As Italian immigrants entered New York City in droves from the late 1800s to the early 1900s, primarily through Ellis Island, Gowanus and the surrounding neighborhoods of Carroll Gardens and Red Hook became Italian enclaves. Remnants of this Italian-American heritage are seen today, in the myriad Italian restaurants, bakeries, butcher shops, and grocers in Carroll Gardens, and in Gowanus at places like Glory Social Club.

Now Craftspring, this builiding at 287 3rd Ave was once home to an Italian salumeria, billing itself as a “Jersey Pork Store.” The term “pork store” is derived from the fact that many Italian cured meats are made from pork, and also to differentiate them from Jewish butcher shops and delis, who did not sell pork products. The best pigs were thought to be raised on farms in New Jersey, so many shops also advertised their source in their name.