As I mentioned in my last blog post about Bensonhurst, it is a very large area. It takes hours and hours to really traverse every street within its confines thoroughly enough to capture the fine details that give it its Italian character. There are so many photos for our readers and social media followers that I am releasing them in separate posts over time. For now, here are some photos that reflect what still remains, what has changed, and what is in the process of changing.
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Two houses proudly represent their Italian heritage with the tricolor flags outside their homes
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An Italian barbershop on 18th Avenue
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An Italian catering business on 18th Avenue
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A beautifully landscaped front lawn with a Jesus statue prominently displayed
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18thAve between 78th and 79th Streets still has a very strong presence of Italian businesses
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Il Centro on 18th Avenue. A cultural center for Italian Americans and other community members
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The keen eye notices the signage referring to a former Italian business owner
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Ravioli Fair, which was once located on 86th Street, is still in business and now located on 16th Avenue and serves wholesale and catering customerse
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Pizza Den is still opened !
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Miraglia Funeral Home. Funeral Homes are very important elements of every Italian neighborhood.
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Keen eyes notice Saint Jude in this canopied front yard.
Unfortunately, for the fair share of businesses and organizations that are still operating to service the Italian American community in Bensonhurst, there are some that are leaving as many have over the years.
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The Juventus Club unfortunately relocating from its legendary location
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Another Italian business connected to the same building as the Juventus club is for rent
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The Juventus clubhouse for rent
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The West End Bakery on 18th Avenue for rent after serving the community for decades
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A gritty street in the New Utrecht section of Bensonhurst
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A scene unfathomable two decades ago in the New Utrecht section of Bensonhurst.
Thank you for the pictures. Still in the nearby neighborhood. I live in Dyker and still shop in Bensonhurst when possible. Wish things could go back, but I don’t see that happening.