downtown. I loved shopping there as it used to be opened 24 hours. A variety of international food items. They had a huge sea food section. Before Foodmart, there used to be a Bradlees Dept. Store. – Devika B.
Monteleone’s bakery on Newark Ave, Laicos restaurant on Terhune, b/s-ing at Gary’s Sweet Shop… All still around! The hangout spot was Colgate when it was crack vials, not buildings, and a memory was a bullet hole through the passenger door lodged in the glove box. – Michael C.
Grew up Downtown but Journal Square was the hang out. Liss Drugstore, Blimpie on Bergen Ave, and the Canton… Danny Mac shoes, Rags to Riches, Cara Carson for dress wear. Excel Restaurant, now Hudson County Community College. Great times. Walked from downtown Library on Jersey Avenue to do homework, then to Journal Square. Nobody bothered you. 60s, 70s, it was safe, clean, and everybody left their doors open. Hung out on stoops and boys played stick ball… all good fun. – Jeannie P.
I am 65yrs young :D I was born and raised in Jersey City. I have wonderful memories of going to double features on Saturdays at the Loews, State, or Stanley theater and eating hot dogs at Boulevard Drinks. Still best hot dogs around. – Richard G.
Man, I could tell endless stories about growing up in Jersey City. I’m currently working on getting my photography book self-published about growing up in JC and showcasing which spots I grew up with that’s no longer around. An example of this is the current restaurant Marco and Pepe on Mercer Street across from City Hall. Growing up between Wayne and Grove Street, it used to be a bodega. My mom and I used to go there almost every morning before school. Sometimes I would get my school supplies there. If you really want good JC stories, you should talk to my grandfather. He’s been living in JC since the late 1950s when he moved there from Puerto Rico. He was a bus driver for the Montgomery/West Side line for 30+ years before retiring. – Angel O
I love going to grab lunch at Second Street Deli. Then, hanging out in front of Holy Rosary Church. At the time, Newport Mall wasn’t around and we would walk past the Colgate and Palmolive factories. Those were the days! – Graciela C.
Those 5th street buildings for Villa Borinquen used to just be a parking lot, and that’s where we would play baseball. On the train tracks next to that, we used to walk through to the Hudson River before Newport Mall even opened up. There used to be a famous bodega, Morales, right on Erie between 3rd and 4th streets. Every kid would go there to get candy. Now it’s Prato Bakery. The apartments across from Cordero on Erie St used to be Saint Francis Hospital. My dad got his kidney stones removed there when I was a kid. The Beacon apartments used to Jersey City Medical Center. Frank’s Pizzeria was the best. 75 cent slices. By PS No 5, the used to be a Newark Ave. Diner. Now it’s a Mill Rocks building for apartments. The Burger King by the Holland Tunnel used to be an Arby’s. I could go on for years! – Rudy P.
Tippy’s on Blvd. Ilventos Italian restaurant on west side ave in Marion section and ALS diner on Communipaw ave to name a few. Growing up in JC Marion section was the best part of my childhood. I miss it dearly. Hanging out at Craven point and the rocks and by Colgate. Hung out behind Toys R Us all the time also on RT 440. I can go on for hours lol – @teknicktion
Duncan Hardware, Jersey City Bagel Company, Carmine’s, Monaghan’s, Sterling Delicatessen, Jule’s (3 locations as it grew), Holy Name Cemetery all within a block of my boyhood home at Fairmount and West Side! – @spiritjc
Tippy’s for sure!!! I think there was a diner near Buster Brown on Central Ave, maybe named Dinos, that my mom used to bring me to. Anyone know what I’m talking about? – @jmp1127
I used to love the Sports Page on Central Ave – @jcalderonrealtor
Slyvette’s undergarment store in Journal Square! I used to go with my grandma on weekends. The glove shop also in Journal Square. Kay Finlay jewelry store is where I got my first set of gold earrings!!! Who can forget the State Theatre!!! Stan’s Record Store! Mike’s Butcher Shop on JFK Blvd with the sawdust on the floor!! Lol And my moms favorite, the Ice Cream Shop Brummers that was located on the Junction!! Canton Chinese Restaurant!! It was so fancy as a kid! Before, Chinese restaurants were on every corner! Also had good times there in my teens when they started to give parties lol – @simplyc3
Hanging at Benmores Skating Rink on Communipaw Ave. the Original BT on Communipaw across from McDonald’s. Jules had the best baked ziti and sausage on the planet! China Garden on west side ave, Dairy Queen on West Side Ave. Getting my school clothes from Heirs Men’s shop. Every kid got their first shoes from Imperials. I grew up on Clendenny Avenue between West Side and the Boulevard. Great memories! – @recoveringfatboy
Pershing field skating rink before it had a cover, going to the movies at the Loew’s or State theater, Tippy’s on the Boulevard, in the Heights getting your clothes at Macabre on Central ave, shopping at Woolworth’s on Central with moms, walking by Silvers toy store on Central Ave wishing I had money for a toy lol – @jsaittachilltown
Movie houses in every neighborhood. The Strand, Cameo, The Pix just to name a few. 16 cents on Saturday. Double feature. 15 cartoons plus so much more. The manager checking to make sure you weren’t chewing gum. Lol Good times. – @carol.bullock
I miss playing in Lincoln Park and hanging out in it. –@alana_reo
No pizza better than Ilvento’s! The Candy Emporium in Hudson Mall. All the neighborhood stores in Marion: my family’s grocery/butcher, Neil’s on Wallis Ave.; Frank’s; Zak’s; Bernie’s; Henry’s, which became Fred’s. Getting ready for The Feast (Mt. Carmel back in the day!). Actors’ Factory shows, where I cut my teach as a performer. I could go on and on! – @susmurphy
Tippys in the Heights. Eagle Beef and chinos from Kings on Central Ave. Hanging out at Millers slaughterhouse on Secaucus Rd. – @kevink1964
I was brought up in the Greenville section, College Street. In recent years, sold my parents home. So I have seen lots of changes. Found memories of the movie theaters, Myers Ice Cream Parlor, Wenton’s Shoes, Paris Bakery, Lee Sims all on Bergen Ave. – @bonbonheyhey
Over the State theater, there was a Dancing School called Masters of Art – @lorettalowdown
Lincoln Park for sure! Behind P.S. #17 on Duncan Ave to watch the guys play basketball. Lee Sims to buy chocolate lollipops. There was a dance studio above state theater where I took tap dancing lessons, Pink & Blue where my mom used to buy me clothes as a little girl, and then as a teen Joyce Leslie and Strawberry. Before Newport Mall became the spot, and then in my 20’s, Foxes on St. Paul Ave. I can go on and on….. now I feel nostalgic :( Oh and that Pizza place right out of the path station. There was an Italian guy with a toothpick in his mouth ALL the time. – @jerseybelle_1002
Mussie’s Pants throwback of Jackson Ave and King’s Son been on Central Ave still around now for 70+ years. – @shaynaro5e
Joyce Leslie in Journal Square, I went to Ferris HS so walking to Tommy’s in Jersey Ave for lunch, Woolworth’s on Newark Ave, Foxes night club, the Shop Rite on Christopher Columbus (railroad) Dr – @_albania_20
Playing every sport on the block while calling out “CAR!” Getting pickup games at Lincoln Park. Wasting whatever money you could scrounge up getting quarter drinks, icee’s and chips at the bodega. Ducking out on pink bike gangs (you’re always outnumbered). Renting the newest titles at Mac’s video store. Going to Good Times arcade at Hudson Mall on Fridays. Few years later *eye roll* hanging out at the fountain at Newport. Hanging out on the block. Getting late night eats at Al’s Diner or the Colonette diner. Getting massive pizza slices at Romano’s for $1 or garlic knot runs at Vinnie’s 3. Sometimes trekking out to the heights for Rumba’s and their daily specials. The list goes on. – grew up in the Lincoln Park area Gautier side – @iviarc0
Gino’s Chicken in Journal Square was the best when I was a kid. They would put Popeye’s and KFC to shame. – @shawniedst3
One of the carhops that worked on roller skates at the white manna on Manhattan ave., also worked as a chorus girl in the Hudson burlesque . I was 17 years old, and had my first ever dance with her at Jerry Sheen’s beach house in Keansburg. I won’t name her, but she later opened Redheads In Hoboken. Going to the movies at Journal Square, meant sneaking in, either climbing on the roof of the Stanley to get in, or side dooring it. I worked in 56, and 57 as a pot washer in Monteleon’s , when the Verga’s leased it from the Monteleon’s .The only thing better then their cakes and pastries, were them two families.
Rosebud
Jersey City born.
The greatest place in the world to grow up.
I also grew up in Greenville Section of JC. I remember Martin’s Bakery on Ocean Avenue, the best cream donuts, jelly too! Loui’s Hamburgers also on Ocean. How about Shultz clothing down on Ocean…hated when mom dragged us there! Pessins Toys and Murrays! Frumpkins on Ocean with those godawful orange plastic window shades and woodend floors. Not much of interest inside….Nasto’s Fruits and Vegetables? Nice memories. My friend and I would take the Ocean Avenue bus to Journal Square and for fun come home on the Central Avenue or Bergen Avenue lines….two 9 year old kids…travelling the buses of JC without parents!! OMG….it was such a simple time…miss it much
One of my most awesome memories was my sister and I being taken to the Loew’s Theater around 1960 by my Uncle Denis and Aunt Clara Hayes to See Jerry Lewis live onstage. Last August I visited New Jersey with my wife, Elizabeth and we were in Jersey with Uncle Denis and Aunt Clara the day when Jerry passed. We live in Reno Nevada now but i still like to come here and visit when i can.
Ah… where do I begin? Best times of my life in JC in the 70’s: Attended St. Anne’s Catholic School in the Heights. Will never forget Sister Helen’s “steel” index finger pointing into your chest. Also, looked forward to their annual festival all year. Tippy’s (Want a tip? Go to Tippy’s) — I still dream about those burgers! Kay Finley had the best stuff. I got a Speidel bracelet from there that I never wanted to take off. Vinnie’s Pizza on the Blvd… the lasagna was a special treat for my family and me. The Hudson Mall… I met Burt Ward there (Robin from the original TV series “Batman”) when he made a special appearance to sign autographs. Wish I still had mine. I also remember buying shoes from Tom McCan in the Mall (who remembers the “Exersole”? I loved mine!). All the stores on Central Ave were the best… I loved buying my wrestling magazines from a big newsstand store there (I don’t remember the name). The memories are flooding in…
I only lived in jersey city till I was 16, then moved to delaware for my dads work. We lived on palisades ave. Kniests was right across the street where they had a big case of penny candy where we would pick out what we wanted to take back to school with us after we walked home for lunch. I went to St. Paul of the cross from 1963-1971. Played at Washington park and bowers street park. I remember going to tippy’s, riding the bus to journal square. My mom taking us to see movies at Lowe’s. Climbing the rocks at bowers st. There was a big pavilion near the basketball courts. I remember a truck with an amusement park ride on the back coming around in the summer. There was a doughnut truck that came around at night with fresh jelly doughnuts. I helped deliver milk to houses. I had a paper route. PS 8 & PS 28. There was an ice cream place across from Dickinson high, that’s where my mom went to school. I remember my mom taking us to central ave and all the stores along the way. Nothing better than Myers soft serve. That was after having a Blimpie for lunch. I remember recess at the basketball courts down the street from St. Paul of the cross church. In the summer all the neighbors were out on the front steps. My grandfather used to take me on the bus and the subway just for fun. And the circle line. I miss those times, the culture and the seemingly easier, safer life that went with it.
I was born & raised in JC and grew up in the 60’s & 70’s around the corner from Hudson Catholic HS and down the block from St. Peters College (Boland St to be precise) I wish so much to return to those carefree and innocent days of my youth. Thanks for doing this site as it brings back a lot of fond memories. CA
I grew up on Fairnount Ave, corner of Britton St. went to St Aedans, 1st thru 8th grades..
Loved that school, loved the kids I went to school with and hung out with. So many many fond memories…..
I grew up in jc.. it was the greatest place to grow up. Went to lincoln high school.My father owned a jewelry store on bergen square right off journal square. People tell me my parents got their wedding rings there they put it on lay away till paid off..Nelmor jewelrs was known all over. Loved the square on yourbirthday you got a free sunday.. You could take a bus to new york at ayoung age we had freedom from our parents to grow and explore on our own and become independent..Every Tuesday night we hung out at the y on bergen avenue outside and just talked hundreds of kids even in the rain and snow..
As a Lincoln High student, I ate lunch daily at Thode’s on Monticello. On St. Patrick’s Day there was a parade ending at the armory on Montgomery where you could buy a pitcher for a dollar which was then filled with beer, regardless of age. Going to Charcoal Treat on 440 was a great way to end a night and run into lots of friends. Besides the 3 movie theaters at Journal Square there was the Pix at Montgomery Square that showed films that were not from the major studios.
I loved JC grew up going to the Roosevelt Drive in theater,eating French fries and Gravy at Liss Drug store they had a little restaurant in the back…loved buying my make up there I always remember the lady at the counter being so helpful. The Oyster Bay on Bergen Ave we went there to dance on weds night’s and Sunday night’s remember seeing Captain Hook and the Medicine Show there and the Duprees …foxes used to be The Off Track Lounge…so many. Memories and great times never worried about being out late and walking no one ever bothered us would take those days back in a heartbeat
Born and raised in Jersey City. Rember a diner the Western on Newark Avenue by Palace drug store and a theater that was there. Then became Capri lounge.
I grew up in the Marion section of Jersey City from the 1950’s, Marion Gardens was really good place to live back then. Journal Square was the place to shop, Danny Mack’s for shoes, Liss Drugs Store for ice cream sodas. I walked from one part of JC with no problems. Things have changed in JC but not for us old times who would like to live there.
Hello Alexandria
I grew up in Jersey City. My Father and his family owned Schiavo’s Bar and Grill for many many years. It was located on Monticello Avenue and Orchard Street.
My memories are of a happy childhood and wonderful life of growing up in Jersey City.
Meyers Ice Cream Shop
Pesin’s for clothing
Stanley Theatre
State Theatre
St. Aedan’s grammar school
Canton Chinese Restaurant
Woolworths
The Armory and the many parades on holidays
Shopping in downtown Jersey City’s Italian markets with my Grandmother
Waiting for Fabian to appear on McGinley Square and all us girls being hosed down
And so so so much more!
Rosanne Schiavo Brooks
As a kid in the 60s, we would take the #2 bus from Secaucus to the Square. Maybe a movie at the Loews or the Stanley or the State. Then eating at the Canton or the Jade. Maybe just a snack at Cosmos Diner. Pick up some things at Liss Drug Store. Wonderful days.
Born on Clerk st in 1948. Went to St. Pat’s church and school. Playing stick ball , dodging the traffic, roller skating on cracked sidewalks, climbing “the bridge,” walking with Gram to get a vanilla ice cream soda.
Crying hysterically when we moved away, I was 10yrs old, but, it’s still my home.
Lovely memories from a Lovely Jersey City Lady.
Grew up on Summit Ave, one block from Grand St, the late 40’s -50’s. the Tivele theatre on Communipaw. The Stanley, Lowe’s and State. The Monticello theatre, Went to Saint Patrick grammar school Lincoln HS. Everyone went to Brummers. My grandmother and grandfather lived downtown, Sixth St. My mother is the oldest of 13 Sullivan’s. Still here 103
Jersey City, sigh… reminiscing about JC is a flood of memories so hard to contain… riding my bike on Kennedy Boulevard between Stuyvesant and dekalb, getting a soda and chips for 75 cents at Stuyvesant liquors, playing manhunt on Stuyvesant street, going to PS 11 , Evelyn the caring crossing guard, Canton, King Donuts, Two Brothers from Italy (or was it Two Guys from Italy?) pizza at the Path, basketball at ps 11, handball on rock street, football at the parking lot where the courts now sit on in Sip … biking, bussing, exploring everywhere… I grew up in Journal Square and then later in the heights , first summer job at White Mana. Academic HS when we were at a Ukrainian school on Bentley… magical times!!!! McDonald’s Journal square, Ginos, boulevard drinks ( amazing!) …. oh so much more! Best times to grow up in the 80’s and 90’s for Me. We all got along, and if we didn’t… we worked it out and moved on. St Adean”s carnival and mckingley square shoe repair… omg..just scratching the surface here… and always knowing Manhattan was our playground and often our destination!
Great to see and read all the comments. Brought back so many memories. Grew up on Forrest Street off of Jackson Ave. in the 1940’s and 50’s and had a memorable time going up Jackson which used to be a shopping mecca in those times for people who lived in the Greenville section of Jersey City.
played basketball at the piercs club in the hts. little league baseball at wahing ton park, baberuth baseball at pershing field, went to Dickinson h.s.
these were the greateat years of my life, what great memories
Enjoyed this so much. Grew up in Greenville on Armstrong Ave. We to Snyder HS remember ice skating at Roosevelt Stadium and football games. Going Begging for Thanksgiving instead of Trick or Treating. West side Park and Casino in the Park Restaurant. Worked at Medical Center when Seton Hall Medical snd Dental School was there now Rutgers in Newark. Thanks for memories. Check out my book on Amazon No Trick or Treats Jersey City in 50 and 60’s featured in it.
This has been a fun and nostalgic read. Remembering most of the places everyone has mentioned.
Does anyone remember a candy store in Journal Square? Owned by a Jewish family? Was trying to remember the name of it.
Grew up on Tonnelle Ave around the corner from Journal Square. Walking to school (PS11, St John’s (remember Mrs Hlubik?!) and St Dom’s), playing on Garfield Ave, walking to Dairy Queen in the summer with my dad, St Aiden’s carnival, Good Times at the mall, Rocky Horror show on the weekend, Liss drug store and the little restaurant in the back for ice cream sodas, going to Mr Rogers Dance school above the State theatre, taking the Path into the city, VIP restaurant for special dinners, State news for Archie comics and later Tiger Beat magazines. Moved when I was 16 into the suburbs but glad JC is part of my history.
Two addresses in JC – Essex St. and Kennedy Blvd, by the train trestle. Memories of Essex St.-neighbors, jump rope, jacks, stoop ball, roller skating, Sam’s candy store on Washington, St., Hymies & Genaro’s grocery stores on Morris St. with the pickle barrel, the Gamontown Field, St. Peter’s Grammar School/Church, Colgates, where most of the adults worked, the Colgate Clock, the Foundry at the foot of Green St. where we learned to swim and crab, Saint Joseph’s Orphanage, the Whittier House on Grand St. where we had hours of fun after school for only $.10 a year. They even had a bowling alley where you set up your own pins. Uptown, where we moved when I was 10 years old had the CYO on Bergen Ave. with a pool, bowling alley, gym – lots of fun, OLV School/Church was the center of our activities, dances, sacraments, games. We hung out on Ege Ave. & Virginia Ter and Westside Ave. with tons of friends. Riding bikes to Westside Park sitting in the tree by the lake with comic books and lunch. Such a great, safe way to live. Taking buses/trains everywhere. Oh, the memories of Jersey City in the 40s and 50s.
I grew up in Jersey City and I am still here and I am employed here at JCSC now NJCU my how things have changed I grew up on Wegman Parkway greenville section I miss going to Journal Square to Danny Mack shoes my mom and grandma would by my clothes from Pink & Blue, Pumpkin Hill, Lords: Imperial shoes on westside avenue for my school shoes, I went to Lutheran Parochial School which is no longer around and than on to Snyder High school Before there was newport movie theater there was State, Lowes, Pix theater which turned into Outer skates there was McCory’s, Sylveet’s, Kay Finley, Two Guys on 440. Fayva, Thom McCann, I lived around the corner from the homemade candy shop that was on MLK (Jackson Avenue) Brummers at the Juction I could go on and on I miss the old Jersey city the Carnival at Roosevelt Stadium memories
Looking for the name of a 1970s restaurant on sip ave which was located across the street from JSQ bus station entrance. In its place, now, is either chipolte grill or hudson county community college. I worked there as a waiter when I was a 17 yo.
George, I think it was a Jewish restaurant. A glat restaurant. Green sign. That is all I can recall.
Moved to JC in 1973. 15 years old, from Queens NY. Lived on central Avenue, hung out at Rosies candy store by the fire house. Graduated Dickinson in 1975. It was a difficult time for me, trying to fit in in a new place with new people. Different rules all the way around. Used to walk down I think it was Manhattan avenue alongside Pershing field, all the way across Kennedy Blvd to the “meadows “ to go fishing in the ponds there. Some decent sized fish in there too!! BIG snapping turtles as well! Never really found a niche there though. Other than Mr. Ulivella and Eric Jost. High school was tough to deal with.
Growing up in Jersey City Heights was a gift.
Central Ave, all the shops, marilyns, meyers Ice Cream, podowitz, Tilly’s, Eagle Beef, North St Park Pool, St Paul Of The Cross School, friends, family all within blocks, bus to Journal Sq, movies, concerts, White Castle, bus on Palisade right into NYC, ohhh it was great
I loved all the comments and memories of my home town. I was born and raised in JC lived first on Wegman Pkwy till 1945, then moved to West side ave. That is when life began. Loved my cars and hang outs which covered from St.ALS on west side ave to Union Ave dairy gueen also many cruises to Bayonne and Staten Island.
I read all the past comments and a good job was done by all. I still have many that were here and gone from my era. I left Country Village with my wife and 3 daughters in 1977 and moved to Monmouth County and still here so are my daughters and 7 grand children, my wife and I go back to JC about 4 times a year to visit our parents graves. it was nice to find out that JC has some of the best rated restaurants in NJ
I was born at the Margret Hague Maternity Hospital in 1946 and lived in Jersey City until 1974. There was no place in the world like Jersey City. There was always something to do and never a dull moment growing up in the city that had such a strong influence on me. My family lived just around the corner of the Monticello Theater where it only cost 20 cents and 5 cents for a candy bar on Saturday afternoon for a double feature with cartoons and a door prize for the lucky kids who held the winning number in a movie race. Journal Square was the spot to be on a Friday night. Three theaters and a dozen places to eat. Memories are all we have left of those days during the 50s and 60s.
I loved growing up in JC. I was born and raised in the heights. I came from a very big family and married into an even bigger one. We played long and hard. I grew up on the lower block of Manhattan ave. Thanks to facebook I am still n touch with neighbors after moving out 30 years ago. I loved Kay’s nut shop and silvers toy shop. loved having breakfast at Tiffany’s. We rode bikes from sun up to sun down and played bottle caps in the center of the street. I played basketball up in the St. Nicholas lot.
Just me,
Claudia
I grew up on Gifford Avenue in Jersey City hung out in Lincoln Park with all my friends those were the days. 17 grammar School Duncan Avenue. Charlie Budd music mart, ,I swam on the ymca swim team Bergen Ave., those were the days.
George
It was The Excel next to the Hotel Plaza
hooly
born on bright st. jersey city. in my mothers house. remembe free charlot ruth excuse’
the spelling. a. harry moor grammer school.. snyder high school. moved to
Greenville around 10 yrs old. on jackson avenue. at 14 yers old worked in Esposito’s
fruit market . then operated the elavator in the canton tea garden then set bowling
pins in the bowling alley around the corner. hung out in lombardie’s ice- cream
parlor. then migrated to bummers ice-cream parlor. wife as a kid st.pauls then lincoln.
tapped in a kids show in the Tivoli theator. met my lady in brummes. got married moved to danforth ave. than the big move to the jersey shore. miss jersey city have a sister still living there. could do it all over again
PS no mentions of the gangs in jersey city during the fifties.
loafers brummers
outlaws thodes
new look Laffitte
green hornets greenville
.
6-2-2022.
I loved being born and raised in Jersey City from 1959-1981 and moved to MA! Thank you for my beautiful memories! What memories I could share.. so many.. My father, Kevin Enright was a fire captain at JCFD Engine Company, 7 on Summit Avenue and the treasurer of The Jersey City’s Firemen’ Credit Union!
Marybeth Enright
My wife lived on Palisades Avenue, went to Dickenson and loved Danny Macks
Helena Farrell, I remember you, and your father, my chemistry teacher at Snyder HS. I lived on Armstrong Ave to, a few houses up the street from you. Different last name then, of course.
I vaguely remember going around to houses on Armstrong Ave. on Thanksgiving morning and saying “Anything for Thanksgving?” But we definitely did Trick or Treat as well. And I remember when Kennedy Blvd was still called Hudson Blvd. And the yarn store on Jackson Avenue where my grandmother bought yarn for knitting and crocheting.
I grew up in J.C. on Bergen Ave by McKinley square. Whalen’s drug store on the corner, one hour martinizing cleaners and the YMCA close by. Went to St. Adians and then PS 11. High school at Lincoln HS and the friendly disputes with Synder and Dickerson HS students.. Used to walk past the old cemetery on Bergen ave. and Manny, Moe and Jack (PEP boys). Eat lunch at Joe and Lydia’s pizza by Newkirk st. (Lydia was always pregnant). Stopped by big Herbie and Lillian’s deli. Loved the Pix and Stanley theaters (especially the Golden doors at the Stanley using a wire coat hanger to gain entrance-but be careful, the ushers were a mean brunch if they caught you). Remembered 2 Guys from Harrison and E J Korvets at the square. Hot dogs and orange drinks at Nedicks. I took drum lessons from Charlie Budd on west side ave. Used to hand out in Lincoln park and left in 1965 courtesy of the US Military.
I was born in 1940 and spent my life in Jersey city before moving to Roselle, N.J. in 1968. Growing up in J.C. was a great experience. Attended primary school in #26, elementary school.in J.W.Wakeman and high school at Dickinson High on Palisades Avenue and always had lunch at a nearby diner about a block from the school. Unfortunately I couldn’t continue beyond the 9th grade due to an accident during a twister which left me disabled for about a year. However, I went to Drake’s Business School on Bergen Avenue and got my first job at Emerson Electronics. My fondest memories of Jersey City are many. My brothers and friends used to play 5. 10 ringalerio in the street. I recall playing some kind of football on the court house lawn across from a church. Hanging out in an area
known as “the backies”. behind Christ Hospital. Swimming at North Street Pool. Learned how to crochet from a woman in a store on the way home from school. There’s so much more, but I have stuff to do.
Does anyone remember Coney Island Luncheonette at 583 Westside Ave in Jersey City? Does anyone have pictures or stories to tell?
I was born and raised in JC. Went to #9 The Kennedy School and Ferris HS. Grew up in Grand ST. I remember walking to school and crossing by Superstein paint store on Montgomery ST. Going to Shoprite and shopping in Newark Ave with my mom. Going to Twans truck parked under the turnpike for food. I took ballet at a school on Journal Square next to the theater. Going to the hot dog stand on the square. Walking the back way to Liberty State park from Pacific Ave. I remember a small carnival coming to Grand St every year. Eddie’s store next to Pete’s Place Bar.
The Jewish restaurant someone was trying to recall was Greenspans it was behind the State Theater and it did have a greenish exterior. It became Hudson County Community College Culinary Arts School sometime in early 80s.. not sure if it still is.
Wonderful memories. I grew up in the early 70’s…lived on Pavonia Avenue right across from PS 23. Memories:
*Stickball in the PS 23 schoolyard
*Watching grown men playing fast pitch underhand softball in that same school yard
*Discovering there was access to the roof of the school and finding there were nearly 100 or more Spalding rubber balls, Pinky’s, baseballs and softballs…ran back home for my mothers collection of shopping bags to go back and retrieve every “roofed’ ball
*Monteleone’s cannoli’s
*Lowe’s theater (saw Butch Cassidy there)
*State Theater (Must have seen Diamonds are Forever a dozen times)
*Stanley Theater (Song of the South)
*3 guys from Italy (slice & small dixie cup for 35 cents)
*Brach’s Ice cream
*Boulevard Drinks (Best snap hot dogs)
*White Castle (19 cents each)
*Gino’s
*Backwashing 32 oz Pepsi with my friend at Pershing Field
*Crazy Van Wagnen drivers using pavonia, sip ave and romaine avenue as the Indy 500
Spanish stores across from Van Wagnen, where I bought penny candies on the way to ps 23….my friends of color thinking it was perfectly fine to eat ice cream sandwiches, bbq chips with soda on the way to school
*Central Avenu
*Cheap Sams
*Kunath Furniture
*Eagle Beef
*A&P
*Calimax II
*All Stars (buying my first pair of Cons (converse)
Greene’s sporting goods
*UFO pants
*Blimpie on Journal Sq.
*5 Corner’s Bakery
*Tom MCann’s
*John’s Bargain Store
*JM Fields
*2 Guys
*Hot Bagels (west side ave) on the way to Pershing field
*Gino’s 2 burgers and a hot apple pie for $1
*Tackle football in Mt Carmel lot
*The community pool on Pavonia ave when the school year was over
*jobs from the CETA program
*The Government Cheese truck with free packaged ham and cheese sandwich with an apple and juice
*Tippy’s
*Garden State News
*Pix Theater
*Proudly yelling, “First to see the lights go on!”, when we we out playing late at night
*Rand’s Ice cream across from Dickinson High School
*Preferring to walk to DHS and save money from riding the Central ave bus to be able to get a Sicilian slice of pizza
More to come
My father lived in Jersey City for a number of years. His first wife and her parents lived on Old Bergen Road right near Danforth Ave. They owned Eddie’s Delicatessen and lived behind the store. I think the address was in the 200 block of Old Bergen Road. We used to visit them as kids. I think the delicatessen became a bicycle shop in the 70’s as the owner, Eddie Wohler, died in 1971. His wife’s name was Gerda and his stepdaughter was Ellen.
I also used to know a real character from JC, a man named Benny Garcia. Not sure what part of JC he was from but I do know that he was well known. Went on to have 3 entries in the Guinness Book of World Records for strange things. One was for riding a lawn mover from NY to Florida and another was for strange marriages: He got married in the back of an ambulance because he thought he might be dying.
Does anyone remember a deli in Journal Square owned by Louis and Fannie Rosenstein? What was its name?
Hanging out on Duncan Ave and the Wall by Lincoln park. Great people and great times.
I lived in Jersey City on Garfield Avenue between Linden and Lembeck Avenues, for only the first 11 years of my life. My parents moved to Monmouth County in 1962 so I wouldn’t go to Snyder High since I think it may have been a little questionable at the time. But my ties to Jersey City remained until 1986. My mom was born in Jersey City and she and her brother, my Uncle Mike, owned Kreps dress store at 746 Bergen Avenue. I remember and loved Lee Sims chocolate, Wenton shoes, Roguts toys and of course Pesin’s, the Pic, State and Stanley theatres! We always went to Greenspan’s ( great corned beef) and I loved taking the train to Manhattan. I hadn’t been back in years and years until recently when a cousin had a party in one of the high rises on the river across from Ellis Island and Statue of Liberty! Wow! What a beautiful area! Such great memories and proud to be from there!
Our family moved from PA to 168 Steuben Street in 1942 when I was 7 years old. I can still remember looking out the front window (Henderson St.) and observing a troop train of at least 170 cars carrying tanks, armored vehicles, artillery, etc. for the war. We lived in a Polish neighborhood and I remember a bunch of us kids calling young men who were not in the armed forces names. I wish I could rectify what I said. After one year we moved to 314 Fourth St and my father was in the 2nd division U.S. army preparing for the Normandy invasion. That section of JC was predominantly Italian and my best friend Donald Palo and I would go to NYC by ourselves to museums and movies. The war was still going on and my father Edward took part in the initial landing at Normandy, France and was subsequently wounded at St. Loo, France. I attended PS No. 5 and some of my classmate’s families owned businesses such as Cavalli’s Florisr, Calamito”s Fuel Oil, and Giordano Vegetables (sold from a horse wagon). During the war, we collected newspapers, aluminum, and tin cans for the war effort and purchased U.S. stamps for a quarter each until we had enough to buy a War Bond. Around 1948, I used to go to a candy store on Cole St. between 3rd and 4th streets owned by an old Jewish couple, we became friends, I showed respect, and eventually they showed me the tattoos on their arms which had been done by the Nazi”s. It has been 75 years since that time and I still remember what the Nazi”s did to those nice people for no reason except hatred. Walking through JC it was heart wrenching seeing gold stars on windows meaning a military person had been killed during the war and a blue star meant a family member was in the Armed Forces. P.S # 5 was a great school with devoted teachers, when we graduated in Jan.1950 I was lucky enough to be valedictorian. A whole bunch of us got together (my first date ever was Ms. Delores Lupino) and went into NYC to see Sampson and Delilah. JC was great when we lived there. Downtown movies included the Palace and the Capitol, at Journal Square it was the Stanley, Lowes, and the State theatre and dinner at the Chinese Clipper. During the summer my father and I would walk to Newark Ave. and a man had a large moveable stand from which we purchased clams and mussels, sometimes we ventured to Hoboken to the Clam Broth House for clams. Where else could one find a Jewish bakery on 5th street, and an Italian and French bakeries on Monmouth Street all within 5 minutes of our apartment plus around 2nd street (I think) were about five Italian restaurants, I remember two called the Keyhole and Coney Island. Except for the war years, JC was a great place to live.
I lived on Webster Avenue across from the swimming pool in Washington Park. There was a Hot Dog vendor at the end of the street. The Park had 4 sections to it 1 part in Jersey City and 3 parts in Union City.
It was a great place to grow up, walked from there to Journal Square just to go to the movies at the Stanley or State Theaters. I attended Saint Michael’s High School in Downtown, Jersey City…
Hung out at Narrowbacks Pub on Kennedy Boulevard.
Like many things, it was time to go. But it was fun while it lasted…
I was born 1953 in Margaret Hague Hospital. Lived on DeKalb Avenue. I’ll start in that area. Berlocoes grocery, Vinny Esposito’s Grocery, Helene Jewelry store, Ilventoes, Mikes Candy store, the rag man and his horse drawn wagon, the peanut man, Snow White and the seven flavors, Frank’s restaurant, Roy’s and Jays, Incardone bakery, municipal swimming pool, Joe’s fish market, Schifanos soda fountain, Feldman’s deli, ten pin bowling alley, Mount Carmel’s bowling alley, the Italian guy who sold Italian ice on broadway, Lucy’s on Logan avenue (also took numbers), Casey’s candy store DeKalb and Hudson Blvd. Danny Chu’ Laundry, Martini Cleaners, Zip cleaners across the street The Boulevard Mart, the laundromat (Mrs Kelly), Ben’s candy store (what a grouch), The haunted house on Sip and Hudson Blvd, Seville apts. remember the lions? Seville grocery store, Another Chines laundry down an alley right before Coward Shoes. My mother always took me to Cowards, good shoes. You paid your bill in person at the telephone co. on sip ave. (Always disputed message units) Greenspans restaurant, introduced to pastrami on rye, kosher pickle and Dr Bonner’s Cel Ray soda. The Sip ave entrance to Fisher Biers 5 &10. The shoe repair in Fisher Biers, The Canton (Al Bundies), the China Clipper, and the Jade, The old Dutch church on Bergen av, Goodman’s Furniture, HFC, Pep boys, R&S, Robert Hall ( the creakiest wooden floors), Shoenbergs Pawn Shop, Paris Pastry( great cream donuts), Lee Sims of course, the Alps restaurant ( they would send a limo to pick you up) All Star Sports (first cons), State diner two entrances, Kreps, the small candy store where you waited for the Montgomery St bus. The state cab company, that downstairs public restroom, the blue piano, the Peter Stuyvesant Statue, the funeral parlor where George Washington slept on Academy Street, the oyster bay, The Trust Company ( you could see that red sign out by Newark Airport) Ripleys, Bonds, Hanover shoes, Thom McCann ( anybody ever buy the twisting shoes)? Boulevard Drinks Hot Dogs for the Connesoir, one with kraut, one with chili and a lime Ricky or orangeade, (still there, must make Pilgramage) Lowe’s, State (the oldest) and Stanley, JM Fields, John’s Bargain Store (front window filled with flip flops), Lofts, Baracini, Nedick’s, Woolworths, Universal Foods (chicken Roisserie, bagels on a string), fruit market across the way, three guys from Italy (thats right he always had a toothpick in his mouth) A.J. Lamont Newsstand (also took numbers) Martini Cleaners, Shoe Shine station , Public Service Building , the glove shop, small liquor store ( first time I was served. 1 Qt Ballantine Ale). That little pawn like shop, he had a totem pole and a skull and all other gold, silver and oddities. ( I think the owner was a retired pirate) Being a retired Musician and music educator let me end with notable music people and establishments. Sansone music academy above the Jade . I studied Bass with Vito S. Next door from his studio upstairs there was a room with a huge blackboard with square spaces, a long table with about 25 telephones. The place was inactive but it sure reeked of being a one time bookie joint. Sickles Music on Newark av. Charlie Buds Music Mart. There’s tons more. Let me just mention downtown. Irks, Tripoli, Greasy Pete’s, laMagra’s bakery ( better than Monteleone’s) Introcastro’s Funeral home, Peccorora’s bakery, ( window filled with pepper biscotti) Todiscos Coffee, Chow’s candy store, Gdynia Polish Butcher, Railroad Avenue, the grove street station, there was a Nedicks in there. And my favorite The Hudson Tubes. We lived in great times, we were raised by the greatest generation ever.
My mom is trying to remember a Men’s clothing store on Jackson Ave that my my Dad worked at in the 50s…he passed some time ago. We are reminiscing. She was working at Martins Bakery around that time.
Does anyone remember the name of thre video store on sterling avenue between fulton and woodlawn in Grernville?
Does anybody remember Mrs Brown Bathing Beach during the 1930’s ? Does anyone know of the local swimming hole in Jersey City during the 1930’s? Thanks
I went to OLC on Henderson st between York and Grand Sts. Hung out on Victory hall steps all summer at Mr B’s candy store next to the boys club on Grand st. Played baseball at OLC for Bromirski’s funeral home in the 60’s. Hung out all over downtown. Played stick ball on Green street right in front of Colgate/Palmolive. Cobble stone streets and railroad tracks going across them. Loved going to Ducky’s restaurant on Newark avenue for Italian food and to the Keyhole restaurant for pizza ( labeets). Not sure how to spell it but my mom called it labeets. When I got older I worked at Colgate for 14 years until they closed and went to Mexico for cheap labor. Went to the Showboat lounge with my friends on Westside Avenue. O’hara’s on Westside also, buy the cemetery. Rich and Pats on Mallory Ave. lots of fun. Two Guys on Rt 440. Played high school baseball at Roosevelt stadium. Also took my drivers test there. Lots of room in the parking lot to drive. Fished the glass pier down on the Hudson. My grandmother lived on Bay st by Manischewitz factory. We taught my younger brother how to ride a two wheeler in the Manischewitz parking lot.I was born on Newark. My dad said we lived next to White Eagle hall on Newark Avenue. State, Stanley and Lowe’s theater’s where you saw 2 movies and a cartoon intermission. Always shopped on the avenue (Newark). Woolworths for lunch.
The best life you could ever want was in Jersey City in the 60’s and 70’s. Glad I grew up there.
Yes grew up hoboken jeesey city heights fond memories I too silvers toy store we grew 44 lincoln street loved silvers rosens loft candies cheap San my fond memories plotters getting my cards my friend mom dad still lives reside jefferson my dad. Recently pass lived on block saint nicholas church Denise Kelly and I sisters made confirmation saint nicholas we loved it my dad mass there jersey city guy my mother in law jersey city kays ices best smell peanuts good feelings aroma tiffany omg I loved that place me my sister’s confimation lunch there nice spot I agreed park delight across Pershing field I dickison hogh school the ice cream place Randy’s icecream my brother I use walk right palisades get pizza soda Nicky blasios I took my boyfriend my husband now then took him Christ hospital cafertia date winter time he loved it angela Bruno and I kathleen thomas we use got court hpuse diner lunch from dickinson I got job after hogh school I use love cateret drugstore lords square I got all my nieces newphew s birthdays outfits there loved lunch hour wrapped it up too colleges use canton sir Robinson’s shrimp coctail pina colada I use mens store across bergen I think lourdes anyone remembers socks dress socks my dad on fathers day we loved continual deli bergen square VIP diner still there three guts italy best pizza use take bus home pay day stop rainbow in path love it rosens central avenue Pillsbury dough cookie jar loved that store zabriskie library arts crafts field trips summer at that time liberty state park had pools three I believe sluvettes was the best still have a scarf from there best ctown I use shoppe pick up stuff 80s they had stewardess school there went college twice week our company paid for it Pershing field swim and iceskate then hit pizza masters I use go victory bakery for my mom eagle beef my mom sent me Jupiter’s Woolworths lincoln inn beautfuil times rides use come hpuse summertime nice kids white castle my mom worked community college Next old social security we loved fine fare easy picking square joan jiludy me Debbie use walk diwn lee Simms lunch hour walk home saint nicholas cardival pershing field bazaars bridal shower for my friend pershing field clubhouse karen powers it was nice shower amazing thanks god memories bottle caps hot scotch double Dutch best hpurs we played outside a lot not on computers times great growing up generation pints palisades pharmacy homemade milk shakes five corners library do our homework book reports case Dante Andrea best ham mozzarella sandwich still there kings my dad use go there my husband for birthdays reservoir my fruend dawn lived deli sandwiches pedertrician doctors doctor hamilton doctor augustin
Growing up in Jersey City was great! From Stella pizzeria to Ferris High was a great experience! I remember Woolworth on newark ave and Morlees boys/men shop where my mother would take me for my 8th grade graduation suits. If only we can turn back the hands of time. Knowing all my family members that have passed were all alive.
Grew up on Bergen Ave. (I think on the corner with Woodlawn) in the early sixties. Does anyone remember:
Mrs. Halls – candy store
Famiani’s (maybe Famiano’s) Italian Market
Pop Byrnes – neighborhood bar
OK Deli
???
I lived on Cator Ave. in Greenville: 1950’s to 1971. Attended Snyder High, cl. of 1965.
I lived on Wayne St., and one morning in the summer i was walking to PS 9 and there was a man in the back seat slumped over dead, i was about 10/11 and someone told me it was the guy who was pitching to us the day before
I was born in Margaret Hague in 1949. My parents had children’s Clothing store Eckmans Kiddie Shop at 913 Bergan, in the Trust Company building. Hirshbergs Jewery store was a few doors away, . A “hat” shop was next door and another children’s store Pink and Blue was across the street. Cantons was there too. There was a walk up Howard Johnson hot dog stand just above the subway entrance. Jersey City Teachers College ( now JC State) on Hudson ( Kennedy) Blvd. Behind the gym was an open in-ground field where we took our sleds! Food Fair and the diner (Miss America)?? was across the street. PS 38: James F Murray once had glass doors and a garden at the entrance. Going back towards JSq was Snyder HS and on Bergen the Jewish Community Center. ✡️ This became an Elementary School. Temple Beth El was on the Blvd. Westside Av had a Dairy Queen. Roosevelt Stadium’s the best Fireworks on July 4. I remember the Armory too. Dixon ? ✏️ pencils!. What’s really funny is Facebook has a JC group. The original leader of that group, grew up in MY house! I remember Weiss’ Grocery. As kids we went there and the put whatever we took on our parents TAB. There Janet’s Dresses few doors away where I got my prom dress. I have pictures of most of these places.
Born in 1936. Lived in Jersey City in the Heights until 1962. Attended PS 8 and then transferred to St Nicholas. I remember the Central & Ritz theaters, Brennan’s Record Store, the Sweet Shop. Playing ball with my friend on Ferry St & New York Ave. I remember the Roxy Pizzeria on Palisade Ave & the Sorbera Italian Bakery for the best Italian bread. Also, Rudy’s Delicatessen on the corner of Franklin St & Webster Ave. The Victoria Meat Market on the corner of Franklin St & New York Ave. There was Mr Weisman’s candy store & Segan’s Sweet Shop. So many good memories.