"What's the Point", on Faultlines blog

[fiona]

I have been reading the series and I personally find it boring. It's nothing I didn't know. I was born and raised in East Utica, lived at 512 Bacon Street, my mothers family came down from Waterville in 1905 and lived there until 1956. We knew everyone and they all knew us. I think the OD can do better and unless they except commentary, the series is a totally useless exercise in self absorbtion. 75 cents worth of nothing.

[bobbbiez]

Fiona............."if you want to find a whore house first find the local police station and then walk across the road?"

If you walk across the road today, you'll find a hockey game. ;D

[fiona]

I read today's artical in under 3.5 minutes, then decided it would make great cat box liner. Funny how those things happen.

[fiona]

Bobbiez: Horsehockey???

[bobbbiez]

Ok, I'm bite. What's horse hockey?

[bobbbiez]

Fiona................"I read today's article in under 3.5 minutes"

Point is, you did read it, as I'm sure many others are also doing.

[fiona]

Yes, Bobbiez, I did read it. You are correct. What I meant to say was that- the artical was boring- except for the part about Irene Burke and her sister, who for years ran three of the filthiest houses on Pearl Street. Now here's a story: I was 16 years old and working as a waitress at Ed Kain's Triangle Coffee Shop on Genesee Street. I worked on Saturdays and after school and, man, was I ever boy crazy! I wore out my knees and many sets of rosary beads in the Saint Francis DeSales confessional, my mother always said that God had a special place in Heaven for the Irish, and a special place in hell, too! She cast a look down her nose that told me I would have about as much chance of getting into Heaven with my behaviors as me becoming a millionaire by setting up a discount snowball stand in Hell. Me Ma always had a way with words. At this time I used to drink down at Charlie Parkers on Pearl Street with this waitress, Pat. Pat could put away some serious liquor. As a result of all this carousing I was constantly on the outs with different boys and always looking for a shoulder to cry on. Enter Irene Burke, the sweetest, most grandmotherly type of woman I ever met.

[fiona]

She and her sister, who wore a ratty fur coat and had a mustach, used to come into the Triangle for lunch. Sometimes Irene, or "Reeny" as she was called, would be alone and I always made a beeline for her table: same table every time, by the window facing Genesee, same lunch: Grilled cheese on toast with a side of fries and a coffee. When I saw her come in I knew she was so kind, so sweet, in her floral dress and tightly curled white hair. Now, this was in 1966, so she must have done her prison time. I know that now, but I didn't know that then. I didn't know anything about her notorious past except that "she seemed to know an awful lot about men" and always listened to me, took an interest in me and counseled me. She told me to stay out of Charlie Parkers. That it wasn't a nice place for a young girl like me.

[fiona]

One day I had a particularaly sad sob story about some guy. She listened politley and then said: "You are too easy. Men don't like girls who are too easy. I like you. You are a good girl. Come to see me and my sister at my house .( I believe she meant her home) we can have a nice long talk then. I was elated! I went back behind the counter and said to my boss, Ed Kain, who had witnessed the whole conversation " Gosh she's nice! She just like anyone's Grandmother ...and ...she really knows a lot about men!!!"
Ed Burst out laughing! He laughed so hard he had to stop fry cooking on the grill. Pat had to take over, while Ed went downstairs to use the bathroom. later, after he had composed himself he said to me, " Do you know who that is???"

[fiona]

I meekly replied " No, not really ", because I really didn't know. She was just a nice old lady who seemed to like me. " That's Irene Burke one of the most notorious whore's in the history of Utica! Stay away from her or I'll fire you right now!!" Ed was always saying he was going to fire me for this or that, so I paid no mind. I went home and asked my mother who she was. My mothers Lucky Strike fell from her lower lip, where it was always precariously balanced, and hit the floor. The next day I was unceramoniously marched down to Saint Francis Desales to have a talk with the Priest. I said to many Hail Mary's I fell asleep at the altar rail. After that I was freindly to Reene but never confided in her again, because selling snowballs in Hell began to look like an obvious end to me and what Irish girl wants to do that??

[Clipper]

Great story Fiona. You need to write some of these stories down for Daves "More Stories".

[fiona]

No problem, Clipper. Iv'e got a million more from where that came from! Talk about Sin City: I worked at Uncle Henry's Pancake House in 1968, 1969. More about that later.

[Clipper]

Uncle Henry's Pancake house? Wow, I am SURE you have some stories to tell. I have oft heard that there was a house of ill repute upstairs there also, at one time or another. It was also always the meeting place for Mayors and politicians. It was where they met with their minions and the news people, the knaves of the round table. LOL. I can still picture Henry Cittadino's face. I used to eat breakfast there occasionally when I worked downtown in the 60's.

[bobbbiez]

Fiona, you worked at Uncle Henry's? God, I use to practically live in that place. It's was our hang out for years when I "was" involved in the Democratic party. Did you work with little Joanie who was a permanent fixture in the place? Joanie was my little sweetheart. She was always trying to fatten me up and would pile the food on my plate.

We'll have to get-together and talk about those days. I have some very interesting stories to tell myself but wouldn't want to air them all here on the forum. Especially with Clipper's big ears. ;D

Quick one though.............dated a very handsome, polite young man for a while only to find out eventually he was Falcon's son and the rest of the story................to be told to you in private.
That'll keep them wondering.

ps: Haven't forgotten. I will get in touch with you about our next Neighborhood meeting as soon as I get the exact date if you'd like to go. Have some guest speakers that I requested which might be of interest to you with your problems in your neighborhood. Would love to have you attend and I will pick you up if you'd like.

[Clipper]

Air them on the forum, especially with Clipper's big ears?

Uhhh. I must have an obsolete computer, because I still have to READ the forum with my eyes. I don't hear you talking when you post.( Thank God for small favors, LOLOL )