Letters from Our Readers:

In a message dated May 10, 2010, Barbara Schor writes to Matt Bashie

Hi Matt

I just found your articles on the Rockaway memories site (admittedly I'd been getting emails about the site for some time but hadn't looked into it). I also grew up in Wavecrest in the 50's. Anyway I will catch up on your articles when I get a chance but just wanted to comment that I thought it was incorrect to call Wavecrest a 'project'. Especially in the Rockaways 'project' connotes city housing. Wavecrest Gardens was not a city housing project. Just wanted to mention that. Thanks for writing your articles - I'm looking forward to reading them soon.

Barbara Schor

Matt Bashie's reply dated May 10, 2010

Hello, Barbara,

Thanks so much for taking the time to write -- great hearing from you!

This "project" reference is not the first I am hearing about this. You are not the first nor most probably will you be the last to comment on this.

In effect, you are correct. Wavecrest Gardens is not nor has it even been in the true sense of the word -- a "project." I have even discussed this with the Far Rockaway Fire Department and they have informed me that Wavecrest does not meet the criteria as can be labeled a "city project." However, I want to bring your attention to the original sales brochure as printed and distributed by the original management of Wavecrest Gardens in year 1951 -- you can access this document by clicking here.

See page #3 -- under #10 -- Day Camps -- you will find the original statement by Wavecrest builder (Rotocrest Corporation) stating the following:

"The management in an attempt to preserve the high character of the project..."

I understand that Wavecrest is not now nor has it ever been a project -- however, can we argue with the builders?? Of course the word "project" had other meanings back in 1951. Please be assured that I check my references quite carefully.

Thanks again for taking the time and effort to write to me.

Matthew Bashie

A note from the Webmaster:

In Chapter 16 of Matt Bashie's Autobiography, the word "project" was placed in quotation marks to indicate that the word "project" was not intended to imply the common meaning of the word as it now stands -- with regard to city-assigned apartment dwellings known as "projects."