Posted by Bob Conner
on 11/9/2009, 8:42 pm
At Lou's request, here is installment #2.
I still have pen points that push into a wooden holder. They cost 2 cents. That was before the fountain pen. You wore knickers to school and not just to play golf. For 25 cents you went to the NY Paramount Theater, saw a full first time picture, Tommy Dorsey's rchestra, Frank Sinatra, and a few acts. When the White Castle and White Tower were in competition. Waisemantels, at Cross Bay Blvd and the bridge at Howard Beach was a fast food joint. NCPC Francis Looney telling patrolmen that someday they would be making $10,000.00 a year. If the temperature went below 32 degrees, the wind blowing 45 mph, on the 12 to 8 tour, all your doors checked, then you cold ask permission to pick up a foot man. If he wan't already in the hospital with frostbite. My days in the Marine Bureau had a few laughs. When I steped off the skiff and missed the dock was the first time I wore wash and wear uniforms. Ray Banta did the same thing too at the NH Town Dock. I think Jack Schaffer did it too! I guess it was all part of the job. The time Lenny Lang threw the hook (anchor) and forgot to secure the other end to the Sampson Post. The best comedy writer for the NCPBA Newsletter--Ray (Bunky) Banta doing the Marine Bureau Column. The plane crash off Harts Island, Long Island Sound, boat fires, accidents the assists, the scrubbing and washing down down, the sanding and painting, trips form the North Shore, to the South Shore. Watching the Throggs Neck Bridge going up, violations, stolen boats and equipment, The awful meals on board, the bitter cold winters with the high hat kerosene heater, etc. etc. Those times are past but will never be forgotten. I have travelled all over the US and met many people. But I would not change one man in the Marine Bureau for any other! They are more than friends- more than family-they are MY MEMORY.
Thanks Lou for sharing. The second half of Part 2 will follow shortly. Bob
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