What happened to Irvington, NJ????? (Newark, Paterson: buy, income, living in)

[EEEPNJ]

Originally Posted by HawaiiLover

I grew up in Irvington, moved out in 1971. It was such a nice town in the 60's. The last time I drove past my old home on Breckenridge Terr. seems like the detached garage was leaning. I'm sure it is no longer standing, since that was at least 15 years ago. Rather than check and perhaps get shot at, I'll keep my pleasant memories than go back and look at it again.

Google maps? Street View... but sometimes the past is best in the past.

[DeeCee1967]

Originally Posted by HawaiiLover

I grew up in Irvington, moved out in 1971. It was such a nice town in the 60's. The last time I drove past my old home on Breckenridge Terr. seems like the detached garage was leaning. I'm sure it is no longer standing, since that was at least 15 years ago. Rather than check and perhaps get shot at, I'll keep my pleasant memories than go back and look at it again.

HawaiiLover - Your post gave me a chill - my parents' first apartment was on Breckenridge Terrace when they moved to the US in 1960. I know people that still go to the Polish church on Grove Street. I was there in 2003 for a funeral and have no desire to go back to the area.

[Kevin1975]

Irvington used to be a safe haven from Newark afer the riots. I got out of Irvington around 1982, and it was getting bad then. I drive through my old neighborhood once in awhile near Mount Vernon School. Its just sad.

[Doorway]

Originally Posted by DowneyMOM

Raised in Irvington, I was a kid there in the 70's. I remember a sign going up in a neighbor's yard shortly after a black family moved into the neighborhood. Within a week, it was a sea of real estate signs adorning the block from almost every house. Black family was very nice and I became friends with the daughter before we had to move too, about a year or so later. I went back to Irvington some years later, for Dickie Dees Italian hot dogs (Springfield Ave?) and to see if there was anyone that I knew, left in Irvington. Think it was in the mid-late 80's? It was looking different then but certainly not a warzone! I wonder if Dickie Dees is still around?

Dickey Dees is on Bloomfield Ave. in Newark. (B'field and 6th or 5th?) I was there in December and it is EXACTLY the same as when I lived in Newark in the 1965-85's. The good news is they still have the best italian hot dogs I've ever had!!!!!!

[Gldngrl61]

I left Irvington in 1978-went back a few times to visit friends (who have since moved on). I can't believe what has become of our pretty little town. Going to the Center was always fun-Dairy Queen, Klesses and what was the name of that diner across from the Dairy Queen?

[HawaiiLover]

Originally Posted by DeeCee1967

HawaiiLover - Your post gave me a chill - my parents' first apartment was on Breckenridge Terrace when they moved to the US in 1960. I know people that still go to the Polish church on Grove Street. I was there in 2003 for a funeral and have no desire to go back to the area.

DeeCee, do you remember what house number they lived at, or if they lived in a four, or, two family house there? I might have known you. I lived at #33.
The Gaffney's owned the largest home at the top of the hill, I believe that was a 6 family building.

[HawaiiLover]

Originally Posted by Gldngrl61

I left Irvington in 1978-went back a few times to visit friends (who have since moved on). I can't believe what has become of our pretty little town. Going to the Center was always fun-Dairy Queen, Klesses and what was the name of that diner across from the Dairy Queen?

Yes, our pretty little town is an ugly big mess now. It's really a pity what has become of it.

I believe the diner was Don's. Did you graduate IHS?

[DeeCee1967]

Originally Posted by HawaiiLover

DeeCee, do you remember what house number they lived at, or if they lived in a four, or, two family house there? I might have known you. I lived at #33.
The Gaffney's owned the largest home at the top of the hill, I believe that was a 6 family building.

You wouldn't have known me - I didn't make my entrance until 1967, and by then my parents moved to Newark. I know they lived in a 2 family home on Breckenridge, but I don't know the house number. My brother was ten years old in 1960 maybe you knew him.

[HawaiiLover]

I was 10 also in 1960! Yeah, I'm old!

[Doorway]

Originally Posted by HawaiiLover

I was 10 also in 1960! Yeah, I'm old!

I was but an embryo.... born in 1961 and came out smiling