Editor’s Note: On Saturday, August 5, 2023, East 92nd Street and Flatlands Avenue was co-named Charles Rogers Way. The late Charles Rogers was the Managing Editor of the Canarsie Courier for over 30 years. The following is a speech made by Canarsie Historical Society Co-President Ira Kluger at the co-naming ceremony.
Ladies and Gentlemen:
Good afternoon.
I can’t recall precisely when I first met Chuck. It seemed to me as if I had known him forever. I could relate many anecdotes about my friendship and my working relationship with Chuck. However, I have been asked to keep my presentation relatively short.
Thus, in lieu of speaking about my relationship with Chuck, I would like to touch on the many reasons why this site is particularly appropriate for the placement of the sign designating this block Charles Rogers Way. The site is in close proximity to both 9203 Flatlands Avenue, which served as the Canarsie Courier’s headquarters in the 1930s, and to the former Guardian National Bank building at 9201 Flatlands Avenue, which the Courier occupied from 1966 to 1976. Moreover, 1226 East 92nd Street, the residence of Lester J. Stillwell, who was one of the founders of the Courier, stands approximately one-half block south of this site.
However, to me, the most significant aspect of this site lies in the fact that it stands diagonally opposite a sign proclaiming the adjacent block John F. Denton Way. For those of you who did not know John Denton, he, a historian of some renown, authored a weekly column entitled “Little Old Canarsie,” which was published in the Courier. Because of this, Chuck and John enjoyed both a productive working relationship and a solid friendship. The two men had tremendous respect for one another, and I would like to believe that they are looking down upon this ceremony, and that both of them are honored by the proximity of the signs bearing their respective names.
Thank you.
Ira Kluger
Co-President
Canarsie Historical Society
Photo by Brenda Cox