Hildebrandt’s column evokes memories

The Island Now

It was with no small interest and a great deal of nostalgia that I read Dr. Ferraro’s piece and Marion Tucker’s letter regarding Hildebrandt’s. 

As you may have surmised from looking at the signature on this letter I am somewhat related to H(enry) Schriever. He was my father and much to my joy (as a child and teen, especially) and to his five grandchildren’s delight he was for more than 50 years Hildebrandt’s ice cream and candy maker. 

I well remember the penny candy bags (having filled a few myself) and the happy faces that came to the side window to purchase the surprises. Having worked there as well (through high school and college during vacations) I especially recall Sunday afternoons/early evening when beach-goers would be sure to return via Hillside Avenue to stop at Hildebrandt’s before getting home. 

It was usually mayhem on those days. But it was utter chaos when after the Fourth of July parade Henry Hildebrandt invited the high school bands to whatever they wished – on the house! Bananas were flying and malted milk machines smoking. 

At one point Mr. Hildebrandt mused about putting us all on rollerskates. 

It was a fun time for all. Thank you for bringing it up  to your readers.

  

Henry R. Schriever

Share this Article