If you have five minutes (and 23 seconds) you must see the following video I found a video on YouTube. The video is actually a well-constructed image slideshow from the Star-Ledger narrated by Linda Rodrigues during an actual walking tour of the Ironbound.
She began the tour by explaining the usage of the terms “Ironbound” vs. “Down Neck” to refer to the East Ward of Newark. The Ironbound is bound by iron (from train tracks completely surrounding the area) but it was also used in manufacturing goods in the factories of yesterday. Next she spoke about the renovation of Penn Station and how it marks the beginning of the area we call the Ironbound. She also mentions the following subjects:
- Portuguese and Spanish speaking immigrants
- The many church including Our Lady of Fatima Church and St. Stephens
- New upscale restaurants next door to traditional restaurants & fish markets
- The Portuguese club Sport Club Portugues
And finally, the video:
In the Ironbound, new immigrants come to grow and prosper, then leave after several generations. Neighborhoods that used to have Irish, German, Italian, and Polish residents now feature Portuguese, Brazilians and Ecuadorians. With the passage of each group, the Ironbound continues its long ascent from “the wrong side of the tracks” to a vibrant neighborhood built on sweat equity.
{ 2 comments… read them below or add one }
Love the video. I grew up downneck, went to Lafayette Street School in the 70′s. No matter where else I go, Newark will always be my home.
Very well put together. Makes me proud to be born and raised in the Ironbound. It doesn’t matter where I go us Ironbounders have a special way of thinking and socializing. It makes us very easy to get along with but still tough at the same time.