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From: Anne Tedesco
Date: 11 Jan 1999
First, I have to tell you that I work part time (11 years worth) for the Gerritsen Beach Branch of the Brooklyn Public Library. Last year was the Centennial celebration of the BPL and each branch was given a large photo/poster with a picture & short history of the branch, also our assistant branch Librarian did a research project on the history of Gerritsen Beach so I can safely say that I am sure the ORIGINAL site for the Gerritsen Beach Branch was at 2754 Gerritsen Ave (the hardware store). The photo in our entryway (the branch) shows a group of people protesting the closing of the branch in 1953 or 55 and you can clearly see the pharmacy & the Deli then the library! This location DID close in 1955. the library (or reading room as it was officially designated due to a lack of a librarian) then moved to 2712 Gerritsen in 1956 (because Dr. Baronberg very generously charged them only $1 rent) where it was located until 1989 when the building was sold & we were forced to move. We went to 2606 Gerritsen "temporarily" while waiting for our new building to be built. In April 1997 we finally moved into our "Permanent" location at 2808 Gerritsen Ave or, as it's known locally "Bohack's lot".
I also remember that the double storefront of 2606 & 2604 Gerritsen was, in the late '60's/early '70's, "Scotty Arscott's photo studio" (which was originally Ryback's, although I have no memeory of this store I DO remember my Mom talking about it). I can remember going there on Saturdays to see which records were new on the "top 100" list so I could buy the 45's. It was also the only place to drop off your film to get pictures developed. I remember the original site for "Victoria Pizza" as being next to "cardboard Joe's" between Channel & Devon Aves. I remember going there with a quarter & being able to get "a slice & a soda"!! And I'm pretty sure that "Lady AnnaMaria's Hair Stylists" was where "Kiddie Patch" is now. The candy store that you refer to as "Sam's" (2698 Gerr) I remember as "Ira's" (and YES it was always dark & spooky). I also recall "Durand's" being between Everett & Florence Aves. (It was my job to take the shirts in on Sat. & collect the ones from last week) I believe it was located where "D" TV is now (2728 Gerr.)
I'm sure you've heard from others who remember differently than you do (or than I do) unfortunately the only information I can verify is the Library info. I am passing the WEBsite address to anyone & everyone I know who is from the Beach & hopefully photos, stories & such will be sent to you to build the site further (although it's taking me forever to go through it once!) I know my mother in law has some info on early years (her father & uncles had a business on the Ave, before it was renumbered (I think it was a sheet metal business) "Clark Brothers" was the name I think. I'll see what I can find out. She grew up on Just Ct. near Cyrus Av. in the 30's & 40's so maybe she can help.
