Does anyone remember Toy City??

[sabrosonics]

In the vein of "does anyone remember,"

On Roosevelt Avenue between 78th and 79th streets, the north side. One of the most magical toy stores in Jackson Heights TOY CITY. Board games, Hobby crafts, bicycles, handballs, street chalk...you name it they had it. Closed their  doors if I'm not mistaken in the early 80's.

I've been recently looking for any photographs anyone may have of the actual building or for that matter any photos of 37th avenue or Roosevelt of the 70's or early 80's....working on a little Jackson Heights memories project. If you can help do let me know!

-G

[Chuckster]

I remember Toy City on Roosevelt Ave. very well.  My sister and I purchased a Ouija (sp?) Board game there on one occasion.  It scared the heck out of us the first time we used it!     Unfortunately I don't  have any photos, just the fond memories.  You can try posting a message on the following website.  There are a lot of Jackson Heights' old-timers carrying on discussions about the neighborhood and its yesteryear.  Perhaps they can come up with a photo of the store for you.

www.gothamcenter.org

Hope this helps.

[sabrosonics]

What a great toy store (79th street and Roosevelt)!
I've been hunting high and low for any picture of the toy store (inside or out). If you have any please let me know or if you know someone who does...same

Thanks!

[Really4rob]

I'll have to check the old family albums next time I bring Luc to grandma's ... I used to live in Toy City!!!!

[sabrosonics]

Nice! I'll keep a lookout for your info about those pictures.

-G

[Really4rob]

Nice! I'll keep a lookout for your info about those pictures.

-G

Ok.  I do know I have an old photo of the comic store dog Max ... another haunt ... so its possible.

In any case I recall the layout somewhat ...

[michelem]

Yes I do.  It was a great neighborhood store.  My dad was a friend of the owner and a fellow Lion Club member.

[Brian C]

Toy City was one of my favorite haunts as well. Does anyone remember the store before they moved to the Roosevelt Ave location? It was a smaller store on 37th in the 70's.

[Really4rob]

Sure that was Toy City?  I remember a BAARS toys where Novo or Starbucks is now, next to a dress shop, on 37th, between 78th and 79th.

Also, I checked at Mom's in old albums, no pictures of Toy City, sorry.

But yeah I do have some at the comic store like I thought (Discount Books).

[Brian C]

Sure that was Toy City? ...

I'm fairly certain that is was. I also remember Baars, they had a great selection of Matchbox cars & trucks; however, the place I am thinking of was on the south side of 37th, probably between 75 & 76 streets.

[Really4rob]

I'm fairly certain that is was. I also remember Baars, they had a great selection of Matchbox cars & trucks; however, the place I am thinking of was on the south side of 37th, probably between 75 & 76 streets.

Hmmm, I am drawing a blank, and I grew up on 76th between 35th and 37th ... I do recall a toyish store on 74th Street, about across from where Delhi Palace is now, next to the sawdust covered butcher shop.

[Brian C]

It could be that the time period is off. I'm thinking early 60s for the 37th Ave store.

[Really4rob]

It could be that the time period is off. I'm thinking early 60s for the 37th Ave store.

Ah ok.  I was born in '69.  Didn't move to 76th until '73 ...

On a side note, I've lived in Jackson Heights my whole life (except the 4 years at college) ... in 5 different apartments!  There should be a thread here to see how many of us have apartment hopped across Jackson Heights and no where else.

[ECG]

Going with your idea Rob. I'm a native but lived in 3 apts on 83rd St for my first 21 years, not counting college and 2 apts on 80th for a really really long time. Like still. :coolsmiley:

[Really4rob]

Going with your idea Rob. I'm a native but lived in 3 apts on 83rd St for my first 21 years, not counting college and 2 apts on 80th for a really really long time. Like still. :coolsmiley:

Cool.  One the organizers here actually encouraged me to set up a thread ... it's called Lifers ... we are not alone!!!!