| Chapter 2: | Street Life |
visit Singer noted that every minute spent in the market by the Italians was “pervaded with festive anticipation of the next day’s idleness,” with its visit to Coney Island or its “platter of ravioli furnishing the major theme for a family reunion.” Pleasant aromas pervaded the marketplace. After the baker opened the doors of the ovens in his shop, “the warm odor of golden crusts” seemed to float into the street. The “spicy” fragrances of cakes dotted with caraway delighted her senses. As the mint vendor passed by her, the air grew “unbelievably sweet with perfume from the crushed leaves” he carried in his “bouquet.” Everywhere was an abundance of provisions. As the organ grinder moved down the street, he was screened by “mounds of tomatoes and green peppers, with only the top of his dusty hat visible from the sidewalk.”8
A symphony of smells and sights greeted me every Monday morning when I went shopping with grandma along First Avenue going uptown. On occasion we would stop at Frank Passaro’s book and music store at 2091 First Avenue between One Hundred and Seventh and One Hundred and Eighth streets.
“I would like the record ‘Mamma’ sung by Stefano Lombardi,” she asked Mr. Passaro.
“I think I have two records left of that wonderful song,” Mr. Passaro replied. “Just a minute Signora Cassara.”
I liked to look at his books. Grandma had told me never to touch the books but getting close to them was allowable. There was a golden soldier on the cover of one of the books and I liked the way the soldier was dressed for battle.
Mr. Passaro brought back the 78 and handed it to grandma. He