Music Made An Impression In Our Little Old Community

Before radio and T.V., many families either had a phonograph machine for records or, if they could afford it, would have a player-piano with music rolls for entertainment. Those who didn't have either would have to listen to someone down the block who played the popular hits of the day on an accordion or banjo. This would go on from April through October when you could stay outside to enjoy it.

In addition to that type of music, once in a while a man, usually of Italian descent, came around with a hand organ and a live monkey wearing a red hat, who would seek a few pennies or nickels from onlookers, which he would bring to his owner.

There was also a fellow who would pull a large organ, known as hurdy gurdy, all the way down to Canarsie along Rockaway Avenue from East New York, then through the dirt streets to play by a turn of a handle, and then go around to collect whatever people gave to him.

There was another trouper with one of these organs who would entertain you with a juggling act or sword swallowing and flaming torches, which he would somehow get down his throat.

Then, once in a while, we would get to hear a real band of older men who played real brass instruments and they were real good musicians who were out of work and went around different parts of the city to play for peoples' enjoyment for their livelihood, as in those days you had no welfare checks coming in and if you wanted to eat you had to go out and earn it. If there was no regular work to get, you would have to take whatever means to support your family and that's what all these brave men did to bring home something for their family.

I also recall a man who stood with a machine on a pushcart all week on the corner of Pitkin Avenue and Rockaway with red hot peanuts which were very popular, as you could not buy them in cans already shelled. He would sell you a large bag for a nickel and every Sunday we kids would be looking for Joe the Peanut Man who would push that cart all the way down from Pitkin Avenue and all over Canarsie and then back to his regular spot. This was a real hike with no horse and wagon or car to get back and forth.

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