life under "the el"
(peer pressure is a powerful entity)
Growing up near an elevated train gave my friends and me plenty of opportunities for mischief. For example, we could steal ripe tomatoes from the fruit stand on 31st Street and toss them at the train passing on “the el.”
A more dangerous practice involved walking from one station to the next. The first step would be to sneak onto the train (I don’t remember ever paying for it during my entire adolescence).
We’d hide out near the token booth until we heard the train coming, vault the turnstile, and head up the stairs two at a time.
To make it look like he actually cared, the token clerk would yell “Hey” after us… too late.
We’d take the train one stop from 36th Avenue to 39th Avenue and then walk back.
By “walk,” I mean we’d get to the end of the platform and climb down onto the narrow walkway near the tracks (see the image above). From this point, we could walk without a train hitting us as we looked down onto the street.
I wasn’t real big on looking down… but peer pressure is a powerful entity.
P.S.
P.P.S. A photo from my recent visit to Immaculate Conception Church in Astoria, Queens, NYC…
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I see Jupiter has you well trained already! I recognize that face wherever I see it!
Yesterday was one year since my Mom died. I called dad (our usual day) - he held firm. I am so proud of him, how he coped. Of course, the wonderful home, the people surrounding him, all the activity, will help a lot. But after almost 70 years together, I really was afraid he would not live but a few months without her. He is even starting to get militant about the large number of meds that cause more harm than good! 92 and going strong again.
I love your stories Mickey. My husband grew up in Brighten Beach near the elevated train as well. You really need to write your memoir.