Header photo are shops along Port Richmond Avenue. One of the stores is a combination bakery/bar which is something I haven’t seen before. You can buy a drink from the bar while waiting for your bakery order, or get a margarita and eat your pastry simultaneously. Aaron Burr, who was vice president under Thomas Jefferson, died in Port Richmond.in 1836.
The present community where I live is called Port Richmond,
Staten Island. Port Richmond is just one of the multitudes of communities that make up Staten Island. It’s one of Staten Island’s oldest and poorest communities and it is largely Latino (predominantly Mexican, but also Puerto Ricans and South Americans from every country). Port Richmond was first settled by the Dutch in the 1600’s. Staten Island was originally named Richmond (still a common name here in Staten Island, i.e. we are in Richmond country) after Richmond, the illegitimate son of George III. A major battle of the Revolutionary War was fought here in what is Veteran’s Park.
Because of the large Latino population, there are many Mexican restaurants and grocery stores and a couple of Peruvian ones. Since I love Mexican food, this suits me fine. I grew up in West Los Angeles in an area that was also largely Latino, so this is nothing new for me. It also gives me a chance to practice my Spanish, like every time I leave my apartment.
Despite having a multitude of poor families living above stores and in rooms, it also has some beautiful, historic homes from the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
This is a photo that I took on Anderson Avenue where it runs into Port Richmond Avenue. It was the prototype for my painting (below) that I named “Anderson Avenue.”
Old Woman on a Bicycle 