Meet The Boys

“The bond of our brotherhood has now endured for over 50 years - never to be broken. As they were then - and as they are today - they remain the closest and most loyal friends a boy could ever have. Our simple life growing up in Avondale was filled with many wonderful memories and exciting adventures - so much so - still in our older years when we all come together to see each other - we become those same little boys all over again - reliving all the amazing stories of our youth. In 1970 - as a young lad of 14 - I made a promise to Billy Lynn that I would someday write a book about our life. Now many years later - in honor of these great friends and our secret brotherhood - that promise is being fulfilled. The chapters have been chronicled and our stories are now being written. We hope everyone will enjoy reading them - as much as we enjoyed living them.”

— Danny

“Avondale was such a magical place to live and grow up as a kid. It was like growing up in Mayberry on the Andy Griffith Show - where you knew just about everyone who lived there and they knew you. Danny and I would become friends around the age of five - with our friendship now lasting over 60 years to this very day. We have shared so many fond memories from the neighborhood - from running around in the cow pasture for hours - or until dark - playing football games at Roberds Dairy - riding our bycycles - or hanging out at Andersons Corner Store - pitching pennies and drinking Mountain Dew. Eventually - I would get my first job when Mr. Owen hired me at the age of eleven as a delivery boy. During our summers - we all got wet in the sprinklers at the park - went swimming at Stricklands Island - or swam across the river to go exploring into the back forest of the Bonaventure Graveyard. The cemetery was big - beautiful - and scary and it became our playground - even after midnight. This is when the real magic started happening for us. The amazing stories we lived - are the stories I wish every child could experience. It was just - magical!”

— Billy Lynn

“I have often heard that "Blessed is the man which has a friend that stays closer than a brother." I was never fortunate enough to have a biological brother - but God blessed me with a best friend that always felt like a true brother to me - and that was Danny Kramer. We both were born the same year - lived across the street from each other - and have been the closest of friends since we were toddlers. Thanks to all the other boys who were so loyal and faithful and who became the "boys of the brotherhood." Thank you Danny for no longer keeping our stories a memory - but for putting them into words and bringing them to life. Through this book - we can now share with all our children - our grandchildren - as well as future generations to come. Love to all my brothers - the "Boys of Bonaventure."

— Dill “Pickle”

"The friendship we all have is like none other. We can still call on one another at anytime and for anything. I know the brotherhood and the friendship we shared kept me out of trouble - off of drugs and out of jail. Danny was always a role model who never drank or cursed - and I have gotten where I am today because of him - and of course - my older brother - Billy Lynn."

— Mickey

“Growing up in the neighborhood of Avondale was like living in Mayberry - but way better. I was one of the youngest boys in the brotherhood when the midnight adventures began. I can recall the innocence of those wonderful times with all the boys, including my older brother Dino - who was always looking out for his "little brother". Sadly - he is gone now - laid to rest in the very graveyard that we all loved and respected. His memory - as well as the memories of those wonderful years we all shared - will never be forgotten. Love to all those boys - now gentlemen - who I consider my brothers.”

— Dwayne

“Growing up across town on the south side, it meant a lot that I was welcomed into the well established “Brotherhood” with open arms. It definitely helped me to mature quicker and be braver in life and I will always cherish those moments!”

— Greg

“You don't know it at the time but you never forget your neighborhood friends!”

— Jesse

In Loving Memory…

  • Little Jay

    “Little Jay” was a true friend and was loved by all. Though he is gone now - his spirit will always live within us and his memory will always be treasured.

  • Dino

    Dino was our “Gentle Giant”. He stood tall and protected us all. His heart was just as big. Though he left us too early - he lives forever in our hearts.

THE BROTHERHOOD LIVES ON

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