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The Next Big Thing

Sunday, September 01, 2002
  • New York Labor Days

    The Next Big Thing is work. And not just any work, but work in professions that are fast disappearing. Meet Frank Sabatino, one of the last commercial fishermen in New York City, and Charlie Zimmerman, who makes his living up on the roof, constructing water towers. We’ve also got a cow bell maker, a bra saleswoman, a lighthouse keeper and more – all voices from our New York Works series, produced by Emily Botein and by Joe Richman of Radio Diaries.

Walter the Seltzer Man

Walter Backerman inherited the seltzer delivery route from his father, who inherited it from his father. He's one of just a handful left in the city. Come along for the ride and discover, bottle by bottle, why he's chosen to stay in the business.

Towering Heights

Wood water towers provide New York City's skyline with one of its most distinctive features, while also helping to keep thousands of New Yorkers clean and hydrated. Charlie Zimmerman works for one of the few remaining companies that replace these tanks when they wear out. He takes us on the roof to show how it’s done.

If the Brassiere Fits

When it comes to bra sales, Mrs. Selma Koch is old school. She'll size you up and provide the perfect fit. That's what she's been doing for the past 70 years at the Town Shop on the Upper West Side. We follow her in and out of the dressing room

He’ll Keep the Light on for You

With the wonders of automation, lighthouses no longer require full-time, on-site operators as they used to. But Frank Schubert has kind of settled into the job, and so he stays put - the last civilian lighthouse keeper in the United States. Here’s an audio tour of Frank’s watch.

Grinder

Pasquale Spensieri has no patience for plastic scissors, but you'll never find him complaining about dull knives. As a knife sharpener, he makes his living off them. Come along for a screeching tour of his route.

Bells and Hammers

Factory-made cowbells are easy to come by, but many Latin musicians don't like the dull "clonk" of a manufactured bell. Fortunately for them, there are still a few people making handcrafted cowbells for a living. One of them is Cali Rivera.

Kohlrabi in Queens

The Klein farm is the last family farm in New York City, and soon it may be cleared to make way for a housing development. John Klein reflects on life as a city farmer.