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Karl R. Josker | profile | all galleries >> Buffalo >> This Was Buffalo

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This Was Buffalo

A gallery of surviving buildings that once housed businesses, institutions, and industrial sites that were part of the fabric of Buffalo.

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German RC Orphan Home	Red Scissors Premium Store	John Adrian & Sons Meats	Former Liberty Bank Building
Tondrowski Shoes	Baltimore Fish & Oyster Company	Furniture Mart of Buffalo	St. Mary's Asylum for Widows, Foundlings, and Infants

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Richard Peschio		02-Sep-2018 18:09
My Father was the owner and Bar tender for the Amber bar on Niagara Street in Buffalo during the 60's. I'm always looking for information and photos of the bat from that era. I'm glad to hear of the many people who remember the bar and have fond memories.

Rob Kelly		18-May-2017 02:34
My dad took us to ball games at wonderful Offermann Stadium. General admission tickets were $1.15 and there was a lady who sold peanuts outside. Her sales pitch was always the same: "Peanuts- ten a bag". Such a simple time.

Teddy		29-Jan-2016 15:21
this is for Rich in regards to his question on the club located on Fillmore avenue.....i may be wrong but if my memories serve me properly i think that club was called "The Shalimar"

Thomas C. Kelly		23-Jun-2014 03:12
One picture of WEBR studio on North Street, I remember as an 8-year-old boy accompanied by my dear mother to sing on Uncle Bill's Children's Hour. The Year was 1943. Uncle Bill lifted me on a chair to sing into a microphone which seemed twice as big as my head. I was scared stiff. A lady played a piano off to side. The song I sang was a big hit in 1943, "Comin' In On A Wing And A Prayer." I won lst prize consisting of a brand new pair of Liberty shoes and a book of ration stamps. I still have the original letter from WEBR Studios congratulating me. 7l years ago. I'm almost 80 years old now and living in Bradenton, Florida.

Rich Lomanto		08-May-2014 14:01
My grandfather owned "Lamont's Restaurant" at 522 West Utica, Buff NY.around 1943-45 I would luv to see anything that someone might have related. By the looks of Google earth, it is a empty corner lot now.

Linda Deitchman		06-Mar-2014 18:12
Where is the photo of the Town Casino? It was listed in the description of your presentation on Google.

Pat		06-Jan-2014 23:22
Anyone remember the Pine Grill on Jefferson. Saw Lou Rawls there every night for 1 wk. Cover charge was 2.00. How about the Bon Ton, a nightclub on Sycamore? Saw Dinah Washington there.

Rob		20-Mar-2013 01:07
Niagara & Hertel, McVan's Nite Club

Mace		12-Mar-2013 03:37
Hey Vinnie, The Schuper House was on Niagara street I remember going there back in the '70's The good ole days....

Wayne Diebold		07-Oct-2012 02:20
Rich; the club you maybe talking about was the Shalmar club. i believe it was in the 1200 block of Fillmore I was raised at 1484 Fillmore

Rich		27-Nov-2011 11:14
anyone remember the name and exact location of the African-American nightclub up on Fillmore Ave.? I remember going there at least once a month (with one girlfriend or another) for several years in the early 60s. My other haunt was Janns ON Main near Chippawa. I still think Sha Na Na got their 'act' from Junior Schenk and the Jesters

Gomer Lesch		18-Oct-2011 02:41
I was a staff announcer at WEBR in late 1943/early '44 and again from 1946-'49. The building was red brick then. Some of my contemporaries were Butch Allen, Bob Turner, Van Patrick. Ed Tucholka, Bob Wells, Gene Barry. Ed Wegman was program director. Cy King station manager after the war. I remember the Children's Hour amateur program hosted by Al Zink. Regular music by trio: Piano, Vic Valente, Guitar Vince Brundo, Bass and Vocals, Ed Darby. Wally McManus at organ. Wonderful memories!

Traci		13-Oct-2011 16:59
I am a descendant of previous co-owners, Ben & Sara Kape of The Markeen Hotel on Utica & Main. I am always looking for more information, anything that is out there; history, pictures, stories, artifacts, etc. My uncle found 3 silver spoons from The Markeen, one for him & one each he gave to my aunt & my mother. There is a picture of my mothers batmitzvah which was held in The Makeen Banquest Room. My mother used to work in the office in 1962. My aunt & uncle remember playing there in the hotel lobby & in the dumb waiter. I would love to see documentation of the co-ownership of my grandparents of The Markeen Hotel. Anyone with information is most welcome to contact me. Alexis, how did the dresser turn out? Would love to see pictures. Especially one of the drawer that says The Markeen. Also, if you are ever interested in selling the piece I would be most interested to know about it. I can be contacted at Tracibear@yahoo.com

Greg		19-Jul-2011 18:30
Some of these pics are just a few of all the closed, abandoned buildings all over the city. I was on google satellite, then streets and saw from street level all the once upon a time flourishing factories, business's, from 20-30 years ago. Big employers. To my surprise. Their all closed, boarded up, some places are now just empty lots where I remember there use to be busy factorys. I mean street bock after block, empty abaondoned buildings all over the place. I wish someone would have taken pictures of all these places in Buffalo in the 60's and 70's, people now-a-days would never believe it. Only us oldies from back then with our memory.

Patty		23-Jan-2011 06:26
Vinnie,My mother was a switchboard operator at City Service Taxi.

Dennis		09-Dec-2010 19:21
If anybody still cares, the night club at Niagara and Hertel was McVan's Nite Club.Sadly it's now a Wilson Farms. On Sept. 28, 1955 The Bell Ayres were featured and Tony Oddi was MC.

dick monaco		28-Aug-2010 15:50
Nightclub was on Nigagra and Hertel. I was there on my wedding night 7/23/47. Can't remember the name of the club.Check your PC I'll do the same.

dick monaco		28-Aug-2010 15:26
I was in the window of Freddie's frying doughnuts during WW11.Anybody remember the kid in the window flipping doughnuts?

Alexis		15-Apr-2010 22:48
I just got a dresser from my grandmothers boss today and the back of one of the drawers read Markeen Hotel NY so I looked it up and was trying to figure more out about it. I plan to restore it because it has been painted many hideous colors and then someone tried to antique it. Its terrible but my mom taught me how to restore just about anything so thats what I am doing :)

Traci		25-Mar-2010 20:20
whistler: What a story! Do you have any pictures, memorabilia? 1964, I was born just the year before. My mother used to work & play there in the hotel.

Vinnie		18-Feb-2010 02:10
I enjoyed viewing your photos. Some photographs seem relatively newer like the boarded up Freddie’s Doughnuts, that building has since been razed. I think the Niagara Frontier Transit Authority absorbed that property. The photo contested looks like the W.T Grants Store on the corner of Huron and Main Streets. Someone mentioned a nightclub on Niagara Street, I am not sure, but there was one on Niagara Street called the Casablanca and another close by called Sinatra’s Trilogy [no relation to Frank]. The writer that asked about 998 Broadway, the old Sattler’s Department Store was torn down years ago and a K-Mart was built there. I have not gone by there in years, but the area is so depressed, it may have closed. I drove a taxi for City Service [Genesee & Spring] and toured mostly the east side. One person mentions a restaurant near the Broadway Market and I recall on a side street near there [it may hve been Mills Street] called the Schuper House [served beef on kimmelweck rolls]. I left for Fort Dix on a train out of the old train terminal on Paderewski Drive. It was a grand building, beautiful. Other memories include the Connecticut Street Armory, the Bethlehem Steel Plant, the Hanna Furnace, Republic Steel and Beals, McCarthy & Rogers [renown industrial supplier]. Who can forget Chrystal Beach, the nice beach, the little eating places and of course the Amusement Park. I also remember the Stage Door on Pearl Street, where about five of us 18-year olds went in to see the strippers. I was a class place and we minded our manners. They had a small live orchestra led by a guy named Sefano and the MC [last name Martin, funny look guy 40-ish supposedly gay] who sang [in a tuxedo] April In Paris [for some reason, I never forgot that]. Then came the strippers ooh la la. They came out in lavish gowns and stripped to the music down to pasties and a G-String. After they were done stripping, the maitre d would escort them to a well dressed middle aged patron sitting at a table. How about the old Palace burlesque on lower Main Street? How about the old Deco Restaurants, gee your site made me go back to my early years in Buffalo. I could also mention the mob related stories of the Aquino Brothers, Santangelo gangland style murders and another hit in front of Santacero’s Italian Restaurant on Chenango Street [west side]. It was a nasty business, but it is now a part of Americana and buffalo had its share.

Mike Nomad		07-Jan-2010 20:34
As a kid growing up in the '40s in Port Colborne, Ont., a short 20-minute drive from Buffalo, I recall that my parents often would drive over to shop, mainly at Sattler's, 998 Broadway. Those were the days. The Polish market kitty-corner away. My folk spoke a smattewring of Polish, so the market scene could be colorful. Years later, I would drive over and hit the bars, mainly in the Main Street area. I remember some of the wonderful stores — Berger's, AM&A (Adam, eldum & Anderson), and there were many others. My dad bought my Samsonite luggage there when I waspreparing to go to university. Took my young wife over to the Shalimar nightclub on Genesee. Great times!

Tommy Kelly		23-Aug-2009 03:17
enjoy looking at pictures of Buffalo. Am I the only one left from 1930s and 40s Buffalo? Not only did they destroy the Larkin Bldg, but also GORGEOUS WHITE MARBLE LEHIGH VALLEY TRAIN STATION, THE "BUILT LIKE A FORT" ERIE COUNTY SAVINGS BANK, GREAT LAKES, HIPPODROME AND LAFAYETTE THEATERS, D L & W TRAIN STATION, HOTEL BUFFALO, HOTEL MARKEEN, CRYSTAL BEACH BOATS, MANY BEAUTIFUL OLD PRIVATE HOMES, LAUBE'S OLD SPAIN, THE TOWN CASINO, CHEZ AMI, AND SO MUCH MORE. Born and raised in Buffalo, loving and appreciating all the architecture even as a young boy. The baby boomers came along mocking everything that represented previous generations. They're in the majority and the majority rules so to keep peace -- JOIN THEM. BE "COOL!!!!"

Bill Yuhnke		03-May-2009 12:08
Great pictures of Buffalo.Do you have any pictures where taxicabs are in the pictues?

herme		17-Apr-2009 00:22
I remember going to a nightclub on Niagara Street with the girlfriend and friends. The live show was hosted by MC Tony Oddi (hope I have the spelling correct). Had a a great time there in the mid and late 50's but cannot remember the name of the club. Also, We took our dates to a club called 'Dubells'(off of William St.?) in those years and danced to a live band. Great memories.

John Kelleran		29-Mar-2009 08:29
Any photo of the shotgun inside of Freddie's?

Guest		16-Feb-2009 21:09
I grew up in Kenmore during the 60s...does anyone remember Lulubelle's (near the Museum of Science)?

whistler		25-Oct-2008 21:45
re: markeen hotel/ traci 1964: as a freshman at suny buffalo, i had my first date at the markeen where lou christie[lightning striking again] was appearing. my date and i ended up under the table where we made love completely and seemingly miraculously ignored by everyone around us. [it was quite dark under the first booth table in the bar right off the main dining room.

Traci		20-Sep-2008 22:09
I am a descendant of previous owners of the Markeen Hotel on Utica & Main. I am looking for anything that is out there. History, pictures, stories, artifacts, etc. My grandparents used to live on Saratoga in Buffalo.

James Argiro		17-Jul-2008 01:47
I'm writing a sitcom based on a period when I lived in Buffalo, around 1961. I would like some help with locating information, history or photos for any of the following: The Roanoke Hotel; Ciro's; The Shalimar Hotel; The Pine Grill; The Markeen Hotel; Pappy Martin; Ann Arbor;

Richared (Pete) Mann		07-Jul-2008 13:30
I have to agree with Ann.....that corner store was Grant's. Also, Why is Buffalo in such sad shape??? It's because we have had the least civic-minded people living there. Buffalo isn't owned by Buffalo money. It seems like all the out of town money had more faith in Buffalo than the home town folks did. That goes way back to when The Tishman Building was built with New York City money and the Liberty Bank Building was owned by New York money. Look at the beautiful fountains Buffalo had. Did anyone ever see any of them working? I can only remember back to the late '30's and they weren't working then. Even little Erie, Pa. had a working fountain that was always working! How sad! If you're looking to blame anyone, look to the home-town folks.

TJ Fisher		14-May-2008 15:42
All cities (London, NYC, LA, Cleveland, etc.) go through ups and downs and have had just as many blighted sites as Buffalo (if not more). The difference is those cities that "come back" find a reason to remake themselves, and Buffalo is still struggling to move from heavy industry and trans-shipment to a new economy (education, medical, tourism, etc.?) That change will come, if we don't dwell excessively on the past and instead look to the future.

dan		07-Mar-2008 19:17
why do so many of these former buffalo residents have such a bleak vision of the city? Yes several parts of Buffalo, namely the East Side has been victimized by urban decay, but most of the city has remained stable. Many would argue that a renaissance in Buffalo is underway and i would not be surprised to see several of these building rehabbed in the next decade. I would urge anyone to come revisit to see recent progress.

Tony		28-Feb-2008 23:24
It looks like the Sears store to me.

Ann		09-Feb-2008 16:05
I think that you have a building misidentified. If I am not mistaken, the building that you have labeled Sears (looks like the corner of Broadway and Fillmore) was Grant's Department Store. What do others think? Take a look and comment

Guest		16-Dec-2007 00:11
Cmap Westminster (Westie) Does anyone remember anything about Camp Westie in the Angola area during the 50's. I'm pretty sure it was for underprivledged, but can fin NO pictures and little information on it. I did find out it was later consolidted into another organization and then the land was sold for private developement. Sad, but possible just "progress".

joe kempkes		21-Sep-2007 15:14
One building you won't see here is the Larkin Building (architect:Frank Lloyd Wright). That's because it was knocked down to make room for a PARKING LOT! The year was 1951 and it certainly says something about Buffalo's ideas about civic landmarks.

Richard (Pete) Mann		03-Sep-2007 14:21
Frank's Casa Nova on Ferry and Bailey was Frank DeBlasio's nightclub. He was my maother's uncle and I visited often. I want to cry when I see what's happened to Buffalo. I'm in Florida now, but I remember when Buffalo was a big, bustling city with a thriving downtown. Places like all the Shea's theaters, Laube's Old Spain, The Rosticeria restaurant, Ciro's, the Richford Hotel, J. N. Adams, Kobacker's, Hens and Kelly, Hengerer's, Niesner's, Amigone's, home of the revolving bar on Delaware, Offerman Stadium, The Dellwood Ballroom on Main and Utica,.....ahhh, the memories! If you love the Buffalo of the 70's, you would have REALLY loved the Buffalo of the 50's!!! Buffalo's downtown was so crowded with people, you would have thought you were in Manhattan! We had beautiful fountains that were kept dry because the city was too cheap to keep them flowing. Now Buffalo is as dried up as were the fountains. SAD!!!

Walter Kaweski		10-Jul-2007 14:15
Thanks for the pictures. I grew up in the Fruit Belt in the 50s and attended PS 37 on Carlton. My parents owned a corner grocery store at 340 High Street called "Hazel's Delicatessen". The last time I was back (in the early 70s) the buidling was still there. I see the terrible condition of the area and wonder if the old place is still standing. It saddens me how the area has gone down... especially the many churches that have been abandoned and are in disrepair. Can anyone tell me... is 340 High Street still standing? Thanks, Walt Kaweski

Gerry S		25-Dec-2006 18:28
I remember the Amber Bar well. They sponsored ball teams in Fort Erie and my mind is blank right now as to who was the manager at one time. Does anyone else remeber the name? Also how about Pierries Bar (not sure of spelling) it was also on Niagara St.

Peter Geo. Perham		22-Sep-2006 17:42
Does anyone remember the "AMBER BAR" on Niagara St. It was a great place for us Canadians from Ridgeway to hang out

Jim Sittnick		21-Jul-2006 04:06
I was just in Buffalo today, driving the length of Baily Av and Broadway from downtown out way past Baily. We past the Wildroot Building, stopped at the Broadway Market (how sad), and looked up and down Broadway for what building might have house "Gillitzer's" Tavern. The place was always packed for fish fry on friday, and as I was a growing boy...if my dad had a good week....I was able to order 2 whole fish dinners. They were 35 cents. We actually went back in the early 80's, and were surprised to find the "son" still operating the place and his Mom still in the kitchen. But today I could not find the building. I remember there was a narrow alley on the left side to the dining room entrance, because ladies did not enter through the bar. We also looked for the building that housed Lucki-Urban's. Not sure but I thought it looked like one that currently houses some kind of bargain outlet. Great pics. Thanks

Guest		07-Jan-2006 16:58
These pics are just beautiful... and also sad. Please keep taking them and posting more here. There's so many more I'd like to see if possible: The Trico building, Westminster Community House (Westie) on Monroe Street, The old fire station on Monroe Street(used to be a polling place, also), M. Wile on Guilford Street (they used to make suits for Johnny Carson at one time), Westinghouse building near the airport, Maston Armory.... and so many more. Buffalo has such beautiful architecture. It's sad to see the urban decay there. A good idea for revitalizing Buffalo... though probably very expensive... would be to rebuild and restore all these beautiful old buildings. Buffalo has such a rich history and could truly capitalize on its "past" if it were finacially possible to get such projects going.

Guest		07-Jan-2006 07:41
To Michael Mondia: If you go on Ebay, there is a seller who is selling tapes of old radio shows of Houndog... WBLK. ...George Loren.

skipper		05-Jan-2006 09:36
Thanks for the picture of Frieddie's, There was actully 3 store One in Buffalo, One in Rocchester Ny and the one my father owned in Arlington Mass. I believethe Buffalo one was the first and my father married the daughter of Fred Myers. The story goes that my fater taught the first to guys that opened Dunkin Donuts how to make donuts.

Nick		31-Dec-2005 20:48
I've been gone from the area for 30 years, and it's always great to see photos from home. However, I'm wondering what the following would look like today: 1. 998 Broadway 2. Johnny's Ellicott - Ellicott Sq. 3. The Cloister 4. The Pine Grill - Jefferson and Ferry 5. The Three Coins - Niagara Falls Blvd. 6. The Town Casino (later known as Studio Arena) - Main St. I'm just curious, so any pics would be greatly appreciated. Thank you so much for making these photos of yours available.

Michael Mondia		17-Dec-2005 20:05
Michael Mondia 16-Dec-2005 19:24 I have lived in Florida since 1985. My sister just sent me these pictures. I just e-mailed her back saying it was the best thing she has ever sent me. I was born in Buffalo in 1951 and all of my family is still there. They have kept me in touch with Buffalo over the years, but I must say these pictures are AWESOME. The Crystal beach pictures were great. Our parents took us there each summer. However it seems the Crystal Beach boat seemed a lot larger when we we small and rode it to the park. Then they would also take us to Fantasy Island on Grand Island. Is it still there? At the time we lived on Baitz Avenue off Clinton near Bailey. Down the street lived George Lorenz and his family. My sisters went to school with his two sons and daughter. I can still see him driving down the street on his way back and forth to the station WBLK, which yes he did found and own. He would drive a big white convertable Cadillac. He always had the top down with his right arm out over the passenger seat. He had at the time, the coolest goatee and he was always smoking this big cigar. After he reired he passed the station down to his oldest son. Lo and behold you would then see Frankie driving down the street in a big white convertable Cadillac with his arm over the right seat, wearing a goatee and smoking a big cigar. Thanks for the memories and GO BILLS.

Mike Kurek		09-Dec-2005 03:51
Wow, Bowling at Gladkowski's Lanes and buying my first Fender 12 String Electric Guitar and Amplifier from Art Kubera at Kubera's Music Store... Going to the Channel 7 Studio's to see the WHO for Buffalo's version of American Bandstand... Delivering the Courier Express newspaper's in the snow... What memories...

Pat		14-Nov-2005 17:34
I am looking for someone who would know or maybe have a picture of a furniture store at 779 Elmwood ave. Called DFiPasqualle furniture and appliances

Guest		19-Oct-2005 01:53
sandy your pictures truly evoked some wonderful memories. sadly, it also paints a rather depressing depiction of city I called home until i married and moved to Indianapolis. thanks for the tour.

Franklin Coleman		05-May-2005 19:44
As a frequent visitor to Buffalo, I really enjoyed seeing your photos. Do you have others of the city? Thanks again!

David Kostrzewski		20-Apr-2005 16:15
Hi Karl, Do you know anything about the current status of the "ownership" of Freddie's Donuts name and recipe? Thanks, David Kostrzewski 29 Silent Meadow Lane OP, NY 667-2119

sevres babylone		19-Apr-2005 02:11
Wonderful gallery.

Jim Cassatt		05-Oct-2004 20:42
As always, your pictures bring back old memories. I especially remember Freddies doughnuts. Every Sunday evening our family would buy a dozen (at $.60 per dozen instead of per doughnut) and make that the evening meal.

Bob Briggs		18-Sep-2004 15:52
Loved all your sites, wonder if you can add more to this site. Would like to sent to many of our family that moved to Wilmington,Delaware. They really found Crystal Beach fasinating. Bob Briggs

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