An East Harlem Tale

by James Como (April 2016)

This was 121^st Street, just west of Second Avenue, 1937. On the downtown side, stoops, alleys, and two or three stores. No housing projects or parking meters, plenty of fire escapes, many cases occupied as though another room in the apartment. And sidewalks perfect for craps. The kids would roll from the curb against the building. On the other side were the pushcarts filled with produce, bolts of cloth, clothing for all ages, hardware, and anything else a household might need.  more>>>