Bonnie Kaufman Rothschild's Comments

Hi Bonnie - as I was just a couple years younger than you and looking up, yes - I do remember your name. And I remember those Glee Club productions you were in! Were you Eliza Doolittle? That performance - and that voice - is still etched in my gray matter.

But I lived across 141 St., on that last, small block of garden apt's by Vleigh Place - right across from the Duckmans, if you recall them (was there really a Donald Duckman, or did I make that up in memory?). I moved across the street from my folks, to your block, after I married and graduated in 1970.

I do recall leading crab-apple and bean wars against your block when I was eight, and exploring your basements. You really did have the best brickworks on your block - I recall a well with a low wall of artfully open brick lattice over by 78th. And your archways were truly grand. I think we called those openings "portholes", because they were round. We didn't have any archways on our block, so we played on yours - and made snowforts by them in the winter - and dared each other to walk across their tops. They were something of an architectural extravagance, actually. I don't know that I've seen their like elsewhere.

Do you remember the "beanbag" trees on our block? They had seedpods shaped like Chinese lanterns, with anywhere from 3 to 10 beans inside - which we'd throw at each other (and you guys from across the street). They were great climbing trees and quite ornamental, set in the center of 15(?) foot circles of paving stone before the two inside corner apartments on 77th Ave. I've never seen those anywhere else, either.

We really did grow up in a special place, and PS 164 was at the heart of it. I'm not surprised so many of us were drawn back to this website. Sure never thought I'd ever get to speak with Bonnie Kaufman!

Thanks for getting in touch. ;-)

I do remember Joel and Marc,from PS 164, but I don't know where they are or what they're up to. I just got hooked into this website about six months ago, and it has been amazing to connect with some very old friends and neighbors. Sorry I can't help you.

Bonnie! I'm back briefly! I just read the first part of your profile! I'm not a good guesser. I never would have guessed you would become a psychiatrist and psychoanalyst. I am truly impressed!

Again, my very best,
Dottie

Hi Bonnie,

I can't believe it's really you! I have never, ever forgotten you! But you, clearly are the one with the superior memory for details! Of course I remember your crystal clear soprano voice. It was pitch perfect! And I remember sharing the role of Anna with you too! Although I had a very brief and modest career, I regret not having the fortitude and discipline to carry my music further. But enough of me for now! I remember that you were bound for Barnard. Apparently, you didn't stray far from there, as I noticed your email address on Janet's page. Are you by chance a professor of English Literature? Just guessing! Apparently you married ... a Rothchild, no less!! I married and divorced a very long time ago. You must know some of my story, as you accessed my page, so I won't repeat myself!! The Patrick Henry Speech was my very favorite document, although I would not be able to recite every word! If you would like, please keep in touch, although I don't write often, I will reply. Also, I've proposed a little reunion between you, Janet, and me and whoever else would be interested at some point in time, perhaps in NYC. I have no idea when that would be, but it would be wonderful to see you again. We certainly share some beautiful memories and similar perspectives about them. I, too, am eternally grateful and in awe of the education and life we had at PS 164. I hope to hear from you when you are able to write. My email address is dottiesings@aol.com. Until then, thank you so much for reconnecting with me.

The very best of regards to you and yours!
Dottie

Bonnie, By the way, weren't we in the early grades together -- something like 1st and 2nd grade?
Ron

Bonnie, Thank you for your comment. You mentioned President Obama. It is astonishing to think of the world as it was in the 1950s and comparing that with our world today: our president, first lady, and first family -- the representatives of our nation and state -- being black. How the world has changed, and for the better, at least in this respect.

I am amazed at how diverse our classmates from PS 164 have dispersed around the country, and how diverse our experiences have been. Quite amazing.

Regards,
Ron Alexander

Hi Bonnie--

It is so nice to hear from you -- wonderful really to connect after all these years. I remember our classes together very well and especially the Glee Club productions -- you had a beautiful voice! Yes, we did have some very unique experiences in elementary school and some excellent teachers. I remember your parents very well too and how warm and welcoming they were. I get to NYC at least once every other month for meetings so perhaps we can get together.

Yes - my sister is Alice. Actually she is in the vintage clothing business and has run into Michael a few times, since they are in similar businesses. Last I heard he was an antique dealer on Bleecker Street. However, that was a few years back.

Frances Bluh is no where to be found. I have tried a few times to locate her.

I do not know June Lillie.

I keep in touch with Dorothy Lerner and Paul Kaplan. I recently saw Carol Goldschmidt when I was visiting my son in California.

And, now that I"ve read about you - my husband is a psychiatrist - residency at Mount Sinai, but two years our senior.