MIDWOOD, BROOKLYN

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'Midwood' is a neighborhood in the south central part of the New York City borough of Brooklyn, New York, USA, roughly halfway between Prospect Park and Coney Island.
It is bounded on the north by the Long Island Rail Road tracks just above Avenue I and the Brooklyn College campus of the City University of New York, and on the south by Avenue P and Kings Highway.
The eastern border is Nostrand Avenue or Flatbush Avenue (depending on whom you ask), and Coney Island Avenue or Ocean Parkway to the west is the other boundary (again, depending upon whom you ask).^[1]

Contents

History

Notable residents

Film

Television

Subway

Shopping

Parks

References

Sources

External links

History

The name Midwood derives from the Dutch word Midwout (middle woods), the name the settlers of New Netherland gave the area of western Long Island, between the towns of “Boswijck” and "Brueckelen," because of its thick, dense forests. Later, it was part of old Flatbush, situated between the towns of Gravesend and Flatlands.BROOKLYN NEIGHBORHOODS.. Present & Past, accessed December 21, 2006
Settlement was begun by the Dutch in 1652, and they later gave way to the English (who conquered it in 1664, but the area remained rural and undeveloped for the most part until its annexation as part of the City of Greater New York in 1898, and then became more developed in the 1920s, when large middle class tracts of developed houses and apartment buildings were built.
Many Midwood residents moved to the suburbs in the 1970s, and the neighborhood and its commercial districts declined. Drawn by its quiet middle class ambiance, the area underwent a resurgence in the 1980s. New immigrants to the neighborhood came from the Soviet Union (the largest group), as well as from China, Haiti, Israel, Pakistan, Guyana, Jamaica, Iran, and India.

Notable residents

Famous people who grew up or currently live in Midwood include:

★ Woody Allen

★ Darren Aronofsky director

★ Norm Coleman, Senator

★ Patrick Fitzgerald, Special prosecutor

★ Ruth Bader Ginsburg, Supreme Court Justice

★ Yosef Goldman, author

★ Morty Gunty, comedian

★ Nathaniel Hörnblowér

★ Gil Hodges, baseball player. A public school in Midwood is named after Hodges, and a portion of Bedford Avenue from Ave's. 'L' To 'N' (near his home) was renamed 'Gil Hodges Way'

★ Lainie Kazan

★ Arthur Miller

★ Joan Rivers

★ Bernard Sanders, Senator

★ Chuck Schumer, Senator

★ Erich Segal novelist

★ Marisa Tomei, actress

★ Adam Nathaniel Yauch, singer

Film

Midwood Has Long Played A Part In Both The Motion Picture and Television Entertainment Industries.
The film industry established itself in the neighborhood in 1907, when the Vitagraph company occupied a studio at Avenue M and East 14th Street. Scenes from films like "Hey Pop" and "Buzzin’ Around," starring Roscoe "Fatty" Arbuckle, were filmed on streets in Midwood.^[2] Warner Bros. purchased the studio in the 1920s, using it for short subjects. They moved the Studio operation to Hollywood in 1939. It is said that Oliver Hardy was a Vitagpaph player, years before teaming with Stan Laurel to form the hilarious film comedy duo of Oliver and Hardy. Moe Howard of the 3 Stooges used to boast that he was a Vitagraph player in his youth). The building is now Home To The Shulamith School for Girls (said to be the largest girls Yeshiva in the world), but a large smokestack bearing the name Vitagraph is still on the property, visible from the BMT Subway line, as are two brick walls from the original studio.
The Vitagraph Studios were more recently featured in a NY Times Article (2007), and in the (PBS)WNET-13 TV Special 'A Walk Through Brooklyn,' hosted by David Hartman and historian Barry Lewis. Old historic photographs of the studio show that part of it also existed across the Brightron line RR tracks where Edward R. Murrow High School now stands (Academy Award Winner Marisa Tomei attended and graduated from there).
MIDWOOD And FILM WARDROBE-- 'The Leading Male' Mens attire, which was formerly located at the corner of Kings Highway and East 12th. Street, was the source for the Disco Attire that John Travolta and the other male cast members wore in the Film 'Saturday Night Fever.' A duplicate of the white suit Travolta wore in the film was at that time displayed in one of the showcase windows. As a result, many males then began shopping at that establishment for their 'SNF' style disco attire.

Television

The NBC BROOKLYN STUDIO YEARS-
NBC purchased part of the Vitagraph Studios in 1953, built a large Color Studio and a smaller one from which the programs of Perry Como, Peter Pan with Mary Martin,The Sammy Davis Jr., Mitch Miller And His Sing-Along Gang, Hullabaloo (1964-1965, Which showcased Most of The Chart Topping Recording Artists of That Period, I.E.; Sonny & Cher; Felix Cavalieri and The Rascals; Mamma's and Pappa's; Lovin Spoonful; Wee Five; Tina Sinatra; Gary Lewis (Jerry's Son) and The Playboys; Dino (Ricci, Son Of Dean Martin),Desi (Son Of Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz) And Billy (Hinsche), Tina Sinatra --- plus The Rolling Stones, Hermans Hermits, Freddie and The Dreamers, and Other "British Invasion" Bands, with the exception of The Beatles) were broadcast. Music Icon Brian Epstein, who managed and brought The Beatles to fame, hosted Hullabaloo A-Go-Go From London. The show also originated a few times from NBC Burbank, and NBC's Rockefeller Center Hq Studios (A small Studio On the 3rd. floor). The same Brooklyn studios were used in more recent decades to broadcast the soap opera ''Another World'', the situation comedy ''The Cosby Show,'' and a few 1976 episodes of Saturday Night Live. Cosby and Crew after a period of time relocated the show to their new home at The Kaufman Astoria Studios in Astoria, Queens.
In the early 1970's the NBC TV variety show "Kraft Music Hall" was taped in this studio. Ed McMahon and County Singer Eddie Arnold were frequent hosts. One memorable episode of this program was hosted by comedian Don Rickles, which featured him walking off a Coney Island-bound BMT subway train at the 'Ave. M' station, then he walking the Avenue, then playing stickball and "kick-the-can" on E. 15th. St. between Ave. M and the old Vitagraph building. That episode also featured the late Lou King who owned the nearby Studio Florist Shop (long gone; the shop provided floral arrangements for all the shows, esp. the female hosts/guests) who was placed in the audience and played the role of a NYC Cab Driver. It is quite evident by that alone that the Producers believed in "local community participation". In addition, The studio was also home to a weekly Circus variety program which aired on CBS. The Elephants, etc. were housed in a nearby garage (basically now the rear store room of Bargain Hunters), and the "animal walk" to and from the studio was popular with the locals, and very reminiscent of the Annual Ringling Bros.,Barnum and Bailey "Circus Walk" Parade In Manhattan. Many Of The Noted Variety shows had a live audience for both rehearsals and the actual show taping. NBC Guest Relations ran a charter bus to and from their Rockefeller Center HQ to the Brooklyn studio for ticketed audience members, so that they did not have to travel by car or subway.
Fans in-the-know could always be found outside the studio entrance waiting to greet their favorite celebrity whom in term were happy to stop and chat, sign an autograph, pose for a photo, all without the hassle of present day paparazzi. Other Celebrities that Had Graced the 2 studio stages and sidewalks of the nearby street's Of Midwood included Jerry Lewis, Larry Storch (TV's 'F-Troop'), Michael Landon, Desi Arnaz, Lucille Ball (with Her 2 Children at her side), A Host Of Comedians (I.E. the late Bill Dana), "Chairman Of The Board" Frank Sinatra, Tommy Tune, Dionne Warwick, Dee-Dee Warwick, Country Music Legend Buck Owens. Former 1969 NY Mets World Series Pitcher Tom Seaver Hosted a 'Kraft Music Hall', Legendary Baseball Great Roy Campanella (Brooklyn Dodgers) was a frequent guest. Icon Singer Lena Horn, And A Host Of Jazz Music Greats were all Guests On an episode of 'The Cosby Show'). Fan Mania--- Extra police were brought in to keep the many anxious fans of The Rolling Stones, and (separately) Lucille Ball (Her Kids) away from them when they were at the studio. Fans surrounded all entrances of the studio with hopes of meeting or just seeing them in a window. Street level glass windows were boarded up with wood to keep overzealous Stones fans from doing any possible damage. Episodes of those classic Hullabaloo, and Perry Como/Krart Music Hall shows can now be found on VHS and even DVD. Some old Episodes Of both The Kraft Music Hall and Hullabaloo can also be found On YOU TUBE.
NBC sold the studio in 2000. The facility is now known as JC Studios.
The CBS soap ''As the World Turns'' currently tapes in the studio.
Final notes: When the NBC Studio was built, the studio was said to be the largest Color TV production studio in America, Large in comparison to Pinewood Studios just south of London, England. From the 1950's through "The COSBY Years", the studios were under the management of a gentleman named Frank Scotti, who resided nearby. He reportedly moved on with the Cosby Show crew. Two very large and visible NBC Peacock logo signs were not placed on the East and Westside upper parts of the Building till the Cosby years. To the dismay of many long-time residents who attended many of the mentioned variety shows, both were sadly taken down when the studio was sold. Many residents also hope that some day City Officials will erect "historic district" type street signs that note the "major roles" that "Ave. M from East 13th. to 15th. St.'s" played in the History Of The Film and Television Industries.
Among movies and TV shows that have been filmed in Midwood are the following:

★ ''América'' (1972) -- TV Series

★ ''The Godfather'' (1972)

★ ''Just Looking'' (1999)

★ ''The Squid and the Whale'' (2005)

Subway

The area is served by the New York City Subway's BMT Brighton Line () at Avenue J, Avenue M, and Kings Highway.

Shopping

Midwood shopping street at night

The main shopping streets in the area are Kings Highway, Avenue J, Avenue M, and Flatbush Avenue, Nostrand Avenue, and Coney Island Avenue.
In the 1960s and the early 1970s, Nostrand Avenue between Avenues M and N was considered one of New York's best streets for shopping by ''New York'' magazine. The street was known for fashionable boutiques such as "Edna Nelkin's Jewelry," America's finest childrenswear boutique, "Greenstone's" (now located on both Columbus and Madison Avenues in Manhattan), "Burton's," "Shirtland," and "The Shoe Box." As retailers retired, the street changed and became known for its automobile showrooms, including Plaza Honda.
In its heyday Kings Highway had "Dubrow's," a classic cafeteria where holes would be punched in patrons' printed tickets, which would total the cost of the meal. Also "Levine's" was the king of the bar mitzvah suit trade, and "Jimmy's" catered to high fashion customers (as it does to this day).
Avenue M was home to "Cookie's," one of Brooklyn's best known restaurants and "hang-outs" (Also Popular With The NBC Studio crowd). And one of Brooklyn's most legendary Italian restaurants, "Restaurant Bonaparte," was located on Avenue M, and catered to the actors and actresses working on Avenue M in the NBC studio at that time. Restaurant Bonaparte was known for its "Three Musketeers." It has an elevated subway station, and here the stores are more cosmopolitan, a Godiva Chocolatier, Chock Full o' Nuts cafe, Dunkin Donuts, 7-Eleven, Bagel & Cheese (Kosher), Chap-A-Nosh (A Popular Kosher Eatery), Jerusalem 2 Pizza (Popular With Nearby Yeshiva School Students), and Nesle Caffe. Meisner's (Kosher) Is A Popular take-out and caterer. Antelis Pharmacy, M&M Pharmacy, Nottingham Pharmacy, Discount Variety (Housewares), Meyers Liquors, Madeline Cleaners, The Yellow Door (Silverware, etc., Has A Manhattan Outlet) Have Been long-time Avenue 'M' staples. Four Banks, Mountain Fruit (Kosher- On the site of the famous 'Cookie's' Restaurant), Alexanders Hardware, Amazin Savings, A Bargain Hunters Outlet, Presser's Bakery (Kosher), three Eyeware Outlets, 2 shoe repair shops, 4 newstand-tobacco shops, a Chinese take-out, and A 99 Cent Store Complement The 'Ave. M' Scene.
Many shops close by 3 p.m. on Friday, and the street is a ghost town on Saturdays. Each June The 'Midwood Development Corporation' Hosts the Popular 'Midwood Mardi Gras' Street Fair Along The Avenue, from East 12th. St. to Ocean Avenue. Shoppers can find a municipal parking lot on East 17th. Street just North of Avenue M.
Avenue J is a low-key commercial strip, with kosher restaurants, delicatessens, pizzerias, and butchers, such as Kosher Delight, Subway (Kosher), Esti Hana, DiFara's Pizzeria (considered by many to serve the best pizza in New York), Pizza Time, Netanya, and Jerusalem Pizza, just to name a few. Others specialize more narrowly, such as one bakery concentrating on Russian bread. Ostrovitsky's Bakery sells gourmet cookies and cakes. A number of large fruit grocers such as Fruit Palace and Blue Ribbon offer high quality produce at competitive prices. A large selection of exotic dried fruits and nuts can be found at "Oh Nuts!" But Avenue J can also be hectic during weekdays.
In the 1980s and 1990s a wave of Orthodox Jews moved into the area from Borough Park, attracted by Midwood's large homes and tree-lined streets. Today, in addition to European Orthodox Jews, the area is home to a burgeoning Sephardic population. Much of the area closes down on Friday evening until Saturday evening, in observance of the Jewish sabbath.

Parks

Parks consist of Kolbert Park and the Rachel Haber Cohen Playground and adjacent basketball courts^[3], near Edward R. Murrow High School, and the track and playing fields of Brooklyn College and Midwood High School. Another interesting park is Friends Field near McDonald Ave. The park is popular with baseball-playing Yeshiva boys on Friday afternoons. These parks are generally open to the public when the schools are not using them.

References

1. If You're Thinking of Living In/Midwood; Bustling Area With a Touch of Country, ''The New York Times'', June 29, 2003
2. Vitagraph Studio in Brooklyn: Avenue M - Movie Capital of the World?, accessed December 21, 2006
3. Kolbert Park, accessed December 21, 2006

Sources

★ A Virtual Tour of New Netherland Consulted December 14, 2004

★ Echoes Down the Corridor Consulted December 14, 2004

★ Midwood section of Congressman Anthony D. Weiner Consulted December 14, 2004

★ NBC Brooklyn Studios Updated Information (Vitagraph and Community Update) Courtesy Michael T. Wright (Community resident; Community Historian On The NBC Bklyn. Studio, who was a regurlar live audience member).

External links

★ NY Times 2003 article about Midwood

★ e-midwood web site Click on one of the red lines on the map and see a panoramic view of what's across the street.

★ Avenue J List of stores, community services, etc. by category.

★ Avenue M List of stores, community services, etc. by category.