With the welcomed arrival of warm weather, begins active exploration of City Island. This weekend once again visitors and islanders alike flocked to the midtown area on City Island Avenue. The subject in focus is The City Island Arts and Crafts Fair. This popular and regularly scheduled event is an opportunity for local shop owners, organizations and area-wide business men and women to sell their merchandise to tourists and locals alike.
Here John Schmidt, or "Captain Smitty" steps forward as the undisputed leader. The 92 year old proudly boasts that he runs the longest lasting business on City Island. Capt Smiity owns
Silver Arrow Antiques & Things. The retired cabinetmaker tells City Island Images that he once worked for CBS. There, you may purchase anything from antique clocks to watches. Time is truly on his side.
As you cn see for yourselves, he has a handsome visage, bright blue eyes, pleasant face, white hair and erect posture, Schmidt looks more like 72 years old, not 92. Schmidt owns and operates his store here and lives in Pelham Bay, but everyone on City Island knows and likes him.
When I asked him how business was doing, re replied "it's tough with 30 stores closed on City Island" Capt. Smitty then laughed and said " I am the luckiest man alive. I enjoy good health and I have great friends. What more do I need?
Fellow businessman Ron Terner, who has also been on the island for several decades and owns Focal Point Gallery says he admires Capt. Smiity. Turner, who is an accomplished artist, an excellent photographer and a great all around man told City Island Images that Capt Smitty is a devoted naturalist and considers Smitty to be a good old friend.
Silver Arrow Antiques & Things
275 City Island Avenue
Bronx, NY 10464
(718) 885-1598