June Robbins Klein
1970-1986
My dad bought 344-354 West Broadway and his business was the only US manufacturer of leaf springs for trucks, automotive repairs and a garage for trucks.
meeting my dad for lunch at mexican restaurant and going to the cupping restaurant across the street.
It was very dark at night.
My father sold the property in 1986 and then stock market recession so property sat empty with new owner. Now it is Amazon flagship store and work-live luxury loft condos. I am in the computer business and if I could have bought it, it was my dream to use it for exactly what it is today. The ceilings were about 20 feet and not a single pillar in the 400feet of frontage. I could secure a lot of equipment.
Your story about rescuing the statue is incorrect. I have to find the picture I have from New York Post of the actual statue with my dad, David Robbins. My dad housed the statue in his garage for years (taking up 3 truck spots for safety of statue) cause he was only one who had a ceiling high enough to house it.
I made a documentary for my dad's birthday and the whole family rented a van and we took pictures inside and outside of shop. The pit where they manufactured the springs is really interesting. We also toured Soho and lower east side. I also have original papers of when my dad bought the shop, bank mortgage and lots of other things related. I believe in honoring your past, living in the present, and welcoming the future. I think the documentary will warm your heart.