By Mara Bollettieri
Steve Samtur is bringing his nostalgic 90-minute PowerPoint presentation of The Bronx to the Gold Coast Cultural Arts Center, 113 Middle Neck Rd. in Great Neck, on Sunday, June 5, from 2 to 3:30 p.m. The historical presentation consists of more than 450 vintage photos of sites, such as the sea lion pool during feeding time at The Bronx Zoo, the famous movie theaters and Freedomland U.S.A. in the ’60s, which Samtur said was the largest outdoor theme park in the country, three times the size of Disneyland. Samtur will also share vintage videos and dozens of interviews with high-profile Bronx celebrities like Regis Philbin, Chazz Palminteri, Robert Klein, Rita Moreno, Garry Marshall and Doris Roberts.
The Bronx native has been the editor and publisher of Back in the Bronx magazine for 23 years and is the author of three books on the borough, which have sold more than 10,000 copies: The Bronx Then & Now; The Bronx: Lost, Found & Remembered, 1935-1975; and Little Italy of the Bronx, Belmont & Arthur Avenue.
“If you grew up in The Bronx, I speak your language,” said Samtur. “[This] is a fun and unique presentation of celebrating the experience of growing up and living in The Bronx the way it was in the 1940s, ’50s and ’60s. Shopping [at] Alexander’s on Fordham Road to Loehmann’s on Kingsbridge, stopping for sweets at Krum’s, or Jahn’s for ice cream. We revisit the Grand Concourse with all those Art Deco buildings lining the entire stretch.”
Of his presentation, Samtur said, “Let us take you back to the fabulous Bronx we all knew and loved in the best way possible, with a first-class tour of over 400 fantastic pictures of the movies, apartments, schools, restaurants and candy stores. All the places we called home. Your eating and meeting places. Your turf. You’ll recognize them instantly as the warm memories come flowing back.”
Several years ago, Samtur’s presentation at Great Neck Library drew a crowd of 300, but seating to this event is limited. Several ticket packages are available: $15 includes admission for one and a copy of Back in the Bronx; $25 includes admission for one, a copy of Back in the Bronx and two Bronx books, or admission for two and a copy of Back in the Bronx; $35 includes admission for two, a copy of Back in the Bronx and two Bronx books. The first 50 people to respond will receive a free one-year subscription to Back in the Bronx magazine, a $25.95 value. For reservations, complete the form online at www.backinthebronx.com or call 800-727-6695. For more information, email Samtur at info@backinthebronx
.com or call 800-727-6695.
Watch highlights of his presentation at www.youtube.com/watch?v=RnqMaAzR1RI.
