Join us and celebrate an evening of virtual nostalgia with New York City raconteur Mike Kaback.  Now approaching his 80th year, Mike will share colorful stories of growing up on New York’s Lower East Side during the 1940s and early 1950s.  This loving remembrance and historic look back in time will be told through the lens of someone who spent his formative years living in the most famous and iconic immigrant neighborhood in America.

Some of Mike’s personal stories and wonderful anecdotes that will be highlighted are:

·        Games played: Remember Johnny on the Pony and Stoopball? Do you remember “Spaldeens?”

·        All those wonderful foods:  Remember kosher Chinese food at Schmulka Bernstein’s, egg creams, Yonah Schimmel’s knishes, Russ and Daughters Appetizing, Streit’s Matzo, Economy Candy, and more?    

·        Pushcarts:  Remember when many of today’s retail stores began as pushcarts on the streets of the LES and how Mayor Fiorello LaGuardia tried to eliminate them?

·        Mike’s grandmother’s shmatta shop at 97 Pitt Street: Remember Sunday shopping along Orchard Street, when all the other New York City stores were closed?

·        Seward Park: Remember when this nation’s very first municipal park, was a treasured neighborhood destination for children to play and for adults to escape the crowds?

·        Houses of worship: Remember how almost every family belonged to a synagogue linked to a shtetl in Eastern Europe?

·        Attending Yeshiva, and how his mom used to bring him lunch every day - in a mayonnaise jar!!!

After reminiscing, Mike will include a look at the Lower East Side of today – discussing its evolution, along with the impacts of new residential, commercial, and retail additions on the neighborhood's current culture.

Travel with us for about an hour on Zoom for this happy romp back in time, with some fabulous photos and heartfelt memories. Compare Mike’s reminiscences with those shared by friends and relatives, or even with some of your own.

This will be the ultimate “THEN AND NOW” presentation… Fun from beginning to end!

Urban historian Mike Kaback is a longtime New York City tour guide and is noted for his knowledgeable in-depth tours of New York’s Garment District.

United States Events , New York Events , Things To Do In New York, NY, New York Tours , New York Community Tours

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