Column by Norma Higgs — Well, we finally made it to the even side of Pine in the 1700 block. Will we ever reach the Como? It has been a happy journey for me as I have met lots of new people and heard from old friends as well. Memories bring out the best in us but most realize times have changed and they have moved on in reality but not in their hearts.

The population has changed in the surrounding neighborhoods which resulted in the change in the business district itself.  Many that I talked to moved away to surrounding suburbs or even further adding to this population shift.

I discovered that the Pine and 19th Street corridor currently houses business owners that are Palestinian, or from Kuwait, Pakistan and India Sikh. There are many Asian restaurants along the entire stretch which tells me that the ‘Little Italy” flavor is fast disappearing. These are all hard-working owners providing needed goods and services. Change is hard to accept but it has come slowly and the area is now more cosmopolitan in its makeup. I urge my readers to have fun reminiscing but to face reality and acceptance and be positive about our city’s future. There is a place for everyone in our hearts.

At 1701, Pedro Perez and his wife Isabelle operated a restaurant which became famous as Pete’s Market House. Pete, as he was known, served family style dinners at reasonable prices and when he passed away, his wife and daughter kept it open but finally sold to Lou Taylor who kept the flavor and the name going for many years. I found a former AOL travel editor’s review online that summed it up pretty accurately. “It's not pretty, but if you're looking to fuel up on some protein without breaking the bank, Pete's will get the job done. The small steakhouse gets cramped when it's busy, and the situation is not helped by the awkward layout? You're likely to get bumped in the back of the chair a time or two. But that's the price you pay for Pete's crispy hand-cut fries and sizzling steaks, not to mention the surf-n-turf combos that can be had for under $15. If you want atmosphere with your prime rib, it's better to look elsewhere; if not, this old standby is a good choice for you.”  

Taylor’s family recently sold and the business is now open as Zane’s.

Next door at 1705, the Niagara Furniture Company took over where Levy Brothers left off after their fire. Dominic Falcone, Gordon Stacey and Edward Miller were the sales force here. Joseph Albion operated Albion Jewelers at 1709 and next door was Trincanati Electric Company. I was able to get a few facts from Rudy Trincanati at the Marketside Restaurant one cold stormy morning when I sat with Neil Gruppo, Mario Pirastru and Rudy, who’s Uncle Nicholas owned and operated this active business. During 1956 (the time of our visit) his son-in-law Peter Stecko had taken over the operation with his wife Margaret. They sold and serviced electrical equipment and also had an electrical contracting business. You could pay your New York Telephone Co., Republic Light & Heat, Niagara Mohawk and Weber Oil bill here also. Everyone paid cash in those days and many stores offered these services as it brought customers inside their premises. Neil’s sister Marian Buscemi took your payment sitting at a desk at the side of the store.

Rudy told me about his father’s business ventures on 19th Street and Elmwood. Rudy was in junior high school at the time so it was in the mid-1940s when his dad Anthony had a small novelty store on this corner at 842 19th Street. Behind their store on Elmwood was Morinello’s Bakery where Rudy worked after school. That later became famous as Trusello’s where many of us (including me) shopped. Rudy’s dad started renting and repairing bicycles and eventually opened Tric’s Bike Shop on Pine Avenue.

The Tontine Shop was at 1715 and Russell Arena was the manager of this floor covering business. Louis Kramer had his dental practice there along with Louis Genovese, an accountant. Next door was the Embassy Bar and Restaurant. Aldo and Mary Centofanti operated this friendly tavern and Helen Stempien ran the restaurant part of the business. She and her husband Alfred also owned and operated the Three Corners Restaurant at 3710 Highland Ave.

At 1719 was a novelty store which Mario Pirastru described as a store selling cigars, cigarettes, candy, magazines and other items. He recalled playing the pinball machine there. Vincent DeLorenzo and Frank Mirabelli owned this establishment. Next door at 1721, Peter Antonucci sold real estate. James Macri and Joseph DeGennaro operated the Clock Restaurant at 1727, a corner location. Joe was a postal worker and a “sometime bartender” at the Como. James went on to open Macri’s Palace in the City Market.

We will continue in the 1800 block next time and I remind everyone that our walk takes place during 1956. Some business owners did move around on Pine Avenue and some of you may remember a place that was not open during this period but perhaps in another location at this particular time. I am trying hard to be accurate and am finding it a great experience in tracing this period of activity on Pine Avenue. One correction to last week: Laverne Searle was no relation to the Frank Searles family.

Norma Higgs serves with the Niagara Beautification Commission and Niagara Falls Block Club Council. Her columns appear Mondays in the Gazette.