Feb. 7th, 2022 Chris Kealey and his wife Debra Kealey who now live in St. Peters MO

As a gift for my birthday, my wife purchased Mike Smiths ‘My View from The Balcony’ memoir, including a ‘The Balcony’ sweatshirt and tee shirt. All very nice items available for purchase from The Balcony website. I so enjoyed this book! A page turner…hard to put down. A very personal story penned by Mike Smith revealing his 19 year journey, partnered with his brother Buzzy and friend Jimmy… all equal owners, together managing The Balcony, a head shop, from 1969 to 1988. The ups, downs and inevitable problems of trying to keep the partnership fun and profitable all revealed as if you were a ‘fly on the wall’. My wife and I grew up in Upper Darby and have many happy memories of all the places Mike ‘talks’ about in the book. If you lived in the area, it is like a walk back in time. No matter if familiar with the sights and sounds of Upper Darby’s ‘The Balcony’ or not…’My View from the Balcony’ is an entertaining, raw, realistic, gritty, straightforward bitter-sweet memoir recalling the trials and tribulations of three very young men, their business and their personal affairs. Chris Kealey

Phil Newcomer is with Mike Smith.

Jan 17th 2022 FACEBOOK posting——· Just finished reading my friend Mike Smith’s excellent memoir about his experiences as a founder and co-owner of a popular head shop in Upper Darby called The Balcony. (I especially loved reading about Mike’s encounters with Meatloaf and Bob Marley)…But here’s an interesting tidbit for my Montco friends: Shops like this faced crackdowns on sales of drug paraphernalia. Mike writes that, according to Cannabis News, a head shop named “Critters was permanently shut down and the owner was sentenced in Montgomery County Court to six to twelve months in prison … for selling pipes, rolling papers, urine-purifier kits and bongs. … The Montgomery County District Attorney’s Office wanted to make sure no one benefited from the trademark ‘Critters’ so today the Critters trademark belongs to Montgomery County. Not sure how the county could do that.”So here’s my question to all my friends and especially the Montco crowd: If Montgomery County, PA indeed owns the Critters trademark, what should we do with it? Best answers will be passed along to the powers that be! #montcopa#critters#myviewfromthebalcony

__________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Jan. 17^th, 2022 :  John LaBar

Hi Mike, I just finished reading your book. I loved every page. I’m a little bit younger than you. I graduated from Upper Darby High School in 1975. I went to The Balcony a lot back in the day. I didn’t have a lot of money then so I didn’t spend a lot there. I bought mostly papers and screens. I do remember buying a pipe and a black light poster of Satan rising up out of a pool of fire. I loved the original two stores on Terminal Square. I bought a shirt there once but mostly I would hang out in the head shop. I loved the smell of the incense and the music. I bought a patch that was an American flag hand in the shape of the peace sign. I had my mother sew it onto my denim jacket. One day I was waiting for the trolley in 69th Street and an older woman scolded me for disrespecting the flag. I only remember going to the new store on Market Street once. I loved the old store and thought the new store was too establishment. The only thing I remember buying there was a Canadian copy of Mott The Hoople’s Brain Capers. I still have it. I thought there could have been one more chapter at the end of the book. I have questions. Did you and Buzzy mend fences after the store closed? Did you and John ever mend fences? Is John still alive? Are Ginny and Claudia still alive? Are you still close with them? When did you and Claudia split up and you and Rick get together? I see you and I have a few Facebook friends in common. I do radon testing so I know a lot of realtors and home inspectors. I used to work for Liberty Inspections and Radon Testing Systems (RTS). Now I’m on my own. My business is called JSL Radon Testing. I’ve known Linda Smith for many years and work closely with Cainen Bedsaul. Judy Powers dated my brother Jeff many years ago. I’ve known Jim Mahoney for many years. I’ve done many radon tests for Jaimee Brosko-Smith. I went to junior high and high school with Andrew Wetzel and John Walton. I know Joe Smith a little too. I know most of the places mentioned in the book. I wondered if I’d see any people I knew. I knew Christine Brice and Steve Ostic from school. I haven’t seen either of them in years although I am Facebook friends with Christine. I jammed with Steve a few times. Anyway, sorry to go on and on. Just wanted to let you know how much I enjoyed your book. Thank you for writing it.

Enter

John

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Keith DeLuca

Keith DeLuca	Jan. 16th, 2022. 10:46 AM

Mike,
I just received your book and the Balcony T-Shirt after you and my brother Vincent DeLuca corrected my shipping address in Florida.  Vincent told me he contacted you and you sent another shirt and book to me.  This is how I remember you, as a good guy making sure the customer is happy and comes back again soon to chat, hangout and maybe buy an extra pack of papers or cool bowl, bong or bracelet. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for sharing your intimate family stories and how you guys built the business from scratch, which makes you a true entrepreneur!  
My story is I first came into your shop in 1972, I was a young lad then, pre-weed but was drawn in by the smell of incense. My grandma warned me about you “hippies” and said that life would lead me into trouble but I never listened. I continued being a regular shopper buying my first LP – and was there the day you guys put out Zeppelins the Song Remans the Same double LP. I also bought the Boston album and may others from 76 till I moved to Florida in 1980.  I bought my first black light poster there, my 2nd bowl there (my first bowl I bought at the Record Museum down the street from the tower – hated that they opened and removed the LP’s from the covers) I remember asking you about Peter Tosh’s Legalize It.   I loved the cover.  I bought my first High Times magazine at your shop.  I loved Playboy’s Playmate of the Year but the high times centerfolds would get me a woodie as well! The spring, summer and fall of 1977 was a wonderful year. The best Columbian Reds, Golds and Browns were hitting the streets of Upper Darby, Drexel Hill and Springfield.  I made sure your store kept me papered and bowled up.  Lots of great concerts then too. I want you to know I brought several of my girlfriends into your store and they always left with feather earrings, bracelets or some clothing apparel.  
When I first opened the gift from Vincent, my mind had an instant flashback into another dimension in time and space (kind of like abusing the Mr. Natural paper acid). A much simpler and happier time. I always would drop into Mario and Gino’s for a 25c slice of pizza after leaving your store.  The smell of incense, the squealing of the EL coming into 69th Street Terminal, the Rock and Roll, chicks and weed of the time. Beautiful memories.  I also though of the Bazaar and Jerry’s records. That is where I bought my first 45.  Hello Goodbye/I Am the Walrus 
Thanks for telling your story and I’m sorry to hear about Buzzy’s passing. I wish you a long and happy life and as we said as kids growing up on Radbourne Rd and Church Rd.
Boom Bam, God Damn – 2nd Ward are WE   HEY!
Keith DeLuca

Very Excited to learn my book is now being sold in England! Blackwell’s of Oxford which is the largest bookseller in the UK featuring fast worldwide delivery is now selling “My View From The Balcony”You don’t have to travel to England or pay overseas postage to buy the book, you can go to Myviewfromthebalcony.com to buy your copy and view photos and Balcony TV commercials from 1986

Posting from Facebook Jan. 8th, 2022. Mike Smith

Primiana Ricci Patterson is at 69th Street Upper Darby.

 Saturday JAN.9TH 2022  · Upper Darby  · 

Wow! Amazing Book! Thank you for writing your memoir. So much I didn’t know, so many surprises, so many things I remember, so much heartache and struggle. My book arrived this afternoon and I just finished it tonight. I could not put it down for a second. I have so many great memories of The Balcony and you & Buzz! Working for you was my first job and I loved it.

Mike Smith

December 31st, 2021 · Shared with Public

“Happy New Year” I’d like to thank everyone who took the time to read my book“My View From The Balcony”. While writing the book I wondered who would want to read my stories about The Balcony. I was hoping there would be some interest in the Delco area since the store was in the heart of Delaware County. To my surprise the book has grown legs of its own. To date My View From The Balcony is selling very well in fifteen states. No kidding, who would have thought. It’s doing really great in Pennsylvania, Florida, Maryland, Delaware, Virginia, New York, New Jersey, Vermont, Maine, Tennessee, Georgia, Texas, Arizona, California, and big surprise South Dakota. The feedback and reviews have been very encouraging. Many have asked for a sequel (a big possibility). Thanks so much for helping me to end this year on such a high note. God Bless you all, stay well and see you next year. Facebook posting Mike Smith

On Weds, Dec 22, 2021

” This is one of the funnest reads I have read in a long time. I read many rock biographies which are usually good, but this was even better in that it’s where I grew up! I’m sure many people will relate from things that are similar from their hometowns of that era. It’s such a throwback, and you get really into the characters and invested in what happens! I used to go to Mike’s store when I was 13 on up, thankfully he has written this book, as it reminded me of so many great memories of my friend and I taking the bus from Drexel Hill to 69th st, and coming of age going to a head shop!! Our minds must have been blown.I couldn’t put this book down, and didn’t want it to end. I need a sequel, as now I have to know what happened to all the characters!A real walk down memory lane!!”

Deborah Maiocco

Michelle Mohr 5.0 out of 5 stars Felt like a conversation at a party. ♥️Reviewed in the United States on December 15, 2021Verified Purchase

The book was written by a regular guy who made a beautifully successful business from the ground up. The whole time I was reading, I felt like he and I were sitting in someone’s backyard while he told story after story of his ups and downs, laughter and tears, heartbreaks and triumphs. Just a really sweet, sweet read. I actually visited The Balcony a few times and now I have a wonderful soul to associate it with. Michelle Mohr Dec. 15th 2021

On Mon, Dec 6, 2021 at 4:58 PM Anne wrote:
Hello Mike,
I am writing as when I saw the posting to order your book & t-shirt, I was ecstatic. 
The pictures rushed my memory back to a time that seems like yesterday but so long ago.
I, like many, purchased my first pair of ‘hip hugger’ flare jeans at the Balcony on Terminal Square & vividly remember your move to Market St. I worked upstairs for an Insurance Company in the Girard Bank Building & spent many a lunch hour in your store.  I distinctly remember you, your brother and the “beautiful red haired girl” (as I would call her).
I finished your book in two days as I could not put it down.  So captivating and insightful!  (…and yes, I did leave a review on Amazon).No one knows what goes on behind the scenes in a family or a business except those involved and  I just want to say Thank You so much for sharing your story.
I saw an interview of yours and you were talking about the Balcony wine.  I would love to purchase a bottle for my Memorabilia collection. Wishing all the best to you and your family,
Anne 

Delco girl5.0 out of 5 stars Captivating read! Loved it!Reviewed in the United States on December 6, 2021

Captivating, insightful and enjoyable read. Sparked many memories for this “Delco girl” who bought her first pair of Hip-hugger flare jeans from the Balcony. I am thrilled to have been able to purchase the iconic t-shirt and smiled when I received it with my book. Thank you for writing your story.

Mike,

My first, congratulations on actually writing it. I think I said that before but it’s worth repeating. So many people want to write a book, want to record a song, want to do this and that…and they never do. You did it. And what you created was personal and honest and funny and heartbreaking and engaging. It was made with love and it shows.
I got excited–and quite sentimental–when the story moved into the Balcony space I knew. When you described the cases and album racks as you acquired them, I could see them in my mind’s eye clear as day. The incense, too. Another sense memory. It was always fun to check out the wall of transfers. I loved reading about the shows you went to–especially at the Tower–and seeing the pictures. I remember seeing the Young Americans picture in the story but I had no idea you took it! I’m just enough younger than you to be able to say that the running joke in our high school years was “Bowie’s coming back to the Tower! He’s gonna do 20 nights!” (The number would increase with each retelling.)
The creation of the Balcony and how it evolved was really interesting. I’ve never owned a shop but I’ve worked in plenty.
And the family story. Man, oh man. You couldn’t make some of that stuff up! But your patience with Buzzy–and even the heated moments–was touching. The importance of family that runs through the book–even when family makes you crazy–is admirable. As was your dignity and perseverance following the loss of your son. The line that took my breath away was “One can’t empathize how in an instant everything you thought you knew means nothing, an overwhelming feeling of weakness.” I’ve felt that.
Okay, happier subjects. Was I missing a chapter in my edition of the book? Because there was a little twist in the tail at the end. Claudia got a nice thank you, but who is the mysterious Rick?! Or was this just a dramatic set-up for your next book?! Either way, I’m glad you’re happy and thankful you shared your amazing story with me.
Cheers, Peter (Nov. 22, 2021)

Ellen Calvecchio Behrle  · AdminLansdowne-Aldan Alumni

+1  · ilau83825hno5ll2r580ad3  · 

I had the pleasure to meet Mike Smith at our Toys for Tots event on 11/7 and I purchased his book. I was happy to support an Alumni and wasn’t sure I cared enough about the workings of “The Balcony” enough to enjoy the book!Today, after having finished the book, it was so much more than how 3 HS kids started a fabulous business, successful enough to support 2 families over a lifetime. It was the tale of the culture and pitfalls of a Lansdowne family, loves, losses and struggles of brothers, and the history and remembrances of 69th Street. 69th is in so many of our blood. In elementary school I went weekly with my grandmother then for many years with friends and in 1989 I worked for Morris Wilner as vice president and general manager for almost 10 years doing a lot of the redevelopment and leasing. This is a phenomenal book that brought back both bitter and sweet memories for me. It is raw and honest and well written. I couldn’t put it down. I salute Mike Smith and hope, in writing it, he found some peace.I highly recommend it to all those who grew up in my generation. I would love to have a zoom book review at some point. Let me know who might be interested. Click on the link to buy the book.

J. Bohrer5.0 out of 5 stars Fascinating read, highly recommend!Reviewed in the United States on August 28, 2021

Immensely enjoyable read about a fascinating period of American history vividly brought to life by the story of a young man, Mike Smith, who almost by accident in 1969 became a 1/3 owner in what became a thriving small business: a “head shop” in Upper Darby, Pennsylvania (a head shop is a business which doesn’t sell marijuana but sells the pipes and papers and bongs that people use to smoke pot — as well as rock music and clothing appealing to people for whom “the establishment” was a dirty word). At the same time, entwined with the story of the business, is the story of his family, a uniquely American family and the love and loss they experience. All of this is set against the fascinating backdrop of an America just entering a period in the late 60’s of profound social change: the rise of the counter culture. In short, sex, love, (drugs!), and rock and roll became the ethos of millions of young people and the author experienced the best and the worst of this era of liberation and excess.

One of the great ironies of the book is that it’s a story about a business — sales and expenses, profits and losses, etc — but the business itself is all about the counterculture which (sort of) rejected capitalism. There is incredible detail throughout which really brings the story to life. Some of my favorite parts include when Mr. Smith closed his store for Bob Marley and his retinue and they all got high and sold lots of clothes! (the American dream to be sure!), hanging out with David Bowie (David Bowie!), acid trips (the good and the horrifying), getting raided by the Feds and NOT going to jail and, last but not least, pissing on Meat Loaf’s shoes!

Hello Mike,

I really enjoyed it, and before I say any more please let me say
I’m very sorry to read about your son. There is nothing worse than
losing a child.

For those around in it’s heydey, The Balcony was epic!! Definitely the coolest
> store in the area!!  I had a paper route that weaved from the Dairy
> Queen on WC Pike down to near the post office on Garrett in 1969-71,
> but I don’t recall your first store, I was young. Later years would
> come down the pike, grab a slice at Mario & Ginos and hit The Balcony
> from the front door. Other times would cruise into through the back
> entry. What a neat place, a different world!

What an amazing story about The Balcony, so glad you wrote it. And you
certainly pulled no punches telling your side, good for you. On top of
everything else, your incredible work ethic and integrity stood out to
me. From an early age you busted your butt at multiple jobs, and stood
your ground for what was important to you. I wondered when you slept
during those years, seems you just went from school to one job to
another to homework to another…

Enjoyed all the anecdotes and can just imagine all that didn’t make it
into the book.

Thanks again for taking the time and effort to put this all together
(and the prompt delivery), I loved it!!

Please be sure to let me know when the sequel is coming out.  🙂

Regards, Jim & Sue Mahoney

Bay Ragni (Totally Driven Entertainment) Oct. 6, 2021

 I wanted to say this publicly before I even sent Mike an email and tell him about my thoughts on this book!!!! I’m only halfway through it and it truly is an amazing story and life that Mike Smith, co-owner of The Balcony has lived!! From a young age and family problems and drama to opening a business and how it slowly grew and kept expanding over the years to again family and friend drama internally within the business to the music, drugs, parties, cockroaches, MOVE and more!!! And again, I’m only halfway through If you were a customer of The Balcony or a DelCo native this book and story will mean more to you, but you don’t need to be either to enjoy how well the stories and life that are shared from “My View from The Balcony”. I’m loving this and can’t say enough how this should be turned into a Netflix style show!!

Tracy Makin

Fredericksburg, va.

• Reader Type: On-Trend Reader

☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆5 out of 5 stars.· 4 months ago  

Catchy

Just finished reading “ My view from the balcony “. It left me thinking , wow, what an incredible true life ride the author experienced! Honest emotion set to pen, I thoroughly enjoyed it and can hardly wait to see what the author releases next .

• Review Contains Spoilers: 
• No

• # Tags: 
• Couldn’t Put It Down

• ✔ Yes, 
• I recommend this product.

UD Native

Delaware County, PA

• Reader Type: On-Trend Reader

☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆5 out of 5 stars.· 4 months ago  

A Time Capsule From A Life In The 70s-80s

A glimpse of what it was like owning and running a small business that became a cultural phenom in its place and time. Navigating partner and family relationships while learning how to survive and thrive in a culture that became more outrageous as time went by. Undoubtedly there’s material for a sequel- I hope.

• Review Contains Spoilers: 
• No

• # Tags: 
• Cult Following,
• Historically Accurate,
• Quick Read,
• Controversial,
• Cultural

• ✔ Yes, 
• I recommend this product.

PC3748

Miami, Florida

• Review 1

• Reader Type: Casual Reader

☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆5 out of 5 stars.· 4 months ago  

Well Written And Full Of Life

I grew up in Upper Darby in the 70-80’s and “The Balcony” in 69th street was well known by all. The author, as part owner, writes honestly about the store, the people and the time period. He courageously reveals the good, the bad and the ugly of his life. While reading this book in one sitting, I was taken through a wide range of emotions. Upon completing the book, my initial reaction was “Wow, what a life”! I wish the author, Mike Smith success and happiness now and in the future.

WRVin

Delco, PA

• Reader Type: Casual Reader

☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆5 out of 5 stars.· 4 months ago  

Darn Great Book

Started reading this because the setting is local. That made it interesting. But then I got caught up in the story. A story of a man, a family, a time period unlike any other in history. Could be anywhere in the U.S. An insight to the 60’s – 80’s. If you know anyone who was around then, it’s a must read. Funny in parts, sad in parts. Highly recommended. Thanks for reading.

• Review Contains Spoilers: 
• No

• # Tags: 
• Cult Following,
• Historically Accurate,
• Emotional,
• Graphic,
• Laughed Out Loud,
• Family,
• Coming of Age,
• Couldn’t Put It Down,
• Cultural,
• Tear Jerker

• ✔ Yes, 
• I recommend this product.

Richard F. Bohrer5.0 out of 5 stars Fascinating StoryReviewed in the United States on August 19, 2021Verified Purchase

I must admit to bias, but I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It’s an interesting portrayal of a different time in our country, and in the boroughs and townships around West Philadelphia, in the 1960’s, 70’s and 80’s. Through his own journeys and experiences, the author presents his insights into the times as he came of age, started a family, and grew a business. What happened is at times funny, exciting, and sad – a real reflection of an earlier time as told through one man’s experiences.

Jennifer5.0 out of 5 stars A unique look…Reviewed in the United States on August 20, 2021

I loved the flow of this book. The stories were interesting and well written. A very easy and fun read! I checked out the website and as promised, a-lot of fantastic pictures. It was fun being transported into Mike’s world in the 70’s – 80’s with a behind the scenes look into running a business, creating families and lifelong friendships during the Woodstock era in a small but thriving Pennsylvania town.

Shawn Smith5.0 out of 5 stars Very interesting memoirReviewed in the United States on August 29, 2021

I recommend this to anyone looking for a book that you won’t be able to put down. This book really hit home for me. It’s a well written and very honest story. A good read for sure!

Carole’s Reviews > My View from The Balcony:

My View from The Balcony: (A Memoir)

Carole‘s reviewAug 27, 2021. (Goodreads)

This is the story of the phenomenon of a head shop and clothing store in a suburb of Philadelphia, PA. It was a very important store if you were growing up, attending high school, or a young adult music and culture lover in the 60s and 70s, and beyond. The fact that it was run by guys close to our own age, some of them still students, makes it even more interesting. During that time, teenagers were bombarded with the cultural changes going on around them. Everything was different than what their parents knew: the hair styles, the music, the art, the clothing and shoes, the expectations. The Balcony provided everything we needed to feel hip and cool and gave us a sense of belonging as well. It was our hometown place.
Not only in its beginning, but throughout future decades, The Balcony continued to change, to remain the go-to place for statement clothing and items of current cultural cool.
This memoir is also a relevant sociological history. Due to its location in a first tier suburb in the fifth largest United States city, Philadelphia, this shop’s story is part of a bigger history. It’s standing in this once thriving shopping and commercial district, transportation hub, and theater destination brought them much success and celebrity, but eventually caused their victimization due to the development and acceptance of “malls” built in farther suburban tiers.
There is a lot of good stuff to read in this book to remind you that in the 1960s things were changing rapidly in our culture, that hard work and diligence pays off, teamwork makes a difference, and a sense of family and belonging is what we are all looking for, ultimately. In our hearts, it’s a survivor.

Claudia’s Reviews > My View from The Balcony:

Claudia‘s reviewAug 22, 2021 (Goodreads)
it was amazing
This store, The Balcony, was a cultural phenomenon from the late 60s to mid 80s. To this day anyone who grew up in the area remembers it – either because they shopped there or heard about it. It was the hippest place of its kind and helped keep the 69th St shopping district on the map. The book tells the story of how it came to be, the struggles both business and personal that went on behind the scenes and how it all unraveled. The fact that there is a“Fan” FB page that was started by the customers long after the store closed tells a lot about the impact this store had on the people and culture at the time. This book gives you a peek behind the curtain of how it all came to be. Worth the read.

frequent shopper 5.0 out of 5 stars Sign of the Times book – fascinatingReviewed in the United States on August 15, 2021

frequent shopper5.0 out of 5 stars Sign of the Times book – fascinatingReviewed in the United States on August 15, 2021Started reading and got swept up in the story. Lived in the area all my life; had no idea what was happening around me. Can certainly relate to the locale – 69th Street. The stores. The Tower Theater Concerts. But the story stands on it’s own. If you or anyone you know was around in the 60-80s, anywhere in the U.S., this is a great insight to life during those times. You will like it.