(This is a continuation of an earlier post) There were four bowling alleys: 34th Lanes on 34th Avenue between 69th and 70th Streets (technically Woodside), Northern Lanes between Northern Boulevard and 32nd Avenue in the 70’s, Montclair Lanes below street level on 37th Avenue and about 75th Street, and another below street level place between 83rd and 84th Street on 37th Avenue, next door to Joe & Angelo’s Barbers.
There was an old time pharmacy, Palladino’s, on the southeast corner of Northern Boulevard and 82nd Street across from the Conway Funeral Home. Crossing over 82nd Street, still on the south side of Northern Boulevard was a Manufacturer’s Trust Bank, The Tune Timers Club (a night spot) and an A&P. On the opposite side of Northern Boulevard was the fire house and one of the two great toy stores I remember from the 1950’s, Aladdin’s. The other toy store I remember being taken to was Gerstenhaber’s on Roosevelt Avenue somewhere in the 80’s.
On 37th Avenue between 82nd and 83rd Street were Womrath’s Books and Florsheim Shoes. And across 37th Avenue from where Field’s Department Store used to be on the northwest corner of 82nd Street was a huge Rexall drug store which subsequently housed the Jamaica Savings Bank when they moved from the northeast corner of 37th Avenue and 81st Street. On 82nd Street between 37th Avenue and Roosevelt, some of the major retailers included: Woolworth’s, Kresge’s, Mishkin Drugs, Benjamin Shoes, Clark’s Department Store, Horn & Hardart, Cushman’s Bakery, Regal Shoes, Miles Shoes, Simco Shoes, Harvey’s Men’s Wear, and Rauch’s Children’s Wear.
