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Please share your stories. . .thoughts. . .poetry. . .superstitions. . .songs. . .dreams that connect you to the places that you have lived and where you are living now.
Between Dreams and History's poetic text was created through a series of workshops with residents who immigrated to New York City's Lower East Side from other countries.
As mobility increases between and within countries, fewer people spend their entire lives in one place. Perhaps you have moved from one region to another, from an urban environment to the suburbs or the country, or vice versa. From Hong Kong to San Francisco, from the Lower East Side to the Bronx, from Philadelphia, PA to Birmingham, AL... each of us can recall unique experiences shaped by place.
This space is dedicated to tracing your experiences and honoring your connection to your home. You are invited to celebrate everyday moments and delve into dreams and memories.
1. What are your most vivid early memories of coming to your neighborhood or moving to a new home?
I remember when I hit my first homerun at FDR Drive on Field 3
--Joshua Torres, Lower East Side, NYC
Recuerdo mi familia todos nasieron en Rivington por 30 años sufri mucho pero mi bida fue linda en esta calle ai nasieron mi hijo pero perdi 2 pero no por eso tengo que estar triste pero tengo que pensar en los atios que los quiero como los 2 que perdi dios me lo dio el me los quito te doi los grasia pa darme el balor grasia dios.
--Leocadia Gomez, Lower East Side, NYC
2. Write about a memorable gathering in your neighborhood.
I remember what a joy it was waiting for a bride to come down from the stoops of any tenement to a waiting throng of neighbors on the street anxious to see her in her full regalia and moment of glory.
--Charlotte Rick, Lower East Side, NYC
During election day, the Jewish Daily Forward covered their building with a huge white sheet. This enable them to project the election results at night. Huge numbers of people gathered to watch the results. For us kids this was very exciting.
--Sidney Gold, Lower East Side, NYC
3. What sleeping dreams have you had of your neighborhood?
I have a recurring dream that I'm in the past and see thing in my neighborhood that I think may have happened and I'm fascinated that I have this power to transcend into the past, that these scenes are actually occurring and the more I see, the more fascinated I become and I don't want it to stop.
--Allen Greenberg, Lower East Side, NYC
I dreamed that I was walking down the block next to Grand St. Settlement. I was shot horribly all over . I woke up in a cold sweat and was very hysterical.
--Christina Walton, Lower East Side, NYC
4. How have your thoughts about the neighborhood changed? What hopes do you have for the future?
Orchard Street is still Orchard Street but the prices are much higher. There are no more bargains. . .
--Fay Adler, Lower East Side, NYC
No hay amor como había antes. Ahora todo el mundo es más independiente. No hay amistad como había muchos años antes.
--Lilly Marcus, Lower East Side, NYC
5. Share a favorite childhood fairy tale, song, rhyme or superstition.
The moon shines in front of my bed
I guess there is frost on the floor
I raise my head to see the bright moon
I low my head and miss my childhood home
--remembered by Eva Tam, Lower East Side
When I was a very young girl, I used to believe that if I put 3 garlic pearls under the pillow (1 garlic peeled, 1 garlic half-peeled, 1 garlic with the skin), and if I took the one with the skin, I was going to marry a rich man.
--Lucy Calderon, Lower East Side, NYC
6. Share a memorable story a family member told you about growing up in his/her neighborhood.
My favorite song was el elephante. It was a very famous children's song on Puerto Rico that my mother would always sing.
--Cristina Walton, Lower East Side, NYC
I remember my grandmother used to say if you are evil or cranky, the devil is taking over. If good, the angels are in command.
--Allen Greenberg, Lower East Side NYC
Shimon Attie's Between Dreams and History Presented by Creative Time
October 22 - November 14, 1998
Wednesday - Saturday, 6PM-12AM
At the Intersection of Ludlow and Rivington Streets
(Except during heavy rain)
For More Information: staff@creativetime.org or www.creativetime.org
©1998 Creative Time