Though passenger service on the Bushwick LIRR branch ended in the 1920s, the original station near Montrose Avenue was still standing up until a few years ago — this site will be one of the many stops along John Dereszewski’s walking tour. — photo from Forgotten NY
Local historian John Dereszewski invites you on a walking tour down Bushwick Avenue to explore major historical sites along the East Williamsburg/Bushwick border on Saturday, March 28.
“Trace the history of that portion of Bushwick Avenue that formed the gateway from the original settlement, in today’s Williamsburg, to Bushwick’s ‘New Lots,’ which is today’s Bushwick. Spanning over three centuries of events — from Bushwick’s founding in 1660 to now — we’ll discover the sites of an old Brooklyn Mayor’s mansion, North Brooklyn’s first Catholic hospital, NYC’s first major low-income housing development, an old brewery, a once-busy railroad depot and the Flushing Avenue junction, site of a Revolutionary-era inn. The tour will then explore the Morgantown community, which, over the last thirty years, has emerged from near desolation into a vibrant and very diverse neighborhood.”
Dereszewski served as board manager for Community District 4 in the late 1970s and occasionally gives historical walking tours for the Brooklyn Center for the Urban Environment. Having grown up in the area, Dereszewski has personally witnessed the evolution of Bushwick and is always happy to share his experiences. There is a $13 fee for participating, and it helps support the BCUE.
Saturday, March 28, 1-3:30 pm
Meet at Graham and Metropolitan Avenues, street level of the Graham Avenue L station and end at the Morgan Avenue L station.
Visit BCUE for more info or contact Ruth Edebohls at 718-788-8500 x 217.
daveffreep March 24th, 2009 at 9:03 pm
Go!
John is a trove of Bushwhack knowledge!
And he has a headset with a portable amp!
Lizzie March 25th, 2009 at 10:27 am
I’m skeptical but intrigued. This might be a cool way to feel more comfortable in the neighborhood, too, as I’m sure the tour would go into areas I normally avoid.
Peter March 25th, 2009 at 11:39 am
I gotta give props to the Schwartz and Dereszewski tours… anyone from the neighborhood (and beyond) would be pleased. I might have to tag along on this one just for the hell of it…
bushwicknative March 26th, 2009 at 11:46 pm
Sorry I cannot make it..John D gives excellent tours and I learn a lot from him. I hope you have good weather.
Elena Alayeto March 27th, 2009 at 6:51 pm
A rare opportunity to learn about the history and geography of our city from a learned, native Brooklynite! Not to be missed.
bushwicknative March 30th, 2009 at 12:02 pm
did anyone attend the tour….how was it
Peter March 30th, 2009 at 12:49 pm
i didnt make it… ended up on a tangent exploring this part of bushwick, hahaha:
http://citynoise.org/article/9168
Frank Vitagliano September 27th, 2009 at 6:46 am
Being born at 774 Grand Street just up the block from the photo I saw online brought back tons of memories. I now live in Florida, but it’s wonderful to see the old days come back. Great Job