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bensonhurst history

A collection of 10 issues

Liberty Weekend Is This Saturday — Here Are Six Things You Should Know About The New Utrecht Liberty Pole

Photo by Bensonhurst BeanFor most of us on the ground, the flag that rises on the lawn of Bensonhurst’s historic New Utrecht Reformed Church [http://www.newutrechtchurch.org/] could easily be mistaken for a power line. But a glance up — 106 feet up, to be exact — reveals a pointed

The Legend Of General Nathaniel Woodhull, Who Died In New Utrecht During The Battle Of Brooklyn

The home where General Nathaniel Woodhall died. (Source: ancestry.com)“Say ‘God save the King!'” barked Sir James Baird. “God save us all!” declared the captured American General Nathaniel Woodhull defiantly. “Say, ‘God save the King!'” ordered the British officer again, as he aimed the swift blows of

Once Upon A Time, Brooklyn College Almost Ended Up In Bensonhurst

Courtesy of Brooklyn College/FacebookWith its sprawling ocean views, the green hills of Staten Island in the distance — the Verrazano Narrows Bridge in its future — the shores of Gravesend Bay would once have made an excellent home for a City University of New York [http://www2.cuny.edu/] (CUNY) campus.

10 Most Ruthless Mobsters In Bensonhurst History

Marlon Brando as The Godfather in the 1972 film. (Courtesy of Allstar/Cinetext/Paramount)Bensonhurst natives of a certain age can remember the days when the Mafia ruled the streets. Some of the most ruthless, revered gangsters in New York City’s history resided and conducted business in the neighborhood.

Watching From Above: The Hauntingly Beautiful Gargoyles Of Bensonhurst

School gargoyles. (By Daniel Frazer)The thing that perhaps most distinguishes one Brooklyn neighborhood from another is its unique architecture. Brooklyn, being one of the oldest sections of New York City, is home to a myriad of strange features from our past. Perhaps none are stranger than the many gargoyles

A Walk Through Forgotten Brooklyn At Old New Utrecht Cemetery

On a breezy Saturday morning, a typically sleepy and abandoned patch of Bensonhurst revs to life. A handful of volunteers have come out to Old New Utrecht Cemetery to yank weeds, mow the lawn, and spruce up the historic site, which dates back to 1600s. Over the hum of lawnmowers,

A Car Dealership Grows In Brooklyn: The Evolution Of Benson Chevrolet

Source: Brooklyn Historical SocietyOur neighborhood Chevrolet dealership has been around for as long as most residents can remember. A few months ago, we were surprised to learn that 86th Street Chevrolet’s classic, 1950’s-style building would be torn down [/renderings-sleek-new-chevrolet-building-coming-86th-street/] and renovated by its new owner. But the truth

Next Week: Hang Out With Abe & Mary Todd Lincoln At New Utrecht Reformed Church

Abraham and Mary Todd Lincoln portrayed by Robert Costello and Cheryl Mustachio. President Abraham Lincoln and First Lady Mary Todd Lincoln will visit Bensonhurst next week! That’s right, played by Robert Costello and Cheryl Mustachio, the couple will appear together in a conversation on Tuesday evening, February 10, 2015,

Amazing 1905 Photo Of Bensonhurst Park Surfaces On eBay

Bensonhurst Park in 1905 (Photo courtesy of lplocharski via ebay.com)We came across this incredible image of Bensonhurst Park taken 108 years ago in 1905. The image, plastered on a postcard, is up for auction on eBay [http://www.ebay.com/itm/1905-PHOTO-POSTCARD-BENSONHURST-PARK-BENSONHURST-LONG-ISLAND-NY-UNUSED-/380693470865?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&

In Focus: Humble Beginnings For The Sea Beach Line

Photographer: Urquhart. Source: Brooklyn Public Library, Brooklyn CollectionThis July 17, 1914 photo showcases workers lifting sandbags, operating a cement mixer and examining the newly laid tracks. during the construction of the Sea Beach line. The title, “Looking West from 18th Ave. Showing Progress of Construction Work” even gives the viewer