“I think Central Park. [That’s not in Brooklyn.] Oh, then I think John Gotti. [He’s more associated with Queens than Brooklyn.] Oh, then I guess I think of the Statue of Liberty. But I do have a positive impression of Brooklyn.”
Lorraine Willett
“Lots of people, busy. I think my impression is negative. I just picture all of you people living in small quarters.”
Tammy Kriegel
“My first impression is that it’s large and overpopulated. Too fast, too busy. But you’re also known for your sports teams — like the Jets. [The Jets?]. Yes. See? I follow things.”
Louise Van Ersvelde
“It’s big, right? I have some relatives back there, but I couldn’t tell you where. I’ve never been to Brooklyn, but I imagine there are mountains of people and everyone is busy and running around.”
Craig Hall
“The town that the Dodgers deserted! That’s all I know.”
Ron Wood
“I think of confined spaces. I’m an Iowan, so I would have a hard time living all penned up in a heavily populated area like you people do.”
Rick McLain
“I’ve always heard that it’s the largest Brooklyn. I think of a big city with lots of people.”
Doris Manatt
“I call your Brooklyn ‘the other Brooklyn.’ New York City is a great city but Brooklyn, Iowa is a great town. I do think the people of Brooklyn, Iowa are friendlier — with one exception, of course.”
Philip Ryan
“I had some Army buddies from Brooklyn, so I think of the Army when I think of Brooklyn. I’ve never been back East.”
Duane Popenhagen
“When I was in the Navy, I went to New York for the World’s Fair [in 1964]. I saw the Mets play because Casey Stengel said, ‘Come out for the game and if you don’t like it, you can leave in the fifth inning and go to the World’s Fair.”
Jerry Dodd
“New York is about culture and people of all different ethnic groups. It’s not a negative thing, but I remember the culture shock of going to New York from Iowa. You can learn a lot from all those cultures.”
Patricia Heintz
