‘Historic’ Book Launch Party

January 19, 2012 Brooklyn Eagle Staff
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BAY RIDGE — The community’s vibrant past comes to life on the pages of Bay Ridge, Etc., a new book written by leaders of the Bay Ridge Historical Society. The book was unveiled at a special party at Yellow Hook Grille on Third Avenue on Jan. 12. Yellow Hook, by the way, was the original name of the community. It was renamed Bay Ridge in the mid-19th century.

At the reception, co-authors Peter Scarpa and Ted General proudly posed for pictures and signed copies of the book.

“We’re very excited about the book launch,” General said.

A large crowd of history lovers, community leaders and elected officials stopped by the restaurant to congratulate the authors.

Jack La Torre, president of the Bay Ridge Historical Society, read aloud a passage from Bay Ridge, Etc., in which Grace Glen, a resident who lived in Bay Ridge during the early part of the 20th century, recalled life in the community at that time.

Bay Ridge was largely rural in those years, La Torre read. There was no sewer system and no mail delivery. But the doctor made house calls.

“People would put a red handkerchief outside the house if they needed help and the doctor would know to stop at that house,” La Torre said.

The first library in Bay Ridge was founded by members of a reading club, according to the book writers.

The Bay Ridge Historical Society plans to distribute the book to libraries and schools, according to General.

“And, of course, we hope to get it in bookstores,” he said.

Money generated from the book sales will go to the Bay Ridge Historical Society.

— Paula Katinas

Assemblywoman Nicole Malliotakis (second from right) congratulates co-authors Peter Scarpa, Jack La Torre and Ted General (left to right) on their new book.

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