re: #64 Decatur Deb

Our RC school was on The Hill, just short of where the Civic Auditorium would be built. Walking there I passed through a very Hebrew-reading area (including our butcher, who gave me my pet “Hot Dog” from the cooler where it was born.) There was a small settled Gypsy enclave. One day the kid on the stoop threatened to put a curse on me if I didn’t give him by comic book. I thought a moment, then decided to take my chances. The beginnings of a life of skepticism.

Did not know about the Gypsy enclave.

Very true about the Jews of the Lower Hill.

The “Lower Hill” was, at least partially, a Jewish area up until the 1950’s and early 1960s. The “Urban Redevelopment” of that area with the Civic Auditorium hastened the migration to the Squirrel Hill and Highland Park areas.

Even in the 1960’s and 1970s there were still a lot of Jewish owned businesses in what was left of the Lower Hill.

Mostly original businesses. Often founded by the previous immigrant generation. Although by that point, the businesses were rarely retailers, instead more often wholesalers who sold to the retail stores or other businesses. (Car parts, etc.)

“The beginnings of a life of skepticism.” :)