'Townies' Identify Tell Tale Signs of a Port Native

Have you ever told the story of playing in the sand pits? Do you think of crossing Northern Boulevard as a road trip? Do you think a beehive is a social gathering for middle schol kids? Still refer to the theater on Main Street as the Beacon?

If so, you probably grew up in Port Washington.

Our Facebook page, Patch asked readers to identify some tell tell signs of a person who grew up in Port Washington.

Here's some of the clever and informative responses from a few true 'townies': 

• What's a "Prom?" Where I grew up we called it a "Gambol."
• We can have conversations about which restaurant had the best pizza growing up, and everybody understands why that specific pizzeria was chosen. One had the best cheese, one had the best toppings, and one had the best dough. Some, like Scotto's (what "townies" will forever call it), had all three! Also, we remember what stores used to occupy newer stores on Main St, Port Blvd, and Shore Rd!
• They refer to stores as they used to be 30 years ago. ("Trunds" comes to mind!)
• They can recite from memory all the restaurants that occupied the "big white restaurant on the Mill Pond" which is currently Diwans.
• They think that a beehive is a social gathering for Jr. High aged kids.
• We know how to correctly pronounce North Bayles Ave!
• Landmark on Main will always and forever be "Main Street School."
• When you refer to the theater on Main Street as the "Beacon."
• They tell you stories of playing in the sand pits over where Harbor Links now is.
• They think crossing Northern Blvd. is a road trip!
• Remembering Port had a real sense of community and history. My father Giovanni Laurenti bowled several 300 games at Bay Bowl ... Miss hanging out there and bowling until we closed the place down.
• The Band Shell was a great gathering place. Played flute at many concerts and Marching bands in Memorial Day parades. That's how we brought the community together.
• Waiting for Mill Pond to freeze over to safely skate.
• You had an account at the Meadowbrook Bank, now Bank of America and knew that Irma Ave was named for Miss Bradley who worked there.
• Wears a ghost motorcycle tank!
• If the person was creative and artistic they took painting and etching classes from Aida Whedon, on Main Street, then Bayview, (and clay work with Dan at her home in Sandy Hollow).