Oral History Project
From Dumbo to your ears
In 2016, in honor of the 10th anniversary of the founding of the Dumbo Business Improvement District, we embarked on a project to record the history of Dumbo. We interviewed 32 Dumbonians about how they shaped the neighborhood–and how it shaped them.
Listen to these stories here:
Featuring:
BRUCE SILVERGLADE
Owner, Gleason’s Gym
Since 1983, Bruce and his world-famous Gleason’s Gym team have been training Olympians, movie stars, and locals in the art of boxing.
CARA LEE SPERRY
Co-founder, Superfine
Cara Lee Sperry moved to Dumbo as a part of a wave of artists in the 90’s and put down roots as one of the co-founders of neighborhood favorite, Superfine.
DAVID AND JANE WALENTAS & JANE’S CAROUSEL
Founders, Two Trees Management & Jane’s Carousel
In the early 1980’s, David Walentas bought 12 buildings in a vacant industrial district called Dumbo, starting the area on its road to major NYC destination. Jane Walentas added her own piece to the neighborhood: restoring an antique carousel still operating on the waterfront, Jane’s Carousel.
LARRY LEONARDI
Co-owner, Front Street Pizza
Larry Leonardi worked his way from delivery boy to owner of his family’s famous pizzeria, Front Street Pizza, a Dumbo staple since the 80’s.
SUSAN FELDMAN
Founder & Artistic Director, St. Ann’s Warehouse
Susan Feldmen brought the St. Ann’s Warehouse theater company from their namesake location to DUMBO in 2000, creating instant classics like Martin Scorsese’s “The Blues” and Broadway-transfer Oklahoma.
JAN BELL
Founder, Brooklyn Americana Music Festival
Resident Jan Bell has been the driving force behind DUMBO’s music scene since the Urban Cowgirl Cabaret of the 90’s, bringing the sounds of Americana to the stages and streets of Dumbo.
JOSH WISE & ETSY
Former Global Director of Workplace Ecology and Design, Etsy
Longtime DUMBO fan Josh Wise and e-commerce giant Etsy ushered in the era of tech in Dumbo.
TANYA RYND
Co-founder, Superfine
Tanya Rynd first visited Dumbo on an errand in the 90’s and hasn’t left since, bringing food, drinks, music, and more to neighborhood favorite, Superfine.
REGINA MYER
President (2007-2016), Brooklyn Bridge Park Conservancy
Regina Myer is responsible for the beautiful, fun and diverse park that crowns the Dumbo waterfront, transforming it from empty shoreline to community highlight.
HERVÈ POUSSOT
Chef & Owner, Almondine Bakery
Chef Hervè founded Almondine in the early 2000’s on historic Water Street, across from longtime friend and chocolate purveyor Jacques Torres!