behind the ritz was a large empty lot paved over with concrete. us kids would occasionally play softball there. herman and jackie would play pitcher-batter seemingly endlessly. they drew a strike zone on the wall and ... ummm .. played their game, whatever it was.
what the nature and history of this paved area was is not known to me. bronx county real estate records may provide some insight. why would there be a large paved area next to the "el" bordering boston road? very few people needed a parking lot for their vehicle. the mob could use empty areas in new jersey for their debris. perhaps the ritz management wanted to have an outdoor theater (next to the "el"?) at one time which explains how forlorn and destitute the ritz was.
one time i overheard a conversation outside the ritz between two young teens. the girl said, "if you take me to the movies, you can do what you want". my advice to the guy in retrospect is: escape while you can; run, RUN, RUN NOW. so sad - doomed, doomed, doomed. i have no idea of the outcome of this encounter. a young teenage guy may have thought he was pretty cool. so great. he's doomed..........
(to be continued)
*********************************************************************************************************************
greta, so great. the music sucks mute it.
************************************************************************************************************
