In Harlem neighborhood village on 128th [bet 7th and Lenox] neighbors helped us latch-door key kids grow up. While our parents worked, [shoes fasted to metal wheels with a key] we; skated on concrete sidewalks played dodge ball, stick ball, hopp scotch, jacks, pick up sticks and old maid cards. When street lights came on [day or night ] we were home and neighboors made sure every child whose parent was not there had something to eat.
Fifty or more families lived in neat-clean brownstone walkups across from PS68, schoolyard, and when one family struggled to pay rent, they held parties. [selling dinners]
Through the years, I have met and forgotten so many names and faces, but to this day, vividly remember every name and house my neighbors lived in. One family in particular, The Efords, seven children, ruled the block. They eventually moved, became successful entreprenuers and business owners, [a few upscale in Harlem].
Those were the days!!!!