During the late 1930s, I worked in a luncheonette
on Hawthorne Avenue (near Clinton Place) evenings and weekends until
the wee hours. It became a gathering place for many young athletes,
future politician, business men and activists.
The ones that come to mind are two prizefighters, Abie Bain, who
appeared in a few motion pictures (On the Waterfront, etc), also
Nat Arno, who I believe had a lackluster career. The character I
remember most of all was a "giant" of a man, who was called
"Joe Primo" (Joe Weiner), I believe it was his resemblance
to Primo Carnera. When he spoke in an angry tone, I believe knees
trembled. I always knew and recognized that behind that "voice"
was a "gentler and kinder person" and I always admired
that.
Most of these men formed the Hebrew Club which later played "pro
basketball". There were many other sporting and civic events.
I believe the "Club" still exists, which speaks to the
kind of guys they were and still are. I also believe that the 916
[ ? ] political club came out of those groups. The luncheonette
was owned and referred to as "Abie Block's" and I am sure
that those from Hawthorne Avenue, Clinton Place area, during those
years would know of what I speak.
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