Lost Boys of the Bronx: The Oral History of the Ducky Boys Gang

By James Hannon

Richard Price, Academy Award nominated screenwriter and mainstream author of The Wanderers says,
"I read through [Lost Boys of the Bronx] in one sitting - It was GREAT!"

Straight from the streets of the mid-1960s Bronx comes a book about one of the borough's most feared gangs - The Ducky Boys. While their unusual name alone might contradict their reputation, in the Norwood/Bainbridge section of the Bronx their appearances provoked an ominous dread. So much so, that when Richard Price needed inspiration for a terrifying gang in his novel (and later movie) The Wanderers, he knew exactly which gang to choose.

Lost Boys of the Bronx tells the story of the Ducky Boys in their own words. It is a story of how a few pre-teen kids in the Botanical Gardens turned into a gang of hundreds - and a gang so alarming that rumors of their arrival would shut down local schools.

This is also a study of the mostly Irish Bronx neighborhood in which the Ducky Boys were born, and where so many of the Ducky kids got caught up in the tumultuous times of the '60s where their fierce loyalty was the only thing that got them through.

This is not your typical gang book. It neither praises nor demonizes the gang for the things they did, but rather simply reports what happened - warts and all. You'll see the truth behind the Ducky Boys' gang - their lives, their loves, their pranks and crimes, and so much more.

To borrow from a particular product's slogan - with a name like the Ducky Boys, you knew they HAD to be tough.

• Language: English
• Publisher: AuthorHouse
• Release date: Aug 10, 2010
• ISBN: 9781452020563

James Hannon

Growing up in the Bronx during the 70s, author James Hannon never imagined hed be spending almost a decade of his adult life dressed up in costume, but sometimes life takes unexpected detours that somehow includes spandex and plastic armor. James has personally seen this hobby explode from a small niche of Star Wars costumers to the worldwide cosplay phenomenon of today. He has portrayed Stormtroopers, TIE Pilots, Gorilla Soldiers, Cylons, SuperVillains, and a professional-wrestler-turned-governor. James is also the author of 2010 book Lost Boys of the Bronx: The Oral History of the Ducky Boys Gang, and is the director of the 2004 documentary Out of Our Dens: The Richard and the Young Lions Story. He currently resides in New Jersey with his wife Jackie who thankfully also costumes, and his cat Buster, who just isnt surprised at anything that goes on at the Hannon house anymore.

Book preview

Contents

Acknowledgments

Cast of Characters - Ducky Boys

Cast of Characters – Non-Ducky Boys

Foreword

Introduction

Chapter 01

The Bronx

Chapter 02

Ducky Neighborhoods

Chapter 03

Ducky Origins

Chapter 04

Ducky Initiations

Chapter 05

Ducky Gear

Chapter 06

Ducky Reputation

Chapter 07

Ducky Friendship and Loyalty

Chapter 08

Ducky Fights

Chapter 09

Ducky Pranks

Chapter 10

The Great Train Robbery

Chapter 11

Bond Bread Robbery

Chapter 12

Honigs Parkway Robbery

Chapter 13

Ducky Boys vs. the Law

Chapter 14

Perverts in the Park

Chapter 15

Alcohol and Drugs

Chapter 16

Ducky Mortality

Chapter 17

Ducky Endings

Chapter 18

Post-Ducky

Chapter 19

The Ducky Legacy

Appendix A

Appendix B

Appendix C

Appendix D

Appendix E

Appendix F

About the Author

Acknowledgments

This book would never have become a reality if it weren’t for quite a few people whom I would like to publicly thank here.

First and foremost, I would like to thank Ducky Girls Geri Gertler-Norcross and Carolyn Vetter-Cosentino. Without their help, this book would never have gotten off the ground. Not only were they open and honest with their own stories, but they were always there to answer questions and provide a check on the validity of other stories I had heard. They were two of my greatest supporters and really tried to get the anonymous Ducky to come out of the shadows to talk to me.

Second on the list of people to thank is Ducky Boy Kevin Byrne. Kevin was the younger brother of Jimmy and Frankie Byrne, two Ducky Boy legends who were taken way before their time. Kevin was very open and forthright about the gang, including talking about things that might’ve been painful to discuss. He has been a great supporter of this project, and was able to convince quite a few Ducky Boys to talk to me. Kevin’s family and mine lived 300 feet away from each other in the Bronx, but we never met until this Ducky project was underway. Since meeting, we have become great friends.

There have been so many Bronx and Ducky people who were very helpful and kind to me during the course of this project, and they all have my undying gratitude. I could go on for many pages thanking these people, but since they are listed in the Cast of Characters section coming up, I won’t list them again here. That doesn’t diminish any of the appreciation that I hold for them and their Ducky stories. Their insights from forty-plus years ago were priceless, and helped piece together the full story of the Ducky Boys.

I would especially like to thank all the folks who appeared on camera when this project was still going to be a documentary film. If this book is well received (hint, hint), the film version could still see the light of day. For those of you who didn’t appear on camera, but still helped me, I understand the reasons why, and really appreciate that you were willing to offer assistance. As to those who didn’t want anything to do with this project, all I can say is that you had a huge window to have your voice heard, but declined.

Outside of the people who make appearances throughout the book, there are quite a few people who helped make this book happen, and I would like to thank them for their help:

A big thank you goes out to Geri Gertler-Norcross, Carolyn Vetter-Cosentino, Kevin Byrne, Jan B., Joe F, Allison Redding and William and Kenneth Palter for sharing their great pictures from the Bronx past.

My editor Jill Bailin, who tried her best to make sure this book was as good as it could be. She was very flexible with my schedule, and always turned things around quickly. If you need an editor, I recommend you get in touch with her at [e-mail].

Steven Schindler, author of two of my favorite books: Sewer Balls and From the Block – which also happen to be set very close to the Ducky neighborhood in the Bronx. Steve has helped me to navigate the logistics of publishing, and he wrote the foreword to this book.

Gordon G. G. Gebert and Bob McAdams, for allowing me to use an Ace Frehley/Ducky Boy related selection from their hilarious and insightful book KISS & Tell.

My sister Theresa Goyette and ex-brother-in-law Louie Guglielmo. As you can read in Appendix A, they were the ones who started everything in motion back in 1979 by introducing me to The Wanderers.

Steve Samtur, editor of "Back In THE BRONX" magazine. Steve inadvertently sent me down the path of doing a project on Bronx gangs by showing me a simple Fordham Baldies pawn piece in his Bronx chess set. (See Appendix A.) Steve has also been very helpful in putting me in touch with neighborhood experts on the local gangs.

Kathy Keaney-Springman, a friend from Our Lady of Refuge grammar school, who, thanks to Facebook, magically appeared when my creative energy for this project was at an all-time low. In trying to help me rewrite the filmed material into something interesting for the screen, she made me realize that film was just the wrong medium. After that realization, everything just fell into place, and I never looked back. Kathy is also a talented writer and proofreader.

James Giunta, for filling in at the last moment and going on the first interview up in Bronx Park and Botanical Gardens. Even though he almost lost one of his boys on the barbed-wire fence (see Appendix B), he really came through for me and saved the day.

Artists Dwayne Dentz and Orlando Rodriguez. Between the two of them, I was able to put on paper the visual of a concept that only existed in my head. Dwayne provided the maps of Norwood and the Ducky Territory, while Orlando provided some of the Ducky story illustrations throughout.

My perpetual camera-guy Leon Leybs, who works with me on my video projects (especially Out of Our Dens – The Richard and the Young Lions Story) and helped me interview many of the people featured here.

Larry Kirwan, frontman of the Irish-American rock band Black 47 (that we Bronx-Irish claim as our own). Larry is an accomplished author, playwright, radio host, and lots more. He gave me a LOT of great support and advice, and was even willing to let me use Black 47 songs for my soundtrack when this was still a film project.

Pat St. John, one of the greatest disc jockeys ever, and an even better friend. Pat was the narrator for my previous documentary, and was willing to go through it all again for this one when it was still a film. Pat’s honest critique on my first draft of Out of Our Dens – The Richard and the Young Lions Story, was a hard pill to swallow, but his subsequent advice on how to fix it was the best thing anyone could have said to me. His advice still helps me on every project I work on.

If you ever find the need to take aerial photos in the New York/New Jersey area, I heartily recommend John DeGroot of Century Flight Academy. Not only will he work with you ahead of time to get the proper airspace clearances, but he can offer suggestions and tips on how to get the best aerial pictures.

Legs McNeil, who has no idea who I am, but wrote the book Please Kill Me: The Uncensored Oral History of Punk. Not only is it a great book content-wise, but the book’s format showed me a different way to write this story.

I would also like to thank my best friend Jeff Hornlien, who was there for me on those days I had artistic meltdowns. Jeff is the lead singer, songwriter, and guitarist of the great band "The RiffSurfers," and definitely understands the emotional aspect of the creative process. He knew exactly what to say during some rough days.

And finally, I would like to thank my beautiful wife Jacqueline Hannon for everything. I could go on for pages being sappy and lovey-dovey about my feelings for her, but let’s face it, nobody wants that. Let’s just say she is the greatest thing that ever happened to me, and I am so thankful for her.

There have been so many people over the years who helped me out, and I truly apologize if I inadvertently left you off this list. It wasn’t on purpose.

00_00_Acknowledge_bw.jpg

Some people who helped make this book a reality.

Top Row: Allison Redding; Larry Kirwan; Jeff Hornlien; my beautiful wife Jacqueline Hannon (with me)

2nd Row: Steven Schindler; Leon Leybs;

Gordon G. G. Gebert; Steve Samtur

3rd Row: Jill Bailin; Dwayne Dentz; John DeGroot; Pat St. John

Bottom Row: Kathy Keaney-Springman; Orlando Rodriguez; James Giunta; Louis Guglielmo, me, and my sister, Theresa Goyette

All photos are from the author’s personal collection except photos of Allison Redding, Steven Schindler, Gordon G.G. Gebert, Steven Samtur, Jill Bailin and Kathy Keaney-Springman, which were provided by the named individuals themselves.

Cast of Characters - Ducky Boys

Jan B

Dated Jack the Kool Kat, and was known for being completely into the peace and love movement – so much so that Jan was the official jewelry-holder when the Ducky Girls got into fights. She was also was one of those responsible for the four-decades-old graffiti that was found in the Ducky Tunnels. (See Appendix B.)

Kevin Byrne

Younger brother of original Ducky Boy legends Jimmy and Frankie Byrne (both deceased). Kevin was privy to the stories of his older brothers who had been around from the very beginning, and was usually hanging around them when things went down in the park. Until recently, Kevin had been a lifelong Bronx resident, and was instrumental in providing information on what happened to the neighborhood and its people after the Ducky faded away.

Carolyn Vetter-Cosentino

Originally from Woodlawn, Carolyn got into the Ducky Boys through her first love, prankster legend Paddy Schwinn. Carolyn quickly became one of the core Ducky Girls, taking part in many of their fights and hijinks. Currently, Carolyn is one of the most public Ducky Boys members, who acknowledges her Ducky roots in many Bronx forums, and shows that you can have a productive life and career and still not be ashamed of where you came from – even if you were in a gang that had a bad reputation.

Phyllis Carpenella-Germano

Along with Geri, Phyllis was co-leader of the Ducky Girls. Phyllis was one of the tiniest Ducky Girls, but also widely known as one of the toughest members in the gang. She was always the first to jump into a fight – regardless of the size or gender of her opponent. In May 2006, as she was approaching her sixtieth birthday, I interviewed Phyllis on location Down the Ducky. During the interview she walked into a dark tunnel in the middle of nowhere just to show kindness to a homeless guy. And later she scaled a barbed-wire fence to send a middle finger to the Botanical Gardens for putting it there. This woman has no fear whatsoever!

Lenny Lim

One of the leaders of the Ducky Boys, which was odd being that Lenny was of Chinese-Irish descent in a gang that was known for being predominantly Irish. Lenny’s first love was Geri, and the two of them were one of the Ducky power couples. Lenny was known for his strong anti-(hard-) drug stance, and regularly berated his Ducky friends if he caught them sniffing glue or doing any of the more destructive drugs. Along with Phyllis, the almost-sixty-year-old Lenny also scaled that barbed-wire fence during our May 2006 interview.

Mousey

A member of the younger group of original Ducky Boys. Mousey did not want to be publicly associated with this project, but was kind enough to talk to me and fill in the gaps of some of the stories.

Geri Gertler-Norcross

Along with Phyllis, Geri was co-leader of the Ducky Girls. She got into the Ducky Boys because she was trying to meet Lenny Lim, who would become her first love. They quickly became one of the major power couples in the gang. Geri was always ready to jump into a fight, yet was always there to help her friends when needed. Geri is the main reason that the book picked up any legs in the beginning, as she was tireless in providing information or convincing her Ducky friends to talk to me.

Parky

Belonged to the older group of original Ducky Boys. Parky did not want to be publicly associated with this project, but was willing to help fill in the gaps of stories.

Bob Rocky Rockwell

Rocky originally hung out on the other side of the park with the Wanderers, Allerton Avenue, and Parkside gangs, but made his way over to the Ducky Boys side during a fight against another gang. He then decided to stay on with the Ducky Boys. Rocky was a huge source of information about the rival gangs from the other side of the park.

Thomas Treacy

One of the older group of Ducky Boys. Tommy, also known as Peewee, was around during the early days of the Ducky origins, but left shortly afterward to start making money in the real world. Tommy’s father worked at the Botanical Gardens, which allowed Tommy some inside information, as well as the keys to the trolley during the Great Train Robbery.

00_00a_DuckyCast.jpg

Ducky Boys - Cast of Characters

Clockwise from top left: Jan B; Kevin Byrne; Geri Gertler-Norcross and Lenny Lim; the 2006 Ducky reunion at the Balcony; Bob Rockwell, a.k.a. Rocky; Tommy Treacy, a.k.a. Peewee; Carolyn Vetter-Cosentino; Phyllis Carpenella-Germano (center).

All photos are from the author’s personal collection except:

photos of Jan B. and Phyllis Carpenella-Germano provided by Jan B.; photo of Kevin Byrne provided by Allison Redding; photo of Carolyn Vetter-Cosentino provided by Carolyn; photo of Geri Gertler-Norcross and Lenny Lim provided by Geri Gertler-Norcross.

Cast of Characters – Non-Ducky Boys

Lou Cubello and Kevin Harris

Best friends from childhood. Kevin and Lou lived on the Allerton Avenue side of Bronx Park, and used the park frequently. In doing so, they occasionally ran into, and became victims of, the Ducky Boys and their slingshots.

Ed Cunningham

Older brother of John Cunningham. Lived on East 199th Street and Briggs Avenue. Ed hung around the P.S. 46 schoolyard where some of the Ducky Boys were recruited. Ed was older than the Ducky Boys, but saw some of the original members hanging around before they went into the Ducky, or after they left the gang.

John Cunningham

Younger brother of Ed Cunningham. Lived on East 199th Street and Briggs Avenue, and was school friends with some of the gang, but was not a member of the Ducky Boys. John saw the Ducky Boys from an outsider’s perspective, and saw how his friends changed over the years, and became more distant due to the various vices going on in the Ducky. John and his non-Ducky friends ran into the Ducky Boys as they were fading away, and saw how the once-feared group became less so over time.

Joe F

Joe is the oldest brother of four of the Ducky Boys: Biff (deceased), Gene (deceased), Jerry, and Timmy F. Joe was very helpful early on in giving me background on his brothers, and his older-brother take on the Ducky Boys, but fell out of touch when he found that a few people from various Bronx message boards were using this project to verbally attack his family.

Mark Lesly

Mark is an actor who played one of the lead Ducky Boys in the movie The Wanderers. He was