I have so many memories of growing up in
Newark I could write a book. The first memory that comes to mind
is the people. I grew up in the First Ward. Everyone knew everybody
else. They all looked after anyone's kids. There were no doors locked.
We slept on fire escapes in the summer while watching the people
below. Sometimes a street singer would come along to serenade us
for pennies. Sometimes, one of the older kids would roller skate
and put on a show for us.
The street would be full of people in the summertime. Ice cream
or popcorn vendors would sell their wares. You could buy a coke
at the local candy store for five cents. Or lemon ice for two cents
or a nickel for two scoops. Candy was a penny or two. People sat
on their home-made benches in front of their homes or on their "stoops".
Kids played all sorts of games on the street. It was a wonderful
time which the next generations would never experience. No TV's,
no computers, no electronic games or toys, and we were never bored.
Thanks for listening.
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