Image: Grand Opening of the Canarsie Terminal Market, Remsen Ave, 1941
Richard H. Ryder was an American patriot who thought so much of his fellow Canarsiens that he decided to chronicle their participation in the Civil War. He wrote a book in 1891 describing his life in the war, Canarsie, the Rockaways and his fellow neighbors from the community. It has been well publicized that Canarsie sent more citizens to the Civil war than any other community in the United States, described as " the number fully equaled the voting population of our village, (Canarsie)". The June 27th, 1915 edition of the Brooklyn Daily Eagle saw it fit for its front page while announcing the Canarsie Veterans Monument, which still resides at the cemetery.
The book is entitled: The Village Color Bearer. It details many battles in several states and names of over 130 Canarsiens who fought as well as their company names and where they were buried, (if not in Canarsie).
Ryder was born on May 29th, 1843 in the Rockaways. His family moved to Canarsie around 1859 where they operated a grocery and liquor store. He enlisted for the war and served Co. E, State Militia of Brooklyn, NY, in 1861. He was made Captain of Co. E. in 1862. Later that same year he was awarded a bravery medal by the 40th Regiment, N.Y. Volunteers. At the time of his discharge, he was mustered as Second Sergeant of Battery B, 13th Heavy Artillery; August of 1865.
After the war he served as a life saving service keeper on Jamaica Bay, beginning on September 1st 1883. His first post was held at Manhattan Beach, about 150 yards from the famous Oriental Hotel. This volunteer service included saving people from drowning, capsized boats, vessels in distress and intercepting river pirates/smugglers. Escorting ships through icy waters was also another task of a service keeper. Since traveling by boat was the number one mode of transit, this was a very difficult and labor filled position. He resigned his position on September 30th, 1889.
Ryder's book has been selected by scholars as being culturally important, and is part of the knowledge base of civilization as we know it. His book is still re-produced to this day.
He is believed to have died in April of 1894, buried in Canarsie Cemetery; section 6, three years after publishing his book.
The book is entitled: The Village Color Bearer. It details many battles in several states and names of over 130 Canarsiens who fought as well as their company names and where they were buried, (if not in Canarsie).
Ryder was born on May 29th, 1843 in the Rockaways. His family moved to Canarsie around 1859 where they operated a grocery and liquor store. He enlisted for the war and served Co. E, State Militia of Brooklyn, NY, in 1861. He was made Captain of Co. E. in 1862. Later that same year he was awarded a bravery medal by the 40th Regiment, N.Y. Volunteers. At the time of his discharge, he was mustered as Second Sergeant of Battery B, 13th Heavy Artillery; August of 1865.
After the war he served as a life saving service keeper on Jamaica Bay, beginning on September 1st 1883. His first post was held at Manhattan Beach, about 150 yards from the famous Oriental Hotel. This volunteer service included saving people from drowning, capsized boats, vessels in distress and intercepting river pirates/smugglers. Escorting ships through icy waters was also another task of a service keeper. Since traveling by boat was the number one mode of transit, this was a very difficult and labor filled position. He resigned his position on September 30th, 1889.
Ryder's book has been selected by scholars as being culturally important, and is part of the knowledge base of civilization as we know it. His book is still re-produced to this day.
He is believed to have died in April of 1894, buried in Canarsie Cemetery; section 6, three years after publishing his book.
Christian Reimals was born in Bremen, Germany in 1848. By 1862 he lived in New Lots, Brooklyn. In 1864 he joined the 93rd Regiment, New York Volunteers. After the Civil War, he came back to New Lots and was made a Constable, (Peace Police Officer). At the same time he was Assistant Foreman of Liberty Hose Company, (Fire Dept.), New Lots Volunteers. By 1878 he joined the Old New Lots Police Force, (which also patrolled Canarsie). In 1880, he was made a Roundsman and 3 years later was promoted to Sergeant. In 1892, he was promoted to Sergeant of the Brooklyn Mounted Police. In 1893 Canarsie was introduced with an organized police department by an act passed by the legislature. In 1902 Reimals was made Captain of the Canarsie station. He was known as "the best Policeman that ever strode the 7's". Considered as a "friend of the Grand Army Post, all town fraternities, the churches and schools, irrespective of creed or condition".
By 1906 he lived at 21 Ashford Street although still serving Canarsie. In September of that same year a false report appeared in a reputable paper stating that Reimals would be transferred to Manhattan. The people of Canarsie organized to stop the transfer stating that: "Reimals will stay in Canarsie and he is welcomed". Later on the tabloid story was found to have no merit.
Reimals was known for driving away strong arm gamblers and questionable operators of establishments, and the hero of many battles with Canarsie Bay oyster pirates.
He was recognized as the "Father of the Canarsie police".
Reimals was once quoted as saying, regarding a transfer from Canarsie: "If they'd shift me; they would have my resignation first". He was a true Canarsie hero for over 25 years. He is believed to have died in 1923.
By 1906 he lived at 21 Ashford Street although still serving Canarsie. In September of that same year a false report appeared in a reputable paper stating that Reimals would be transferred to Manhattan. The people of Canarsie organized to stop the transfer stating that: "Reimals will stay in Canarsie and he is welcomed". Later on the tabloid story was found to have no merit.
Reimals was known for driving away strong arm gamblers and questionable operators of establishments, and the hero of many battles with Canarsie Bay oyster pirates.
He was recognized as the "Father of the Canarsie police".
Reimals was once quoted as saying, regarding a transfer from Canarsie: "If they'd shift me; they would have my resignation first". He was a true Canarsie hero for over 25 years. He is believed to have died in 1923.
James W. Devens was the first Canarsie police officer to die in the line of duty. He was born on August 15th, 1873. In 1887, he lived at East 88th and Canarsie Lane. By 1895 Devens worked at the 17th Sub-Precinct in East New York, Brooklyn. On May 6th, 1896 he entered a Brooklyn City contest to determine and become one of Brooklyn's Mounted officers. Over 200 men entered and Devens won a prestigious place as one of Brooklyn City's Mounted Officers, (only 25 men were selected). In 1897, he was a committee member for the 1st annual celebration of the Canarsie Precinct. On January 28th, 1899 he was advanced to a 3rd grade Officer. He spent the summer months patrolling Canarsie and during the winter months, he patrolled Flatbush. Sometime in 1901, he transferred full time to the Canarsie 26th Precinct. (It became the 69th in 1929).
On November 20th 1904, Devens along with other policemen were called upon to assist with a fire on Avenue L. The men climbed into a horse pulled wagon and raced up Rockaway Parkway towards avenue L. The men could see a trolley car up ahead. When the wagon neared the corner; the trolley car made a sudden stop and the horses made a sharp turn which sent the wagon into a cart-wheeled flip. James W. Devens was the driver and died from a fractured skull and internal injuries. About a week later Officer Charles Matthews also died from his injuries. Several other officers were also injured. Devens lived with his wife, Mary J. Devens. After his death she moved to East 94th St. and Avenue G, (Glenwood Road). She received a life insurance payment of $1,000. After his death she continued to live in Canarsie on his pension death benefits of $223.60/Year. She petitioned for an increase in benefits and received a slight increase on February 6th, 1905 to $230/Year. This payment stayed the same until December of 1910, where her petitions led to an increase of her receiving $300/Year. She stayed in Canarsie until February 11th, 1919, when she moved to the Bushwick section of Brooklyn at 1044 Jefferson Ave., near the J train. She is believed to have passed in 1921.
On November 20th 1904, Devens along with other policemen were called upon to assist with a fire on Avenue L. The men climbed into a horse pulled wagon and raced up Rockaway Parkway towards avenue L. The men could see a trolley car up ahead. When the wagon neared the corner; the trolley car made a sudden stop and the horses made a sharp turn which sent the wagon into a cart-wheeled flip. James W. Devens was the driver and died from a fractured skull and internal injuries. About a week later Officer Charles Matthews also died from his injuries. Several other officers were also injured. Devens lived with his wife, Mary J. Devens. After his death she moved to East 94th St. and Avenue G, (Glenwood Road). She received a life insurance payment of $1,000. After his death she continued to live in Canarsie on his pension death benefits of $223.60/Year. She petitioned for an increase in benefits and received a slight increase on February 6th, 1905 to $230/Year. This payment stayed the same until December of 1910, where her petitions led to an increase of her receiving $300/Year. She stayed in Canarsie until February 11th, 1919, when she moved to the Bushwick section of Brooklyn at 1044 Jefferson Ave., near the J train. She is believed to have passed in 1921.
Henry M. Butecke Jr. was a life long Canarsie Volunteer Fireman and resident. His father: Hinrich M. Butecke Sr. came to Canarsie in 1852 and ran a dry goods store at 9501 Avenue L. This building still stands today. He sold part of his business on August 20th, 1881 to Claus J. Meyer. He passed away on October 12th, 1911.
Henry M. Butecke Jr. was born on March 22nd, 1862. He worked for his fathers store on E95th Street. Their home was across the street on the opposite corner, facing Avenue L.
In 1888 Canarsie received it's first free rolling fire fighting apparatus; a hand-pumped engine. Prior to that they used an engine that had to be hitched to a trolley and needed 18 to 20 men to pump.
On July 13th 1892, Butecke was elected as treasurer of the Canarsie Fire Engine Company One and held that position for 50 years. In 1894, Butecke's wife organized the Woman's Fireman's Aid Society in support of all of the community's volunteer firemen efforts. On December 28th, 1897 Butecke served as secretary as the Flatlands Volunteer Firemen's association, as it was incorporated in Canarsie.
In 1910, Butecke was a trustee for the German Lutheran Church, (St. Mathias). On February 21st, 1935, the 45th annual Volunteer fireman's parade got underway at Pierrepoint and Henry Streets, where every Brooklyn fire house represented their fire wagons. Henry Butecke led the parade of 1,500 marchers to cheers from thousands and were protected by 500 police officers.
On September 12th, 1950 the Volunteer house closed it's doors. Prior to having it's own volunteer firehouse in 1892, The Canarsie Volunteers had found various places to meet since 1859.
At the time of the closure of the volunteer house, Butecke was 88 years old and living at 9423 Avenue L and was one of the last 6 remaining original volunteers. Many stories can be told of the heroics of Henry Butecke Jr. which included many life saving measures of the people of Canarsie and countless acts of bravery in fire fighting situations, his life long dedication to Canarsie and it's surrounding communities will never be forgotten.
He died on June 16th, 1957.
Henry M. Butecke Jr. was born on March 22nd, 1862. He worked for his fathers store on E95th Street. Their home was across the street on the opposite corner, facing Avenue L.
In 1888 Canarsie received it's first free rolling fire fighting apparatus; a hand-pumped engine. Prior to that they used an engine that had to be hitched to a trolley and needed 18 to 20 men to pump.
On July 13th 1892, Butecke was elected as treasurer of the Canarsie Fire Engine Company One and held that position for 50 years. In 1894, Butecke's wife organized the Woman's Fireman's Aid Society in support of all of the community's volunteer firemen efforts. On December 28th, 1897 Butecke served as secretary as the Flatlands Volunteer Firemen's association, as it was incorporated in Canarsie.
In 1910, Butecke was a trustee for the German Lutheran Church, (St. Mathias). On February 21st, 1935, the 45th annual Volunteer fireman's parade got underway at Pierrepoint and Henry Streets, where every Brooklyn fire house represented their fire wagons. Henry Butecke led the parade of 1,500 marchers to cheers from thousands and were protected by 500 police officers.
On September 12th, 1950 the Volunteer house closed it's doors. Prior to having it's own volunteer firehouse in 1892, The Canarsie Volunteers had found various places to meet since 1859.
At the time of the closure of the volunteer house, Butecke was 88 years old and living at 9423 Avenue L and was one of the last 6 remaining original volunteers. Many stories can be told of the heroics of Henry Butecke Jr. which included many life saving measures of the people of Canarsie and countless acts of bravery in fire fighting situations, his life long dedication to Canarsie and it's surrounding communities will never be forgotten.
He died on June 16th, 1957.
Steven Kaye has been a life long resident of the Canarsie community since 1950. One of the best teachers in the New York City school system; he has not been unnoticed, although attention is the furthest thing from his mind. His commitment to his students and his involvement in the betterment of Canarsie have always been his passions. Kaye became an earth science and research teacher in 1984, teaching at James Madison High School. His teaching accomplishments are many, two of them include: The American Association for the Advancement of Science awarded its inaugural science educator award to him. This 2004 award was awarded by the academy for Kaye's work with at-risk students. He also received the 2007 Liberty Medal by the New York Post for his work as a Biology teacher. This award honors hometown heroes. Steven Kaye's commitment to his students include them having been acknowledged by the United Federation of Teachers and his students being finalists in the New York Science and Engineering fair many years over. Some of his former students have gone on to become research scientist of their own and credit Kaye for his research techniques, lab conduct and for becoming a sounding board for ideas. This has led to NASA internships and Intel Science Talent Search competition winners.
On the local front Kaye was the Vice President of the South Canarsie Civic Association from the late 1980's until about 2014. In this role Kaye fought many community battles including the 1999 fight to keep Canarsie Park from becoming a compost dump. A hard fought win for the community. His work also extended into historic preservation including his assistance with a 1930's train car and his work at Floyd Bennet fields military plane restoration work.
In 2006 he fought R7A rezoning to keep Canarsies neighborhood charm. He joined the Four Borough Neighborhood Preservation organization to bolster his position in the betterment of Canarsie. In 2009 he continued his commitment by speaking out at the City Planning Commission hearing. Steve Kaye continues his work and commitment to Canarsie and his students of the Borough of Brooklyn from his East 86th street home. As one of his students declared:
"Kaye has dedicated his entire life to delivering students to their dreams". A true Canarsie hero.
On the local front Kaye was the Vice President of the South Canarsie Civic Association from the late 1980's until about 2014. In this role Kaye fought many community battles including the 1999 fight to keep Canarsie Park from becoming a compost dump. A hard fought win for the community. His work also extended into historic preservation including his assistance with a 1930's train car and his work at Floyd Bennet fields military plane restoration work.
In 2006 he fought R7A rezoning to keep Canarsies neighborhood charm. He joined the Four Borough Neighborhood Preservation organization to bolster his position in the betterment of Canarsie. In 2009 he continued his commitment by speaking out at the City Planning Commission hearing. Steve Kaye continues his work and commitment to Canarsie and his students of the Borough of Brooklyn from his East 86th street home. As one of his students declared:
"Kaye has dedicated his entire life to delivering students to their dreams". A true Canarsie hero.
Daniel J. Fullerton was born in 1871. as a young man he became involved in community efforts. In 1882 he was a founding member of the Canarsie Union Baseball team. By 1896, he was part of fundraising efforts with the Canarsie Catholic Club. In 1897, he was part of the committee that raised funds for the Holy Family Church. He increased his community awareness by joining the Morning Star Council of the Knights of Columbus; Royal Arcanum, Woodman of the World Club and the Holy Name Society. By 1903 he started his own wood carving business. One of these wooden items were caskets. This business would evolve into the Fullerton Funeral home. In 1906 he fought a garbage crematory installation on Barren Island. He also met with the Brooklyn Rapid Transit Company to have trash removed from the Canarsie Trolley lines. He also requested for them to have new Trolley service on Remsen Avenue established.
In 1908 he participated in the P.S. 114 Graduation by distributing citations to the students. By 1910, he became secretary of the Canarsie Board of Trade. In this role he fought to enlarge the sewer disposal plant at Hendrix street, in order to help keep Jamaica Bay clean. He also fought to have main gas lines extended to cover more streets in Canarsie and the act of oiling the streets which helped to preserve the newly paved shore roads.
In 1915, Fullerton became Memorial League secretary in the community effort to establish a Civil War memorial. During the depression of 1920's he did pro-bono work for fellow residents during times of hardship. In 1923, he was part of a committee which intended to establish a memorial park dedicated to Dr. Curtis Estabrook. The park was to be located from Fresh Creek to the bay. In 1927 Fullerton worked to raise funds for flood sufferers alongside Paul Goetz at an event at the Arcadia Inn. In 1931, as Canarsie Democratic Leader, he pushed the city to have Canarsies first public library built. In his support of community baseball, through the Board of Trade and Chamber of Commerce, in 1933, he was able to secure a visit from Baseball Hall of Famer: Babe Ruth.
By 1937 he established his second Funeral home on Merrick Road in Baldwin Long Island.
He lived at 9718 Flatlands Avenue and passed away in December of 1947 at the age of 76. The Canarsie Fullerton Funeral home location was sold in 1968, while the Baldwin location is still in operation today. Daniel J. Fullerton established his roots in a community and worked hard to improve and build a close relationship with that same community, a feat so few do today.
In 1908 he participated in the P.S. 114 Graduation by distributing citations to the students. By 1910, he became secretary of the Canarsie Board of Trade. In this role he fought to enlarge the sewer disposal plant at Hendrix street, in order to help keep Jamaica Bay clean. He also fought to have main gas lines extended to cover more streets in Canarsie and the act of oiling the streets which helped to preserve the newly paved shore roads.
In 1915, Fullerton became Memorial League secretary in the community effort to establish a Civil War memorial. During the depression of 1920's he did pro-bono work for fellow residents during times of hardship. In 1923, he was part of a committee which intended to establish a memorial park dedicated to Dr. Curtis Estabrook. The park was to be located from Fresh Creek to the bay. In 1927 Fullerton worked to raise funds for flood sufferers alongside Paul Goetz at an event at the Arcadia Inn. In 1931, as Canarsie Democratic Leader, he pushed the city to have Canarsies first public library built. In his support of community baseball, through the Board of Trade and Chamber of Commerce, in 1933, he was able to secure a visit from Baseball Hall of Famer: Babe Ruth.
By 1937 he established his second Funeral home on Merrick Road in Baldwin Long Island.
He lived at 9718 Flatlands Avenue and passed away in December of 1947 at the age of 76. The Canarsie Fullerton Funeral home location was sold in 1968, while the Baldwin location is still in operation today. Daniel J. Fullerton established his roots in a community and worked hard to improve and build a close relationship with that same community, a feat so few do today.
