By Mary Ann Kedron

Of all the businesses in the old Black Rock neighborhood there were none as loved as the Black Rock bakeries.  For a small community we certainly had more than our share and each one produced baked goods that were more delicious than the next, the time frame I will reference is 1960- 1980 or thereabout.

I know I will miss something so feel free to send an email or a note to help correct any errors of omission.  I am sure we could start a Facebook war over who had the best donuts, paczki, if you lived in Black Rock, donuts to everyone else. My vote goes to Kowalkowski’s Amherst bakery located on Amherst St. at Bush they were also known for their cookies.

There was Lesniak’s Bakery (Star) on Grote and Howell. All of these bakeries had fresh bread and specialized in rye bread with caraway seeds or without. Rolls sometimes still warm were rushed home to be eaten with butter.

Krasinski’s bakery at 408 Amherst was known for their cupcakes.  Every birthday was celebrated with those glorious cupcakes. Every holiday or event celebrated with a special cake.

Glegota’s Black Rock Bakery on Reservation, hidden in the middle of the street was a destination for kruschiki (angel wings to everyone else). Their butter buns were something I have never seen replicated and well worth the walk of ride to get some.  In the neighborhood it was not unusual to walk to the bakery. It was simply something everyone did. We were all much less vehicle dependent with so many local stores available.  

Apple cakes, and poppy seed cakes, almond rings abounded. Raspberry filled jelly donuts and peanut sticks were staples.  Each of the bakers was a master in his own right. They worked hard and long days or more appropriately nights as the bakeries opened early to catch those going to work and to be sure they would supply the restaurants in a timely manner.

There was Komassara’s bakery on Hertel near St. Florians.   I must admit I do not remember this name but was given it by a reliable source.  I remember this bakery as Heidi’s Bakery when Charlie Heidi took it over.  They served the West Hertel community for years with all the baked goods your heart could desire.

Pietrzak’s bakery on Amherst St. and the Bakery at Military and Grant round out the group.  We are thrilled to see a Syrian baker in our midst today. Opening yet another bakery on Amherst St.  I wonder if we can teach him to make paczki.