I was on my way to Essex station to catch the F uptown when I saw Schmecky, buttoned-down in topcoat and bowler as though he just stepped out of a Civil War daguerrotype.
“Hey hey! Samuel!” he croaked.
We shook hands. Up close he did not look good. Bags under his eyes, deep creases bracketing the mouth.
“How’s the bakery?” I asked.
His face fell. “We had to sell out. These damned Wall Street children and their trust funds. You know they turned the old Adath Jashurun into a loft? A loft with the Ten Commandments on it. Oy veh.”
Loved the description of Smecky
I like the voice you’ve chosen for this. It reminds me a little of one of Henry Miller’s characters.
Great title, too!
That’s ‘progress’ for you. Liked this, and a very apt title too.
I have to admit, that last paragraph made me smile. Wall Street children and trust funds. They’ll never understand the value of hard work.
A problem common to cities and towns the world over. Nicely written, great characters.
Dear Josh,
You created a three dimensional picture of Shmecky. .Tell the truth? Wouldn’t you love to have a studio there? Good one
Shalom,
Rochelle
It’s sad that people are being pushed out. All to common now.
Brilliant, I felt I was eavesdropping on their conversation!
Old Samuel had to sell his bakery. No wonder he is not looking great.
Nice reads
Strange
We have some very expensive apartments near us that used to be paper bag factories and churches, the old religions of faith and industry subsumed by the desires of property developers. Wonderful voice and vivid characterisation, Josh
Thanks Lynn!
Always a pleasure, Josh
There’s an old church in our village that was deconsecrated and turned into a family home – I suppose it’s better than leaving it to rot, but it doesn’t feel right somehow.