Parkchester South Condominium | Bronx, New York
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For more photos from the early years, see the Parkchester Condominiums' collection on the Photos Gallery menu (orClick Here).
These photos provided by Hank de Cillia from the early years of Parkchester's Recreation Department.
Maypole Dance in Ballfield Don B-Ball Award Summer Pageant in Ballfield c.1951
Recreation Staff
Wading Pool in East c.1950
Doll Contest
Costumed Group
Basketball in the North Field
Chorale Group in Ballfield c.1951
Indian Pageant
Recreation Winners |
(Revised: 28 January 2010) REUNION & CELEBRATION Revised Date: Revised Times/Activities: 11AM to 3PM – FORMER RESIDENT’S REUNION & ARCHIVAL PHOTO EXHIBITION NOON to 1 PM – OPENING CEREMONY
___________________________________________________________________________________________ A Message to Former & Current Parkchester Residents (Revised: 28 January 2010) Due to overwhelming interest in the Parkchester Reunion and 70th Anniversary event, as well as numerous attendee requests, we have decided to move the event date into May, relocate some of the activities more centrally in Parkchester and add some new ones. The new event date is: Saturday, 15 May 2010. The change was made in expectation of better weather; but also to accommodate the many former residents who spend the winter down south and don’t return until early May. We hope former and current residents alike will participate in the many activities planned for this big day. Besides those mentioned, we will be adding several activities shortly so keep in touch with the website. The new plan is to also have activities in the Quadrants and the Ballfield to encourage former residents to move around their old neighborhood. At 10AM, the first showing of “Parkchester, The Grand Old Neighborhood” will start at the American Theater. The approximate 45 minute documentary will run continuously until 3PM, on the hour. At 11AM, the upper lobby will open for the photo exhibition. Former residents can congregate there or out on East Avenue, which will be closed to traffic and parking that day. At Noon, we’ll hold an Opening Ceremony in the Metropolitan Oval. Various Bronx dignitaries will be introduced, selected former and current residents will be recognized, and the 70th anniversary will be commemorated. Around 1PM, following the Opening Ceremony, a gala celebration for former and current residents will start in Metropolitan Oval, which will be closed to most auto traffic. Food, drink, music and entertainment will be available and the party will continue through the afternoon until 5PM. We hope you will mark your calendars for this eventful day and look forward to seeing you. Keep in touch with the Parkchester website (www.parkchester.org/reunion1.html) for more information about the festivities as the remaining time unfolds. Background A few years ago, some former Parkchester residents received a large collection of photographs from the family of Dominic Cafaro, who was Parkchester’s Recreation Director in the 1940s and 50s. He commissioned professional photographers to show what life was like for the first generation of kids who grew up in Parkchester. It was immediately agreed these photos needed to be seen by a large audience, so we decided to hold a former resident reunion for this purpose. It made sense to hold the event in Parkchester. The three management companies that own and operate Parkchester today --- Parkchester South Condominium, Inc., Parkchester North Condominium, Inc. and Parkchester Preservation Corporation, L.P will be involved in helping to coordinate and host the event. During our discussions with representatives of the companies it was noted that 2010 would be the 70th anniversary of Parkchester’s first tenant opening in early 1940, so it was further agreed to hold an anniversary celebration for current and former residents on the same day as the reunion. Former Parkchester Residents Reunion Committee Members
________________________________________________________________________________________ Additional Comments about the Parkchester • Our recent decision to use the American Theater instead of the St. Raymond’s facilities has several advantages. First, we are able to hold the event when we expect better weather (St. Raymond’s facilities are not available in May.). Second, all the day’s activities will be in closer proximity to each other and attendees will be able to move easily from one to another. Third, many former residents are retirees and they do not return from winter vacations until early May. Now they will be able to attend. • There are no charges for any activities, but you are encouraged to register to let us and your friends know you will be there (see “register” toolbar). However, reserved seating will not be available for the documentary presentations. Attendees will be admitted on a “first come, first seated” basis. Once seating capacity has been reached for a showing, other attendees will be asked to come back for the “next showing”. • If the American Theater’s upper lobby reaches capacity for the reunion and photo exhibition, admission will be controlled so as not to exceed the maximum capacity set by the FDNY. Please note, however, that East Avenue outside the Theater will be closed to parking and traffic that day. Former residents will be able to congregate on East Avenue as well. Light food services will be available in and near the Theater on East Avenue. • Commemorative items will be on sale during the day to offset event costs. They will include a DVD of the historical presentation and archival photos, as well as apparel that will incorporate a specially designed “Parkchester 70” event logo. • Please help us in promoting this event to your family and friends who also lived in Parkchester. You can direct them to the Parkchester website at http://www.parkchester.org/reunion1.html for current and updated information as the event nears. ___________________________________________________________________________________________
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