A Retrospective — Articles — Flatbush History

Calling Buckminster 4! A Telephonic History of Flatbush

When telephones were the latest new-fangled tech in Flatbush, including a rundown of old Flatbush exchange names.

A RetrospectiveJennifer BoudinotMay 7, 2024Flatbush thingsComment

A Turning Point in Grocery History

Three “self service” groceries from 1940s Flatbush, and why they’re called that.

A RetrospectiveJennifer BoudinotJuly 29, 2023old businesses, the 1940s, Flatbush things, kensington, cortelyou rd, rogers ave Comment

The Ghost Signs of Flatbush

“Ghost signs” is the cool-sounding name for advertising for businesses that are no longer around. Here’s a collection of the many ghost signs I’ve spotted in the neighborhood.

A RetrospectiveJennifer BoudinotJanuary 20, 2020Flatbushadvertising, old businesses, Flatbush things Comment

On the History of Horses in Flatbush

Flatbush’s history as a horse town, and signs throughout the neighborhood of when horses were our main source of transportation.

A RetrospectiveJennifer BoudinotJanuary 20, 2020Flatbushhorses, Flatbush things, the vanderveer family Comment

Then and Now: Flatbush Ave Billboards

The frames for these billboards still stand on Flatbush Ave across from Erasmus Hall.

A RetrospectiveJennifer BoudinotJanuary 20, 2020Flatbushadvertising, the 1940s, Flatbush things, then and now photos, flatbush ave Comment