Lost Battalion Hall, Where History & Recreation Come Alive

By Michael Perlman

Lost Battalion Hall in 1940

Lost Battalion Hall linen era postcard, Courtesy of Michael Perlman

One historic site that has served as a community beacon for over 75 years is Lost Battalion Hall at 93-29 Queens Boulevard in Rego Park. From 1938 to 1939, the Works Progress Administration (WPA) funded an Art Moderne building that bears homage to the 77th Division of the U.S. Army for its heroism in the Battle of Argonne in France during WWI. Over half of its 550 American soldiers perished and are remembered as members of “The Lost Battalion.” The building was placed under Parks Department jurisdiction in 1960, and also serves the community as a recreation center for children to seniors with diverse programs and activities including art, a media lab, weightlifting, ping-pong, basketball, and fitness classes.

Lost Battalion Hall's Art Moderne facade, Photo by Michael Perlman

Lost Battalion Hall's limestone inscription with bronze tablets, Photo by Michael Perlman

WPA mural 1, Lost Battalion Hall gym, Photo by Michael Perlman

WPA mural 2, Lost Battalion Hall gym, Photo by Michael Perlman

Adorning the façade is a tributary limestone inscription with two bronze tablets of the Statue of Liberty. In a most unassuming place, the gymnasium, players encounter two “Sailor, Soldier, Marine” WPA murals of the Lost Battalion in action, which were painted by Oscar Julius in 1938 and last restored in 1995. Two bronze plaques are displayed in the lobby. One features Lady Liberty with an inscription that reads, “In Memory of The Lost Battalion. Built AD 1938 By Work Projects Admin. George U. Harvey, Boro. President of Queens.” Another memorial plaque features BP Harvey’s portrait as Lieutenant colonel, DSC (Distinguished Service Cross) dedicated by the citizens of Queens in 1946.

Lost Battalion Hall memorial plaque, Photo by Michael Perlman

Queens BP George Harvey memorial plaque, Photo by Michael Perlman

Company C 308th Infantry, Camp Upton, Lost Battalion, Jan 1918

Company C 308th Infantry, France, 1919

Historically, Lost Battalion Hall featured a firing range and drill hall for the Queens Veterans of Foreign Wars and the American Legion. This is also where the Civilian Defense Volunteer Office welcomed enrollees for World War II. In 1941, 2,000 guests celebrated President Franklin D. Roosevelt’s birthday with a dance to aid an infantile paralysis drive. Among other diverse events are square dance festivals in the 1940s, an appearance by professional basketball player Bobby McDermott in 1950, boxing matches, a Perquackey contest in 1966, and testimonials for Presidents Truman and Eisenhower.

Lost Battalion Hall, WWII civilian defense matchbook, Courtesy of Michael Perlman

Square Dancing at Lost Battalion Hall, March 22, 1943, Courtesy of Parks Dept

Square Dancing at Lost Battalion Hall, March 22, 1943, Courtesy of Parks Dept

Lost Battalion Hall, Boxing with champ Emile Griffith circa May 1962, Courtesy of Parks Dept

Lost Battalion Hall boxing circa May 1962, Courtesy of Parks Dept 

Lost Battalion Hall Perquackey contest, September 10, 1966, Courtesy of Parks Dept

Lost Battalion Hall Director David Siegel presents bust to Barnett Federoff, 1963, Today Federoff Triangle park in Forest Hills bears tribute

Mayor Michael Bloomberg presented a proclamation and proclaimed August 22, 2003 as “77th Appreciation Day” in recognition of the brave men and women who served on behalf of our nation. An excerpt read: “For 86 years, the 77th Army Infantry Division has protected our city and our nation in times of crisis. On its 86th anniversary, we salute its descendant, the 77th Army Reserve Command and its courageous and skilled members who continue this illustrious unit’s legacy of valor. The unit was established on August 25, 1917 in New York State, and was called the ‘Metropolitan Division’ because a large percentage of its membership was residents of New York City.”

77th Appreciation Day Proclamation to Lost Battalion Hall, Photo by Michael Perlman

Lost Battalion Hall security with youth coach Eric Friedman & manager Angela Elie, Photo by Michael Perlman

“I have the pleasure of meeting and working with people of many backgrounds and have a chance to listen to their experiences and learn about their customs,” said Lost Battalion Hall Manager Angela Elie, who serves the community since 2011. “We engage people of all ages and abilities through art, music, technology, and so much more. For example, I enjoy watching seniors get active through various programming.”

Elie’s service is complemented by diverse experiences including working with professional basketball players. She said, “One of our former teen members plays for Oklahoma City Thunder and won last year’s NBA All-Star Slam Dunk Contest. I felt a sense of pride watching the content and even told my husband, ‘That’s my kid!’” Other unforgettable moments include hosting Mayor de Blasio’s Town Hall in June 2017 and a holiday event with Derek Jeter portraying Santa Claus. “A most notable perk is that I get to work in a building with so much life, character, and history every day,” she said.

Elie is also grateful to educate the community about the site’s rich history. “I love meeting people that visit who are relatives of those that were part of the Battalion,” she said.

Lost Battalion Hall Recreation Center hosts a wide range of programs including some that precede the start of her position. In affiliation with her staff, she has developed, conceptualized, and launched enrichment programming including culinary arts which is offered every first Saturday. She explained, “This program is tailored for children, ages 8-13, and helps them get comfortable in the kitchen. Participants prepare three-course meals inspired by international cuisines with the assistance of New York Cares volunteers. We also host a Study the Stars Program that actively explores the field of astronomy. Participants utilize our state-of-the-art telescopes on the rooftop and are encouraged to engage with our natural environment.”

Among the humanitarian causes, the center has participated in food donations and has been part of the Department of Homeless Services’ community outreach initiatives. Additionally, it has served as a deployment site for the Board of Elections.

Elie feels that the WPA murals serve as a touching reminder of sacrifice and freedom. “I recall being in awe when I first laid eyes on them, and they’re a lovely piece of history.” In recent years, artist Lufa Rufo painted a mural that transformed the Senior Center’s walls, ceiling, and a piano with trees, birds, butterflies, and the Unisphere.

For 25 years, Eric Friedman, has served as the center’s youth coach, and feels that this historic building is a second home. “Knowing that Lost Battalion Hall bears homage to the 77th division of the US Army makes me feel proud to be an American.” He has been running tiny tot programs for ages 1-3 for over 20 years. He continued, “Watching children learn, grow, and develop is truly enriching. My programs teach and prepare toddlers for preschool, and it’s been a pleasure to work with families of the surrounding communities.”

I also coach street hockey and serve as director of the afterschool program here at Lost Battalion Hall Recreation Center. Each aspect of my position here is rewarding and fun.

Friedman has long been an inspiration. “I tell all my athletes, members, and program participants to enjoy life and respect their families and communities. As long as they focus on that, they can always reach for the stars.”

He also fondly recalls Derek Jeter’s holiday event. “Jeter handed out gifts to hundreds of children, and I can’t begin to describe the priceless expressions on their faces when he walked in.” Another highlight was hosting the New York Rangers during a street hockey clinic. He said, “The players were so receptive to the children and truly engaged our members to help them master the sport of hockey. It was great to see children interact with these athletes.”

Some events may not be as well-known. He explained, “A few Golden Glove fighters trained as part of our boxing program. We also run an Olympic weightlifting competition and had a few NBA players that played here before their professional careers began.”