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Italian, Irish and Arab Americans are the predominant ethnic groups in Bay Ridge, Brooklyn, but the neighborhood was once home to a flourishing Norwegian population...
I wouldn’t call the Norwegian influence in that area “hidden”. It may not be as well known by the typical transplant of today’s NYC but to natives that was always known.
I'm pretty sure Swedish too. My friend is of Swedish descent. Some of her family (I think a great aunt and cousins) once lived in Bay Ridge.
Has anyone been to Leske's? It's a Scandinavian bakery in Bay Ridge.
I believe Leske's closed a few years ago. Bay Ridge has had a strong Norweigan presence from years ago when many settled there - In fact I worked with some Norweigans in my office. There were some Swedes, but more Norweigans. Years ago I knew a Swedish lady. She would take me to the Swedish church off of 5th Avenue by 48th St. REALLY good Swedish coffee there and of course they had their Kanelbullars. Ever since Fika closed, I haven't been able to get my Swedish fix. There's Ole & Steen, but they're Danish.
I'm pretty sure Swedish too. My friend is of Swedish descent. Some of her family (I think a great aunt and cousins) once lived in Bay Ridge.
Has anyone been to Leske's? It's a Scandinavian bakery in Bay Ridge.
There was a MUCH heavier Norwegian population. They still have the yearly Norwegian Day Parade and they have a Viking festival in the park. For large Scandinavian populations, one probably needs to travel to Minnesota these days.
Quote:
Originally Posted by pierrepont7731
I believe Leske's closed a few years ago. Bay Ridge has had a strong Norweigan presence from years ago when many settled there - In fact I worked with some Norweigans in my office. There were some Swedes, but more Norweigans. Years ago I knew a Swedish lady. She would take me to the Swedish church off of 5th Avenue by 48th St. REALLY good Swedish coffee there and of course they had their Kanelbullars. Ever since Fika closed, I haven't been able to get my Swedish fix. There's Ole & Steen, but they're Danish.
Leske's is still open but they've opened and closed a few times. It's under different ownership, I believe. They've changed things around a lot in terms of what they do/offer.
There used to be an actual Norwegian deli/store on 3rd Ave which did close many years ago. I used to go there to pick up some stuff, like nokkelost. I miss the krumkake! And it's "Norwegian" not Norweigan---show a small part of my ancestry some respect!
Leske's is still open but they've opened and closed a few times. It's under different ownership, I believe. They've changed things around a lot in terms of what they do/offer.
There used to be an actual Norwegian deli/store on 3rd Ave which did close many years ago. I used to go there to pick up some stuff, like nokkelost. I miss the krumkake! And it's "Norwegian" not Norweigan---show a small part of my ancestry some respect!
That's good because they abruptly closed last I heard and I thought it was permanently. If I misspelled it (Norwegian), apologies. I was typing on a mobile device and sometimes that happens.
Most of the square heads migrated to Staten Island and then Northern NJ /Pa (Mt Bethel).
I actually marched in that parade as a boy in the 70’s. Lol
A lot safer and better quality of life living around, as you say, square heads (we know who you mean) vs. the majority of the city's current demographic.
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