The Terribly Sad Story Of A Baby In the Gowanus Canal...In 1903

Little Brooklynite Dorothy Moore in the early 1900's
(photo not related to the story)

from the New York Times Archive

This is what happened in our neighborhood on August 18th, 1903!

The story of a baby being thrown into the Gowanus Canal after having been strangled, breaks my heart, even 106 years after it happened.
Yet, it is part of the history of this neighborhood.
It is amazing what a glimpse into the past some of these old newspaper articles provide.




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Comment Of The Day: Undercover And On The Sly

Brooks of Sheffield has left a new comment on your post "SURPRISE!!!!! New Permit Issued For 333 Carroll Street":

What a joke. Today's developers are nothing but felons who just happen not to be in jail yet. They do everything undercover and on the sly, because they know what they're doing is wrong and selfish and unpopular, but they don't give a damn. Fischer is worse than Scarano, because he unscrupulous AND competent.

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Gowanus Nursery Soon Closing For The Season, But First, A Sale

photo credit: Gowanus Nursery

Here is a definite sign that winter is coming soon. I just got an email from the Gowanus Nursery, announcing that they will be closing for the season on Sunday, November 22. But first, the nursery is having a sale on bulbs and books. So make sure to stop by. below is more info:

Bulbs n' Books Sale

In our last few days, we will be offering a 25% off special on bulbs, and an opportunity to purchase a sundry selection of winter reads from our library clearance. Books range from $1 to $7. This winter, keep the mind nimble and contemplate the warm fertile soil of spring with a garden book.

Gowanus Nursery will officially close for the season Sunday, November 22. And stay tuned - we have some exciting surprises for you come spring!

The Gowanus Nursery

45 Summit Street - Brooklyn, NY 11231
tel 718-852-3116
Email Address : info at gowanusnursery dot com
Seasonal Hours: 10am - 4:30pm Wednesday - Sunday

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Picture Of The Day: Fall Foliage WIth Vespa

photo by guest photographer Max Kelly


Overnight, the weather had changed
here in Brooklyn
and the trees were now bare.
The rusted blue and white Vespa,
parked amidst the fallen leaves,
was a reminder of warmer summer days.

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SURPRISE!!!!! New Permit Issued For 333 Carroll Street, The Building With The Growth On Top

Something "fishy" going on at 333-335 Carroll Street

Karl Fischer takes over as architect and self-certifies permit renewals

No building in Carroll Gardens illustrated the need for a neighborhood down-zoning better than the condo conversion at 333-335 Carroll Street, between Hoyt and Bond Streets. Back in 2005, owner Issac Fischman hired bad boy architect Robert "Mezzanine" Scarano to convert an old brick manufacturing building into a 31 unit condo. As part of the plans, a two story, 40 foot steel addition was erected on top of the old structure.

Alarmed residents asked the NYC Department of Buildings to review the plans, which revealed that Robert Scarano had been more than creative with the floor-air-ratio calculations. The Building's Department confirmed in March 2008, that the architect has lied on the application, claiming that the cellar was a basement. Scarano intended to use the "habitable" basement for parking and had transferred the square footage onto the roof.

The building's owner fired Scarano and the site was slapped with a full stop work order on March 4th 2008. Since that time, the empty building has been dormant. In the meantime, the neighborhood got organized and with the help of the Department of City Planning, was able to down-zone Carroll Gardens, in order to protect this historical neighborhood from out-of-scale developments such as 333-335 Carroll Street.
Unlike the original R6 zoning, the new R6B zoning has a 50 foot height limit. The City Council voted unanimously for the re-zoning on October 28, 2009. It went into effect immediately.

Unbeknown to local residents, the building's owner hired another controversial architect, Karl Fischer, to resolve his building's woes. Fischer, the architect behind the 11 story 'finger' at 100 Luquer street, filed for an amendement, which he self-certified. The record show an audit was accepted on October 16, just days before the new R6B zoning went into effect. It is still unclear how Fischer was able to solve the original Floor-Area-Ratio problem. The owner may have bought some air rights from other buildings. He may also have added an Ambulatory Diagnostic Health Facility, which may have given him bonus F.A.R. under the old zoning. (Under the new R6B zoning, that would not have helped.)

A new building permit has been issued on November 5, 2009 for:

Proposed conversion of existing manufacturing building to residential with additional floors, as per Article 7B MDL, including the removal and construction of interior & exterior bearing & non-bearing partitions, plumbing fixtures, finishes, cabinetry & casework, complete repiping of building.

If indeed, the audit and the permits were filed and approved before the Carroll Gardens re-zoning on October 28th, the developer got them in under the wire. That would be incredibly unfortunate for the neighborhood.

However, given the history of the site and the willful misleading by the developer to get more building than he is entitled to, it would seem appropriate for the Buildings Department to take a very careful look at all the paperwork.



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Get Ready: Prospect Park Ice Skating Season To Start On Thanksgiving Day

photo credit: Prospect Park Alliance

Hard to believe, especially after the last few sunny spring-like days, but here it is: the Prospect Park Skating rink will re-open in just two and a half weeks. On Thanksgiving Day, more precisely. Fun! Here is the related information from the Prospect Park Alliance:

ICE SKATING AT BROOKLYN’S PROSPECT PARK

Skating Season Starts November 26

It’s time again to enjoy the fresh air experience of skating outdoors in Brooklyn’s Prospect Park. The Park’s Wollman Rink opens for the season on

Thanksgiving Day, November 26 at 10:00 a.m

Opening date is weather permitting

the public can call (718) 287-6431 to confirm

Admission is:

Adults: $5 (ages 15 and up)

Children (14 and under) and Seniors: $3

Skate Rental: $6.50 (tax included)

The rink is open during the following hours:

From November 26, 2009 To March 14, 2010

Mondays 8:30 a.m. – 2 p.m.

Tuesdays 8:30 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Wednesdays 8:30 a.m. – 3 p.m.

Thursdays 8:30 a.m. – 6 p.m.

Fridays 8:30 a.m. – 9 p.m.

Saturdays 10 a.m. – 1 p.m.; 2 – 6 p.m.; 7 – 10 p.m.

Sundays 10 a.m. – 1 p.m.; 2 – 6 p.m.

Thanksgiving Holiday Hours

Thursday, Nov. 26: 10 a.m. – 1 p.m.; 2 – 6 p.m.

Friday, Nov. 27: 10 a.m. – 1 p.m.; 2 – 6 p.m.; 7 – 9 p.m.

Go to www.prospectpark.org for all other information.

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Picture Of The Day: Fall Berries And Brownstones

Fall In Carroll Gardens

The light was just beginning to fade,
as I pointed my camera through the berry covered branches
and at the façade of the brownstones on Carroll Street.

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The Tale Of A Whale Hunt In The Gowanus Canal...In 1928

Sperm whale hunting

Only In The Gowanus, Folks!

Does everyone remember the story of Sludgie, the juvenal minke whale, who lost his way during a storm in April 2007 and wandered into the Gowanus Canal? The 12-foot-long whale provided lots of excitement, but its stay in the fetid waters of the canal proved too dangerous. Sludgie died two days later.

Turns out, the minke whale was not the first. More Than 81 years before, on March 1928, a two-ton, 18-foot-long sperm whale was captured in the Gowanus by 4 unemployed ironworkers spotted the poor thing, who lassoed the poor thing with steel cables and dragged it to the shore, where it died.

The carcass was taken to the Museum Of Natural History to be exhibited in the Oceanic Hall.
I wonder if it is still displayed there, today. I'll try to call the museum to find out.
(Does anyone have a contact number?)

Take some time to read the whole New York Times article above. It is quite a story, even though it is a bit barbaric.





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Explore Carroll Gardens West With 'Lost City' Blogger

photo credit: Lost City

Fellow blogger and friend Brooks, over at 'Lost City,' is organizing his very first walking tour. On November 22, he will lead a group through what he calls Carroll Gardens West, "the once (and still?) Mob-infested streets on either side of Moses' Gulch, better known at the BQE, from Hamilton to the south to Degraw on the north" as he describes it.
This is bound to be fascinating. If you know his blog, you know that Brooks is a wealth of information. Space is limited, so make sure you reserve a spot early.

Lost City Walking Tour
on Sunday, November 22,
at 11 AM

Meeting place: the southwest corner of Henry and Sackett Streets,
in front of Naidre's cafe.

For all other information and to reserve , go to Lost City

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Meet Ozzie, A Very Courageous Carroll Gardens Pug

Ozzie greeting Trick-or-treaters at Halloween




A very spunky little pug in Carroll Gardens.

I want you to meet Ozzie, a very courageous little fellow who has been very sick of late. About two and a half month ago, a lump was found in his hind leg.

Unfortunately, it was cancerous and needed to be removed. The veterinary could not safe the leg, but Ozzie is adjusting very well, thank you. He is a bit tired, especially because he is getting chemotherapy, but he is a real trooper. One can't help but be inspired by him.

So if you see Ozzie walking around the neighborhood, make sure to stop and give him a little pat. He deserves it.

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Comment Of The Day: Time To Re-Assess

Anonymous has left a new comment on your post "Some Work Resumes At Clarett Site On Court Street":

If this project does need to go through a community re-assessment process, that part of our community that has been working so hard to bring affordable, and senior housing to Carroll Gardens should do all they can to get an agreement with THIS developer to provide for these community needs.
In all reality, these needs will not be met by the plans to build on Public Place site--which is still a long way from achieving any measure of an environmental cleanup. Local advocates for senior housing (along with our elected officials who promote themselves as advocates for affordable housing) should show their sincerity on this issue by taking this opportunity to negotiate with the Court St Clarett development.

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Picture Of The Day: Summer In November

Summer days in November.
What an unexpected treat.
It seemed as though everyone in the neighborhood was outdoors on Sunday.
The side-walk cafés were filled on both Court And Smith Street.
What did you do on such a magnificent day?

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A Blogger Gets Personal: An Early Morning Call Brings Infinite Sadness

A Good-Bye to Our Beloved Father and Grandfather

JOSEPH KELLY
1931-2009

With our son Max in 1992

Grandpa Joe on a visit to Brooklyn in the late 90's

The phone rang this morning at 9 AM. It brought relief, but mostly, infinite sadness. My father-in law Joseph Kelly had just passed away in Arizona. He had been courageously battling cancer for many months.


Joseph Kelly was the very first real Brooklynite I ever met, though by the time my soon-to-be husband introduced me to his father, Joseph had left the borough long ago.
Only later, after having moved to Brooklyn myself, did I recognize his wittiness, his wonderful way of telling a story with just enough embellishment, the twinkle in his eye and his very distinctive lilt, as characteristics of the place were he was born in 1931.

He was the sweetest man and the best story teller I have ever met. I could listen to him for hours, while he talked about his life and his beloved family. Recounting how he had met his wife Barbara in the 1950's, he would grin and say that he had met his "million dollar baby at the Five-and-Ten-Cent Store." (It was actually at the Woolworth on Fulton Street.)
He earned his living first as a bartender, and then as the owner of his own establishment, the White Shutter Inn, on the border of Bushwick and Ridgewood.
Together, Barbara and Joseph had six children. First, there were three boys and then, three girls. My husband Glenn was the oldest. Joseph worked hard to move his family to the suburbs and out of Brooklyn. As soon as he could, he bought a house in Floral Park, Long Island. But for years, he continued commuting to Brooklyn to run the White Shutter Inn.
He eventually gave the business up and worked as the manager of a Martin's Paint store nearer his home. When he retired, he followed two of his children to Arizona.

When he visited our home in Brooklyn, he always brought laughter with him. Over a cup of coffee and a slice of Junior's Cheese cake, Grandpa Joe would regale our children for hours with tales of Glenn's childhood. There was the time when Glenn had received a weather station for Christmas. When, shortly afterward, Joseph heard repeated banging from above, he knew something was up. Sure enough, his son had climbed onto the roof and had punched a hole into it in order to install the station.
Joe still laughed out loud those many years later, remembering the many challenges of raising his six kids.
It was clear that he had a special relationship with children. He could make them feel like they were the center of his universe. He understood their sadness and joined in their happiness. For years, he volunteered in a day care center in Phoenix. The kids kept him young, he would tell us.
His parenting advice to me was always the same: "Instead of being mad at them, when they misbehave, just hug them. It works every time." He was right.

I will miss his stories, his incredible blue eyes and his kindness. I share my husband's and my children's pain and wish I could ease it.

Most of all, I send my love to Scott, Kevin, Rita, Loretta and Marybeth and their families. I am thinking of you all very, very much. Joseph's spark, kindness and spirit will live on in all of you.

And to my mother-in-law Barbara, I would like to say, that she is my hero and that I aspire to possess as much grace as she does.

Finally, I would like to express my gratitude to my two sisters-in-law Rita and Loretta, who have given so much of themselves over these last months. I can only imagine how difficult it was. My love and respect to you both.

Some More Photos Of Joe Kelly

Joseph and Barbara Kelly in the 1950's

A few years ago with Sophia, one of their 12 grand-children

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Welcome To The Newest Bistro On Smith: "La Petite Provence" Now Open

Restaurateurs Leslie and Jean-Jacques Bernat proudly showed me their new French bakery/Bistro and Wine Bar called 'La Petite Provence' which opened on Friday at 255 Smith Street, in the space once occupied by Alan Harding's 'Patois'. I joked with them, that it is nice to finally have real French owners running a real French bistro out of that location.

The Bernats already operate the very successful 'Provence En Boite' just a few doors up at 263 Smith. The new space is cheerful and charming. Much smaller than its big sister restaurant, this new venture has just a couple of tables and a few stools at the counter, but it shares the same welcoming feel. The bistro seems more geared towards grabbing a quick café au lait and a croissant in the morning or a sandwich at lunch.
Jean-Jacques is an excellent baker and pâtissier. The baguettes on the backer's rack looked amazing and the raspberry tarts, which were displayed on the counter, are like little pieces of art.

La Petite Provence is a welcomed culinary addition to Smith Street. I'll stop back there in the next few days to sample some of the tarts, the meringue, the bread and the sandwiches and....


Bonne chance à vous, Leslie et Jean-Jacques.


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A Moment In Time: Three Friends, Talking And Laughing

Three friends, soaking up the last rays of sun,
in front of Book Court
on an afternoon in November.
They were having a wonderful time,
talking and laughing.

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Some Work Resumes At Clarett Site On Court Street, Despite Recent Stop Work Order

Proposed 340 Union Street development

proposed town houses on Sackett Street

Neighbors of the Clarett Goup's 340 Court Street site informed me this week that work had resumed behind the blue construction fence. When workers were asked what was happening, the neighboring residents were told that Clarett was proceeding with the planned townhouses on Union and Sackett Streets.

As the photos I was sent clearly show, a bulldozer was moving dirt on Union Street. And just recently, the construction crew shored up the diagonal iron beams that hold the foundation on both the Union and Sackett sides, especially the side next to the Apple Back building.

Designed by architect Rob Rogers, of the firm Rogers Marvel, the Clarett Group development includes 4 townhouses on both Sackett and Union Streets, 3 Maisonettes towards Court and a 70 foot building on Court.
Back in April 2008, when Clarett presented their plans for 340 Court Street to a less than enthusiastic crowd here in Carroll Gardens, the developer estimated that construction on their Collection On Court project would take about 18 months to complete. That was, of course, before the downturn in the economy. Construction came to a sudden halt in November 2008.

Since then, the site has been dormant. But just in the last few weeks, there has been a flurry of activity. At the end of October, however, the NYC Buildings Department has issued a Complete Stop Work Order.
The paperwork states:

INSPECTION FOR VESTING REGARDING CARROLL GARDENS ZONING CHANGE EFFECTIVE 10/28/09. Job considered not vested.

This has to do with the neighborhood zoning change that was just passed by the City Council. The DoB needs to inspect the site to see if the development's foundation has been substantially completed, in order to proceed with the proposed plans. The Stop Work Order was serve on Tuesday, November 3rd.

However, the work has not stopped completely. As one of the site's neighbor writes:

"The stop work order says they can go in there to make things safer. I'm sure if an inspector came by they could figure out something that they're doing to call it such. So awful! (No hard hats on any of the workers.)"

That doesn't come as a surprise. What is more astonishing is that the work is moving ahead at all, especially in these economic times.

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Yankee Victory Parade Traffic Advisory For Friday

Brooklyn -Battery Tunnel 1973
photo credit: The U.S. National Archive

Because of the Yankee Ticker Tape Parade, all hell is going to break out in Downtown Manhattan on Friday morning.
The special traffic advisory below was sent around by Craig Hammerman, District Manager of Community Board 6. Thought you may want to know, dear Reader, before you head that way with your car.

SPECIAL TRAFFIC ADVISORY

Fri., 11/6:
9 AM to 3 PM:

Heavy Delays Expected at Brooklyn-Battery Tunnel Due to Yankees Victory Parade

*Use Mass Transit If You Can*

The New York Yankees Victory Parade is expected to cause heavy delays for Brooklyn-Battery Tunnel traffic in either direction on Friday, November 6^th from 9 AM until approximately 3 PM. The tunnel will remain open, but delays are expected due to Lower Manhattan street closures in effect for the parade and, of course, the anticipated crowds.

Please use public mass transit if you can. For more information visit: www.mta.info

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Comment Of The Day: What's The Excuse?

Raised in Carroll Gardens left the following comment on the post "Let's Talk Trash...In Carroll Gardens":

This 1 time I'll give the DoS a small break (very small).

Due to election day they were behind schedule. All regular trash (that's normally picked-up early Wednesday morning) was picked-up very late on Wednesday - - as late as 5:30 on some blocks. They had double duty yesterday, so that might be why they didn't get to the Corner Bins and why there would have been 2 days worth of trash to start with.

However... what's the excuse on the other days?

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"Area" Stores Going Bagless

Going Green In Brooklyn

I was intrigued by a new sign on the door of all the Area stores in the neighborhood. It seems that the children's wear and toy boutiques have gone bagless, which is really green and truly cool.
I stopped by the Court Street store in Cobble Hill to find out more. When I asked the very friendly young lady behind the counter how customers felt about this new implementation, she told me that the reaction has been very positive.
"Most people in Brooklyn walk around with their own shopping bag already, so its not a problem for them." she said.
"But what if they don't, and it is raining?" I asked.
She said that Area still kept a few bags in the store for those emergencies. " Sometimes, tourists stop by to make a purchase. They don't necessarily walk around with a shopping bag."

And of course, customers can always buy a re-usable BAGGU bag at Area. Baggu is a Brooklyn-based company. So one can go green AND support a local business.

Joining this trend is Swallow at 361 Smith Street. A few weeks ago, the glass, ceramic and jewelery gallery also went bagless.
I am sure more stores will follow


P.S.: May I ask Area to please reconsider its policy of taping its Yoga flier all over the neighborhood? That would also reduce waste and would really be appreciated.


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Let's Talk Trash...In Carroll Gardens

Say, dear Reader, is it just me or are our streets getting dirtier all the time? I was standing at the corner of President and Smith Streets yesterday morning. At that time of the day, the trash cans on all four corners of the intersection were overflowing. Some of the garbage was littering the sidewalk and the curb.
As I was taking the photos, a Sanitation truck came by, which I thought was pretty ironic. Of course, it did not stop.

I walked by again later in the afternoon and there was even more trash piled up.
It was pretty disgusting.

So pardon me for asking, but are we just producing more trash or is Sanitation picking up less?

Have you noticed as well? What gives?


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Comment Of The Day: A Not-So-Funny Story

"Anon,Too" has left the following comment on the post "Funny "Mischief Night" Story":

Anon...Yes, it's sad but true. If it never gets into the paperwork then it's NOT a crime so the neighborhood gets a lower crime stat. You made a very good point. At least in the "Funny Story" 3 patrol cars turned-up. I have a not so funny story...
Last Summer, during a light drizzly evening, a Bike Delivery Guy was hit by a van (the driver of the van and occupants stayed - From what I gathered, the bike tried to beat the van onto Carroll from Clinton by cutting off the van. The bike lost.) As it happens a Dr. or some other Medical Pro was handy and attended to the "bleeding from the head" victim until an ambulance arrived; in the rain. People stood at the corner in the street to hold plastic & umbrellas over the pair. The 1 patrol car that finally arrived must have contained officers made of sugar. I say this because they NEVER got out of the patrol car. The van driver had to walk over to them to give his story. Have I mentioned yet that the officers stayed IN the patrol car while the driver stood along side of it? It wasn't until the Ambulance Driver said, "Hey! You ever coming out to help with traffic so WE don't get hit, too?!?" did the officers grudgingly leave the patrol car. As noted... Our tax dollars at work!!!
(This time I'll sign as Anon, too.)

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Brooklyn, Be Proud, Be Green!

'Proud To Be From Brooklyn' Tote Bag

$18.00


To Buy, Click Here

The 100% cotton canvas tote bags from Pardon Me For Asking have plenty of room to carry everything you need when you are on the go. They include a bottom gusset and extra long handles for easy carrying.

• 10 oz heavyweight natural canvas fabric
• Full side and bottom gusset
• 22" reinforced self-fabric handles
• Machine washable
• Measures 15" x 18" x 6"

To Buy, Click Here

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A Moment In Time: Matinée At The Cinema

What could be sweeter for a child?

Election day,
school closure and...
catching a movie in the middle of the afternoon.

A perfect combination.

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'Papel' Coming To Former Boutique On Court Street

A poster in the window at 225 Court Street indicates that 'Papel" is coming to the space once occupied by Ali Kat. 'Papel', of course means 'paper' in Spanish. There is even a little paper airplane on the poster.
So in the future, we may be able to order wedding invitations and baby announcements here.
(Maybe this place is associated with one of the same name in California?)

Do any of you readers know more? Think a place like that would work out on Court?)

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Union Market On Court Street Moving Along Nicely

The door was wide open at the future Union Market at 288 Court Street today. By the looks of it, the construction is proceeding on time.
Back in September, I was told that the store could be open by the end of the year. That now seems very likely.

This location was once the home of Blockbuster. After standing empty for quite some time, news that a specialty food store was moving in was welcomed by the neighborhood as a nice addition. Union Market was described to me as " a Trader Joe's and a regular supermarket" with lots of prepared food.

How about you, dear Reader? Looking forward to shopping there?

Photo and logo courtesy of Union Market

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Comment Of The Day: Baking For The Holiday

BestViewInBrooklyn has left a new comment on your post "Sun Slowly Setting Over Carroll Gardens":

"Stunning. My parents would say it was the xmas angels baking for the holiday."

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This Week-End, Take Part In The Cobble Hill Bike Ride

The following information was sent to me by the Cobble Hill Association. I don't have a bike, but for those who do, this looks like loads of fun. Read on:

Come join the Cobble Hill Association and Brooklyn Greenway Initiative for the second annual...

COBBLE HILL BIKE RIDE

When: November 8th, 2009, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Where: Verandah Place at Cobble Hill Park
Cost: FREE, simply rsvp to cobblehillbikeride@gmail.com.
Space is limited to 50 riders maximum. Preference will be given to those who register ahead of time, as well as Cobble Hill Association members.

The Cobble Hill Association and Brooklyn Greenway Initiative are hosting a 10-mile casual bike ride that will start at Cobble Hill Park and pass through Brooklyn Heights, Dumbo, the Columbia Waterfront District, Red Hook, and Carroll Gardens then loop back to Cobble Hill.

There will be several scenic rest stops as we ride along mostly calm streets with some light vehicular traffic. Several Bike Marshals will travel alongside as well as a mechanic for any urgent bike repairs needed. It may be chilly so please dress accordingly, and know that riders should bring helmets and observe all the proper rules of the road.

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"The Gowanus Canal" Song: 1898 Hit By Michael J. Shay

Brooklyn Daily Eagle January 10, 1898
Brooklyn Public Library

Who the "Gas Drip Bard" Michael J. Shay was, I could not find out, but his fine composition about the Gowanus Canal from 1898 is rather catchy, though maybe not quite politically correct by today's standards.

Wouldn't it be splendid if someone could add a melody to these verses? It could be a real hit today, a full 111 years later. Because, lets face it, the Gowanus is even more polluted today than it was back then.

The Gowanus Canal Song

by Michael J. Shay 1898

Away down town, where the atmosphere is hazy
From the smoke of the factories ascending to the sky
The smells, Oh! so horrid, would almost set you crazy.
But I'm told in that neighborhood the people seldom die.
'Way up on the"Slope" all the people are complaining;
From the foul scented odors their health is quickly waning
And the smoke from the soft coal their linen it is staining
When the wind blows that way from Gowanus Canal

Chorus

When the wind blows east, when the wind blows west,
Or when it's from the north or south, you never get a rest.
In summer or in winter, in the spring or in the fall,
You breathe the same old odors from Gowanus Canal

see additional verses above

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Sun Slowly Setting Over Carroll Gardens

The sky was aglow late on Monday afternoon, as the sun was slowly setting. It was an amazing sight. Did you see it, dear Reader?
I shot these photos as I was getting out at the Smith Street & 2nd Street exit at about 5 PM. Just a few minutes later, it was dark.

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(Com)post Your Halloween Pumpkin Event

Well, now that Halloween is over, you don't need that pumpkin any more, right? So why not compost it at MS 51's Garden at Washington Park? Read on:

(Com)post Halloween

November 8, 2009
From 1 PM to 5 PM

Smashing Pumpkins & Shredding Leaves

Bring your old jack-o-lantern to the MS 51 Garden at Washington Park,
4th Street & 5th Avenue and learn more about composting and gardening on the site.

ONE DAY EVENT!

Sponsored by the Old Stone House Garden Club

This event benefits MS 51, the Old Stone House and Washington Park by improving the soil for their historically referenced garden.

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Comment Of The Day: Funny "Mischief Night" Story

We Grew-up in Brooklyn has left the following comment on the post "Vandals Leave Path Of Destruction On Court Street":

"Funny" Story - About a year ago my wife & I heard then saw a drunk man continuely smash the top & hood of a car (from our Carroll Gardens bedroom window) at about 3:a/m.

We of course called the police and 3 patrol cars pulled-up. They spoke to the guy (who was obviously drunk) and were about to send him on his way - he still had the brick in his hand.

My wife called from our window, "he's the guy who was smashing that car with that brick he's holding." The response from the police officer, "Get away from the window and go back to bed!"
My wife, "But we're the ones who called you?!" Police, "Did you hear what I said, mind your business or we'll take YOU in!"
FYI - they let the guy just walk away! Our tax dollars at work!!

So, my question is, where were the police patrols during this time known as "Mischief Night"?
It starts in the wee hours on the day before Halloween and ends early in the morning of Halloween Day.

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