STJ vs. SJU
- Thread starter BrookJersey Redmen
- Start date
To me, both acronyms provide little value or identity. Even before STJ, SJU never gained any traction beyond the students who went there. I don't recall anyone referring to the school as SJU verbally, maybe just w/ informal writing.
If there is any brand strength, it's simply as "St. John's", locally or outside of tri-state. Living neR Charlotte, NC last few years, and no one has ever recognized the STJ bumper sticker i have, or shirts w/ same three letter logo.
When asked and I say "St. John's, they say "Oh yeah, in NYC right?"
If a co-worker or neighbor asked, what school I attended and I said "SJU or STJ", I'd get a blank stare.
That's why I like out old style font logo on the uniforms with full name. Classic look and easy to identify and not get mixed up with the MN school or the liberal arts school as they are even less known.
If there is any brand strength, it's simply as "St. John's", locally or outside of tri-state. Living neR Charlotte, NC last few years, and no one has ever recognized the STJ bumper sticker i have, or shirts w/ same three letter logo.
When asked and I say "St. John's, they say "Oh yeah, in NYC right?"
If a co-worker or neighbor asked, what school I attended and I said "SJU or STJ", I'd get a blank stare.
That's why I like out old style font logo on the uniforms with full name. Classic look and easy to identify and not get mixed up with the MN school or the liberal arts school as they are even less known.
I grew up in area. I'm in Ridgewood and Bushwick a few times a week and drive through Maspeth on my way to and from the city. My Dad also lived there for the last 20 years of his life. I know Maspeth quite well. In fact, watching Son of Sam right now and recall that summer dating one of the bartender's from Wally's on Grand ave, who lived down in your part of Maspeth. You're probably way to young to remember Wally's. It was a hairy time in NYC
I was about 13-14 years old during the Son of Sam year. So I was a little young for the bar scene then. Where was Wallys? I remember the young couple got shot in the car in Forest Hills not far from Midway movie theater. My mother is in her late 70's but still lives in Maspeth. Like everything it has changed. The bowling alley not far from the Elmhurst Tanks. Both gone.
Wally's was on the corner where Grand Ave splits off to the right as you head towards Brooklyn. About 2 blocks before Fresh Pond Road. There was a Carvel right next to it. Lots of great memories of that place, all the local rock bands played there. White Lie, Alexis, etc. Wally had his teenage daughters and all their friends working there as bartenders. They were all like 16/17 years old and gorgeous. Still amazed that I hooked up with one of them. Just glad we survived that summer. haha.
Know exactly where you mentioned. The Carvel provided every family ice cream cake until we were 21. Nice that you hooked up that summer! Hey, they were 16 and 17 and working as bartenders. Today that probably wouldn't fly. A group of ours use to play football on a Saturday afternoon and hit a dive bar down there called Fiddlers. I was about 15/16 years old, was a big kid. Anyway, most of my friends were a couple years older. As long as you didn't act up no one id'd you. Many pitchers of beer consumed and friendships made. That probably doesn't happen today with all the laws being much tougher.
Bars hardly ever proofed back then. Like you said, just behave yourself and you were fine. Lets not forget that the tap bar opened at The Rat at noon back then. I was 17 when I entered SJU, no one asked any questions. Although as a parent, I like the idea of an age limit of 21 for alcohol consumption. Thanks for sharing some great memories.
JackofVirginia
Active member
Actually Monte I lived closer to St. Adleberts then St.Stans I grew up on 73rd street, not far from the gas tanks. Because I lived a mile away from school I received free bus transportation. Most of the time my brother and I would walk to school. Do you remember Ascension parish near Queens Blvd ? Played basketball there with their glass backboards. Had Spartan Restaurant on Grand Avenue sponsor our Queens Alliance team after the college season. Memories!
JackofVirginia
Active member
Wonder if the Maspeth movie is still there. Played baseball at Maurice Park in the Polock Alley area. I'm sure these have all changed. Have to go back to the old neighborhood for the last time on my next visit to N.Y.
Jack, Maspeth Movie is long gone. First it became a bingo hall. Now I don't know what it is but it is just a row of storefronts. In another post you mentioned Spartans. Spartans was actually used as a filming location for Goodfellas. The name Spartan was not used but they do a shot outside of the restaurant and it says something like Queens 1972. They use the inside area as where they whack Billy Bats after he calls the Pesci character a shoeshine boy. Spartans is gone now as well.
JackofVirginia
Active member
Thanks for the info about Goodfellows. Peter Chahales was the owner of Spartan Restaurant and provided us with league and umpire fees. Was fortunate to receive Johnstown, PA minor league uniforms from the head N.Y. Giant baseball scout, Gene Bonnebeau. They actually looked like todays uniforms with dark tops and large numbers, unusual at the time since most were just white and grey. BTW, Mr. Bonnebeau was one of the nicest gentleman around baseball.