Feeling For The Island

Staten Island in 1959 - 1960 was alot different than it is today. There were no Fast Food Restaurants (McDonalds, etc.). There was a total of less than 6 Pizza Places on the entire Island. There seems to be one on every corner today. The closest thing to a Mall was Forest Avenue Shopper's Town, or downtown Stapleton. Most Shopping was done in the Villages of S.I. (Great Kills, Port Richmond, etc.). Most of the Stores from Grocers, to Clothes, to Hardware were Mom, and Pop type businesses. Where the Mall is today; there was an Airport, Drive-in Movie, and a Farmer's Market. There was a total of 3 Traffic Lights on Hylan Blvd from New Dorp Lane to Tottenville. I don't know of anyone that Locked their Doors. You knew all Your Neighbors, and they knew You. The only Traffic problems were on Friday, and Saturday nights when everyone from New Jersey came over to S.I. to get Drunk. There were still a few small Farms left on the Island, and Milk from Cows raised on the Island was delivered to Your Door. You never had to worry about who Your kids were playing with, or when they would be Home. If a Cop caught You doing something stupid; He would knock You upside the Head, and take You Home to Your Parents. You could get in Trouble a mile from Home, and before You could get Home; Your Parents would know all about it. There were Woods everywhere. I believe everyone (kids) had a fort in the Woods, and a Tarzan Swing somewhere.A few of the Landmarks I loved, and remembered that are gone: Pickle Works; at Richmond Road, and Targee. This place made the best Pickles I ever ate. I remember buying Kosher Pickles for a Nickle, and Eating them on the way Home....Jeans Beans; The Best for take out Fish, and Fries.....AL Deppe's; THE Staten Island landmark Restaurant. It was at Richmond Avenue, and Arthur Kill Road. Known for their Clams, but You could get most anything there. Don't forget the "Dancing Chicken" at Al Deppe's. My Island has disappeared. The Island of today bears very little resemblance to where I grew up. I know that there is always progress, but I believe that what was done to Staten Island was a crime. I do not believe that anyone had an overall plan for the Island as far as progress goes. It was all done haphazard, and without a thought as to quality of life.