ike most Carroll Gardeners, I have from time to time patronized Joe’s Superette and Frank’s Gourmet Deli, two delis that lie within a block of each other on Smith Street. Frank’s is just your conventional deli, with the usual selection of drinks and groceries. Joe’s is known for its sandwiches and peerless homemade prosciutto balls.

Little did I think that these two old world Carroll Gardens businesses had anything to do with each other. Then I was sent a link to a link to a Facebook page called Old School Carroll Gardens. Under a photo of Frank’s, I found an intriguing thread of comments from former neighborhood residents.