The Stroller Moms Of Yesteryear!

photo credit: www.coachbuiltprams.org

photo credit: www.coachbuiltprams.org

Do you suppose, dear reader, there was a great "stroller mom" debate in our fair borough of Brooklyn in days past? Were there conflicts between the "have children," and the "have none"? Did people object to the stroller set blocking sidewalks with their double wides? Were there tales of mothers rolling over feet or blocking deli aisles? And did they say pretty please and thanks when doors were held open?

Oh, how I wish I knew... Because you see, the strollers were big as far back as back when. And block the sidewalk they did, of that I am sure. Just look at the photos and you will see: the double wide was a monster the same as today.

Which makes me wonder in all this debate, why the little stroller below, (there, you see?) did not become the standard of back then and today.







Related reading:
Stroller Gridlock On Court


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Once Upon A Time: Carroll Gardens' Pony Cart Vendor

photo credit: Linda Blyer

Do you remember, dear reader, the wonderful picture of the horse drawn wagons delivering Union Dairy And Borden's milk to Brooklyn homes that I posted here a few days ago? Well, our friend Maria Pagano sent me this little note over the week-end:

The horse drawn milk wagon was a bit before my time, but this guy I do

remember. How about you?

Oh, I definitely remember. When I first moved into the neighborhood, I would see him either on Clinton or Henry Street with his merchandise of the day. Vegetables, fruits and sometimes, in the fall, pretty mums.

He would walk all the way into the Heights, his little pony following him slowly.

I had forgotten about him until Maria sent this wonderful photo. It is from the

mid-80's.

Does anybody know what happened to this charming duo?

Thanks, Maria, for sending it this way.

Related reading:

When Union Dairy And Borden's Delivered To Brownstone Brooklyn Homes

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Hey,Brooklyn: Switch Off Your Lights For One Hour!

Candles lighting our living room during Earth Hour 2008

Yes, we turned off the light between 8 and 9 PM on Saturday for Earth Hour 2008. What fun, truly! I lit some candles and we gathered in one room and talked! Yes, did nothing but talk. After a busy week, it was exactly what we needed. It was just for an hour, but it is something that we should all do more often.


Related Reading:

Hey,Brooklyn: Switch Off Your Lights For One Hour!

CNN: Cities Go Dark To Mark Earth Hour



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Carroll Gardeners Protest Out-Of-Scale Development

How high is a 70 foot building? The Union-Sackett Block Association together with members of C.O.R.D. came up with a clever way of showing the neighborhood: balloons on 70 foot strings. So on Saturday, they gathered in front of the Clarett site at 340 Court Street and let the balloons rise into the air. And rise they did, alarmingly high.
The group then walked to the 360 Smith Street site where more balloons were flown. Though the wind was less than cooperative at times, the demonstration was visually quite effective.
Carroll Gardeners are encouraged to attend the upcoming meeting with the Clarett Group, at which the group will be presenting the plans for their Court Street site.
The meeting will be held at P.S.58 at 7Pm on Thursday, April 3rd.

For More Information, please go to:
The Union -Sackett Block Association
C.O.R.D.

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Picture Of The Day: Why So Negative?

Carroll Street Bridge

Why so negative?
Take a deep breath, you'll feel better.
You'll see!

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Toll Brothers Present Pretty Drawings To C.B. 6 Land Use Committee

David Von Spreckelsen, of the Toll Brothers came to the C.B. 6 Land Use/Landmark Committee last night to present the plans for the 450 Unit development the company has planned for the shores of the Gowanus Canal. Mr. Von Spreckelsen brought along his crew of professionals to back him up: attorneys, engineers, an environmental consultant, an architect and a landscape architect, to name just a few.
Listening to them speak enthusiastically about this project and looking at their pretty pictures, it becomes clear that these people are good, very good, indeed, at the hard sell. Oh, it all looks so good and sounds so wonderful. The architect used phrases such as " the flow of the canal," "the feel of the street," and " the rhythm of the townhouses."
How can we resist? Why wouldn't we beg the Toll Brothers to build this development? Please, please...
And then, the landscape architect presented his drawings of "Canal Park" and talked about Bond Street being treated with "grace" and "celebrates the history of the place" at which point my husband turned to me and said: "This guy is so full of s--t, it's unbelievable," and I am thrown back into reality.
Yes, these guys are good. They have done these presentations before. They have dealt with skeptical Community Boards before. They have faced hostile residents. And they know how to gloss over minor details like where will all that flood water by the canal go and how much the 130 affordable apartments will rent for.
But the Gowanus/Carroll Gardens residents have gotten smarter and they have done their research. They are no longer easily impressed and dazzled by such polished appearances.

I think my blogger friend Lisanne, of Found In Brooklyn said it best last night when she passed the landscape architect on her way out of the auditorium: " Nice park! Too bad you have to have those buildings there too."
I agree. It would be lovely to have a clean, accessible canal. Too bad we will have to have the Toll brothers there too.


Related Reading:
Impressive Performance By Carroll Gardens And Gowanus Residents At Scoping Meeting For Toll Brothers' Project


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When Union Dairy And Borden's Delivered To Brownstone Brooklyn Homes

How incredibly stylish would it be to have my morning milk delivered in such a fashion, right to my Brooklyn door? Early in the morning, in a thick glass bottle, it would wait for me on the stoop. Instead I have to remember to run to the deli . How mundane, how bothersome! The photo is simply tagged: " Milk Delivery In Brooklyn" No date, no further information. Would you say it was taken in the 1920's or 1930's?

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Help Make Carroll Park's Children's Concert Series A Reality

(Photo Credit Pink Sherbet Photography on Flickr)



Below is a message from Simmi, a Committee To Improve Carroll Park volunteer who has graciously accepted to organize this year's Children's Concert series. To make this beloved summer event a reality, she need a little help.

Summer is on it's way!

Remember the wonderful kids’ concerts in Carroll Park last summer? Well, our good neighbor and friend of Carroll Park, Judy, has moved out of state and the concert series is in jeopardy. As a local mom of 2 preschoolers, I have taken the challenge of reviving the concert series. This is an exciting and challenging endeavor involving advance efforts such as gathering funding and securing bands, along with concert day execution activities.

I would love to get some help from the community. Here are a few things you can do

1. if you have any special skills (graphics, advertising, promotions) etc and are willing to spend some time on this, WE CAN USE YOUR HELP
2. if you are willing to hang up flyers and promotional materials, WE CAN USE YOUR HELP
3. if you have any connections with local businesses or organizations that may be able to contribute funding or product for raffles, WE CAN USE YOUR HELP
4. if you have time to help with concert day activities, including setup, cleanup, donation collection, and product/raffle sales, WE CAN USE YOUR HELP
5. once we get the concert series off the ground, we hope you can all participate by attending the events, contributing via donations or product/raffle purchases and spreading the word. Again, WE CAN USE YOUR HELP
6. if you have any musical talents, particularly in executing sound for outdoor concerts, WE CAN USE YOUR HELP
7. any other great ways you can support us would be welcome –this is a community endeavor, if you have any creative ideas of how we can pull this off – I’m all ears

I am committed to making this work, for the benefit of my kids and others in the neighborhood. I hope the parents in the community can show the same commitment and support to keep these wonderful, free concerts alive. Please email me with your contact details and how you’re willing to help, I will compile a database of volunteers and call on you as needed.

Also – please save the date, June 21^st, for an end-of-school concert. Assuming we have secured the funding, we will kick off the season with our first band. More details to follow.

Thanks in advance,

Simmi (simmi@alumni.duke.edu)

In addition, if you or anyone you know would like to make a donation and/or sponsor the event, please contact: friendsofcarrollpark@yahoo.com

Related Link:

Smallest Carroll Gardens Residents Looking For A Few Generous Sponsors

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Easter Bunny Heading Home On Subway After Busy Week-End

(Photo credit: Ben Pitts)

Doesn't the Easter Bunny look tired
riding home on the train after this busy Holiday week-end?

He was spotted by friend Ben Pitts,
who seems to run into more than the usual
number of characters in New York City's subway.

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Don't Walk Your Dog On This "Private" Sidewalk

Clinton Street near Union

Oh, excuse me. I didn't realize that I was trespassing!
For that matter, I don't even own a dog.
But pardon me for asking,
isn't this a public sidewalk
and this tree owned by the city?

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Old Miraculously Becomes "New" Listing At 45 3rd Place Listing

The Carroll Gardens' Hunch Back at 45 3rd Place

When Old Becomes New

Look, Brown Harris Stevens is still trying to sell the duplexes in what must be Carroll Gardens' strangest and ugliest brownstone conversion. Except now, they are advertised as "new on the market" by realtor Phyllis Norton-Towers, despite the fact that those babies have been on the market for a very, very long time. The prices haven't yet been lowered, though.
The bottom duplex is still going for $1,595,000 and the upper one didn't budge from its original asking price of $1,555,000.
Back in January, I attended one of the open houses and was amazed by the rather shoddy construction. One would hope that the developer took care of some rather obvious flaws before this "new listing" scheme.
So, I ask you, dear reader, how much would you pay to live in Carroll Gardens' Hunchback building?


What's Luxurious About 45 3rd Place?

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Blooms At Borough Hall Farmers' Market

Tuesday's Farmer's Market at Borough Hall

Could you help me carry these wonderful blooms home?
I can find a place for all of these in my garden,
Yes, I can.
For every one of them.
And the almost blooming cherry branches?
Well, they would fit perfectly on the mantle.

[where: Farmer's Market, Borough Hall, Brooklyn]
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Stroller Gridlock On Court

Heavens!
In front of Court Street's Tea Lounge,
A plethora of strollers.
Gridlock, I tell you!

[where: tea lounge, Court Street]
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Builders Busily Building In Carroll Park

Yes, building in Carroll Park!
Can you believe it?
The nerve of some builders!
Is this structure even up to code?
Where are the permits.
Lets call 311
Wait...what did you say?
Made by kids?
Using what?
The newly cut elm tree branches?


These?

Oh then it's all right, I guess.

Related reading: Carroll Park Giants Get A Much Needed Trim


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