With North and South Bayfield Roads blocked off from Quincy Shore Drive and East Squantum Street, residents revived a 50-year-old tradition yesterday. 

   "We've met most of the dog people, but this is a chance to get to know everybody else," co-organizer Sandra Morse said as she set up the sundae table.

   Morse, who moved to the neighborhood two years ago, is part of a group on the two streets known as the Bayfield Road Rescued Racers, several families that have adopted retired greyhound race dogs, saving them from being put to death.

   She and fellow greyhound owner Sarah Norton, also a two-year resident, organized the party with the help of neighbors.

   "The dogs really have gotten people to meet," Norton said.

   The community spirit grew through the dogs and sparked the idea of holding a block party for the first time in 20 years. 

   Those who were around in the block party's heyday, when neighbors partied all day and danced in the streets all night, are glad the new residents are trying to bring it back. 

   Carrie Smith, 73, a resident of Quincy Shore Drive most of her life, said she would never forget how the old party was begun.  

   At 7 a.m., two residents would drive around the two streets, which join to form an oval.  One would beep the horn and the other would bang pots and pans.

   It woke up the whole neighborhood," Smith said.

   State Rep. Bruce Ayers, D-Quincy, presented the organizers with a community service commendation for their work with the greyhounds.

   Children vied for prizes in a three-legged race and an egg-and-spoon race. 

   The mechanics of the three-legged race decided the winners.

   "I told her to hop and she told me to walk," Lily Man, 8, of Newbury Avenue said of the race she and her sister Linda ran, tying for first.  Lily said it was the hopping that worked.

   The girls came with friends who live on one of the Bayfields and were glad to meet new friends.

   "It's fun," said Selina Zhou, 10, of North Bayfield Road.

   Mark Joyce, 34, who grew up in the neighborhood and moved to Stoughton two months ago, came to the party with his wife, Patty. 

   "We came particularly to see Sarah and the neighbors," said Joyce, who was wearing a name tag that said "Ex-26 North Bayfield."

   Joyce said the neighborhood has changed since the block party was last held.

   "Back then, families had four or five kids, the parents had card nights, and most of the mothers were at home," he said.

   As the hordes of children grew up and moved out, the block party was discontinued.

   Morse said next year's party will bring more people together.