From The New York Shitty Inbox: A Correction— and a Nifty Link!

Some of you have brought it to my attention that this post has certain, how should we say, discrepancies. Although I do my best to thoroughly pick over my posts before I publish them, the fact of the matter is sometimes (especially when I am busy— and busy I have been) I do make mistakes. For this reason I am very grateful when folks speak up to set the record straight. One such person to do so is a gentleman named Philip. He is the historian for the St. Stanislaus American Legion Post 1771. He writes:

Heather,

The picture I have attached is from the New York Public Library Digital. It is picture of PS 59 as it appeared in 1931. It never has been an American Legion Post. The P.L.A.V. Is a national polish war veterans  association. They still exist 535 – 539 Leonard Street was George Washington Post #3.

St. Stanislaus Memorial American Legion Post 1771 never occupied the building . The Post was chartered in September 1949, the first meetings being held of the club rooms of St. Stanislaus Kostka located at 10 Newel Street. They eventually held meetings in the democratic club above the old Winthrop Theater located at 135 Driggs Avenue, which is now an Associated Supermarket. From there they moved down the block to Driggs Avenue and North Henry Street and occupied the building until the 1960’s. After Oakland St. (McGuinness Blvd) was widened they purchased the lot where the Slovak credit Union is now located. In 1996 – 97 the Post sold the building to them and in 1999 relocated to 519 Leonard Street which was the Knights Of Columbus Fidelity Council. 519 Leonard Street started out as an Italian protestant church in 1900, the building is about 110 years old.

By the way I spoke to a real estate rep in May of this year and the PLAV had an asking price of over 1 million for the property.

If you want to see more on the post we have web site. The photo album has over 6,000 pictures from the past 60 years. The post history section contains newspaper articles from the Garden Spot News, Greenpoint Star and the Greenpoint Gazette.

I have casually glanced through St. Stans Post 1771’s photo albums. Even if you are not into military history there are some really neat items to be found in this online archive. Among my personal faves are these undated images from the Pulaski Day Parade and these images from their 1979 Valentine’s Day dance. If you’re looking for something to while away this overcast New Year’s Day give this wonderful resource a look-see. It’s really neat!

Miss Heather