My Brooklyn Rock and Roll Heritage
Submitted by: 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 Jo Miller:
You brought back many memories. I'm older than you are but the memories are the same. Where in Brooklyn did you live? I lived in East New York, went to Bishop McDonnell HS. We moved to Long Island about 40 yrs ago.

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