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The
Bayonne Town Center and The Bayonne Historical Society
host walking tour of "Old Broadway".
BAYONNE,
NJ – May 13, 2004 - Remember Woolworth’s? Kresges?
Grants? Shopping for your school shoes at Miles? Buying your
45-records at Wolfson’s? Looking for a bargain at John’s?
Taking in a show at the Dewitt Theatre? On a bright, sunny
Saturday, May 1st, Alice K. Lotosky, a BTC Board member representing
Bayonne Community Bank, saw her creative tour idea come to
fruition. Along with Priscilla Ege, and Lee Fahley, both Bayonne
Historical Society members, Lotosky showcased those “famous”
places on Broadway that hold a special place in the heart
of the community. In addition to illuminating the rich history
of the district, architectural features of notable buildings
were revealed, as well as the secrets of ‘hidden’
treasures, such as the breathtaking mural recently unearthed
on the wall of Valley National Bank, the beautiful tin ceiling
at McCabe’s, the blue glass window frame of the former
Cappy’s Stride Rite, and artful wall advertisements,
just to name a few. A convivial atmosphere was created as
“walkers” contributed to the wealth of knowledge
and shared their personal reflections and fond memories of
bygone days.
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Alice
K. Lotosky and Priscilla Ege lead the historical walking
tour group. |
After
the tour, walkers were greeted with refreshments at a reception
hosted by Melissa Maiorano at The Studio Window, which recently
celebrated its grand opening at 5 West 22nd Street on April
28th. Walkers had the opportunity to reminisce over cookies
as they enjoyed Melissa’s one-of-kind creations. At
the reception, the BTC distributed free tote bags which included
promotional items from the BTC and Valley National Bank, as
well as ice cream coupons from Carvel. A wonderful time was
had by all who attended as evidenced by the discussions which
continued long after the tour was through. For those who missed
this inaugural tour, please watch the newspapers for future
walking tours, coming soon.
One
remaining mystery is the name “Meyers” on the
entrance floor of Nat Schwartz & Co. (549-551 Broadway).
If anyone has further information about what kind of business
Meyers was, we invite your commentary. Please contact the
BTC at (201) 339-9409.
The
Bayonne Town Center would like to take this opportunity to
thank the following:
The
Bayonne Historical Society; Melissa Maiorano of The Studio
Window, for her generous hospitality; Vito DeMarco, proprietor
of Carvel; and Valley National Bank. Lotosky personally
thanks the BTC Board for their support, and especially to
BTC Chairperson Diane Brennan, for her retro gift of an
original box from Loft’s Candy Store once located
on Broadway. Thanks also go to Priscilla Ege and Lee Fahley
for their help and guidance.
The Bayonne Town Center Management Corporation, which
sponsors the ribbon-cutting, is a non-profit organization,
which manages the day-to-day operations of the district between
17th and 30th Streets. Its mission is improving and enhancing
the business within those areas. In addition to revitalizing
the area, the corporation is also responsible for providing
public relations, advertising, and business recruitment and
retention for area merchants. For further information about
the Town Center, please call 201-339-9409
or contact through the website, info@bayonnetowncenter.com.
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