November 4, 2012, Sunday, 308

Bensonhurst's Past

From The Peopling of New York City

Contents

Bensonhurst's Past

1660 to 1900


Bensonhurst was first established under New Utrecht, which was one of the six towns of Brooklyn, in 1661 by the Dutch. In the early 1800s, Bensonhurst had a low population. There were approximately 4,000 inhabitants. The families in Bensonhurst were mainly farmers. Bensonhurst was actually named after the Benson family, who were cabbage and potato farmers [1]. Their farm was the location where 16,000 British and Hessian soliders prepared for the Battle of Long Island[2].

The population of Bensonhurst began to increase when the Brooklyn, Bath and West End Railroad was built in 1885. Later, a developer named James Lynch bought land from the Benson family to build a suburb, which he named Bensonhurst-by-the-Sea. He bought 350 acres of the land, which was situated only six miles from the Brooklyn Bridge, in 1887. It stretched from "20th Avenue on the west to 23rd Avenue on the east and from 78th Street on the north to Gravesend Bay on the South” [3]. James Lynch planned to develop housing for 1,000 families. He spent three years building houses and making Bensonhurst-by-the-Sea the perfect suburb[4]. The final result was 28 miles of sidewalk, 5,000 newly planted trees, and 100 houses. A branch of the Brooklyn Library, along with a park, was also built and established in the area. The land in this suburb were parceled and sold off to immigrant families that arrived to the area. James Lynch offered the homes for $200 to $600. These lots were very affordable[5]. Lynch was also successful in convincing the Brooklyn, Bath & West end Railroad to reduce its fairs and to supply more service to the area[6]. He was also able to help establish a trolley line.

The construction of new homes in the area also attracted middle class families. Bensonhurst-by-the-sea was situated in the perfect location, in that it was close to both Manhattan and Downtown Brooklyn[7]. Bensonhurst had a couple of popular clubs, such as New-York Canoe Club and Bensonhurst Tennis Club, that attracted visitors to the area. Another popular club was the Bensonhurst Club, which held a number of events such as yachting, canoeing, and dancing. This article from 1891 is about a canoeing competition that was hosted by the Bensonhurst Club. The wealthy New York City residents were attracted to the sailing facilities at Bensonhurst Yacht Club and the Atlantic Yacht Club. They built summer homes along the shore. They were also eager to make Bensonhurst a tourist attraction better than Coney Island[8]. As a result, amusement parks, hotels, and racetracks were created. However, they were unsuccessful in becoming a tourist attraction similar to Coney Island.

Bensonhurst, however, was mainly known for its suburban charm [9]. It had less than 10,000 residents until 1894. In 1894, New Utrecht, in which Bensonhurst was located, was added to the City of Brooklyn. Bensonhurst-by-the-sea was then shortened to Bensonhurst when it lost its status as a “gated” community.

Bensonhurst in 1895

1900 to 1980


In the early 1900s, Brooklyn residents were eager for the Fourth Avenue line to reach Bath Beach, Bensonhurst, and other nearby areas. Millions of dollars were needed to extend the Fourth Avenue line to Southern Brooklyn. In fact $15,886,381 was the expected cost to build the Fourth Avenue Line throughout Brooklyn. However, the development of the subway line, was expected to lead to rapid development of businesses and homes since the Fourth Avenue line allowed Manhattan to be easily accessible[10].

In 1915, the Fourth Avenue line, which is now the N and R train, was brought to the area, which resulted in an increase in the population. For the poor Italian and Jewish families it provided a way to escape the poverty-ridden area of the Lower East Side. As a result of the increasing Jewish population in Bensonhurst, the $500,000 Jewish Community House of Bensonhurst was opened in 1928. The aim of this center was to provide the Jewish population with recreational activities and aid[11]. This significant establishment contained a swimming pool, bowling alleys, gymnasium, handball courts, a billiard room, a library, and classrooms[12]. Two- and three-family houses began to appear, along with apartments with four to six floors. Around the early 1900s, many Italian and Jewish families from the Lower East Side moved to Bensonhurst, where housing was affordable[13]. By 1930, the population reached to 150,000 residents and it continued to grow. In 1949, Shore Haven Apartments were built by Fred Trump on 21st Avenue near the Belt Parkway. The apartments were built over 16 acres and were mostly six-story buildings. Thirty-eight buildings were built, resulting in 1,344 apartments for families. Also, parts of Cropsey Avenue were used to built a shopping center as part of the housing project. At that time, this was the largest private housing development in Brooklyn[14].


Trump's Housing Plan


The 1950s was marked by the arrival of Italian immigrants into Bensonhurst. As mentioned before, the first wave of Italian immigrants arrived to Bensonhurst from the Lower East Side to find better housing. Many of these Italians were Sicilians. The new wave of Italians that arrived in the 1950s were young construction workers escaping work of Sicilian sulphur mines. Unlike the first wave of Italian immigrants, those that arrived mid-1900s were better educated and earned better wages [15]. These families tended to remain in the same area for generations and led to the development of numerous businesses, especially on 18th Avenue. Thus, by the 1980s, approximately 80% of the people in Bensonhurst were Italians[16].

Articles from New York Times from 1890 to 1980

Description of Bensonhurst[17]

Influence of the Fourth Avenue line[18]

Younger Generation of Sicilians in Bensonhurst[19]

Description of Bensonhurst [20]

Bensonhurst Burglars-Crime in Early Bensonhurst[21]

Italian Shops and Food in Bensonhurst[22]

Development of Bensonhurst[23]

Fourth Avenue line plan[24]

Fred Trump's Housing Plan[25]

Jewish Community House of Bensonhurst's Opening [26]

Historical Fun Facts

  1. The New Utrecht Reformed Church has a liberty pole, a remnant of the American Revolution which still stands, although it has been replaced six times. It's the spot where colonists flew the American flag to celebrate the evacuation of British soldiers from Kings County. In 1790, George Washington visited the church. The church is located on 18th Avenue and 83rd Street. The church was the fourth Dutch Reformed Church in Brooklyn and was established in 1677. This church was built in 1783. It is now a New York City landmark.[27]
  2. Bensonhurst became popular when it received media attention[28]. Bensonhurst is the home of the famous 1950s TV show character, Ralph Kramden, from Honeymooners. The 1970s TV show Welcome Back Kotter and the movie It Happened in Brooklyn were both set in Bensonhurst, specifically New Utrecht High School. Also, Bensonhurst gained further attention when it was portrayed in the movie Saturday Night Fever in 1978 in which John Travolta was the star.
  3. Some famous celebrities that grew up in Bensonhurst are Larry King, the "Three Stooges" (Moses (Moe), Samuel (Shemp) & Jerome (Curly) Howard), Phil Silvers, Abe Burrows, and Gary Goldberg. Comedians Dom Deluise, Buddy Hackett and Jerry Stille also grew up in this area. Actors Robert Merrill, Elliot Gould, Harvey Fierstein, Danny Devito, and Rhea Perlman are also from this area.

Honeymooner's "The Bensonhurst Bomber" Clip

It Happened in Brooklyn Clip


Welcome Back Kotter Intro




Then and Now - A Change Over Time Seen through Photos

New Utrecht Reformed Church

[29]
Comp4.jpg

Shirott's Pharmacy

[30]
Comp1.JPG

Shirott's Pharmacy also served as a Post Office.

Bay Parkaway and Bay 29th Street

[31]
Comp5.jpg


Bath Avenue and Bay 22nd

[32]
Comp6.jpg


The West End and Bath Beach Railroad tracks ran through Bath Avenue, and was later used for trolley lines.

Children's Aid Society grounds, Cropsey and Eighteenth Avenues

NYPL Digital Gallery
Comp8.jpg


Talmud Torah Son's of Israel

[33]
Comp12.jpg


References

  1. ↑ Freudenheim, Ellen, and Anna Weiner. Brooklyn!. '3rd ed'. New York: St. Martin's Griffin, 2004.
  2. ↑ "Brooklyn City’s Beautiful Suburbs :The Broad Acres by the Sea Acquired by Annexation Present Exceptional Advantages." New York Times (1857-Current file) [New York, N.Y.] 31 Mar. 1895, 20. ProQuest Historical Newspapers The New York Times (1851 - 2004). ProQuest . Brooklyn College Library. 20 April. 2008 <http://www.proquest.com/>.
  3. ↑ The Neighborhoods of Brooklyn. 'Ed'. Kenneth T. Jackson and John B. Manbeck . New Haven: Yale University Press, 1998.
  4. ↑ "Brooklyn City’s Beautiful Suburbs :The Broad Acres by the Sea Acquired by Annexation Present Exceptional Advantages." New York Times (1857-Current file) [New York, N.Y.] 31 Mar. 1895, 20. ProQuest Historical Newspapers The New York Times (1851 - 2004). ProQuest . Brooklyn College Library. 20 April. 2008 <http://www.proquest.com/>.
  5. ↑ Morissey, W.G. President Brooklyn Board of Real Estate Brokers. "South Brooklyn’s Rapid Development: Early Operators Adopted Wise Methods in Cutting Up Old Farms for Building Lots." New York Times (1857-Current file) [New York, N.Y.] 23 Apr. 1911, ProQuest Historical Newspapers The New York Times (1851 - 2004). ProQuest. Brooklyn College Library. 4 May. 2008 <http://www.proquest.com/>
  6. ↑ Morissey, W.G. President Brooklyn Board of Real Estate Brokers. "South Brooklyn’s Rapid Development: Early Operators Adopted Wise Methods in Cutting Up Old Farms for Building Lots." New York Times (1857-Current file) [New York, N.Y.] 23 Apr. 1911, ProQuest Historical Newspapers The New York Times (1851 - 2004). ProQuest. Brooklyn College Library. 4 May. 2008 <http://www.proquest.com/>
  7. ↑ The Neighborhoods of Brooklyn. 'Ed'. Kenneth T. Jackson and John B. Manbeck . New Haven: Yale University Press, 1998.
  8. ↑ Freudenheim, Ellen, and Anna Weiner. Brooklyn!. '3rd ed'. New York: St. Martin's Griffin, 2004.
  9. ↑ The Neighborhoods of Brooklyn. 'Ed'. Kenneth T. Jackson and John B. Manbeck . New Haven: Yale University Press, 1998.
  10. ↑ "New Subways Influence :Advancing Values In Bay Ridge and Bath Beach -- Coney Island Prices." New York Times (1857-Current file) [New York, N.Y.] 26 Apr. 1908,RE9. ProQuest Historical Newspapers The New York Times (1851 - 2004). ProQuest. Brooklyn College Library. 3 May. 2008 <http://www.proquest.com/>.
  11. ↑ "Jewish Center Open Today." New York Times (1857-Current file) [New York, N.Y.] 4 Mar. 1928,33. ProQuest Historical Newspapers The New York Times (1851 - 2004). ProQuest. Brooklyn College Library. 4 May. 2008 <http://www.proquest.com/>
  12. ↑ "Jewish Center Open Today." New York Times (1857-Current file) [New York, N.Y.] 4 Mar. 1928,33. ProQuest Historical Newspapers The New York Times (1851 - 2004). ProQuest. Brooklyn College Library. 4 May. 2008 <http://www.proquest.com/>
  13. ↑ Reilly, Michael. "Neighborhoods-Bensonhurst." 150 Years in Brooklyn. 20 April 2008 <http://www.geocities.com/Heartland/Ranch/7589/neighborhoods2.htm>
  14. ↑ The Neighborhoods of Brooklyn. 'Ed'. Kenneth T. Jackson and John B. Manbeck . New Haven: Yale University Press, 1998.
  15. ↑ Calta, Louis. "In Bensonhurst, New Sicilians Find Way of Life Unknown to Forebears :Cheap Wages Recalled." New York Times (1857-Current file) [New York, N.Y.] 20 Jul 1975,82-82. ProQuest Historical Newspapers The New York Times (1851 - 2004). ProQuest. Brooklyn College Library. 30 April. 2008 <http://www.proquest.com/>.
  16. ↑ Calta, Louis. "In Bensonhurst, New Sicilians Find Way of Life Unknown to Forebears :Cheap Wages Recalled." New York Times (1857-Current file) [New York, N.Y.] 20 Jul 1975,82-82. ProQuest Historical Newspapers The New York Times (1851 - 2004). ProQuest. Brooklyn College Library. 30 April. 2008 <http://www.proquest.com/>.
  17. ↑ "Quest For Rural Homes. " New York Times (1857-Current file) [New York, N.Y.] 16 May 1897,24. ProQuest Historical Newspapers The New York Times (1851 - 2004). ProQuest. Brooklyn College Library. 30 April. 2008 <http://www.proquest.com/>.
  18. ↑ "New Subways Influence :Advancing Values In Bay Ridge and Bath Beach -- Coney Island Prices." New York Times (1857-Current file) [New York, N.Y.] 26 Apr. 1908,RE9. ProQuest Historical Newspapers The New York Times (1851 - 2004). ProQuest. Brooklyn College Library. 3 May. 2008 <http://www.proquest.com/>.
  19. ↑ Calta, Louis. "In Bensonhurst, New Sicilians Find Way of Life Unknown to Forebears :Cheap Wages Recalled." New York Times (1857-Current file) [New York, N.Y.] 20 Jul 1975,82-82. ProQuest Historical Newspapers The New York Times (1851 - 2004). ProQuest. Brooklyn College Library. 30 April. 2008 <http://www.proquest.com/>.
  20. ↑ Morissey, W.G. President Brooklyn Board of Real Estate Brokers. "South Brooklyn’s Rapid Development: Early Operators Adopted Wise Methods in Cutting Up Old Farms for Building Lots." New York Times (1857-Current file) [New York, N.Y.] 23 Apr. 1911, ProQuest Historical Newspapers The New York Times (1851 - 2004). ProQuest. Brooklyn College Library. 4 May. 2008 <http://www.proquest.com/>.
  21. ↑ "Quite a Casual Episode. " New York Times (1857-Current file) [New York, N.Y.] 23 Nov. 1892,1-1. ProQuest Historical Newspapers The New York Times (1851 - 2004). ProQuest. Brooklyn College Library. 4 May. 2008 <http://www.proquest.com/>.
  22. ↑ Fabricant, Florence. "Bensonhurst: An Italian Smorgasbord :Olive Oil Price Up Pastry and Espresso. " New York Times (1857-Current file) [New York, N.Y.] 8 Dec. 1974,162. ProQuest Historical Newspapers The New York Times (1851 - 2004). ProQuest. Brooklyn College Library. 18 April. 2008 <http://www.proquest.com/>.
  23. ↑ "Brooklyn City’s Beautiful Suburbs :The Broad Acres by the Sea Acquired by Annexation Present Exceptional Advantages." New York Times (1857-Current file) [New York, N.Y.] 31 Mar. 1895, 20. ProQuest Historical Newspapers The New York Times (1851 - 2004). ProQuest . Brooklyn College Library. 20 April. 2008 <http://www.proquest.com/>.
  24. ↑ "New Subway Voted." New York Times (1857-Current file) [New York, N.Y.] 30 Oct. 1909,18. ProQuest Historical Newspapers The New York Times (1851 - 2004). ProQuest . Brooklyn College Library. 3 May. 2008 <http://www.proquest.com/>.
  25. ↑ <Cooper, Lee E. "Brooklyn, Astoria; Get New Housing with 2,682 Unit." :Roth-Schenker Co. Sponsors Big Rental Project Close to the East River COST SET AT $13,000,000 Trump Turns to Multi-Family New York Times (1857-Current file) [New York, N.Y.] 22 Jun 1947,200. ProQuest Historical Newspapers The New York Times (1851 - 2004). ProQuest. Brooklyn College Library. 5 May. 2008 <http://www.proquest.com/>.
  26. ↑ "Jewish Center Open Today." New York Times (1857-Current file) [New York, N.Y.] 4 Mar. 1928,33. ProQuest Historical Newspapers The New York Times (1851 - 2004). ProQuest. Brooklyn College Library. 4 May. 2008 <http://www.proquest.com/>
  27. ↑ The Neighborhoods of Brooklyn. 'Ed'. Kenneth T. Jackson and John B. Manbeck . New Haven: Yale University Press, 1998.
  28. ↑ The Neighborhoods of Brooklyn. 'Ed'. Kenneth T. Jackson and John B. Manbeck . New Haven: Yale University Press, 1998.
  29. ↑ The Neighborhoods of Brooklyn. 'Ed'. Kenneth T. Jackson and John B. Manbeck . New Haven: Yale University Press, 1998.
  30. ↑ Merlis, Brian, and Oscar Israelowitz. Welcome Back to Brooklyn. Brooklyn: Israelowitz Publishers, 1993.
  31. ↑ Merlis, Brian, and Oscar Israelowitz. Welcome Back to Brooklyn. Brooklyn: Israelowitz Publishers, 1993.
  32. ↑ Merlis, Brian, and Oscar Israelowitz. Welcome Back to Brooklyn. Brooklyn: Israelowitz Publishers, 1993.
  33. ↑ Merlis, Brian, and Oscar Israelowitz. Welcome Back to Brooklyn. Brooklyn: Israelowitz Publishers, 1993.
Retrieved from "http://pleskcontrol.macaulay.cuny.edu../../../../articles/c/o/m/The_Peopling_of_New_York_City%7ECommunity_Portal_3b2c.html"