The History of Dyker Heights

The History of Dyker Heights, Brooklyn, NY - Built as a speculative luxury housing development in the late nineteenth century by Walter L. Johnson, Dyker Heights was the “Handsomest Suburb in Greater New York.” Historian Christian J. Zaino and filmmaker Angelo Bonsignore present the lost history of their Brooklyn neighborhood in this hour-long documentary.

[@christopherbellore4072]

Excellent job Doc! I was a NYC Dept. Of Sanitation worker back in the 1990's. I spent 3 years working in BK 10, and I picked up trash, recycling, corner baskets all along 13 ave., and I did snow removal. I lived in a couple of apartments in Bay Ridge during those years, so I'm no stranger to Dyker Heights. I enjoyed this historical account of that prestigious neighborhood. I live on Staten Island, and often visit the Artisan Bakery on Sharrotts Rd. which is Associated with Royal Crown Bakery. The bakery is 5 minutes walking distance from my home in Charleston. So I often have a taste of Dyker Heights each week. Thanks for your combined effort in this project. Statta buon. Ciao.

[@Bonsignore4U]

Christopher Bellore glad you enjoyed it Christopher

[@cjz208]

Thanks for adding your story! We appreciate the feed back!

[@frankpapandrea1]

thank you for this wonderful documentary, I Lived on 83rd between 11th and 12th, deadman's hill, in the 50s and early 60s, and remember all those beautiful homes. I am aghast at what has replaced them. It was a bucolic neighborhood lined with trees and graceful homes. Sledding down the cobblestone hill was the best and playing ball and hockey on 12th ave was great.

[@cjz208]

I'd love to see some pictures!

[@monicabardot2492]

I wish Dr. Zaino talked more about the apparition that he saw. That is wild! BTW - this is an absolutely fantastic video! So well done. The research, time in filming, the entire effort - excellent work!!

[@Bonsignore4U]

I'm so happy that so many people are enjoying our documentary.. It's my gift back to Dyker Heights!

[@Timinbrooklyn]

***** Great work! My grandparents were the original owners of 1246 77th (12/13th) and this brought back a lot of great memories. Can't wait to show my dad and aunt.

[@cjz208]

Timothy O'Rourke Hi Tim, I got your fb message. That is very kind of you to share material. I would appreciate anything you could find. And if you have something you are not certain what it is / where it was, I may have an answer. Any thing of Flax pond!?! That is very elusive!!! I am still collecting for a part 2... many years away! I have been fortunate enough to connect with a handful of long lost relatives of original or long-ago residents of DH through my movie and research. Our relationship is wonderfully mutually beneficial and interesting. Please send me things via email. [e-mail].

[@Bonsignore4U]

Thanks Timothy..I really made this video with he intension that everyone who lived in and around Dyker Heights would enjoy it..We all have our own special memories and stories..

[@jazzlover7434]

I'm bookmarking this to watch later. Looks really good. Can't wait to see it. I'm not from Dyker Heights, or even Brooklyn, but I love the history of NY city and each of its neighborhoods. Lived in Qns. Village, corner of Hillside and Springfield for five years after my Dad got back from Korea. Grew up in Suffolk county, but spent much time in NY - there is no place like NY, from Van Cortlandt to Queens Village to Canarsie, and Dyker Heights.

[@cjz208]

I hope you enjoy the film. Please pass it along and thank you for commenting!

[@toriellodesign]

I grew up in the area during the 60's and 70's. Loved the film. Preserving a neighborhood's character and promoting awareness of it's origins in the face of overdevelopment is a message of great importance. Thanks to all involved.

[@cjz208]

I agree with you. That is partly why I did it. I appreciate your comments!

[@deeberryred]

I thought I was the only one who drives around, hitting the brake, to look at the beautiful buildings of Brooklyn. Thanks so much. I really enjoyed this.

[@Bonsignore4U]

Glad you enjoyed it.. I love the homes as well:)

[@cjz208]

Thank you for your kind words and commenting. It means a lot to us. Share the movie with your friends and family!

[@KidWildboy]

Great video!! Born and raised in Dyker AND I’m still here!! 44 years!!

[@frankmarzig1972]

i loved right across from the norwegian childrens home for 35 years of my life. i remember it being abandoned for about 10 years before they decided to develope it. great documentary, it was wonderful to get a sense of the history of my neighborhood!

[@user-nl2os6sl5v]

This was an excellent piece period! Thanks so much for sharing!

[@fantaclaus7053]

The history of adjoining Bath Beach, Brooklyn, is equally fascinating. Many of the photographs of this one time seaside resort were lovingly displayed at the Daniel George Funeral Home in years past.

[@rag8965]

Thanks Mr. Bonsignore for this rich and captivating presentation of this historic part of my hometown Brooklyn. After spending 20 plus years in Queens I moved back to the borough I left my heart in soaking in all the history that has made Brooklyn my true home and the roots of one out of every seven Americans.

[@Bonsignore4U]

Hi Robert.. I was so happy making this video because I knew everyone would love it...

[@donaldcarrado619]

Robert Gilmore you

[@mr.salvatorejpluchino8467]

WOW 😮 THINGS REALLY REALLY DID CHANGE OVER THE YEARS , I USED TO LIVE IN GRAVES END. GREAT 👍 JOB ANGELO

[@Bonsignore4U]

MR. SALVATORE J PLUCHINO thank you Salvatore

[@mr.salvatorejpluchino8467]

YOUR WELCOME 🙏 BROTHER, BADABEEM BADABOOM LMAO 😂

[@francescamari5583]

What an exciting film. I was born in Dyker heights and have lived here for 28 years! I never knew about this wonderful history.

[@cjz208]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@arlenemaresca5161]

Thank you so much for this wonderful documentary! My Grandparents lived across from St. Bernadette’s on 82nd Street. They were at the block party in 1935 along with my Mom $ Aunts & Uncles. Mom & I were married in St. Bernadette’s. We both went to 201. Best memories!❤️

[@monicabardot2492]

Mr. Bonsignore, please accept my apology for not including you in my previous comment. I posted it mid-video when Dr. Zaino made the apparition comment. Of course I see now upon completion of video your large efforts and contribution. Also, I did not read anything prior to viewing the video. I came upon it after seeing a piece on Fox News about the Christmas lights of Dyker Heights. I live in California, and am so fascinated with all things New York. Again, excellent video. Thank you for posting!

[@Bonsignore4U]

I’m glad you enjoyed the video Monica. I love California. I spent many years in different parts of CA throughout the years.

[@Peach3four]

Love the memories of Dyker Heights

[@bwalsh157]

What a wonderful time capsule of old Dyker Heights. I have lived here for 55 years and enjoyed the architecture of many of the homes portrayed in your movie. Our family grew up on 84th and 10th Avenue. The street corner of 84th and 7th Avenue was named after my Mom in 1986, Marie Dinu Walsh for work she preformed for the community, especially with Dyker Heights Civic Association. Mom would have loved the extraordinary effort you have made on this informative movie to preserve this rich history. Can't wait for part two! Thank you very much for your work. Bill Walsh.

[@Bonsignore4U]

Thank you Bill..It's great that so many people are enjoying it..

[@stelladonaconfredobutler9459]

@@Bonsignore4U we love it!

[@martyjewell5683]

OK, my story. Grew up in 1950's/60's Bush Terminal, started dating chicks from Bensonhurst and Dyker Heights in 1969. I worked summers at the Robert Hall store on Dahlgren Pl. and 86th (near Mitchell's drive-in). Attended lots of drunken beer/pot parties at Dyker Beach golf course (we were the little bastards that took the golf carts out). Had a long-time girlfriend from 81st and 11th ave. Eventually moved to Bay Ridge from 1973 till leaving NYC in 1989. Nicely done history of Dyker Heights. A swell place in the 1970's. Fuhgeddaboudit!!

[@cjz208]

Marty Jewell terrific story. Thanks for sharing.

[@materialgirl338]

Ok I'm going to correct you.. The house for the Blind children was around the corner on 84th Street. I lived at 1258 84th street. The original blind home was next to the row of brick houses that are there now. One being Joe Colombo Sr. House. Which was originally owned by Carmine Lombardosi. Next Door to him before he moved 4 rows of brick houses starting from the Post Office up was all the property of the Blind home. There was a big fire in the early 60s and as a little girl I watched it burning. They were throwing mattress out the top windows a few children died. Very sad. The house that you are referring to on 83rd St is the Convent house for the nNuns who taught in St. Bernadette.

[@AMERICAtheBEAUTIFUL9]

So glad that I stumbled across your documentary. I'm from borough park but my brother in law used to live on 11th ave and 80th street. Now wayne NJ. Who knew that Dyer heights was such a prominent place years ago !! It is still a very sought after location . Thanks, Vic Staten island.

[@Bonsignore4U]

AMERICAtheBEAUTIFUL9 thanks Vic

[@rag8965]

I must add, thanks Christian Zaino for a well presented documentation of Dyker Heights! You are Brooklyn's Ken Burns!

[@cjz208]

Thank you very much for the kind words. Please pass along the movie!

[@nusratjamia7953]

Great memories thanks again for your time to share.

[@cynthiasman1]

Thank you so much. What an enjoyable and important historic record captured on video. I grew up close by in the 1950s. Excellent.

[@Bonsignore4U]

Anthony Darienzo I'm glad you enjoyed it Anthony

[@louisearnes3594]

Thank you! I truly enjoy your documentary. I when to Thomas Jefferson High School.. Great memories.

[@user-nm5kc3uu8k]

I'm in 6th Grade in Dyker and I love it 😍

[@lindasaegert8728]

Amazing video, huge amount of work, totally enjoyed by a history buff. Thank you!

[@markmurphy9625]

Delightful. Thank you for this.

[@cjz208]

Mark Murphy thanks for your kind words!

[@Joeybklyn.]

Thank you for the history of the neighborhood wow👍🤳🗽

[@cjz208]

Thanks so very much.

[@noahbenton2435]

It's worth noting, some of the buildings have changed by now. The "Norwegian's Children's Home" went from an orphanage, to a condo, to a medical facility, to what is now a public school.

[@vincentdevito7121]

This was great! I grew up across from PS 201 on 80th and 12th. Thank you!

[@Bonsignore4U]

Vincent Devito glad you enjoyed it Vincent. I went to 201 as a kid.

[@vincentdevito7121]

@@Bonsignore4U I went to St Ephrem's then Bishop Ford.

[@cjz208]

Bet you didn't know there was a pond there!

[@mizukarate]

The Knight's of Columbus saved my friends and me from an angry mob. In the early 90s we got chased by a group off 86 street. I suggested we run into the Knight's. By a stroke of luck we saw no security and slipped into a class room. We grabbed what we could(chairs mostly) to ready for war!!!! However outside the group that followed us originally must had went to Dyker Park for reinforcements. A crowd/mob came to the entrance demanding that we were sent out. The caretake/security said no one came in!!! However we were in the room ready to jump out. So we waited for sometime for the caretaker to leave the front and we just left. The Big Man in the sky protected us that day. My instincts were correct to jump into this stately building!!!!!

[@gtfoh35]

You guys did a wonderful amount of research but there is a large amount of missed potential to make an incredible film. My dog does do his business on lots of these homes on our walks so it was nice to learn about them. Thank you.

[@marianorki1732]

Thank you for this wonderful video!

[@cjz208]

Welcome. Thanks for watching.

[@awesomenessmlpchanneleva7716]

Grew up down the block from vegas diner....i miss brookly alot but i get back alot...thqnk u for this documentary

[@vanderbiltst]

Great job!

[@cjz208]

Thanks very much!

[@MommahElaine]

I've never been to Dyker Heights, and I enjoyed this documentary!

[@cjz208]

Thanks for the kind words!

[@donaldcarrado619]

SweetMommah o

[@Outforce68]

Beautiful documentary loved it!

[@noahbenton2435]

Hey I saw my block! Thanks for sharing.

[@austx290]

This is great, Angelo!

[@materialgirl338]

I lived on 84th St between 12th & 13th Ave. My parents owned a 17 room mini mansion. We sold it they tour it down and I'm so sad they destroyed a magnificent structure.

[@cjz208]

If you have any old photos, please share them.

[@materialgirl338]

@@cjz208 I will look and post them.

[@heru-deshet359]

Wonderful video.

[@cjz208]

Thanks!

[@dom4638]

Great job!! ty!

[@fantaclaus7053]

We were married at New Utrecht Dutch Reformed by the Rev. Don Peet in 1989. This is where the Hessian mercenaries fired at the weather vane with their muskets as they mustered to board ship and return to England. The first American flag to fly in NY was raised at the site of the Liberty Pole. The oldest Boy Scout Troop is located here as well. The Dutch American farmers and merchants spoke Dutch as their main language in Bensonhurst and New Utrecht right up to the Civil War of 1861.

[@cjz208]

Thanks for your comment. I've seen the weather van, they still have it in the church. Beat up but still looks like a rooster. The Church recently re-opened and has been very nicely restored. You should head back!

[@stevie68a]

The "restricted" ads say a lot.

[@Psqwall]

Very well done! Tasteful a rarity for dyker heights residents well at least the newer residents that have single handedly destroyed all its architectural charm that it once had . I grew up at 1030 84th st and currently my parents still live there and I keep a recording studio there. I would love to know if you have any info on the original property which was broken up into two semi detached homes . 1030 was the original address though, I have heard so many stories of that house and would love to see a picture of it. PS I too was threatened to be left at the orphans home I thought it was just my nutty parents must be an italian american thing. Feel free to contact me if you ever need audio work for future film projects my info is on my youtube page. Thank you for making this

[@Bonsignore4U]

Hi Psqwall. I would get in contact with the Brooklyn Public Library and search their tax records. I might be creating the same video for bay ridge soon.. keep you posted if I decide to add music. Glad you liked it..take care ..Angelo

[@mizukarate]

Great south Brooklyn info.

[@cjz208]

Thanks

[@photosbydoyle]

very very cool doc! I live near many of these homes!!!!

[@JeremyScottClayton]

Thanks for posting that Mark

[@cjz208]

Thanks a lot. It was fun to make and I am really happy so many enjoy the movie!

[@nkley1]

EPIC!

[@joedebarbieri]

..the Brooklyn Eagle is on line up to Jan. 1955 now...

[@cjz208]

Great, thanks a lot!

[@mizukarate]

I used to study Karate in a house across from the Norwegian Orphan Home.

[@jamesbeez]

That's my families house on the corner of 82nd n 11. Mr Johnson's house. You should have rang the bell lol

[@Bonsignore4U]

Next time James thanks..so many people asked us what we were filming..I would joke and say "I can't tell you"...than of course tell them about the Documentary..

[@rubenjames7345]

Interesting, thanks!

[@kathleenschaeffer3238]

I lived here - 1054 83rd street

[@materialgirl338]

The Dexter house on 12th 83rd was purchased by my best friends the late Mrs. Marino they purchased it in maybe in early1950's they were the original Romano's Italian Restaurant on 13th Ave. The owner was a Italian immigrant and was responsible for the mini tree's in the front lawn. Later you go to the house with the "S" on the chimney that was her Son's house Owned by the "Scotto Family" who owned and operated Romano's Restaurant. The House with S Has not changed hands it is been handed down by Generations.

[@angelasini6387]

I grew up friends with the son. Love the video,,there,s so much more

[@cjz208]

Thank you for this information.

[@501rivet]

....odd eastern architecture compared to mid-west Milwaukee's upscale neighborhoods of the same era.

[@mynewyork165]

That's fantastic! Do you give walking tours?

[@cjz208]

Hi Kristen, thanks for your reply. I do not give walking tours. Maybe one day... Thanks for watching.

[@mynewyork165]

You should! Let me know when you do!

[@Lolabelle59]

My Grandparents bought a new (at the time) house on 77th between 11-12th Avenues in the late 20s.

[@cjz208]

wow!

[@Lolabelle59]

@@cjz208 So happy to have impressed you!

[@mizukarate]

Brooklyn Library has a lot of info.

[@pcalco511]

I have a question for you. My friends and I have a bet on it. I lived on 15th Avenue between Shore Parkway and little Independence Ave. He lived on little Independence Ave. between Bay 8th St. and 15th Ave. We always thought of it as Dyker Heights, somebody said no its Bath Beach. Whose right or are we both wrong. Thanks so much.

[@cjz208]

Bath Beach. The area was originally developed as "Bensonhurst-by-The-Sea," but now Bensonhurst is referred to the area just north of Bath Beach. The Marine and Field Club was on 17th Street, where Bath Beach Park is today.

[@Jitsover50]

I grew up own that block. lived there from 1987 to 1997. I always called it Bath Beach

[@dizkoteck]

I’m all for preserving homes as much as the next guy but I’ve been to some of the homes in this neighborhood. I’m sure the photos of these houses look great in 1863 but add decades of extreme summer winter, water and fire damage, asbestos and asbestos removal and people not taking care of it it’s not gonna remain in the 1863 condition.

[@autumnfragrance6326]

Dyker Heights is much nicer today... it's much more diverse and Progressive. In the 70s and 80s it was full of what they called cafones.

[@winni9490]

in IS201 class 714 :)

[@ml.vaughn2122]

SUS I went to dyker heights IS 201 class of 1995

[@bate8526]

Awesome! Wonderful! I really enjoyed. One thing Mr, Zaino, please don't pronounce Gigli wrong. It is pronounced jeel yee accent on the first syllable. I'm sorry to be so picky, but, for me, hearing it pronounced wrong, is like nails across the blackboard.

[@cjz208]

Thank you very much for the correction. I was never good in "eye-talian" at NYU.

[@nycfalafelreview1079]

Whoa Eh gonna sleep w the fishes after some of those architecture comments

[@roccobavero332]

Its AMAZING. The city refused to give a permit to the vendors who sold hot chocolate and other refreshments . I cant help but speculate that if it was a different neighborhood of different ethnic backgrounds it would have been different. Just more racism towards Italian Americans that goes unnoticed

[@angelob3281]

Overshadowed by Bay Ridge? People from Dyker Heights used to say they were from Bensonhurst because it was cooler. Aaaand now you're standing in front of the "churchyard" we used to play in on 83rd and 18th. That's Bensonhurst. You opened a documentary on Dyker Heights in Bensonhurst.

[@cjz208]

The documentary discusses the original Dutch farm town of New Utrecht, which was centered in what became Bensonhurst. It is important to discuss New Utrecht farms because the land of Dyker Heights was too hilly for those farms and therefore remained woodland for 250 years, eventually it became a "market garden", then eventually real estate development. It is essential to the story line.

[@njrichie56]

@@cjz208 You are correct! You cant talk about Dyker Heights without talking about the Dutch Town of New Utrecht. The church was moved into what is now we call Bensonhurst. But its still within the old boundary of the Town of New Utrecht on 84th & 18 Ave. Overall a good presentation but I would have shown and pointed out the marker of the Nicasius de Sille home while you are were standing by the New Utrecht Cemetery. New Utrecht's first historian!

[@j.denino5732]

Dr. Fauci comes from here.

[@cjz208]

You are correct.

[@ivyc3500]

I grew up in Dyker Heights in the 70's It's too bad almost all the Italians moved away & sold their house's to Asians.