Bushwick Walking Tour
‘Twas an exhausting weekend, in which we, you know, actually did stuff instead of lying face-down in a pool of vomit, as on most weekends. No, this weekend we were downright productive! Saturday we dragged ourselves out to the Bushwick Walking Tour. We were a little late and had not committed the map to memory, so we couldn’t find the tour for a while. So we conducted our own walking tour as we plodded around in the hot sun. After consulting Jeannie’s sister over the phone, we backtracked until we found the group. Now I really wish I had made it to the South Bushwick tour from last month, I bet it had a lot of info that would have been useful to somebody who lives there (me). Saturday’s tour was very informative, and really underlines just how different the two poles of the neighborhood are. I’m pretty jealous of some of the stuff up around Maria Hernandez Park, like the multiple produce markets and bakeries.
There was one weird moment when a young white woman crossed our path and seemed incredulous that people would want to tour Bushwick. She walked up to us and said something like, “What are you up to? I’ve never seen you around here before.” I honestly thought she was a shill planted by the organizers to foment a conversation about the necessity of learning about one’s environment, etc., but the longer she went on the more I believed her. She expressed disbelief that there was anything worth seeing around the area, then complained at the lack of amenities like coffee shops and the like (why is everybody so obsessed with coffee shops?) It was pointed out that she lived not three blocks from several cafes and restaurants and yes, a coffee shop; she was unaware of any of this. She also declared the M train was the worst train in the system, which I find at least slightly dubious.
If she was for real, I guess that’s the type of newcomer that long-term residents find especially disconcerting; they come here for relatively cheap rent even though they’re still probably paying lots more than their older neighbors, and they don’t really have any conception of the neighborhood, nor see any need to. All that matters is how long it takes to get to Manhattan. Maybe I’m wrong about this woman, but it sure makes me understand the worry that longtime residents feel they will be steamrolled in the mad rush to cater to people who can afford not to give a damn.
Flickr Album: Bushwick Walking Tour
Related: Up from Flames: Mapping Bushwick’s Recovery from 1977-2007
August 13th, 2007 at 5:26 pm
People like that just boggle the mind. She’s ballsy enough to just walk up to a group of strangers and start complaining, but too oblivious to note the existence of the very amenities she bemoans the lack of. Who ARE you? God.
August 13th, 2007 at 6:39 pm
I had a great time actually. That chick was funny. I guess not everyone checks blogs compulsively all day long or is obsessed with Bushwick trivia like me. I guess there’s room for people like that in the world. LOL
It was nice to see those huge thrift stores by Morgan/Flushing/Knickerbocker. I have to check ‘em out.
August 13th, 2007 at 10:05 pm
It was a great event. Big thanks to Adam and John for generously donating their time, and doing this on their own.
Great write-up and picture Jimmy. Don’t feel bad about not being close to Maria park. Both areas have their plus and minuses. SoBu is more families, and less apartment complexes, and thus businesses. Sure it sucks not to have those amenities near you, but maybe in time some quality ones will open when the area gentrifies. Since you wanted a house SoBu is more of the area to be in.
That woman didn’t seem to like the area, and spent money on cabs because of the poor train service. But I’m glad Adam told her about Life, and she saw all of us, which must have shocked her. I don’t think Adam and John would have staged such a woman - why go through all that trouble and not have the megaphone? We should all be grateful to John and Adam for caring about the community so with it’s good and bad points. Too many people have given up on Bushwick over the years.
Jimmy although you showed up late, thanks for coming along. To have someone as regular as you and Armstrong write things on this blog, and then show up in person - is great.
Armstrong was dressed to thrill and offered great comments and suggestions during the tour. Should we make him the poster boy for Bushwick since he’s obsessed with it here - from his hat to his vintage shirt he’d be good to advertise “Visit Bushwick”, with his spunk and style.
Peter was an AMAZING source of knowledge, and it was great to hear all the history and information that he willingly shared. He floored us all when he knew what period certain architecture is from.
August 14th, 2007 at 8:07 am
Yeah, I suppose that gal was the antithesis of the tour. But that made me all the happier to be a part of what was going on.
There are folks like that everywhere–their actions governed by market forces. What sets this crowd or bloggers apart is their quest for something more…that which you find here and in your own hood.
She just seem a bit more absurd for unabashed ignorance. She was more baffled than curious. “Why would anyone want to tour Bushwick?”
But, I should note, I have heard that on each Bushwick tour I’ve given. It just usually comes from long time locals!
August 14th, 2007 at 9:26 am
Man, I wish I went on this walking tour. Sounds like I missed out on a great experience.
But that woman… she says the M train is the worst? So, in what area of Bushwick does she have to live where the M train is the only option? Is she near the L as well? Or, if she takes the M then maybe she could take the J also? Unless she lives along just the M line which winds its up to Queens…
Great post. I’ll try to join you guys on the next tour.
August 14th, 2007 at 10:28 am
Adam you are right, it made us feel better that we were part of the pioneer group taking a tour of a place others might not think of. Perhaps we should have asked her where she was originally from, as you can’t compare the middle of Kansas to this area.
We are looking for something more. The hidden treasures in an area others don’t see lined with gold.
It’s true others seem surprised that we were actually walking around and taking a tour.
Adam and John need to decide for the next door if we’ll be driving the red double decker bus, and the rest of us deciding who gets to sit on the top level.
It was a great experience, and the luck were the people who attended.
I believe Ridgewood is served by the M train, and it’s a lovely area if you ask me. Could that be because of the lack of transportation nearby?
Speaking of tours, a lot of people in Bushwick decorate their homes for halloween, and a harvest time tour might be a fun idea.
Armstrong, thanks for sharing info on Maria park including the former theater. Keep up posted on the furniture store on Knickerbocker. You’ve got a great park there, and I notice it doesn’t get locked at night. When are you giving yoga classes there?
August 14th, 2007 at 10:58 am
Oh, I’m sorry I missed the tour. I was painting my apartment.
Did you you happen to be going past the park during the totally random music festival, “Huggabroomstock”? A friend and I went to the park to eat some tacos and a trio of 20-yr-olds were playing to a group of about 25 hipsters in the middle of the park. I was confused, but it was fun to have some live music with lunch.
August 14th, 2007 at 11:42 am
We were leaving the park as the band was setting up so didn’t hear them. I figured they’d have a limited audience. McCarren park, this do not quite yet be!
Afterwards I thought, we should have stopped by Maria Hernandez’s house which is 105 Starr Street, where she was killed in 1989. According to my research Adam 2 men were indicted for her murder.
Am I the only one to think it interesting that Galante was killed at 205 Knickerbocker, 10 years previously in 1979? Notice the similarity in the numbers, in terms of both address and years of occurence in two murders that happened a block away from each other that both defined the neighborhood.
Perhaps I am just having a very slow day at work. LOL
Adam did another Google Map some time ago which is more “crime history-centric.”
There is nothing wrong with the M train IMHO. Although I’m closer to the L, I often will walk over to it if I’m going straight to the LES or Chinatown in order to avoid a transfer or, when the L shuttle bus is in effect. Maybe riding above ground just reminds me of Chicago, where I’m from.
Jay, I’m confused. Who were you? I’d ask what you were wearing but I don’t even remember what I was wearing despite any impression it might have made. Also, I’m terrible with names so forgive me.
August 14th, 2007 at 11:43 am
Several people have contacted me about yoga in Bushwick. This is heartening. As of now, I only teach classes in the city. If this changes, bushwickbk.com would be the first to know!
August 14th, 2007 at 1:43 pm
Aww, dammit. I really was looking forward to this. I went to the park at the meeting time and wandered around for probably fifteen minutes looking for anyone that looked remotely like they might have been there for a tour. I didn’t see anything. I hadn’t bothered to memorize the tour route so I just gave up and went home.
August 14th, 2007 at 2:13 pm
ha, Derek, that’s what happened to me and GF, frankly i figured when we got near the park that the tour group would stick out like a sore thumb, but i could find nothing out of the ordinary when we arrived. i tried to rack my brain to remember the course of the map (which i later confirmed was mostly incorrect). but we eventually found them, and in the process had our own little walking tour, albeit without the witty commentary. i have to remember to write the course down next time!
i was in Ridgewood on Sunday, taking kittens to the vet. several little kids stopped to look at the kittens, speaking polish i think. i noted that the storefronts and building facade seem to be meticulously maintained, unlike a lot of stuff in bushwick. i like the crazy-quilt look of parts of bushwick, but i gotta admit i’m quite taken with the little-town feel of Ridgewood.
August 14th, 2007 at 6:22 pm
I too have a fondness for Ridgewood, but the commute is a pain from there. Yes lovely homes, and it’s quiet, but talk to people about their commute on the M and L, especially when there is a disruption of service, and it can be an ugly 2 hour commute to certain parts of the city so I’ve heard.
At least Jimmy, and Derek made an effort to get out and join the tour group which shows they cared.
Armstrong next time lead a tour to Maria’s house, etc. You seem to care a lot about the neighborhood, which I think is wonderful. Great that someone is rooting for the underdog! You were wearing, hmmm
1.Some trendy jeans (bought in Manhattan for over $200 versus thrift stores in Brooklyn.
2. A train conductors hat, as you dream of conducting the L trains and never having them out of service.
3. Some other trendy shirt.
4. Accessories I can’t remember, but the shoes, and sunglasses were probably not bought at the dollar stores in the nabe.
It stood out because I’m used to see Rocawear, or sports-type clothing, and durags instead of this stylish stuff!
Jimmy - what’s the deal with you and the mornings? Are you partying or writing computer programs until 3 am??
August 14th, 2007 at 7:04 pm
There’s a lot to learn and love about Ridgewood.
But its got a case of the “snobs”. For example, they changed their zip code and borough affiliation to seperate themselves from Bushwick. Their is a special historical status for the entire downtown, although much of it is the same style of architecture as Bushwick.
A lot of class crevices border Ridgewood and Bushwick. But their story is intertwined.
August 14th, 2007 at 8:23 pm
Hello. I’m so happy that you enjoyed this tour, which explored parts of Bushwick that certainly don’t appear on the tour map but will figure very prominently in Bushwick’s immediate future. It was really great getting to know you (on all three tours)and re-visiting sites that I had not seen for many years.
The fact that the community we visited remains as solid as it is provides real hope for the future - of which you all are very much a part - especially if you work closely with those long term residents who have experienced the worst and are fighting to bring Bushwick back as an ethnically and economocally diverse community. This has the real makings of a win-win situation.
I will keep in touch - and good luck.
August 14th, 2007 at 9:10 pm
I also want to thank John D. for giving time outside of his busy job to assist me in completing this project, and giving these three walking tours.
I am really just an informed amateur next to the likes of him. Thanks for making it so real, John. I certainly do hope you stay involved in Bushwick’s past, and its future!
August 14th, 2007 at 9:17 pm
“Jay,” I do believe Armstrong asked you what YOU looked like, what you wore, etc. DO clue us in!
August 15th, 2007 at 9:55 am
Well I’m late to this post (thanks to no internet at home right now) but yes, that girl was pretty unbelievable.
As I said to Chris and Jeannie, basically her reaction was a polite way of saying “Where the fuck did all you white people come from?”.
I find it sad that she chooses to live here but yet apparently makes no effort to learn anything about the neighborhood, she clearly thinks little of those who live around her.
August 18th, 2007 at 8:29 am
I had a great time on the walking tour - John and Adam thank you for insight regarding Bushwick - and Peter - wow!!
I want to do another one now - Peter had mentioned a section of Bushwick where he said his grandmother or mother lived (I apologize for not remembering exactly) he said it was a very beautiful area with lovely architecture - I think he said it was the area that the first walking tour covered.
Absolutely should visit the home of Maria Hernandez on a future tour (very thoughtful suggestion Armstrong). I think I remember the event of her death happening when I was in college. I remember reading about it in the paper and being deeply saddened - what a tragedy - all she wanted was a better place to live for herself, her family, her neighbors.
August 22nd, 2007 at 3:38 am
Guess I am real late to post, but I just want to say that it was real nice to meet you guys on the walking tour, and I learned some things I never knew about the nabe too! very informative.
Thanks are due to John and Adam for conducting the tour, and relighting the Wick in a community thats been dim for to long.
Hopefully we can do this again sometime soon in Bushwick or maybe even another neighborhood.
Lori: The section my grandmother lives in is called Irving Sq. It contains the most diverse array of architecture in Bushwick and encompasses the area around it’s namesake park but also roughly fromBushwick Ave to Irving Ave in the confines of Gates Ave to Cooper St.
I keep a photo page on flickr where I am working on a photo essay of Bushwick. If you are interested check out the Bushwick set on that page of which I have many more photos that I hope to post soon.
http://flickr.com/photos/fortheloveofbrooklyn/
Thanks All,
-Peter
August 22nd, 2007 at 10:54 am
Hey, Peter! You and I are already contacts on Flickr, but if you haven’t already, I’d like to invite you to join the BushwickBK photo pool as well. You’ve got some wonderful Bushwick shots that would be great additions to the pool.
August 22nd, 2007 at 12:16 pm
Pete, love the info you share!
August 23rd, 2007 at 12:03 am
Agreed, Pete deserves to be on stage with Adam, and John as far as people who have vast arrays of knowledge and history and willingly share it with excitement. These preservationists will help Bushwick crawl before it can walk on it’s own. Ah, the day when the name Bushwick won’t have the same stigma.
September 14th, 2007 at 4:42 pm
All I know is I was walking to rehearsal, looked across Morgan Ave and saw a large pack of white people with a tour guide and just had to laugh to myself. I even called my friend to tell him I just saw people with binoculars and cameras touring around my block. It was hysterical to me. It’s a dirty, graffitti ridden neighborhood like a lot of others in Brooklyn that no one gave a shit about 6 years ago but all of a sudden its become the new hipster haven next to Williamsburg. Can’t wait for my rent to go up and more train riders because of the sudden hipness.
October 21st, 2007 at 12:54 pm
I grew up on Starr Street I lived at 105 Starr st for at least 14 years of my life yes the same house that Maria Hernandez lived in and to be exact i had friends that lived in her apartment a nice italian family i lived on the second floor on the left . the neighborhood was beautiful when growning up in the 60’s. there was a pretezl factory across the street and we use to get fresh hot pretezels right out of the oven on the way to school . My grandmother and aunt only moved from the neighborhool 5 years ago my aunt had a resturant at 214 knickerbocker ave called Sonny and Annes. and they were also very close with the people who owned the store where Galante was shot. There a so many beautiful memories of Starr street that will be etched in my brain forever
October 21st, 2007 at 9:38 pm
RoseMarie: So glad you wrote in. I am both a student and teacher of local history, I’d like to hear more about your story. My 10th and 11th grade students would always gain by hearing a new voice from their community’s past. You can contact me at upfromflames@gmail.com.
October 21st, 2007 at 9:57 pm
YES - RoseMarie, I currently live at 133 Starr Street, across the street from the park. Any memories of this block you’d like to share? were you here when there was a movie theater on Starr/Knickerbocker instead of the grocery store that’s there now?
October 22nd, 2007 at 7:21 am
Rosemarie my grandfather lived at 104 Starr Street in the 1910-1920 time frame. I have been back to Bushwick to see the neighborhood but I know 104 is no longer there.