Best, circa 1974

The other day a brownstoner thread linked to some Brooklyn photos from 1974. One of them shows the spot where Beast now stands. Follow the link, then scroll down to the bottom to the photo entitled, "An example of Brooklyn architecture on Vanderbilt Avenue". The current site of The Vanderbilt is also visible.

http://www.businessinsider.com/photos-brooklyn-19070s-2011-6?op=1

here is the picture Jack refers to

but the others are quite good as well

That's about how I remember Prospect Heights back then.

I had the same bike as the one in "Boys in Brooklyn". Stick shift on the top bar, colored neon plastic tubes on the spokes and all. I don't recognize that neighborhood though. Does anyone have a clue where it is? Also, Riis Park is in the Rockaways. Maybe it's Manhattan Beach, Brighton or Coney Island?

Idlewild, I was wondering the same thing. I've never seen those types of wooden stairwells anywhere in NYC, only in Chicago.

Right! Chi-town. Except I saw them in Cooley High or The Sting. Maybe both.

There is not one overweight person in those pictures!

landlord said:

There is not one overweight person in those pictures!

Many of the commenters are amazed as well.

http://www.businessinsider.com/photos-brooklyn-19070s-2011-6?op=1

Visual proof that we've become a nation of lard asses.

Notice the all the garbage on the streets?

Idlewild said:

Notice the all the garbage on the streets?

yup, not much has changed along with the dog crap and chicken bones