the Q at Parkside: PLG Beauty Parlor Capitol; Ugliness Thing of Past

The Q at Parkside

(for those for whom the Parkside Q is their hometrain)

News and Nonsense from the Brooklyn neighborhood of Lefferts and environs, or more specifically a neighborhood once known as Melrose Park. Sometimes called Lefferts Gardens. Or Prospect-Lefferts Gardens. Or PLG. Or North Flatbush. Or Caledonia (west of Ocean). Or West Pigtown. Across From Park Slope. Under Crown Heights. Near Drummer's Grove. The Side of the Park With the McDonalds. Jackie Robinson Town. Home of Lefferts Manor. West Wingate. Near Kings County Hospital. Or if you're coming from the airport in taxi, maybe just Flatbush is best.

Saturday, August 21, 2010

PLG Beauty Parlor Capitol; Ugliness Thing of Past

From Empire to Caton, I've heard counts of 50 - 100 beauty parlors. And most of them are packed. Laughing, music, comradery, the occasional temper flare-up. It's all here on or just off Flatbush. For you newcomers, the African/Dominican/Caribbean-American/Indian beauty joints might seem odd. But they're as American as apple pie around these parts. It ain't like this in the suburbs - our well-tended-lawn brethren WISH they had a place like this to hang with pals. I mean, there's Starbucks, but do people really gab and laugh at the top of their lungs over mocha lattes?

Here's my photo essay, from Empire to Parkside, on the west side ONLY!!!