Joe And Paul Robberies

Those commercials must have brought in a lot of business

East Broadway: 1895

East Broadway Linens 1895
by 1895, East Broadway was a fancy shopping destination

It's A Snap With Shu-Loks

I found an image of these in, as it often happens, when I was searching for something else. I seem to recall getting them at Laskys. Boy Did I love those shoes. It was great for the double knot challenged. Evidently they are a hot item now

Henry Eckstein: A LES Legend Passes

An email I received from Bernie Dolnansky

ECKSTEIN--Herbert, died peacefully at home in Great Neck at the age of 87 on October 27, 2009. Beloved husband of Nadine for 56 years; devoted father of Kenneth, Linda and Myra Mogilner; cherished father-in-law of Ruthann Eckstein and Dr. Alon Mogilner; adored grandfather of Max, Sam, Shoshana, Josh, Zack, Joey and Gabi; much loved brother of David, Eugene and Barbara Shostak. During his lifetime he was proprietor of H. Eckstein & Sons, a dry goods store and Lower East Side institution. He will be sorely missed.

I believe that's Eckstein's store window showing on Grand Street on the left of the picture above. I fondly recall my trips to Eckstein's with my mother. The basement at Eckstein's was a world unto itself and there was always interesting back and forth sales talk/flirting going on between my mother and the salesmen.
An excerpt from a 2004 nytimes article about Eckstein's

Trendiness Among the Tenements; Descendants Return to a Remade Lower East Side
By JOSEPH BERGER
H. Eckstein & Sons was not quite as much a fixture of the Lower East Side as Guss's Pickles or Yonah Schimmel Knish Bakery. Still, Brenda Zimmer spent much of her life there, haggling with customers in the cramped and hectic clothing store on Orchard Street that her family owned, hanging on until a greatly weakened Eckstein's finally shut its doors in 1998.
Yet when she told friends a few years ago that her daughter, Amy, was moving into one of the neighborhood's storied tenements, ''they looked a little shocked,'' she said.
''Everybody spent their lives trying to get out of there, and my daughter is trying to come back,'' Mrs. Zimmer said, recalling her friends' puzzlement and suggesting more than a little of her own.
The rapid changes in a neighborhood famous as the squalid foothold for immigrants just off the boat have produced more than a few such expressions of astonishment.
There are still many people around who were glad to escape the neighborhood when the old life seemed to be seeping out of it more than a half-century ago. Some of them are now wonderstruck as their adventurous children and grandchildren are returning.
On a recent stroll from Hester Street to Houston Street with Amy, Mrs. Zimmer seemed tickled that her daughter, a 28-year-old Yale graduate and freelance writer, had actually settled a few blocks from where Amy's grandfather was born and where Mrs. Zimmer worked full time for 15 years. Sure, only a handful of the wholesale and retail stores that sold hosiery, linens, lingerie, and handbags were still around, and even many of the bodegas of a more recent era of migration were gone. But the neighborhood had once again quickened to life, something closer to the bustle of the days when the walk-up tenements were teeming and the dowdy stores drew shoppers from all over for their Sunday bargains.
''Now it's exciting; it's prestigious to live there,'' Mrs. Zimmer, a high-spirited woman, observed.
Dry-goods shops are being replaced by restaurants with $30 entrees; by boutiques where the tastefully spaced wares are fashionably retro but the prices are decidedly nouveau; by galleries like Fusion-Arts Museum, which exhibits a robotlike ''fusion golem'' made of motorized hardware; by cafes where young people peck at laptops while sipping lattes; and even by one shop, Toys in Babeland, that, to Mrs. Zimmer's embarrassed amusement, sells sex toys.
''A very unusual store,'' Mrs. Zimmer observed, gathering up her dignity. ''Colorful.''

A link to another article by Amy Zimmer about Eckstein's

Great New LES Book Of Archival Photos

Great new book I got at the Tenement Museum yesterday with old lower east side photos I've never seen before. Can't locate an online site to purchase. It's also available at the South Street Seaport Museum
Brian Merlis gave me permission to post this picture showing a favorite Knickerbocker Village sporting goods and stationery supply destination, Haber's at 29 Essex Street. This was in 1930

Get Ready Get Set...Shop E.J. Korvettes 2

image from the brownstoner
about E.J. Korvette's

E. J. Korvette was an American chain of discount department stores, founded in 1948 in New York City. It is notable as one of the first department stores to challenge the suggested retail price provisions of anti-discounting statutes. It is also notable for its failure to manage its business success which led to decline and its 1980 bankruptcy and closure. Founded by World War II veteran Eugene Ferkauf and his friend, Joe Zwillenberg, E.J. Korvette did much to define the idea of a discount department store. It displaced earlier five and dime retailers and preceded later discount stores, like Wal-Mart, and warehouse clubs such as Costco E. J. Korvette's founder, Eugene Ferkauf, began his discounting career in a 400-square-foot (37 m2) loft in mid-Manhattan, New York City. Inventory consisted of well known brands of luggage, household appliances and some jewelry. Discounts were one-third off regular price. Sales were over $2,500 per square foot. Ferkauf retired in 1968. (Discount Merchandiser July 1988)
E.J. Korvette's used several retailing innovations to propel its rapid growth. It used discounting even though most discounting was outlawed (or thought outlawed) at the time[1]. Korvette's instituted a membership program, a technique from consumers' cooperatives that had never been applied to a department store before. It also expanded into suburban locations at a time when most department stores were in a central business district.
Korvette's low-price, low-service model was in some ways similar to that of earlier five and dime retailers such as Woolworth's, McCrory's, and S.S. Kresge. But Korvette's was innovative in avoiding the anti-discounting provisions of the Robinson-Patman Act, and undercutting the suggested retail price on such expensive items as appliances and luxury pens.
Korvette used "membership cards" (which it distributed in front of its stores, and to surrounding offices) to style itself a retail cooperative. In so doing, Korvette's was able to accept deep discounts from suppliers— something that competing department stores, such as Macy's and Gimbel's, could not do. In fact, Macy's and others filed numerous "fair trade" lawsuits against Korvette's to stop it from undercutting their prices[1]. None succeeded. Arguably the lawsuits helped Korvette's by calling attention to prices so low that competitors thought them illegal.
Founder Eugene Ferkauf attributed his idea for membership cards and deep discounts to luggage wholesaler Charles Wolf. But where Charles Wolf made limited or even surreptitious use of it, Korvette's popularized it by instructing employees to distribute membership cards to any person entering any Korvette's.
While the first E.J. Korvette store was located on 46th street in Manhattan, its rapid growth in the 1950s was helped by its many stores in strip malls along arterial roads leading out of urban centers. This made E.J. Korvette ideally situated to meet the demands of the suburbs which grew in the United States during the that era.
The first of the modern type stores was opened in 1954, a 90,000-square-foot (8,400 m2) store in Carle Place, Long Island, which for the first time carried apparel. (Discount Merchandiser July 1988) In 1956 Korvette's had 6 stores, including stores in Philadelphia and Harrisburg, PA. By 1958 it had 12 stores. At its peak, it had 58 stores. A Korvette retail floor had cashiers located in individual departments, with no checkout line area. Large stores included a full supermarket, pharmacy, pets, and tire centers.
Korvette's expanded into the Chicago area in the 1960s. It successfully disputed the state and local Sunday closing ordinances and laws. Once those barriers were broken, many other retailers opened on Sunday.
Korvette's decline and closure are variously attributed to inconsistent management, failure to focus on merchandise it knew (such as appliances), and ultimately attempting to compete directly with the department stores in areas such as fashion (when it had neither the expertise nor the right store atmosphere)[2].
Of note was E. J. Korvette's venture into the home entertainment business. The retailer established a rather out of context series of high-end audio salons within selected stores. Korvettes went so far as to market its own "XAM" brand of stereo receivers, amplifiers (some manufactured by Roland Electronics of Japan) and speakers. At a number of the retail locations the audio department was, on dollar per square foot basis, one of the more profitable departments in the store.
In late 1965, Korvette's formed its own Home Furnishings Division and ceased subcontracting furniture and carpet sales. A complex warehousing and distributing network was established. A central distribution warehouse was established in Danville, VA. This location received furniture, purchased by its buyers located in East Paterson, NJ. and in turn reshipped individual customer orders based on promised delivery dates. The sold merchandise was then shipped to delivery warehouses in East Paterson, NJ, Pensauken, NJ and Jessup, MD for final prep and delivery. This well-managed furniture distribution group was active until it closed at the end of 1977.
By 1966, Korvette's had begun to decline and chose to merge with Spartan Industries, a soft goods retailer. Eugene Ferkauf was eased out of the company leadership, and Spartan managers attempted to revive the company.
From 1971 to 1979, Korvette's was owned by Arlen Realty, a land development company that used Korvette's 50 stores as a source of cash flow. Under Arlen's ownership, Korvette's stores deteriorated and lost market share relative to other retailers. Soon the company soon became worth more for its real estate assets (such as its ownership or leasehold interests in valuable locations) than its retail sales.
In 1979, Korvette's was purchased by the Agache-Willot Group of France which initially closed Korvette's least profitable stores, and began selling off merchandise, fixtures, equipment, and real estate. In 1980, they declared bankruptcy and on December 24, 1980 they closed all of their remaining 15 stores.
According to Korvette's founder, Eugene Ferkauf, the name E.J. Korvette was coined as a combination of the initials of its founders (Eugene and Joe) and a re-spelling of the naval term Corvette. This claim, and the fact that the name pre-dates the Korean War by three years, contradict an urban legend that the name stood for "Eight (or Eleven) Jewish Korean War Veterans".

Get Ready Get Set...Shop E.J. Korvette

from 1978-1983, Play list:

1. Korvettes Department Store--Where's the best stereos and televisions? Korvettes has more to what you're looking for! 2. Burger King Real Steak Sandwich--Offering coupon to buy New York Knicks...
1. Korvettes Department Store--Where's the best stereos and televisions? Korvettes has more to what you're looking for!
2. Burger King Real Steak Sandwich--Offering coupon to buy New York Knicks tickets. They must have been THAT desperate to get people to buy their steaks!
3. Michelob beer with John Forsythe--Holidays were made for Michelob (and weekends too!)
4. Ending to Shop Rite--Lasanga sale the week of November 11-18, 1978
5. Korvettes Department Store--Food processors, hair dryers, and a bad Marilyn Monroe impersonator!

Normandie Pharmacy: Famous For Prescriptions

Courtesy of Mark Schumer, circa mid 1950's. Notice it mentions calling the pharmacy through the "house phone"

We Have A Winner

The answer to the mystery photo contest:
From: Mark
Subject:Re: Mystery Photo
Date: February 19, 2009 10:18:51 PM EST
To: David
That's the sign that belonged to Lasky's Shoes. I think the address was 85 Orchard.
Stu and I got our first pair of Hush Puppies there.

The Dolnansky's Of Catherine Street And KV

The Dolnansky's were mentioned previously

Dorita and Bernard Dolansky whose parents owned a store near the Pizza place on Catherine St - they sold children's clothes.

I found some primary documents of theirs in the census. Evidently Harry was the Dolnansky who started the business since he was born in 1885 and had a store at 60 Catherine Street that pre-dated Knickerbocker Village's construction. It says on his WWI draft registration card that he lived at 3345 Catherine Street. That's got to be a mistake I assume. In 1942, when even seniors had to register for the draft, the 52 year old Harry was living at 40 Monroe Street. The store was still at 60 Catherine.

Ezra Cohen Signs

from walter crutchfield 1991 The sign used to be at Allen and Broome.

image from 14 to 42 along with description It's a reference to the signs painted by the store at 307 Grand Street

These signs were painted by Bob Middleton approx. 1975. Bob still has the original layout for this job. The layout shows a telephone number beginning WA5, but the photo above has the number as 925-7800. Bob's memory is that "the Ezra Cohen phone number was changed after I painted it... [It] must have been painted by that sign shop after 1975 ???? Looks like Concord Outdoor work.

"

Knickerbocker Village Bargains

$6 haircuts (and just as good as the $17 ones from my Russian barber in Brooklyn) from 13 Monroe (formerly Pete's and Joe's) and $1.99 after school heroes at Blimpie's on Catherine Street.

Nathan's House Furnishing On Catherine Street

A post Christmas present in my email box.

Just happened to stop in at Bob's on my way back to Martha's Vineyard; You might remember my grandfather, Nathans House Furnishing, on Catherine street, between Henry and Madison. NEXT to the Rug Place, NEXT to Savoia..., and of course CARVEL on their right;You know my grandparents would close down some Xmas times and get driven up to Boston by a guy named JOEY... Could never forget you guys...knowing Bob, Marty Sklar, Alan gave me an entree onto a paved playground with all you guys...who believed they were speaking 'ENGLISH'. Also the Submarine Sandwich...HERO, and where could you find a Pizza the size of a STEERING WHEEL for $1.00...I'm talking the 'OLD' car steering wheels. So I'm MIKE ZANE signing off

Mike must be referring to #27 Catherine, as #25 (Sweet Spring Restaurant) is where Carvel's used to be.

Katz's 2

Send A Salami To Your Boy In The Army

Something I did with a kindergarten class about 5 years ago to celebrate their visit to Katz's. I don't know if this a blasphemous to mention, but I prefer the pastrami from Junior's and it's not as expensive.

Oh, hot diggity, dog ziggity, boom what you do to me
It's so new to me, what you do to me
Hot diggity, dog ziggity, boom what you do to me
When you're holding me tight

Never dreamed anybody could kiss thattaway
Bring me bliss thattaway, what a kiss thattaway
What a wonderful feelin' to feel thattaway
Tell me where have you been all my life

Oh, hot diggity, dog ziggity, boom what you do to me
It's so new to me, what you do to me
Hot diggity, dog ziggity, boom what you do to me
When you're holding me tight

Never knew that my heart could go "zing" thattaway
Ting-a-ling thattaway, make me sing thattaway
Said "goodbye" to my troubles, they went thattaway
Ever since you came into my life

Oh, hot diggity, dog ziggit,y boom what you do to me
It's so new to me, what you do to me
Hot diggity, dog ziggity, boom what you do to me
When you're holding me tight

There's a cute little cottage for two thattaway
Skies are blue thattaway, dreams come true thattaway
If you say I can share it with you thattaway
I'll be happy the rest of my life

Oh, hot diggity, dog ziggity, boom what you do to me
It's so new to me, what you do to me
Hot diggity, dog ziggity, boom what you do to me
When you're holding me tight

Oh, hot diggity, dog ziggity, boom what you do to me
How my future will shine
Hot diggity, dog ziggity, boom what you do to me
From the moment you're mine

Hot dog!!

Famous Fat Dave's Five Borough Eating Tour

No, the Fat Dave is not me, but he certainly visits some of my favorite eating haunts.
A description from youtube, the above only shows the LES segment:

It's Famous Fat Dave's Five Borough Eating Tour on the Wheels of Steel! Chow your way through the real New York in an authentic NYC yellow taxi with a pickle man/ cheesemonger/ hot dog vendor/ food writer/ cabbie who has eaten it all.
This Episode's tour features food from Brooklyn and Manhattan. Learn Dave and Roger's Pickle Call at Guss' Pickles (Orchard Street between Broome & Grand, Lower East Side, Manhattan) as you nosh on 6 varieties of pickles. If you're lucky Dave will introduce you to the best skin care product known to man, pickle brine. Then walk down the block for a sesame pancake Chinese sandwhich loaded with pickled carrots, pot roast, soy sauce, cilantro, and hot sauce at the Dumpling House (Eldridge Street between Broome & Grand, Lower East Side, Manhattan) featuring live entertainment from a small Chinese boy and his purple guitar. Next ride over the Brooklyn Bridge into Redhook for chocolate dipped key lime pie at Steve's Authentic Key Lime Pies (Pier 41 off Van Dyke Street, Red Hook, Brooklyn). You'll get a great view of the Statue of Liberty while you digest before Dave tours you around Red Hook's mean streets where the smell of gunfire still hangs in the air. And don't fill up yet...next up is the weekly Latino Food Fair (Bay Street between Clinton & Henry, Red Hook, Brooklyn). Tacos, empanadas, madoros, horchatas, papusa, and Ecuadorian & Salvadorian food recommendations from locals. Hop back in the cab and get some views of Rockaway on the way to Sheepshead Bay where you'll chow down on the finest Roast Beef Sandwhiches from Roll 'n Roaster (Eammons Avenue & Nostrand Avenue, Sheepshead Bay, Brooklyn). And it's okay to make fun of Dave when somehow the cheese ends up in his ear. You'd think he'd learn how to avoid that by now. Our final destination for your last 2 meals is L&B Spumoni Gardens (86th Street & West 10th Street, Bensonhurst, Brooklyn). You'll get one of the few $1.75 slices left in the city (much bigger than your normal slice) and because there's always room for desert, finish up with L&B's famous spumoni! Any food you don't finish will happily be eaten by cute puppies you meet along the way or Dave, himself (Dave prefers you choose him).
Think you're up to the challenge? Book your eating experience email Famous Fat Dave at Dave@FamousFatDave.com
Hop in the cab, hold on tight. You're gonna be eating all through the night. He'll take you where you've never been in the Bronx and Queens and South Brooklyn. It's Famous Fat Dave's Five Borough Eating Tour on the Wheels of Steel. Pickles, Pastrami, Dumplings, Salami! Take a look, grab a bite, put it in your tummy.

The Other New York, New York

The NYC scenes look pretty fake at times, but is that the real "Gusses" on Hester Street that they pass at about the 00:58 mark?
Dockhand:
I feel like I'm not out of bed yet, oh, oh, oh
Oh the sun is warm, and my blanket's warmer,
Sleep, sleep in your lady's arms,
Sleep in your lady's arms.
(Ship's whistle, the sailors rush down from ship to dock)
Sailors Gene Kelly, Frank Sinatra and Jules Munshin sing:
New York, New York, New York, New York,
New York, New York, it's a wonderful town!
Dockhand: Hahaha, hey fellas, what's the big rush?
Sailors:
We only got 24 hours! We've never been here before!
Dockhand:
What can you see in one day?
What do you think you're gonna do?
Sailors:
New York, New York, it's a wonderful town!
The Bronx is up and the Battery's down
The people ride in a hole in the ground,
New York, New York, it's a wonderful town!
(musical interlude)
The famous places to visit are so many,
So the guys would say,
I know my grandpa wouldn't miss any in just one day
Gotta see the whole town,
From Yonkers on down to the bay, in just one day.
New York, New York, it's a wonderful town,
The Bronx up and the Battery's down,
The people ride in a hole in the ground,
New York, New York, it's a wonderful town
(musical interlude)
We sailed the seas and played a bit of poker way in Mandalay,
We've walked the streets till the night was over,
And we can safely say, the most fabulous sight is New York
In the light of day, our only day.
New York, New York, it's a wonderful town,
The Bronx is up and the Battery's down,
The people ride in a hole in the ground,
New York, New York, it's a wonderful town
Manhattan women are all dressed in satin, so the fellows say,
There's just one thing necessary in Manhattan,
When you just one day

Christmas Shopping In Brooklyn At The Turn Of The 1900's

At H. (Henry) Batterman's in Williamsburg. The ad says it is accessible from anywhere in the city

Washed Balls

A unique and inexpensive Christmas gift: rewashed golf balls at Davega's on Cortlandt Street. This was in the the Radio Row section of downtown Manhattan. It would become part of the World Trade Center site

Where To Get The Avenue B Bus

If you wanted to go to Lelands' (previous post) or to S. Klein's on Union Square this where you would catch the Avenue B bus