1982 – The Sheridan Trio – Making it Work

My family was living in a small walk-up apartment on the second floor of a house at 4120 Bedford Avenue (between Avenues U and T). Dad was working nights at the New York Daily News. His job was to make sure the printing machines kept operating smoothly all through the night. He was in the position of “top boy”, which meant he could get a lot of work with good pay. If he was promoted to junior pressman, then he’d earn higher hourly pay, but be offered less work (until he was eventually promoted to senior pressman). So, he was in no hurry to be promoted as he was in a good position to work and earn money. Mom was not working as she was a full-time mom. 

Daily life was simple. Mom would take me for walks to nearby shops along Avenue U. I loved the appealing smell of a wide-open pizza shop with pictures advertising colorful Italian ices. Other places piqued my curiosity too such as video rental shops and newsstands. What are those places?? Mom would often take me in the carriage to walk to Nana and Bampa’s at 1960 East 33^rd Street (between Avenues S and Fillmore).

Due to some interesting twists of fate, my maternal grandmother Elsa Matilda Gjelsvik, whom I always called “Nana”, lived with a kind and gentle man a bit older than her. Johan Andreassen (Mom’s “Uncle John”) was his name and I called him “Bampa”[1]. After Uncle John’s wife, Aunt Sue, passed away, the male neighbors on the block came to give their blessings and recommendation that he live with Elsa, the cousin of his wife, so that they could take care of each other. I spent many days visiting Nana and Bampa’s house[2]. 

One day I was in Nana’s kitchen sitting, dressed in warm clothes a bit dirtied after eating, on the linoleum floor by the small toy closet. The closets and drawers were painted pumpkin orange. The corner of this kitchen storage space was a small toy closet perhaps the height of two drawers. Exploring this toy closet was an exercise in imagination. What will I find today? Will it be different than last time? Oh, no. It seems like all the same stuff. But maybe if I dig a little deeper? One could find animal dolls, odds and ends, vehicles, repurposed items like a scrub brush turned magic wand, Fisher Price (or similar) games with attractive big buttons to push and twist as they made enjoyable clickety sounds. And one might also find the fascinating big-piece jigsaw puzzles, although maybe not since they were also kept in a space beneath the living room coffee table.

Mom and Dad were not getting along very well. I didn’t know what was happening but sometimes I didn’t like it when Dad was around. They had topsy turvy daily schedules. As Mom was a stay-at-home mom, she woke early and went to bed early. Dad worked the night shift, so this had him coming home from work around the time Mom was starting her day. Even when they shared meals together the meals were not enjoyed with the same significance for each of them. Mom would be preparing for a full day ahead and Dad would be getting ready for bed. While Dad fully supported our family financially, Mom felt somewhat alone in her raising of me as her day to day was largely managed by her without Dad’s presence to support.

Dad (John Brian Sheridan) was an Irish American kid raised Catholic, He came from a low-income working-class family sharing limited space in one or two apartments on Dean Street in downtown Brooklyn. The eldest of five siblings he sometimes felt the responsibilities and expectations that came with that role. His parents’ relationship was rocky as was his relationship with his father (John Francis Sheridan), a former military man, local bartender, and drinker. Dad longed for autonomy and to have possessions of his own and fought his way through life to get them. His Brooklyn was tough, and racism was part of daily life, especially between whites and Puerto Ricans. Whether racial or not, turf conflict was present and could put young men at violent odds sometimes. Part of Dad’s personality was as a bully or tough guy. One time he got into a street fight and dared his opponent to hit him with the glass bottle the guy was holding up as a weapon, and the guy cracked it over Dad’s forehead.

Dad tended to spend his money however he liked, understandably. He spent a lot of his hard-earned money on growing his huge book and comic book collection. For various reasons, he was escapist by nature. He sometimes gambled, in part related to his downtown Brooklyn nightshift lifestyle and the types he hung around. He smoked pot regularly in addition to his more culturally acceptable pipe smoking. While good-natured, Dad had a reputation for being loud and argumentative. Having struggled with body weight throughout his life, in frustration he turned to diet pills for a period. These diet pills played with his mood and must have made him extra difficult to get along with. 

Mom (Linda Margaret Gjelsvik) was a Norwegian-American girl raised Lutheran. She came from a middle-class background in which she was the only child. She had no memory of her biological father as he left the family when she was an infant. However, she was essentially raised by three wonderful parents – her mother Elsa, Uncle John, and his wife Aunt Sue. Elsa and Sue were cousins both with origins in Norway. Since Uncle John and Aunt Sue had no children between the two of them, they were happy to help with the raising of Elsa’s daughter Linda. So, it can be said (and has been teasingly suggested by Mom’s closest friends and relatives) that she was a spoiled child[3]. Unlike Dad, it could be said that Mom grew up wanting for nothing. She did not have the life experience of having to fight for what she had. Whatever she desired seemed to be accessible to her. So, from Dad’s perspective as the breadwinner of the family, Mom may have been difficult to harmonize with for him. For example, Mom had a strong desire to have a house of her own (a huge expense), whereas Dad would have been content living in an apartment his whole life as that’s the only thing he ever knew.

The vibe between Linda and John was growing tense and distant. There were too many arguments and uncertain energies. Mom felt compelled to move out of the Bedford Avenue apartment. She really did not want to involve her mother (Nana) in her troubles, but she felt up against the wall. Nana supported us and allowed Mom and I to move into her basement apartment at 2058 East 34^th Street (between Avenues T and S). 

During a newspaper strike in March, the New York Daily News almost went out of business as the parent Tribune Company offered the tabloid up for sale. I wonder if Dad and his fellow workers felt any shakeup or worry about losing their livelihoods. Mom’s 28^th birthday fell on Monday April 5^th. Uncharacteristically, the next day the Northeastern US was hit with a blizzard leaving a blanket of 1-2 feet of snow. Schools and businesses were closed, traffic problems ensued, as well as the cancelling of several early season Major League Baseball games. About a week later was opening day at Shea Stadium in Flushing Meadows-Corona Park, Queens. The New York Mets beat the Philadelphia Phillies. I was a baseball kid. Even at the tender age of 1, Dad had me ready to go for spring training. I showed up at Nana’s house wearing my Yankees cap, a light jacket, red sweatpants, periwinkle sneakers and a broad smile. I knew where I was headed, the backyard! My left hand wore my little baseball mitt, and in my right, I held a baseball. I looked around and wondered. When do we start to play?

Though they had chosen to live separately Mom and Dad were working together to raise me and we would still go on day trips together as the Sheridan trio. Brooklyn Botanical Gardens was a favorite location for them to visit. On a clear day with blue skies Dad held me up by the branches of a cherry blossom tree. I loved when Dad would cheerfully and easily lift me up high to get closer to those tree branches which had felt so far away just a moment before. Look Mommy, I’m flying!

April 11^th was a mild and sunny Easter Sunday. Mom dressed me up in a dark blue flat cap and dress pants with a light blue dress jacket. Dressing nicely for Easter was appropriate behavior to show respect. We went to Grandma’s house at 1176 East 40^th Street (between Avenues K and J)[4]. On the front stoop, I posed for a photo with three older cousins, all of us dressed nicely and smiling. The house, painted periwinkle grey-blue against a white trim, felt kind of sad. There was paint chipping here and there. Soon, we enjoyed Easter dinner and holiday candies. Grandma basically never quite knew who exactly would be showing up and so tried to stretch what money she did have as far as it would go. Her dinner likely included a big turkey, creamed corn, mashed potatoes, apple cider, soda, and more. 

If Nana’s house was a gentle merry-go-round, Grandma’s house was a roller coaster. At Grandma’s there were lots of people coming and going, it seemed the dining room and kitchen were bright, but the living room and stairwell felt dark and gloomy. Amidst the friendly and raucous banter there might be the occasional hollering between people. I preferred the calmness of Nana’s house.

We also spent 4^th of July at Grandma’s. There were various aunts, uncles, and cousins coming and going plus the ruckus from the other kids and adults on the block. The firecrackers were alarming and felt dangerous. Mom did not like them at all, and the day made her uneasy. I wasn’t sure how to feel but I didn’t mind when we left before night time fireworks.

The summer brought other Sheridan trio day trips. We went to Westbury Garden, Long Island on a sunny day. In my sailor cap and light summer attire I stood alone on a wide paved path splashed with shadows of trees surrounded by pigeons. Dad came and crouched near me with his arms outstretched as if greeting the birds. Birds and people. Hmm . . . I wonder what the difference is? On another warm sunny day, we went to Manhattan Beach. We walked along a path enlivened by blooming red flowers towards the water. Dad held me on his lap as he sat on low stone wall. The ocean lay behind us dotted with sailboats and a jet ski. Breezy Point could be seen across the channel. Wow, look at all the blue water. I hope I don’t fall in! Dad wore blue jeans and a light blue-collar shirt, his work clothes. Since he worked at night, he could sometimes squeeze in activities beforehand during the day. 

I loved to play in Nana’s backyard. From the kitchen door there was a small, elevated porch with stairs leading down to the yard. Nearly half of the backyard was concrete. The other half being comprised of grass and dirt patches with plants including two large trees. Some of the plants included flowers, rhubarb, and a raspberry bush. There were two concrete tables on either side of the middle of the yard where grownups could place their coffee cups and ash trays, and where I could play with wooden blocks and other items. Somewhere in the center of the grass patch was a mysterious clothes-drying pole with various arms emanating out like some strange thin-armed ghost monster. 

I would enjoyably pass hours there alone with my big wheel, action figures, baseball gear, hand shovel, and bucket for digging in the dirt. Sometimes friends or other adults would drop by. Since his family lived a few doors down, Charlie Hertz would come by. He was less than a year old so we couldn’t play too much yet, but it was fun to have another little guy around who was younger than me. My other playmates were usually older.

The Galligan family lived right around the corner from Nana’s house on East 34^th Street (between Avenues S and Fillmore) so visits to their place would be routine. On one warm day when we visited, 2-year-old Mickey was not around, so it was just 3-year-old Jemma and I playing together. We had a fun time playing in the alleyway and by the front stoop. I think she liked my cooperative nature and maybe my fashion sense: I wore red shorts and a white tank top with red trim which featured a racecar on it with the word “SPEED” in big letters underneath. I also sported my small wrinkly Yankee baseball cap. Even though her dad was a Mets fan, she was still my friend.

On another sunny summer day we went with the Galligans on a trip to Long Island to visit the home of their cousins. We played in the spacious backyard: Jemma, Mickey, their cousin Ron, and me. I was the youngest by a year or two. They played on toy vehicles and tried to swing on a hanging tire. I was cautious and simply enjoyed walking around and lying on a beach chair even if I had to fight off others to maintain my space. 

Nana’s 56^th birthday was on September 13^th. We went to her house and were joined by Bampa’s pre-teen grandkids Derrick and Kelly. They were pleasant and I was happy when they were around. We gathered in the dining room where Nana was all smiles as they sang to her “Happy Birthday to you”. Then she blew out the candles and we all had a piece of chocolate cake. Yay! The following week, on the evening of Wednesday September 22^nd was the debut of the feel-good television sitcom, Family Ties. It, and shows like it gave me the sense that the world was under control and in good hands despite other less pleasant vibes that I may have encountered from day to day. 

Dad’s 32^nd birthday was September 30^th. Dad loved baseball and naturally paid attention to the World Series even if no New York teams were involved. And whatever he might have missed he would catch up on reading the New York Daily News. Paul Molitor of the Milwaukee Brewers set a World Series record getting 5 hits at 5 at-bats. On October 20^th, the St. Louis Cardinals won the World Series.

For Halloween, Mom made me a Spider-Man outfit. I happily dressed up as the web-slinging hero and went trick or treating in the vicinity with some friends who lived nearby. Before setting out, I stood for photos in full Spider-Man gear including a red hood. In my right hand, I carried an orange jack-o-lantern bucket to collect the candies I was told I would be receiving. For good measure I carried a Spidey action figure in my left hand. I was proud to show off my awesome costume. In the basement window behind me hung a single cardboard decoration: a scarecrow with a pumpkin, while next to me sat a large carved jack-o-lantern.

Our first stop on this Halloween adventure was to meet the Galligans at their house one block up. Mickey was dressed as Mickey Mouse. Jemma was Minnie Mouse. In their driveway sat their dad Mick’s big black van. We began trick or treating as we made our way around the corner to meet with baby Charlie Hertz, his mom, and uncle. Charlie was in his carriage dressed as Oscar the Grouch without his mask on. Along the way we parked ourselves on the small front stoop of Mrs. Maskell’s house. Mickey already started to eat his candy. The lawns were spotted with fallen leaves over green grass, flowers still in bloom here and there.

Our cast of Halloween trick or treaters visited Nana’s house. In the living room there was Bampa, hair combed back, greeting us kindly in his plain white short-sleeved shirt and brown dress pants. Eileen Galligan began inspecting her children’s candies for safety which she collected in one big plastic A&P bag. We all started to dive into some sweets. The living room was primarily Bampa’s area. As such the coffee table was covered with various newspapers and periodicals and on the TV was a boring grownup show. In the dining room sat my baby carriage which I no longer used, now filled with various stuffed animals and dolls. And under a large hanging mirror on the wall sat Bampa’s old radio-cassette player with which he listened to Norwegian radio programs on the weekend.

Thanksgiving, Dad’s favorite holiday, was at Grandma’s house. Dad’s philosophy regarding holidays was “Knock with your elbows”. This meant that you brought lots of cheerful items to the gathering such as sweets, treats, wine, food or otherwise. As usual there were lots of people there coming and going. Soda bottles and coffee could be found in the kitchen. There was discussion over who liked the white meat versus the dark meat of the turkey. Only a few dared to eat the bird’s neck. Grandma’s simple stuffing, creamed onions, and creamed corn were staples at the table. Mom and I went home early, but certainly the merriment continued into the wee hours in the Sheridan family tradition.

By December blonde-haired cartoon action hero He-Man had entered Dad’s beloved world of comic books when DC began publishing its three-issue Masters of the Universe mini-series. And, capitalizing on the huge success of the blockbuster film, Atari, Inc. released the video game E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial. Similarly Atari, Inc. also released Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back for the Atari 2600, the first Star Wars video game. 

Shortly before the actual holiday I was taken to visit Santa and sit on his lap and smile while some lady took a picture. I was slightly trepidatious, but basically excited. Santa’s throne was lined with a Christmas green garland spotted with red berries. In contrast to Santa Claus’ white and red color scheme, I wore a green sweater with maroon pants and shoes. A sign below informed that we were precisely “613,291 miles to North Pole”. Wonder what that means?

Walking into Nana’s house on Christmas Eve was a beautiful thing. The tall and wide Christmas tree greeted me with glowing lights, lots of sparkly decorations, and silver tinsel dripping from the branches. On top of the large TV-furniture-piece was the special Nativity set display. Here and there on tables and available shelves could be found other Christmas knick-knacks including a ceramic tree with colored glowing lights on the front windowsill. 

Sometime after dinner and traditional rice pudding, we got a very special visit. The grownups had been murmuring about it all evening.

“Maybe Santa Claus will drop by for a visit later, who knows?” mentioned an adult.

Santa Claus?? Coming here??

“Yes, you must listen for the sleighbells of his reindeer. They might land on the roof!” 

Suddenly while sitting in the living room, I thought I heard those precious bells. Could it be? Nana went to open the door. There was a merry noise, when in walked a very red and white Santa Claus with a big ol’ bag on his shoulder! I was so excited I could hardly contain myself. Santa sat in a chair next to where I was on the couch. Wow! I looked at him with a shy bright smile. He pulled out a present from his sack. 

“Ho, ho, ho! And this one is for (pause as he reads), John Henry! Ho, ho, ho!” 

The adults ushered me towards him and helped me to sit on his lap. Wow! I can’t believe it. A present right from Santa Claus himself!