In response to
a memory from Jacqueline Klein
Found your post on Old Newark Memories. You mention Sybil's Shoppe
on Bergen Street. My mom was the manager; the store was named after
her. It was part of the Sports Shoppe chain, owned by my grandparents.
Everyone once in a while as a kid I worked in the store boxing
up what customers bought. The boxes had white and gray stripes and
the logo SIBYL'S SHOPPE across the front. Don't recall the theater
you mention but there was another clothing store, Elsie Stones,
near by. And Kartzman's, an excellent Jewish deli/restaurant, down
the street, if I have the name right. Brody's Shoe's was on the
corner across from the bank.
As a child I visited Breslow's Toy's often on Bergen Street. It
was owned by Mr. Breslow, who wore a suite and tie. A large mechanical
children's ride, maybe a nickel, stood parked by the door. This
was not far from Sid Miller's Meat Market. I knew Sid, and recall
the saw dust on the floor and rolls of paper with with he wrapped
the meat.
I often went to Henry's Sweet Shop, and was fond of Lee, the African
American cook. I heard he bought the place out. I also recall a
Shoe Repair shop near my mom's store.
Lastly, my dad took me to the Lion's Den, a coffee shop, across
from the Park, once a week. I played the pin ball machine, sat at
the counter or at one of the booths, drank milk shakes, sometimes
sneaked looks at the tabloids.
I visited the street after the Newark riots. Sybil's Shoppe had
been damaged beyond repair and was boarded up. It never re-opened.
My grandparents flag ship store, The Sports Shoppe, in Irvington,
was lost.
In the event, as you do, I have fond memories of Bergen Street.
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