History of WaHI: Inwood Street Names - Washington Heights & Inwood Online

Inwood Street Names

James Renner

Date: August 2003

Inwood street nomenclature dates back to the colonial period when many of the European customs were brought here. Some of the streets were named for settlers of northern Manhattan. Others for people who lived here over the years.

Dyckman Street was named for the family that came to the area in the 1660s. Jan Dyckman came to own 400 acres. The original name of Dyckman Street was Inwood Street, which ran from Broadway west to the Hudson River. Vermilyea Avenue was named for Isaac Vermilyea who arrived here in 1663.

Nagle Avenue was named for Jan Nagle, who owned 74 acres in the community. Nagle went into a joint venture with Dyckman to buy land. During the 1890s the variations in the spelling of the street included Naegle and Nagel. Post Avenue was named for the family that arrived here about the same time as the other settlers. Hendrick Post married Jan Nagle’s daughter Rebecca.

Isham Street was named for resident William B. Isham, who owned an estate on Broadway and 212th Street. Emerson Street, which became 207th Street, was named for Reverend Brown Emerson, who was affiliated with the Mount Washington Presbyterian Church. Hawthorne Street was to become 204th Street.

Seaman Avenue was opened to vehicular traffic in 1908. It was named for Henry B. Seaman, whose family owned property west of Broadway from 215th to 217th Streets. The only remains of the vast estate is the archway, which is now owned by the Gallo Garage.

Streets, plazas and squares in Inwood were named for those who served in the military and came from the area. Henshaw and Staff streets were named for two soldiers who died in the First World War. These were named at the insistence of the Inwood Post of the American Legion.

The Lt. William Tighe Triangle located on Dyckman Street and Broadway honors a community activist who served in both World War I and World War II and lived at 200 Dyckman Street. Prior to 1930 it was known as Inwood Plaza. At present the Riverside Inwood Neighborhood Garden graces the plaza.

Cooper Street owes its name to author James Fennimore Cooper who wrote such books as The Last of the Mohicans. Staff Street was named for a little-known resident of Inwood who was killed in action during World War I. It was named at the insistence of the Inwood Post of the American Legion. Cumming Street was named for a local property owner on May 11, 1925.

Sherman Avenue and Sherman Creek were named for the family who moved here in 1807. Sherman Creek was an important landmark in the colonial days as it was the Manhattan landing for a ferry that went to the Bronx on the Harlem River. The Creek was originally called the Half Kill when the Dutch settled in the area.

Over the years several boat clubs such as the Atlanta, Lone Star, Non-Pariel and Union have used the shores of Sherman Creek for dock space. Many of these clubs closed in the 1960s, and the area was left in ruins with old boats rotting. The area has been restored by the New York Restoration Project and the New York City Department of Parks and Recreation. The site will be used for additional parkland and a new marina.

Some of Inwood’s streets owe their nomenclature to historic personages. Payson Avenue was named for Reverend George Shipman Payson (1845-1923) who was pastor of Mount Washington Presbyterian Church at 84 Vermilyea Avenue. Dongan Place was named for Colonel Thomas Dongan, the first Roman Catholic Governor of the Province of New York.

Bogardus Place was named for the Bogardus family, who owned a large tract of land in Fort Tryon Park. In the 1840s the family became involved in the construction of many of the cast iron buildings in New York City. Thayer Street, originally known as Union place, was named in honor of General Sylvanus Thayer (1785-1872), the first commandant of West Point when it opened in 1802.

Several other streets in Inwood of note are Sickles Street, named after Daniel E. Sickles, New York State Legislator and Major-General during the Civil War. The naming of Ellwood Street is of unknown origin. It was the site of a Hessian encampment during the American Revolution. When the street was cut open to be laid out in the 1890s, crude shelters and artifacts were unearthed. Henshaw Street was named for Mr. and Mrs. Jonathan Longquire Henshaw, who lived in the area in the 1880s and were members of the Mount Washington Presbyterian Church.

There are many more streets that have a colorful and historical past. Further reading on this subject can be found in The Street Book, An Encyclopedia of Manhattan’s Street Names and their Origins, by Henry Moscow. This book helps in identifying the street where you live with a short story on it.

Comments

Most enjoyable reading,learning the history of the street names. I grew up in Inwood living at 130 Post Ave from 1938 to 1956. Thank you for a job well done.

Posted by: Dan Coolehan | August 27, 2003 1:57 AM

Dear Mr. Coolehan, Thank you for the kudo's. James Renner

Posted by: James Renner | September 17, 2003 12:49 PM

Mr. Renner - Very informative but you leftout the street I grew up on in the fortie and fifties (Academy St.). Any Info? Thanks. - Herb Killackey

Posted by: Herb Killackey | October 8, 2003 7:30 PM

Very informative. I grew up on Cooper St between 2-4th & 2-7th as we would say! A question...the indians who were in Inwood Park. What is the correct tribe. Was it the Weekquaeskeeks or the Lenapes???? I am interested.

Posted by: Joe Johnson | October 24, 2003 3:02 PM

I believe the Wiechquaesgeck was the local tribe that lived in our area, and this tribe was a member of the larger Lenape (Delaware) Nation.

Posted by: Eduardo | October 24, 2003 4:10 PM

looking for anyone who lived in inwood around or on cooper st. who knew the "pye"family from 19 cooper st.Please respond to my email address

Posted by: john pye | October 26, 2003 8:59 PM

You are right on both counts but I want to correct you on a particular point. This is that a tribal group is part of a nation. In this case the Wiechquaesgeck is a tribal group of the Lenape Nation (or in this case Confederacy). The Lenape is not a tribal group but consists of several tribal groups James Renner

Posted by: James Renner | November 2, 2003 6:34 PM

Nice work. Of course, my favorite intersection in the Bronx has to be where Seaman Avenue meets Cumming Street. hehe :-)

Posted by: a49erfan | November 7, 2003 4:02 PM

looking for anyone who knew the gordon family who resided at 110 post ave and i beleive, at 81 post ave from 1942 through 1975. or the brownstein family who resided in inwood from 1944 through 1974

Posted by: mike c | December 5, 2003 2:45 AM

Great stuff. I thought Emerson Street(207th) was named after the author, at the same time that Hawthorne and Cooper were named. I might have read that in the book you mentioned about NY streets. The info on Staff and Henshaw ws very interesting thank you. j. meehan

Posted by: J. Meehan | December 20, 2003 11:01 PM

This is one of best web site i've seen in a while. What is the history of Broadway. I lived at 5025 Broadway Perla Celeste

Posted by: Perla Nunez | November 5, 2004 12:35 AM

I have been searching for info on the old neighborhood for ages! I always thought our block (Nagle) was named after an English lord. My son's social studies book claims the purchase of Manhattan took place down in Bowling Green. That's how I came upon the site. Glad I looked into it!

Posted by: Theresa (Tracey) Butler | November 22, 2004 7:57 PM

Not only informative but enjoyable reading. I came across this while working on family history. I have traced one part of the family from my maternal great-great graqndmother (jane Vermilyea) back to Isaac.

Posted by: Eleanor MacNiven | November 29, 2004 12:54 PM

Our family lived at 85 Vermilyea Avenue, near 207th St. in the 40's through 1954. I attended P.S. 52 and P.S. 98. Did anyone else attend those schools during that time?

Posted by: Melinda Erdberg | December 24, 2004 4:01 PM

Great Website. We need to preserve the Important History of that area. I grew up on Elwood St and later on, Thayer St from 68-78. Any information on those names? I Remember a lot of streets having names of Cival war generals or is that a coincidence? i can't believe how many hours i spent on the slopes of fort tryon and the cloisters as a kid.

Posted by: Ed Bolivar | August 11, 2005 1:15 AM

I grew up on Bogardus Place..40's thru 60's... Anyone out there?

Posted by: Leslie Berman | August 20, 2005 10:21 AM

While doing the family genealogy I came across your site. Our Vanoblenis(oblenis) family were original patentees. So many of the street names are familiar as most of them married into the Vanoblenus family such as Nagel'Loew Vermilye. I'll keep searching and might find a street named after them. I believe that they once owned property along the Hudson in this area. Hope to visit some day. Al&Verna from Calgary-Alberta

Posted by: verna | September 3, 2005 12:39 AM

Who is Joe English (212th Street) named after?

Posted by: chino | September 21, 2005 8:44 AM

any body remember charlie wilds saloon on sherman ave. i met charlie when iwas a kid in the late 40s. wondered if there was any history on this old place. i lived at 160 sherman ave in the 40-50s.

Posted by: TOM WALSH | September 21, 2005 12:58 PM

is dyckman houses really built on a indian burial ground? Just a childhood rumor-

Posted by: g. Davis | September 28, 2005 3:26 PM

Great site! I grew up at 10 Park Terr. E. -- 1934-1955. Went to P.S.98,P.S.52,& Music & Art. Does anyone out there remember the vegetable farm located between Broadway & 10th possibly around 213th St.? The block was later (1950's maybe) purchased by the telephone company. I would venture to guess that it was the last working farm on Manhattan.

Posted by: Marianne Zechel | October 9, 2005 1:37 PM

I lived in inwood on Vermilyea Ave.from 1940 to 1956. I went to PS 98 and 52 graduating in 1950. I have a friend who can answer Marianne Zechel's question. He went to school with the farm owner's grandson.

Posted by: F. I. Fabel | December 4, 2005 8:36 PM

To Marianna Zechel, The name of the farm on 213th st. was Benedetto's. It was owned by the Benedetto family. I hope that helped. -Fred I.F.

Posted by: Fred I. F. | December 9, 2005 4:54 PM

Does anyone have any information on the movie theatre that was located on the corner of Sherman Ave and 207th st. When I moved to Inwood it was abandoned and later torn down.

Posted by: Delci | December 15, 2005 10:27 PM

We moved from 183rd Street to 129 Sherman Ave. in 1934, started school at PS 52 in 1935, and Inwood was a wonderful playground until I entered the service in Jan. 1946. Also lived in 112 and 124 Sherman Ave. during the 1940's. I am still in contact with two guys that I grew up with -- Ralph Padilla and Jack Pierson -- Ralph and Jack lived on Sherman Ave. as well as Academy Street. Anyone out there who remembers any of us?

Posted by: Ted Behrens | December 21, 2005 12:05 PM

i lived at 101 sherman ave until 1962. my mother, kathleen carey, and her family, dad,william, mom betty, sister doris, lived at 112 sherman. my dads family (he would be 86), lived on 207 dyckman. tommy elliott, mother molly, sisters virginia, and peggy. dad was also called buddy.

Posted by: maureen elliott allen | December 22, 2005 6:28 PM

I grew up on Park Terrace West (The big house on the hill with the steps in front) what a beautiful, magical place to grow up! We were surrounded by parks and beautiful views! I always wanted to know the history of the area and feel that this website is a gem!

Posted by: Laura Giordano-Knox | February 9, 2006 4:26 PM

I grew up on Post Avenue until 1972 when we moved out of the state. I hkave very good memories of New York and St. Judes school where I went from Kindergarden until I left in 1972. I often return to that time in my life where at some point in time I miss. I have good memories. I would like to that you for the memories.

Posted by: Gail Baumann Yanick | February 28, 2006 7:36 PM

some one asked about the old rko movie house that use to be on 207th and sherman ave i know it had been empty as far back as 1972 when we moved on to sherman but i also know it was the rko from being told by some of the old timers my mom still lives on sherman so every now and then i go back to visit the old stompping gournds don

Posted by: D O'Leary | March 14, 2006 6:10 PM

i grew up on academy street in the 60's and found out it was named after p.s. 52, which ,when built, was called the Academy. Also I have come across old pics of the theater on 207th and Sherman and it was orifginally the loews. I remember playing in the abandoned theater when I was young.

Posted by: KEVIN | April 2, 2006 12:09 AM

Graduated from Good Shepherd in '49. Grew up living at 125 Seaman avenue. We played in the indian caves on Deadman's Hill.

Posted by: Bill Dyer | May 9, 2006 7:19 PM

This is for John Pye. My wife, Irene graduated from Good Shepherd with Dolores Pye in 1950.

Posted by: Bill Dyer | May 11, 2006 2:11 PM

I grew up at 25 Cooper St. 1943-1960. Went to PS52 for k-4th grade, to PS98 for 5th and 6th then back to PS52 for JHS. Then to High School of Performing Arts. Looking for playmates who lived in my building. Norma Luciani, Susan Ramsfelder. Cooper St had a million kids on it. We ruled Cooper St. and we owned Inwood park, roller skating (skate key around our necks) down the steep hills and we practically lived in the Indian caves.

Posted by: Nancy Stevens | May 16, 2006 12:38 AM

i don't remember a movie on sherman ave. there was one next to brogers (entrance on 207th st--it extened well into sherman ave--covered by a brick wall

Posted by: don devaney | May 19, 2006 1:48 PM

I remember also "playing" in the movie house on 207th st. I can't believe what we did then. We use to go inside the walls up to the area between the ceiling and the roof and go form one side to the other on the catwalks. No flashlight..candles. Can you imagine!!! Candles!!! It was me, Steven Boyle, Michael Boyle, my sister Patty and God knows who else. We called it, I believe "The Trip" and if you didn't go you were a coward. How stupid were we!!! Inwood was a great place to grow up. I don't know how many hours were spent in Inwood Park as kids and later on RK Rock and then "The Steps" drinking on Friday and Sat. nights. A true lifetime!! Joe Johnson, 55 Cooper St

Posted by: Joseph Johnson | June 20, 2006 12:42 PM

I was born and raised in Inwood on the Hudson. I lived at 278 Sherman Av, haven't been back in 25 plus years,coming soon. I attended Good Shepherd School, anyone remember the White Rocks across from the school. Joe Johnson made me laugh, I too drank on the steps on Friday nights, when we were able to drink in a bar, it was at the corner of Isham/Sherman. The name escapes me. You could get in a taxi anywhere in the city and the drivers knew where it was. God Bless Joe Holland and his family, I was recently made aware that his son died in the Twin Towers. This is my second day on the web, thanks for all the memories brought to life about Inwood.

Posted by: Jim Murphy | July 12, 2006 1:04 AM

I grew up in Inwood and lived there from about 1930 to 1960. Lived on 212 St., Isham St., Sherman Ave., and Vermilyea Ave. Attended P.S.98 and JHS 52. Does anyone remember me? Those certainly were the "good old days" for me.

Posted by: Jay Chichon | July 24, 2006 3:31 PM

I grew up in Inwood Park,rode my American Flyer sleigh down Deadmans Hill past the Indian caves, played tag in the Cloisters,went to Good Shepherd school and played with plastic dinosaurs in the "rocks across the street" and in the "springs" in the park. I am 58 now and having a wonderful trip back to Neverland thanks to you. What a great website.

Posted by: Ken Hollerbach | July 25, 2006 6:04 PM

Wow, I wish more people knew about this website. I grew up at 100 park terrace west from 1965 - 1979. I am putting together some family history informationfor my parents 50th wedding anniversary. My mom was Diane Keenan, and she taught 4th grade at Good Shephard from about 1975- 1990. If anyone remembers her or even better - pictures from then - I would greatly appreciate it! Thank you.

Posted by: Marie Keenan | September 2, 2006 2:53 PM

I grew up at 100 park terrace west from 1965 - 1979. I am putting together some family history information for my parent’s 50th wedding anniversary. My mom was Diane Keenan, and she taught 4th grade at Good Shepherd from about 1975- 1990. If anyone remembers her or even better – has pictures from then - I would greatly appreciate it! Thank you.

Posted by: Marie Keenan Mutchler | September 2, 2006 9:55 PM

To F.I. Fabel...Was busom buddies with your brother Merit. Lived across the street at 120 Vermilyea. Played with your dog Snowball. Visited a few times when you moved to LI. Love to catch up with Merit.

Posted by: Martin Friedman | September 14, 2006 6:05 PM

As a kid i remember the Tennis courts before the Projects arrived off of nagle ave.,any truth of it being used as farm land back when.

Posted by: charlie Hartin | September 18, 2006 2:23 PM

marie keenan, i was your babysitter from '75 - '79. your mom always made tuna on lettuce for our dinner. i was babysitting you when the big blackout occured (76?). your parents were lovely people>. ps: I got paid a dollar an hour, my babysitters get 10-15

Posted by: tara newman | October 12, 2006 4:39 PM

i grew up in inwood from 63 when i was 6 till 96 when i moved to philly.lived in 139 payson ave.i remember the old movie house,and spent many a fri,and sat nights on the steps,rk's,and sunset which i see in the picture albums is called the meadow.i remember joe johnson.he was a bit older than me.he lived in the building niagra lived.that was an elderly woman who used to throw water on us from her window.plus i think my wife knows tara newman .her name was donna spencer,she graduated from gss in 75.love this site.loved inwood.

Posted by: peter j meehan | October 15, 2006 10:08 AM

I did graduate GSS with Donna Spencer! She came from a big family where everybody was good looking. She went out with a kid named Andreachi in the 7th or 8th grade and i guess he gave her his GSS ring, which she gave back when they broke up. He wrote a poem about it as part of an assignment for Sister Anne Veronica's class and read it out loud. It was called "the ring" and Donna was mortified. Don't know why I remember that so clearly but I do!

Posted by: tara newman | October 21, 2006 4:31 PM

I lived in 123 and 125 Vermilyea Ave from 1938 to 1962 when I moved out and got married. Around the corner on 207th St was the Loews Dyckman Movie Theatre and Brogers Ice cream parlor where all the cool kids in the Inwood area hung out (I was'nt one of them}.Inwood park was a great place to hang out, I and my 2 sisters and brother all graduated from Good Shepherd School,Brother Conan was the Principal when I was there in 1946.The best neighborhood ever.

Posted by: Jack Hegarty | November 4, 2006 8:17 AM

this is a great site ..i learned alot .. i never knew how historical the whole inwood area was till now .. i was born in st lukes (114 st ) hospital in 1984. moved to one sickles st when i was 5. and move to FL a few months ago. i wish i can build a time machine and go back in time so i can see dyckman at it's best !!!!

Posted by: william pena | November 15, 2006 6:40 PM

Does anyone have old photos of 31-41 Park Terrace West. Have been living in 41 PTW since 1982. Im sure it was really a sight to see.

Posted by: J.A.LeGrand | December 26, 2006 11:30 AM

I grew up on Post Ave. moved out in 1970. I went to St Judes from Kindergarden to 2nd grade. Anyone remember Mrs Scott the Kindergarden teacher? I also remember the white rocks in the lots behind Moe's Candy Store, wow fun times.

Posted by: Frank Conmy | December 28, 2006 8:03 PM

You forgot to put Academy Street (which I grew up in the '90s - present!!!

Posted by: Jose Rodriguez | January 3, 2007 10:11 PM

i grew up at 139 payson ave from 1953-1964. what a great neighborhood. THE PARK what could be better. kids all over the place. you always had someone to hang around with. like many other inwood families had aunts, uncles, cousins all around us. great memories!!! my mom and aunt remember the Indians returning in the summers of the 1930's. also the boat house on dyckman st!!!

Posted by: micki sullivan | January 18, 2007 10:41 AM

I lived @ 101 Sherman Ave. from 1978-1993 and still visit my family up there. I always thought the Sharockapock Indians were our local Indian tribe? Regardless, your site is fantastic and we should push this in the local schools. They didn't stress it enough while in the local schools P.S. 98 or J.H.S. 52 or JFK High School. My name is Ali and if U wish to reach me U know how ... alibaba32572[at]gmail.com ... Thanks Ali

Posted by: Ali Merhi | January 22, 2007 5:55 PM

to Martin Friedman; I don't remember you but you know us. Did you have an older brother Edwin? My Brother is fine and lives on L.I. I live in S. N.J. I will check this list more often to see if you reply.

Posted by: Fred I. F. | March 26, 2007 11:42 AM

This site is amazing. I came across it while I was looking for some information for school(I go to good shepherd :D). It's great to be a able to find out all this stuff about the neighborhood.

Posted by: Jaysa | April 25, 2007 8:53 PM

I am only 20 years old and in my short life I have only lived in inwood heights. I love learning about the street names and the history of the inwood. I belive that it is facinating to imaging and hear stories about what was once there and how it has been turn into something so different. If anyone can share any of their stories of growing up in Inwood I would appreciate it.

Posted by: Andrea Dos Santos | May 2, 2007 1:01 PM

My family moved from 200 Dyckman Street to 165-75 Sherman Ave. around 1937. We had a 3 bedroom apt. (5k) in that 2 elevaror bldg. My folks paid about $65.00 a month. Adding a TV antenna on the roof added $1.00 to the monthly charges. A new refrig added another buck. My best friends were John Walsh and Herb Cohen who now lives in Brooklyn Hts where I am and is still one of my closest pals. We attended PS 52, PS 152, G.W. and the Inwood Hebrew Cong. at 111 Vermilyea, our scout troops - Cub Pack 36 and Troop 736 met at 52 on Friday evenings. There were three (3!) movie theatres. The Dyckman at Sherman & 207th St, the Loew's Inwood on Dyckman and the little old Alpine at B'way and Dyckman. Passed through the old neighborhood, which seems even more densely populated than I remember, and there are no movies anymore (so hard to believe that there isn't even a Spanish language one). The movies had two changes of programs - either a Tues & Wed one and then another program for the rest of the week. Near the Loew's (which before the govt. under anti-trust laws separated the theatres from the studios and which had all the MGM's stars beautiful color publicity photos line the walls) was Nash's (sp?) where I had my first frozen custard. We all thought it was a place for the ritzy folks. Opposite PS 52 was a bakery that made the best-ever black & whites for 5 cents. Under the el at 207th was the local YMHA where I first became interested in the theatre and where Art Canter directed the plays. My grandmother owned a kosher poultry market on 207th. There were a couple of Jewish delis - one on 207th & one on Dyckman. Excellent bakeries abounded, the Mallman's on 20th, the greek family - the Fermanis' on Broadway next to Good Shepherd and the outstanding one on Dyckman near Nagle where my family would send me on Wed. evenings around 8 pm when the hot danishes and buns would be coming out. My older sister Frieda also loved growing up there, attending 52, 152 & G.W. She is still close to her Inwood girlfriends Evelyn Marks and Marilyn Steiglitz. I left in '56 after a BA from Hunter when I went to Boston Univ. (MFA in theatre directing). After my stint in the Army (58-60) I came back and directed my first short film "The American Way" using many Inwood locations. The film is now part of MOMA's permanent collection. We were poor and didn't know it because growing up there at that time was glorious. I loved my childhood there!

Posted by: Marvin Starkman | May 6, 2007 7:01 AM

Re; Sherman Creek boat houses. I find it hard to believe that the Val-Ray was not listed. Greatest place for a beer racket!

Posted by: Tom G. | May 7, 2007 1:13 AM

Your story so parallels mine that it blew me away. I moved to Vermilyea Ave about 1940. I went to PS 98 and then PS 52. I lived around the corner from Mallman’s, we called it the Jewish bakery. I used to go over on Sunday morning to get fresh, too hot to slice, bread. I remember the German Bakery between Sherman and Post Aves. I also remember the Lorraine (Greek) bakery near Good Shepard Church. In the summer, before air conditioning, I used to hang on the Dyckman Theater’s side fence and watch the movie through the open doors. I remember that theater well. Glass and dish nights. I even worked for them one day carrying a sandwich style sign promoting a movie. The Inwood Hebrew Congregation was where I went to Hebrew school and was Bar Mitzvah. My Cub Scout and Boy Scout career was with pack and troop 739 and they met on Fridays in a church off Broadway north of Dyckman St. In the early 50s I hung out at the Y.M.&Y.W.H.A. on Post ave. That was a great place to meet kids. I also hung out on Payson Ave. in the early 50s. Your comments about the rent were a parallel too. We moved in and were paying $40 a month for a two-bedroom apartment. It was a five-story walk up but we were on the ground floor. When my Father installed a TV antenna on the roof the landlord was entitled to an increase. When my Mother got a washing machine and no longer had to carry laundry to the basement coin-op washer and back, we had to give a rent increase. When my folks moved out in 1957 they were paying $47 a month and as soon as they walked out the door the rent went $65 a month. Remember rent control? You spoke of the bakery across from PS 52. That was the Inwood Blue Bakery. I worked there for a while during my high school days. Yes, the Black and Whites were fantastic cakes. I also worked at Jonnie Bake Shoppe on Broadway next to Bickfords. My HS buddy worked at Nash’s. We both worked late so in the afternoons we’d go to the boathouse at Dyckman St. and the Hudson, and go canoeing in his canoe. It is a marvel that your sister is still in touch with her old friends from Inwood. I left the neighborhood in 56 and lost contact with most of the people I knew. To this day I think I know where three are, with them I am still in touch. I don’t know when you were last in the neighborhood but I was back last Oct. The area is vibrant. The theaters are gone; a McDonalds is in part of what was the Alpine theater. Jonnie Bake Shoppe is a UPS store. I wandered the neighborhood camera in hand shooting B&W pictures left and right. I roamed Park Terrace, part of Inwood Hill Park and many of the streets between 207 and the Dyckman St. waterfront. Inwood Hebrew Cong. Is a Spanish Civic Center and there is a stop light at the bottom of 204th St. hill. There is sidewalk dinning at several Dyckman St. restaurants between Broadway and Payson Ave. The neighborhood just seems alive. If you would like to continue this correspondence contact me, Fred Fabel at frejac1@aol.com

Posted by: Fred I. F. | May 7, 2007 11:07 AM

Everyone has mentioned Good Shepherd School and PS 52. I went to St Matthews Lutheran School on Sherman and Academy. Then George Washington HS.The biggest sin there was smoking in bathrooms and skipping classes.--I don't think there were drugs, but I was a little naive.I lived at 5-Seaman Ave (Seaman Gardens)from 1946 to 1970, then moved to LA. It is so nice to hear from everyone who lived in the neighborhood. I guess we all had fun playing on the rocks down Dyckman on the Hudson, or playing at Payson Park and CLIMBING over the gate at night when it was closed. My name was Valerie Collins then--- a cute little blonde--I was told. Not now, though.

Posted by: Valerie | May 21, 2007 2:21 PM

When I really wanted to get funky, my favorite line was "Seaman corner of D[y]ckman off of Cumming"

Posted by: Raquel | May 29, 2007 1:29 PM

wow! Amazing history going on here! Loving it! We moved to Inwood in 1999, at Seaman Avenue. Does anyone have any old pictures of the neighborhood? Can anyone tell me how Seaman Avenue was? My husband and I know this neighborhood has an amazing history and we'd love to have it visually displayed here. Please email me at IslemG'at"gmail.com Totally appreciated!!

Posted by: Islem | June 8, 2007 1:32 AM

Yes, Val, you were a VERY cute little blond. I ought to know, since I sat in the same classroom with you for several years at St. Matthew's. And did I ever have a crush on you! Positively UN-Lutheran. So nice to know that you're still alive. Philip

Posted by: Philip | June 17, 2007 4:49 PM

I remember the movie theater. I believe it was called to Loews Inwood. For several years prior to the building of St. Jude's Church on 204 th St. Catholic mass was held in the theater on Sundays. We liked to go there because the seats were comfortable and you didn't have to kneel. Next to the theater there was a great old time ice cream parlor. I think it was named Citrella's but I could be mistaken.

Posted by: Bill Rodriguez | July 4, 2007 3:17 PM

will any one help me with some info. I use to live on Riverside drive right in front of fort Tryon Park. i grew up with ghost id my apartment believe it or not. Their clothing was of the 18th and 19th century.Alot of my friends that also lived in Inwood have had many ghostly experiences as I have. Any one else experiancec similar odd happenings... :)

Posted by: ziandry | July 12, 2007 3:00 PM

I finally read this and find it very heartwarming. There are some people listed that I might know, but??? Tom Walsh-are you the same Tommy Walsh that married Sally Spencer from 5 Seaman Ave??? Diane Keenan-that name sounds so familiar. Where did Diane live and at what time did whe grow up there???? Donna Spencer-are you the Donna that lived at 5 Seaman Ave and was part of the 8 children, who were all goddlooking??? Phillip Schmitz-boy do I remember you--my FIRST LOVE--thanks Phil for emailing me.

Posted by: Valerie Collins Hewett | July 26, 2007 11:51 AM

The only theater on Dykman street I remeber was the Alpine theater and it closed in the 80s. My mom told me of another theater that was on that street by Sherman Avenue but when I was there, it had been turned into a supermarket. I remember the floors were slanted like in a movie theater. I lived in Inwood from 1970-1985.

Posted by: Sam Poskitt | September 7, 2007 8:05 AM

My name is Mike and lived on 213th street from 1940 to 1976, The quy that was always in trouble with law is pr bably the best way to decribe a recognition. I would to post a few names, maybe someone will recognize them and give me an insight as to whether they are still around. Lorraine (Bunny) Basette lived on Vermilyea Ave,Tommy and Frank Snowden lived on 212th street, Jackie Keough, Broadway and 215th street,Jimmy Rush lived on 214th street, Paddy McComick from Post Ave, Arlene (Pinky) Lashway from Seaman Avenue, Eugene lennon from 213th Street played roller skate hocky in the street and hit him in the head with a puck, Eddie Quinn from Vermilyea Ave, Sylvester (Junior) Lenord 211th & Vermilyea Ave, Millie Louge Vermilyea Ave, don't know if spelled the name right but hung out with Margie Ahern, Ed O Holleran the play boy and fun guy, Angela Magreevy 213th street the era flower child, Joey (JoJo) Lowen from Cooper street, Bernie and Neal Shine from Seaman Avenue just to touch base on a few, will be tuning the corner on 71 this month and little by little much of it is starting to fade. Remember slay riding on dead mans hill, stick ball in the schoolyard P.S. 98, also attended 98 and 52 Mr. Lenord who gave me the first shock of my life in Electric class, all the girls went to homemaking class which is history in this modern so called new world, I really miss the old one when you could go to work for a nickle and a 3 cent daily news to read on the subway. I could go on and on but searching the past and writing about it is impossible to coincide, Oh yea! I remember the quart of beer we drank before going into the good sheppard friday night dances. Would like to hear from anyone that heard the bell go off at a name or a place.

Posted by: Mike Hanjiles | October 16, 2007 11:39 AM

I am really suprised that nobody has mentioned the trolley cars,for a nickle you could ride from van cortland park down to 125th street & broadway, the trolley barn on 218th street also bakers field when on saturdays the Columbia football games, sneaking over the fences to get into the games with the pinkertons on your tail, swimming in the harlem river and jumping off Geronimo the big rock , 238th street where the new york central passed through the rocks, I remember the indian caves and the circkle in Ishame park overlooking broadway. As for the arch on 215th street it must have been demolished befor 1940 because all I can ever remember seeing is a bunch of rocks under the houses in park terrace and the long stone steps leading up from boadway to park terrace. 207th & boadway had the harlem savings bank on the east side corner where we fought fist and feet to get a spot every sunday to shine shoes, optimo cigar store on one corner and zorro's bakery on the other, then there was a nedicks on broadway, lot of landmarks to mention. Rember the bakery accross the street from PS 52 and yes the black and whites were fabulous for the price, right on track about the lowes theather on 207th street, no demntia on this end. Glad I found this site and a big congratulations to the person that created it. A few more names to mention that might ring a bell, Bernadett Duffy, 207th & Seaman Ave who went steady with Jimmy Kean, the football games in inwood park and the gang fights at the end, wondering if anyone is still around from this era.

Posted by: Mike Hanjiles | October 22, 2007 11:53 AM

Greetings all! Just a quick hello to Steven Aiello and Peter Meehan - I believe we were once classmates together at Good Shepherd and entered the world in 1957. I lived at 686 Academy Street - directly across from Cooper Street until 1969, when we 'unfortunately left for the comparatively uneventful suburbs of NJ'. As the years have rolled by, I come more and more to treasure this great time in my life. There was always a sense of endless wonder, excitement and daily adventure just waiting to be lived and relished. Does anyone remember those great yearly Christmas rituals of the gathering, stacking and burning of Christmas Trees on a frosty day with the aroma of pine in the air and perhaps a foot and a half of snow on the ground? - right on the corner of Cooper and Academy (over the sewer grate, with flames actually touching and breaking the glass bulb fixture??? It was absolutely timeless, primordial and magical!!! I would like to throw out some names of friends that I knew back in those glorious days and would love to know of their whereabouts and how their lives have unfolded: John Gannon, Eugene Murphy, Martin Power, Larry Klestinack, Kenny Martin, Kenny Garvey, Tina Di Noia and entire family, Steven O'Brien and entire family, Pat Armstrong and entire family, Adam and Michael Shine, the Gaines family, Greg and Lori Dean, Ronnie McMullen, the Sullivans (Patrick, Michael), Robert Dolan, Steven Tempesta, Billy Bernard, "HO" Johnny Horan, Johnny Jones, (Brian, Chuba, Jimmy, Michael Jones), James and Patsy Early, Jimmy and Eddie Carroll, Jerald Berenson,.... I came across this website while doing extensive research on childhood and the early awakenings of 'calling and vocation in Art'. In one day I have much background on Inwood, while having fun posting these comments and hopefully some connection for future dialogues. Thank you again for creating this tremendous resource. It is important to celebrate and to remember something so great as Inwood! I can be reached at: robert@sainteustacefineart.com

Posted by: Robert P. Eustace | November 20, 2007 11:32 AM

41 Park Terrace West my home since born in 87. What a history point won't imagine what happened there? Miami my new home. Thanks guys for all the memories. It's the most expensive part of the planet.

Posted by: MEDAZLLA | December 20, 2007 4:26 AM

my family lived on broadway at hawthorne gardens. we went to p.s. 98 in the 1950's and left new york in the early 60's. i recall the dykman theatre and king midas mufflers across the street from our building. does anyone remember goldie's candy store? i also recall the cooper street kids as picking on us kids who lived on broadway.

Posted by: lloyd nash | January 28, 2008 2:30 PM

It's been nearly 3 years since I viewed this terrific site -- I have enjoyed all the wonderful nostaglia and obvious true love for the neighborhood we grew up in. Does anyone recall the MIRAMAR swimming pool?

Posted by: Marianne Zechel | March 14, 2008 11:03 PM

Hell yes, Marianne. They not only had a great pool, but a big old "beach" area, remember? I loved going to Miramar in the old days.

Posted by: Richard Ward | April 13, 2008 1:15 PM

INWOOD NY 10034 Just found this site & was wondering if anyone from 75/90 was still around. anyone remember the blue blob in the park? the white rocks next to GSS are still there but very small now.. went to ps 98. Mothers name was Jane A. McCann sisters maureen,mary, brothers name billy willian. Inwood was great then now it is a very different place. Grew up on 212 street have a tat on my chest that says INWOOD 10034..

Posted by: Michael A. Wright | May 9, 2008 3:21 PM

Have just found a FT gadabout:= Gladys Tanner from NZ-Canada-England then NY USA in 1930 Census Rental Accom at #57 Vermilyea Ave. Any photos of this building. They had a son Scott, but unsure how long they stayed?

Posted by: Bernice Hyde | May 17, 2008 2:59 AM

Joe English 212 street He was a Firefigher who lost his life on 911

Posted by: Michael | May 28, 2008 1:35 PM

Joe English was a civilian who among other things, led the nationally-recognized Inwood Patrol (Joe mentioned in NEWSWEEK, etc.) with mastery (to such a degree that he received an NYPD honor guard reserved only for cops at his funeral at Good Shepherd) and, with his beloved wife, Margie, worked and night and day to make Inwood safer and better. Wonder how old his beloved "Boo" is today. He lived at 5000 Broadway. A reformed rascal, an exterminator with no advanced degrees, he was one of the smartest, funniest, wittiest, street-smart people any of us had ever met. A defender of the innocent and loyal to the death. Miss you, Joe.

Posted by: Patricia Dorfman | June 8, 2008 4:34 PM

I went to Good Shepard back in 1966. I Did 7th and 8th grade,two years with the brothers at that school,and hated every minute, I still have life long friends from Seaman ave, and Good Shepard. I Spent many a day, and even late nights in Inwood park. I went to my first re-union last summer near Middletown,lot of old class mates were their.Those friends got me after Viet Nam to follow them to College in Santa Fe New Mexico. I been a cop for 25 years. Now living in California and trying to stay as far away from that old neighborhood. If i met Brother Patrick today I would tell him that the way he taught us was wrong, and that he was a abusive ass hole..

Posted by: Brian Danker | June 15, 2008 4:21 AM

This is for Melinda Erdberg. My Mother Carol Gordon attended P.S 98 , and P.S 52 from the 1940s until 1954. Her Cousin Ann Brownstein also attended both schools as well during the same time frame. I dont know if you knew both of them , but thought you would like to know. p.s my mother now lives in Portland,Or and Ann now lives in south Florida

Posted by: mike coleman | June 17, 2008 4:24 PM

Sorry 4 the miss info on Joe Engilsh. Daren Smith lived in 5000 broadway old friend as kids. anyone remember people that lived there in 1970/1985? the duddys,moffiets,magormans

Posted by: michael | June 20, 2008 6:34 PM

O'Leary's peggy mcpartland the kirkhams the O'connor's the Hydes joey McFadden The cars Gary roe Franny McQuire anyone remember 71 Vermilyea Ave in the 50's

Posted by: donald martin | June 24, 2008 3:49 PM

Who remembers Hubie from St Judes? How about Fr O'D and the Polaris? How about the bazaar and the Cadillac given away on the final night?

Posted by: gerard pawling | June 30, 2008 2:07 PM

Does anyone know if the boathouse at the end of Dyckman St. at the (where you could go canoeing or anchor a boat if you had one) was called DeGeorge's Boat House? I lived at 1795 Riverside Drive in the 40's and remember going to DeGeorge's...there was an old building on the dock where you could get food and I still remember on a hot day how dark and cool it was and the smell of beer in there. I have been trying to find some photos or get any info about DeGeorge's.

Posted by: Pat | July 3, 2008 10:00 PM

Lived at 30 Post Ave until my family moved to northern NJ in 1967. Attended St. Judes with all my cousins (Shuarts, Hazletts, Turners). Worked the bazaars at St. Judes, was an altar boy and choir member, and remember seeing Kareem Abdul-Jabbar (AKA Lew Alcindor) walk into mass in the gym and he had to duck down through the back part that was the cafeteria. I remember there being 55-60 kids in a class and being terrified of the nuns. Many fond memories of Inwood and St. Judes.

Posted by: Mike Ryter | September 1, 2008 1:25 PM

mike ryter - remember your cousins eddie turner and john shuart from st. judes -- played many a game of box ball with them next to the bazaar liquor booth in the schoolyard -- say hello! gerard

Posted by: gerard pawling | October 3, 2008 4:06 PM

this is a wonderful site, so many memories of our beautiful days in Inwood. I lived in Inwood 1944 through 1969 and attended Good Shephard School, graduated 1952. Lived @ 127 Post Avenue. would like to hear from anyone reading this message.

Posted by: Jim Burke | October 4, 2008 6:53 PM

Gerard Pawling - I will talk to both John and Eddie today and pass on your greetings. John lives in Washington (state) and Eddie is in Maryland.

Posted by: Mike Ryter | October 5, 2008 8:51 AM

Hi great site. Does anyone know of a deli in the Bronx around the early 1940's owned by Ben Fishgold and Morris (Moe)Sperling. Have a picture of them both at the store but don't know where is was. Anyone who knows would appreciate some info. Thanks so much.You can email me at Harvs185@aol.com. again, thanks

Posted by: kathy | October 7, 2008 2:56 PM

I was born on 204 St around the corner from Vermilyea. Left Inwood in Jan 1943 to go into the Navy. Recently discovered that Tryon Ave and Fort Tryon Park named after William Tryon, the last Royal Governor of the Province of N.Y. He also was a British General who raided a number of towns in Conecticut during the Revolution.

Posted by: Stan Levy | October 25, 2008 9:08 PM

I lived at 3856 10th avenue from 1943-1963. Went to St judes school and remember the good times playing in the front of the house. Does anyboby out there who went to St judes or lived at this address would love to reconnect

Posted by: carol | November 5, 2008 6:48 PM

anyone remember the "old man's bar on the corner of Dyckman and Vermilyea? my parents and i have been wracking our brains for hours!!! i still live heare in inwood and dad who will be 89 grew up here too!

Posted by: Janice Flanagan | November 28, 2008 9:20 PM

Garry Owens!

Posted by: janice | November 30, 2008 9:22 AM

I graduated from Good Shepherd in 1959, lived at 9 Seaman Ave. Some names I remember, Daltons, Secure, Flaherty, OSullivan, Olsens, Conway.

Posted by: Diane (Schumacher) Washburn | December 16, 2008 11:02 PM

Mike Ryter Wish John and Eddie a wonderful holiday season, would love to hear from them at gerard.pawling@diageo.com. With fond memories...

Posted by: gerard pawling | December 20, 2008 1:50 PM

I lived at 128 Post Avenue form 1954-1967.Attended St Jude's, Good Shepherd and SHM Does anyone remember Dr. Grandwell(?) who lived and had his offices on the first floor of 128 Post Ave. when did he die and what his first name was? Wife name Mona and daughter Anne.-Would like to here from anyone from that time. It was a great time to live in Inwood.

Posted by: Elaine Rodgers | February 5, 2009 11:06 AM

My family and I lived in Inwood until 1955 when we moved to NJ. In the "Great Escape" to the suburbs. My grandparents lived on Academy St. . We lived at 644 W. 204th St. and my older sister, brother and I went to Good Shepherd School. My older sister went to St. Aquinas until we moved. I remember all the places that have been mentioned in the comments. About the Lowes theater on 207th. My Mom and Aunt used to send us all there on Sat. for the double feature and cartoons. We used to bring our lunch and stay almost all day. How times have changed. Does anyone remember Bessie's Deli on Broadway? It was between 204th and Dyckman St. Great pickles. It sure was a great time to be a kid back then and live in a neighborhood as nice as Inwood. Thanks for the memories.

Posted by: Elizabeth Cline | February 5, 2009 2:00 PM

Well here it goes I lived at 580 Academy St from 1950 to 1962 near by was Sammy's Chinese Laundry Daily & Sheraton ,Moe candy store across the street was a meat market and Jimmy the shoemaker "repair". Ah the good old summer time was spent at MIRAMAR I remember the sand was hot ,the parks when they open the sprayers.Lowes Inwood ,Alpine, New Dyckman on West 207 off Sherman Ave There was a eat in cafeteria across the street from the Alpine next to the subway the Hiho Chinese restaurant . To many to mention .My sisters Allison was born 1959 Any body know the following people .Robert Charlton ,John Gallo,Bill Barry. The Reids the Gillespie's, Morgan's ,the Kelly's ,Bamberger's,Bobby Turner ,Peter Collins. To name a few * 1959 I went to Good Shepherd started at 3rd to the 8th 1965 The princeable Was Brother Anthony nice guy, Asswole teacher was Brother Cashen Patrick I hope by now he is dead on gone . As 1963- 1967 came along we moved to Seaman Ave Any body know Jerry Frisbee went to school with that group . Any body remember the Hayward sisters ,the Stewarts from Isham St, Edward "Ringo" Kading . My high school years where spent at George Washington HS. Year 1967 to 1970 went moved to West 215 St. 1970 to 1975 my mom moved to Bogardus Place any one remember Wm Guianen hope I got the spelling correct. I remained till 1971 when I got married moved to Long Island had 4 kids now have 2 grandchildren the I am now retired from a cosmetic company after 35 years moved to NEPA where I am to day waiting to die. So if anyone wants to talk about the old days I can be reached at rheise@echoes.net Bob Heise Oh before I forget remember the Inwood Lounge ,Pig and Whistle ,Piano Bar,Mc Cherry's to name a few bars.

Posted by: Bob Heise | February 23, 2009 7:38 PM

I'm trying to locate a Steven Kahn who lived on Isham St.in the 1950's and 60's. We played stickball together on Isham St. His father owned a laundry on Sherman Ave. Steven had a sister Dianne. The last I heard was that Steven was married and lived in NJ. If anyone could provide his telephone # or address, I'd appreciate it.

Posted by: Allan Ceasar | March 15, 2009 3:27 AM

hey herb killackey, i just saw your post from 2003 . i remember you. you were the tall kid with red hair. im going back to the early 50 s. my name is tom walsh i believe we both knew a jim mc afee from vermilyea ave. tom walsh

Posted by: tom walsh | November 13, 2009 12:40 PM

What a find! I was looking for info. on Good Shepherd School, and them I found the Inwood Street Name site, good job Jim Renner. As I began reading all of the postings, what memories it brought back - I lived in Inwood @ 553 Academy St. from 1942 to 1957 - attended Goog Shepherd School - Graduated in 1955 - from there I went to Cardinal Hayes H.S. in the Bronx, until we moved to Philadelphia in 1957. In reading everyones posts, I to remember the many bakeries - my sister Theresa & I would stop, on our way home from church at a bakery on 207th St.(they had the best jelly donuts), but I remember a bakery on Dyckman St near Post called Manty's (they had the best Moca Layer Cakes), also the Lowes Inwood, Alpine (near the 8th Ave. subway), and the Dyckman on 207th St. -back in the 50's when St. Jude's Church was being built, we would attend Mass at the Dyckman Movies and a funny thing happened one day I went to see a movie and on my way down to my seat I knelt down before I entered the row to sit down, boy did that bring down the house. I also remember the MIRAMAR Pool. I had mentioned earlier about looking on the GSS web site, they only have (191) students - I checked the booklet from my Graduation Exercises (my mother saved everything), and in 1955 there were (1,587) students (725 girls) - (862 - boys) what a change. I noticed someone had a bad experience w/ the Christian Brothers @ GSS, bit my memories of Brother Leo (had him to dinner at our apt. several times) & Brother George are good memories (so good I almost went to Tarrytown to join up). Some of the people I knew were Tom Desmond, Bob Keller, Dennis Dee, Lance Parker, Johnny Greeley, Joe Byrne, Ed Cooney - and I noticed a post from a Herb Killackey, I think he lived on Academy St. and did he have a sister named ERIN? Also from Tom Walsh - are you related to Kevin Walsh (Knobby) who lived on 207th St. - Does anyone remember Betty Hanson (WOW)? - One last memory, not a fond one - Charles Traynor's Funeral Home on Dyckman St. - My Father was killed in WW II but they didn't bring his body home until 1948 all my classmates @ GSS attendend the viewing and the mass and the local VFW stood as an honor guard in there WW II uniforms (what a tribute. WHAT GREAT MEMORIES!!!!

Posted by: Ed Mc Court | December 2, 2009 10:46 AM

Is there anyone out thee who gew up on Thayer Street or Arden just off Broadway?

Posted by: Kip Hammond | January 11, 2010 4:31 PM

A few more memories - Does anyone remember POP - had a push-cart w/ an umbrella, and sold foot long hot dogs and orange drinks (boy were they the best). Also, does anyone remember the number of the Boy Scout Pack @ St. Judes in the early 50's. I noticed someone had mentioned a Steve & Mike Boyle, I went to GSS w/ a Francis Boyle from 204th St. and he sang at Good Shepherd Church, any relation?

Posted by: Ed Mc Court | January 18, 2010 2:59 PM

I remember Pop and his Sabrett hotdogs. I always had them with onions and mustard. The onions were delicious. I wish I had one right now. I remember Pop always had a roll of bills in his pocket that would choke a horse.

Posted by: Don | January 30, 2010 5:31 PM

What wonderful memories..I grew up in the Dyckman Projects 1951 to 1971 (213 Nagle Ave Bldg. 5), went to St.Judes School on 204th St..I remember The White Rocks, Miramar Pool (it was a saltwater pool!), the Alpine Theater, Regina's Bakery, Hi-Ho's The Cloisters & Fort Tryon Park....& of course the yearly St Jude's Bazaar, where they would give away a Cadillac every night for 10 nights...people would come from Long Island, New Jersey, CT & PA (the cars were donated by the local Cadillac dealer) They even had "The Monte Carlo Room" in the auditorium for grown-ups only(that's where the gambling was going on...)....I'm on Facebook & belong to groups....Dyckman Projects, St. Jude's School Alumni, Washington Heights/Inwood..Come & join..There are alot of people sharing memories & pictures of the "good ole days" I wish I could tell each & everyone that wrote on this site...

Posted by: Terri Notter-Veit | March 2, 2010 7:46 PM

Moved to Inwood in 1961 from Cuba. Lived on 127 Vermilyea Ave. Went to Good Shepherd was known as the Spic untill 1968 when on sports night won the tire race for class 4-1. Remember Mrs. Mcglyn she drove the green mustang, liked to hear from anybody who went to Good Shepherd from 1963 - 1972.

Posted by: Arsenio Serrano | March 31, 2010 11:29 AM

I lived at 1 Sickles Street from my birth year, 1940, to my married year, 1962! I went to P.S. 152 (right across the street), J.H.S. 52 and the Bronx High School of Science (not far from the Loew's Paradise!). Were any of you readers with me in Mrs. Karasik's 5th & 6th grade classes (at P.S. 152) at the time we wrote the book- "THE DYCKMAN VALLEY"? Feel free to send me a message at lrobster[at]aol.com.

Posted by: Lloyd Roos | April 22, 2010 8:23 PM

Lived in Inwood from 1930 to 1935. Residences were on Dyckman St. and 504 West 207th St. Attended PS 52, Ps 98, PS 152. Later the Isham Annex of George Washington HS 1939 - 1940. Remember the Dyckman Oval on a lot on Dyckman St. and 10h Ave. It was the home of the baseball team (New York Cubans) 1930-1931). On 10th Ave. Between 207St. and 204 St. A member of John Dillinger's gang was apprehended. The was a Post Office on 10th Ave. near 207th St. There was a vacant lot across the street from 123 Post Ave. There was a Corn Exchange Bank on the corner of Dyckman St. and Sherman Ave.On 207th St. close to the Harlem River there was a Miramar Swimming Pool. Remembering the Loew's Dyckman Movie on 207th between Post Ave. and Sherman Ave. Lots of memories of the early 1930s.

Posted by: Ralph Scholtz | May 6, 2010 5:06 AM

Did anyone go to the Hitching Post? on 204 st and broadway? I was one of the little kids on Vermilyea Ave in the 60's Does anyone know of Robert and Michael Craig? Donna Craig, Larry Klusterneck, Donald Weed,Ronnie Lamb and his sisters Donna, Sheryl and Michelle, William Beasley, Reggie, Margaret Brady and teresa. Jimmy Nolan, John Reinhardt, I went to PS 98 and JHS 52 and George washington HS. My brother is Larry Libock. regards Mike Libock

Posted by: Mike Libock | June 17, 2010 10:41 AM

Just found this site, again! lol I grew up in Inwood. First lived at 172 Sherman Ave, then moved to 570 w 204th St in 1966. I went to St. Matthews Lutheran, on the corner of 204th and Sherman, from 1960-1968. It is a big hole in the ground now. I used to have friends on Academy, and hung out at both 41 Park Terrace West building and steps,(remember the little candy store on site), and Thayer St., down from where the phone company building was. Remember Reginas bakery? Hm, yummy! Pizza places abounded in the neighborhood, and that usually was dinner! If anyone would like to get in touch, they can contact here and I will send out the email. I remember Moe's candy store, as someone mentioned above. St Judes bazaar, roller skating, (I have a key hanging in my car), skullies, played with bottle caps, stick ball, There were three movie houses, if not mistaken, at one time in Inwood. What about the soda place right next door to the movies on 207th? I had friends that went to Good Shepard, or Good Shep, for short. Does anyone remember the great Chinese restaurant on Dyckman? Name??? There was a diner on Broadway too. If anyone can remember those names, that would be great! Have a fantastic 4th! Liz

Posted by: Elizabeth Rohde | July 4, 2010 7:38 PM

I grew up in Inwood in the '50s and early sixties. Started out at St Jude's before going to PS98. I remember Regina Bakery, Dimiglio's and Loew's Theater on Dyckman St., Barone's Bar and Restaurant (best Italian food). I also remember Miramar Pool and playing little league at Isham Park. We lived on Academy St and some of the people I remember were the Quinns, the Corrigans and the Samperis (my step brothers). My dad married their mom Miriam. So many great memories even though we moved to California when I was 12. Thanks for posting, Jim Fraser

Posted by: James Fraser | July 18, 2010 8:34 PM

Great site, brings back memories! You couldn't have spent any time in Inwood if you can't remember Pop the Hot dog man. He would spend most of the remainder of his day at the corner of Post and Academy St. selling those dogs and orange drinks. A dog and a drink cost a total of 20 cents!!!!! Does anyone remember the name of the good humor man, the guy looked just like Dean Martin and the whole neighborhood knew him. And how about the names of the deaf life guard at the Miramar and the old tattooed guy at the entrance to the beach area at the pool who made sure that you went through the showers if you had any sand on your body. I think the old guys name was Sam but I'm not sure. Some Inwoodite out there must remember. By the way for the person that asked, the troop number for the St Jude scout troop was [242]. I'm surprised that no one mentioned anything about Jack's Pants Shop on Dyckman between Nagle and Post, closer to Post Ave. I thought that everybody went there for their pants and shirts!!!! The Greeks grocery store on Academy and Nagle N/W corner and Sam's Candy Store across the street. Gariety's candy store at Nagle and 2-4th St, and the tent store next door where you could buy surplus army stuff. The list goes on and on, bottom line is it was a great place to grow up in and from reading this site I see that a lot of other people feel the same way. I'm not going to say hello to people because my list would be endless, I wouldn't know where to begin or end but if you remember me or any of my three brothers feel free to drop a line. Would love to hear from you. Tommy Duco

Posted by: Thomas Duco | July 28, 2010 3:19 PM

I was born with the Empire State Building and the George Washington Bridge in 1931 moving quickly from the Medical Center near 168th St into Inwood. Lived on Seaman Ave. in northern-most apt. house and watched Columbia U football games. Moved to 121 Seaman, then 524 W. 207th and finally 120 Vermilyea when it opened. Went to Good Shepherd School from 1937 graduated January 1945 went to Power Memorial graduated 1948. Later Colleges in Baltimore, Washington DC and Los Angeles. Remember handball and tennis courts, baseball and football fields, sledding down snow covered hills in the woods; fishing in the Harlem Ship Canal; watching the railroad bridge open for boats; swimming and almost drowning in the same unsafe waters with strong currents; catching catfish with a tree branch, long string, safety pin and crawfish caught under river shore rocks. Selling raffle tickets. Playing on the Civil War Cannon across Isham from Good Shepherd School. Serving early weekday Masses and many dozens of funerals and weddings at the Church. I watched the old Church jacked up on tree trunk rollers and moved to its Cooper St. home and watched the building of the new Church around 1936. Later we had great kids baseball, football and basketball teams called the Celts or Celtics with blue nylon jackets. Once we took our basketball team to the Manhattan 16 year old championship game and lost to a downtown team of 6 foot 6 inch ringers who did not show their birth certificates. World War II was hell because so many older brothers of our area were killed, and all the neighborhood mothers had Gold Stars in their windows. I delivered the Bronx Home News on a route on Academy, Vermilyea and Dyckman. I delivered flowers all over NYC for Angelo Kontaikes' Inwood Florist on Broadway, using the trolley cars, subways, the Elevated, and the buses. We had the greatest neighborhood with the greatest kids to grow up with, and this web site is worth every cent of the price of admission, just to remind all of us of growing up in the Great Depression and the War and the time that followed. God bless you all.

Posted by: Bill Murray | August 1, 2010 1:17 AM

Bill Murray, I also worked for Angelo Kantakis delivering flowers and worked in the store during the holidays, Easter, Mothers day and making corsages for the proms at Good Shepherd etc. I do not recall your name. Just by chance you might remember me. It seems like a century passed. Angelo had a good heart till all those cigars he used to chew got the best of him.

Posted by: Mike Hanjiles | October 5, 2010 7:50 AM

To the Class of 1972 at Good Shepherd reach out and say hello.

Posted by: Arsenio Serrano | October 16, 2010 11:47 AM

The Good Humor man...who looked like Dean Martin ... that was "Gil."

Posted by: joey | October 31, 2010 4:10 AM

Our family lived in a private house on 217th Street, at the peak of the hill right across the street from Park Terrace Gardens. Our parents were Guerry and Daisy Berins; I am one of three brothers: Bernard, Howard and Leonard. My brothers and our wives have lived for many decades in Metairie, which is contiguous to the New Orleans, Louisiana area. Bernie and Howie went to PS 98 (Bernie from 1944 to 1950 and Howie from 1945 to 1952) and JHS 52 (Bernie from 1950 to 1952 and Howie from 1952 to 1955). Howie graduated from GWHS in 1958, Bernie from Stuyvesant in 1955. Howie attended Fairleigh Dickinson University from 1958 to 1959, and then graduated from NYU (Stern Business) School of Commerce in 1962. I graduated from PS 98 in 1959, attended JHS 141 in Riverdale from 1959 to 1961 (believe or not, we were bussed there from Inwood for racial equality. Effectively, we were bussed from a middle class Jewish and Catholic neighborhood to an upper middle class predominantly Jewish neighborhood.), Brooklyn Tech for 1.5 years and graduated from GW in 1964. We belonged to Inwood Hebrew Congregation (any one remember Rabbi Rockoff banging on the blackboard vainly trying to restore order until one day the blackboard fell off of the wall? And how about standing on Vermilyea Ave in front of the schul on the High Holidays, listening to the World Series on transistor radios discreetly tucked into our tallis bags, looking at the synagogue, but rarely going in?). I remember the Tierney, Esposito and Murtagh families who also had private houses on 217th Street. How about the Rogoff family (children Sally, Manny, Arnold and Sharon) who had the house next to us on 217th Street, and later the Haliczers (the parents Lillian and Marc and their daughters Nancy and Ellen, and the Heywards (Dustin, for whom I babysat)). How about the Mitchells (Roy and Brian) or the Nass' (parents Evelyn and Arthur and son Robert) or the Monkas (Lee and Phil) of Park Terrace Gardens? Anyone remember the Gullers or the Berengers or the Kohlmann or the Ruiz families who also had houses on 217th Street? We all went to day camp at the YMHA in the old location and later we hung out at the "new" YMHA on Nagle Ave. We all played stickball with our friends in our driveway - the strike zone for our Spalding High Bounce pink rubber balls were the four center panels on the oak garage doors and we were always shopping for the perfect oak broom stick to use as a bat. We also remember curb-ball (batting by hitting the Spalding ball against the corner curbstone which was home plate and using the other corners of the intersection as 1st, 2nd and 3rd bases), as well as other games using the Spalding ball, such as punchball, King Queen, etc. Who remembers the owner of the ball always declaring "Chips on the ball" before the game started? What about Yo-Yos? Collecting, trading and flipping baseball cards? And blowing gigantic bubbles with Double Bubble gum that often busted and got stuck in our hair? How about Harry's candy store on 218th near the ESSO station on Broadway? The Emerald Grocery Store on 218th? Louis the Tailor? The seltzer delivery trucks? The scrap paper trucks picking up old newspapers? The garbage incinerator chutes in the apartment buidings and the air full of ash from burning garbage before the age of environmental controls? The lightning bugs in the hedges during gorgeous summer evenings? The robin red breasts digging for worms? The pussy willows blossoming in spring? The squirrels burying their nuts for the winter? Feeding the pigeons in Isham Park? Screeching, graceful seagulls over the water near Inwood Hill Park? The crew boat practice (and sometimes even water skiing) in the water alongside Columbia's Baker Field? The heavily used basketball courts in Inwood Hill Park (Every 15 minutes or so an older group of kids would be dismissed from school, come to the courts and force the younger kids to leave - proving age and rank have their privileges)? How about the concrete tennis courts in Inwood Hill Park that rarely had the nets installed? And all of the kids worried about getting in trouble with the "Parkies" if they misbehaved in the park? And the round or octagonal snack stand in Inwood Hill Park that I think was known as Joe's Gyp Joint to the kids? I can't forget our essential food groups including chocolate egg creams and chocolate covered raspberry jells at the candy stores and all of the penny candies; the definitive pizza and italian ices at Pizza Haven on Broadway (3 huge slices and a soft drink for 50 cents - no wonder my arteries got clogged!); the best donuts and frozen custard from Huck Finn's on 207th Street near Broadway for a brief but magical period during the 1950's and later frozen custard from Carvel on Nagel Ave and the one on Dyckman? The wonderful array of small, highly specialized retail mom and pop stores on Broadway, on 207th and on Dyckman - fabulous bakeries, millinery stores, material and thread store, greeting card shops, poultry shops, cheese stores, butchers, small grocers with shelves tightly packed right to the ceiling that sent out delivery boys on bicycles, ladies foundation shops, men and boys clothing, cigar stores, the Isham Pharmacy and soda fountain at the corner of Broadway and Isham near the "A Train" steps (later they got rid of the soda fountain and converted it into a discount drug store) and the neighboring Wolfie's newspaper and magazine store that sold a ton of newspapers to people getting on the subway, the lit Christmas displays that spanned the local shopping thoroughfares, the Woolworths 5 and 10 that was pure paradise for a little boy coveting plastic cowboy and indians and horse figures and friction powered cars and small replicas of Korean War era Starfighters and Sabre jets, the record shop where you could play the 45 or 78 before deciding whether to buy it, Strauss auto parts, Finkel's pharmacy, Dr. Fleischmann the dentist and his assistant Annie, Dr. Horowitz the family MD, the many physicians who generally made housecalls and preferred that you did not come to their office if you were infectious, Bruno the barber near the foot of the 110 city steps on Broadway, the Chinese laundry on Broadway that gave you back your stiffly starched and folded shirts wrapped in brown paper and tied with thin string, the modern Bowlerama (31 lanes) and Manhattan Lanes (62 lanes) bowling alleys that opened in the late 1950's, or Simon's gas station and car wash on Broadway just before the Broadway Bridge? Can anyone remember Stein's Furniture? Or Mr. Krauss' Studebaker dealership that was on Braodway in the 1950's? Or the Mitchell's Kaiser-Frazier dealership on Broadway? If you needed to leave the neighborhood for heavy shopping, it was nothing to cross the Broadway Bridge for groceries at the new (in 1952 at least) Shopwell supermarket on Broadway in Marble Hill (we still have some of the free kitchen knives Shopwell gave away when it opened), or in minutes you took a bus or car across the 207th Street bridge to Fordham Road in the Bronx to patronize great stores such as Alexanders department store. A mere half hour subway ride (for a 15 cent token most of the time when I was a kid) brought you to downtown New York and some of the finest shopping and entertainment in the entire world? If you had a car, it was a 20 minute ride to great suburban shopping in Yonkers and White Plains or in Northern New Jersey. How about hunting (and occasionally finding) Indian arrowheads among the caves in Inwood Hill Park? Or gathering and identifying all sorts of wondrous rocks, such as mica, flint, sandstone, quartz? What about the sheer joy of walking with your family or friends through the hills in the park, gazing out over the Hudson River and New Jersey when you reached the top, and walking across the Henry Hudson Bridge into Riverdale? Anyone remember the Renaissance Festival that used to be and perhaps still is held at the Cloisters in Fort Tryon Park? Anyone remember my teachers at PS 98 - Miss Morjay (spelling?) for kindergarten, Mrs Bader (nee Lettus?) first grade, Mrs Klug 2nd grade, Mrs Scanlan 3rd grade, Mrs Higgins 4th grade, Mrs Spilde (later O'Hara) 5th grade and Mrs Hantman 6th grade. How about the fact that almost all of the elementary teachers also lived in the neighborhood, had their own children in the schools, and they and their children were part of the social fabric of the community - they were on an everyday basis formally and informally answerable to our families for the performance of the school - in fact, they had the same vested interest in quality local public education and optimum student performance as most of our families had. Inwood was a safe (generally), lovely, affordable, compact and convenient neighborhood that was more of a small town, almost totally complete in itself with all of the amenities you really needed - great shopping, houses of worship, excellent public and parochial schools, spectacular parks and recreational facilities, restaurants of all types, movie houses, community centers, etc. - a veritable protective cocoon from which you hardly had to emerge until you graduated from high school.

Posted by: Leonard Berins | November 7, 2010 1:59 PM

With this being veterans day and the day after the Marine Corps birthday I am thinking of Marine PFC Danny Foster, who lived on Post Avenue, and was killed in action in Vietnam in 1969. Danny was a great guy, and I still think about him all the time. Does anyone know what happened to his family. We lost touch with them after they moved out of Inwood.

Posted by: Joey | November 11, 2010 7:30 PM

Looking for 1961 graduates of the Academy of the Sacred Heart of Mary for a 50th reunion in May 2011. Please email contact information. Thanks.

Posted by: Margaret Porzenheim | November 26, 2010 2:34 PM

I just found this site and I love it! It was great reading all the posts and enjoying the memories. I was born (1945) and raised on Payson Ave. across from Inwood Park. My Mom lived there until 2001 when she passed away at the age of 92. I attended P.S. 98 and JHS 52. On Dyckman St., there were 2 movie theaters, the Alpine close to Broadway, and further down near the IRT subway was the big Loews theater. On 207th St. was the New Dyckman Theater, where every Saturday, my friends and I saw 1-1/2 hrs. of cartoons, a newsreel and a double feature all for 25 cents! I'd love to hear from any former schoolmates. My e-mail is majicpen@aol.com. Irene Goldman Majcher

Posted by: Irene | January 13, 2011 10:42 PM

Leonard Berins - You brought back some memories I remember the Record Shop on Broadway next to the movies - I went in there after seeing the movie Black Board Jungle, and playing the title song Rock Around The Clock, in one of there booths, you didn't need stero. Also taking the bus over ther 207th st. bridge to go to Alexander's, for new Easter clothes, and walking over the Hudson River Bridge into Riverdale - I remember a gang of us took the train to Rockaway Beach, if my mother ever knew. The things we use to do, back then, that the kids today will never experience or be allowed to. Great Memories - Thanks

Posted by: Ed Mc Court | February 8, 2011 8:44 AM

My stepdad, Richard (Richie) Triebeneck lived with his brother Henry (Hank) and his parents at 230 Seaman Avenue. He was born in 1937 and terrorized the sisters at Good Shepherd School (especially Sr. Mary Dempter!) He was with a crowd called the Longhorns. Howard Reilly, Paul Bopko, Coleman (Roy) Baumann (who passed away a few years ago), Tommy Hickey (also passed away a few years ago - always remembered for his bubble gum), Brian (Suggy) cannot remember his last name...Sheila Callahan, The Rams.... Looking for anyone who remembers the old crowd. He remembers sitting on the wall and watching the Columbia rowing team....stealing coins from the laundromat.... please email me at roxanne916@yahoo.com if you remember any of this....thanks.

Posted by: Roxanne Montuoro for Richard Triebeneck | April 2, 2011 7:38 PM

Yes I remember Dr Grandwell. I used to go to him for my antibiotics shots before I had my Adnoids/Tonsils removed, while I was attending OLQM"S. Dr Grandwell always had a cigarette in his mouth sorry I dont recall his 1 st name, & WAS A Hefty fellow. I used to go to another MD, Dr Irving Snow on Sickles St, he was the DR who brought me into this world & took out my Tonsils/Adnoids at Wadsworth Hospital. Does anyone remember The D'eri's from Arden St, The Donohues, Tompkins, Francis, & The Sullivans all from Nagle Ave??

Posted by: Penny Desposito | May 5, 2011 7:34 PM

What a wonderful site! I went to PS 52 and 152, and lived at 38 Post Avenue until 1959 when I moved to California. I wanted to locate some photos from those Friday night dances from 1950-1953 at Good Shepherd. Later we went dancing at the Inwood Lounge which was around the corner from me. We patronized the many stores on Dyckman that have been mentioned, especially Manty's Bakery. Would love to hear from you at eileenlangan@comcast.net

Posted by: Eileen Langan | May 17, 2011 10:42 PM

I came across this site when i was looking for an answer about a former school I had gone to in Inwood. What a great site. I lived on Nagle Ave from 1943 - 1960 until I married Went to PS 152, then PS 52, then graduated from GWHS in 1955. I remember the White Rocks. Do you remember the Speedway where we went sleighriding. anyone remember Schlingmann's Ice Cream parlor, a few doors from Mante's Bakery? How about Ar-Kay Drug Store, next to the Loew's? Great yyears growing up in Inwood. Lots of friends. Remember the Blue Bakery on Academy near PS 52?

Posted by: Patricia sisco | June 14, 2011 6:11 PM

Does anyone have any pics of DeGeorge's boat house? I would love to see any info you have.

Posted by: Maureen DeGeorge | August 12, 2011 11:06 AM

Lived at 121 vermilya ave. (68 - 78) Went PS 98 and then to gas when brother James was there (you know the one who used to poke his finger) anybody from that time ??? Great memories !

Posted by: Cesar | September 5, 2011 11:26 PM

Wow! I've been on this WaHi site before but accidentally stumbled onto this blog which I've SO enjoyed reading! I now live in Seattle, WA but was born in Greenwhich Village at St. Vinnie's in 1964 and grew up in Inwood from 1974 to 1985. What memories everyone on here has shared. Transported me back to places I had forgotten. I want to say YES to Ziandra-- Inwood IS haunted. I lived at 603 Academy Street. Not only was our apt 2F haunted but so was the next door neighbors & some of my friends who lived upstairs on the 3rd & 4th floors. The rumour back then was that old fashioned sailor men were seen peering down from the roof of that building on several occasions. I once heard strange whistling and laughing in the hallways...among other very real incidents. Anyone with more history about this building or land it sits on please email me: scrublz@msn.com. It's the whole reason I jumped onto WaHi this morning. Want more info. Anyway, I remember the Cloisters, The Medieval Fair (which yes IS still going on...my cousin Jessica went to it last summer). As a kid I saw movies like Jaws and Planet of the Apes at the ALPINE THEATER which was still on Dyckman across the street from CARVEL ice cream. There was a little drug store on the corner of Bwy and Dyackman too. Mom used to go in for cigarettes or something and I remember they had racks of books and comics. Was it REXALL? There was a little record store down Dyckman going towards Nagle. After school my friends & I (while we attended 52) would grab a "slice" on Bwy, then walk down Dyckman to buy 45s. In my teens I frequented the Hudson River path past Payson Park. Ahhh...sledding in Inwood on snowy weekends. Roller skating at the rink near the El. P.S. 98: we always sang about the Sharockapock Indians. North side of Inwood by 204th - 207th...was another movie theater across from a huge furniture store...both of them gone before I moved. Hmmm. There was a WHITE CASTLE burgers, a PATHMARK. My best friend Samantha (who lived up the block on Sherman) we'd walk across the bridge all the way to Fordham Rd. so we could shop for cheap but chic clothes at all the little stores there. Sometimes we'd go to ALEXANDER'S. The Bronx sometimes reminds me of braces. My orthodontist was in the beautiful Bedford Park Blvd area. :D I marched with St. Jude's Marching band in 1978, along with my friends Marisol, Rafael & his brother Carlos (r.i.p.). We did the St. Patrick's Day parade down 34th & another parade through the neighborhood into Riverdale. The big black out ... yes it was 1976 ... hot night. Son of Sam hadn't been caught yet. 1978 we had our junior prom graduation dance at the TROCODERO CLUB on Dyckman! Donna Summer, The BeeGees. I have lived here on the West Coast for 27 years, longer than my years in New York but my true HOME will ALWAYS be Inwood. It's where I came of age, where I played, ate pizza & Italian Ices, kissed on rooftops, threw water on friends from fire escapes on hot summer nights, lit fire crackers at Payson River Park, waited for trains at 200 Dyckman St. station, visited friends at Nagle Avenue Projects & all over the neighborhood, attended Communion Services at Good Shepherd, was always at HOUSE parties & BLOCK parties, ran through alleys playing RKC, sat on parked cars all day, played in hydrants & made life-long friends who I'm still in touch with today. If I ever get RICH, I'm MOVIN' BACK HOME. LONG LIVE INWOOD, ALWAYS in my HEART.

Posted by: Orenda Ayashe | November 26, 2011 1:28 PM

This site is great! It's taken me back down memory lane and then some. It's been great reading some of the posts and learning about all this great history, love and affection that folks have for the Inwood area. I lived in Post Ave between Dykman and Academy Sts. from '69 till I left for the Army in 87'. After a few years of living away from NY and living in England, I came back home moved to NJ but still come 'home' to Inwood. To Gerard Pawling...Hell Yes I remember Hubie. God Bless that man and all of the time he put in to the CYO at St. Judes and running the Cub, Weblo and Boy Scout troops there. He is one of the reasons I kept on the straight and narrow. LOL. There was a woman who helped out at well...I think we called her Mrs. Reilly. Big lady with short hair, glasses, loud voice and the biggest heart in the world. To Orenda Ayashe..you wrote what I lived...love it. I also went to St Judes, was an altar boy for many years, God bless Father Bradley. Worked the Bazar, was a crossing guard and played bugle in the marching band. How I remember those St Paddy Day parades. LOL. My first official date was watching Star Wars at the Alpine. loved that place. After St Judes went to Cardinal Hayes. I go back all the time and at times I'll find myself walking/ driving around and thanking my lucky stars!

Posted by: Victor Fermin | January 8, 2012 4:22 AM

Washington Heights & Inwood Online

Inwood Street Names

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