My Brooklyn Rock and Roll Heritage
Ben Vitale

I am very proud of my "Brooklyn, NY," heritage. I refuse to relinquish, my Brooklyn accent often called "Brooklynese." My Brooklyn accent; it is an integral part of what I am today. Yes, I do not always speak "Brooklynese;" I flaunt my accent only when I am with friends!


As I recall my days in Brooklyn; it was not "drugs, sex and rock and roll," but "good times and rock and roll." As a youth in Brooklyn, I found myself out dancing and meeting new people sometimes three nights a week. My crowd would regularly socialize at "youth dances," that were held at the local, K of C, the Jewish Center, and at local social clubs.


In the 50s people could get involved, helping and guiding the local youth without fear of being sued. I learned Ju Jitsu, and Boxing at the local Italian Social Club; taught by a retired officer from the United States Marines. When two young adults had a serious confrontation with each other, the coach at the social club would drag the individuals into the club, put Boxing Gloves on them, and have them settle their problem.


In the "City" the youth participated in what we called "Seasons." At certain pre-defined times of the year we as a group participated in the same type of activity. We had "the Carpet Shooter Season," the "Pea Shooter Season, Yo-yo Season, Marble Season, Scooter Season, Sports Card Season, and "Balsa Wood Plane Flying Season." On Halloween we would put crushed chalk into a Sock and hit each other with these powder filled bags; we all came back home at night looking like Snow Men.


Every night a crowd of about 40 youths would "hang out," on the corner. The adults were not at all intimidated by such a large crowd of youths, because they knew all of our parents. One word from a neighbor to our parents would get us into serious trouble.


During the Winter months we would eagerly wait for the first snowfall. Sides would be chosen and Two Snow Forts would be built. We would throw Snow Balls at each other for Four months!


During the summer we would take the Subway for 10 cents and go to Coney Island. No trip to Coney Island was complete without buying a "Hot Dog and a Nedicks Orange Drink," for 25 cents at Nathans. On days that we did not go to Coney Island, we went to Sunset Pool.


We were all just too busy to get into trouble. In between the "Seasons," we played "Kick the Can," Stick Ball, and "Johnny on the Pony." All of the above was held together by a strong foundation of "Rock and Roll;" Alan Freed was "The Man!"


Many of the youth at that time were actively involved with "a Singing Group;" we all worked feverously, hoping to be discovered by, Alan Freed. Please enjoy the "Rock and Roll," narration by "Angelo the Barber," all presented with a genuine Brooklyn accent! Hope this brings back memories!


(Click the link below)


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F8_0gDS-XEQ&feature=related



From Anthony Perna:
That was excellent, it mirrored my childhood growing up in Manhatten..all the same stuff, the seasons the games, the people, joe nose, philly gabadeal, johnny cutrate. Did I see Ringaleveo,,as a game? opening the Johnny pumps in summer...Italian ices..(the real ones) Italian feasts, block parties. Yes it was something ,,we had the best of both worlds,,the city and the country.....I remember your father,, a quiet man as I remember,, was he a painter? and your Mom,,how she used to yell at Anthony...lol he was thick, your poor Mom!

From Pat Brida:
Hi Ben, Just had to respond to this. I grew up in Brooklyn too. Had to be very close to your house. I got lost when I was five and yes it was in Sunset park. My sense of direction was good back then and I walked home. Mom was frantic of course. I lived on 53rd st and Fort Hamilton Parkway. Thats where all the fun happened. Johnny on the Pony, ringolivio, marbles, stoop ball, King, queen Jack, Johnny may I cross your River, Red Light green light, rolllar skateing (metal clamps and skate keys) box scooters, yo yo,s , plastic bubbles, pitching charmes, I declare war on;;;;, the spalding ball and Jump rope (two on time) etc etc took place. And who can forget the subway last stop Coney Island . Remember the penut man ? How about the custard cones and the steeple chase park with the big slide and the horses on the track. Was that you on the merry go round catching the gold ring. Did you go to prospect park and ride the swan boats? I moved in 1956 to Lake Ronkonkoma so I missed the Alan Freed days, I do remember the guys harmonizing in the subway and entrances to store fronts. The Lake was a blast and Hollywood beach during high school was my home away from home. My brother bought me the book "Images of America Lake Ronkonkoma by Keith Oswald and Dale Spencer . Lots of Photos including hollywood beach. Go to www.arcadiapublishing.com . Gotta go now. Keep in touch Pat Brida.

From John Cassese:
Ben, like others, I loved this piece. It brought back great memories. I learned that Pat Brida is a Brooklynite...went to school with her. Have known her over 50 years and just learned she is from Brooklyn. Your blog is amazing...best John

From Brenda Sichenzia:
Loved your article. I was born in Brooklyn but my family moved to Lake Ronkonkoma when I was 2. I did go to the Brooklyn Paramount several times to see the Alan Fried shows. They were fantastic. People dancing in the aisles. Just fabulous. When I lived in California, I travelled by public transportation and walking on part of the highway just to get to see a Rock 'N Roll show in Oakland. After I moved back to New York City, I went to several shows at Madison Square Garden. Now most of them are held in Pittsburgh, PA. Even though I live in PA, Pittsburgh is about a seven hour drive. Hoping to see a venue nearer to home one of these days. Have to go. I am at work.



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