The People I Met Through Popp's

 A really old photo of Popp's

My memories come in all different formats. Some are mere snapshots of a specific moment, some are short little videos, some are brought to the forefront by a smell, such as a perfume or the sweet enticing scent of chocolate. So here are some of my memories from decades ago with the people connected to an Ice Cream Parlor we knew as Popp's that, in the 1950's and 1960's existed on the corner of Jamaica Avenue and 86th Street in Woodhaven Queens.

I remember those many occasions when I walked towards the back of Popp’s and got this happy feeling when I noticed a young couple by the name of Carol and Wally sitting together in one of the booths. They always seemed to be smiling and happy and welcoming and I instantaneously felt relaxed. I don’t know exactly when a sweet young lady named Carol and a calm and a wonderful gentleman named Wally connected with each other and became the perfectly matched couple known as “ Carol and Wally”. I was impressed by their commitment to each other at a time when I was a bit flighty and unsettled myself. They seemed so young to be so in love and so committed.

I also remember a time when Wally agreed to accompany me to Flatbush, Brooklyn  so I could attend a party that meant a lot to me ( I believe I had a crush on one of the guys that I knew would be at the party).   I don't remember how we traveled there, but I wouln't have dared such a long and unfamiliar trip by myself.  The girl hosting the party was a family friend and there was a guy at the party I was hoping to “run into”. I believe that Wally was already smitten with Carol, and Wally and I were simply good friends at the time ( Honestly, is there anyone who didn't like Wally? ).  Nonetheless, Wally went out of his way to do me a very solid favor.   If I remember correctly the party was in the basement  (weren't all the parties in basements during that era?)  I was able to “show off” with Wally as a dance partner; he could actually swing me to either side of his hips and I felt we looked really cool dancing the “ Lindy “ together.

Thanks Wally for escorting me to a party that was special for me and thank you, Carol, for lending me your man.

As I gradually faded away from Woodhaven and Popp’s I missed observing or hearing about the subsequent chapters in the Carol and Wally Love ️ Story. Maybe sometime you will fill me in? I was excited to reconnect on Facebook (thanks to John Folliard) and was thrilled and impressed to discover this wonderful couple survived the test of time. Didn’t you recently celebrate your 55th Wedding Anniversary?

Congratulations !