Editor’s note: We’ve paired up a true story from Sara Jane Burman, an 80-year-old former resident of Greenpoint who grew up here, with local illustrator Aubrey Nolan.

Illustration by Aubrey Nolan
When I was a fourteen year old girl, I lived at 460 Graham Avenue, near what we used to called ” The Boulevard”. Now it is Meeker-Morgan.
Illustration by Aubrey Nolan
I loved to walk to the Greenpoint Public Library on Norman Avenue. I was another Francie Nolan, even before I read A Tree Grows in Brooklyn by Betty Smith. I spent hours in that magical place, and could not quite believe I could borrow those lovely books.
Illustration by Aubrey Nolan
I also liked to write.
Illustration by Aubrey Nolan
One day, I passed the Offices of the now defunct Greenpoint Weekly Star. We purchased it every week, and my mother liked to submit notices of school activities.
Illustration by Aubrey Nolan
She began when my tow headed twin brothers began First Grade in St. Cecilia’s School. There were three sets of twins who were in the First Grade, and Mom thought that was a newsworthy piece. So it was.
Illustration by Aubrey Nolan
I walked up to the Editor who was standing behind the front desk in their storefront office. My memory is hazy about what I said to him at first, but I remember clearly that he offered me a job writing for The Star. He told me I would be paid ten cents an inch for my writing.
I wrote a few pieces on local events. After I had submitted a few, the Editor asked if I would like to cover some evening meetings in Greenpoint. I knew my mother wouldn’t allow me to do this, so I politely declined, and offered my resignation. I asked for my salary. I was very surprised at how little it was.
Illustration by Aubrey Nolan
“You told me I would get ten cents an inch,” I complained.
“Yeah, Girlie. That’s right. Vertically, not horizontally!”

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  1. Thank you so much. I must say I have tears in my eyes. So grateful to you for sharing the story. My compliments to the Illustrator. Boy” Did she flatter me!

    Reply
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