Dyker? But I Barely Know Her

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In one of his most personal pieces we've read, Kevin at Forgotten NY goes for a trip down memory lane in Dyker Heights. He lived in Dyker Heights back in 1990, renting a ground floor apartment for $700 a month. For reasons having little to do with the nabe (other than the lack of subway connectivity), Kevin did not enjoy his time in DH. He recently decided to walk the entire 50-block length of the neighborhood's main drag, 13th Avenue, and documents it with his usual mix of history, personal anecdotes and humor. Enjoy.
13th Ave in Dyker Heights [Forgotten NY] GMAP

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I grew up in Dyker Heights closer to the Bensonhurst border and loved it. My family came from Italy and we all lived in one huge house and grew great smelling vegetables in the backyard. I could walk to the corner store, by myself, at five, because there was really nothing to be afraid of when everyone knew everyone.

It's not really like this anymore, and that was only in the early 80's. Times change so quickly. Most of the original immigrants have died or moved on and developers are turning their 1920's carpenter-built homes into stone blocks.

Posted by: Squeegee Beckenheim at September 8, 2006 11:05 AM

I grew up there, too. It really was (& probably still is) the safest neighborhood in town. It isn't waht it used to be (what is?), but I'll always have fond memories, and will always have to say "Well, it's a small neighborhood wedged in between Bay Ridge and Bensonhurst...yeah, where the Christmas lights are..."

Posted by: Wallis at September 8, 2006 11:10 AM

Liquor, ...

Posted by: Anonymous at September 8, 2006 11:43 AM

Glad someone got the reference ;)

Posted by: brownstoner at September 8, 2006 11:47 AM

Fascinating. It's still reminiscent of a bygone world.

Posted by: Park Sloper at September 8, 2006 12:09 PM

I'm surprised that joke didn't come up when everyone was debating the pronunciation of Luquer St.

Posted by: doodler at September 8, 2006 12:53 PM

Hey brownstoner. Don't quit your day job.

Posted by: anonymous at September 8, 2006 1:44 PM

Too late, I already quit. I now operate a pushcart on the corner of 91st Avenue and Woodhaven Boulevard, in Queens. Come visit me sometime.

Posted by: Stoner of Brown at September 8, 2006 3:04 PM

What, no future in stand-up for us?

Posted by: brownstoner at September 8, 2006 4:43 PM

I would rephrase the title, this is not about Dyker at all, it's all about 13th ave, which is a section of Dyker and Borough Park. Dyker Heights is a very specific area from 86th to (some say 65th) I say 75th. and 15th ave to Ft. Hamilton Pkwy, 10th ave area.

Posted by: Anonymous at September 9, 2006 3:13 PM

And they said "The Transoms of Red Hook" was bad!

www.forgotten-ny.com

Posted by: Kevin Walsh at September 9, 2006 8:12 PM

If you are not a hasidic jew, you do not want to visit this area. Unless you enjoy being treated like dirt! Or gawked at if you are an attractive (non-jewish) woman.

Posted by: Anonymous at September 10, 2006 8:29 PM

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September 8, 2006

Dyker? But I Barely Know Her

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