Once Upon A Time In Buffalo Photo Gallery by Karl R. Josker at pbase.com

Once Upon A Time In Buffalo

There are places i'll remember
All my life though some have changed
Some forever not for better
Some have gone and some remain...

In My Life - The Beatles

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Charlie Baker's, Genesee Street between Ellicott and Oak.

Corner of Genesee and Ellicott

Main & Mohawk

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Martin Stanley		04-May-2020 16:23
Anyone have a picture of the Ruhland-Gittere-Oberlin area? St. Luke's Church area? Hank Nowak Playground?

Jack		24-Feb-2020 03:05
Looking for anyone that knew Martin Joseph Loder Jr. 29 March 1947 - lived first 10 years at 258 Parkdale then another few years at 407 Fox Street

Deborah Ruttinger		13-Oct-2019 00:08
I was born at Millard Fillmore in 1951 and lived at 73 Belmont Ave in Kenmore til 1966 I miss my dearest friend Kathy Thompson very much and would love to hear anything about her and my first crush Mike McDonald. Now I live in Syracuse NY

Rose M. LaJudice		14-Dec-2018 22:38
There was a Decco Resturant on Bailey and Comstock? There was a candy store on the corner of Roosevelt and Bailey ( I grew up on Roosevelt) wish I could remember the name. There was Wicks on Bailey acroos from the Police Station. The Mapp Bar, s shoe repair, and of course the Garden of Sweets further down Bailey toward Winspear.

bud		29-Jun-2018 23:57
bud I lived in the Kensington area projects . does anyone remember the griesy spoon life was so much fun / .

Jack Ferraro		28-Jun-2018 23:08
hi my name is bud I lived in the projects remember the greasy spoon . how about varsity show and the Kensington life was so much easier back in the day.

James Sittnick		20-Oct-2017 13:38
Kathy re Kauders Dairy. Search eBay. I have seen them from time to time. Spelling is KAUDERER'S

cecelia		07-Sep-2017 01:03
Cecelia Does anyone remember south division street? I know it is no longer there but I lived there back in 1951 1952 and I am looking for an old friend her name was Barbara smelsinger ( I am not sure if her last name is still that or if she married ,I was only 12 when we moved away to ohio . We were very close and very poor and took comfort in each others company.

Kathy		30-Aug-2017 23:48
Does anyone know where I can get a Kauders Dairy glass milk bottle. We have been looking for a long time

Cheryl		05-Aug-2017 13:31
For Rick & Mary Ellen & any other Kensington people: My mom, Catherine Pfeiffer, worked part-time at Gressman's Bakery in the 50's. I remember Mary, Ann & Kitty and going upstairs with my mom, to an apartment where one (or more?) of them lived to visit. Even when we moved to Tonawanda in the 60's, we'd still drive in to Gressman's on a Saturday. Loved their kuchens, cookies & everything else! I lived on Elmer Ave & went to St. James. Remember Sciandra's Toy Store. Also skated at the Roosevelt Rink. I remember Wick's, too!

kensington		26-Jun-2017 05:38
I made ice cream at the Garden of Sweets store on Bailey Ave from 1962 to 63 as a part time job while attending Kensington HS, and I grew up on the corner of Suffolk and Davidson Avenues. My favorite hangout during the 60s was John's pool room on Kensington Ave near Bailey; it was owned by John Genetti. Does anyone know what happened to John, have any photos or know any history of the pool room?

Patricia Musielak, Christman		22-Apr-2017 01:44
I grew up in the projects on East Ferry St. near Grider St... Went to school 62, then across the Street to Genesee Humboldt High, then off to Kensington High School. Graduated in 1968...Use to go to swimming pool off Grider St. Remember Kudson Dairy, and the pretzel factory in that area...There was a bakery across the street from the projects I believe called Heldmans, and just near that was a past the railroad tracks was Twin Fair...Oh what memories in good ole Buffalo. Remember the museum of Science, near Humboldt Parkway, and the round swimming pool there. Playing in the Ferry Projects with all the kids in the courts bring back so many memories of having snoball fights with the kids, iceskating, making igloos, going to parks, shopping at IGA and the butcher shop, and Agies store, Mr Weis's store, Shearers store, So many down the street to go get 1cent candy and then there was St. Matthews Church...Loved is all and still miss it.

Rose M. LaJudice		20-Apr-2017 17:28
Hi, I grew up in the Kensington Area, Roosevelt Ave between suffolk and Bailey. Went to PS 78 and graduated from Kensington HS in 1967. There used to be a candy store on the corner of Roosevelt and Bailey owned by a Greek family. They made their own chocolates. They had a son named Van who played the violin. Next door used to be the Pink Poodle Lounge. There was a kind of candy store, lunch place across from the police station on Bailey ave and Comstock. Wicks, I think it was called. I would skate sometime in the rink. Loved that neighborhood. We felt so safe. I would go out an play after school and come home when the street light went on.

Rose M. LaJudice		20-Apr-2017 17:27
Hi, I grew up in the Kensington Area, Roosevelt Ave between suffolk and Bailey. Went to PS 78 and graduated from Kensington HS in 1967. There used to be a candy store on the corner of Roosevelt and Bailey owned by a Greek family. They made their own chocolates. They had a son named Van who played the violin. Next door used to be the Pink Poodle Lounge. There was a kind of candy store, lunch place across from the police station on Bailey ave and Comstock. Wicks, I think it was called. I would skate sometime in the rink. Loved that neighborhood. We felt so safe. I would go out an play after school and come home when the street light went on.

Roger Farr		22-Feb-2017 20:55
Roger Farr I grew up in the Kensington section. Went to school 68 and Kensington HS. Attended the first night HS football game in Buffalo at Civic Stadium in 1949. Ken beat Bennett and 54,000 attended the game. I graduated from Kensington in 1954. Buffalo was a great city in those days. Anyone remember the Garden of Sweets across the street from the Varsity Movie theater on Bailey, Avenue?

Jim Wagner		27-Jan-2017 07:00
Hi grew up on urban street went to SMM from 1958 to 1964 love the site and the great memories. Jim Wagner

Marie		02-Nov-2016 20:22
I just found this site. I grew up on Glenwood Ave between Fillmore & Kehr. Went to school 59 for kindergarten then 8 yrs of SMM. Graduated SMM in 1964. Still have my class ring. Names in this site brought back memories: Marilyn Heim, Judy Horner were in my girl scout troop. There was also a Schuh's tavern at 1353 Fillmore corner of French St. Owned by"Patty" Schuh and his wife Bertha. Her sister Betty was the cook, went there many times with my parents for dinner.

dewey hill		06-Oct-2016 13:02
My neighborhood exactly. I lived on Goembel near Doat. Every Saturday it was time to walk to Gressman's and pick up a coffee cake. Long lines in those days. We took a number and waited in the midst of the grand smells of baked goods, watching pretty girls all in white uniforms who I was too shy to ask out.

Mary Ellen		03-Oct-2016 19:28
Rick, I came upon this page when I was googling Gressman's Bakery , Buffalo. Are you Billy and Priscilla's son? That is the only Rick I can think of, whose grandparents would have owned it. Along with Mary, Kitty and Theresa. I am Kevin and Shirley Mahoney's daughter, Mary's grand daughter, Mary Ellen. We still get back to Buffalo. Heading there at the end of the month with Kevin to see his sister Marilyn and a bunch of cousins. Really miss that bakery, hanging out in the apartments and Rawlins street. Lots of great memories.

Guesr		26-Sep-2016 01:59
Yes I remember Roosevelt Rink. I worked there for a few years and probably saw you there. Great memories

Rick		22-Sep-2016 18:54
I remember the German Days Parade on Genesee St. when I was a kid. My Granparents owned Gressman's Bakery on Genesee St. Must have been 1962 or there about. Haven't lived in Buffalo for many years but the best childhood memories are from this time. My other granparents ran concessions at several locations when I was a kid. Ice skating rink at Roosevelt Park. Cazenovia in the summer when the pool was open, even had a restaurant called the Busy Bee I think it may have been in Amherst on Main next to a miniature golf. Also did the auto shows at the old Auditorium. Too young to remember the location. Also had grandparents that owned Roetzer's candy store but not sure of that location. Maybe around Baily and Genesee St.

Guest		22-Sep-2016 18:43
Does anyone remember ice skating at Roosevelt park on Edison? Spent many days there as my Grandparents had the concession stand and rented skates as well as sharpened them. I remember riding around on the Zamboni.

Guest		21-Sep-2016 01:05
Does anyone remember a small candy store, I think near Bailey Ave, called something like Sanicky"s. I remember that was a treat I got to go there when visiting my Grandmother in the city, as we came from Derby.

Andy		01-May-2016 02:33
Sugar Bear's was on the corner of Harlem Road and George Urban - where Mario & Sons tile is now.....Going back even further - before it was Sugar Bear, it was Hess & Bement Dairy & ice cream.....

Guest		28-Apr-2016 22:48
Does anyone remember an ice cream parlor/candy kitchen called Sugar Bears? Where was it located

Jim Pufal		08-Dec-2015 19:03
Born in 1948,Lived at 677 Riley until 1966.Went to school59 and Genesee Humboldt. Kerns hardware at corner next to Zimmermans. Texaco gas station across the street .Lived there during the construction of the expressway and miss walking to play golf at Delaware park via the tree lined Humboldt park. Kreme Kraft was favorite hangout on Fillmore Ave. A lifetime was spent playing tennis, swimming and skating at the casino by the wading pool. Old men playing cards at the park was a daily event. A neighborhood where everyone knew you and adults were respected. St MM school yard was another safe play to play under the watchful eye of the rectory. Close friends included the Burns,Szeflers,Daverns,Wienholtz, Paske's, Chudy's. What wonderful memories. We walked to Sattlers on Broadway and to the stores on Jefferson without any fear. Those days are gone but not forgotten.

Guest		20-Nov-2015 02:09
Carol, yes.

carol		11-Jun-2015 00:05
Where was Robert Hall located? Was it on Main and Kensington

Guest		10-Jun-2015 18:01
What ever happened to that fabulous restaurant downtown near the YWCA - Leonardo's - a downstairs room called "The Grotto" was a wonderful place for dinner - the owner - a very large man ate his dinner right there almost every night. My favorite pasta dish was a manicotti stuffed with a veal preparation. Does anyone out there have his recipe or know of any family descendants? It was to absolutely die for.

Guest		20-Mar-2015 16:13
Isn't radio station WKBW ?

Guest		02-Mar-2015 01:11
Does anyone remember Martucci's Pizzeria. It was on Walden just east of Bailey Ave. It had some of the best pizza I ever ate. Also does anyone remember what radio station played "Cherish" by The Association every night at midnight.

John		04-Feb-2015 16:49
I am looking for Larry D., who headed visual merchadising ("the display department") at Sattler's, 998 Broadway, perhaps going back to the late 1940's. He may have worked with my late father, Patrick, in the mid-60s. I can be reached at jmartinmurphy@gmail.com or 203.228.0580. Thanks, John Murphy

Katie		25-Jan-2015 15:27
I am looking for more information on Cappellini's Italian Restaurant. It was located at 101 Niagara St. It was run by my great-grandfather and I would love more information, pictures, stories, or memorabilia to put together for my mother. Any information would be helpful!

Martin		14-Jan-2015 14:07
I grew up on Ruhland Avenue and went to school 58. Does anyone have photos of the old school? Also, photos of the Ruhland-Sycamore neighborhood? Including Zywicki's Tavern and Pacer Funeral Home? My Dad always went to Zywicki's. What a great neighborhood back in the 50s and 60s. Playing on the field, at Hank Nowak playground. My grandparents lived on Gittere Street.

Paul Crawford		28-Dec-2014 05:14
To Lindsey: I lived at 32 Woepple and I knew that tavern on the corner of Fillmore and Woepple well. For some reason I remember it as Pat's Tavern, but Schuh's sounds familiar too. My best friend, Mike Massey, lived at 1414 Fillmore, about 3 doors down from the Tavern. Well Mike's grandfather could always be found at the tavern. So when we needed some change to buy candy at Stanley's Deli next door we would visit grandpa Massey at his stool at the tavern. Most of the time he had been there a while, had several beers and would give us his spare change to get us out of his hair. This was around 1961 to 1967. I was only 5 years old in 1961, but I clearly remember our frequent visits to Schuh's tavern.

Bob Morritt		19-Nov-2014 21:49
I lived in Buffalo every Saturday (in my mind) I took the Bus from Toronto $8 return walked all down Main Street from the Bus Terminal into Neisners and the other Department Stores, there was a record store next to the Bus Station on main.It had a live group in the window Saturdays. My favourite DJ was Tommy Shannon on WKBW which I heard at home in Toronto daily on an old tube radio! Great days. Oh! yes I walked east of main to Herb Ross's great R&B record store. Great memories wish I could repeat it but all those are gone!

lindsay		12-Nov-2014 21:16
Someone mentioned "Schuh's Tavern" on fillmore and woeple. This was my grandfather's place and he has since passed away. I'd love to hear any memories or stories someone has about him or the tavern

lindsay		12-Nov-2014 21:13
Someone on here mentioned "Schuh's Tavern" my grandfather owned this place Simon Schuh aka "Dick". He's since passed away and I'd love to hear someone share any memories or stories they may have of him or the tavern. Thank you

Ellie		25-Mar-2014 05:14
I remember ice skating at humboldt park and then when it was summer, my grandmother taking walks at 10 or 11pm.and sitting on a park bench with her watching a crew fill the water area for swimming the next hot day. I remember walking on sycamore and rother streets to kantys grocery store, caseys variety store, smolinskis bakery, mroz meat market, newmans tavern for fish fry and church at the cathedral. And so much to see and do at the broadway market on weekends. Live animals displayed on holidays. The broadway shopping district was packed with shoppers going to sattlers, kobackers, nisners, grants, potts furniture, modern home & auto store and various jewelers and small variety shops. ... so many memories....

jo		19-Feb-2014 23:04
Does anyone remember "The Canteen" on Main? What was its purpose?

Paul		29-Jan-2014 01:00
I believe there was a building called the big house in Cheektowaga corner of Genesee St and Andrews. A big clap board multi story house that according to stories had an interesting history with bootleggers, gambling and prostitution. When I was growing up it was just a boarded up scary looking building that eventually burned down at the hand of an arsenist. does anyone know the real history of this place?

Guest		28-Jan-2014 13:19
My earliest memories are stopping at Ted's Hot Dogs stand in front park before going over the Peace Bridge to visit my Grand Parents near Ridgeway. We traveled from Pittsburgh, a journey of about eight hours up route 19 then. My grand parents, Tom Cauley, and Frank Keenan both had summer houses off Thunder Bay road.

Tammy		09-Jan-2014 06:48
Does anyone here remember the bar call east love joy post my grandparents use to own it Kay and Jim Reickerd is so and if anyone has any pics could they please share them with me I remember going there when I was little thank u soooo much my email is caton_31@yahoo.com and once again THANK U SO MUCH

Jim		01-Jan-2014 23:05
Does anyone have photos of Catholic Churches in South Buffalo? In particular I'm looking for shots of St. Martin of Tours church and school in the 1960s, and especially photos of May Crowning processions. Similar shots at St. Teresa's, Holy Family, and others would also be helpful, as well as any recollections of these ceremonies. Thanks.

Donna		08-Oct-2013 17:54
I have tons of JN adams christmas parade in the late 30s. I believe my grandfather was Sanata Claus

Marie		11-Aug-2013 21:33
What was the name of the Italian Restaurant located behind the Courier Express News and Trico plant.....it was an upscale Italian Restaurant...Name please!!!!

Guest		07-Aug-2013 22:09
My father, Sonny Hawkins, worked as a sales man at Charlie Bakers in the '60's, a job he took great pride in.

lorraine		21-Feb-2013 18:25
Im am trying to locate photo memoribiilile of the weather girls of wesdtern new york in the time period of 1972-1978

Guest		24-Nov-2012 21:01
I love these......was born in Buffalo and lived there until I was 27. Two of my friends went to work for Liberty Bank, right out of High School as comptometer operators.. My Dad worked at City Hall and I went to work for the Telephone Company on Franklin St. When I went back there 3 years ago, I couldn't believe how Main St. has been ruined. I used to ride the NFT to Shelton Square with my Mom and then walk up and down Main St. holiday shopping. Main Street was busy and a lot of fun then.

zippo		26-Oct-2012 01:04
I have no connection to Buffalo, never been there, but I saw 1920 pics of Shelton Sq lately. I went to Google Earth to see what it looks like now. OMG! Main St is not a main street, shut off for non-existent pedestrians and railway; the beautiful Erie County Bank is gone; the streets are re-routed; there is an uggggggly non-descript "Main Plaza Tower", and a dead community, it looks like to me. The city planners that allowed this to happen should be vilified. Truly sad.

Marie		04-Oct-2012 12:36
My Dad was "Andy the Barber" on Eagle and Hickory. "those were the days my friends"

Sue		12-Sep-2012 18:57
There was an Italian restaurant called "Lorenzo's" and another called "Cappellini's" that were favorite restaurants attended by my famiy and me. You could get a full-course dinner with soup, antipasto, spaghetti, dessert for $1 in the 30's. The Nu-Way supermarkets were started up by my uncle Thomas Cauley. I have not kept in touch with that family.

Sue		12-Sep-2012 17:14
I was born in Buffalo in 1929 and was raised in Eggerstville, New York on South Drive. I attended Sacred Heart Academy, Cathedral School, and Bennett H.S. My dad, Joseph Cauley, was manager of Lang's Bakery, a door-to-door bakery in the 30's and early 40's. He died of a coronary at age 49. Buffalo was a great place to grow up. I'm a "hoosier" now.

Guest		15-Aug-2012 22:45
Love your beautiful photos of everything, not only Buffalo. Thank you and please keep showing us the beauty of it all.

Guest		25-Jun-2012 18:47
Hi, I'll be attending the alumni luncheon this year with Nancy and Judy Oleniczak.I graduated in 64.I had to dig out my graduation ring to check the year..Ii do remember all those names and can place some faces.I was with Marilyn Heim, Judy Horner. I just want to see everyone.

Guest		18-Jun-2012 14:39
Hi Christine....SMM is having their reunion Sept. 6, 2012 at Protocol....Terri Kaczmarek is sending me the information.....You must have graduated with me..Linda Massey....Terri Kaczmarek....Mary Lou Burgard....Holly Delmar....and yes...alway ice skating with Brother Lawrence

christine wasiewicz		10-Jun-2012 10:52
Hi I'm Christine (Wasiewicz) and went to SMM also and graduated in 63. Gosh I remember so many good times.Skating at Humboldt park with Brother Lawrence..Remember Mary the crossing guard?Sept 1st huh

Robin Ragan		10-May-2012 19:57
I saw some of the comments about Watts Restaurant. My grandfather owned that restaurant. I have a seen a couple of photos that my aunts and uncles have. It sounds like it was a great place to hang out. I enjoy reading the posts from people that lived in that neighborhood.

Gary Boyce		14-Mar-2012 20:48
True statement but I am hoping that someday when I either retire or inherit enough-either of which comes first. I will move my wife and I to Buffalo! Thats right - its a reverse migration if you will becuse the city still has beautiful parts - the people are the nicest in the US- and as far as cost you cant beat it. Destination? Somewhere along Parkside but definately downtown. God only knows when but THAT is my retirement plan and looking forward to that day (I am now 57) and move back to a place we know. I tell my friends its THE PARIS OF NYS!

Gary Boyce		14-Mar-2012 20:31
I love this site- I love Buffalo and envy those lucky ones that grew up in the 40`s to early 70`s in it! Those were really "WONDER YEARS" of special times now long gone from society and while some great might buildings remain - way too many have gone ( I commented on War Memorial Stadium page and hope my comments make it). I guess same could be said for the great people themselves in those "wonder years" who have either left the area and or are gone. Its great sites like this that make you realize how great the internet can be. Thanks for the memories Karl and thanks to the great people of Buffalo for their wonderful comments taking those of us back to what was once a great city and place to live.

Joyce Block (Krawczyk)		20-Jan-2012 22:30
Oh wow!! Home sweet home-what memories. I was born and raised on the east side off Sycamore St. on Kosciuszko St. The old house is torn down now and the whole street looks like a ghost town-to think of the happy times being a child rowing up there. I'm 67. Went to PS 58, then PS44 on Broadway and then East High. I remember those walks to Sattler's, Neisners, GC Murphy's, the Broadway Market and the list goes on. Such fond, fond precious memories of days gone by. I was happy to stumble on this site and see the pictures of the beautiful buildings Buffalo has-so sad and painful really to see what has happened to a once thriving city. Thanks for posting these for us loyal die hard Buffalonians to see and relive. This will always be HOME to me.

Tom		17-Jan-2012 21:06
great site grew up on Humboldt pkwy between Sidney and Interpark Went to St Francis De Sales grammar School and graduated in 1955. Went out to dinner a few years ago with classmates and our 8th grade principle Sister Marie Denise.(recently passed) Played baseball, football in the park. Remember the voting booths and the horses who brought them every election season. Today where all of this is a big old trench Lived next door to my great Uncle who was the Archetect of City Hall- He was tyhe Dietel of Dietel and Wade. Everyone played together: I remeber the Murphys, Sue L Sandra M, Frank B -Fettos , Dash's on Fillmore, the Busy Bee. The times were slow and easy as compared to today.

Debra Sobkowich		12-Dec-2011 23:21
Remembering the Bars, Bakeries, Beauty Shops and of course the churches in Kaisertown! Hyzy, Gold Ray, Goinski Bakeries....Ah, the Great rye bread, pastries and cookies that they produced!

MARIE		30-Nov-2011 20:56
The year was 1949 - 1951 regarding the ICE CREAM PARLOR behind the Lafayette Theatre.

Marie		30-Nov-2011 20:30
I am looking for a name of an Ice Cream Parlor behind the Lafayette Show at Lafayette Square..my friend and I were going down memory lane and how we always went there after working at Liberty Bank on Main & Court. Does anyone remember the name?? Thank you!!!

Jack		20-Nov-2011 11:18
I was born on Sidney Street, January 1950 and lived there until 1970. Schools included #59 on Glenwood Ave, Genesee Humboldt Jr. High on Barthel & Fougeron Streets and High School at Bennett. Fondly recalling Christmas time at Sattler's on Broadway and AM&A's on Main, endless hours reading in the aisle at Ulbrich's and beef on weck at Bailo's on Lovejoy.

Karen O'Brien		19-Oct-2011 20:51
I was born in 1951 in Buffalo,N.Y. at Lafayette General Hospital on Lafayette. Wow, the memories of Buffalo will stay with me forever. I remember watching them build P.S. 38 and my mother telling me that is where I was going to go to school. I remember playing in the streets till the street lights came on and then if I wasn't home I would hear my mother calling me. Wish I could hear her voice again. Going to the ice rink to skate almost every weekend...snowball fights...building igloos with my best friend. Nobody locked their doors and friends and family came and went all the time. Christmas was so magical and you had to have snow . Hanging out at Santis on Vermont Street and putting a bag of peanuts in my pop. Adults were trusted and looked up to...it was such a wonderful time...we all were skinny kids cause we never went home except to eat. I live in the South now but will always be a Buffalonian in my heart!

Linda Massey Szefler		06-Oct-2011 14:20
Wayne and Robin....first Robin...I hung out at Watts restaurant all the time....and it seems to me I only remember one waitress...her name was Alice. Wayne...Lily's was an ice cream parlor on the corner of E. Ferry and Fillmore....Schuh's tavern was on Woeple and Fillmore...Zimmerman's deli was near Urban and Fillmore....across from St. Mary Magdalene school...Please anyone knowing of people that went to St. M.M....please email me...especially if it was a graduating class of 62..63 (that was the year I graduated)..or 61 or 64. email is lin71124@aol.com

Linda Massey Szefler		17-Sep-2011 04:22
I recently found out that there is a general reunion for all students of St. Mary Magdalene school. One of the girls I graduated with in 1963 just found me on facebook....and she was telling me that The Protocol restaurant has this reunion every Sept. I will find out more details and pass it along.....I grew up on Winslow....hung out at Watts restaurant.....and kreme kraft...went to school with the girl who's parents owned Kraft.....the Delmar family. Please someone keep in touch with any info on other students that have gone to St. M M.

Guest		17-Sep-2011 04:07
Marge....I grew up at 311 Winslow.....went to Watts restaurant all the time. Graduated from St. Mary Magdalene in 1963. Another girl that I graduated with told me that every September they have a general reunion for all who attended St. Mary Magdalene at the Protocol Restaurant. She went last year....said they had pictures of the school...the nuns...and the brothers. I remember Brother Lawrence...Brother Peter and Brother Phillip so well.....Sister Stella was the principal..and8th grade teacher. Other people on Winslow back then was the Malloy's....Tina and Nancy Blood....Diane Walsh....my name was Linda Massey. Used to go to kreme kraft...Holly Delmar's family owned it. Also remember the Burgards...they lived on Urban St...You can find me on facebook as Linda Massey Szefler.....would love to attend one of the reunions at the Protocol.

Greg		21-Jun-2011 15:12
Thank You Karl for the wonderfull pictures, it does bring back memories. I was born in Buffalo 1955. Spent most of my life there until I moved away in 1995. I remember like it was yesterday, what the city use to look like and all the streets. How busy everything was with the many business, and industry that are now gone. Now when I go on google, maps, to the street and look around, I ask myself, what happened to this building, or this business, or these homes, that use to be here and there. Sometimes, I wish I could go back in time, and make a movie of how it use to be.

Connie		09-May-2011 03:27
Mary Alice: If you contact the Hyatt Regency on Main Street in Buffalo, their gift shop would likely have a postcard of City Hall. The Vistor and Convention Bureau of Buffalo mighrt also help. Enjoyed your enthusiasm of the beautiful buildings in our city. Architecture, restaurants and cultural attractions in Buffalo are outstanding!

Mary Alice		07-May-2011 22:05
Four years ago was my first time to go to Buffalo.We were going to Canada. Your city has some of the most beautiful buildings I have ever seen. The one that I shall never forget,because of it's colorful beauty , best I can tell, is the top of the City Hall building. I did not get to make a picture because I didn't see it soon enough. We were crossing a bridge and I missed it. Looking at these pictures it must have been the Top of the city Hall. Does anyone know whereI might get a colored picture of that building? I would love to visit the whold city. We were on a trip for our 45 wedding anniversary. Thank you for posting these pictures. God Bless Buffalo and God Bless America!

Don Ciaciuch		20-Mar-2011 02:04
I was born in Buffalo 70 years ago. (Did I just say that!!!) I have used Google map street view to look for the house I was brought up in on Goodyear Ave. It looks more like a crack house like the rest of the neighborhood.! It is a shame that this city has been abandoned by the liberal politicians. Hillary did this city a disservice. Gone is the Jaffa sauce that Ted's Hots served under the peace bridge (although they are in Sloan on Harlem Rd. and in Tempe Arizona). Also the hot dog stand in Maryville also seved Jaffa sauce, the clam bars, Bailos hot roast beef on weck. Genesee theater was mentioned but also Baily Theater is lost and no longer there. Too bad no photos of Offerman Stadium exist. War Memorial I believe was used in the film "The Natural". As Bob Hope's iconic song says "Thanks for the Memories"

Kenneth Zasowski		18-Nov-2010 00:25
Born in this beautiful bit dying city. Kindergarten at school 58, then off to the nuns at Queen of the most Holy Rosary school on Sycamore and Sobieski. Later went to St. Bartholomews as we moved to stevens street. Miss the swimming pool at Humbolt Park (is it still used??). Nu-Way and Zents bakery on Delevan. Fishing at Delaware park. Sure miss the local theatres, Gennesee,Grand, and others where saturday afternoons were spent. But most I miss peering into the windows of those wonderful department stores at Christmas...watching the automated Santa and riendeer. I think the train station will determine the outcome of the city...if it goes they may as well flatten the whole place. Enough rant....love to all who stayed and survived....and condolences to the many that trioed to make it work, but failed.

Nancy		03-Nov-2010 19:36
Born on Niagara Street. Worked at City Hall and would meet friends on Main Street, have dinner and go to the show, usually Shea's. Took the #5 bus home from Shelton Square. Dad was head of security at Gold Dome. Mom worked at Trico. Grant Street on a Saturday. Walked or took the bus everywhere and was never afraid. Went back recently and could not lock my doors fast enough. Moved to Florida but still love Buffalo. Good people and great food.

arlene		09-Sep-2010 05:07
Thank You for these pictures. It is so hard to explain your past when much of it has changed. I lived on Fougeron St. and Bardol St., graduated from St. Mary Magdalene's-stayed till the doors were locked. Yes, Kraft's for ice cream, Heim's Bakery, McPhee's Deli, The hardware store, cleaners, fish market, May Day Crowning processions to Humboldt Park down Fillmore Ave. , family picnics at the park, Nabisco, Acme, and I still have my name tag from my job at Sattlers-998 Broadway. Broadway, where J.F.Kennedy waved to every Buffalonian in site, and Christmas Parades were held. Buffalo, it was what you made it!

Marge		06-May-2010 23:41
Wayne Diebold and Linda: OMG I can't believe someone else remembers the Fillmore area too. I also lived on Winslow (323) between Fillmore and Humboldt Pkwy. and I also went to St. Mary Magdalene. When I started high school (East High) we moved to Fougeron St. As a teenager we all hung out at Watt's Rest. I have so many wonderful memories.

WAYNE DIEBOLD		27-Feb-2010 03:15
LINDA; I TO WENT TO ST. MARY MAGDALENE'S IN THE 60'S WAS TAUGHT BY THE CHRISTIAN BROTHERS BROS RAYMOND, PETER, PHILIP, LAWRENCE AND BROTHER JOHN. I WAS RAISED BY MY GRANDPARENTS JOE AND AGNES DIEBOLD AT 1484 FILLMORE NEAR THE CORNER OF FILLMORE AND EAST FERRY.WHAT WERE THE NAMES OF THE DELI'S AND BARS ON FILLMORE? I'M 63 NOW AND MY MEMORY'S NOT NEAR AS GOOD AS IT ONCE WAS. WAYNE DIEBOLS BRYANT ARKANSAS

Robin		02-Dec-2009 17:58
My grandparents owned a restaurant called Watts Restaurant. I saw someone mention that on this site. I would love to hear more about it. Did you remember anyone that worked there?

Ellenor		16-Oct-2009 22:17
I am so glad that I was born in Buffalo. Dad was a policeman, so We had to live in the city...something about "response time." My neighborhood was Cambridge Ave. I wen tto PS 61...now a day care center. That school was my tormentor and my delight...both. I remember swimming at the Ken-Grider pool, biking and roller skating right down the streets with my fear of being hit by a car. There weren't that many then. Every one walked to school. There were no school bus issues. Our street was shaded by great elm trees. They were all single or double houses...no apartments . One neighborhood store was on the corner. My friends and I would buy an candy bar, or a bottle of "pop"...never called it soda. All of my friends came from in tact families...father and mother and the kids. All moms stayed home, except mine. I witnessed the party line telephone replaced with a private line, moms learning to drive, new and better appliances to brighten our home. We had the first dishwasher. I thought it was more trouble to load the dishwasher than to wash dishes by hand, but I had to load the machine anyways. Central to our entertainment, was the radio. How I loved to listen to adventure stories instead of falling asleep. There was no problem getting around Buffalo. I took the bus. Winters were no problem, either, when you are a child. I wore snow pants, a coat with matching hat, scarf and mittens and wellington boots over my shoes. No one had shoeboots then. We played on our sleds, made snow forts, threw snowballs, skated in the park. I think my childhood was so much more emotionally healthy than today's young children, who spend their time with video games.

Linda		16-Jan-2009 22:16
I spent my first 13 years growing up on Winslow Ave. between Fillmore and Humboldt Parkway. What a great neighborhood. And yes I remember NuWay..the first supermarket...Busy Bee on Fillmore and East Ferry.....Kraft Ice Cream Parlour also on Fillmore. Went to St. Mary Magdalene School and Church on Fillmore and Urban. I remember all the delicatessens along Fillmore....going to the ice skating rink at Humboldt Park.....Watts Restaurant .....School 59 where I went to Kindergarten. At 13 we moved to Stevens street....but kept going back to the Fillm ore area.....but there were great places in the E. Delevan area too....I miss it all.....taking the bus downtown for shopping and shows. I'm 59 now....wish we had it all back. Thanks for the great site. I wish there were pictures of some of the places on Fillmore....I'd love to see them!! wi

matt mroz		03-Nov-2008 18:07
Thanks for the memories,i grew up on stevens ave.east side off E Delevan,Went to ps 23.Iremember going to get a fish fry dinner,wrapped in brown paper from a tavern off of Northland and Schuele?when I was a voung lad,trautwines,fish store on grider near delevan,what about the smell of freshly made potatochips at the dan-dee plant on grider,the view from the front window was mouthwatering.Then the kauders dairy icecream store,on grider.Shopping with my mother in the basement of sattlers,the food store.,the cash registers with the large numbers in the display and the crank to complete the sale.Kobackers,across the street,Burnhams,does anyone rember Goldens clothing store at bwy&filmore before the fire?,Robert Hall clothiers on main streetnear the ken expressway.Oh the trees in Humbolt Park,and the swimming poolWadding in the park.Bailos,roast beef on Bailey/lovejoy,The Crystal beach Boat,iwas on it during the gang fight that ended its run.Yes it was a very scarry time,I still have memories of it,not pleasent,fit full ,sleepless nites,and I was less than 10yrs old,some of my recolections,your site is amazing,i will share this site with friends and family through out the countryTHNANKS FOR THE MEMORIES

Jean		02-Jun-2008 18:45
This is a great site. I am going back to Buffalo this summer(June) with my grandson and I can't wait to show him some of these woderful places. Been away for 35 years-live in central Florida-and I am always excited when I get the opportunity to return.

Pat		21-Mar-2008 19:58
What in the world has happened to Buffalo?? Ask the unions - and the politicians they buy - they have all the answers.

Jen		13-Mar-2008 19:09
This site is great- I just wish the pictures had dates attached to them to get a refrence of the time.

lily m. munn/mcdonald		09-Mar-2008 17:39
I stumbled into this email site and am I glad that I did It brought back sooo many memories I have lived here on and off since 1958 and no matter where I go I always return to Buffalo It just feels like home THANKS so much for this site and the memories Lily m. Munn/McDonald e

Pauline		14-Feb-2008 19:55
I didn't visit Buffalo until 1983, moved there in 1985 to marry "the love of my life". But these pictures bring back some great memories, and although he has passed on, I still love going to back.

JANIS HAYES (SEMRAU)		14-Feb-2008 01:13
THANKS FOR THE MEMOS, IT BRINGS BACK WONDERFUL MEMORIES OF WHEN BUFFALO WAS A PLACE THAT WE COULD WALK DOWN MAIN STREET AT NIGHT AND NEVER BE SCARED. CHRISTMAS WAS THE BEST THOUGH WHEN THEY DECORATE THE WINDOWS WITH ANIMATION. THAT WAS A HIGHLIGHT IN OUR LIVES. THANKS FOR CALLING IT THE MEMORIAL WAR STADIUM AND NOT THE ROCK PILE AS SO MANY CALL IT. WHEN I HEAR THAT I WANT TO SCREAM. I JUST SAW THE WONDERFUL SHOTS OF CRYSTAL BEACH AND BETWEEN THESE TWO IT BROUGHT MY ENTIRE CHILDHOOD BACK. I HOPE THEY DO SAVE THE TRAIN STATION. I LEFT FROM THERE WHEN I WENT IN THE MARINE CORPS IN 1959. IT WAS A WONDERFUL PLACE TO JUST GO AND WALK AROUND. I LIVED IN THE AREA ALL MY LIFE UNTIL A YEAR AND A HALF AGO WHEN I MOVED TO HARLINGEN TEXAS PERMANENTLY AFTER BEING A WINTER TEXAN FOR THREE YEARS. THE POLITICIAN HAVENT DONE A THING TO SAVE BUFFALO AND THE GOVERNOR WHY DOESNT SHE DO SOMETHING FOR BUFFALO IF SHE WANTS A PROJECT. THANK YOU AGAIN FOR THE PHOTOS KEEP THEM COMING. GOD BLESS AMERICA & BRING THE TROOPS HOME SOON & SAFELY. JAN

Guest		23-Nov-2007 12:27
Thanks for all the wonderful pictures, i grew up on the east side of buffalo, in the 60's and 70's. I lived on kehr street. i would like to see pictures of the downtown store windows at christmas time from that era. We always went there as a family to view them each christmas season. I would like to hear from anyone that lived or went to school in that neighborhood then. tefft_54@hotmail.com. thanks sharon williams tefft.

joe Kempkes		03-Oct-2007 00:26
I was born in South Buffalo in 1945 and lived there until 1970 when I moved to SF. My family on my father's side has lived in Buffalo since the mid-19th century. South Buffalo was a great place to grow up in the 1950's but, as we all now know, has peaked and gone into eclipse. Nevertheless, Buffalo still has it's pockets of charm (mostly around Allentown) and lots of memories for many people who, like me, have moved on.

Frank Rossi		17-Sep-2007 23:57
Both my wife and I were born in Buffalo in the 1930's,lived there until I joined the Air Force, Moved away in 1960 after the sevice time was over to Calif. Now live in Huntington Beach Ca. She attended Lafayette High, and I attended Mckinley Vocational H.S. We certainly enjoyed looking at all the photos that bring back old memories. What I liked were all the monument that were placed thru out the city at the circles and the squares down town. We do miss Buffalo, and when we do get back to visit we make sure to go back to West Side, to see all the changes that occured both bad and good. We love Buffalo..........Go Bills!....................

robert t. king		08-Sep-2007 09:27
i was raised on jefferson ave in the early 50s which had more stores than main st. fowlers chocolates,harvey and carey, deco rest. does anybody remember nu-way the first super market? al fuzak meats, ken shears texaco, gorenflos bikes, apollo theater, eddies mens wear, youstros fountain drinks and busy bee to name a few,i wish i could go back.....

Peggy		06-Sep-2007 23:50
I loved seeing photos of Sattler's. I remember, as a child, looking at my feet through an x-ray machine in Sattler's shoe department. That was late 1950s. Then in the 60s going to see radio DJs broadcast from Sattler's front window. I now live in Dayton Ohio. When I visit Buffalo the city and subburbs look so much older than Dayton. A lot of streets need repair.

Laurie G		04-Sep-2007 02:08
I lived in South Buffalo from 1967-1985 then moved south as an adult...I miss so much about the town but I agree it's gone to the dogs...please don't think I'm hokie but a city that has boarded up and closed that many churches, it's more than taxes and industry that's the problem...very sad, family, history and hertitage...the town's been forgotten.

Henry		30-Aug-2007 20:20
I love the pre-1990 photos of Buffalo. I'm a local history nut and I would much rather study this area's past than the present disaster area that this city has become. I was born in the early 60's and grew up in Buffalo. I moved to western Ohio in 2000 for 6 years to be near my sweetheart, but I came home to take over the family homestead after mom died. I spent a fair amount of time around Toledo and Cleveland and the thought that always came into my head was "Why can't Buffalo do these things?" Did you know that Toledo now has more residents than Buffalo? It was initially nice to be back and I have always loved Buffalo, but in the past year and a half I have felt an increasing sense of urgency to flee this city, county and state before it sucks the life out of me. Those governments are simply too incompetent, too corrupt and too oppressive for me to continue to live here. I feel as if I am being driven out of town by them. I never used to be able to understand why so many people fted this city and state, but now I do and I'm looking forward to being somewhere that the government nannies aren't charging me to control every aspect of my life. I'll miss Buffalo, but not not the insane politicians and politics. At least I'll always have my memories.

Marcia Memel Wertheimer		20-Aug-2007 19:03
Thank you for sharing your great photos. I just returned from Buffalo last night after attending a family function. However, while there I acted as a tourist and saw some of Buffalo's architectural wonders such as the Gold Dome and the Sullivan buildings. I also went through the Albright Knox Art Gallery and a new museum--Karpeles Manuscript Library Museum on Elmwood and Summer. I believe it was previously a church. It is nice to know that history is being preserved.

Chris		20-Aug-2007 18:46
I grew up in Buffalo and relocated to Texas . I can appreciate all the nostaligic trips down memory lane, but if any of you can now see what has become of Buffalo, it would make you cry. Blight, Ghettos, and a city in ruin. My hat is off to the die hard buffalonians who remain in the city. I don't think the city can ever be resurrected at this point. One thing that can't be topped anywhere in the country is the fabulous Buffalo food !

joel		17-Aug-2007 17:39
Remember when they had carnivals etc. in the parking lot? I went with my folks back in the 50's. What a treat. It was almost as much fun as Crystal Beach

e and j Gregson		11-Aug-2007 12:25
What fond memories we have of downtown Buffalo. Going shopping with my grandmother at the "big" department stores. The Christmas windows. Saturday nite with my parents at Leonardo's or Lobes Old Spain and then to the Shea"s for a movie. As we got older it was datenight downtown for a movie. We now live in Florida and the same "Times are changing" is happening down here. Thanks for the wonderful memories.

Judy Zoldowski		11-Aug-2007 00:19
Thanks for a trip down memory lane. My husband took me to Shea's Buffalo Theatre on our first date, 46 years ago. I still remember the ornate ceiling and the red velvet draperies along the walls.

Rose		16-Jul-2006 11:11
I Have such fond memories of downtown Buffalo. I was back several years ago and was disappointed that it was so deserted. What a shame. Why haven't the politicians done anything to help spark industry and growth. Taxes and jobs are a big part of why people are moving away. Your pictures are sooo fantastic.

J Schwartz		23-Mar-2006 14:01
To all the posters, Buffalo still actually lives! We have a wonderful city with great citizens, like any major city we have our share of blight, but with the right leadership, we have all the necessary building blocks to bring it closer to it's heyday, the waterfront, Chippewa, Elmwood, world class museums, HSBC Arena (Go Sabres), restaurants and maybe a Bass Pro Shop (I don’t see it, but when I have been to areas that have them they are always busy, so that would be good). Young people are actually moving into some beautiful lofts and apartments in the downtown area. Small stores are following. Will we ever have big department downtown stores again, probably not. A lot of people say we should be like Cleveland or Baltimore, I have been to both and I would rather be like Buffalo. Thanks for the wonderful photos.

Ed Taublieb		23-Feb-2006 03:31
Nice to see at least the photos of buildings in Buffalo.

Debi Airth		18-Jan-2006 23:54
I just moved away from buffalo for the first time in my life we moved to Dallas boy what a small place buffalo really is it will always be home to me but the city is in a mess and because of that people have been leaving in droves sad to say these pictures are great bring back my younger years thats for all the memories

Chris Hertzler		10-Jan-2006 17:01
Just visited this past weekend. It was nice to go down memory lane while there and revisit with these photos. It was a whole different world back in the 60-70's. I was born & raised on the East Side and worked in the Liberty Bank Bldg for several years now living in south central PA. They say you can never go back and I believe that is true but it sure is nice to visit and catch-up.

ralph mcclive		10-Jan-2006 01:11
these scenes bring tears to my eyes - i was born in buffalo in the late 30's and left for good in 1966-i can remember the dl&w station as well as central terminal-can remember singing christmas carols from the mezzanine of central terminal on sunday nights in the early 50's to the travelers below

John and Sarah		29-Nov-2005 15:34
Sarah and I are relatively recent transplants to this beautiful city. The destruction its leaders have visited upon it (Wright factory bldg, near destruction of Martin House, downtown Main Street, Broderick Park Restaurant and the oldest Buffalo house nearby and on and on) are hard to imagine. I was raised in Rochester and much the same occurred there. Maybe it's just an innate urge we have to destroy quality and beauty. But look how much is still left and how much is being saved. Let's home in on the Terminal next and rescue it.

carol		29-Nov-2005 03:01
I was born and raised in South Buffalo. It is certainly sad to see the death of a city that was in a great heyday in the beginning of the century. Now it is nothing but a dead city and a welfare haven. My children had to leave the area with their degrees to obtain employment elsewhere. What the h@@@ are our politicians doing to help the area? What about our elderly, our young, and our grandchildren? Why do they have to be raised in another state? We haven't raised illiterate children!! We do have schools. WHAT IS THE PROBLEM? IS THE MONEY ALL GOING INTO THE POLITIONS POCKETS? IT CERTAINLY ISN'T HELPING US, NOW IS IT???

Colleen Kruger		03-Nov-2005 05:51
I was born and raised in Buffalo. What I see of my beautiful city makes me so sad. I was a girl growing up in the 60's and the thrill of the week was going downtown on the 15 Seneca bus on a Saturday afternoon with my girlfriends to shop and stroll Main St. Then on Sunday's we would head down there again for movies and lunch. My heart is broken in two to see what has happened to Buffalo. I have written stories in my journal so my grandchildren will know that she was truly the "Queen City".

Anne Antes		02-Nov-2005 04:01
I had forgotten the real beauty and history of Buffalo. How could this happen to such a vibrant city

Alicia		15-Sep-2005 01:18
I have lived in Buffalo my entire life...it is so sad what is happening to it. It has such potential but all New York cares about is New York City. It's frustrating to drive around in Buffalo and see the state it is in. The politicians need to open their eyes and make Buffalo something all New Yorkers can be proud of

Rosella		10-Aug-2005 12:42
Wonderful memories -- born and raised in Buffalo and left in 1978. Was there this year and my husband went downtown and came home so depressed because he said the whole City of Buffalo was boarded up. Main Street was a ghost town and the whole City has literally "gone to the dogs". The politicians in Buffalo and New York State should be ashamed of themselves for letting a wonderful City get so run down. I wonder if the Governor and the Senators ever visit there and if they do shame on them for not doing something to restore it -- in view of the high taxes in that State.......

Dan		13-Jul-2005 19:52
The death of a City and the death of a County from what I've been reading. What a horrible shame!

bill roussie		07-Apr-2005 15:43
You are a treasure for what you have done here, Karl! It is only too bad that we don't have this quality of pics when some of the places were in their heyday.

Matt		04-Feb-2005 14:48
Great photos! My great-Grandfather Albert Schwegler owned Schwegler Brothers, a furniture and appliance store just around the corner on Ellicott. His warehouse and store would have been behind these buildings. To his friends chagrin, he subsequently bought land in the 1950's at the "edge of nowhere" at Millersport and Sheridan and opened Newtrend Furniture, which still stands today. Bremer's is now Eddie Brady's. Eddie is a long time Buffalo bartender who finally opened his own place. Tall, cheap drafts and a great burger at lunch. One of the best jukeboxes too! I try to stop when I visit Buffalo.

maria neff		09-Jul-2004 05:47
Oh, now I am sooooo homesick! Thanks for the pics. It's fabulous.

Roger A.		21-Apr-2004 20:27
I spent a lot if time in Buffalo from 1947 through 1954 and occasional visits since then. Your gallery brings back a lot of memories I didn't realize I had. Thanks....

Larz		20-Apr-2004 11:19
Hi Karl, I have never been to Buffalo (though I'm a Bills fan) but my best friend grew up there.(He's actually in Buffalo today for the first time in over 20 years) His family owned a butcher shop. (LoGalbo Brothers) If you ever encounter any photos or other memorabilia of their shop, I would appreciate a look. Thanks, Larz

Guest		01-Apr-2004 13:17
Get pics. My family owned Honecker Bakery on Northhampton and Michigan. You should ck out the view from the parking garage at Roswell my 14 year old calls that the city with in the city. Its a great view you can see most of the buildings in your pic. Thanks for memorys.

Jay Baker		18-Mar-2004 03:28
In the Buffalo section, on page 4, is a picture of the Charlie Baker building. He was my father. Good memories.

Guest		20-Jan-2004 03:06
Great pictures - really makes me want to go explore Buffalo. Or am I too late?

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