Gingerbread Court Faces Uncertain Future
By Kitty
Bratton
Although I'm no longer a
physical resident of Venice, most of my energy/heart is still there. I have not
actually resided in Venice since 1976, but have maintained contact with a few
friends that are left in the area.
My friend of 30 years sends me the
newspaper you publish a couple of times a year. I have written to the paper
before, when inspired by articles, letters, or events involving my history with
the beach.
(1) my parents met there
and were influential with the whole Beatnik era
(2) My father, Milton Bratton had a
bookstore on dudley # 5, I think, where like-minded types could gather.
(3) I had my first apartment there, my first
two children born there,
(4) and my
Mom, Bunny Bratton died there, as well as Milton 14 years later.
So you see I've got a lot of memories
of the beach that span my whole 52 years of life. I was really saddened to read
that the Gingerbread Court, 517 OFW, was for sale, along with the house next to
it.
I'd already had a blunt trauma
when it was sold in 1985 - my father was evicted unceremoniously, and I was
quite peeved to see it would be shops instead of housing for people who really
needed it.
This time it will probably
see the wrecking ball or however they end dreams these days. Its been there
since 1924 - I am glad to finally know its original name. I don't think I'd be
able to visit the boardwalk if it was not there any longer.
My dad lived there for 16 years, I
lived there for 1 year and my mother died in what use to be # 17 - upstairs,
right apt.
It used to be full of old
Jewish ladies with cats, and a few hippies. The rent was only $75.00 a month!
The owner was Marc Frank, he had bought it
from Eddie Cantor and lived in the house next door. I guess when he died at 90
his family sold it.
I have so many
great memories about the "Sea Breeze Apts." I thought it would always remain,
that only an act of nature could destroy the old places we treasure at lands
end.
So many marvels are already gone
- Take a picture it will last longer. Glad I have the ones I do. Maybe someone
else will write about this great old place - Hope So. Forever a
Venetian?
Posted: Tue - August 1, 2006 at 01:25 PM