tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-74497615644849633592024-03-18T23:20:04.902-04:00Rego-Forest Preservation CouncilTo advocate for landmark status for architecturally & culturally significant sites in Rego Park, Forest Hills, & nearby Queens communities, & document local history.Rego-Foresterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05398510218292813862noreply@blogger.comBlogger264125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7449761564484963359.post-9072521243806557352021-06-01T22:42:00.000-04:002021-06-01T22:42:57.241-04:00Greener Horizons at Iconic West Side Tennis ClubBy Michael Perlman<div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6K2flhRlVPUEJWK2kNbO_QreQV5DjUszaTdp2qNojU84n37O5aKv_-eSL8oqRzcOus19Akc2bg8uJHtxb-9as-bLCPTB5nW3LLGcTaiKt7E5qutWpcSyjV00S9CX2SSD6oiCZCWht2S7x/s2048/Tennis+Captain+Ed+Flamos%252C+tennis+legend+Virginia+Wade%252C+%2526+WSTC+President+Monika+Jain+-+Ribbon+cutting%252C+Photo+by+Michael+Perlman.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6K2flhRlVPUEJWK2kNbO_QreQV5DjUszaTdp2qNojU84n37O5aKv_-eSL8oqRzcOus19Akc2bg8uJHtxb-9as-bLCPTB5nW3LLGcTaiKt7E5qutWpcSyjV00S9CX2SSD6oiCZCWht2S7x/w400-h266/Tennis+Captain+Ed+Flamos%252C+tennis+legend+Virginia+Wade%252C+%2526+WSTC+President+Monika+Jain+-+Ribbon+cutting%252C+Photo+by+Michael+Perlman.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #6aa84f;"><b>Tennis Captain Ed Flamos, tennis legend Virginia Wade, & WSTC President Monika Jain - Ribbon cutting, Photo by Michael Perlman</b></span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div>It was history-in-the-making for the West Side Tennis Club on May 28. The sun seemed to shine even brighter, as West Side Tennis Club members and guests were first to play in traditional white attire on the newly resurfaced field of eight state-of-the-art grass courts between a stately Tudor clubhouse (1913) and Forest Hills Stadium, America’s first tennis stadium (1923). This was followed by a patio luncheon overlooking a ribbon-cutting ceremony featuring British number-one Virginia Wade, the first U.S. Open champion in 1968, who is now a NYC resident. It also felt like a rebirth, since events were off limits due to the pandemic.</div><div> <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTNXQIdhEK71gFG3YMdDFGdNyBngtwI6LAlhTkfmNY-zJ4TpvT2hNOTbzHVBd2hbm_ASfxlk9KqcqAAFGOzxb8I6NCDga_ygSzkzaogG27AI9mZjm020yjHgQZcsZ0J_qLzqbTx7mGHzvp/s2048/Playing+the+new+grass+courts%252C+Photo+by+Michael+Perlman.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTNXQIdhEK71gFG3YMdDFGdNyBngtwI6LAlhTkfmNY-zJ4TpvT2hNOTbzHVBd2hbm_ASfxlk9KqcqAAFGOzxb8I6NCDga_ygSzkzaogG27AI9mZjm020yjHgQZcsZ0J_qLzqbTx7mGHzvp/w400-h266/Playing+the+new+grass+courts%252C+Photo+by+Michael+Perlman.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: #6aa84f;">Playing the new grass courts, Photo by Michael Perlman</span></b></td></tr></tbody></table><br />“I am excited to be part of this amazing event, and I’ve felt so welcomed by every member,” said Jason Weir-Smith, the new director of racquet sports who led the ceremony.<br /><br />“To have been able to take on successfully a transformational upgrade of our grass courts at this moment in time,” said WSTC President Monika Jain, “is a testament to our Board of Governors, our playing members, and our commitment to our mission.” The Grass Court Committee was chaired by Chip Smith and Sarah Mannion. She credited a team effort in the works for over two years. “We want to offer the best racquet sports experience in New York.”</div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgX4fDtzOxYcDLwH1oMS_V27uE0EoOkUSAo_rpUmoKZnjpWixxMLvUtw7WuZDqaCR8Bj5dmCrKXKw6FvvNo4Pk3nbaKql8h318yctT7EW4NpUS0t0DWOsGHj_G8WBeBI45UZn8l0ZoTtyQ-/s2048/Tennis+legend+Virginia+Wade%252C+Club+CEO+Mario+DiPreta%252C+Dir+of+Racquet+Sports+Jason+Weir-Smith%252C+President+Monika+Jain%252C+Photo+by+Michael+Perlman.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgX4fDtzOxYcDLwH1oMS_V27uE0EoOkUSAo_rpUmoKZnjpWixxMLvUtw7WuZDqaCR8Bj5dmCrKXKw6FvvNo4Pk3nbaKql8h318yctT7EW4NpUS0t0DWOsGHj_G8WBeBI45UZn8l0ZoTtyQ-/w400-h266/Tennis+legend+Virginia+Wade%252C+Club+CEO+Mario+DiPreta%252C+Dir+of+Racquet+Sports+Jason+Weir-Smith%252C+President+Monika+Jain%252C+Photo+by+Michael+Perlman.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #6aa84f;"><b>Tennis legend Virginia Wade, Club CEO Mario DiPreta, Dir of Racquet Sports Jason Weir-Smith, President Monika Jain, Photo by Michael Perlman</b></span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div><br /></div><div>Virginia Wade was a guest of honor. “I had a real Déjà Vu watching all these good players out today. I know what good grass is like, and grass technology is so sophisticated these days, and the way that they can produce turf for all sports. It’s so exciting that this club chose to have advice from Wimbledon.” She told attendees, “All you good people, keep hitting the ball in the middle. Make sure that you’re very strict about the courts by the shoes that you wear, since we don’t want to damage these precious courts. One day I will manage to come out here and test it for myself.”</div><div><br />She also explained, “The WSTC lawns will become the envy of every tradition-loving club and player, and for those lucky enough to play on them, it will be a blissful experience.”<br /><br />A ribbon was held across the net by President Monika Jain and Tennis Captain Ed Flamos, where Wade cut it with what Weir-Smith humorously portrayed as “a small pair of scissors.” That led to a champagne toast.</div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTF5Opkru1mPnbhC5L39wjfNiaRW8KJzsDdgAuh4F4qq0WXM0qQdvivzERotJnR9WQiVTweXs5XF-UXtjx5UB8qF7-3LV9_oQQQjptSa4Vg3e-xEa1GNJxbryQMshLSMc5aPxLwI0afA0o/s2048/Celebrating+the+occasion%252C+Photo+by+Michael+Perlman.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTF5Opkru1mPnbhC5L39wjfNiaRW8KJzsDdgAuh4F4qq0WXM0qQdvivzERotJnR9WQiVTweXs5XF-UXtjx5UB8qF7-3LV9_oQQQjptSa4Vg3e-xEa1GNJxbryQMshLSMc5aPxLwI0afA0o/w400-h266/Celebrating+the+occasion%252C+Photo+by+Michael+Perlman.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: #6aa84f;">Celebrating the occasion, Photo by Michael Perlman</span></b></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div>After the WSTC relocated from the Bronx to Forest Hills in 1913, grass was laid for seven courts, and by the following August, a Davis Cup match would attract an audience of over 12,000, transforming tennis. The hallowed WSTC grounds were where legends including Bill Tilden, Bobby Riggs, Ken Rosewall, Althea Gibson, Arthur Ashe, Billie Jean King, and Chris Evert made their mark.</div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgS7P40CPwyc9NyGe-8AmS1jQwD366Z5crRp85foqrNXceym8bPtMxsJb-jdPvf-Ae-nSmddu3oPGhxWo_opkREYqzoFNCywlhhDLqTdF7rXXWEFy1_K5vuFw2KzFD7aCeGybJul5SCAebu/s5472/P1810978.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3648" data-original-width="5472" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgS7P40CPwyc9NyGe-8AmS1jQwD366Z5crRp85foqrNXceym8bPtMxsJb-jdPvf-Ae-nSmddu3oPGhxWo_opkREYqzoFNCywlhhDLqTdF7rXXWEFy1_K5vuFw2KzFD7aCeGybJul5SCAebu/w400-h266/P1810978.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: #6aa84f;">Tennis greats Virginia Wade & Rennae Stubbs, Photo by Michael Perlman</span></b></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div>In more recent times, the courts were considered past their prime with spongy and bent grass, and its overhaul would follow a decade of success stories with the revitalization of Forest Hills Stadium, two new European-style red clay courts, the renovation of one hard court for pickle ball, the upgrading of three platform tennis courts, and significant membership growth.<br /><br />After Newport’s International Hall of Fame resurrected its turf venue, it inspired the WSTC leadership to examine its feasibility, which would cost $650,000 and deliver improved playability and consistency. The project was designed by Tom Irwin Advisors, a Massachusetts-based firm under Ian Lacy, the former head of Great Britain’s Institute of Groundsmanship Professional Services. Test pits were dug to evaluate layers of soil, and Lacy and his colleagues recommended a plan to replace the grass, upgrade the irrigation system, enhance the underlying dirt by adding a sand mixture for playability and durability, and regrade the courts. The scientific grass is a modern blend of three varieties of rye, and is now consistent with Wimbledon, the Newport Hall of Fame, and London’s Queens Club. Part of the upgrades were attractive Wimbledon-style wooden tennis posts with brass winder mechanisms and “West Side Tennis Club” etchings, and tennis net center straps.</div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTO3sthzvHc0EHawVawuYiRcVxIL3RnKTf_exl1Anq9lqdTc1UJAn8pztbHvnGf3j9NlG0T28dIzJpk-fF0OYi-ztFuOYQ6hwl39-CpHmaJncY_TFBWkPNkuC1sN4-V4qPedEXaVwh0EAa/s5472/P1820114.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3648" data-original-width="5472" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTO3sthzvHc0EHawVawuYiRcVxIL3RnKTf_exl1Anq9lqdTc1UJAn8pztbHvnGf3j9NlG0T28dIzJpk-fF0OYi-ztFuOYQ6hwl39-CpHmaJncY_TFBWkPNkuC1sN4-V4qPedEXaVwh0EAa/w400-h266/P1820114.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #6aa84f;"><b>The West Side Tennis Club etchings on new traditional wooden posts, Photo by Michael Perlman</b></span></td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ_u5rWEydsokiGuytpTIOf17dHSLDTz6qXZpsSsLG_tEHGGwNDo786QjUfUxXtiuM0Xt4NKrY7eUZff2hYms1tb02CEEtst0hlEquBUmIFGWOmRLAYFOESRJYwk1t_8Q7cXZDJK1Jz2-I/s2048/Rennae+Stubbs%252C+2nd+from+left%252C+Photo+by+Michael+Perlman.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1365" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ_u5rWEydsokiGuytpTIOf17dHSLDTz6qXZpsSsLG_tEHGGwNDo786QjUfUxXtiuM0Xt4NKrY7eUZff2hYms1tb02CEEtst0hlEquBUmIFGWOmRLAYFOESRJYwk1t_8Q7cXZDJK1Jz2-I/w266-h400/Rennae+Stubbs%252C+2nd+from+left%252C+Photo+by+Michael+Perlman.jpg" width="266" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: #6aa84f;">Rennae Stubbs, 2nd from left, Photo by Michael Perlman</span></b></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div>“My favorite surface in the whole world is grass,” said Rennae Stubbs, a legendary Australian tennis player, coach, and Racquet Magazine podcast host who was among the special guests. “It was the first time I ever played here, and it was great to be part of opening the courts for the first time this year. You just have to look around to know you’re in a historic tennis club. It’s nice to have Virginia Wade, such a great champion, to cut the ribbon and enjoy the day with.”</div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi57Y0YRIe_rOaeXTsQdGfqCcM7ye9Jjk6PwmMt546_qCqw0BKxRKRvJIYMdipVX1nD3l19vxTW4zwZ5YVpgPvvVEMhxQQ2bXmxHHPD1K54EhRbY0Owg2dd28cK-ibqWOu2hNLzdCC5ZnAL/s2659/Enjoying+the+occasion%252C+Photo+by+Michael++++Perlman.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1183" data-original-width="2659" height="178" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi57Y0YRIe_rOaeXTsQdGfqCcM7ye9Jjk6PwmMt546_qCqw0BKxRKRvJIYMdipVX1nD3l19vxTW4zwZ5YVpgPvvVEMhxQQ2bXmxHHPD1K54EhRbY0Owg2dd28cK-ibqWOu2hNLzdCC5ZnAL/w400-h178/Enjoying+the+occasion%252C+Photo+by+Michael++++Perlman.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #6aa84f;"><b>Enjoying the occasion, Photo by Michael Perlman</b></span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtiSRweTZQICFdluQHCFqQPf-hzu8meXs4PmCfUdZpQlGn9MaHiVyjpDKBURhSxKESYGDn2oiOkW199rP1mj9XlloduHgsVl__n0g2scmxN4WiN8Xwn7ngTBAuYDFsTYZAGYt75rmzczev/s2048/Enjoying+the+event%252C+Photo+by+Michael+Perlman.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtiSRweTZQICFdluQHCFqQPf-hzu8meXs4PmCfUdZpQlGn9MaHiVyjpDKBURhSxKESYGDn2oiOkW199rP1mj9XlloduHgsVl__n0g2scmxN4WiN8Xwn7ngTBAuYDFsTYZAGYt75rmzczev/w400-h266/Enjoying+the+event%252C+Photo+by+Michael+Perlman.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: #6aa84f;">WSTC members in traditional white, Photo by Michael Perlman</span></b></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div>Christian Kilrain Carter Coleman said, “It’s not only a WSTC historical moment, but one in my life, since it is the first time I played on grass. This is my new standard and where it all begins for me.” He continued, “It’s amazing to see Virginia Wade, one of my tennis idols. I remember when she won in 1977 at Wimbledon, when I was just a kid, getting into tennis. It’s also amazing to see Rennae Stubbs, a four-time Grand Slam champion (women’s doubles), and people from Racquet Magazine. Everyone here adds to the equation, and brings together a beautiful tennis community.”</div><div><br /></div><div>Longtime WSTC member Dr. Juan Reyes said, “The new grass courts are much better, since the ball bounces higher and we can rally and really enjoy it. Before the ball would hardly bounce.” He called it a step in the right direction and a reason for delivering value to the membership. “It is nice to see the old-timers and the younger generations remembering them,” he continued.</div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmHLYiBtViIa67ZpGabc-FmUC_OL9Fvjd0effnhjFC4SkyR6qwo1vFzG0SvNcNGRl_ZQvzIZDc1Xt-eoiVKz951z_Pc3kiNnUHARvY3YH6msn50rTvThoHurSoZ8X-g9nXDvGRY9-aWCws/s1920/P1820006.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1920" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmHLYiBtViIa67ZpGabc-FmUC_OL9Fvjd0effnhjFC4SkyR6qwo1vFzG0SvNcNGRl_ZQvzIZDc1Xt-eoiVKz951z_Pc3kiNnUHARvY3YH6msn50rTvThoHurSoZ8X-g9nXDvGRY9-aWCws/w400-h225/P1820006.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: #6aa84f;">WSTC executives alongside tennis legend Virginia Wade, Photo by Michael Perlman</span></b></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div>“This is one of the most revered sites, as the first home of the U.S. Open, along with a great history of players such as Billie Jean King and Virginia Wade, who really put women’s tennis on the map,” said Frank Milillo, a pickleball ambassador. “The courts have always been top notch, and it’s exciting to see how well the Club improved it with a new lawn. This is where the sport grew, and now it’s coming back to its roots.”</div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6qdWYgbRgwmk_keu6aullUpvCs0NeHb_E3hw6WFYGq_Zs6CIJols0sH26gNDNw_lkEGIee4a2CGWBa14Q0O1nk407Y34Vqu0wy-s95ZahP86XTEosCdvryNLIBr6Wx2dM1gi75qYPhXHA/s5472/P1820077.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3648" data-original-width="5472" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6qdWYgbRgwmk_keu6aullUpvCs0NeHb_E3hw6WFYGq_Zs6CIJols0sH26gNDNw_lkEGIee4a2CGWBa14Q0O1nk407Y34Vqu0wy-s95ZahP86XTEosCdvryNLIBr6Wx2dM1gi75qYPhXHA/w400-h266/P1820077.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: #6aa84f;">Rennae Stubbs testing the new grass courts, Photo by Michael Perlman</span></b></td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>Rego-Foresterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05398510218292813862noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7449761564484963359.post-72949988696982381382021-05-21T22:07:00.000-04:002021-05-21T22:07:32.356-04:00Preserving The Memory of Acclaimed Sculptor Arnold Stone<p></p><p style="clear: both; text-align: left;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">By Michael Perlman</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9C0h6o7SzcMOHEtyq71f2bad0Uzpru9CUakEDQDhaAlOPivpiuIQhBqx1WXTvX_sGMBlrF29T9O_b4IkNIUhRsOyVa9YdyQlY4SL_eBPfChd8QLY-dpc1UqCVHKgqXP788FCud3jLBVbR/s2048/Floating+Leaves+sculpture+fountain+by+Arnold+Stone%252C+Photo+by+Michael+Perlman.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1152" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9C0h6o7SzcMOHEtyq71f2bad0Uzpru9CUakEDQDhaAlOPivpiuIQhBqx1WXTvX_sGMBlrF29T9O_b4IkNIUhRsOyVa9YdyQlY4SL_eBPfChd8QLY-dpc1UqCVHKgqXP788FCud3jLBVbR/w225-h400/Floating+Leaves+sculpture+fountain+by+Arnold+Stone%252C+Photo+by+Michael+Perlman.jpg" width="225" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #6aa84f;"><b>Floating Leaves sculpture fountain by Arnold Stone, Photo by Michael Perlman</b></span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Most recently, the nearly 2-story “Floating Leaves” sculpture fountain of the shuttered Parkside Chapel at 98-60 Queens Boulevard in Rego Park, was relocated off-site. This was after Rego-Forest Preservation Council’s initiative to secure an early 1960s prized work by the late sculptor Arnold Stone to a new home, ideally at a nearby cultural institution. Parkside Chapel by notable architects Henry Sandig and Robert Kasindorf, was designed as tribute to the Israelites, the Ten Commandments, and the Sinai desert, and offered a Modernist twist on traditional symbolism. </div><p></p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYxMHJbws2Z7cIm2LomWjpgXmlUrPBE1Kj_Eu9gQKIlI7lp88iBWaqndt3Aw0-luG2xRHApfRWQ2zjCpD5NqQrUvJo4lugenkhp0NsyNATbgSJD21IvavEa7jbRJ71l6FwA9MjjByCJ9Qi/s2048/Arnold+Stone+building+the+Floating+Leaves+sculpture+fountain+in+Sea+Cliff%252C+Courtesy+of+Paula+Stone.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1409" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYxMHJbws2Z7cIm2LomWjpgXmlUrPBE1Kj_Eu9gQKIlI7lp88iBWaqndt3Aw0-luG2xRHApfRWQ2zjCpD5NqQrUvJo4lugenkhp0NsyNATbgSJD21IvavEa7jbRJ71l6FwA9MjjByCJ9Qi/w275-h400/Arnold+Stone+building+the+Floating+Leaves+sculpture+fountain+in+Sea+Cliff%252C+Courtesy+of+Paula+Stone.jpg" width="275" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: #6aa84f;">Arnold Stone building the Floating Leaves sculpture fountain in Sea Cliff, Courtesy of Paula Stone</span></b></td></tr></tbody></table><p style="clear: both;">Arnold Stone, an award-winning sculptor, painter, illustrator, and a dentist, passed away at 49 in 1971, but his memory is very much alive thanks to Paula Stone Borge, his daughter, and Robert Andrew McKie, his stepson, who are preserving his artwork and sharing stories. </p><p style="clear: both;">Dr. Arnold Stone, a native of Boston, relocated to Flushing, Bayside, and then a Victorian at 285 Prospect Avenue in Sea Cliff, a seaside L.I. village which became increasingly known for its Bohemian character and art galleries. Dr. Stone’s extensive rundown of exhibitions included The Heckscher Museum of Art, Guild Hall, the Alba House Gallery in Sea Cliff, Plandome’s North Shore Unitarian Center, and the Ruth Dean Garden. </p><p style="clear: both;">Stone considered Sea Cliff as an ideal place to call home. “The town was filled with sailors, musicians, painters, sculptors, and writers. Children were free to explore the many parks and beaches and ride bicycles everywhere. Our living room was always filled with a diverse group chatting about the social and political concerns of the day.”</p><p style="clear: both;">Her room overlooked her father’s studio, where “Floating Leaves” among other prized works were born. She recalled, “I felt happy falling asleep to the sound of his sledgehammer hitting the anvil. He would listen to a jazz program by Ed Beech, and would call in to the station with requests, and Ed Beech would say, ‘Here is one for Doc out in his studio.’” She continued, “I loved the cozy feeling of knowing he was in the studio, doing something he loved.” </p><p style="clear: both;">The concrete garage yielded a fireproof setting for welding sculptures out of metal, using a forge, various torches, and anvils. She said, “There was also plenty of room for painting, carving stone, and drawing. It was very light inside, due to skylights and large windows overlooking Hempstead Harbor.” </p><p style="clear: both;">Stone remembers her father creating the sculpture fountain in his studio, during her childhood. She explained, “It is comprised of a series of large copper pans, shaped to resemble leaves. Angular lines of steel surround it, providing a contrast to the warmth of the copper leaves and the solid copper wall (which was until recently behind the sculpture fountain). I think the contrast between the interesting strong straight-edged lattice and the flowing leaves filled with streaming water is like modern architecture set among natural elements.” Her father was a fan of Frank Lloyd Wright. She continued, “I think about the cooperation between manmade elements and structures and nature. Copper is a natural element in the earth, but steel is manufactured. It is also suggestive of the contrasts in our lives.”</p><p style="clear: both;">Her father created smaller fountains for residences, sculptural features for public spaces, and freestanding sculptures for many private collections, but this was the largest public work. She explained his passion for fountains. “It provides a lovely atmosphere for reflection and meditation and symbolizes the flow of life. We lived on the edge of Long Island sound and loved the sound of waves, seagulls, and the fog horn we could hear at home. His goal with this fountain was to provide a simple, beautiful, peaceful space for feelings and thoughts.”</p><p style="clear: both;">She would work as a professional photographer and cover the news. Aside from music, she and her father produced art. “My father taught me how to carve stone, and we made jewelry together. I was with him while he made his artwork and gardens.” She feels that her interests of visual arts, music, theater, and science mirror those of her father, who was very interested in architecture. We also always try to help people. We grew up attending marches for equality and demonstrating to end the war in Vietnam.” </p><p style="clear: both;"> <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4f_-h4vsYdKdxOVpbRnRa7mXCwzkItINVLwsAY4gpr8h9OjoasiqswTf91w5v1e1atQsWDWyMRb_IQEiIfjuiIo6cn3zTsHIdqCJwp66uX477JoDx2UrN6V5Y5XYi-uvGQWu6KqwhkXnq/s2048/Arnold+Stone+at+his+exhibition+with+Metamorphosis+%2526+Mississippi+Jury%252C+Courtesy+of+Paula+Stone.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1538" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4f_-h4vsYdKdxOVpbRnRa7mXCwzkItINVLwsAY4gpr8h9OjoasiqswTf91w5v1e1atQsWDWyMRb_IQEiIfjuiIo6cn3zTsHIdqCJwp66uX477JoDx2UrN6V5Y5XYi-uvGQWu6KqwhkXnq/w300-h400/Arnold+Stone+at+his+exhibition+with+Metamorphosis+%2526+Mississippi+Jury%252C+Courtesy+of+Paula+Stone.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: #6aa84f;">Arnold Stone at his exhibition with Metamorphosis & Mississippi Jury, Courtesy of Paula Stone</span></b></td></tr></tbody></table></p><p style="clear: both;">Stone and her brother take pride in being the stewards of some of his sculptures, but explained, “He made so many, and we do not know who bought them and where they are.” They have Mississippi Jury, Monument, SST, ABM, Icarus, King Canaveral, Metamorphosis, another tall figure and anti-war figure, and several table top figures and abstract sculptures, and some metal and carved stone.</p><p style="clear: both;">She said, “We would love to know who has the largest anti-war piece, a soldier’s head mounted on two large wagon wheels balanced by two bowling balls below, and we would like to know about a very tall, life-size Metamorphosis. We would like to know about any of his works, since we have no records.”</p><p style="clear: both;">“The legacy our father leaves behind is one of savoring life, education, taking an interest in current events, trying to make a better world, enjoying the marvels of the earth, and biology, geology, technology, theater, dance, music, painting and sculpture, and humor,” said Stone. She admires his love with life and curiosity about everything. “He helped me learn how to find joy and wonder in almost everything, and to approach life with empathy, affection, humor, and gratitude.”</p><p style="clear: both;">Robert Andrew McKie explained his stepfather’s interest in literature, art, and music. “He was an authority on jazz. He was a drummer throughout college. His interest in led him into early experimentation in high fidelity sound reproduction, which back then meant building a lot of your own equipment. About this time, he decided to exercise some of his G.I. Bill benefits and take courses at the New School for Social Research. At first, he made jewelry, then took painting and sculpture classes.” Today he takes pride in carrying on Dr. Stone’s interest in music, love of books, and fascination with museums.</p><p style="clear: both;">McKie was a very early computer scientist as of 1965. He was a visiting engineer at MIT, working on Project Athena, which was to revolutionize how undergrads were taught as in an interactive multimedia system.</p><p style="clear: both;">He remembers Sea Cliff in 1958 for its great mixture of residents. “On our street, we had a Wall Street lawyer living next to a plumber, who in turn had a concert violist as a neighbor.” </p><p style="clear: both;">McKie pointed out that while Dr. Stone served his dental practice patients with care until his death, his heart was not in it. “He would often duck out between scheduled patients to work in the studio. His arms became very muscular with all the metal and stone work. Generally, he would work long hours in the studio, often just dashing to eat quickly and return.” </p><p style="clear: both;">As for the sculpture fountain, he said, “It should take a very special space, as it was designed around a corner alcove. I would consider contributing to its resurrection, and as for other works, I would love to see them on public display permanently. I would consider giving up ‘Mississippi Jury’ to the right venue.” McKie also owns one small painting from the ‘Bayside’ days of a series of clowns/mimes, an alabaster hippopotamus, an oil painting of a hippo, a bronze seagull, and his record collection.</p><p style="clear: both;">Many friends from his Sea Cliff days have pieces of Dr. Stone’s artwork, which they cherish. One of his friends is Jerry Zimmermann, who said, “Arnie will never die. He is a force in all of our memories. The 50 years from his passing seems like an instant relative to the force of his being." </p><div><br /></div>Rego-Foresterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05398510218292813862noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7449761564484963359.post-45019306381315876952021-02-11T01:39:00.000-05:002021-02-11T01:39:55.087-05:00A Tribute To Black History At The Iconic Forest Hills StadiumBy Michael Perlman<br /><br />Forest Hills Stadium, which became America’s first tennis stadium in 1923, was adapted as a concert venue in 1960 for the Forest Hills Music Festival, a summer tradition. Behind the Romanesque façade, comprised of an arched colonnade with crests and stone eagles perched up high, is a broad chapter in music history, where black artists made their mark at the 14,000-seat stadium and helped many build an international presence. <br /><br /> February is embraced as Black History month, a significant time for reflection on past achievements while looking ahead. At Forest Hills Stadium, there were over 20 black musicians who took center stage. Among them are Diana Ross & The Supremes, Ella Fitzgerald, Sammy Davis, Jr, Stevie Wonder, Ray Charles, Donna Summer, and The Jimi Hendrix Experience.<div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRSmz1v1L2WX4Pp1hL5mBe4GXukllGIscxsdqKvGnVGxgb1YdX9Tdof3NExPeEIQsaxCGgNo0MLjLyIHJZAOhQ8rX6KK_8a6sIcv1mXG_x0bLva6yaHhXdmneALOpYLRkjGoNwuGm1Rc1N/s1600/The+1968+Forest+Hills+Music+Festival+book+featuring+the+concert+lineup+%2526+Forest+Hills+Inn+ads%252C+Courtesy+of+Rego-Forest+Preservation+Council.jpg"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRSmz1v1L2WX4Pp1hL5mBe4GXukllGIscxsdqKvGnVGxgb1YdX9Tdof3NExPeEIQsaxCGgNo0MLjLyIHJZAOhQ8rX6KK_8a6sIcv1mXG_x0bLva6yaHhXdmneALOpYLRkjGoNwuGm1Rc1N/s400/The+1968+Forest+Hills+Music+Festival+book+featuring+the+concert+lineup+%2526+Forest+Hills+Inn+ads%252C+Courtesy+of+Rego-Forest+Preservation+Council.jpg" /></a><br />The 1968 Forest Hills Music Festival pamphlet featuring the concert lineup & Forest Hills Inn ads, Courtesy of Rego-Forest Preservation Council<br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7NoyNo8DxRwXwq-qJBzu40_zQVT2q_NpPgS4bGZaRSsD4kJGCxz2y61-dXNdI1LEWNwg_9DkTGs0Uzv0fzvTj_0NDmNhV9OFt8_0xcE7ZM7rq0HnyJxM_DfceVS2eyfj3cki7ZHLCAIfE/s1600/Carter+G+Woodson%252C+Courtesy+of+The+Chess+Drum.jpg"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7NoyNo8DxRwXwq-qJBzu40_zQVT2q_NpPgS4bGZaRSsD4kJGCxz2y61-dXNdI1LEWNwg_9DkTGs0Uzv0fzvTj_0NDmNhV9OFt8_0xcE7ZM7rq0HnyJxM_DfceVS2eyfj3cki7ZHLCAIfE/s400/Carter+G+Woodson%252C+Courtesy+of+The+Chess+Drum.jpg" /></a><br />Courtesy of The Chess Drum<br /><br />The advocacy of Carter G. Woodson, an African American educator and historian, who is known as the “Father of Black History” created “Negro History Week” in 1926, when the iconic Stadium was only three years old. One week in February was designated to commemorate the birthdays of Frederick Douglass and Abraham Lincoln. However, it was not until 1970 that the initial celebration of Black History Month took place at Kent State University, and became national in 1976, when President Ford encouraged Americans to “honor the too-often neglected accomplishments of black Americans in every area of endeavor.”<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpAh4c5urh_MiqJryUm9JaJMlVbHMCvF2Pz82P1RJAO7DUdz7dSC0cqsVXdu4xc5SoNlhNx1D8V0up83HIgCX2xyy0seYM9hMRq6-To9sUHKPAsXQQkjpODLJG7v8ILoUnszaWpwdyLkqs/s1600/Ella+Fitzgerald+in+1963+Forest+Hills+Music+Festival+program.jpg"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpAh4c5urh_MiqJryUm9JaJMlVbHMCvF2Pz82P1RJAO7DUdz7dSC0cqsVXdu4xc5SoNlhNx1D8V0up83HIgCX2xyy0seYM9hMRq6-To9sUHKPAsXQQkjpODLJG7v8ILoUnszaWpwdyLkqs/s400/Ella+Fitzgerald+in+1963+Forest+Hills+Music+Festival+program.jpg" /></a><br />Ella Fitzgerald in 1963 Forest Hills Music Festival program<br /><br />On August 5, 1961, fans of Ella Fitzgerald, an Addisleigh Park resident, afforded the opportunity for what was considered excellent seats ranging from $2.25 to $4.50. For the July 13, 1963 engagement, Rolls-Royce limousines accommodated press representatives to and from Manhattan. She performed with Dave Brubeck, and adding to the character of the concert experience was the widespread scent of “My Sin.” A July 18 “Jet” publication read, “in keeping with a new arrangement by the producers wherein each night, prior to the performance, the Forest Hills Stadium will be sprayed throughout with the perfume.” <br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlfzI1cW0TnmuMt-v73ZdUdixTVVmSG37Nbfl_HFHanyV8kPgtOHWpGnloR79Qztc0rcawnigsTtc6vEJKa42TRCRywzV9UYcCsk_S2frnirTIF7bxK3_rWCpnT2q2heiOJNcjTFU7hcua/s1600/Ella+Fitzgerald%252C+November+1946%252C+Photo+by+William+Paul+Gottlieb.jpg"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlfzI1cW0TnmuMt-v73ZdUdixTVVmSG37Nbfl_HFHanyV8kPgtOHWpGnloR79Qztc0rcawnigsTtc6vEJKa42TRCRywzV9UYcCsk_S2frnirTIF7bxK3_rWCpnT2q2heiOJNcjTFU7hcua/s400/Ella+Fitzgerald%252C+November+1946%252C+Photo+by+William+Paul+Gottlieb.jpg" /></a><br />Ella Fitzgerald, November 1946, Photo by William Paul Gottlieb<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtPqfVql-6nrAcwHtC7hWMMoRdqsCtnJ2WuqTPku0kEt-BEOQ1zoTejwnzzONK020zpFwzQE4fEfs7sjpMX3LCcPDJM5mTgfGW0eUVjZZ8Mlh15AtXbqXTJz1xHCPeU5Yz5QoYEeYX1TKI/s1600/Harry+Belafonte+singing+in+1954%252C+Courtesy+of+Library+of+Congress.jpg"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtPqfVql-6nrAcwHtC7hWMMoRdqsCtnJ2WuqTPku0kEt-BEOQ1zoTejwnzzONK020zpFwzQE4fEfs7sjpMX3LCcPDJM5mTgfGW0eUVjZZ8Mlh15AtXbqXTJz1xHCPeU5Yz5QoYEeYX1TKI/s400/Harry+Belafonte+singing+in+1954%252C+Courtesy+of+Library+of+Congress.jpg" /></a><br />Harry Belafonte singing in 1954, Courtesy of Library of Congress<br /><br />Singer, composer, social activist, and actor Harry Belafonte, who was an East Elmhurst balladeer, appeared on August 25 to August 27, 1961, and had a return engagement on July 31 to August 2, 1964 with Miriam Makeba. On July 31, he exhibited perfect pitch and flawless tempo, and his repertoire included “Every Night When The Sun Goes Down,” “Glory Manger,” and “John Henry.” During the second half of the program, Miriam Makeba, with her graceful movements, performed tunes in English and South African. Under a harmonious expression, he performed “Jamaica Farewell” and she sang “The Click Song.” <br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3DiIP3s9EU11Pr8Au_8EiLN3jr4istcfEQxBTFNUzZNaSnbiShYpWpqqhlmqhwQvWMxoBQPQFf22fSy0uAvwsqr7Qes-V3Zo8R5-_qpP82Bv499x1hpFHv2A2uj5NhzYNmdoQF4CqRFnP/s1600/Miriam+Makeba+on+March+7%252C+1969.jpg"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3DiIP3s9EU11Pr8Au_8EiLN3jr4istcfEQxBTFNUzZNaSnbiShYpWpqqhlmqhwQvWMxoBQPQFf22fSy0uAvwsqr7Qes-V3Zo8R5-_qpP82Bv499x1hpFHv2A2uj5NhzYNmdoQF4CqRFnP/s400/Miriam+Makeba+on+March+7%252C+1969.jpg" /></a><br />Miriam Makeba on March 7, 1969<br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSkh3Ir-jT6f6p3Rur8QElDYtMRH9I6ZgLfXfrpPaelJo1QMNKz1idPPfcBHG7ZmXvTaE2SOSa7cpLmF26h4-EnP0O_ugUWa-HeBkm2JxI2xSpjxiotrDtosXxUaEqiTDJMmFhb4oSZxnu/s1600/Nina+Simone+in+1965.jpg"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSkh3Ir-jT6f6p3Rur8QElDYtMRH9I6ZgLfXfrpPaelJo1QMNKz1idPPfcBHG7ZmXvTaE2SOSa7cpLmF26h4-EnP0O_ugUWa-HeBkm2JxI2xSpjxiotrDtosXxUaEqiTDJMmFhb4oSZxnu/s400/Nina+Simone+in+1965.jpg" /></a><br />Nina Simone in 1965<br /><br />Nina Simone was warmly welcomed on August 3, 1963 and performed favorites such as “Little Liza Mae,” “Porgy,” and “May Man.” Following her was Ray Charles, who was greeted by a thunderous applause. Program numbers ranged from a hushed “The Thrill is Gone” to a swinging “Don’t Set Me Free.” He was accompanied by a 17-piece orchestra and occasionally by The Raelettes, his female vocal group. The 1963 Forest Hills Music Festival program called him “a living musical legend on ABC-Paramount Records.” <br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSz4fsEFi5uktl3dZjBDJByfL7tm4Ejh_e89DcCE3ckNB0FW7k98_kzlufF4Y7bNk2h-WXIyyu8FW8EOEbY1ToTria-7EeinGJm6ccoh7lObgT2hnC0NBTsAP2BxVGif9gw5pHUsatv6Pw/s1600/Ray+Charles+%2526+Nina+Simone%252C+August+3%252C+1963+concert+ad.jpg"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSz4fsEFi5uktl3dZjBDJByfL7tm4Ejh_e89DcCE3ckNB0FW7k98_kzlufF4Y7bNk2h-WXIyyu8FW8EOEbY1ToTria-7EeinGJm6ccoh7lObgT2hnC0NBTsAP2BxVGif9gw5pHUsatv6Pw/s400/Ray+Charles+%2526+Nina+Simone%252C+August+3%252C+1963+concert+ad.jpg" /></a><br />Ray Charles & Nina Simone, August 3, 1963 concert ad<br /><br />On August 27, 1966, Ray Charles set a box office record at the Forest Hills Music Festival and was joined by the 15-piece Ray Charles Orchestra and The Raelettes. Another noteworthy appearance was by Frederick Nelson III, a 6-year-old organist who performed a spirited “Wade in the Water” and “Watermelon Man.” <br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEht7Wo59AwIsivo5rlxR7xepEDwAuVNuwSkWWmPs9fSZNMkgZ3gi5rty3sBjlOKUTfPMSpmiG48DEd_G9z9DWJHrBx-V34lCcaSfPdhiLOPxjKeWcW_pmL8uk3TpXmqIjCFez_KjZ2qSdaa/s1600/Ray+Charles+in+1963+Forest+Hills+Music+Festival+program.jpg"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEht7Wo59AwIsivo5rlxR7xepEDwAuVNuwSkWWmPs9fSZNMkgZ3gi5rty3sBjlOKUTfPMSpmiG48DEd_G9z9DWJHrBx-V34lCcaSfPdhiLOPxjKeWcW_pmL8uk3TpXmqIjCFez_KjZ2qSdaa/s400/Ray+Charles+in+1963+Forest+Hills+Music+Festival+program.jpg" /></a><br />Ray Charles in 1963 Forest Hills Music Festival program<br /><br />“The world has known two authentic musical geniuses. One was Beethoven and the other is Ray Charles,” said Sammy Davis, Jr in a public statement around that time. Also, in a Life magazine seven-page feature, he was praised with the following statement: “Every singer in the business draws from Ray Charles, but no singer has it or dispenses it the way Ray Charles does.” He was nicknamed “The Genius of Soul” and considered one of the world’s most popular artists since his hit tune, “Georgia On My Mind.” Two decades later, he was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, which stated, “Charles used his explosive musical talent to combine gospel and blues into the then non-existent genre of soul. To him, soul music was a way of life.” <br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWljKYV0CapKbJswAadkFkIOcoVSJdKH1Gdt-eooChzeLtAQlCf-VMtKjjFDtl7CmxuYKdmO9ezDGFbzbmh3nAl00LOYPNnbfMGVaL-z7VVcezHUIciwK21qRdvBuIj2T1CBK6pldRv68X/s1600/Trade+ad+for+Ray+Charles+single+%2527Yesterday%2527+in+Billboard%252C+November+4%252C+1967.jpg"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWljKYV0CapKbJswAadkFkIOcoVSJdKH1Gdt-eooChzeLtAQlCf-VMtKjjFDtl7CmxuYKdmO9ezDGFbzbmh3nAl00LOYPNnbfMGVaL-z7VVcezHUIciwK21qRdvBuIj2T1CBK6pldRv68X/s400/Trade+ad+for+Ray+Charles+single+%2527Yesterday%2527+in+Billboard%252C+November+4%252C+1967.jpg" /></a><br />Trade ad for Ray Charles single 'Yesterday' in Billboard, November 4, 1967<br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-LkmL3-WHtMBsR1oxf4NcTCMbw3b42CXjsbArdH_LS0aq3lcbxOn__8hwYTFEE44jjYH22Vw7UEluf2lwo4-62yqWgvc_JWUiLqveJleKuB946v-T_CchjwPxQ2QjqGYdisr7T-jeA5kf/s1600/Johnny+Mathis%252C+1967+Forest+Hills+Music+Festival+program%252C+Courtesy+of+Rego-Forest+Preservation+Council.jpg"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-LkmL3-WHtMBsR1oxf4NcTCMbw3b42CXjsbArdH_LS0aq3lcbxOn__8hwYTFEE44jjYH22Vw7UEluf2lwo4-62yqWgvc_JWUiLqveJleKuB946v-T_CchjwPxQ2QjqGYdisr7T-jeA5kf/s400/Johnny+Mathis%252C+1967+Forest+Hills+Music+Festival+program%252C+Courtesy+of+Rego-Forest+Preservation+Council.jpg" /></a><br />Johnny Mathis, 1967 Forest Hills Music Festival program, Courtesy of Rego-Forest Preservation Council<br /><br />Johnny Mathis’ August 4, 1962 concert featured hits including “Misty,” “Wild Is The Wind,” and “Come To Me.” His August 10, 1963 show marked his only New York appearance and his commitment to donate half of his earnings to Reverend Martin Luther King’s Southern Christian Leadership Conference. Highlights were “Wonderful, Wonderful” and “Marla.” <br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl1O2XUiqVaoNdPGZ8cJznb9BvK3xQ7nI64seJs1DEcOsIj6eQRnc_ZocEHRBwp7FjlD1nQvktXvLE5zkrgzv6CWYxG9a1W0FZdqtTK760ls1wmyzbYY8KYUnls9itTQAbB9IXN05GS90H/s1600/Johnny+Mathis%252C+October+2%252C+1960%252C+MCA-Music+Corporation+of+America.JPG"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl1O2XUiqVaoNdPGZ8cJznb9BvK3xQ7nI64seJs1DEcOsIj6eQRnc_ZocEHRBwp7FjlD1nQvktXvLE5zkrgzv6CWYxG9a1W0FZdqtTK760ls1wmyzbYY8KYUnls9itTQAbB9IXN05GS90H/s400/Johnny+Mathis%252C+October+2%252C+1960%252C+MCA-Music+Corporation+of+America.JPG" /></a><br />Johnny Mathis, October 2, 1960, MCA-Music Corporation of America<br /><br />On August 21, 1965, Mathis performed a medley of his classics consisting of “Chances Are,” “Twelfth of Never,” “More,” and “When Sunny Gets Blue.” Several numbers were complemented by a chorus of eighteen talented children known as the “Young Americans” who also engaged the audience with a warm-up of songs and much laughter, and a focal point was the moving rendition of “Shenandoah.” A 30-piece orchestra was the ideal fit for Mathis and the Young Americans. Mathis also performed in 1961, on August 4, 1962, August 15, 1964, and on July 8, 1967. <br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2AaK6iVyuyuZAWFE7An5xMfJxyzyjOCD2g-hNSYsSZU4zNN5-EZzkaumfIzSZVslboSBhU9iZXv8QO1oP9OEJmGKCvtGtDAwdigS4rpIigZEQJMUSpdoit_HKxTZPZYB4BRXI0wAiluim/s1600/The+Exciters%252C+December+1964%252C+Billboard.jpg"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2AaK6iVyuyuZAWFE7An5xMfJxyzyjOCD2g-hNSYsSZU4zNN5-EZzkaumfIzSZVslboSBhU9iZXv8QO1oP9OEJmGKCvtGtDAwdigS4rpIigZEQJMUSpdoit_HKxTZPZYB4BRXI0wAiluim/s400/The+Exciters%252C+December+1964%252C+Billboard.jpg" /></a><br />The Exciters, December 1964, Billboard<br /><br />Also performing at the Stadium was pop music group The Exciters who sang their hit “Tell Him” on August 28, 1964. Carl Holmes & the Commanders took the stage on August 28, 1965, and one of their hits was “Mashed Potatoes.” <br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsTfL_zNC_qWY1Szm62HOsz_7m4i9TU7L9d2m5DUni89uZLH8WDiYygdZCttKjD088IovJ0IC6eGwhOkLianJtuKB2WD5OdNuoPfWlUhESQILL9CwlxtbmRAcD2FKOOvD4kRYVgrq0CmwY/s1600/Carl+Holmes+%2526+The+Commanders.jpg"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsTfL_zNC_qWY1Szm62HOsz_7m4i9TU7L9d2m5DUni89uZLH8WDiYygdZCttKjD088IovJ0IC6eGwhOkLianJtuKB2WD5OdNuoPfWlUhESQILL9CwlxtbmRAcD2FKOOvD4kRYVgrq0CmwY/s400/Carl+Holmes+%2526+The+Commanders.jpg" /></a><br />Carl Holmes & The Commanders<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaCEAgav8ZcuWyMjjQLg2DdrjCn-PZjtKZhUJGou4iLzENYUP5-XScA0R6HDGz_cOcBeXfuKqW6ddVjZYtX3dnxs-IeLH9lVQLLFJCy1JsTd7nlmjK0YNVE6iZKeEhqz0jWuAm2ZPcvPM1/s1600/The+Temptations%252C+August+1966%252C+NY+Amsterdam+News.jpg"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaCEAgav8ZcuWyMjjQLg2DdrjCn-PZjtKZhUJGou4iLzENYUP5-XScA0R6HDGz_cOcBeXfuKqW6ddVjZYtX3dnxs-IeLH9lVQLLFJCy1JsTd7nlmjK0YNVE6iZKeEhqz0jWuAm2ZPcvPM1/s400/The+Temptations%252C+August+1966%252C+NY+Amsterdam+News.jpg" /></a><br />The Temptations, August 1966, NY Amsterdam News<br /><br />N.Y. Amsterdam News ran the Forest Hills Giveaway contest in 1966. It stated, “Your letter must be postmarked by August 15 if you expect to be in the judging for free tickets to see The Supremes, The Temptations, and Stevie Wonder the evening of August 20 at the Forest Hills Tennis Stadium. Don’t despair, however, if your letter doesn’t get in on time. You have until August 22 to enter the contest to win free tickets to see Ray Charles give a concert at Forest Hills on August 27.” For a 200 words or less entry, a fan had to write “Why I would like to see The Supremes in concert” or “Why I would like to see Ray Charles in concert.” A free ticket was offered to a total of 25 winners for each concert, thanks to Forest Hills Music Festival producer Leonard Ruskin. He said, “We feel that in this way many people who might not otherwise be able to attend the concerts will be able to.” <br /><br /><br />In 1966, Stevie Wonder was only 15, blind, played the harmonica, piano, and drums, and sang with earthy vocals and blues sentiment. The Supremes, comprised of Diana Ross, Mary Wilson, and Florence Ballard, were recognized as a highly polished and sophisticated singing group. Although known for their rock ‘n’ roll style, their repertoire largely consisted of ballads. Originating from the south, The Temptations are a quintet that was boasted for graceful choreography and great voices. <br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgC4TV_GNNy-fK11xlAtS8MxtzJB_QEwh9uG9JO0Y_aByrT5oAAodfk-4T6CdGdWFzrn2xbT6_9ba9HOTRb6vMBcFPARl0YzP0XH_gJ7fPZkAbfWaJ1eilZK0HMJ-5iCF2DKLeLZWEF9mCk/s1600/Sammy+Davis%252C+Jr+ad%252C+July+1966%252C+NY+Amsterdam+News.jpg"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgC4TV_GNNy-fK11xlAtS8MxtzJB_QEwh9uG9JO0Y_aByrT5oAAodfk-4T6CdGdWFzrn2xbT6_9ba9HOTRb6vMBcFPARl0YzP0XH_gJ7fPZkAbfWaJ1eilZK0HMJ-5iCF2DKLeLZWEF9mCk/s400/Sammy+Davis%252C+Jr+ad%252C+July+1966%252C+NY+Amsterdam+News.jpg" /></a><br />Sammy Davis, Jr ad, July 1966, NY Amsterdam News<br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgS8Jpwa1d7T39W8envKeQs2YWvYKRf7SruDw_PJttgy9uMdhKZCXxsuElr0WKoQ8MdJMjPchjLcPXQB_q6c6hym4DdnrKiZwX7SXUN254In2lwTQL9jX9KRMoyF_TyBluJn_PXJWlAzFj8/s1600/Sammy+Davis%252C+Jr+in+1966+on+The+Perry+Como+Show.JPG"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgS8Jpwa1d7T39W8envKeQs2YWvYKRf7SruDw_PJttgy9uMdhKZCXxsuElr0WKoQ8MdJMjPchjLcPXQB_q6c6hym4DdnrKiZwX7SXUN254In2lwTQL9jX9KRMoyF_TyBluJn_PXJWlAzFj8/s400/Sammy+Davis%252C+Jr+in+1966+on+The+Perry+Como+Show.JPG" /></a><br />Sammy Davis, Jr in 1966 on The Perry Como Show<br /><br />The era offered unique ads, such as one from the summer of 1966 announcing the July 8th and 9th concerts, which read: “You don’t have to fly to San Juan; You don’t have to drive to Kiamesha Lake; ‘cause you can see Sammy Davis (Jr.) with Count Basie and His Orchestra and Jay & The Americans right here at the Forest Hills Tennis Stadium.” Sammy Davis Jr, who also appeared on August 11, 1962, was a singer, actor, comedian, and dancer, and is noted for his impressions of other celebrities. On July 17 to July 19, 1965, Count Basie opened with Frank Sinatra. On July 25, 1964, Count Basie performed numbers such as “April in Paris,” “Swinging Shepherd Blues,” and “I Can’t Stop Loving You.” Basie is remembered as a jazz pianist, composer, bandleader, and organist, and was the recipient of 9 Grammys. He was the foremost musician of the Big Band “Swing” era.<br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgraRfQMx8-UvuIWAio2CKDCh__nk8Y-763PnysiUIgpF4QFkREkg81xsOvGt_ZO5L5FljCOiPauiIE-nYpU6EQsh42hA5kNXhFoKls0NQOgJJQgbWJCBEb6p5PdUMRQx6HVXjH1sV0zROp/s1600/Bandleader+Count+Basie+on+piano.jpg"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgraRfQMx8-UvuIWAio2CKDCh__nk8Y-763PnysiUIgpF4QFkREkg81xsOvGt_ZO5L5FljCOiPauiIE-nYpU6EQsh42hA5kNXhFoKls0NQOgJJQgbWJCBEb6p5PdUMRQx6HVXjH1sV0zROp/s400/Bandleader+Count+Basie+on+piano.jpg" /></a><br />Bandleader Count Basie on piano<br /><br />On July 8, 1966, William B. Williams, “the voice of WNEW Radio,” introduced crooner Sammy Davis, Jr. as the “world’s greatest entertainer.” He rhythmically snapped his fingers and sang “This Will Be My Shining Hour,” which came true. During his second number, “Change Partners,” he carried a mic as he walked to the lawn distinguishing the stage and the audience. Then he shifted to a humorous monologue, Anthony Newley, Rodgers and Hart, and R&B tunes, and left the audience wanting more. He later starred in “Super Night at Forest Hills,” a 1977 televised musical comedy, where he is joined by Arthur Ashe in a play, Alan King and Buddy Hackett portraying old-time tennis pros reuniting, as well as Andy Williams who commemorated tennis through songs. <br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEs5bUdiDQrCw1wQnbXAh-bvoh4GmJkgRfjkeIPM3ag4noAQgOtHnY6z7633r6TbCgr-tiHklJjMSG5Q63StXb58Ei5XzTfJwQxvVWCdnyxMBI0gGEpv7S_REifyGuHAuXIOOpbZASSE64/s1600/The+Four+Tops%252C+1968+Forest+Hills+Music+Festival+program%252C+Courtesy+of+Rego-Forest+Preservation+Council.jpg"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEs5bUdiDQrCw1wQnbXAh-bvoh4GmJkgRfjkeIPM3ag4noAQgOtHnY6z7633r6TbCgr-tiHklJjMSG5Q63StXb58Ei5XzTfJwQxvVWCdnyxMBI0gGEpv7S_REifyGuHAuXIOOpbZASSE64/s400/The+Four+Tops%252C+1968+Forest+Hills+Music+Festival+program%252C+Courtesy+of+Rego-Forest+Preservation+Council.jpg" /></a><br />The Four Tops, 1968 Forest Hills Music Festival program, Courtesy of Rego-Forest Preservation Council<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_Kwcufy1nQ4u1qDhsRmbnd_kiPXh-VM9O0jhPPYfyxrQ5Ny-L6cUe4HUm0qePJvpoQ_4I-gH53J_SYGrZeD1FBUbSX9lPV2YB9on_ErIat1HMtLcUrMvx9egYqOv0DzUiECGmDeSivU8p/s1600/The+Four+Tops+%2526+Marvin+Gaye+ad%252C+1968+Forest+Hills+Music+Festival+program%252C+Courtesy+of+Rego-Forest+Preservation+Council.jpg"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_Kwcufy1nQ4u1qDhsRmbnd_kiPXh-VM9O0jhPPYfyxrQ5Ny-L6cUe4HUm0qePJvpoQ_4I-gH53J_SYGrZeD1FBUbSX9lPV2YB9on_ErIat1HMtLcUrMvx9egYqOv0DzUiECGmDeSivU8p/s400/The+Four+Tops+%2526+Marvin+Gaye+ad%252C+1968+Forest+Hills+Music+Festival+program%252C+Courtesy+of+Rego-Forest+Preservation+Council.jpg" /></a><br />The Four Tops & Marvin Gaye ad, 1968 Forest Hills Music Festival program, Courtesy of Rego-Forest Preservation Council<br /><br />The Four Tops, a male vocal quartet from Detroit that performed on July 29, 1967, were memorable for their hand-clapping, foot-stomping, and thigh-slapping, as evident in their lyrics in “Shake Me. Wake Me” and “Reach Out and I’ll Be There.” Other tunes were “Baby I Need Your Loving,” “In The Still of The Night,” and “I Can’t Help Myself.” A great energy swept the stadium with one of the groups that helped popularize the sound of Motown of the 1960s. The Four Tops also appeared with Marvin Gaye and King Curtis and His Kingpins on August 24, 1968. <br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYhb7cO58BjiclWxA8Mp39JYIOenin7-1hGfBGSRt5Voi97C_fnJecVe6akuP32k_P01v0MQRx8ca8-XDdx9z1cvqenKCVRA-6Th8zdmdh2KjHIFJPHnbFZ1LOwUbAQmTxVwU8uyl6Pf38/s1600/Marvin+Gaye%252C+1968+Forest+Hills+Music+Festival+program%252C+Courtesy+of+Rego-Forest+Preservation+Council.jpg"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYhb7cO58BjiclWxA8Mp39JYIOenin7-1hGfBGSRt5Voi97C_fnJecVe6akuP32k_P01v0MQRx8ca8-XDdx9z1cvqenKCVRA-6Th8zdmdh2KjHIFJPHnbFZ1LOwUbAQmTxVwU8uyl6Pf38/s400/Marvin+Gaye%252C+1968+Forest+Hills+Music+Festival+program%252C+Courtesy+of+Rego-Forest+Preservation+Council.jpg" /></a><br />Marvin Gaye, 1968 Forest Hills Music Festival program, Courtesy of Rego-Forest Preservation Council<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgp2jS13vixa-RSQcoJwf11-zZYfQKA40rrzRmZAhrg258XGl9-yTS4drNnEmfIkYOoXDPFeXw3D0c4TZtvipTMjYoZcHofM65-Jk-mApRitsXsJKyJebbDeDdUAkwCp-hcPUVnZJtGbxGs/s1600/Bee+Gees+%2526+King+Curtis+Atco+Records+ad%252C+1968+Forest+Hills+Music+Festival+program%252C+Courtesy+of+Rego-Forest+Preservation+Council.jpg"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgp2jS13vixa-RSQcoJwf11-zZYfQKA40rrzRmZAhrg258XGl9-yTS4drNnEmfIkYOoXDPFeXw3D0c4TZtvipTMjYoZcHofM65-Jk-mApRitsXsJKyJebbDeDdUAkwCp-hcPUVnZJtGbxGs/s400/Bee+Gees+%2526+King+Curtis+Atco+Records+ad%252C+1968+Forest+Hills+Music+Festival+program%252C+Courtesy+of+Rego-Forest+Preservation+Council.jpg" /></a><br />Bee Gees & King Curtis Atco Records ad, 1968 Forest Hills Music Festival program, Courtesy of Rego-Forest Preservation Council<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEginT2w81IkAvKG0dBC-_0jWBmK3RjblTyEHLyClWa-tRWXJcL4BZpVZwULvp7Fvq-k1L5k5DkjPqpx2VYyJ2UvDFCsqPfaXgXL_zdztMGp66oWvCSqRy04mdkMyVj9kyK_jCm4c0MIV1Cz/s1600/The+Jimi+Hendrix+Experience%252C+November+5%252C+1968.jpg"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEginT2w81IkAvKG0dBC-_0jWBmK3RjblTyEHLyClWa-tRWXJcL4BZpVZwULvp7Fvq-k1L5k5DkjPqpx2VYyJ2UvDFCsqPfaXgXL_zdztMGp66oWvCSqRy04mdkMyVj9kyK_jCm4c0MIV1Cz/s400/The+Jimi+Hendrix+Experience%252C+November+5%252C+1968.jpg" /></a><br />The Jimi Hendrix Experience, November 5, 1968<br /><br />The Jimi Hendrix Experience opened for the Monkees on July 14 to July 16, 1967, which was unique since their style was distinctive between acid rock and a pop band, respectively. On July 16th, Hendrix threw down his guitar and exited from Monkeemania, and tour promoter Dick Clark was left speechless. During one of his performances, he envisioned concertgoers to sing along with “Foxy Lady,” but instead they screamed “Foxy Davy,” being obsessed with Davy Jones of the Monkees. Hendrix left the tour amicably, and it was not a total loss, since his hit “Purple Haze” climbed the U.S. singles chart. <br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMC0LkbPkMIiR9UsVUJdSt4jJmpM2GJTaX3OwDLBjTOIa1d_uiRRncKKxakzYQeMUyuF_12R_-N6zVUQ2JZWHINUWL5KMBOAcJVL4lcyPbqeX-LshlwcZDuhf2zhfONhtD5KepKQPLdcsR/s1600/Jimi+Hendrix+at+Forest+Hills+Stadium%252C+1967%252C+Courtesy+of+Forest+Hills+Stadium.jpg"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMC0LkbPkMIiR9UsVUJdSt4jJmpM2GJTaX3OwDLBjTOIa1d_uiRRncKKxakzYQeMUyuF_12R_-N6zVUQ2JZWHINUWL5KMBOAcJVL4lcyPbqeX-LshlwcZDuhf2zhfONhtD5KepKQPLdcsR/s400/Jimi+Hendrix+at+Forest+Hills+Stadium%252C+1967%252C+Courtesy+of+Forest+Hills+Stadium.jpg" /></a><br />Jimi Hendrix at Forest Hills Stadium, 1967, Courtesy of Forest Hills Stadium<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8ISL-Skp5CRVsaRclSrxRBlgYdbt2B5HkJw1jLQnz_ciJfR6EoWk3VeamwM3MAM-XTeAIU29bm6zeV-OWruSi3uQgrYtSYqehoi0mZABQUQNtWR8yLEdsDy2nQxuVSA5XM43dCesfh9Pq/s1600/Nancy+Wilson+ad%252C+1968+Forest+Hills+Music+Festival+program%252C+Courtesy+of+Rego-Forest+Preservation+Council.jpg"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8ISL-Skp5CRVsaRclSrxRBlgYdbt2B5HkJw1jLQnz_ciJfR6EoWk3VeamwM3MAM-XTeAIU29bm6zeV-OWruSi3uQgrYtSYqehoi0mZABQUQNtWR8yLEdsDy2nQxuVSA5XM43dCesfh9Pq/s400/Nancy+Wilson+ad%252C+1968+Forest+Hills+Music+Festival+program%252C+Courtesy+of+Rego-Forest+Preservation+Council.jpg" /></a><br />Nancy Wilson ad, 1968 Forest Hills Music Festival program, Courtesy of Rego-Forest Preservation Council<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhv5r48znBQa0PRkLxrVxi0Sz9ZJk8gpvqlrisZmUlC6bpuADhOnCLfTwDn6TXNgGQvnJZ1lZnhQKHJ14Ben6axq9PTVtmjdmp2cMCK3X1EPnxrCy9p98LWzXBgBNUNvL1ImuRko7I13BjP/s1600/Nancy+Wilson%252C+1968+Forest+Hills+Music+Festival+program%252C+Courtesy+of+Rego-Forest+Preservation+Council.jpg"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhv5r48znBQa0PRkLxrVxi0Sz9ZJk8gpvqlrisZmUlC6bpuADhOnCLfTwDn6TXNgGQvnJZ1lZnhQKHJ14Ben6axq9PTVtmjdmp2cMCK3X1EPnxrCy9p98LWzXBgBNUNvL1ImuRko7I13BjP/s400/Nancy+Wilson%252C+1968+Forest+Hills+Music+Festival+program%252C+Courtesy+of+Rego-Forest+Preservation+Council.jpg" /></a><br />1968 Forest Hills Music Festival program, Courtesy of Rego-Forest Preservation Council<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgD3HEEYZVI7gnlNp2fz4QjkSBxnYwHsa7ZD5HwbwsXL0LiVsSWK23XIGetSHsxuz1ETZBlLDrPKcdxMhxvBA-B44cmipoZHloLCqPjr41yVRuaGrXlvAkdUa5bQeibWlhuRSv2gNJ8Ub1Z/s1600/The+5th+Dimension%252C+1968+Forest+Hills+Music+Festival+program%252C+Courtesy+of+Rego-Forest+Preservation+Council.jpg"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgD3HEEYZVI7gnlNp2fz4QjkSBxnYwHsa7ZD5HwbwsXL0LiVsSWK23XIGetSHsxuz1ETZBlLDrPKcdxMhxvBA-B44cmipoZHloLCqPjr41yVRuaGrXlvAkdUa5bQeibWlhuRSv2gNJ8Ub1Z/s400/The+5th+Dimension%252C+1968+Forest+Hills+Music+Festival+program%252C+Courtesy+of+Rego-Forest+Preservation+Council.jpg" /></a><br />1968 Forest Hills Music Festival program, Courtesy of Rego-Forest Preservation Council<br /><br />Pop singer Nancy Wilson and the 5th Dimension opened the 9th season of the Forest Hills Music Festival on June 22, 1968. The quintet was recognized for their repertoire ranging from soul to pop, where their blend of rich harmonies grants a five dimensional sound. The group also performed nearly 20 hits on August 16, 1969 including “California Sun,” “Up, Up and Away,” and “Hair.” A highlight of the evening was the finale arrangement of “Aquarius” / “Let The Sunshine In,” where the musicians engaged in groovy dancing and ventured off the stage and sang to the fans.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKhHvLIpuRCNZ0JFprw5h4NFHxslFLHh3hIW-B_oIjHlQ9zN13yezKxpp3DotKC_KhshnBLgIg2V5oG1TDVPh_Fsmc40PXg7W7PiJdG4UIuuyVonfbs9IBwmgw855qhAAS-uKN3y-x7nJT/s1600/The+5th+Dimension+ad%252C+1968+Forest+Hills+Music+Festival+program%252C+Courtesy+of+Rego-Forest+Preservation+Council.jpg"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKhHvLIpuRCNZ0JFprw5h4NFHxslFLHh3hIW-B_oIjHlQ9zN13yezKxpp3DotKC_KhshnBLgIg2V5oG1TDVPh_Fsmc40PXg7W7PiJdG4UIuuyVonfbs9IBwmgw855qhAAS-uKN3y-x7nJT/s400/The+5th+Dimension+ad%252C+1968+Forest+Hills+Music+Festival+program%252C+Courtesy+of+Rego-Forest+Preservation+Council.jpg" /></a><br />The 5th Dimension ad, 1968 Forest Hills Music Festival program, Courtesy of Rego-Forest Preservation Council<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZdJgdbdNbTBkyMQvce3DdHuaO0IfzDGuxpIpgFZlKBKBhF2-_2ggnshecB4R1FWSei3SbdVOKI86VOu2mqKUkjJyrZzed-JEoMJiAHuETgYCZaJzu6pGRWSvUJXh5pW1UkA16OU0dkguJ/s1600/Shorty+Long+at+the+piano.jpg"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZdJgdbdNbTBkyMQvce3DdHuaO0IfzDGuxpIpgFZlKBKBhF2-_2ggnshecB4R1FWSei3SbdVOKI86VOu2mqKUkjJyrZzed-JEoMJiAHuETgYCZaJzu6pGRWSvUJXh5pW1UkA16OU0dkguJ/s400/Shorty+Long+at+the+piano.jpg" /></a><br />Shorty Long at the piano<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjv6hrKJm0J9iQen_Uxj5E0U-fcm1OshaEAAlJy5WeTYGS3mu3poi_XmyYjchiy-oLwfkOjmhrlp8gD8M1J6dSlQhMzDG6EKNdAtKqe_-Kodc1GuiKgIpjleStA5FDUFmxEnfs8lXTyB4l2/s1600/Stevie+Wonder%252C+1968+Forest+Hills+Music+Festival+program%252C+Courtesy+of+Rego-Forest+Preservation+Council.jpg"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjv6hrKJm0J9iQen_Uxj5E0U-fcm1OshaEAAlJy5WeTYGS3mu3poi_XmyYjchiy-oLwfkOjmhrlp8gD8M1J6dSlQhMzDG6EKNdAtKqe_-Kodc1GuiKgIpjleStA5FDUFmxEnfs8lXTyB4l2/s400/Stevie+Wonder%252C+1968+Forest+Hills+Music+Festival+program%252C+Courtesy+of+Rego-Forest+Preservation+Council.jpg" /></a><br /> 1968 Forest Hills Music Festival program, Courtesy of Rego-Forest Preservation Council<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjUEsuhnsH9o_kB7scvKvCXpfqiFs2oY0xa4V3MSEwTfeY_Y617cgecgg0bSssEtdBO_lagKzn4v7ovVsWRG1vG17xCpG-8r_tHTzu-u7hV3bPAu_P3c9ZrWGk3pZoQ0xKc2XpwsJ1ZF-d/s1600/Diana+Ross+and+The+Supremes+ad%252C+1968+Forest+Hills+Music+Festival+program%252C+Courtesy+of+Rego-Forest+Preservation+Council.jpg"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjUEsuhnsH9o_kB7scvKvCXpfqiFs2oY0xa4V3MSEwTfeY_Y617cgecgg0bSssEtdBO_lagKzn4v7ovVsWRG1vG17xCpG-8r_tHTzu-u7hV3bPAu_P3c9ZrWGk3pZoQ0xKc2XpwsJ1ZF-d/s400/Diana+Ross+and+The+Supremes+ad%252C+1968+Forest+Hills+Music+Festival+program%252C+Courtesy+of+Rego-Forest+Preservation+Council.jpg" /></a><br />1968 Forest Hills Music Festival program, Courtesy of Rego-Forest Preservation Council<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0qLGTqFr7JcsyxSSyo8Z8Yb-wQbH7_vl9hEzOVCFkApc3P4t_RStZE277d7gyNf0w2J-yKBiXpi8cycjopc9BCWsmwCA_nf7Fy-IrAXYNqekP98Rm-VDOZhXhAjQTDMLxCOBN5oNYCbvx/s1600/Matchbook+cover+for+1968+Forest+Hills+Music+Festival+featuring+Diana+Ross+%2526+The+Supremes%252C+Courtesy+of+Rego-Forest+Preservation+Council.jpg"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0qLGTqFr7JcsyxSSyo8Z8Yb-wQbH7_vl9hEzOVCFkApc3P4t_RStZE277d7gyNf0w2J-yKBiXpi8cycjopc9BCWsmwCA_nf7Fy-IrAXYNqekP98Rm-VDOZhXhAjQTDMLxCOBN5oNYCbvx/s400/Matchbook+cover+for+1968+Forest+Hills+Music+Festival+featuring+Diana+Ross+%2526+The+Supremes%252C+Courtesy+of+Rego-Forest+Preservation+Council.jpg" /></a><br />Matchbook cover for 1968 Forest Hills Music Festival featuring Diana Ross & The Supremes, Courtesy of Rego-Forest Preservation Council<br /><br />Diana Ross and the Supremes appeared with Stevie Wonder and Shorty Long on August 3, 1968. Diana Ross was the hostess and gave the stage to Shorty Long, performer of “Here Comes The Judge” and “Never Going To Give You Up,” two hits which were enthusiastically received. Stevie Wonder followed with a routine noted for his groovy pace, and began with “Precious Sweetheart,” followed by hits such as “Place In The Sun,” “Uptight,” and an instrumental rendition of “Alfie” on the harmonica. The stadium echoed from foot-stomping and thunderous clapping. “Big Stevie,” who was considered a young veteran of the stage, also self-accompanied numbers on electric piano and drums. Then came “pride of Motown” Diana Ross and the Supremes, who performed a medley consisting of “Stop in The Name of Love,” “Come See About Me,” and “Love Is Here.” That was followed by a humorous performance of “Queen of the House.” <br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgV63C6XhRnQ7wiGSw36d5diFt2PrYzqcvxZIY_hOEk8qLgUw_AXNChf-tfHmwuiaPBRTTgwNwoLWh58TcNfi362vGRt3PWr9JHaYP0oDRP5iLWZcwnMFrUsEOmA1n-lhbspKs9GcBKtfAt/s1600/Diana+Ross%252C+August+16%252C+1980+concert+ticket%252C+Courtesy+of+West+Side+Tennis+Club+Foundation.jpg"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgV63C6XhRnQ7wiGSw36d5diFt2PrYzqcvxZIY_hOEk8qLgUw_AXNChf-tfHmwuiaPBRTTgwNwoLWh58TcNfi362vGRt3PWr9JHaYP0oDRP5iLWZcwnMFrUsEOmA1n-lhbspKs9GcBKtfAt/s400/Diana+Ross%252C+August+16%252C+1980+concert+ticket%252C+Courtesy+of+West+Side+Tennis+Club+Foundation.jpg" /></a><br />Diana Ross concert ticket, Courtesy of Rego-Forest Preservation Council<br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGk_O-LkcHtq0uxAEUBT4P911Mpqs6TmfdYW8JSOTYQISvFLUfLD_vTBrQJQGKDGoTOtsv8wPO8V0VRY1-uHbhsvgbyBmnpOVmm15YggOzP-H0vuu6Ho34F2bjFbOjhLWlrLNFfn620JLy/s1600/Diana+Ross+and+The+Supremes%252C+1968+Forest+Hills+Music+Festival+program%252C+Courtesy+of+Rego-Forest+Preservation+Council.jpg"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGk_O-LkcHtq0uxAEUBT4P911Mpqs6TmfdYW8JSOTYQISvFLUfLD_vTBrQJQGKDGoTOtsv8wPO8V0VRY1-uHbhsvgbyBmnpOVmm15YggOzP-H0vuu6Ho34F2bjFbOjhLWlrLNFfn620JLy/s400/Diana+Ross+and+The+Supremes%252C+1968+Forest+Hills+Music+Festival+program%252C+Courtesy+of+Rego-Forest+Preservation+Council.jpg" /></a><br />1968 Forest Hills Music Festival program, Courtesy of Rego-Forest Preservation Council<br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhx7otVxzT-hWen0YtWBdQ0jg9Z_bmsPNBRE_wskd3fCb1TyBMtRru6KCIHiIv0gQkhdtA8etYGT5zDOna4JYOHe5GxlIuMBaLg4BsxaqxcCOaarU45tS5mi4i_YP0A_Xs1WT_iowPfo4XT/s1600/Richie+Havens+in+1974%252C+Courtesy+of+William+Morris+Agency.jpg"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhx7otVxzT-hWen0YtWBdQ0jg9Z_bmsPNBRE_wskd3fCb1TyBMtRru6KCIHiIv0gQkhdtA8etYGT5zDOna4JYOHe5GxlIuMBaLg4BsxaqxcCOaarU45tS5mi4i_YP0A_Xs1WT_iowPfo4XT/s400/Richie+Havens+in+1974%252C+Courtesy+of+William+Morris+Agency.jpg" /></a><br />Richie Havens in 1974, Courtesy of William Morris Agency<br /><br />From $3.50 to $6.00, fans could see Richie Havens on July 19, 1969. He consolidated soul, folk, and rhythm & blues. He was no match for rock singer Janis Joplin who placed a Southern Comfort bottle on the piano and told police to get off the stage or she will not sing, and then they backed off. Joplin would blast her songs, but Havens was known for his easygoing tempo.<br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqSlIefPMS3PyMXDa444VXadZNFKd0fu6Fcp9TOOS1TMk3CCubzRdgJasLfSVXkQQ7fHIjJCGTC91Sd3IfnZhV6_5t8EyYKtfOqzcAv3wh8qVcP2w0eTyupwbe78KkuwInpOuKkNC5_iYc/s1600/Dionne+Warwick+from+her+August+29%252C+1969+television+special.JPG"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqSlIefPMS3PyMXDa444VXadZNFKd0fu6Fcp9TOOS1TMk3CCubzRdgJasLfSVXkQQ7fHIjJCGTC91Sd3IfnZhV6_5t8EyYKtfOqzcAv3wh8qVcP2w0eTyupwbe78KkuwInpOuKkNC5_iYc/s320/Dionne+Warwick+from+her+August+29%252C+1969+television+special.JPG" /></a><br />Dionne Warwick from her August 29, 1969 television special<br /><br />Dionne Warwick appeared with Sam & Dave, a soul and R&B duo on July 12, 1969. “Soul Man” and “Hold On, I’m Comin’” were among their most popular tunes. At that time, her most popular numbers were Burt Bacharach tunes such as “I’ll Never Fall in Love Again.” She is considered among the 40 largest hit makers of the rock era based on Billboard’s Hot 100 Pop Singles Charts.<br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoaotlXA2W4A5zVDloeIoSynIjOr1bXJKyMjLDbeSjG2Lu3XG8J82eDdt2b1Besaj9Tbz3fJ7CeJQZrOwLN5gr8e5FeaB61zboPZH4heXFR3HHam6C8zaqfvOGn4qdH7wz0QAYPPKngh_0/s1600/Sam+%2526+Dave+in+Billboard%252C+October+26%252C+1968.jpg"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoaotlXA2W4A5zVDloeIoSynIjOr1bXJKyMjLDbeSjG2Lu3XG8J82eDdt2b1Besaj9Tbz3fJ7CeJQZrOwLN5gr8e5FeaB61zboPZH4heXFR3HHam6C8zaqfvOGn4qdH7wz0QAYPPKngh_0/s400/Sam+%2526+Dave+in+Billboard%252C+October+26%252C+1968.jpg" /></a><br />Sam & Dave in Billboard, October 26, 1968<br /><br /> Concertgoers witnessed a surprise package on stage on July 23, 1977, and when it was torn open, Diana Ross emerged. Her ballads consisted of “Send in the Clowns” and “The Lady is a Tramp.” Then she said she would turn the stadium into a discotheque and hits included “Love Hangover.” The N.Y. Amsterdam News read, “She asked a young man in the audience who was wearing a ‘Diana is Dorothy in the Wiz’ sweatshirt to dance with her, and he, overwhelmed and willing, did just that.” “I love you, Diana” became the rule by fans throughout the evening. <br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlOxTPPikpZQR5QtuCWUxidCHlMW0OUJfpoz1r5X4KBdhh3qEWHOhP_rAZZq7ScSzf28q6nebRM2GILiyQTTckUrtvgkZuM6ypliYKzfG2tkSwxl2mFyfy1CpMIBLrhO3yzsJgNk1c6yl1/s1600/Donna+Summer+%2526+Brooklyn+Dreams+July+28%252C+1979+ticket%252C+Courtesy+of+Rego-Forest+Preservation+Council.jpg"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlOxTPPikpZQR5QtuCWUxidCHlMW0OUJfpoz1r5X4KBdhh3qEWHOhP_rAZZq7ScSzf28q6nebRM2GILiyQTTckUrtvgkZuM6ypliYKzfG2tkSwxl2mFyfy1CpMIBLrhO3yzsJgNk1c6yl1/s400/Donna+Summer+%2526+Brooklyn+Dreams+July+28%252C+1979+ticket%252C+Courtesy+of+Rego-Forest+Preservation+Council.jpg" /></a><br />Donna Summer & Brooklyn Dreams July 28, 1979 ticket, Courtesy of Rego-Forest Preservation Council<br /><br />A fan could purchase a $20 ticket for a portal box seat for “A Summer Night’s Dream Show” on July 27 and July 28, 1979 featuring “Queen of Disco” Donna Summer and special guest Brooklyn Dreams. These sold-out concerts brought her hits into the spotlight including “I Feel Love,” “Last Dance,” “Hot Stuff,” “Love To Love You Baby,” and “Bad Girls.” That month she topped the Hot 100 singles chart, Billboard 200 albums chart, and the Soul singles chart. She is the recipient of five Grammy Awards. <br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhv67tVXyDAuyT3-qRM9Sqcon6eSBAFL0b8eMpVtRwnnq3jpcSvMwZAi13g0zTgHKlagzggD6qjmK25W2CCeHSrwkW86J2MpYtaXeVjvGvLBdPbxLgf5vAPr-nArmHbUyHV1uqNDthaEthR/s1600/Donna+Summer+in+the+recording+studio%252C+September+1977%252C+Casablanca+Records.JPG"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhv67tVXyDAuyT3-qRM9Sqcon6eSBAFL0b8eMpVtRwnnq3jpcSvMwZAi13g0zTgHKlagzggD6qjmK25W2CCeHSrwkW86J2MpYtaXeVjvGvLBdPbxLgf5vAPr-nArmHbUyHV1uqNDthaEthR/s400/Donna+Summer+in+the+recording+studio%252C+September+1977%252C+Casablanca+Records.JPG" /></a><br />Donna Summer in the recording studio, September 1977, Casablanca Records<br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgp3IzGl3Nl_ZcxWP9rrEaqhJCjAhUOHd8RjJ3T_iIPN0UO20E0-gS0B28U3n6Fh_lXEEVwqbnlvKS9zGU8r09DPM2AcA6veTyvEn-En1z0_x1U-Z7RLI2UreZYXODvto337V8KnceLT1Xn/s1600/The+whimiscal+1968+Forest+Hills+Music+Festival+booklet%252C+Courtesy+of+Rego-Forest+Preservation+Council.jpg"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgp3IzGl3Nl_ZcxWP9rrEaqhJCjAhUOHd8RjJ3T_iIPN0UO20E0-gS0B28U3n6Fh_lXEEVwqbnlvKS9zGU8r09DPM2AcA6veTyvEn-En1z0_x1U-Z7RLI2UreZYXODvto337V8KnceLT1Xn/s400/The+whimiscal+1968+Forest+Hills+Music+Festival+booklet%252C+Courtesy+of+Rego-Forest+Preservation+Council.jpg" /></a><br />The whimsical 1968 Forest Hills Music Festival program, Courtesy of Rego-Forest Preservation Council<br /></div>Rego-Foresterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05398510218292813862noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7449761564484963359.post-4744126770182633612021-02-06T21:30:00.000-05:002021-02-06T21:30:08.144-05:00Sweet Memories of Eddie’s Sweet Shop as Witt’s Confectionery & Ice Cream <p> By Michael Perlman</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4JDpz0f8YPmw0CG7f85BMfbI7Z65UCpP41Osu41_ORbt98vXw0X4THn2_GUP82At88A-TRjK65z-UneNqNlMLFMNDJhM1yixSnNZ-P0-8Pw-pfAoWj1ZjqFlbhTBnDeLuw3Wdpkcjwy5V/s2048/Eddie%2527s+Sweet+Shop%252C+Jan+2021+photo+by+Michael+Perlman.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4JDpz0f8YPmw0CG7f85BMfbI7Z65UCpP41Osu41_ORbt98vXw0X4THn2_GUP82At88A-TRjK65z-UneNqNlMLFMNDJhM1yixSnNZ-P0-8Pw-pfAoWj1ZjqFlbhTBnDeLuw3Wdpkcjwy5V/w400-h266/Eddie%2527s+Sweet+Shop%252C+Jan+2021+photo+by+Michael+Perlman.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d;"><b>Eddie's Sweet Shop, January 2021, Photo by Michael Perlman</b></span></td></tr></tbody></table><br />Forest Hills is known for tennis, music, and of course ice cream! Eddie’s Sweet Shop at 105-29 Metropolitan Avenue holds the record for the most intact and what is likely the longest continuously operating ice cream parlor citywide. <br /><br />In July 1979, artist Randy Jones sketched “The Great Ice Cream Safari” comic strip for The New York Times, which featured an elephant touring ice cream parlors, an endangered species. Eddie’s Sweet Shop was saved for last, where a patron on a swivel stool said, “This antique parlor would make a fine trophy in the Smithsonian!”<div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQQSIISf3IQ1aQrNJ4nk3bAWp3ybSmqAgENLVsBXmQaRudH5ci_8l7GOXJfDW12O-SEmFivuu9hXPPrwvIR9WIvPM9WxEaLNcY6KJQnS1CzSjTBPMaFNRyRc3mEdSxX2rg6MuLGudctttP/s992/The+Great+Ice+Cream+Safari+comic+strip%252C+Eddie%2527s+Sweet+Shop%252C+NY+Times+July+20%252C+1979.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="864" data-original-width="992" height="349" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQQSIISf3IQ1aQrNJ4nk3bAWp3ybSmqAgENLVsBXmQaRudH5ci_8l7GOXJfDW12O-SEmFivuu9hXPPrwvIR9WIvPM9WxEaLNcY6KJQnS1CzSjTBPMaFNRyRc3mEdSxX2rg6MuLGudctttP/w400-h349/The+Great+Ice+Cream+Safari+comic+strip%252C+Eddie%2527s+Sweet+Shop%252C+NY+Times+July+20%252C+1979.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>That vision continues today as patrons encounter vintage signs with Coca-Cola insignias and thematically decorated windows with stained-glass reading “Candy” and “Ice Cream.” Around 20 homemade flavors are prepared on the premises along with fresh whipped cream. Original flavors include rum raisin, butter pecan, and tutti frutti.<br /> <br /> Patrons can sit on the same cast-iron swivel stools their great-grandparents sat on and enjoy a sundae or a float at the mahogany and marble counter facing stenciled built-ins and one of the first electric Frigidaire freezers. The authentic ambiance also features a honeycomb pattern mosaic floor, a tin ceiling with rose stamped molding, leaded glass windows with a sunburst and tulip motif, and tapestry appointed woodwork topped off by a wall clock by the pioneer Seth Thomas Clock Company.<br /> <br /> In 1925, a 2-story brick building with a corner entranceway was filed and Seelig & Finkelstein drafted blueprints. One of the earliest owners was reportedly Mr. Krohn, followed by Schaefer. Around the mid-1940s, the shop was renamed Witt’s Ice Cream & Confectionery after owner William Witt, a German immigrant. When Witt retired, he sold the shop to the Citrano family in 1968, and it became a success ever since. Giuseppe and his son Vito Citrano and wife Angelina are cherished Forest Hills personalities. Three generations worked alongside one another until Vito’s grandpa, also Vito, passed away in 1995.<div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLtW_0odA-yeJazt7UHl8cckxk3rNcEfq_mBWIB7IG1Vc_0PWhVJZ-wE1UsuOAZVtg2s7ALh36UcYJK3uoCd6qZ57PV3SLqBQmLM8nLZhjH2i3IxKOeAgghyphenhyphenYUUKG-lANfv3zvZaUwDVOU/s2048/Three+generations+of+the+Citrano+family+in+the+footsteps+of+the+Witts%252C+2014+photo+by+Michael+Perlman+.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLtW_0odA-yeJazt7UHl8cckxk3rNcEfq_mBWIB7IG1Vc_0PWhVJZ-wE1UsuOAZVtg2s7ALh36UcYJK3uoCd6qZ57PV3SLqBQmLM8nLZhjH2i3IxKOeAgghyphenhyphenYUUKG-lANfv3zvZaUwDVOU/w400-h300/Three+generations+of+the+Citrano+family+in+the+footsteps+of+the+Witts%252C+2014+photo+by+Michael+Perlman+.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: #38761d;">Three generations of the Citrano family in the footsteps of the Witts, 2014 photo by Michael Perlman </span></b></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div><div>Much of the shop’s history prior to 1968 is undocumented, but is being rediscovered thanks to the memories of patrons. Owner William Witt and his wife Elsie, who were often addressed as Mr. and Mrs. Witt, as well as their daughter with the same name, would also be proud.</div><div><div><br />Michael Dillon lived around the corner on Nansen Street since 1953, and after playing ball in the street with his friends, Witt’s was the go-to place. He said, “In the mid-60s while working at Associated Food Stores on Metropolitan Avenue, I was fortunate to deliver sugar and get a glimpse of all the wonderful ice cream making machines. The Witts were always such kind and lovely people, who always reminded me of the ideal grandma and grandpa.” <br /><br />“My father, Joseph proposed to my mother, Clara at Witt’s. It was a fine treat for our parents to take my sisters and I on a walk there in the summer, and we always sat in ‘Mom and Dad’s booth,’ which was the first towards the back,” said Joe Burchill, who lived on Greenway Terrace followed by Burns Street. He reminisced, “I tried my first ice cream soda and my first sundae there. All of their ice cream was so creamy and the taste was very real. My absolute favorite was coffee.” He was also tempted by the candy display across from the soda fountain. “There were so many, it was hard to choose, but root beer barrels were a favorite.” He also remembered unique Panasonic radio ads photographed there. “They were promoting their unusually shaped and brightly colored line. There was a spherical radio and the ‘Toot-a-Loop’ that you could put on your wrist and untwist, so it could stand up on its own.” <br /><br />John Mattis lived on Loubet Street and now resides near Tampa. He said, “I remember watching Mr. Witt pack the containers, really pushing the ice cream into them as hard as he could. Later on, when I would get ice cream from other places and watched them pack it gingerly, I realized how much the Witts always did the right thing for their family of customers. I also remember the cold feel of the marble countertops, the glorious banana splits, and the girls swim teams that would pack the booths and loudly and joyously talk among themselves. I was always sneaking a peak on a girl I liked!”</div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6QTcOAvYDkDcGjrcraS0xwBuk0WytC0fFpfkcsK56_cPX7ksDqgPmOQJV_1wpMzj8ieHjRvep1tL17PpTqMLkSFJoVeqdjgUn_uMzCJYTMh8izFIYZMWdB7QKqF-sYu6MGnbo9FvxdAOz/s836/Witt%2527s+ad%252C+Dec+1958+Chatter%252C+The+Community+House.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="836" height="215" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6QTcOAvYDkDcGjrcraS0xwBuk0WytC0fFpfkcsK56_cPX7ksDqgPmOQJV_1wpMzj8ieHjRvep1tL17PpTqMLkSFJoVeqdjgUn_uMzCJYTMh8izFIYZMWdB7QKqF-sYu6MGnbo9FvxdAOz/w400-h215/Witt%2527s+ad%252C+Dec+1958+Chatter%252C+The+Community+House.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d;"><b>Witt's ad, December 1958, Community House Chatter publication </b></span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div>Northern California resident Nick Covell feels fortunate to have lived in Forest Hills three times. “I delivered the Long Island Press there in 1956. When I collected for the 40 cents a week bill, Bill Witt used to give me a 35-cent malted for a tip, a big deal for a 13-year-old kid.”</div><div><br />Another account of graciousness was shared by Paul Hettler, who was raised on Kessel Street. “My dad and I would walk there every Saturday in the mid-fifties, and he would buy me a vanilla ice cream soda which cost about a quarter. A few years later, when I was old enough to walk alone, I would get the ice cream soda and give Mr. Witt a quarter. This went on for several weeks, when finally, he quietly told me they haven’t been a quarter for several years.” <br /><br />Nancy Jeanne O’Connor, a Bronxville and Danbury resident, was raised on Manse Street between 69th and 70th Avenue. She said, “Many a night between 1951 and 1962, my parents walked up to Witt’s for dessert. Mom’s favorite was butter pecan and dad’s was chocolate, sometimes with orange sherbet. Our Lady of Mercy had processions of the little girls usually on Holy Thursday and the Feast of Corpus Christi, and many of us went to Witt’s afterward with our friends and parents. We went many Sundays with the ‘Klaum girls.’ We ordered hot fudge sundaes, but when funds were low, a 15-cent cherry coke. Now my siblings and I have the pleasure of introducing the next generation to Eddie’s, and it was always a special treat for them.”<br /><br />Phyllis Pellitteri Cush especially remembers marshmallow sundaes and quality time at Witt’s after swim meets at Our Lady Queen of Martyrs. “My friends and I used to storm into Witt’s at one time and take over the whole shop. Sometimes there weren’t enough seats for us. I cannot forget the icicles in our hair!” <br /><br />Andrea Stone also recalled swim meets, which were followed by banana splits and chocolate egg creams. Witt’s was also a tradition after 6th to 8th grade dances at The Community House. She said, “I told a friend in Colorado that Witt’s is now Eddie's Sweet Shop, and he said that he can't wait to try it the next time he goes to NYC. I love that it still looks the same!” <br /><br />Reflecting on how the beloved ice cream parlor withstood the test of time, the Citrano family had much to share. “We feel so happy to see that Eddie’s Sweet Shop served generations of customers through the years we have been here, as well as new ones. Our family estimates that over 30 films, commercials, and ads have been produced at our shop during the years we own it.” Vito added, “My father showed me not to be afraid to work hard. When it’s time to make hot fudge, I will keep stirring until it’s right, no matter how late it is or tired I am.” Angelina is also grateful. “We had many proposals at Eddie’s, and the first wedding ceremony in front of our doors a few months ago. We were honored!”<br /><br /></div></div></div></div>Rego-Foresterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05398510218292813862noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7449761564484963359.post-34316142926319631712020-12-30T04:13:00.001-05:002020-12-30T04:13:40.318-05:00A Forest Hills Tradition at Traymore Chemists By Michael Perlman<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZT7MUAxzyt4y_z1MgBKRxSHOhzM-jbVYgWDmfoLmnqroLNuqI4OPjEifYnct527RMTRedS93Ane3qoGaJDczzNzNEBz3I40HpWGqf0j20AnqFeNT_3N66IdXMppi6KtGqfKCUqc1CAABq/s2048/Traymore+Chemists%252C+Photo+by+Michael+Perlman.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1365" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZT7MUAxzyt4y_z1MgBKRxSHOhzM-jbVYgWDmfoLmnqroLNuqI4OPjEifYnct527RMTRedS93Ane3qoGaJDczzNzNEBz3I40HpWGqf0j20AnqFeNT_3N66IdXMppi6KtGqfKCUqc1CAABq/w266-h400/Traymore+Chemists%252C+Photo+by+Michael+Perlman.jpg" width="266" /></a><div><br /></div><div>Mom & pop shops once lined the streets of Forest Hills, granting much personalization and ambiance, but today small businesses built on tradition are increasingly an endangered species. This is due to high rents, changing demographics, the pandemic, and the lack of interest in younger generations to acquire the business or a landlord or tenant’s disinterest in making it available for another party. <br /><br />Among Forest Hills’ longest continuously operating family businesses is Traymore Chemists at 110-80 Queens Boulevard, which was owned by Kenneth Liebowitz for over four decades. “Growing up, I never fully appreciated how hard my father worked to support our family, but one thing I knew is that he was very proud of his business,” said Kew Gardens Hills resident David Liebowitz, who began running the business after his father retired a few years ago. Now he feels privileged for the opportunity to continue building upon his father’s service to the community and preserve a classic business.</div><div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGd5uZ8OUIiSMckmVLbQbQtTNDTS0SCPUlI4OTQT_d0i2o4QRRZ5KZhcZOiJRJcWNwITAJqek3RxBqk1WuTK2v_QR7EvV33q-XwNx782sGkiRSXE4C0r9hj4eeCJUaolBsJvb6PVy1bzZC/s1920/Kenneth+Liebowitz%252C++Courtesy+of+David+Liebowitz+.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1920" data-original-width="1080" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGd5uZ8OUIiSMckmVLbQbQtTNDTS0SCPUlI4OTQT_d0i2o4QRRZ5KZhcZOiJRJcWNwITAJqek3RxBqk1WuTK2v_QR7EvV33q-XwNx782sGkiRSXE4C0r9hj4eeCJUaolBsJvb6PVy1bzZC/w225-h400/Kenneth+Liebowitz%252C++Courtesy+of+David+Liebowitz+.jpg" width="225" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d;">Original owner Kenneth Liebowitz</span></td></tr></tbody></table><br />Patrons enter a classic recessed storefront with an original wooden door, and encounter authentic wooden built-ins and “Prescriptions” stylistically painted on the wall behind a counter with a vintage torsion balance and a pharmacy class cup, contributing to the charm. It is Traymore Chemists’ mission to offer the most economical prices for vitamins, over-the-counter medications, DMV eye exams, diabetic stockings, walkers, wheelchairs, blood pressure monitors, knee and back braces, fragrances, etc. They offer senior care specialty services and free delivery. Staff members relate to a diverse community by their ability to speak Spanish and Greek.</div><div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNQn4nbvb7dIHXXTA4xn3PBjctX2j-aDoUQibctrR8i-avnlMnplhNHfGBOAkuOj-HX6cZ9fO8ltIBnbsGKNtZksuQRvPbIDqAwLeBHtcNQAoM-FHCusOLgIHAsHM0sGoiQ4L8zW0Oy0GE/s5472/P1780323.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3648" data-original-width="5472" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNQn4nbvb7dIHXXTA4xn3PBjctX2j-aDoUQibctrR8i-avnlMnplhNHfGBOAkuOj-HX6cZ9fO8ltIBnbsGKNtZksuQRvPbIDqAwLeBHtcNQAoM-FHCusOLgIHAsHM0sGoiQ4L8zW0Oy0GE/w400-h266/P1780323.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d;">Michael Perlman, Owner David Liebowitz, & District 29 City Council Candidate Michael Conigliaro</span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /></div><div><br /> Liebowitz acquired a first-hand lesson over time, despite not working at Traymore Chemists early on. He explained, “My father took great pride in serving customers, but even more than that, he really made customers feel like family. When I say that, I am not exaggerating. He truly cared about people, and they loved him for it. Ask anyone who knew him, and they will tell you the same thing.” <br /><br /><br /> “When I began to run the business, I hired new pharmacists in the mold of my father,” he said. They are Anna Antiaris and Kathy Legakis, who have also become much admired community personalities. He continued, “I can tell you 100 percent that they really are like my father, since they are so special in that same way. They have such pleasant personalities.”</div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIcWbXkUTlNY8B-v5k064GZuWRP40x8Y5TWq_5QlL0evBPoAC27ZYkHFOFBAv3lNbTQXpX5hxvm092gRZlZ6Ia4DF94Aa3trxBjLqJu6szDDEBnRCmfC9g4hgQ941zD39zntmqrbWq7TqU/s1920/Kenneth+Liebowitz%252C+Courtesy+of+David+Liebowitz.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1920" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIcWbXkUTlNY8B-v5k064GZuWRP40x8Y5TWq_5QlL0evBPoAC27ZYkHFOFBAv3lNbTQXpX5hxvm092gRZlZ6Ia4DF94Aa3trxBjLqJu6szDDEBnRCmfC9g4hgQ941zD39zntmqrbWq7TqU/w400-h225/Kenneth+Liebowitz%252C+Courtesy+of+David+Liebowitz.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d;">Kenneth Liebowitz, Courtesy of David Liebowitz</span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div>A pharmacy existed on site prior to Traymore Chemists, which was known as Jules Landsberg Pharmacy in 1963 and possibly earlier. Patrons would dial BO 1-8440. Today, the phone number is consistent, but in a numerical form, 718-261-8440 to reach Liebowitz and his colleagues. <br /><br />Such a business poses advantages over a large chain. Liebowitz emphasized how crucial it is for the community to support small businesses and their neighbors, especially during the pandemic. “We are all suffering due to Covid-19, and as a society, we need to help each other by supporting our local small businesses. In today’s world, society has become so emotionally distant, but people crave friendliness and warmth. Our goal is to make people feel good when walking into our pharmacy by knowing their name and treating them with dignity and respect.” <br /><br />Recently, an elder patron needed assistance and called the shop, so Liebowitz fulfilled his mission to “save the day!” He explained, “I asked our delivery person to assist them. We have elderly customers that sometimes ask us to pick something up for them at the food store, so we do it for them. It is our pleasure, since we want to be known in our community as the place that everyone can turn to, and especially for seniors who need some extra care.” <br /><br /> “My father used to call his customers ‘friends and family,’ and that’s exactly what I want to continue,” said Liebowitz. <br /><br /></div><div>A similar version was published in Michael Perlman's Forest Hills Times column:</div><div><a href="http://foresthillstimes.com/view/full_story/27787175/article-Tradition-continues-at-Traymore-Chemists">foresthillstimes.com/view/full_story/27787175/article-Tradition-continues-at-Traymore-Chemists</a></div>Rego-Foresterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05398510218292813862noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7449761564484963359.post-42535017107487388002020-09-17T07:04:00.000-04:002020-09-17T07:04:02.708-04:00A Sweet Celebration Filled with Memories for Aigner Chocolates’ 90th Anniversary By Michael Perlman<div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjty9dgwNKMC-RTY8hKqxk9Bp6-LphwATbKAU3P_8NMtdDIFpOhUx_RUc7munG6Yd_3WFIQTq_FsXzSyRuysZ3e-VXyMqInwFvzuH5LFx0UfBNTq_1KSavTDGGAuzcY9nzdFZnX567xtpr4/s2048/Past+%2526+present+owners%252C+elected+officials%252C+family%252C+%2526+friends+celebrate%252C+Photo+by+Michael+Perlman.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="249" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjty9dgwNKMC-RTY8hKqxk9Bp6-LphwATbKAU3P_8NMtdDIFpOhUx_RUc7munG6Yd_3WFIQTq_FsXzSyRuysZ3e-VXyMqInwFvzuH5LFx0UfBNTq_1KSavTDGGAuzcY9nzdFZnX567xtpr4/w373-h249/Past+%2526+present+owners%252C+elected+officials%252C+family%252C+%2526+friends+celebrate%252C+Photo+by+Michael+Perlman.jpg" width="373" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5kmmb-zJBs3xE-sUTKQ2srekA6jQHvYFZmvU82xNMFAdZZ3PvmbWkICf0KeypftOvGBHs9LzaMh6xqZWyi3TiGGK8-nEgFOTqilzimReHOFikYMKqc8CZIVcEobYJ_RpUbHHZtTONXoVx/s2048/Aigner+Chocolates+commemorative+pop%252C+Photo+by+Michael+Perlman.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1940" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5kmmb-zJBs3xE-sUTKQ2srekA6jQHvYFZmvU82xNMFAdZZ3PvmbWkICf0KeypftOvGBHs9LzaMh6xqZWyi3TiGGK8-nEgFOTqilzimReHOFikYMKqc8CZIVcEobYJ_RpUbHHZtTONXoVx/s320/Aigner+Chocolates+commemorative+pop%252C+Photo+by+Michael+Perlman.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div>It is proven that what is homemade and from the heart is a recipe for success. Aigner Chocolates at 103-02 Metropolitan Avenue has achieved a milestone, which tells a story of a mom and pop shop that is a rare survivor, thanks to the long hours of dedication under past and current owners, creativity, personalization, and a humanitarian spirit where patrons and the community become an extended family. To celebrate 90 years in Forest Hills, a socially distanced ceremony was held in front of the shop on September 13, with speeches from generations of owners and nearly ten elected officials; some of whom presented proclamations. Gift bags with a commemorative “90” chocolate pop were distributed, and harpist Erin Hill performed standards. </div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEid0Q4oFFR7rmM3-PU5HI7PTtOYkab27kpnIysxcCm_6PLAYd3ukybkkK9tAmPrBtuYiN6OysDii_q11gINwIX1ujT3Chqa8nFPSNmmZuYDCwlB0-BVVKF99e0ld9km8-vgmPHHgO8ZuIHe/s2048/Harpist+Erin+Hill%252C+Photo+by+Michael+Perlman.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1683" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEid0Q4oFFR7rmM3-PU5HI7PTtOYkab27kpnIysxcCm_6PLAYd3ukybkkK9tAmPrBtuYiN6OysDii_q11gINwIX1ujT3Chqa8nFPSNmmZuYDCwlB0-BVVKF99e0ld9km8-vgmPHHgO8ZuIHe/s320/Harpist+Erin+Hill%252C+Photo+by+Michael+Perlman.jpg" /></a></div><br /> <br /><br /> Guest speakers were Community Board 6 District Manager Frank Gulluscio, Congresswoman Grace Meng, Councilwoman Karen Koslowitz, Councilman Donovan Richards, NYS Senator Joseph Addabbo, NYS Senator John Liu, Assemblyman Ed Braunstein, and representatives of Queens BP Sharon Lee and Assemblyman Andrew Hevesi. It even included a Certificate of Recognition from Governor Andrew Cuomo. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIOcgXJ6EUHksh_gnAv7M5xCd3tKlrAeD5qtJ4a1UhY4X4HrnxQCsmdSJa7hWjUj2oJL6ITGOMxhGAN7fUJpSP1wmzT3rryDgdvKcyudXfzrp3sGVlnm9gUNolm9584QoFk3Kkw32qa35z/s2769/Proclamations%252C+Photo+by+Michael+Perlman.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1136" data-original-width="2769" height="145" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIOcgXJ6EUHksh_gnAv7M5xCd3tKlrAeD5qtJ4a1UhY4X4HrnxQCsmdSJa7hWjUj2oJL6ITGOMxhGAN7fUJpSP1wmzT3rryDgdvKcyudXfzrp3sGVlnm9gUNolm9584QoFk3Kkw32qa35z/w353-h145/Proclamations%252C+Photo+by+Michael+Perlman.jpg" width="353" /></a></div><br /><div><br />Congresswoman Grace Meng, who presented a proclamation said, “Representing the Sixth Congressional District, I hold up Aigner Chocolates for great recognition and honor on the 90th anniversary of its founding, and declare today to be ‘Aigner Chocolates Day!’” President and CEO Thomas Grech of the Queens Chamber of Commerce said, “If you work to support your family, such as a meat guy, bagel guy, or the chocolatier, you are an essential worker. Aigner employs 8 people, which is 8 rents and 8 kids to put through school. At the end of the day, we should value every single job, since the person that has it, is essential to their family.” </div><div><br /> Owners Mark Libertini and Rachel Kellner acquired the business in October 2015 and added a new chapter to the Aigner story. Back in 1930, Germany native and confectioner Alfred Krause opened Krause’s Candy Kitchen in a predominantly German community. Since 1960, three generations of the Aigner family satisfied the sweet tooth of patrons. It consisted of John Aigner, who began working at Krause’s in the 1950s after training in Austria and Germany, his son Peter and wife Pia, and then their son Chris. In 2009, the business was renamed Aigner Chocolates. Then in 2015, master confectioner Peter Aigner trained Kellner and Libertini, who continue to produce chocolates on museum-quality equipment from the 1940s and 1950s. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1VgFVuTD4zm7XKKLNXBWPRvRbjL3e-UKGTiuIFWOYkJ5ZEPN8_6-bsfA8-v15aq6TcR51vGeSeYlhz6IpC1qwg-S39Ry6xfKWvCkpNv3De-94yUSxgxUEvBVL1d5fVKJbHSa-XsvrjGpu/s2048/Past+%2526+current+owners+come+together%252C+Photo+by+Michael+Perlman.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1478" data-original-width="2048" height="287" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1VgFVuTD4zm7XKKLNXBWPRvRbjL3e-UKGTiuIFWOYkJ5ZEPN8_6-bsfA8-v15aq6TcR51vGeSeYlhz6IpC1qwg-S39Ry6xfKWvCkpNv3De-94yUSxgxUEvBVL1d5fVKJbHSa-XsvrjGpu/w398-h287/Past+%2526+current+owners+come+together%252C+Photo+by+Michael+Perlman.jpg" width="398" /></a></div><br /><div>Kellner explained that it was love at first sight for the shop’s history and felt honored to preserve a tradition. She said, “What we didn’t realize at that time was that we were being adopted by a community, so caring and involved. The friendships we’ve developed with our fellow business owners, neighbors, and customers were completely unexpected, and now we can’t imagine our lives without all of these amazing people.” She then explained, “My husband loves making chocolate and I love running a chocolate shop, but the passion and love wouldn’t be there if it wasn’t for all of you. This day is a celebration about community, because without this incredible community, we wouldn’t be here. To Mark, my partner in life and in business, you had a vision, and it allowed my vision of ‘food as therapy’ to become a realty in this beautiful business. You said our life would be an adventure. Babe, you were right!” Libertini said, “We are devoted to the art of creating beautiful and delicious chocolates using traditional family recipes and techniques. Our vision is to share our passion for the art of chocolate while making the world a better place.” </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIC01F6PTb9FEgcWnqM7GiD_D_nnRTAoGPfDmvQ2GF8_IwaL1fNBAE_6JIsW2Wu1NG-RHJxmF8VaSAEpgN8Jvn7lOIgU3S-SPTRRneRRYOsMDFERN15OIJ7oA9hlQktxRGdC-fT8iP21w8/s2048/Vintage+photo+of+past+owner+Peter+Aigner.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1472" data-original-width="2048" height="263" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIC01F6PTb9FEgcWnqM7GiD_D_nnRTAoGPfDmvQ2GF8_IwaL1fNBAE_6JIsW2Wu1NG-RHJxmF8VaSAEpgN8Jvn7lOIgU3S-SPTRRneRRYOsMDFERN15OIJ7oA9hlQktxRGdC-fT8iP21w8/w366-h263/Vintage+photo+of+past+owner+Peter+Aigner.jpg" width="366" /></a></div><br /><div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Vintage photo of past owner Peter Aigner</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div> Peter Aigner’s earliest memories date to his childhood. “We lived above the chocolate shop, when I was about 9 in 1960. When my parents were in bed, I would sneak downstairs into the store to help myself to half a dozen milk chocolate marshmallows and take it up to my room. As I grew up, my tastes mellowed to a little less sweet.” Chris Aigner continued, “I would sneak down early Saturday morning, before the store was open, and get a chocolate pop, and then go upstairs to my grandparents and watch cartoons with a glass of orange juice and chocolate pop.” Pia Aigner said, “I was so impressed how Americans loved chocolates, coming from a country where chocolate was so expensive, that people would buy one to two pieces. I came to America and they would buy it by the pound.” </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglUyy22svuX7u6LwN_GA3demD4OQzjVytcubWmAwxRFLuq0KMtyBJ53WN9L1LgTtUGhFuxORbB6CpxLP4ucgblx8-bAsP5kNWP_ut-2W1bygsAv304YsoVL3pwDw-m5r77bIPmXDwOlEt_/s2048/Pia+Aigner%252C+Chris+Aigner%252C+Mark+Libertini%252C+Rachel+Kellner%252C+Peter+Aigner%252C+Thomas+Grech%252C+Photo+by+Michael+Perlman.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1455" height="395" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglUyy22svuX7u6LwN_GA3demD4OQzjVytcubWmAwxRFLuq0KMtyBJ53WN9L1LgTtUGhFuxORbB6CpxLP4ucgblx8-bAsP5kNWP_ut-2W1bygsAv304YsoVL3pwDw-m5r77bIPmXDwOlEt_/w280-h395/Pia+Aigner%252C+Chris+Aigner%252C+Mark+Libertini%252C+Rachel+Kellner%252C+Peter+Aigner%252C+Thomas+Grech%252C+Photo+by+Michael+Perlman.jpg" width="280" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><h4 style="text-align: center;">Pia Aigner, Chris Aigner, Mark Libertini, Rachel Kellner, Peter Aigner, Thomas Grech </h4>The Aigner family feels they made the perfect choice after interviewing Mark and Rachel. Peter said, “Very few businesses in New York manage to survive that long. Our customers were very loyal. We always maintained a high quality product, and Mark and Rachel are excellent heirs. They took it seriously and learned it from the ground up and continuing the tradition with the same recipes and manner that we ran it, but with a little more artistic flair, and we are very happy for them. Customers continue to have the high quality they’re accustomed to.” Chris continued, “Ninety years is three full generations of families that probably touched five generations of families that had chocolate in their homes on holidays and centered around it on their most intimate family moments. It is wonderful to be part of a business that touched so many lives.” Pia continued, “We are very happy that Mark and Rachel are continuing making chocolates at that location, and they’re doing it very well.” <div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjJvpst04R4PEOACDgfcNgH9bjos5pf77Hw54YubZ1I4snRQQwxlC2ot9289wGWMO4E7H_wooN4N5YcIzeoF7Xg2o_iFrO7xjrV6lj9Ep7TR7FD6u7brCbPJT7VtrSVIRnv8iJ5xQEUqIV/s1800/Peter%252C+Mary%252C+John+%2526+Grandpa+Aigner.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1800" data-original-width="1771" height="361" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjJvpst04R4PEOACDgfcNgH9bjos5pf77Hw54YubZ1I4snRQQwxlC2ot9289wGWMO4E7H_wooN4N5YcIzeoF7Xg2o_iFrO7xjrV6lj9Ep7TR7FD6u7brCbPJT7VtrSVIRnv8iJ5xQEUqIV/w356-h361/Peter%252C+Mary%252C+John+%2526+Grandpa+Aigner.jpg" width="356" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>Peter, Mary, John & Grandpa Aigner</b></div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">One must wonder if there are any life lessons from running a chocolate shop. Chris said, “Being in service, you’re in a very special position in the world. You can change people’s experiences. Being kind and treating them with respect and dignity regardless of how short your interaction is an important life lesson.” Peter agreed and said, “We have been taught by my parents and passed that on.” </div><div><br /> When seeing Mark and Rachel operating the business in 2020, it reminds Peter and Pia of their younger selves. He said, “We had a lot of people who wanted to buy the business, but their heart wasn’t really in it. When we came across Mark and Rachel, there was this enthusiasm, which we felt was very important. Mark loves making chocolates, and Rachel has excellent people skills! Those are two important ingredients, and it’s similar to the talents that my wife and I had.” <br /><br /> Chris Aigner served as the broker in the sale. “The first year was the tricky year, since my parents and Mark and Rachel worked together nearly every day. They wanted to learn the recipes well and make sure that the transition was seamless. Then they re-branded slightly and added artistic value to the products. It has been a great experience to see them grow and take the business to the next level.” Peter continued, “When you sell a family business that has been with you for three generations, it’s a bittersweet experience. On one hand, sad, but yet it’s very happy.” <br /><br /> His father is one of his largest inspirations. “I would go in with my dad since I was 5 years old. I first learned how to lay out cups for nutcrackers. I would spend almost every Saturday making chocolate. Since I was a very young boy, I wanted to be a chocolatier.” Peter continued, “My dad was an Austrian confectioner who taught me the trade from a very early age. No one will teach you like your own father! My parents worked for another confectioner, since it wasn’t easy to get your own business in Europe.” <br /><br /> Chocolate production has evolved tremendously, according to Peter. “It helped the small manufacturers like us a lot. When I was a kid, basically all of the machinery was developed for big factories, costing hundreds of thousands of dollars. Over the years, machinery was developed, geared towards smaller manufacturers. When I was a kid, every single piece had to be rolled, cut, and dipped by hand. Over the years, we invested in machinery that automatically cut and formed chocolate.” </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjT86cubwReJW5uhpfxGyENrEbVTDUv0sjYCDOJ_tJnEhvHe3LLrR_U_-1LgItYHQ5HpJ6J5v_pcGH2YD1JW5iTqZrECuBOCEI2vwsfow6gv0Ef1TuOctRCmJ_4Y213poyB996Yv1HUEF-R/s1868/Peter+%2526+John+Aigner.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1800" data-original-width="1868" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjT86cubwReJW5uhpfxGyENrEbVTDUv0sjYCDOJ_tJnEhvHe3LLrR_U_-1LgItYHQ5HpJ6J5v_pcGH2YD1JW5iTqZrECuBOCEI2vwsfow6gv0Ef1TuOctRCmJ_4Y213poyB996Yv1HUEF-R/s320/Peter+%2526+John+Aigner.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>Peter & John Aigner</b></div><br /><div>Chris shared a story that his parents would tell him. “My great-grandfather would help out. They had professional dippers who dipped piece by piece, all day long, and set the pieces onto wax paper, fill up the tray, and put it on a rack. They would produce a whole rack in a day’s work, whereas today we can do it in a few hours. After a day’s work, he squeezed into the cooling room to get a piece of chocolate, but knocked over an entire rack. As the dipper started to scream ‘My work, my work,’ the first thing out of his mouth was ‘It wasn’t me!’ You can really picture what it was like back then.” </div><div><br /> The Aigner family and Kellner and Libertini are humanitarians. The tradition of raffling off an over 3-foot chocolate Easter bunny named Harvey originated in the 1980s. Most recently, it was donated to Elmhurst Hospital, the “epicenter of the epicenter” during the pandemic. Chris recalled, “My maternal grandma passed away from Alzheimer’s, and when she was sick, we started a raffle with Harvey The Bunny and gave all the proceeds to a research foundation.” <br /><br /> Many notables once entered Aigner’s showroom. Peter said, “I remember my father used to enjoy seeing celebrities such as Ralph Bunche, Dale Carnegie, Geraldine Ferraro, and Louis Armstrong, as well as his sister. He wouldn’t eat any other chocolates, so she would later buy it for him and send it out to Hollywood.” <br /><br /> The Aigner family has much to be grateful for. Since much revolves around chocolates, Chris explained, “We were able to experience the holidays in a very special way. We were surrounded by Christmas the whole month of December, and the same with Easter and Thanksgiving.” Pia added, “I will always be thankful to our customer’s loyalty.” <br /><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaEGJ94SY-HWcYZR0XXmdvIypPtQda4uoOr3wfA3TADPHapdbwqeVycSZ3hdkOa7vo7n4BhKdDHn7RYh9chMI7MvVkb7YDuzzrGkpx48mJZAowfjGNMsEUuzAa4WJ2Npk519nIGjaGmr3c/s2048/Owners+Rachel+Kellner+%2526+Mark+Libertini+with+the+NYPD%252C+Photo+by+Michael+Perlman.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="235" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaEGJ94SY-HWcYZR0XXmdvIypPtQda4uoOr3wfA3TADPHapdbwqeVycSZ3hdkOa7vo7n4BhKdDHn7RYh9chMI7MvVkb7YDuzzrGkpx48mJZAowfjGNMsEUuzAa4WJ2Npk519nIGjaGmr3c/w353-h235/Owners+Rachel+Kellner+%2526+Mark+Libertini+with+the+NYPD%252C+Photo+by+Michael+Perlman.jpg" width="353" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>Owners Rachel Kellner & Mark Libertini with the NYPD, Photo by Michael Perlman</b></div><br />Rego-Foresterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05398510218292813862noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7449761564484963359.post-72367026604400212602020-09-04T23:32:00.001-04:002020-09-04T23:32:42.273-04:00Historic Forest Hills Banks Merit New Lease on Life & Not Demolition!<p> By Michael Perlman</p>Banks were traditionally erected as freestanding buildings with solid construction comprised of high ceilings and classical architectural features, to instill a sense of financial stability, integrity, security, and commitment, and were regarded as community centerpieces. In Forest Hills, three bank buildings became available over the past year, echoing the neighborhood’s past, as they were designed in harmony with their surroundings. Now community residents and visitors are hopeful that their unique period details will be preserved, whether the buildings continue to operate as a bank or are adaptively reused, which has been accomplished countrywide. <div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZNroMXbkVamLXUMyseiCWvNImqbEK7aipwW3H224SwCHESxiw2-fCQW1XoeYm8FbMbeU-qolfx0tIYfJRPaEKmKqQEG1Tqn2ROmO7esfLWkRdxDL5UBllF5cANkqh1habUaUyy2p_deMR/s2048/Forest+Hills+National+Bank+of+NY%252C+99-02+Metropolitan+Ave+circa+1929%252C+Courtesy+of+Queens+Chamber+of+Commerce.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1643" data-original-width="2048" height="321" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZNroMXbkVamLXUMyseiCWvNImqbEK7aipwW3H224SwCHESxiw2-fCQW1XoeYm8FbMbeU-qolfx0tIYfJRPaEKmKqQEG1Tqn2ROmO7esfLWkRdxDL5UBllF5cANkqh1habUaUyy2p_deMR/w400-h321/Forest+Hills+National+Bank+of+NY%252C+99-02+Metropolitan+Ave+circa+1929%252C+Courtesy+of+Queens+Chamber+of+Commerce.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />A “For Sale” sign was posted on the façade of Forest Hills National Bank of New York at 99-00/02 Metropolitan Avenue , which most recently operated as a branch of Chase. This Greek Revival meets Colonial building style building’s façade remains mostly intact, retaining its brick and stonework consisting of pilasters, a door surround, arched windows, and a pediment. It opened in December 1928 to primarily serve a growing community of south Forest Hills which was 22 years old at that time, whereas Rego Park was 5 years old. The Queens Chamber of Commerce’s “Queensborough” publication stated, “The capital stock of $200,000 is held for the most part by Queens Borough business men who believe in the future of the borough. The bank starts with a surplus of $50,000.” It also explained that the bank operated a Special Interest department and a Christmas Club. <br /><br /> Daniel J. Flynn, Vice President of Jones Lang LaSalle, a commercial real estate services company, explained that he and his colleague is currently under negotiations with a buyer. The façade’s few modifications include the uppermost arched section of the windows covered with aluminum siding, replaced windows, and the building’s original etched name also covered with aluminum. The interior has dropped ceilings, but can be eliminated to reveal distinctive details from 1928. While examining the façade, he said, “I love the look of the building. It captures a bygone era, in which materials and labor were disproportionately less expensive. At this point, the buyer fully plans to utilize the building and not modify the exterior.” Considering its ideal location, he continued, “This part of Queens serves a very important function in housing and commerce.” </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDuqhTjmCp_otKi8a2Awv3DMKJRSVr4RDOrJFoSSODdXQKNOZ-0HqWhZWmBYnjjkW9eGiWlpn72bhTalnMVxp-tdpMyc1wyfH_7-nf4pf8hFnvfSLRvL53esjQtKFz1jkCBVplpq8mLwbU/s736/The+Williamsburgh+Savings+Bank+building%252C+107-15+Continental+Ave%252C+Photo+by+Michael+Perlman.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="735" data-original-width="736" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDuqhTjmCp_otKi8a2Awv3DMKJRSVr4RDOrJFoSSODdXQKNOZ-0HqWhZWmBYnjjkW9eGiWlpn72bhTalnMVxp-tdpMyc1wyfH_7-nf4pf8hFnvfSLRvL53esjQtKFz1jkCBVplpq8mLwbU/w400-h400/The+Williamsburgh+Savings+Bank+building%252C+107-15+Continental+Ave%252C+Photo+by+Michael+Perlman.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div>The longtime location of HSBC Bank at 107-15 Continental Avenue was home to The Williamsburgh Savings Bank in 1975 to benefit Forest Hills’ growing community. It is now available for lease and its use remains to be seen. In the 1970s, the bank appointed an architect to creatively design the façade in the Tudor style, a hallmark of Forest Hills architecture, which complements the harmonious ambiance along Austin Street, Continental Avenue, and Forest Hills Gardens. A few decades ago, the commercial district was still referred to as “The Village” by community residents. The façade remains mostly intact and includes signature half-timbering, ornamental brick and stone chimneys, a slate pitched roof, a finial, Roman numeral clock, and flagpoles. </div><div><br /> A leasing opportunity advertises an available 6,500 square feet with an additional mezzanine and basement. It also references heavy daytime traffic and the space’s excellent condition which remains fully built out as a bank. <br /><br /> As of March 1975, The Williamsburgh Savings Bank, which was incorporated in 1851, increased in resources to over $1.7 billion. An ad featuring a façade rendering read, “Get a free gift at our new Forest Hills office only for opening a new savings account of $5,000, $1,000, $500 or $200 or more during the opening celebration.” Weekly door prizes ranged from a G.E. cassette recorder or a Polaroid SX-70 camera to a Raleigh 10-speed bicycle or a Panasonic 16 in. solid state TV. Grand door prizes included a trip for two to Bermuda or Las Vegas, a choice of grandmother’s or grandfather’s clock, a G.E. washer & dryer, a Panasonic Quadruplex stereo, or a Sun Fish sailboat. Nineteen prizes for a new account of $5,000 or more included a Caravelle by Bulova, a Manning-Bowman stainless steel rotisserie broiler, and a Corelle 20-piece Livingware set by Corning. For over $1,000, 14 options included an ICP AM/FM portable radio, a Sankyo digital alarm clock, and a flight bag. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhopqtGykVAagHrS3p9IhNP5s4J6-lHrP9KO38qkJ3nzqA2gtZRixDeTV0oP0q7_JbqGnYAVlA-9c86G-mSsFt75_JPcdYI2N2neRIIpHCNpUG0_GuR0FlfJygLSZlAgLAo9ozmLnhJJt9v/s1661/Corn+Exchange+Bank+on+Continental+Ave+%2526+Austin+St%252C+Early+1920s+postcard+courtesy+of+Michael+Perlman.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1033" data-original-width="1661" height="249" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhopqtGykVAagHrS3p9IhNP5s4J6-lHrP9KO38qkJ3nzqA2gtZRixDeTV0oP0q7_JbqGnYAVlA-9c86G-mSsFt75_JPcdYI2N2neRIIpHCNpUG0_GuR0FlfJygLSZlAgLAo9ozmLnhJJt9v/w400-h249/Corn+Exchange+Bank+on+Continental+Ave+%2526+Austin+St%252C+Early+1920s+postcard+courtesy+of+Michael+Perlman.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div>In November 1921, the Corn Exchange Bank received permission from the State Banking Department to open a Forest Hills branch at 106-24 Continental Avenue. Now it is known as Boston Market and also consists of the recently shuttered Aldo, which is being advertised as a store for rent. Around 1922, patrons were welcomed to a prominent Tudor style brick and stone building at a major intersection. It features a pitched sweeping roof with terra-cotta tiles and a spire harmonious to the nearby Forest Hills Inn, as well as tall windows with motifs of crops and flowers. The bank’s name, etched in stone, reportedly exists underneath Boston Market’s signage. As renovations were underway in Aldo nearly ten years ago, the removal of a faux ceiling revealed a much higher curved ceiling with period details, but was only witnessed by the modern eye briefly. <br /><br /> In January 1928, readers of “Queensborough” learned that the firm, which began business on February 1, 1853, had eight of its more than 60 branches in Queens. It stated, “The bank has a capital of $11,000,000 and surplus and undivided profits of $16,527,000. The bank entered the Queens field on August 28, 1899, when it absorbed the Queens County Bank.” The Forest Hills branch manager was Edward L. DeForest. <br /><br /> “Part of the lure and rewards of exploring New York’s history is how every neighborhood has its own character,” said Riley Kellogg, an adjunct lecturer in history and a licensed NYC tour guide. My hometown’s rich history teaches us about all the people who have been drawn here for myriad reasons, and how all have contributed to building the New York City we know and love. One of the most visible, and we hope lasting marks of those characters, are a place’s architecture. The evidence of who Forest Hills has been, who it is now -- who we are now -- is there to be seen in the mix of Tudor and Classical, humble and grand, commercial and residential buildings. These former bank buildings each reveal one of the faces of this ever-growing, ever-evolving neighborhood. There are good reasons to keep our older buildings. We needn't obliterate our past in order to grow our future. In fact, the future will have stronger roots, and be sounder and more truly ours, if we build with the past, rather than demolishing and forgetting it.” <br /><br /> Helen Day, Richmond Hill Historical Society VP, is also concerned about Forest Hills’ historic buildings. She was surprised to see Chase closing its Metropolitan Avenue branch. “It is a lovely building that I would really like to see preserved with a new use. It is large enough for a restaurant or another bank.” She continued, “The Tudor style buildings on Continental Avenue also fit well with the neighborhood. They don’t need to go to the expense of tearing a building down or doing a complete renovation of the façade. Each one of these buildings contributes to the character and appeal of their location. It is unfortunate that the businesses are no longer there, but this is an opportunity for another business to make good use of them.” <br /><br /> She explained a case in point. “Many period features get covered up, but that doesn’t mean you cannot uncover them. I know of a hair salon in Ridgewood, where the owner pulled out all the modern stuff and found tin ceilings and great details that she incorporated into her décor. The interiors should have as much character as the exterior! Preserving something unique will give a special look to whatever they will open at those three Forest Hills locations.” <br /><br /></div>Rego-Foresterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05398510218292813862noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7449761564484963359.post-68133650436279419082020-08-27T03:22:00.000-04:002020-08-27T03:22:57.916-04:00Preservation Call: Forest Hills Jewish Center, A Community Cornerstone!<p> By Michael Perlman </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjaRrVr6VNJurEO2v_1t7C8aDr9Mak_69lTRzElxv0bEnBlhjyPsZ0gKwAUtgALUBZoPuIZ9qAYhV5o29rluxo8VTE1sEwubZDHJEdTnCTXYsxC7IKOEZsYtj33YniDl3CRoR3qecw4Xbo/s2532/FHJC+award-winning+international+style+facade%252C++Photo+by+Michael+Perlman.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1241" data-original-width="2532" height="196" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjaRrVr6VNJurEO2v_1t7C8aDr9Mak_69lTRzElxv0bEnBlhjyPsZ0gKwAUtgALUBZoPuIZ9qAYhV5o29rluxo8VTE1sEwubZDHJEdTnCTXYsxC7IKOEZsYtj33YniDl3CRoR3qecw4Xbo/w400-h196/FHJC+award-winning+international+style+facade%252C++Photo+by+Michael+Perlman.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p>Forest Hills and Rego Park are home to a vast collection of historic buildings that bear architectural and cultural significance. Among them is the sanctuary building of Forest Hills Jewish Center at 106-06 Queens Boulevard, situated on Rabbi Ben Zion Bokser Square, named after the congregation’s prior and longtime rabbi, who was highly influential in Conservative Judaism in the U.S. It has an adjoining religious school, recreation center, and senior center. Collaboratively, it boosts the community’s quality of life. Each period of architecture offers distinctive buildings meriting preservation. Without education, history and architecture is sometimes misunderstood and undiscovered. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgza1kweV30FQJ7FbHB-tajwf83V-FdF2yj3MbgkfRqulnR210yVnh8JJXkGZ4_iG6k0WKVT3CktgNacK1LQctF1OWPuol1p3lA1Go1ZQ_wNtZ4qrhbNLpL8dgrA1AGOni6owlAL1ssulC8/s930/FHJC+stained+glass+windows+section%252C+Photo+by+Michael+Perlman.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="698" data-original-width="930" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgza1kweV30FQJ7FbHB-tajwf83V-FdF2yj3MbgkfRqulnR210yVnh8JJXkGZ4_iG6k0WKVT3CktgNacK1LQctF1OWPuol1p3lA1Go1ZQ_wNtZ4qrhbNLpL8dgrA1AGOni6owlAL1ssulC8/w400-h300/FHJC+stained+glass+windows+section%252C+Photo+by+Michael+Perlman.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div>Forest Hills Jewish Center was designed by Architect Joseph J. Furman, and represents a fusion of the International Style and earlier Art Moderne style. Today, the firm operates as Furman & Furman Architects. The convex front façade bears a relationship to the street. Limestone steps with modernistic brass railings lead to varnished carved wooden doors with brass handles. Etched in limestone above the entryway is “They Shall Build Unto Us A Sanctuary” and “That I May Dwell Among Them.” Limestone surrounds hold sleek stained glass windows that depict the Burning Bush on the front and side façades. The crab-orchard rock façade, quarried from Tennessee, is reminiscent of the stone pattern of the Western (Wailing) Wall in Jerusalem; the only surviving remnant of the destroyed Holy Temple. On December 6, 1949, the synagogue received an Honorable Mention award for its excellence in design and construction in the Queens Chamber of Commerce's public buildings category. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhH-KIiJcbf5CrXurOfJcIeMvhLM4vXtiF2GFYmOyEzp7Hmxe6wgf-pKNAt0mzSkpfTgad7NOCEcfKqkoZYgE36vY-FhMdM1d3nIpWlB6SxwyjzkouQGyQeyNMYp2rUTzV1pedYUXDpuKZl/s2048/1949+Queens+Chamber+of+Commerce+Annual+Building+Awards%252C+Forest+Hills+Jewish+Center%252C+106-06+Queens+Blvd+Forest+Hills+NY+specifications2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhH-KIiJcbf5CrXurOfJcIeMvhLM4vXtiF2GFYmOyEzp7Hmxe6wgf-pKNAt0mzSkpfTgad7NOCEcfKqkoZYgE36vY-FhMdM1d3nIpWlB6SxwyjzkouQGyQeyNMYp2rUTzV1pedYUXDpuKZl/w300-h400/1949+Queens+Chamber+of+Commerce+Annual+Building+Awards%252C+Forest+Hills+Jewish+Center%252C+106-06+Queens+Blvd+Forest+Hills+NY+specifications2.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><br /><div>“This new building, raising its hands to heaven, is more than a sacred structure. It is an example of the type of thinking that will bring universal peace and solution of the problem that faces all mankind” were the bold words of New York City Mayor William O’Dwyer to 5,000 attendees on the steps of the newly dedicated Forest Hills Jewish Center on September 18, 1949. He then stated, “Sacred institutions embodied the democratic ideal and principle.” </div><br /> For the synagogue, the prospectus read, “The heart and soul of the community. Beautiful and inspiring – soaring heavenward, lifting the aspirations of our congregation.” It also introduced a chapel, main auditorium, school, library, bridal chambers, social halls, club rooms, committee rooms, a kitchen, gymnasium, and lounge. <div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeev6fSMiiBrZtjqcM7J9ISggwwDbhk4zBaQGP-3J3_Xpfj8uwNQYChPDh85Dk6U_cfQIkFZ6SpwGPfT3FPp7x7Rc7RDtQx5gyaWmvEnHv-7jilkanLl7TgEaaFZ9omQb7sl0lIrI9p015/s778/Right+to+left%252C+Rabbi+Ben-Zion+Bokser%252C+Building+Committee+Chair+Fred+Katzner%252C+Huntington+Bache+great+grand-nephew+of+Benjamin+Franklin+in+center%252C+Mayor+O%25E2%2580%2599Dwyer%252C+%2526+Building+Committee+members+Emanuel+Roth%252C+John+Turk%252C+%2526+Harvey+Pearls.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="577" data-original-width="778" height="297" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeev6fSMiiBrZtjqcM7J9ISggwwDbhk4zBaQGP-3J3_Xpfj8uwNQYChPDh85Dk6U_cfQIkFZ6SpwGPfT3FPp7x7Rc7RDtQx5gyaWmvEnHv-7jilkanLl7TgEaaFZ9omQb7sl0lIrI9p015/w400-h297/Right+to+left%252C+Rabbi+Ben-Zion+Bokser%252C+Building+Committee+Chair+Fred+Katzner%252C+Huntington+Bache+great+grand-nephew+of+Benjamin+Franklin+in+center%252C+Mayor+O%25E2%2580%2599Dwyer%252C+%2526+Building+Committee+members+Emanuel+Roth%252C+John+Turk%252C+%2526+Harvey+Pearls.jpg" title="Right to left, Rabbi Ben-Zion Bokser, Building Committee Chair Fred Katzner, Huntington Bache great grand-nephew of Benjamin Franklin in center, Mayor O’Dwyer, & Building Committee members Emanuel Roth, John Turk, & Harvey Pearls" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><b><span style="color: #6aa84f;">Right to left: Rabbi Ben-Zion Bokser, Building Committee Chair Fred Katzner, Huntington Bache great grand-nephew of Benjamin Franklin in center, Mayor O’Dwyer, & Building Committee members Emanuel Roth, John Turk, & Harvey Pearls</span></b></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2IYVmYIJqrbJEc-bp__wnOrwf4Evz_h01Fr1rxLM03KKlP3RJ9OfboNS4z49r_PzXDItStAWCX_aK_OMTelGUQZqTsAipg4GB05ztjGgpWNE_GDg8gtfg-G8KCfPf9-PzTy55ImUmF4Ap/s827/Architect+Joseph+J+Furman+%2526+Rabbi+Ben-Zion+Bokser+overlook+the+1947+FHJC+cornerstone.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="621" data-original-width="827" height="301" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2IYVmYIJqrbJEc-bp__wnOrwf4Evz_h01Fr1rxLM03KKlP3RJ9OfboNS4z49r_PzXDItStAWCX_aK_OMTelGUQZqTsAipg4GB05ztjGgpWNE_GDg8gtfg-G8KCfPf9-PzTy55ImUmF4Ap/w400-h301/Architect+Joseph+J+Furman+%2526+Rabbi+Ben-Zion+Bokser+overlook+the+1947+FHJC+cornerstone.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><b><span style="color: #6aa84f;">Photo: Architect Joseph J Furman & Rabbi Ben-Zion Bokser overlook the 1947 FHJC cornerstone</span></b></div><div><br /></div><div>The first synagogue was organized in 1931 in a frame house on Kessel Street, and then a 2-story synagogue was erected on site. Later on, the Queens Boulevard cornerstone was laid in 1947, and incorporated one stone from the Holy Land and another from a desecrated synagogue’s ruins in Frankfort on the Main, Germany. The cornerstone reads, “That The World May Be Perfected Under The Kingdom Of The Almighty (1947/ 5708).” The groundbreaking ceremony was attended by Rabbi Ben-Zion Bokser, Chair of Building Committee Fred Katzner, Huntington Bache; great grand-nephew of Benjamin Franklin, Mayor O’Dwyer, and Building Committee members Emanuel Roth, John Turk, and Harvey Pearlstein. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhY0g0PgGPzxw5fnWv1RqE1sS1QTSKOMyhp3wPrEBbkC5kE5ggOMvOx7-uRkL9Z5WfEo54gVeXhfqlkseN07rzLvxl60BdY_yOfOwae_H-eS7__ZoJgvwYQbfgN1Bpfyym_6f3Sk6bF2h9o/s883/FHJC+Holy+Ark+by+Arthur+Szyk%252C+Photo+by+Michael+Perlman.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="708" data-original-width="883" height="321" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhY0g0PgGPzxw5fnWv1RqE1sS1QTSKOMyhp3wPrEBbkC5kE5ggOMvOx7-uRkL9Z5WfEo54gVeXhfqlkseN07rzLvxl60BdY_yOfOwae_H-eS7__ZoJgvwYQbfgN1Bpfyym_6f3Sk6bF2h9o/w400-h321/FHJC+Holy+Ark+by+Arthur+Szyk%252C+Photo+by+Michael+Perlman.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div>Stepping into the synagogue’s 1,400-seat sanctuary, the charming ambiance is embellished by stained glass windows and the Aron Kodesh (Holy Ark). The over 20-feet high elaborate golden ark depicts Judaic traditions and holidays, and was designed by the famed artist Arthur Szyk. This was his first 3D creation for a synagogue, and resembles the breastplate of a Torah scroll. It is considered unique how a Torah design element can serve as an inspiration for a larger than life model, which houses the Torah. Historians and critics consider the Ark to be one of the greatest works of 20th century Judaic art. Two of Szyk’s candelabras sit adjacent. <br /><br /> According to the Arthur Szyk Society, Szyk’s art was his means to promote ethnic and religious tolerance, human dignity, and social justice. Syzk worked in the tradition of 16th century miniaturist painters utilizing text and illustrations. The famed Szyk Haggadah was given to Forest Hills Jewish Center. It became a work of hope and courage during Hitler’s rise. It addressed the era’s politics paired with earlier oppression. Referring to WWII, Szyk told the New York Daily Mirror on April 10, 1941, “The Revolution America fought was an ideal that any artist could thrill to. Today art must be almost negatively directed against a force that destroys all ideals. But no true artist has the right to avoid using his strength to strike at the darkness." The Times of London referred to his work to be “among the most beautiful ever produced by the hand of man.” Szyk is considered by art critics to be the greatest illuminator of the past four centuries. <br /><br /> In the late 1940s, a synagogue building boom was underway, especially in the suburbs. Religious persecution and tragedies of the Holocaust were fresh in the consciousness of Americans, resulting in renewed interest in Judaism, and Forest Hills Jewish Center is a physical example of how they persevered with forward thinking and community-oriented faith. The year 1948 also coincided with the new state of Israel, tying into religious pride. The December 1948 issue of “Interiors & Industrial Design” referred to Forest Hills Jewish Center’s style as “a radical departure from the usual Moorish and Oriental style of synagogue architecture.” <br /><br /> Mitchell Grubler, president of Queens Preservation Council, called the synagogue a prime example of post-WWII modernist synagogue architecture. He explained, “After the Second World War, the design of synagogues moved away from traditional Old World influences and embraced a modernist aesthetic. The Forest Hills complex embodies the spirit, design and social philosophies of midcentury Judaism. The temple complex was intended to not only serve a growing suburban Jewish population after WWII, but also to benefit and be open to the wider community with recreational services.” </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0uQVyrIAHgSzZ5fc0p09pj3DyfK2_Y5O99DEa19-UEdSSi4Vwsv_F0VMeQ4pY93Kbp26WFRu2Lr4mMiz4wr_m-p6yepaqtDx333BVxSnd6GpL3UDZC1JunpKBr63MmvcTXJbZMS0o61qa/s2048/Attendees+pose+alongside+award-winning+facade+on+Architectural+Historian+Frampton+Tolbert%2527s+tour%252C+Courtesy+of+Michael+Perlman.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0uQVyrIAHgSzZ5fc0p09pj3DyfK2_Y5O99DEa19-UEdSSi4Vwsv_F0VMeQ4pY93Kbp26WFRu2Lr4mMiz4wr_m-p6yepaqtDx333BVxSnd6GpL3UDZC1JunpKBr63MmvcTXJbZMS0o61qa/w300-h400/Attendees+pose+alongside+award-winning+facade+on+Architectural+Historian+Frampton+Tolbert%2527s+tour%252C+Courtesy+of+Michael+Perlman.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><br /><div><br />Forest Hills Jewish Center is often a subject on Forest Hills history and Mid-Century Modern walking tours. Architectural historian and tour guide Frampton Tolbert also had much to express in the name of preservation. He founded an innovative website, “Queens Modern,” to largely chronicle the period of 1948 to 1970, when the Queens Chamber of Commerce recognized nearly 400 Queens buildings at its annual building awards program. He said, “Forest Hills Jewish Center is a jewel of the neighborhood. The restrained Modern design, including Crab-Orchard stone cladding across a convex facade, is highly visible from MacDonald Park. I have been pleased to include the building as a featured site on my annual tour of Forest Hills architecture.” </div><div><br /></div>Rego-Foresterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05398510218292813862noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7449761564484963359.post-74524482988745921792020-07-02T20:06:00.000-04:002020-07-02T20:06:15.639-04:00Patriotism Forest Hills Style, July 5, 1920 By Michael Perlman<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlGB0hasxlnh0bGkgyrTMnciH0ni9g3XuzymaMbBhuENW_s7fdXS3C6UOjWwWYms2ceKAZmm6oJCCZiM-4vZjBnXu6xRl8VMSKcqf4IphFjqwyRz_M57wVUxHl-CZFwYZy6XQz3gN9_da2/s1600/Ye+4th+of+July+in+Forest+Hills+Gardens%252C+Town+Crier.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="979" data-original-width="540" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlGB0hasxlnh0bGkgyrTMnciH0ni9g3XuzymaMbBhuENW_s7fdXS3C6UOjWwWYms2ceKAZmm6oJCCZiM-4vZjBnXu6xRl8VMSKcqf4IphFjqwyRz_M57wVUxHl-CZFwYZy6XQz3gN9_da2/s400/Ye+4th+of+July+in+Forest+Hills+Gardens%252C+Town+Crier.jpg" width="220" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: #274e13;">Forest Hills Gardens town crier</span></b></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Back in 1914, the annual Independence Day festival was launched in the Forest Hills Gardens. This set off a tradition where committees, residents, and friends participated in a day-long program for all generations and interests in an exquisitely decorated and uniquely illuminated Station Square, as well as the Forest Hills Inn and Tea Garden, Olivia Park, and along Greenway Terrace. A most historical Forest Hills event was on July 4, 1917, when Colonel Theodore Roosevelt delivered his “One Hundred Percent American” unification speech at the LIRR Station to address WWI. Today, patriotism and tradition continue to echo in a modified form through Children’s Day at Flagpole Green in June. Let’s turn back the clock to July 5, 1920, which marked the 144th anniversary of America’s independence.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: #274e13;">The ceremony on Village Green now Flagpole Green</span></b></td></tr>
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Keeping in mind that the 1919 celebration cost $3,057.90, Dr. Thompson Tyler Sweeny, who served as the Chair of the 1920 celebration, requested that every Gardens family contribute an average of $10. It was anticipated as the greatest of Independence Day celebrations yet! The Forest Hills Gardens Bulletin published, “Not only were the birds singing cheerily to arouse the villagers from morning slumbers, but through the streets early on July 5 came the Town Crier calling lustily to all to come to the Green for the Flag-raising at 9:30.” The ceremony featured members of American Legion Post 630 and Boy Scouts Troop 2 under the direction of Harvey Warren, who served as Post president and scoutmaster. Uniformed servicemen and Boy Scouts assembled in Station Square and began marching to Village Green. After Warren played the part of a Colonial Town Crier, he changed into military garb. The flag was raised and a patriotic prayer was made. A chorus sang patriotic tunes under guidance of the famed Glee Clubs leader Bruno Huhn, with piano accompaniment by Mrs. Charles H. Scammell, who was considered “the foster mother of all good singing of Forest Hills Gardens.”<br />
<br /> Children were ready to play games in Station Square at 10 AM, thanks to the direction of Dr. W. F. Seybolt.. The publication read, “There are between fifty and sixty very happy boys and girls who are wearing bronze and silver badges, won at the children’s games in canvas-covered Station Square between 10 and 12 o’clock.” It continued, “With kiddie car races, pillow fights, sack and relay races, a whole program of fun, speed, and skill was carried out.” The lineup also included games for adults such as a baby carriage race, football kicking and ball tossing, tilting matches, tug-of-war between easterners and westerners.<div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> </td></tr>
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At 2 PM, Hawthorn Park became a baseball field where the “Inn Warriors” (the Inns) clashed with the “Station Square Cohorts” (the Outs). An umpire appeared in armor, while a batter wore petticoats. The Daily Star reported, “There will be no tennis this year, the committee having decided that tennis is so integral a part of the life of the community as to make a baseball game a greater diversion.” The Forest Hills Gardens Bulletin stated, “The Outs came nobly from the rear and put the winning run over the plate to the accompaniment of the deafening plaudits of the assembled throng.” It later read, “It was a dashing game, and the narrow margin of one run by which the Outs won their victory shows how closely it was played.” The Inns’ captain was Ray Bell whereas Edmund O’Shea led the Outs. <div>
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<br />By 4 PM, attendees were in tune for opera at Olivia Park, a natural amphitheatre. Milton Aborn directed a company which performed “Pagliacci” by Ruggero Leoncavallo (1892) and “Cavalleria Rusticana” by Pietro Mascagni (1889). The Metropolitan chorus featured 24 vocalists and the Metropolitan orchestra featured 17 members. Scenery was minimal to maximize on the park’s charming ambiance. <br /><br /> Between 5 and 7 PM, festivities included a home-cooked supper by the Women’s Guild of the Church-in-the-Gardens social room for $1, where the proceeds would benefit the Community House fund. <br /><br />At 7:30 PM, they made their way back to Station Square for a band concert and the community Choral Club that performed several patriotic airs comprised of nearly 75 vocalists. Another highlight was music at twilight by the Regiment Band of the 22nd Corps of Engineers, a 40-piece band under Master George Briegel. The evening continued with dancing in Station Square at 9 PM, lasting until midnight. The Forest Hills Gardens Bulletin read, “The dance on Station Square, lighted by myriads of red, white, and blue incandescents, will fittingly close a happy family and community patriotic day – the Independence Day of 1920, long to be remembered”… “The decorations will consist of myriads of American flags interspersed with those of the Allies, all placed to produce the best effect.” It also stated, “All the lads and lassies, maids and matrons and escorts danced on the canvas covering until – well, why tell the hour – for the music was the best and the night balmy.” Over 3,000 people were in the audience and among the dancers, and Chairman Henry W. Hirschberg was commended for this final feature. <br /><br />The festival offered a humanitarian aspect. Proceeds from the refreshment booth, which served ice cream cones, lemonade, iced tea, sandwiches, and cake, benefited the Big Sisters of Queens Borough. Based on the prior year’s partnership, the Big Sisters received over $200 and assisted seven children who would have traditionally ended up in institutions, and ultimately helped them find suitable homes. </div>
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Reflecting on the festival’s success, the publication stated, “Our friends and relatives were here in such numbers that it was apparent that our village is growing, and that everyone likes ‘our party,’ as Dr. Sweeny, the chairman, called it.” It continued, “The most impressive and appropriate part of the program, in the humble opinion of the editor, was in the Flag raising and the singing of the newly christened Choral Club.” <br /><br />A similar version was featured in Michael Perlman's Forest Hills Times column: <a href="http://foresthillstimes.com/view/full_story/27760129/article-1920s-patriotism--Forest-Hills-style">http://foresthillstimes.com/view/full_story/27760129/article-1920s-patriotism--Forest-Hills-style</a><br /><br /><br /></div>
</div>
Rego-Foresterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05398510218292813862noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7449761564484963359.post-90099542378083838242020-03-21T03:44:00.001-04:002020-05-26T00:37:20.977-04:00Coronavirus Relief Initiative – Local volunteers ready to serve our community!<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="color: black; line-height: 115%;">Coronavirus Relief
Initiative</span></u></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 115%;"> – Local volunteers ready
to serve our community by offering services including supplies, food, & conversation</span></b><span style="line-height: 115%;">. All volunteers are strongly advised
to wear a face mask & gloves!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 115%;">** Annamaria
Girardi: <a href="mailto:amgirardidolfini@gmail.com">amgirardidolfini@gmail.com</a>
& 347-272-6149<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 115%;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/annamaria.girardi.77">https://www.facebook.com/annamaria.girardi.77</a><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 115%;">** Thomas
Mei: <a href="mailto:thomas.mei@gmail.com">thomas.mei@gmail.com</a> & 718-909-5874<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/ThomasMei">https://www.facebook.com/ThomasMei</a><o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
** Peter Fleming: pjfleming@verizon.net & 917-584-9900</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 115%;">** Anna
Demetrashvili: <a href="mailto:Ademetra@aol.com">Ademetra@aol.com</a> & 646-775-1949<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100011513072487">https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100011513072487</a><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 115%;">** Nathania
Horowitz: <a href="mailto:Nathaniajayne@yahoo.com">Nathaniajayne@yahoo.com</a> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/nathania.kurtz">https://www.facebook.com/nathania.kurtz</a></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 115%;">**Marie
DiBella: <a href="mailto:Mariedibella@gmail.com">Mariedibella@gmail.com</a><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100008197146975">https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100008197146975</a><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 115%;">** Alexandra
Kay: <a href="mailto:Iluvelyfe@yahoo.com">Iluvelyfe@yahoo.com</a> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/alexkay459">https://www.facebook.com/alexkay459</a><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 115%;">** Tiffany
Pierce: <a href="mailto:tiffanyspierce@gmail.com">tiffanyspierce@gmail.com</a> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=546490715">https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=546490715</a><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 115%;">** Gabriella
Golan: <a href="mailto:gabgabgo@gmail.com">gabgabgo@gmail.com</a><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/gabriella.golan">https://www.facebook.com/gabriella.golan</a><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 115%;">** Roger
Mashihi: (347) 489-6828<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/roger.mashihi">https://www.facebook.com/roger.mashihi</a><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 115%;">** Yvonne
Scibelli: <a href="mailto:ynagan@optonline.net">ynagan@optonline.net</a><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/yvonne.scibelli">https://www.facebook.com/yvonne.scibelli</a><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 115%;">** Cari
Cohen: <a href="mailto:cbccohen@gmail.com">cbccohen@gmail.com</a><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/cari.cohen.16">https://www.facebook.com/cari.cohen.16</a><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 115%;">** Elizabeth
Stoddard: <a href="mailto:larubiachula33@gmail.com">larubiachula33@gmail.com</a><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/LaRubiaChula31">https://www.facebook.com/LaRubiaChula31</a><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 115%;">** Marlene
Meltz: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/marlene.meltz.1">https://www.facebook.com/marlene.meltz.1</a><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 115%;">** Patty
Bugland: <a href="mailto:lisabugland@aol.com">lisabugland@aol.com</a> & <a href="mailto:itsmsbug@aol.com">itsmsbug@aol.com</a><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/patty.bugland">https://www.facebook.com/patty.bugland</a><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 115%;">** Amy Beth
Goldman: <a href="mailto:amybeth4@aol.com">amybeth4@aol.com</a> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/amy.b.goldman.7">https://www.facebook.com/amy.b.goldman.7</a><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 115%;">** Paige
Cragg & her husband: <a href="mailto:plc.cragg@gmail.com">plc.cragg@gmail.com</a><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/paige.c.cragg">https://www.facebook.com/paige.c.cragg</a><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 115%;">** Christine
Liem & husband Chris: <a href="mailto:itschrismail@yahoo.com">itschrismail@yahoo.com</a><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/christine.mei.liem">https://www.facebook.com/christine.mei.liem</a><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 115%;">** Astrid
Munera & Elkin Verona: <a href="mailto:astrmuar@hotmail.com">astrmuar@hotmail.com</a>
<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/astrid.munera">https://www.facebook.com/astrid.munera</a><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 115%;">** Madiha
Zoobear: <a href="mailto:madihaz1987@gmail.com">madihaz1987@gmail.com</a><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100008854562229">https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100008854562229</a><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 115%;">** Yael
Yomtov-Emmanuel: <a href="mailto:yaelyom@aol.com">yaelyom@aol.com</a><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/yael.yomtovemmanuel">https://www.facebook.com/yael.yomtovemmanuel</a><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 115%;">** Jessica
Keller & Noel John: <a href="mailto:jkeller.interiors@yahoo.com">jkeller.interiors@yahoo.com</a>
& <a href="mailto:noeljohn1986@yahoo.com">noeljohn1986@yahoo.com</a> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/jessicalkelle">https://www.facebook.com/jessicalkelle</a><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 115%;">** Congressional
candidate Sandra Choi: <a href="mailto:sandra.choix@gmail.com">sandra.choix@gmail.com</a>
& 347-286-1140<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/schoi13">https://www.facebook.com/schoi13</a> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 115%;">** Bruce
Goerlich: 917-592-8335<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 115%;">** Batya
Kaufman: <a href="mailto:Batya.S.Kaufman@gmail.com">Batya.S.Kaufman@gmail.com</a>
<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/batyak">https://www.facebook.com/batyak</a> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 115%;">** Dina
Bouzier Murphy: <a href="mailto:dbouzier@yahoo.com">dbouzier@yahoo.com</a> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/DinaBouzier">https://www.facebook.com/DinaBouzier</a><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 115%;">** Cristina
Liparulo: <a href="mailto:cparadelo@gmail.com">cparadelo@gmail.com</a><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100019876297484">https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100019876297484</a><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 115%;">** Mickey
Blume-Zacarias: <a href="mailto:M2zacarias@yahoo.com">M2zacarias@yahoo.com</a><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/mikael.blumezacarias">https://www.facebook.com/mikael.blumezacarias</a><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 115%;">** Marla
Kleinman: <a href="mailto:mpkleinman@gmail.com">mpkleinman@gmail.com</a><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/marla.kleinman.9">https://www.facebook.com/marla.kleinman.9</a><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 115%;">** Melanie
Rudolfo: <a href="mailto:Mrudolfo1@aol.com">Mrudolfo1@aol.com</a><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/melanie.rudolfo">https://www.facebook.com/melanie.rudolfo</a><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 115%;">** Helaine
Lu: <a href="mailto:lainey557@gmail.com">lainey557@gmail.com</a> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 115%;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/Laineylu.xo">https://www.facebook.com/Laineylu.xo</a><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 115%;">** Jessica
Crespo: <a href="mailto:jessicafcr@gmail.com">jessicafcr@gmail.com</a> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/jessica.fcr">https://www.facebook.com/jessica.fcr</a><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 115%;">** Patricia
Bernard: <a href="mailto:Patriciabernard9@gmail.com">Patriciabernard9@gmail.com</a><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/patriciabb">https://www.facebook.com/patriciabb</a><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 115%;">** Yvette
Jong: <a href="mailto:Yvettejong@gmail.com">Yvettejong@gmail.com</a> &
718-5444037<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/yvette.jong">https://www.facebook.com/yvette.jong</a> </span><br />
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">** David C. Vitt : dcvitt@gmail.com <br /><a href="https://www.facebook.com/dcvitt">https://www.facebook.com/dcvitt</a> <br />Donating his time in honor of his employer, Farmingdale State College.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
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** Mike
Arcati, Forest Hills American Legion Post Advocate: <a href="mailto:michaelarcati@outlook.com" target="_blank">michaelarcati@outlook.com</a>
& 646-512-1359</div>
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<span style="line-height: 115%;">“We want the
community to know that the American Legion Post's members and building is
available to help in the best capacity possible. Our initial thought is
to connect with a local hospital and make our location either a
testing/vaccination site or a triage location. As an alternative, it can
be a location to collect supplies, for volunteers to meet & gather supplies
to deliver to community members who cannot leave their homes.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 115%;">** Kim
Collins, The Bowery Mission: <a href="mailto:kcollins@bowery.org">kcollins@bowery.org</a><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 115%;">In need of
critical supplies and food as we feed and shelter those who have no home.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/kimcollins7">https://www.facebook.com/kimcollins7</a>
& <a href="https://www.bowery.org/">https://www.bowery.org</a> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black;">** Questions? Contact founder
Michael Perlman, co-admin of Forest Hills, Rego Park, Kew Gardens – “Our
Communities”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><a href="mailto:unlockthevault@hotmail.com"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">unlockthevault@hotmail.com</span></a><span style="color: black;"> & </span><a href="mailto:mperlman@queensledger.com"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">mperlman@queensledger.com</span></a><span style="color: black;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<a href="https://www.facebook.com/MichaelHPerlman">https://www.facebook.com/MichaelHPerlman</a> <span style="color: black; font-size: 9.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />Rego-Foresterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05398510218292813862noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7449761564484963359.post-61442972142584452442020-03-18T00:59:00.000-04:002020-03-18T00:59:02.064-04:00A New Local Facebook Volunteer Unit To Help Those in Need<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgN6Or7-6ce6ZLz-SgjWYtM84PVzBhVU9C1mdd8mJDtqT6nrMPckxxOkZkUusk-GsQjrTv9LWsBGo0LLXXd3jmbKKzwKHI3IR9b3oYuIkdkI58SKiHCwVftZh_FWg2tcqdpBnCvMQSiPAyS/s1600/Volunteers+a+gift+to+the+community+clipart.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1071" data-original-width="1546" height="276" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgN6Or7-6ce6ZLz-SgjWYtM84PVzBhVU9C1mdd8mJDtqT6nrMPckxxOkZkUusk-GsQjrTv9LWsBGo0LLXXd3jmbKKzwKHI3IR9b3oYuIkdkI58SKiHCwVftZh_FWg2tcqdpBnCvMQSiPAyS/s400/Volunteers+a+gift+to+the+community+clipart.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br /><b> As Coronavirus cases surge, lending a helping hand as a community is essential. </b>Over the weekend, this columnist, who is a co-admin of the 16,500+ member Facebook group, <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/1556621184596349/" target="_blank">Forest Hills, Rego Park, Kew Gardens – “Our Communities”</a> founded a new volunteer unit comprised of members who came forward within hours. The post reads, “Times of crisis can bring us closer together. Who would like to volunteer to help community residents in need? For example, we can run errands for seniors who are advised to stay home during the pandemic. We can commit good deeds that are small, while socially distancing ourselves among other precautions. As a large Facebook group, we can help some of our neighbors.” <br /><br /><b> Several members of a new growing volunteer initiative have spoken!</b> “It’s always important to give back, but in this time of social distancing, it is imperative that those with stronger immune systems help those who cannot go out in public without risking their health,” said Batya Kaufman. “I have no family nearby, so I know how lonely and difficult it can be without a nearby support system. I also hope I will make some lasting connections that continue beyond this pandemic.” <br /><br /> “Volunteering in a time of crisis enables me to connect with my community and helps affirm my purpose,” said Melanie Rudolfo. She envisions picking up groceries for seniors. <br /><br /> A group member, Kris Supangkat of Kew Gardens, was able to help Forest Hills resident Barbara Glick, who was in need. “She offered to bring me eggs and face masks, and I never met her before. Our group changed overnight from simple posts to life-saving help for others who might die because they can’t get out or they don’t have money to buy stuff. We need to realize that we can be someone who needs others.” <br /><br /> Glick feels a “need to go back to the old Forest Hills and know your neighbors’ names.” She explained, “How can it be when you live in a building for 48 years that nobody knows who you are and nobody helps you? It takes a village, and more than ever that’s been proven. Giving back is great karma and receiving is love, but when it comes down to it, it’s about love and empathy. It doesn’t matter what religion you practice, or what political party you’re part of. Any of us could die from the Coronavirus!” <br /><br /> Alexandra Kay’s grandmother will always be a huge inspiration. “She is the definition of selflessness, and although she passed away, I will never fail to follow in her ways. I was raised around loving and giving people. I want to give back to the world everything that I got in my life, especially to people who need it and can’t always ask for help. I would like to see a significant amount of love and giving in a time where people and businesses are in a crisis. There shall always be light, even in the darkest of times.” <br /><br /> A crisis can particularly make people feel lonely, but Dina Bouzier Murphy hopes to make a difference. Her volunteerism is motivated by the recent loss of a neighbor. “We tried to help him as much as we can, since nobody ever came to visit. He passed away alone, and we realized that he had no surviving family or friends but us. He was grumpy at times, but now we understand why. For that reason, I really want to reach out to everyone that needs our attention.” <br /><br /> “No one is alone” is part of a Sondheim song, which is true, explained Marlene Meltz. “This is a crisis for all. The hydro- Christian teachings inspire us to reach out, so whenever people can share their time, do it.” <br /><br /> As for volunteering to help the community and elders, Mickey Zacarias said, “When there is a need, you fill the need. We are a community and that’s what we do. It’s just like helping a family member.” <br /><br /> In a time of crisis, our most vulnerable populations are at highest risk, explained Elizabeth Stoddard. “My idea for helping seniors would be to divide a call list, where volunteers could call seniors on their list to offer conversation, see how they’re feeling and if they have any medical needs, and offer to pick up groceries or medications.” After learning that schools are closing citywide, she said, “If anyone can’t feed their kid breakfast or anything, I have extra unopened cereal boxes among non-perishable foods.” <br /><br /> Christine Liem was raised in Indonesia and moved to America 15 years ago. “In Indonesia, if someone needed help, we would provide money or food.” Besides her husband Chris, she does not have much family in the U.S. “I can relate when someone lives alone and needs help, so I will contribute my time and energy,” she continued. Looking ahead, she envisions opening a local food pantry for all. <br /><br /> Congressional candidate Sandra Choi describes Queens as a model for the world and a collective community. She said, “Now, more than ever, we have to look after one another and continue to build a community, so no one feels alone.” She visualizes innovative policy reforms to support the most vulnerable in our community, and especially those left behind by policymakers. She explained, “No one lives a single issue life, as we are all impacted by a number of factors. For example, a senior in our community who lives on a fixed income and depends on homecare service will undoubtedly be affected by COVID-19 since it can isolate them, limit access to a caregiver, or they may no longer perform the basic tasks needed including errands to the pharmacy, grocery store, or bank. We need more collaboration among federal, state, local agencies, and private non-profits to ensure our seniors are able to lead lives with dignity and independence.” <br /><br /> “When people say they have no time, no one really does, but we have to find some way to get involved and serve,” said Patty Bugland, who served on her Forest Hills building board for 14 years. “The sense of being part of a small town within a 105 unit co-op is very real, and we can all benefit by being on call for each other. During those years, I worked anywhere from 35 to 60 hours weekly between my job as a special ed teacher for the DOE and a speech and debate judge for a Long Island high school.” She is willing to prioritize for people in need within a radius of 72nd Road, Grand Central Parkway, and Queens Boulevard.” <br /><br /><b> A list of volunteers and people who need their services is underway. </b>To participate, contact <a href="https://www.facebook.com/MichaelHPerlman" target="_blank">Michael Perlman</a> over Facebook or at <a href="mailto:mperlman@queensledger.com">mperlman@queensledger.com</a> and provide your name, Facebook link, phone number, and email. <div>
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Rego-Foresterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05398510218292813862noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7449761564484963359.post-89199692035534671402020-03-11T03:29:00.002-04:002020-03-11T03:29:53.373-04:00Annual Preservation Conference Unites Citywide Advocates<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
By Michael Perlman</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: #274e13;">Preservation conference panel, Photo by Michael Perlman</span></b></td></tr>
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The Historic Districts Council (HDC), a citywide advocate for New York’s historic neighborhoods, hosted the 26th Annual Preservation Conference at John Jay College on March 7. Hundreds of preservationists from the five boroughs networked and discussed strategies in preserving historic buildings and districts that grant community distinction, with an aim of strengthening the preservation ethic through tools including Individual Landmark (façade) and Historic District status via the NYC Landmarks Preservation Commission, as well as the State & National Register of Historic Places. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: #274e13;">Rego-Forest Preservation Council at the preservation fair</span></b></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: #274e13;">Rego-Forest Preservation Council flyer, March 2020</span></b></td></tr>
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An annual preservation fair offered an opportunity for organizations to present current initiatives and display posters, brochures, and petitions at tables. Diverse attendees included Rego-Forest Preservation Council, Docomomo, South Street Seaport Coalition, 300 East 25th Street Block Association, Lower East Side Preservation Initiative, NY Preservation Archive Project, Greenwich Village Preservation, Park Slope Civic Council, Iron Hills Civic Association, Save Chelsea, Bronx Borough Landmarks Committee, Mott Haven Historic Districts Association, and Hart Island Project. Networking continued over a buffet lunch. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: #274e13;">Iron Hills Civic Association & friends, Photo by Michael Perlman</span></b></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: #274e13;">Section of preservation fair, Photo by Michael Perlman</span></b></td></tr>
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This event builds upon the success of the recent ceremony where the “Six To Celebrate” 2020 communities meriting preservation are Rego Park, East Flatbush, Center Park Slope, Bronx Preservation Committee, Todt-Dongan Hills, and Landmarks of the Future Citywide. Rego-Forest Preservation Council advocates for landmark status for significant sites in Rego Park, Forest Hills, and nearby Queens communities, and documents local history. Presently, Forest Hills has three official landmarks, Remsen Cemetery (designated 1981), Ridgewood Savings Bank (2000), and Engine 305 & Ladder 151 (2012), but Rego Park has no designations. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJms9dHA_Bcscn-dwiKYUN9QkD3TFYYLSi1WPBoL2umWx5iV9BbvJD5AXOApgFuyZRkrJSRhm_GNuwFIVlR7NWI-mmQcNydu_dJiZjye9SWEXxmgP_F3a1WdYOox3rnrw-AtBbQemwuz_6/s1600/Simeon+Bankoff%252C+excecutive+director%252C+Historic+Districts+Council%252C+Photo+by+Michael+Perlman.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="864" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJms9dHA_Bcscn-dwiKYUN9QkD3TFYYLSi1WPBoL2umWx5iV9BbvJD5AXOApgFuyZRkrJSRhm_GNuwFIVlR7NWI-mmQcNydu_dJiZjye9SWEXxmgP_F3a1WdYOox3rnrw-AtBbQemwuz_6/s400/Simeon+Bankoff%252C+excecutive+director%252C+Historic+Districts+Council%252C+Photo+by+Michael+Perlman.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: #274e13;">Simeon Bankoff, executive director, Historic Districts Council, Photo by Michael Perlman</span></b></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5CXrUVpdjq4Fj8SMarN2MxqOw-anpMYThyqiJAZTBSEcfMw21xafbE7hyphenhyphenRX5Jo8qu-0bEFUQjmUuNC1bFj_RXRJniAxCUPK2JCi12mDXOKRISd5MjSiRxmge_SiZaqvmmGV0DLJrPSy2L/s1600/HDC+President+Daniel+Allen%252C+Photo+by+Michael+Perlman.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="942" data-original-width="726" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5CXrUVpdjq4Fj8SMarN2MxqOw-anpMYThyqiJAZTBSEcfMw21xafbE7hyphenhyphenRX5Jo8qu-0bEFUQjmUuNC1bFj_RXRJniAxCUPK2JCi12mDXOKRISd5MjSiRxmge_SiZaqvmmGV0DLJrPSy2L/s400/HDC+President+Daniel+Allen%252C+Photo+by+Michael+Perlman.jpg" width="307" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #274e13;"><b>HDC President Daniel Allen, Photo by Michael Perlman</b></span></td></tr>
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HDC President Daniel Allen explained their success since 1970. “We have produced hundreds of programs about New York’s history and educated thousands of people about how to protect their historic neighborhoods, worked on gaining designations of more than 125 of the soon-to-be 150 historic districts, and reviewed thousands of proposals to alter historic buildings.” He continued, “Since last year’s conference, preservationists fought hard to protect the city’s character.” Landmark designations include Bay Ridge’s first historic district and Tin Pan Alley. “Each advancement has something in common; a fierce group of preservationists holding rallies, sending e-blasts, writing letters, bothering elected officials, and testifying at hearings.” A short film of preservation stories proved what makes our city special, and also included Landmarks Lion award recipients such as historian Barry Lewis and preservationists Christabel Gough and Kitty Carlisle, and Grassroots Preservation Award recipients. <div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2ZSy02k4_nSL0rtMf0CQp-iqL2-rJWb4pDGjee4P1y_8FaXfVzHIhTwUm4ZD2nVHR87WckP8t3pSTVoVQtBTxevjH-f9PsL9mpFgbxRmBOcQB-TwVv6vLgdbRpM5E5rb7l79oo9Nfh1N0/s1600/Chair+Sarah+Carroll%252C+NYC+Landmarks+Preservation+Commission%252C+Photo+by+Michael+Perlman.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="906" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2ZSy02k4_nSL0rtMf0CQp-iqL2-rJWb4pDGjee4P1y_8FaXfVzHIhTwUm4ZD2nVHR87WckP8t3pSTVoVQtBTxevjH-f9PsL9mpFgbxRmBOcQB-TwVv6vLgdbRpM5E5rb7l79oo9Nfh1N0/s400/Chair+Sarah+Carroll%252C+NYC+Landmarks+Preservation+Commission%252C+Photo+by+Michael+Perlman.jpg" width="335" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: #274e13;">Chair Sarah Carroll, NYC Landmarks Preservation Commission, Photo by Michael Perlman</span></b></td></tr>
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There are over 37,000 landmarked buildings and sites, including over 1,400 Individual Landmarks, 149 Historic Districts, 120 Interior Landmarks, and 11 Scenic Landmarks. HDC Executive Director Simeon Bankoff introduced keynote speaker, Chair Sarah Carroll of the NYC Landmarks Preservation Commission (LPC). She explained, “NYC is a vibrant city whose history is revealed through its built environment. I believe that preservation is integral for the dynamism of this city and is a significant factor in NYC being a global destination. It was because of New Yorkers’ growing concern for the protection of the city’s history, that the Landmarks Law was enacted 55 years ago.” <br /><br /> During her time at the LPC for over 25 years in various roles, she has strived to initiate fairness and equity to the agency. She explained, “I firmly believe that preservation needs to represent and reach more communities, and that means representing our diverse history, and in the long-run, promoting preservation in all communities. We are working to ensure diversity in designations, making sure that we are telling the stories of all New Yorkers, and really looking at communities that haven’t had a voice in the past. We are working to ensure effective outreach for our regulatory work and garnering support for designations while recognizing NY’s incredible diversity, and ensuring fairness, transparency, and efficiency in regulations, so that proposed work is approved in a timely manner and that we are supporting property owners through technical assistance and improved guidance.” <br /><br /> She continued, “Preservation is more than just protecting our historic buildings, but about providing life to these buildings, so they can continue to be relevant tomorrow because as speaker Corey Johnson says, ‘In a city as dynamic as New York, the only constant is change.’” <br /><br /> A recent LPC goal is to identify newer buildings that reflect the more recent NYC history. She said, “It is vitally important that we think ahead and protect these properties that continue to represent the city’s changing nature, as well as the diversity of our social and cultural history.” <br /><br /> “In order to be equitable, we need to nurture preservation in less represented communities that may not have the architectural icons that earlier districts had, but have equally strong historic and cultural value,” said Carroll. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiU8NVk3P1R_118ClJWhYr5w0KZkrt4TAUGtBsCPCplvkBA5uy7vXXjkZFWugOWXzD9znJ4I9jK_2Jg5i_2QUYPYL8PeOfYzb_ZNPyY9XTGKr_oxHelhlSES7PScD9b3-3FuO6NhCvyF7_s/s1600/Preservation+session+led+by+Simeon+Bankoff%252C+HDC%252C+Photo+by+Michael+Perlman.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiU8NVk3P1R_118ClJWhYr5w0KZkrt4TAUGtBsCPCplvkBA5uy7vXXjkZFWugOWXzD9znJ4I9jK_2Jg5i_2QUYPYL8PeOfYzb_ZNPyY9XTGKr_oxHelhlSES7PScD9b3-3FuO6NhCvyF7_s/s400/Preservation+session+led+by+Simeon+Bankoff%252C+HDC%252C+Photo+by+Michael+Perlman.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: #274e13;">Preservation session led by Simeon Bankoff, HDC, Photo by Michael Perlman</span></b></td></tr>
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Participant-driven conferences are a component that differentiates this event from others. In classrooms, leaders delivered 45-minute sessions on NYC preservation topics which were voted upon by preservationists, and the winners were “South Street Seaport,” “Not Just Preservation,” “What About Penn South?,” “Lower West Side,” “Quarantine Island,” and “Preservation Manifesto.” <br /><br /> Simeon Bankoff’s presentation pinpointed that New Yorkers inherit the city and need to pass it down to future generations in a recognizable shape, and asserted that the government is the nurturer of citizens and must provide a healthy environment, safety, education, housing, and a stable economy. Additionally, equal access and the opportunity to utilize public resources are essential. Attendees proposed advocating for more preservation-friendly people in public office and offering training sessions, having buildings over a certain age become landmarks (similar to other municipalities), and having the full LPC body review proposed designations, the LPC holding public hearings at a certain threshold of community support, and every community having access to open space and protection of their historical resources. Suggestions also included implementing citywide planning which includes preservation and sensitive contextual development, modifying mayoral appointments of commissioners, instituting a demolition tax based on environmental factors and an EIS peer review, and strengthening community board oversight. A main point was that our historic city’s preservation is equally as important future housing and climate resiliency. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: #274e13;">50+ years of advocacy panel, Photo by Michael Perlman</span></b></td></tr>
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Plenary sessions were inspired by HDC’s 50th anniversary. The first session, “50+ years of advocacy” reflected upon HDC’s preservation work and posed the question of what will advocates seek to preserve in the next 50 years. Panelists pinpointed current preservation challenges and proposed directions meriting exploration. It featured moderator Angel Ayón, Gregory Dietrich, Christian Emanuel, and Vicki Weiner. As a case in point for Queens, Emanuel, a real estate broker, was a dormant preservationist until his parents, commercial tenants at the Bank of Manhattan Company tower in Queens Plaza were facing eviction, and what was once Queens’ first skyscraper (1927), was threatened with demolition. They partnered with the HDC and rallied support from the community and elected officials, and the building was landmarked within a year. Today, Emanuel is on HDC’s board of directors. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: #274e13;"><span style="font-size: 12.8px;">Designation tales panel, Photo by Michael Perlman</span> </span></b></td></tr>
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The second session, “designation tales” largely focused on landmarking success stories told by advocates and offered advice on the process. Panelists were moderator Kelly Carroll, George Calderaro, Julia Charles, Jim Protos, and Keith Taylor.</div>
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Rego-Foresterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05398510218292813862noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7449761564484963359.post-68107310929106591752020-03-06T04:26:00.002-05:002020-03-06T04:26:29.748-05:00Volunteer with Rego-Forest Preservation Council - New Flyer <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg79Dp64IzaMZfYyoFeoEmB6AgBHB4LRPJBFq4Nm-Y68LmfU0yO1r3DHJlSG39ZFx80VYVEP9S1bCSFXMjxeRZcLINZepUB-IoBx1JkGfdBldpYCWRpnThu4Sz1P9KJjpWzBcf9Er90g8km/s1600/Rego-Forest+Preservation+Council+Promotional+Flyer%252C+March+2020.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="792" data-original-width="612" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg79Dp64IzaMZfYyoFeoEmB6AgBHB4LRPJBFq4Nm-Y68LmfU0yO1r3DHJlSG39ZFx80VYVEP9S1bCSFXMjxeRZcLINZepUB-IoBx1JkGfdBldpYCWRpnThu4Sz1P9KJjpWzBcf9Er90g8km/s400/Rego-Forest+Preservation+Council+Promotional+Flyer%252C+March+2020.jpg" width="308" /></a></div>
<br />Rego-Foresterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05398510218292813862noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7449761564484963359.post-17618137245182384482020-03-02T19:54:00.001-05:002020-03-02T19:54:33.878-05:00A Forest Hills Map with A Story To Tell <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: #274e13;">1926 Forest Hills map by Ernest Clegg for Cord Meyer Development Company, Courtesy of Rego-Forest Preservation Council</span></b></td></tr>
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In a dusty old box, if we look beyond the surface, there may be more to discover than what meets the eye. With a curious mind, one is bound to encounter a couple of surprises. This is the case with a highly illustrated Forest Hills street map from 1926 in a prospectus for Forest Close, an award-winning Arts & Crafts style village of rowhouses developed that same year by Cord Meyer Development Company. At the time, Forest Hills, which was named by the firm, was only 20 years old, while Rego Park was 3 years old. Cord Meyer’s client was Ernest Clegg (1876 – 1954), a largely respected pictorial cartographer, graphic designer, and calligrapher. Today, he is long-forgotten, but his extensive inventory of artistic maps serves as a testament.<br />
<br /> Clegg’s creative illustrations include Forest Close, the West Side Tennis Club Stadium which was three years old, the “new” Forest Hills Theatre on Continental Avenue which opened in 1922, Our Lady Queen of Martyrs two years prior to developing the parochial school building on Austin Street, the Queens Valley Golf Club which would have been located in today’s Kew Gardens Hills. At the time, the Queensboro Bridge and Queens Boulevard had a trolley line, and commuters could either hop on a 30-minute trolley or a 20-minute bus. North of Queens Boulevard, thoroughfares included Yellowstone Avenue (renamed Yellowstone Boulevard), Continental Avenue (now 108th Street), Colonial Avenue (now 110th Street), and Seminole Avenue (now 112th Street). Further north was a proposed park, which would become Flushing Meadows Corona Park, as well as a sketching of Flushing Creek. <br /><br /> One of the cartouches features the original Georgian Colonial style real estate office for Cord Meyer Development, which stood where the Midway Theatre is located. The map also notes the location of other significant sites including the Forest Hills Masonic Temple, which later became Boulevard Bank and Sterling National Bank. Opposite Forest Close and its sister community of Arbor Close were tennis courts on Austin Street, facing the LIRR. <br /><br /> Numerical streets did not exist, but rather alphabetized Atom Street on the east to Zuni Street on the west, perpendicular to Queens Boulevard. A majority of unique streets have been renamed such as Atom Street as 75th Avenue, De Koven Street as 72nd Road, Pilgrim Street as 67th Drive, Sample Street as 66th Road, and Zuni Street as 63rd Drive. Jewel Street has been retained as Jewel Avenue. Some street names are preserved in building names, such as the Kelvin Apartments at 69-40 108th Street and Livingston Apartments at 68-60 108th Street. In other cases, building names based on streets are forgotten such as The Portsmouth at 72-22 Austin Street on Portsmouth Place, reserved for south of Queens Boulevard, now 72nd Road. These three properties are the earliest Cord Meyer apartment buildings standing. <br /><br /> Another category is buildings that pay tribute to street names that were no longer in circulation. A later Cord Meyer building, The Balfour at 112-20 72nd Drive memorializes Balfour Street. Quality & Ruskin Apartments on Yellowstone Boulevard and 108th Street pay tribute to Quality Street known as 67th Road and Ruskin Street as 67th Avenue. <br /><br /> South of Queens Boulevard, the map features Backus Place named after the Backus family farm, one of the major farming families, especially at the time of the Civil War. Further east, Ascan Avenue was retained, and named after farmer Ascan Backus, who was one of the most successful commercial farmers in the northeast. Between those boundaries, heading east, were streets including Herrick Avenue, Shelbourne Place, Continental Avenue, Windsor Place, Roman Avenue, and Portsmouth Place. <br /><br /> Clegg lived a diverse life. He was born in the suburbs of Birmingham in the U.K. and attended King Edward VI Grammar School and the Birmingham School of Art. His work was highly influenced by the Victorian Arts & Crafts Movement. As a calligrapher, he felt inspired by the medieval period’s gilded and illuminated manuscripts. During WWI in 1914, he was commissioned with the 7th Battalion, The Bedfordshire Regiment. Then in 1916, he earned the rank of Major and was a temporary Commanding Officer.<br /><br /> In 1919, he increasingly became well-known as a graphic designer and calligrapher in American and British veteran communities in New York. When he worked with William Edward Rudge, the New York Fine Art publisher, he illustrated and lettered a limited edition of Canadian war poet John McCrae’s “In Flanders Fields.” Another highlight was his illuminated manuscript for the British Princess Royal, Princess Mary on her wedding in 1922. A pictorial map from 1925 in the collection of the Museum of the City of New York features a chronology of part of New York City depicting six locations and buildings of Brooks Brothers since their founding in 1818. Another masterpiece was his Great War Map of Battle Lines in France and Belgium on September 25, 1918, copyrighted in 1926. It was presented by Marshal Sir Douglas Haig to the Old Guard of New York. The insignia of 42 American Divisions which witnessed service is depicted. <br /><br /> In 1928, his large map commemorated aviator Charles Lindbergh’s first independent flight navigating the Atlantic Ocean a year prior, and was published by the New York John Day Company. That same year, he produced a rare jigsaw puzzle map captioned “Firestone reaches around the world to give most miles per dollar,” which features factories and plantation buying offices of Firestone in countries including the United States, Mexico, Russia, China, and Africa. <br /><br /> His pursuits as a yachtsman led him in the direction of creating a series of decorative printed charts that recorded three America’s Cup competitions off Newport in the 1930s. After a request from the British Ambassador, Lord Halifax, he returned to England in 1944, and then began producing decorative County maps. It proved beneficial for the Women’s Land Army Benevolent Fund that offered post-war support for thousands of female volunteers who helped sustain British food production during WWII. Clegg’s Kent: Battle of Britain, 1940 – 1941 pictorial map was among many other highly recognized accomplishments. <br /><br /> Rego-Foresterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05398510218292813862noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7449761564484963359.post-67314957036048545732020-02-19T23:14:00.001-05:002020-02-19T23:14:28.368-05:00Lost Battalion Hall, Where History & Recreation Come Alive <br />By Michael Perlman<div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: #274e13;">Lost Battalion Hall in 1940</span></b></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: #274e13;">Lost Battalion Hall linen era postcard, Courtesy of Michael Perlman</span></b></td></tr>
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<br />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.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhc1svr1oCDTnQY3SL5-eZpISV4-jZ96jLp_ELVm1RZHstuMoJ_C2LQqTYQi7uXb-kOyxFc4jiPc4-eGd72Dac-AdNXx6Qoi5HY-nNB_hKNY_SlqakDS4gsiy7CD-MkM-GvPXAaW15fmzgC/s1600/IMG_0894+upload.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="608" data-original-width="1600" height="151" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhc1svr1oCDTnQY3SL5-eZpISV4-jZ96jLp_ELVm1RZHstuMoJ_C2LQqTYQi7uXb-kOyxFc4jiPc4-eGd72Dac-AdNXx6Qoi5HY-nNB_hKNY_SlqakDS4gsiy7CD-MkM-GvPXAaW15fmzgC/s400/IMG_0894+upload.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #274e13;"><b>Lost Battalion Hall's Art Moderne facade, Photo by Michael Perlman</b></span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGi6D7A7dTOHis5YrZ4PgqBNuwq8p9GdOdu9GUPIij5lDbOGGEB-q8EgfwBaeggZXvKjZ_U-Tmo5ZJPLnQ-lWca4WCbLaHZUj4rswcB_0CfAeIvVd340da1sBozHmznripPpak_Jmo7bYp/s1600/IMG_1263_2+upload.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="604" data-original-width="1192" height="202" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGi6D7A7dTOHis5YrZ4PgqBNuwq8p9GdOdu9GUPIij5lDbOGGEB-q8EgfwBaeggZXvKjZ_U-Tmo5ZJPLnQ-lWca4WCbLaHZUj4rswcB_0CfAeIvVd340da1sBozHmznripPpak_Jmo7bYp/s400/IMG_1263_2+upload.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;"><b><span style="color: #274e13;">Lost Battalion Hall's limestone inscription with bronze tablets, Photo by Michael Perlman</span></b></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi70OFfPOvPWv-irnCtbTq2bdj2PDvCvbnFKO01ZU5xPib2TOwLDIotRvwVTZXl6n0q-2g0pTpdB7ZIEAplIYOB7b-L1fZPMNp-BuIIkRoLFj2CVsimGv6nG8_bAZv297SbuHG06xeefQtc/s1600/WPA+mural+1%252C+Lost+Battalion+Hall+gym%252C+Photo+by+Michael+Perlman.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1580" data-original-width="1600" height="395" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi70OFfPOvPWv-irnCtbTq2bdj2PDvCvbnFKO01ZU5xPib2TOwLDIotRvwVTZXl6n0q-2g0pTpdB7ZIEAplIYOB7b-L1fZPMNp-BuIIkRoLFj2CVsimGv6nG8_bAZv297SbuHG06xeefQtc/s400/WPA+mural+1%252C+Lost+Battalion+Hall+gym%252C+Photo+by+Michael+Perlman.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: #274e13;">WPA mural 1, Lost Battalion Hall gym, Photo by Michael Perlman</span></b></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHuUpRUDh-6lvs4WMEbn3r0hWE7lVolNYOMHFN6xiiCnp7L9t0xS0Z9pf3EZF9BUaChW5AGL02oW4HUq5UunD615epJYsaTMJYhL67K0IZOK5lKN_lm9EGMnjaesiRtIS1yuP7uOahVJrJ/s1600/WPA+mural+2%252C+Lost+Battalion+Hall+gym%252C+Photo+by+Michael+Perlman.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1542" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHuUpRUDh-6lvs4WMEbn3r0hWE7lVolNYOMHFN6xiiCnp7L9t0xS0Z9pf3EZF9BUaChW5AGL02oW4HUq5UunD615epJYsaTMJYhL67K0IZOK5lKN_lm9EGMnjaesiRtIS1yuP7uOahVJrJ/s400/WPA+mural+2%252C+Lost+Battalion+Hall+gym%252C+Photo+by+Michael+Perlman.jpg" width="385" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: #274e13;">WPA mural 2, Lost Battalion Hall gym, Photo by Michael Perlman</span></b></td></tr>
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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.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhreiC5nLSqCY7wfBaRCVtA0-eTjiYfnHff6UaXdUVdbHByYVs43gsXDMeheMEa91-mwN8kFggW4ih6e5Ci192kJvAC4By2R0S7PLi5ULvPCiTnK6FGA8oGizuXKv0Nwzz8FOC_uPUqUCNb/s1600/Lost+Battalion+Hall+memorial+plaque%252C+Photo+by+Michael+Perlman.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1087" data-original-width="1600" height="271" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhreiC5nLSqCY7wfBaRCVtA0-eTjiYfnHff6UaXdUVdbHByYVs43gsXDMeheMEa91-mwN8kFggW4ih6e5Ci192kJvAC4By2R0S7PLi5ULvPCiTnK6FGA8oGizuXKv0Nwzz8FOC_uPUqUCNb/s400/Lost+Battalion+Hall+memorial+plaque%252C+Photo+by+Michael+Perlman.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: #274e13;">Lost Battalion Hall memorial plaque, Photo by Michael Perlman</span></b></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNCsQ4bi8MSb1hmvo71GazFaYsF5vZgw2rulBHDlMfar_Mj4erNjJ6XJ3DchvEKGU78n3qt6LV9Xf7IKFe5IghQeUQEQ2nwPbqeYC5GNJ72ffHttZDYGojEOWbneVRVDXdh1xWHNIYNc9h/s1600/Queens+BP+George+Harvey+memorial+plaque%252C+Photo+by+Michael+Perlman.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1430" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNCsQ4bi8MSb1hmvo71GazFaYsF5vZgw2rulBHDlMfar_Mj4erNjJ6XJ3DchvEKGU78n3qt6LV9Xf7IKFe5IghQeUQEQ2nwPbqeYC5GNJ72ffHttZDYGojEOWbneVRVDXdh1xWHNIYNc9h/s400/Queens+BP+George+Harvey+memorial+plaque%252C+Photo+by+Michael+Perlman.jpg" width="357" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: #274e13;">Queens BP George Harvey memorial plaque, Photo by Michael Perlman</span></b></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkemzO110DcZfZqS7DNCsPvx7s1tkz3eqVzW3w8_A90RIE395K_f-w252xLQqyP8dcwzaH6xJe4sfdC7kqK3YVYZwbL2ya2-NalxOdJpDVWb_rTKdVALhPhP8bL-PHBRULQNRtLwFOJBaH/s1600/Company+C+308th+Infantry%252C+Camp+Upton%252C+Lost+Battalion%252C+Jan+1918.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="408" data-original-width="1600" height="101" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkemzO110DcZfZqS7DNCsPvx7s1tkz3eqVzW3w8_A90RIE395K_f-w252xLQqyP8dcwzaH6xJe4sfdC7kqK3YVYZwbL2ya2-NalxOdJpDVWb_rTKdVALhPhP8bL-PHBRULQNRtLwFOJBaH/s400/Company+C+308th+Infantry%252C+Camp+Upton%252C+Lost+Battalion%252C+Jan+1918.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: #274e13;">Company C 308th Infantry, Camp Upton, Lost Battalion, Jan 1918</span></b></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP5_9X6sWtHh9Udn4tZMezyp0g2m6f050SkN2byPtQnkb4nV7-cuaU_iYnTBl_WLxYoBtswznAO0ajG6oYoiGjBgHNNavzR7ClM76EHlmuuAK8Rz2CoIFIprQ0rVUOkGmThriiYXmo7tAk/s1600/Company+C+308th+Infantry%252C+France%252C+1919.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="305" data-original-width="1600" height="76" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP5_9X6sWtHh9Udn4tZMezyp0g2m6f050SkN2byPtQnkb4nV7-cuaU_iYnTBl_WLxYoBtswznAO0ajG6oYoiGjBgHNNavzR7ClM76EHlmuuAK8Rz2CoIFIprQ0rVUOkGmThriiYXmo7tAk/s400/Company+C+308th+Infantry%252C+France%252C+1919.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: #274e13;">Company C 308th Infantry, France, 1919</span></b></td></tr>
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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.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbUIweRnUWzTDZxrQRsGFT3p7EsJ6GEQjhfplY-RwckqAZdWCW1YkIeurudp_cTKX9JuEGoUdVy0f6BGL2w54Cb9M7tMWvMmQsW6Y_E9nu3Gb8obONd0vl5snZFWEss-61fUcwpmYiJoW3/s1600/Lost+Battalion+Hall%252C+WWII+civilian+defense+matchbook.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="880" data-original-width="318" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbUIweRnUWzTDZxrQRsGFT3p7EsJ6GEQjhfplY-RwckqAZdWCW1YkIeurudp_cTKX9JuEGoUdVy0f6BGL2w54Cb9M7tMWvMmQsW6Y_E9nu3Gb8obONd0vl5snZFWEss-61fUcwpmYiJoW3/s400/Lost+Battalion+Hall%252C+WWII+civilian+defense+matchbook.jpg" width="143" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: #274e13;">Lost Battalion Hall, WWII civilian defense matchbook, Courtesy of Michael Perlman</span></b></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: #274e13;">Square Dancing at Lost Battalion Hall, March 22, 1943, Courtesy of Parks Dept</span></b></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjh_aPaNkcwnubffN_OV3WnVI9EN677BWOW5LONsuWKtylLB9vyenYCJF1Nc3LtE6sIULDJgrtNM4nD-_dgxmDr1RyqD2dy_MW9qoA3nwNCI0_5jLv1B_io-SDQycD7dfqU473pKkN1S6Eq/s1600/Square+Dancing+at+Lost+Battalion+Hall%252C+March+22%252C+1943%252C+Courtesy+of+Parks+Dept.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1177" data-original-width="1600" height="293" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjh_aPaNkcwnubffN_OV3WnVI9EN677BWOW5LONsuWKtylLB9vyenYCJF1Nc3LtE6sIULDJgrtNM4nD-_dgxmDr1RyqD2dy_MW9qoA3nwNCI0_5jLv1B_io-SDQycD7dfqU473pKkN1S6Eq/s400/Square+Dancing+at+Lost+Battalion+Hall%252C+March+22%252C+1943%252C+Courtesy+of+Parks+Dept.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: #274e13;">Square Dancing at Lost Battalion Hall, March 22, 1943, Courtesy of Parks Dept</span></b></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcXM6EWs_9tjr3UFepFK_z9b7x8_gWtiUnYNxG5Mm8-VhxLCoXBmWFwoueuciJzDmEqt_O6KvrcjABmKkE45JdSVDenAiYKB_E_jlp7FTZjR8W9aKqCheUq8OKkSuFS4n8Sv7JUeyN6ZE3/s1600/Lost+Battalion+Hall%252C+Boxing+with+champ+Emile+Griffith+circa+May+1962%252C+Courtesy+of+Parks+Dept.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1186" data-original-width="1600" height="296" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcXM6EWs_9tjr3UFepFK_z9b7x8_gWtiUnYNxG5Mm8-VhxLCoXBmWFwoueuciJzDmEqt_O6KvrcjABmKkE45JdSVDenAiYKB_E_jlp7FTZjR8W9aKqCheUq8OKkSuFS4n8Sv7JUeyN6ZE3/s400/Lost+Battalion+Hall%252C+Boxing+with+champ+Emile+Griffith+circa+May+1962%252C+Courtesy+of+Parks+Dept.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: #274e13;">Lost Battalion Hall, Boxing with champ Emile Griffith circa May 1962, Courtesy of Parks Dept</span></b></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipuyZsm8S5Ycw9QaixtWFEFQUrO21qWk8NRWZ55t2je3l4pO68TQk-W6mqP0P8wZV2_lasMOrO7Qm5qF75HJUhfyMv_jBYw6ezsrRAhrRdj9x9M7XhFLKEd2KAb-mR1a42YI2uIt7Yf7Xe/s1600/31679_ca+05-1962_Lost+Battalion+Hall%252C+Boxing.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1161" data-original-width="1600" height="290" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipuyZsm8S5Ycw9QaixtWFEFQUrO21qWk8NRWZ55t2je3l4pO68TQk-W6mqP0P8wZV2_lasMOrO7Qm5qF75HJUhfyMv_jBYw6ezsrRAhrRdj9x9M7XhFLKEd2KAb-mR1a42YI2uIt7Yf7Xe/s400/31679_ca+05-1962_Lost+Battalion+Hall%252C+Boxing.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: #274e13;">Lost Battalion Hall boxing circa May 1962, Courtesy of Parks Dept </span></b></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQU5mZds-NQ1Hzp-CWIY94hVmgdA70yravKpxsPyKE9PRTwliNVFIECNCJqo970oJdBOlXvIRel8wSSHlgD4GZGPkc3ZxOjviWFy_ZxikQsrpEQ_pJcQYUkJR_jV1sQ3MDGxkJZr3eors1/s1600/35966-6_09-10-1966_Perquackey+contest%252C+Lost+Battalion+Hall.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1225" data-original-width="1600" height="306" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQU5mZds-NQ1Hzp-CWIY94hVmgdA70yravKpxsPyKE9PRTwliNVFIECNCJqo970oJdBOlXvIRel8wSSHlgD4GZGPkc3ZxOjviWFy_ZxikQsrpEQ_pJcQYUkJR_jV1sQ3MDGxkJZr3eors1/s400/35966-6_09-10-1966_Perquackey+contest%252C+Lost+Battalion+Hall.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: #274e13;">Lost Battalion Hall Perquackey contest, September 10, 1966, Courtesy of Parks Dept</span></b></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: #274e13;">Lost Battalion Hall Director David Siegel presents bust to Barnett Federoff, 1963, Today Federoff Triangle park in Forest Hills bears tribute</span></b></td></tr>
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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.”<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: #274e13;">77th Appreciation Day Proclamation to Lost Battalion Hall, Photo by Michael Perlman</span></b></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: #274e13;">Lost Battalion Hall security with youth coach Eric Friedman & manager Angela Elie, Photo by Michael Perlman</span></b></td></tr>
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“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.” <br /><br /> 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. <br /><br /> 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. <br /><br /> 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.” <br /><br /> 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. <br /><br /> 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. <br /><br /> 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.” <br /><br />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. <br /><br /> 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.” <br /><br /> 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.” <br /><br /> 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.” </div>
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Rego-Foresterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05398510218292813862noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7449761564484963359.post-89468660198318231192020-02-06T18:18:00.000-05:002020-02-06T18:18:00.711-05:00If Only It Was Landmarked… By Michael Perlman<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: #274e13;">Howard Johnson's with the Trylon & Perisphere, 1939 World's Fair, Courtesy of Rego-Forest Preservation Council</span></b></td></tr>
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Landmarks come in all styles and forms and are in the eyes of the majority of the public, but that is not enough to preserve historic and character-enriching buildings, districts, or monuments, and rescue them from significant alterations or demolition. Therefore, the public has the tools to advocate for the establishment of an Individual Landmark (façade), Historic Districts, Interior Landmark, or Scenic Landmark by submitting a Request For Evaluation (RFE) form to the NYC Landmarks Preservation Commission (LPC), which may calendar properties for a public hearing to determine their eligibility.<br />
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The Landmarks Law was a gift to the people when signed in 1965 by Mayor Robert Wagner, in response to countless protestors whose pleas to halt the demolition of the original Beaux Arts Pennsylvania Station fell upon deaf ears. <br /><br /> A landmark is required to be at least 30 years old. The LPC states, “According to the Landmarks Law, the purpose of safeguarding the buildings and places that represent New York City's cultural, social, economic, political, and architectural history is to stabilize and improve property values, foster civic pride, protect and enhance the City's attractions to tourists, strengthen the economy of the City, and promote the use of historic districts, landmarks, interior landmarks, and scenic landmarks for the education, pleasure and welfare of the people of the City.” <br /><br /> Forest Hills (founded 1906) currently has three official landmarks, Remsen Cemetery (designated 1981), Ridgewood Savings Bank (2000), and Engine 305 & Ladder 151 (2012), whereas Rego Park (founded 1923) has none. <br /><br /> Let’s bear homage to a sample of buildings that would likely achieve landmark status, only if they were still standing. While viewing a photo of a classic building that no longer exists or reminiscing while taking a stroll, the sounds of the wrecking ball can still be heard, but only preservation can offer harmony and character, and a building’s story can continue to evolve. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: #274e13;">Al Jolson's house being prepared for demolition, April 2006, Photo by Jason Steinberg</span></b></td></tr>
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Al Jolson, nicknamed “The world’s greatest entertainer” was a singer, Vaudeville, and early motion picture star, who owned a Tudor Gothic home at 68-12 110th Street. It was built circa 1925 in a section of Forest Hills developed by Cord Meyer Development Company. The brick façade featured an ornate bay window of stained glass, a distinguishable flagstone sloped roofline, and a corbelled chimney. This home was eyed for landmarking under the LPC’s Community Board 6 January 1990 draft survey, but as a result of the city’s delays, it was demolished in 2006 for a McMansion, which places remaining landmarking candidates in the Cord Meyer area increasingly at risk. </div>
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<br /> A mundane black glass office building stands at 95-25 Queens Boulevard in Rego Park, erasing any trace of the 3-story, $300,000 Colonial mansion-like Howard Johnson’s, which was erected in 1939 and presented with a Queens Chamber of Commerce architectural award in 1940 . Its distinctive façade featured sculptures, ornamental cast stone, pilasters, a portico, and shutters, and was topped with a cupola. It was advertised as “The largest roadside restaurant in the U.S.” with 1,000 seats, and was designed by the chain’s chief architect, Joseph G. Morgan and owned by Howard D. Johnson. <div>
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A freestanding Art Deco sign boasted 28 ice cream flavors such as chocolate chip and burgundy cherry ice cream, as well as a grille and cocktail lounge. The 1939 World’s Fair’s esteemed seafood chef Pierre Franey was at your service. Weddings were held in the Colonial Room and Empire Room. Regal appointments included crystal chandeliers, a winding grand staircase, and murals by the famed Andre Durenceau. It was the end of an era in 1974 due to standardization and changing tastes for fast food. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: #274e13;">1939 World's Fair Gulf Service Station, Queens Blvd & Horace Harding Blvd, Courtesy of Rego-Forest Preservation Council</span></b></td></tr>
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Rego Park once had its own version of the Empire State Building, as in a streamlined glass block Art Deco tower of the Gulf Station on the northeast corner of Queens Boulevard and Horace Harding Boulevard. A curved façade with curved windows and stainless steel accents were among the other novelty features, since nearby service stations exhibited Tudor and Mediterranean influences. It was erected by John J. Meehan Construction Company for Gulf Oil Company. <div>
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It was deemed futuristic, coinciding with the 1939 – 1940 World’s Fair’s “World of Tomorrow” theme, and was conveniently situated en route to the Fair when Horace Harding Boulevard was briefly known as World’s Fair Boulevard. The Gulf Station earned a 1st prize award by the Queens Chamber of Commerce in the commercial construction category. The site was redeveloped in 1987 when the 17-story Queens Boulevard Tower opened at 92-29 Queens Boulevard. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: #274e13;">Roman Avenue now 72nd Avenue rowhouses, Forest Hills, circa 1910, Courtesy of Rego-Forest Preservation Council</span></b></td></tr>
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On 72nd Avenue, formerly Roman Avenue, between Austin Street and Queens Boulevard, an assemblage of ten Neo-Renaissance rowhouses once stood on parallel sides, recalling a more humble time, when Austin Street and nearby streets were nicknamed “The Village.” As of 2018, only two rowhouses remained at 108-11 and 108-19 72nd Avenue, and an out-of-context 7-stoy building is slated to rise between them. </div>
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<br /> A plaque states, “This marker denotes the first assemblage of residential structures, still extant, erected in Forest Hills. Built in 1906, they were the beginnings of this historic, beautiful community.” They housed Forest Hills’ first plumber, electrician, and carpenter. The rowhouses were erected by Cord Meyer Development Company which named Forest Hills, and they were designed by a prominent architect, Benjamin Dreisler. Prior to 1906, Forest Hills was known as Whitepot, consisting solely of farmland. <br /><br /> Distinctive features are unique low-rise stoops, bowed fronts of red brick and limestone, bedrock bases, a lion gargoyle, and a variation in cornice and lintel detail, which made no two exactly alike but harmonious. Similar rowhouses were more prevalent in Manhattan and Brooklyn, but with traditional high stoops. Central Queens Historical Association, chaired by historian Jeff Gottlieb, led a dedication ceremony in 1991 for their 85th anniversary, and in 2006, the site was re-dedicated to commemorate the rowhouses’ 100th anniversary, synonymous with Forest Hills’ 100th anniversary. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: #274e13;">Drake Theatre, Rego Park, Courtesy of Cinema Treasures</span></b></td></tr>
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Saxon Hall at 62-60 99th Street was renamed The Drake, and although it is praiseworthy to pay tribute, it is even more beneficial to preserve the original building. The Rego Park and Middle Village communities were once largely served by the Drake Theatre at 62-90 Woodhaven Boulevard. This 585-seat Art Deco theater movie opened in 1935 in a growing community, twelve years after Rego Park’s founding, and was designed by Charles A. Sandblom. It was mainly a second-run double bill theater. <div>
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Theaters, whether large of small, were spaces which united the community regardless of social status. They were designed to offer a memorable experience with fine architectural features, making patrons feel welcomed and offered a temporary escape from reality. After the Drake shuttered in 1992, Joe Abbracciamento Restaurant, a NYC institution established in 1948, expanded into much of the building. The façade and sections of the interior were preserved until 2016, when the site was demolished for a mundane condo. <div>
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Rego-Foresterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05398510218292813862noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7449761564484963359.post-5992839788714703662020-01-28T18:34:00.000-05:002020-01-28T18:34:12.742-05:00Initiative to Re-Designate Elmhurst’s Jamaica Savings Bank as a Landmark <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
By Michael Perlman</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: #274e13;">The new Jamaica Savings Bank, Elmhurst, circa 1968</span></b></td></tr>
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Queens has Jet-Age buildings that merit landmark status, but sometimes they are misunderstood and unappreciated. Locally, one of the most unique Modernist buildings is the former Jamaica Savings Bank at 89-01 Queens Boulevard in Elmhurst. It was erected from 1966 to 1968, and was experimental and revolutionary in style, evoking the spirit of a 1964 World’s Fair pavilion. In 1968, the Queens Chamber of Commerce awarded the bank a bronze plaque for “outstanding excellence.” Today it serves the community as a branch of Bank of America.<br />
<br /> In a rare move, after the NYC Landmarks Preservation Commission (LPC) designated the building as an Individual Landmark on June 28, 2005, City Council voted to overturn its designation in November 2005. A majority of City Council was persuaded by the owner’s claim that the bank faced flooding issues, and at the time, City Council Landmarks Subcommittee Chair Simcha Felder and Council Member Helen Sears ultimately did not defend its landmark status. Nearly 15 years later, there is renewed hope and determination by preservationists to see the LPC re-designate a unique architectural work, as the faces behind City Council and the LPC have changed, in addition to the most recent tenant. <br /><br /> Most notably, Council Member Daniel Dromm serving Elmhurst said the bank merits landmarking and would support the vision of Elmhurst History & Cemeteries Preservation Society, according to Marialena Giampino, the organization’s president. She said, “Our organization firmly believes this building is one-of-a-kind with its cutting edge, innovative, and unique design. It resembles something out of the future, and yet we are in the year 2020! It truly is deserving of landmark status!” <div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: #274e13;">The new Jamaica Savings Bank, Elmhurst, 1968</span></b></td></tr>
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The LPC’s designation report referenced the bank as “one of the most unique and memorable structures on this busy multi-lane thoroughfare.” Construction began in 1966, which marked the bank’s centennial, and it was designed by the William F. Cann Company, part of the Bank Building and Equipment Corporation of America, based in St. Louis, Missouri. It opened its doors in March 1968. The designation report explained that its form is reminiscent of an elongated saddle, better known as a hyperbolic paraboloid. The LPC stated, “To create this distinctive form, Cann used reinforced concrete and bronze glass, cladding the 116-foot-long roof with copper panels” and then referred to the building as “a bold expression of 20th century engineering recalling works by Eduardo Catalano, Felix Candela, and Eero Saarinen.” “This unusual design solution created not only a column-free banking hall, but a visually-distinctive form that stands out from neighboring structures,” the report read. <br /><br /> From local to out of state, preservationists call on landmarking while sharing their perspectives. Mitchell Grubler, Queens Preservation Council President had much to say about the LPC and City Council. “The bank was designated by the LPC, the body charged with the responsibility for surveying, researching and determining the significance of buildings and districts that require designation in order to ensure the protection of our architectural, historical and cultural patrimony. The problem is that the designation goes to the City Council, a political body, lacking the scholarly expertise of the Commission and its staff.” <br /><br /> He continued, “Its hyperbolic paraboloid form is not only unique, but reflective of its time and represents the optimism for a modernist future in post-World’s Fair Queens and the nation. We need to do more to educate the public and the members of the City Council that the best of Modernist architecture is as worthy of designation as the classical banks and Victorian houses that are so venerated.” </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: #274e13;">Former Jamaica Savings Bank, back facade, Photo by Michael Perlman</span></b></td></tr>
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Architectural historian Frampton Tolbert founded Queens Modern, with hopes of granting recognition and preservation of unappreciated Modernist treasures. He said, “While there is a significant amount of Modern architecture in Queens, most is done by regional architects. This bank is unique, as it was designed by an architect known nationally for cutting-edge bank design. Other Modern buildings in Queens designed by architects of this caliber were typically major projects for airports, and many have been demolished or badly altered. Its eye-catching design was to attract drivers and pedestrians along Queens Boulevard, and is evocative of how bank construction and design of the era embraced Modernism.” <br /><br /> Utah resident Kirk Huffaker, a Consultant for Kirk Huffaker Preservation Strategies, came across this building while researching the company. “So much to the contrary of coming upon it on the street, I was in a dark archive room looking at microfilm, and immediately saw its significance and a clear interpretation of International Style architecture.” <br /><br /> He feels that history does not stop in a certain year. He explained, “Historic architecture, as well as a community’s corresponding history should be viewed along a time continuum. The modern styles of architecture that became prevalent in America after WWII are no less significant to preserve than the more traditional styles. As the National Register of Historic Places tells us, they should be viewed equally.” <br /><br /> “It angers and saddens me that financial gains, land use, and development very often comes at the expense of removing the culture and diversity which makes our city unique, so any local legislator should have the best interest of the community when making decisions that impact its future integrity and honor its history,” said local resident Debby Dip. She compared the bank’s style to the World’s Fair experience. “That was instrumental in placing our lovely borough on the map, as a look to the future. These non-designated buildings and structures and the landmarked Eero Saarinen’s TWA Flight Center at JFK now turned hotel deserve an equal place of honor and integrity, which only landmark status will achieve.” <br /><br /> NYC licensed tour guide Linda Fisher considers the bank to represent the Googie/Populuxe architectural style. “It represents the aspirations of the Space Age and echoes the style of the nearby 1964-65 World’s Fair, and stands as a reminder of the days when Queens was standing on the edge of the future. The modernist flair was uplifting and fun, ready to take off in flight and head for the heights!” <br /><br /> In reference to landmark status being overturned, she said “In 2005, Queens’ reputation was still that of a backwards town and landmarking was disdained. Queens residents were and many still are completely unaware that occurred.” <br /><br /> She feels it is essential to remember what principles were valued by a community. “Each style celebrates and incorporates a guiding value, whether it is the democratic values of the Greeks and Romans or the minimalist values of Brutalism. Modernist architecture tells the story of man’s reach in the modern age, which is a story worth remembering.” <br /></div>
Rego-Foresterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05398510218292813862noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7449761564484963359.post-18000668127582981192020-01-22T20:43:00.000-05:002020-01-22T20:43:32.596-05:00Rego Park Honored As A “Six To Celebrate” Historic Community <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
By Michael Perlman</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: #274e13;">HDC Six To Save 2020 Rego Park poster & HDC 50th anniversary pamphlet, Photo by Michael Perlman</span></b></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Rego Park, founded in 1923 by REal GOod Construction Company, has been selected by a most influential citywide advocate non-profit organization, Historic Districts Council (HDC) as one of the 2020 “Six To Celebrate” communities. Annually, the Six To Celebrate program, launched in 2011, identifies six historic New York City neighborhoods that merit preservation as priorities for HDC’s year-long advocacy and consultation. Rego-Forest Preservation Council will collaborate with HDC and apply for Individual Landmark (façade) and Historic District status via the NYC Landmarks Preservation Commission (LPC) for architecturally and culturally significant properties and sections, respectively, as well as coordinate walking tours among other initiatives. </span><div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: #274e13;">Friends of the HDC, Courtesy of Ron Caveglia</span></b></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">On January 15, a launch party attended by over 100 guests was held at the landmarked National Arts Club, also known as the Samuel Tilden mansion at 15 Gramercy Park South, which offered an ideal setting to celebrate this special occasion with speeches, food, a PowerPoint presentation, and HDC’s 50th birthday. Even LPC Chair Sarah Carroll was in attendance. Besides Rego Park, the other Six To Save preservation-worthy areas are East Flatbush, Center Park Slope, Bronx Preservation Committee, Todt-Dongan Hills, and Landmarks of the Future Citywide. To date, the program helped create 13 NYC Historic Districts, 50 Individual Landmarks, 5 National Register districts, and 3 National Register properties. Additionally, it has leveraged over $130,000 in private and public grants for these community-driven projects. </span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: #274e13;">Guests from the 5 boroughs united on preservation, Photo by Michael Perlman</span></b></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: #274e13;">HDC President Daniel Allen, Photo courtesy of Michael Perlman</span></b></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">HDC President Daniel Allen said, “Over our 50th anniversary year, let’s think back of all that we have done together and all of what’s meant to this city. We all have stories and some documentation. HDC is still collecting, so get in touch with us.” </span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: #274e13;">CM Ben Kallos, Courtesy of Michael Perlman</span></b></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Council Member Ben Kallos (5th District, Manhattan), who calls himself “one of the strongest preservationists on City Council,” said “You don’t necessarily know who you’re going to be before you get elected, and when I did, I discovered that I’m a preservationist.” He explained, “You have to keep on going, and the price of preservation and our history is having the HDC and everyone in this room continue to fight for it day in and day out, since all it takes is the wrong person at the wrong place being able to level all the history that our city has.” He continued, “There are not enough preservationists in elected office. For 2021, I am optimistic to elect preservationists to City Council and have people fight for the Landmarks Committee.” </span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: #274e13;">HDC Executive Director Simeon Bankoff, Council Member Ben Kallos, HDC President Daniel Allen, Photo by Michael Perlman</span></b></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">He presented a proclamation to the HDC. He stated, “The NYC Council is proud to honor the HDC for 50 years of outstanding service to the community, and whereas HDC is dedicated to preserving historic neighborhoods, buildings, and public spaces across the 5 boroughs, to upholding the integrity of the Landmarks Law, and to further the preservation ethic. Representing a constituency of over 500 community organizations across all 5 boroughs, HDC works directly with people who care about our city’s historic neighborhoods and buildings.” Since 1970, five years after the Landmarks Law was founded, HDC has played a significant role in the creation and preservation of 149 Historic Districts and extensions. </span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: #274e13;">CM Ben Kallos, Courtesy of Michael Perlman</span></b></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Rego-Forest Preservation Council, founded in 2006 by this columnist, advocates for landmark status for significant sites in Rego Park, Forest Hills, and nearby Queens communities, and documents local history. Currently, Forest Hills has three official landmarks, Remsen Cemetery (designated 1981), Ridgewood Savings Bank (2000), and Engine 305 & Ladder 151 (2012), but Rego Park has none. <br /><br /> “We look forward to helping Rego-Forest Preservation Council to develop proposals for meritorious sites, which we bring to the Landmarks Preservation Commission and hopefully get designated,” said Simeon Bankoff, executive director of Historic Districts Council. “We are hoping to help organize and better project their knowledge and enthusiasm for the area to a broader audience; not only the public but decision-makers.” </span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: #274e13;">Simeon Bankoff addresses guests, Photo by Michael Perlman</span></b></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">After naming some altered or demolished properties that HDC fought for, Bankoff stated, “Part of preservation is remembering things that we lost, so we don’t lose things in the future. We cannot forget.” He also cited examples of designations HDC helped obtain such as Sunnyside Gardens and most recently Tin Pan Alley. “Designation is not the end, but just the beginning. We now entered into an eternal compact of making sure that those buildings continue to improve, are use, and preserved.” <br /><br /> Reflecting on the event’s success, Bankoff explained, “It was wonderful to see such a diverse group from all 5 boroughs gathering together to celebrate the work of HDC and community preservation. We saw lots of old friends and met new ones, and best of all were people across the city connecting with sympathetic and like-minded activists.” He pointed out that listening to community board members from the Upper East Side and Crown Heights discussing many shared concerns was a fantastic observation. <br /><br /> Historically, Rego Construction Company acquired land in Forest Hills West and named Rego Park after their advertising slogan “Real Good Homes.” The firm was founded by two natives of Germany; president Henry L. Schloh and secretary and treasurer Charles I. Hausmann in partnership with builder Joseph F. Thone. The firm began by developing 525 eight-room single-family “Rego Homes,” railroad style Colonial frame houses between 63rd Drive and Elliot Avenue along Saunders, Booth, Wetherole, and Austin Street, which sold for an estimated $7,500. </span><div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Three apartment houses accommodating 70 families each followed. They were the Tudor-style Remo Hall at 61-40 Saunders Street (1927) and the Spanish Mission-style Jupiter Court at 62-64 Saunders Street (1927) and Marion Court at 62-98 Saunders Street (1929), which were designed by award-winning architect Benjamin Braunstein, a Constantinople native. Novelty features are recessed facades and courtyards to maximize fresh air, light, and landscaping, once marketed as an advantage over the urbanized city. As a case in point, Marion Court residents experience was personalized with architectural features including terra-cotta reliefs of animals, castles in stained glass, and a roof garden where residents would once recreate. </span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: #274e13;">Rego-Forest Preservation Council Chair Michael Perlman & Landmarks Preservation Commission Chair Sarah Carroll, Photo by Ron Caveglia</span></b></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">“Now more than ever, preservation is extremely important, as it provides a visual history for younger generations to understand and learn more about our borough’s origins,” said Forest Hills attendee Ron Caveglia. “Seeing a photo or drawing of a decades’ old building is fine, but the physical presence of an original residence, business, or place of worship provides more of an impact for the observer. Attaining landmark status for our local architectural treasures is an excellent, indispensable tool in turning preservation’s goal into a reality.” Commending the HDC, he explained, “I was most excited to learn that Rego Park has been selected to benefit from generous resources ranging from private and public grants to walking tour brochures, landmarking strategies, and public outreach programs. The occasion reached its pinnacle when Queens’ native son Michael Perlman, Chair of Rego-Forest Preservation Council, was recognized for his spirited, dedicated work in furthering local architectural preservation.” <br /><br /> Eric Schreiber of Kew Gardens has followed Six To Celebrate for years, as a supporter of preserving important historic buildings and neighborhoods. He considers Rego Park a bastion of middle-class America and a historic, unique, and diverse community. He explained, “Perhaps the most significant and unique areas would be the Crescents, an upscale enclave featuring tree-lined, curved streets with lovely pre-war single-family homes. Within walking distance of shopping and public transit, it has a vibe that is more suburban than most other parts of the city. The homes feature well-manicured front and back yards.” He continued, “If not landmarked, the possibility exists that developers and new residents, with no interest in the historical significance of the neighborhood, could come in and raze these beautiful homes, forever destroying its character.” <br /><br /> Barbara Ann Rogers came from Prospect Lefferts Gardens, a previous Six To Celebrate community. She said, “Preservation is important for retaining a sense of history and honoring the architecture designed to make spaces livable and accessible to all, but most importantly, it keeps neighborhoods affordable. Preserving Six To Celebrate neighborhoods means preserving our way of life as true New Yorkers, with respect for all.” She expressed her love for Rego Park. “It was built for working class people, but with care and attention to architecture and open spaces that one doesn’t often find any longer. This is what is threatened by overdevelopment.” </span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #274e13;"><b>The landmarked National Arts Club at the Samuel Tilden mansion</b></span></td></tr>
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Rego-Foresterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05398510218292813862noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7449761564484963359.post-41662855297178824182020-01-15T23:13:00.001-05:002020-01-15T23:13:29.533-05:00"Mayflower Maples" Taking Root To Preserve Trees, History, Community <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
By Michael Perlman</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: #274e13;">The Mayflower circa 1941</span></b></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: #274e13;">Mayflower Maples proudly pose at the Mayflower's new courtyard fountain, Photo by Michael Perlman</span></b></td></tr>
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The Mayflower, a 155-unit Art Moderne apartment building at 69-10 Yellowstone Boulevard was a crowning Forest Hills achievement when it opened in 1941 at an estimated cost of $625,000. Mayflower Realty Corp. appointed architects Morris Rothstein & Son to design two-to-five-room apartments with novelties including terraces, a garage, and central and outer gardens in a developing community. Prior achievements were the 1936 IND subway and the 1939 World’s Fair, boosting demographics.<br />
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<br /> Fast-forward nearly 80 years, and the maple trees in the central garden are now six-stories high. “In August 2018, work began on a renovation project intended to restore our courtyard garden to its original well-manicured 1940s state, but shareholders and residents were unaware of the scope and timing of the plan,” said Elisabeth Grace, a 12-year resident. “I noticed that the trees were marked with red paint and asked our doorman why. I was told that the trees will be cut down in a matter of days!” Leading with her heart, she founded the “Mayflower Maples,” a group of shareholders and residents who successfully petitioned management through teamwork and neighborliness to preserve the trees. <br /><br /> The Mayflower Maples continues to meet every 4 to 6 weeks, in the spirit of “creating a more caring and connected community,” according to Grace. The group offers recommendations to the co-op board, which has responded positively to various suggested improvements. For example, members recently coordinated the first Halloween party, where residents brought their children. Crafts and games were provided, with a small stipend from the board. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: #274e13;">Maple trees rescued by Mayflower Maples & new fountain, Photo by Michael Perlman</span></b></td></tr>
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As for the courtyard renovation, it was over two years in the making. Phase One encompassed removing the prior fountain and dead trees. In summer 2019, Phase Two introduced a new fountain. Grace said, “It is lovely and resembles a mountain stream.” Phase Three is anticipated for this year, where the landscaper will present a design to accommodate the spared trees. <br /><br /> Grace explained the challenging preservation process. “I live in an apartment that looks directly into the tree branches of another part of the building. I would be devastated by its loss and could imagine how my courtyard neighbors would feel about losing ‘their’ trees too. But contracts were presumably signed, and the trees were slated to be gone in days. Who was I to think I could stop it? I was just one person!” She posted the dilemma on social media and felt inspired by the immediate support. “Friends urged me to ‘call the management company! Petition the board! Rally your neighbors!’ So I took a deep breath and called a neighbor on the co-op board. When I asked why the trees were being cut down, she said ‘nothing will grow there.’” <br /><br /> Grace recalled, “I laid out a case for the benefits of mature trees; beauty, shade, reducing A/C costs, flood prevention, a haven for birds and other animals, air purification, noise reduction, privacy, and increased property values. From the bottom of my heart, I said ‘If you cut down those trees without asking for input from shareholders, you will never be able to undo it, and people are going to be very upset.’” <br /><br /> The following day, Grace approached neighbors in her lobby, with its picture window view of red-splotched trees. She said, “It seemed from their reactions that many were surprised to have a neighbor speak to them after years of walking by without saying hello. When I asked if they knew the trees were being cut down, most were horrified.” She then compiled their contact details. “It was resolved that we should write a petition to the board to stop the planned ‘TreeAsco.’ As I was in full-blown community organizer mode, I received a text from my board member friend that plans to cut the trees were ‘put on hold for the moment.’” <br /><br /> Nevertheless, the consensus was to meet as a group to further discuss the issue. She explained, “We are a delightfully international group, and some of us have served on other co-op boards. Our action plan was to write and distribute a flyer to all residents, letting them know about the plans for the courtyard and raising concern about management’s failure to solicit input from shareholders and clearly communicate plans. We also included a list of ideas for the courtyard’s use and invited residents to brainstorm.” They launched a gmail account and invited everyone to join the Mayflower Maples discussions. In response, the board held a Town Hall meeting and created one shareholder committee to make recommendations on landscaping and another to compile ideas for the use of a new common room, attached to the state-of-the-art gym that they funded last year. “They scuttled the plan to destroy the trees, and my board member friend apologized to residents for not soliciting input,” said Grace. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: #274e13;">New fountain in the Mayflower's inner courtyard, Photo by Michael Perlman</span></b></td></tr>
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The 1941 Mayflower prospectus reads, “This building will contain a well landscaped center garden, affording a beautiful view. The garden will be well kept, and insures an inspiration for serene living.” It also states, “The Mayflower is in the original Forest Hills, where all buildings are planned and designed to blend in harmoniously with the surroundings, and give ample light, air, and comforts of living.” Grace responded, “Years ago, when I first read the prospectus, it made me sad. The garden was in a state of disrepair when the building went co-op in the 1980s and remained an eyesore until last year. It will be beautifully restored this summer and that feels great!” <br /><br /> Board President Janice Goldhaar, a thirty-year shareholder said, “I am happy that the plan has been revised to incorporate some of the trees into our landscaping plan. Trees certainly symbolize life. The Board invited the Maples to meet so we could share ideas. We welcome the input of all shareholders and for them to be more engaged.” <br /><br /> Treasurer Carolyn Harrs explained, “Our approach was to create a similar fountain to the one in our building’s front. In our landscaper’s original thought process, the huge trees were a problem. We needed sunlight for plants to grow. Now the design will have to change, so the type of plants can be accommodating to shade.” <br /><br /> Many improvements followed since the Mayflower Maples’ founding. Goldhaar said, “We discovered that many shareholders were looking for more communication, hearing about the process of running our co-op, and why we made certain decisions. The Board responded by forming committees, having monthly Town Hall meetings, establishing a gmail account for questions/comments to the Board. This is in addition to communication via Robo calls and paper notices that are sent to residents. We are also happy to have recently built the community room space.” It has accommodated meetings and activities such as CPR classes, the book club, and a knitting club. <br /><br /> Gathering on couches overlooking the courtyard, which would have been rare for residents in prior years, Mayflower Maples members had much to share. Twenty-four-year resident Iris Gretano said, “I love the feeling that our trees convey, which makes me feel refreshed. Communication brings people together and teamwork is very essential. This could not have been accomplished alone.” <br /><br /> Three-year resident Jenny Lugo lives in the Mayflower with her husband and baby. “When we were looking for an apartment, we first noticed the amazing courtyard and its trees, and the fact that you can see it from both lobbies is beautiful and a hidden jewel. When the Mayflower Maples was born, a new sense of community began growing with our trees. Now people are more mindful of one another and have a vested interest in the building, and hopefully we can think of more ways to harvest our Mayflower community.” She also shared her vision for the courtyard, drawing upon a point where some residents are retired. “Besides the community room activities, we are thinking about cost-effective ways of contributing to people’s well-being and happiness such as by developing a Mayflower community garden. Many of us are invested in nature, so why not provide an outlet for residents to do gardening, provide a healthy outlet, and beautify an area?” <br /><br /> “We can be seen as a microcosm for our interaction with life and the world, which starts at home,” said Lulu Brotherton, an 18-year resident. Citing warmth, understanding, and making new friends, she said, “Now my relationship to my building is very different from most of the time that I have been living here.” Revitalizing the courtyard further inspires her vision. “I am a big fan of public space. Everything would need to be agreed upon, but there may be ways to derive energy more efficiently such as with solar panels, a roof garden, and underground composting.” <br /><br /> “When my wife and I moved in 21 years ago, I was really disappointed to learn that the courtyard was off-limits,” said Phil Kalish. “Originally, the board did not release minutes and proceeded without building input, but the Mayflower Maples had an effect in encouraging the board to become more transparent. We did a survey to determine if residents would like to go outside and enjoy the courtyard, and the overwhelming response was yes. Our building has a landscaping committee, and by the time our courtyard is complete, it will be a real asset.” <br /><br /> The Mayflower has proven to be a quality address. Grace said, “I appreciate the warmth of our unique rose-colored marble lobby floors, decorative fireplaces, and other lovingly-restored details. Our apartments have high ceilings, arched doorways, built-in bookshelves, hardwood floors, large windows, and many closets. Rooms are generous in size.” She explained an especially meaningful perk. “Those residents who overlook the courtyard can sometimes spot Sam, our resident Cooper’s hawk, who often perches in one of the maples.”</div>
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Rego-Foresterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05398510218292813862noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7449761564484963359.post-34625574370529328792020-01-14T01:28:00.001-05:002020-01-14T01:28:38.123-05:00Rego Park Descendant Marion Legler Tells All <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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By Michael Perlman<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: #274e13;">Marion Legler, granddaughter of Rego Park developer Joseph Thone, points to Marion Court's 1929 terra-cotta relief & heavily encrusted archways, Photo by Michael Perlman</span></b></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: #274e13;">Signed photo of Real Good Construction Company developers circa mid-1920s, Courtesy of Bruce Powell</span></b></td></tr>
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Back in 1923, the Rego Construction Company, also known as the Real Good Construction Company, acquired land in Forest Hills West and named “Rego Park” after their advertising slogan, “REal GOod Homes.” The typical story that is told is how the firm was founded by two natives of Germany; president Henry L. Schloh and secretary and treasurer Charles I. Hausmann, but now a piece of the puzzle long forgotten has been rediscovered.<br />
<br /> In June 2016, Rego Park native Marion Thone Legler (born 1932), who resides in New Hyde Park, visited the neighborhood after 3 decades and explained the accomplishments of her grandfather Joseph F. Thone (1870 – 1955), another founding party and developer of the Rego Construction Company, who lived at 63-35 Bourton Street in Rego Park. Legler, who was raised at 61-30 Booth Street (now demolished), shared a detailed account of her childhood and early adulthood. She communicated with much passion and sentiment in the lobby of Marion Court at 62-98 Saunders Street (completed 1929), which her grandfather built 3 years before her birth. Legler was named after the building situated on Marion Avenue (now 63rd Avenue) and due to her grandfather’s interest in the name, according to her beliefs. <div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: #274e13;">Queens Blvd towards Remo Hall on Saunders St, Courtesy of Marion Legler & by Capitol Photo Service Commercial Photographers, 140 5th Ave</span></b></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #274e13;"><b>Rego Park homes, office, & stores to be erected circa mid-1920s, Courtesy of Bruce Powell</b></span></td></tr>
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The firm developed 525 eight-room single-family “Rego Homes,” railroad style Colonial frame houses with porches between 63rd Drive and Elliot Avenue along Saunders, Booth, Wetherole, and Austin Streets, which sold for an approximate $7,500. Three apartment houses followed, which 70 families each called home. They were the Tudor-style Remo Hall at 61-40 Saunders Street (1927) and the Spanish Mission-style Jupiter Court at 62-64 Saunders Street (1927) and Marion Court. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: #274e13;">Marion Court, 1928 rendering, Courtesy of Queens Chamber of Commerce</span></b></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: #274e13;">Remo Hall circa late 1920s, Courtesy of Bruce Powell, Henry Schloh's grandson</span></b></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: #274e13;">Jupiter Court circa late 1920s by Times Square Photo Service, Courtesy of Bruce Powell, Henry Schloh's grandson</span></b></td></tr>
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Designed by Benjamin Braunstein, they offer recessed facades and courtyards to maximize fresh air, light, and landscaping, which such developers considered an advantage over the urbanized city. Architecturally, Marion Court boasts terra-cotta reliefs of animals, leaded glass depictions of castles, and a roof garden where residents would once recreate and keep cool come summer. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: #274e13;">Terra-cotta reliefs of animals & florid vines, Photo by Michael Perlman</span></b></td></tr>
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Other family members were active in civic matters. In 1928, her uncle named Joseph H. Thone of 62-87 Booth Street, became president of the newly founded Rego Park Tennis Club, and around 1929, became secretary of the new Men’s Club of Our Saviour Lutheran Church. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: #274e13;">Lutheran Church of Our Saviour circa 1936 photo from 10th Anniversary Book</span></b></td></tr>
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“Rego Park was a playground for children,” said Legler. “We used to sleigh ride down 63rd Avenue. We never had to worry about cars because there were very few.” On Queens Boulevard, her father William Thone owned a hardware store, which was one of a few shops concentrated on the south side, west of 63rd Drive. “On the other side, there were lots and swamps over where your big apartments are now,” she said. Small shops stood along 63rd Drive, as well as PS 139 (erected 1929), where she graduated from. She said, “We went from Kindergarten through 8th grade. They taught arithmetic, the sciences, English… grammar, and penmanship. In the upper grades, the boys took shop and the girls took home ed, which was learning how to cook, making beds; how to be a housewife and a mother.” Children went home for lunch. <div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: #274e13;">Victory gardening on 99th Street with Queens Boulevard Gardens complex in the background, June 1944</span></b></td></tr>
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<br />Victory gardening was prevalent during WWII and her school participated. “We grew carrots, lettuce, cucumbers, and celery.” Furthermore, she explained, “We would bring money and buy what was called stamps, which was like a savings account. You learned how to cook in the school, how to grow food outside, and how to save your money at the same time.” <br /><br /> She graduated from Forest Hills High School in 1950 and remained in Rego Park until her marriage in 1956 at Our Saviour Lutheran Church, which was followed by a reception at the popular Rego Park Community Club at 62nd Road and Wetherole Street. <div>
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Legler reminisced Rego Park as a neighborly small town. “If you had a party, everybody was there. We would get home from school and drop our books, go outside and play. The parents all sat on the stoop at night, while we played Ringolevio and Running Bases until the street lights went on.” Other popular games were diamond ball and stick ball. <br /><br /> Legler explained the social scene. “On Queens Boulevard, there were several outdoor barbecue places that would play music, and we would be entertained for free.” Memorable spots included Lost Battalion Hall, Boulevard Tavern, Howard Johnson’s, White Castle, Fairyland amusement park, and the Elmwood, Trylon, and Drake movie theaters. As for a typical weekend, she said, “For 5 cents, you would go to the movies. You had to sit in the children’s section and a matron would walk back and forth with her flashlight to make sure you behaved.” Screenings included a cartoon, newswreels during WWII, and two feature films. “Occasionally, there was a contest between the films, such as a Duncan yo-yo contest,” she recalled. <br /><br /> The neighborhood children’s fixture was “Buddy, the Bungalow Bar man.” “We kind of chased Good Humor off the block,” she chuckled. Home deliveries were also the norm. She said, “Dugan’s and Krug’s were the bread people. In the beginning, they came on a horse and buggy. The ice man would also come and chop the ice, since you had an ice box.” Another necessity was a coal chute in the basement, since there was no gas heat. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: #274e13;">Marion Ave with Rego Homes development, May 29, 1925, Courtesy of Marion Legler</span></b></td></tr>
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Legler’s mother was born in Norway, her father in America, and her grandfather in Germany. To this day, she reflects on her strong family values. She said, “Everybody had to be at the table. If you were late for dinner, you were in big trouble. Before we would leave the table, we would say, ‘takk for maten’ (thank you for the food).” <br /><br /> Sunday dinner was after church at 1 PM. The menu was mostly roast beef and sometimes turkey. She said, “The vegetables… you ate them. Most were creamed and were German or Norwegian style.” She continued, “Mom always made dessert. There was custard bread pudding, homemade pie, pineapple rice pudding from Norway, and Brown Betty.” <br /><br /> Employment was sometimes a challenge, such as when her father gave up his hardware store during the Great Depression. Legler worked a key punch machine for General Motors. She recalled, “In 1950, my salary was $33 a week, and that was before they took everything out.” Nevertheless, she explained, “We had food stamps, but they were good years. The families worked together.” <br /><br /> Today, Legler maintains an active lifestyle. “I am a computer programmer and I have 4 daughters and 11 grandchildren,” she said. She inherited her grandfather’s photo collection of “construction from day 1,” consisting of over 100 views including Queens Boulevard as a dirt road to its paving, early shops, homes, apartment houses, PS 139, and the ribbon cutting for the LIRR station on 63rd Drive.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: #274e13;">Public School 139, Photo by Michael Perlman</span></b></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: #274e13;">Marion Court, Savoy Gardens, & Jupiter Court, Photo by Michael Perlman</span></b></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: #274e13;">Saunders Gardens on left & Jupiter Court on right, Photo by Michael Perlman</span></b></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: #274e13;">Remo Hall, Photo by Michael Perlman</span></b></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: #274e13;">Marion Court, Photo by Michael Perlman</span></b></td></tr>
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As she toured Saunders Street and Booth Street, Legler felt preservation is essential. “Every effort should be made to maintain it. My grandfather knew how to build,” she said. Legler keeps in touch with her classmates. “I come back here and it’s my childhood. We played in these buildings, especially Marion Court, since it has an elevator, which was a big thing.”</div>
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Rego-Foresterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05398510218292813862noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7449761564484963359.post-19176635311080739772019-11-11T00:25:00.002-05:002019-11-11T00:25:48.400-05:0011/16 "Reflections of Historic Forest Hills" Art Show at Jade<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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The community is invited to historian & artist Michael Perlman's art show opening on November 16 from 6 PM to 8 PM. His exhibit, "Reflections of Historic Forest Hills" features his local architectural photography, often embraced by nature, as well as his restored vintage community images. <br /><br />Jade Eatery is located at 1 Station Square, Forest Hills Gardens. Admission is FREE & a Happy Hour special will begin at 6 PM. <br /><br />All prints are for sale, & his exhibit will be on display through 12/15. Please invite your friends.<br /><br />Michael Perlman will explain his perspective on photography & the restoration process, as well as showcase local historic sites. A toast to an enjoyable evening & community spirit! <br /><br />Facebook event page:<br /><a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/2679335875459647/?acontext=%7B%22source%22%3A22%2C%22action_history%22%3A%22%5B%7B%5C%22surface%5C%22%3A%5C%22timeline%5C%22%2C%5C%22mechanism%5C%22%3A%5C%22surface%5C%22%2C%5C%22extra_data%5C%22%3A%5B%5D%7D%5D%22%2C%22has_source%22%3Atrue%7D&source=22&action_history=%5B%7B%22surface%22%3A%22timeline%22%2C%22mechanism%22%3A%22surface%22%2C%22extra_data%22%3A%5B%5D%7D%5D&has_source=1&__tn__=%2CdK-R-R&eid=ARBkcZKy11Ip-H-3XWlPlv7zf82iUyz3lI8P6GCMG_MGFRXMVwhR4H6-4Ygi6-0MdXcMQ_Ol3ZhlohbK&fref=mentions">https://www.facebook.com/events/2679335875459647</a><br />Rego-Foresterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05398510218292813862noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7449761564484963359.post-33119339715085779182019-11-06T19:07:00.001-05:002019-11-06T19:07:07.758-05:00Unsolved Mystery: The Fountain of Piping PanBy Michael Perlman<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_I2CCE12SaVaEDab6Iort-8V0_aEGBllUFXA-g7Bz6yiTEiKl9JWA0-MvNGWO0a_CS4fkGrl3d87lCppn2TsJFJQnzSVP2Cq13LMaBuiP1xAHWPhlD_Qm65ArMtW1A6i6qgUt0SeGGAPk/s1600/Fountain+of+Piping+Pan%252C+Olivia+Park+circa+1915%252C+Courtesy+of+Michael+Perlman.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1212" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_I2CCE12SaVaEDab6Iort-8V0_aEGBllUFXA-g7Bz6yiTEiKl9JWA0-MvNGWO0a_CS4fkGrl3d87lCppn2TsJFJQnzSVP2Cq13LMaBuiP1xAHWPhlD_Qm65ArMtW1A6i6qgUt0SeGGAPk/s400/Fountain+of+Piping+Pan%252C+Olivia+Park+circa+1915%252C+Courtesy+of+Michael+Perlman.jpg" width="302" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: #274e13;">Fountain of Piping Pan, Olivia Park circa 1915, Courtesy of Michael Perlman</span></b></td></tr>
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“There is a mystery on our hands!” Decades ago, the “Fountain of Piping Pan,” also known as “Olivia Fountain,” a focal point of the one-acre Olivia Park bounded by Markwood Road and Deepdene Road in Forest Hills Gardens, mysteriously vanished despite restrictive covenants which have long-preserved the Gardens’ historic beauty. Now the community wants answers, with a vision of rediscovering or rebuilding the fountain. <br /><br /> This attractive, tranquil, and environmentally beneficial feature consisted of a young male cherub playing a pipe which overlooked a bird fountain alongside the right-hand pathway as residents would walk from Markwood Road. In 1915, The Sun published, “The presiding genius of the fountain is a small nude boy in plaster playing a pipe and the water tumbles over the stones at his feet down into a miniature lake, where the birds may disport themselves as in one of nature’s own sylvan retreats.” In response to The Bird Club of Long Island which formed that summer to safeguard bird life, the publication stated, “From Brooklyn to Montauk Point, branch clubs are being formed, bird refugees and sanctuaries are bring created, and other steps are being taken to make the bird population multiply, and the insect horde decrease.” The membership numbered 300 and spanned 40 communities. <br /><br /> On July 4, 1915, with a local chapter of the Audubon Society on site, the bird fountain designed by Underwood Road resident Beatrix Forbes-Robinson Hale (later Women’s Suffrage Club of Forest Hills president) and presented by the Russell Sage Homes Company, was dedicated to Margaret Olivia Slocum Sage, who was praised for her passion for birds. As a case in point, she purchased Marsh Island to transform it into a bird sanctuary. Also part of her acclaim was her establishment of the Russell Sage Foundation, which sought to improve the social and living conditions in the United States. The park was originally named in her honor, and her vision was realized as it served as a natural amphitheatre due to its sloping topography and acoustics. <div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #274e13;"><b>Forest Hills Gardens resident Elma Rae who unveiled Fountain of Piping Pan, 1915, Courtesy of Michael Perlman</b></span></td></tr>
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A woodthrush began to sing, a hidden orchestra played “Morning” by Grieg, and an elf emerged from the forest, drank from a fairy spring, and offered a libation to nature. Irmgard, Baroness von Rottenthal performed five interpretative dances at the fountain’s dedication ceremony. The repertoire also consisted of “Anitra’s Dance” by Grieg, where the pagan girl carried garlands of flowers and expresses joy in living, “Eve” by Tchaikovsky, “The Butterfly” by Chaminade, and “The Bird Basket” by Lacombe, where a Dresden China Shepherdess abandoned her flock to feed the birds which she calls from the trees. The New York Tribune read, “The entire village of merrymakers surged around the natural amphitheatre in their brilliant costumes as she emerged from cover to worship the beauty on every side.” Operatic singer Vivian Holt performed “Hark, Hark The Lark” by Schubert. Then the fountain was unveiled by a young Gardens resident, Elma Rea, who dedicated it “to the birds in recognition of their services and charm.” The program also read, “It is at the same time given to the people of the Gardens, to whom this park belongs.” </div>
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<br /> Olivia Park is one of the most serene and private Forest Hills Gardens settings, where stately homes minimally meet the eye. A 1918 edition of “Country Life on Long Island” read, “It was especially desired to shut this park off almost entirely from the street and to give it the restfulness and seclusion of a remote piece of woodland, and yet to make the interior more inviting, if possible, than the original valley. The long stone steps and bright gravel walks invite the passerby to enter, while the smooth green grass within temps him to stop and rest beneath the shade of the Dogwood and the Wild Cherry trees.” <br /><br /> Among the locals who value preservation and restoration is Tony Barsamian, who called the fountain fascinating, and is hopeful to solve the mystery. As a member of the Forest Hills Gardens Corporation Board of Directors and an active community participant, he said, “I have always believed that it is crucial to preserve and maintain the historic integrity of our unique community. People buy into the Gardens knowing that the homes cannot be arbitrarily changed architecturally and stylistically. Our process is designed to withstand the whimsical fashion dujour and trendy applications, which is why Forest Hills Gardens appears as it has looked for over a hundred years; a stunningly beautiful neighborhood in the midst of New York City.” <br /><br /> Another Forest Hills Gardens Corporation board member, Elizabeth Haberkorn, takes pride in how the park was used as an amphitheatre, historically for dances and performances by the Garden Players. Now she is working with FHGC to develop a plan to upgrade parks including Olivia Park. She said, “We are in the planning stage, and will work with landscape architects and residents to keep the parks holistically consistent and historically accurate, while making them more attractive and useful to residents.” </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: #274e13;">Olivia Park in 2015, Photo by Michael Perlman</span></b></td></tr>
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She also admires the park’s wildlife, trees, and its potential for recreation. “I have often watched woodpeckers and other birds in the trees. It is also beautiful in the fall with various colors of leaves. My son and I have sledded in the park for years. I recall one blustery winter day when two NYC cops joined in and raced down the hill.” </div>
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<br /> As an avid gardener, she coordinated with FHGC nearly five years ago to plant naturalizing narcissus and daffodils along the wooded edges, and her son and other children also volunteered. Over the years, thousands of bulbs were planted. “Last year, at the suggestion of a resident, a renowned architect and landscape architect, we added 1,000 hyacinthoides hispanica, small blue woodland flowers among the earlier plantings.” </div>
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A similar version of this feature appears in Michael Perlman's Forest Hills Times column: <a href="http://foresthillstimes.com/view/full_story/27677679/article-The-mystery-of-the--Fountain-of-Piping-Pan">http://foresthillstimes.com/view/full_story/27677679/article-The-mystery-of-the--Fountain-of-Piping-Pan</a></div>
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Rego-Foresterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05398510218292813862noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7449761564484963359.post-28013931584783199772019-10-23T19:13:00.001-04:002019-10-23T19:13:21.846-04:00Annual "Spirits Alive" Event Honors Our Ancestors<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
By Michael Perlman</div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">An annual event, “Spirits Alive,” resurrects the memory of our notable ancestors at Maple Grove Cemetery in Kew Gardens. In late September, it once again proved to be a successful tradition, where local residents venture on a self-guided tour and meet actors in period costumes who portray their roles. <br /><br /> Back in 2004, Immaculate Conception School of Jamaica Estates students paid tribute to noteworthy individuals buried at Maple Grove by recreating their roles. Their teacher, Carl Ballenas, launched the Historical Wax Museum project, a social studies program. “I wanted the youth of today to meet the challenges of the future by remembering the roots of the past, and sought to bring it to the entire community,” he said. With the help of Linda Mayo Perez, former Maple Grove president, “Celebrating the Living Spirit” was born, and in 2005 the name was changed.</span><div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: #274e13;">Russell & Kyle Pfalzer alongside monument with pictorial tribute, Photo by Michael Perlman</span></b></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: #274e13;"> Pfalzer family monument, Photo by Michael Perlman</span></b></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Russell Pfalzer, who has 26 family members buried at Maple Grove, spoke in front of his family plot alongside a large collection of ancestral photos. His son Kyle was also present. “My family’s history is rooted in Queens County, and only the last generation moved East on Long Island. They worked the land, were three generations of farmers, and were German immigrants. My grandfather, George Jr, grew up on a farm in Woodhaven. My great-grandfather, George, was the last to farm in Queens, on a Forest Hills farm that bordered the LIRR. He was a tenant farmer who lost everything in The Great Depression. My father John used to bring over bags of coal to heat his house in the wintertime and used his Model A Ford to sell his cut flowers and produce on the street to help his grandfather out.” Pfalzer feels that “living generations are connectors between the past and the future.” “If we don’t try to remember and pass on the information, it’s going to be lost. They are part of the history of Queens County. They weren’t famous like the Van Sicklens or the Wyckoffs (farming families), but made a living, raised kids, did their best during hard times, and that should be remembered.” </span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: #274e13;">George Pfalzer, Russell Pfalzer's great-grandfather, 1863 - 1936, Courtesy of Russell Pfalzer</span></b></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: #274e13;">John H Pfalzer, Russell Pfalzer's father's WWII portrait in 1944</span></b></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: #274e13;">John & Anna Elizabeth Pfalzer,1860s tin image, Courtesy of Russell Pfalzer</span></b></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: #274e13;">James Laws Hutton, Photo by Michael Perlman</span></b></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">James Laws Hutton was born on a farm in 1847 in Ohio and came to New York City to earn his fortune. He died at 38, but taught his sons about the stock market. “In 1904, Edward who was only 29 years old, and his younger brother Franklyn, started the American Stock Brokerage firm called E. F. Hutton & Company in San Francisco.” Edward’s second wife was Marjorie Merriweather Post, one of the wealthiest women in the 20th century. “She was a noted businesswoman and philanthropist. She owned General Foods which not only made cereal but owns Jell-O, Hellmann’s Mayonnaise, Log Cabin syrup, Birds Eye, and others.”</span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: #274e13;">William Yepsen, Photo by Michael Perlman</span></b></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">William Yepsen was one of 27 servicemen on the Kew Gardens WWII Memorial plaque. He stated, “I was a Second Lieutenant. 504 Parachute Infantry, 1st Battalion, 82 Airborne Division, HQ Company. I stand at my father George’s grave at Maple Grove.” Yepsen enlisted on October 24, 1942 and became part of the Battle of the Bulge. “I became a casualty and was 32 years old. I was posthumously awarded the Silver Star,” he explained. </span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: #274e13;">Jane Heath, Photo by Michael Perlman</span></b></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Jane Heath is buried with her distinguished husband, Henry Roswell Heath. She said, “I am a direct descendant of Roger Williams, founder of the colony of Rhode Island in America in 1636 and a pioneer of religious liberty.” Henry was born in 1845 in Massachusetts. He served in the Civil War, was wounded at Ball’s Bluff, and was taken as prisoner. In 1862, he was paroled by the Confederacy. “For the rest of his life, Henry would tell friends and family that upon returning to Washington, he was the first prisoner to shake hands with President Lincoln,” she said. </span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: #274e13;">James E. Ware, Photo by Michael Perlman</span></b></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: #274e13;">Maple Grove Cemetery Gatehouse, 1880</span></b></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Architect James E. Ware’s spirit also came alive. He said, “I was famous for devising model tenements for the poor, as well as the first luxury apartment buildings in Manhattan. I created New York’s first armory, the world’s first fireproof warehouse, and my Osborne Apartments were the forerunner of the modern skyscraper. Its lobby is said to be the finest in all of the City of New York. My own parish was the Madison Avenue Presbyterian Church, which I also designed. In the 1870s and 1880s, my payment for designing the buildings here at Maple Grove was $100 for a plot of 12 for me and my family.”</span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: #274e13;">Ione Vandever, Photo by Michael Perlman</span></b></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Delaware native Ione Vandever relocated to New York and married Jacob Vandever, manager of the Nazareth Cement Company. She said, “He made a very good salary and we enjoyed a more privileged life and moved to a beautiful house in the newly formed town of Kew Gardens in 1913! We were one of the first families and lived at 226 Onslow Place.” She later explained, “Kew Gardens was developed by Alrick Platt Man. His father Albon founded Richmond Hill in 1868 in honor of the Man’s Family ancestral home in England. South of here, Richmond Hill can be found on a flat plain. Our land here is very hilly, and was created when the mile-high glaciers of ice from the great Ice Age melted and deposited soil and boulders creating the Terminal Moraine, what many call the ‘backbone’ of Long Island. The Man family used this beautiful land to create the Richmond Hill Golf Club and it had nine holes! One of the hazards on the golf course was a beautiful glacial pond called Crystal Lake. It was covered over in 1908, when they started preparing the land for the creation of our town.”</span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: #274e13;"> Mary Ann Burkhardt, Photo by Michael Perlman</span></b></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXp0eOnu23yQgzmn3oIDMKWdkU0YNqpaI2OBxcrULR4jwrrD3MGUF0Gn8iPkPYjkxxfU2IRVHHSNJHoEBY9-JrSgSeqt51qohgHgZooSHxEj5qarP4AQp5DTUTbk1koePIWj6vJwq97KH4/s1600/P1600192+Mary+Ann+Burkhardt%252C+Photo+by+Michael+Perlman.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXp0eOnu23yQgzmn3oIDMKWdkU0YNqpaI2OBxcrULR4jwrrD3MGUF0Gn8iPkPYjkxxfU2IRVHHSNJHoEBY9-JrSgSeqt51qohgHgZooSHxEj5qarP4AQp5DTUTbk1koePIWj6vJwq97KH4/s400/P1600192+Mary+Ann+Burkhardt%252C+Photo+by+Michael+Perlman.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: #274e13;"> Mary Ann Burkhardt, Photo by Michael Perlman</span></b></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Born in Newtown, Queens was Mary Ann Burkhardt. She said, “One of my ancestors, Thomas Lawrence was the first Lawrence to come to America from England and landed at Plymouth, Massachusetts in 1635. Thomas eventually moved to Long Island and he was one of the founding families of Hempstead and Flushing.”Referring to James Lawrence, she said, “I am also a direct descendant of a US naval hero, who became famous for the battle cry, ‘Don’t give up the Ship!’” </span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKKemryjJC-oYBYGb60ENrTg9cynxY03EedcFB-rl5u862pEsErRp8TvZoKZm6tOgSulyc1U3OMgSeDTkyv1DqL4dCgC5BR9fngWgHdi876NGbYSivORwVmyqRflHVkc_ldah0Tvgqv68N/s1600/Richard+Smith%252C+Photo+by+Michael+Perlman.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKKemryjJC-oYBYGb60ENrTg9cynxY03EedcFB-rl5u862pEsErRp8TvZoKZm6tOgSulyc1U3OMgSeDTkyv1DqL4dCgC5BR9fngWgHdi876NGbYSivORwVmyqRflHVkc_ldah0Tvgqv68N/s400/Richard+Smith%252C+Photo+by+Michael+Perlman.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: #274e13;">Richard Smith, Photo by Michael Perlman</span></b></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: #274e13;">Richard Smith alongside lots of memorabilia, Photo by Michael Perlman</span></b></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Private Richard Smith, who lived on Metropolitan Avenue and was a Richmond Hill High School graduate, also came to life. He joined the Naval Air Force in 1942, but was honorably discharged in 1943. America was involved in a global conflict with the Pacific and the Atlantic. He said, “With even more determination and resolved than ever, I enlisted again and joined the U.S Army. I was sent to Field Artillery Replacement Training Center, Fort Bragg, North Carolina. I was part of “B” Battery, 309th Field Artillery, 78th Division. Tens of thousands of artillerymen were trained on the post’s extensive ranges.”<br /><br /> In 1944, he fought in Europe. “I gave the ultimate sacrifice and died in battle in Germany. Many from Kew Gardens joined the war effort, and 27 of us made that supreme sacrifice. At the intersection of Kew Gardens, where Lefferts Boulevard, Grenfell Street, and 83rd Avenue and Audley Street meet in a small garden by the Homestead Home, a WWII Memorial plaque was erected by Kew Gardens Post 1374. It honors the 27 who gave their lives during WWII.” </span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhphgMvY7w9CpVPPmUNCHRS0_u4v_D0M_5sICDSL0HgvrNMfBuxCcoySw_437JzdwMFfVL1OZ5G9Tnkk9B1NwpqREnQX07LDY_oF8vXrX55AuT1AVXXowtEtmL-p6bcy26lWQjoyeZZyPKm/s1600/P1600046+Adam+Dove%252C+Photo+by+Michael+Perlman.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhphgMvY7w9CpVPPmUNCHRS0_u4v_D0M_5sICDSL0HgvrNMfBuxCcoySw_437JzdwMFfVL1OZ5G9Tnkk9B1NwpqREnQX07LDY_oF8vXrX55AuT1AVXXowtEtmL-p6bcy26lWQjoyeZZyPKm/s400/P1600046+Adam+Dove%252C+Photo+by+Michael+Perlman.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: #274e13;"> Adam Dove, Photo by Michael Perlman</span></b></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Other notables who came to life include Ralph Rawdon, Walter Roth, Emily Huber, Adam Dove, and Virginia Smith. Ballenas said, “Spirits Alive has become a popular community event, and we are delighted to continue this annual tradition. I have written hundreds of scripts over the years, and I am already working on scripts for next year.” <br /></span>A similar version of this feature appeared in Michael Perlman's Forest Hills Times column: <a href="http://www.foresthillstimes.com/view/full_story/27673363/article--Spirits-Alive-brings-the-past-to-life">http://www.foresthillstimes.com/view/full_story/27673363/article--Spirits-Alive-brings-the-past-to-life</a> </div>
Rego-Foresterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05398510218292813862noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7449761564484963359.post-61626352296983166632019-09-18T22:07:00.001-04:002019-09-18T22:07:06.847-04:00 The 6 Koi Art Show & Fundraiser, Jade Eatery & Lounge, 9/21 opening show & Event through 11/1<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipYQWilO1gcHwv1nqaHlboqV0QCV28DVm0LGQxjYMLAe8ylIvcyLtpOtd7cTPNw1nIi6TshqVktvSA1YWC8Hd9IJXS4HSdKyECEYFyrXxCwlODKvfCDTa39oQ62bvdlQomIia_q_eJaOCg/s1600/Artist+%2526+Humanitarian+David+Chatowsky+paints+%2527Koi+with+Water+Lilies%2527+for+%2527The+6+Koi%2527+Exhibit%252C+Jade+Eatery+%2526+Lounge%252C+Forest+Hills.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipYQWilO1gcHwv1nqaHlboqV0QCV28DVm0LGQxjYMLAe8ylIvcyLtpOtd7cTPNw1nIi6TshqVktvSA1YWC8Hd9IJXS4HSdKyECEYFyrXxCwlODKvfCDTa39oQ62bvdlQomIia_q_eJaOCg/s400/Artist+%2526+Humanitarian+David+Chatowsky+paints+%2527Koi+with+Water+Lilies%2527+for+%2527The+6+Koi%2527+Exhibit%252C+Jade+Eatery+%2526+Lounge%252C+Forest+Hills.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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<b>For Immediate Release</b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"> <o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Rego-Forest
Preservation Council Chairman Michael Perlman<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<a href="mailto:unlockthevault@hotmail.com">unlockthevault@hotmail.com</a>
(917) 446-7775 <o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="mso-field-code: HYPERLINK;"><span class="MsoHyperlink">http://regoforestpreservation.blogspot.com</span></span><o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>Artist & Gallery Owner David Chatowsky <o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<a href="mailto:davidchatowsky@hotmail.com">davidchatowsky@hotmail.com</a><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>(401) 835-4623<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="line-height: 115%;">“The 6 Koi” from
Rhode Island to Forest Hills: Art Exhibition To Benefit New York Police & Fire
Widow's & Children’s Benefit Fund<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></div>
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<span style="line-height: 115%;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">NEW YORK, NY & NEWPORT, RI </b>(Sept 16,
2019) – <b><span style="color: #274e13;">“The 6 Koi” exhibit, sale, & fundraiser is running from
September 15 to November 1, 2019</span></b> at Jade Eatery & Lounge at 1 Station
Square, Forest Hills Gardens, NY, which offers a popular gallery where artists
gather. </span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 115%;"><b><span style="color: #274e13;">All are invited to an art show, sale, & fundraiser on September 21
from 5 PM to 10 PM.</span></b> The exhibit is being organized by artist, humanitarian, and
multiple gallery owner David Chatowsky, a Rhode Island resident who is
returning to NY for another artistic and humanitarian opportunity. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 115%;">Ten percent of all sales will benefit the New
York Police and Fire Widow's and Children’s Benefit Fund, which provides
financial assistance and support to the families of NYC police officers,
firefighters, Port Authority police, and EMS personnel who have been killed in
the line of duty. This initiative is in partnership with Chatowsky’s friend
Lyle Carey, who is running in the NYC Marathon to raise 4k for the charitable
cause. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 115%;">Local historian Michael Perlman said, “On a
trip to Newport, RI last fall, I am proud to have met a very talented and
unique artist and humanitarian, David Chatowsky, and bring him to Forest Hills,
NY on two occasions for highly beneficial causes. The arts are universal and
can serve as a platform for committing good deeds.” <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>All works of art are for sale and will be
presented to the buyer by Jade Eatery & Lounge on the day of purchase.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 115%;">Patrons enter Jade Eatery & Lounge, which offers a rare koi pond,
home to 6 beautiful koi fish. Chatowsky said, “These 6 Koi are the inspiration
for my art show. I am very familiar with koi and aquatic plants, since I
worked on an aquatic farm in Palm City, Florida in my early twenties, and
helped raise koi. I also grew many water plants such as water lilies and lotuses.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 115%;">Acrylic paintings that are on display
include “The Jonah Koi,” “The Samurai Koi,” “Koi with Water Lilies,” and “Red
and Green Koi with Lotus Flowers.” “I hope my paintings’ variation in
sizes and the fact that some are in color and black and white will stimulate
the creative process in patrons,” said Chatowsky.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
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The exhibition bears the potential to
positively impact Forest Hills and the world. Chatowsky explained, “Animals
make our lives more interesting. Their colors enrich our landscapes. All animals
are here for our enjoyment, and we are their stewards. Therefore, it is our
responsibility to create areas within the urban environment for animals, so
future generations can be graced by their presence. It is very important to use the gifts we have
been given to bring peace and harmony into this world.” </div>
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<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span>Chatowsky feels a bit like Jonah after he
exited the giant fish. He said, “Unlike Jonah, I am selling the giant koi fish,
which took me back to NYC. My message is not that of repentance, but
environmental stewardship.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 115%;">The collaboration between a Rhode Island
artist and Jade “signifies the willingness of people working together to create
a better future,” according to Chatowsky, who opened his first D. Chatowsky Art
Gallery in Portsmouth, RI in 2016, followed by a second in Newport last year.
His third gallery recently opened on Block Island. His diverse accomplishments
also include permanent mural installations at the Florida Museum of Natural
History, owning art galleries in Florida and New York, and coordinating
humanitarian art exhibits in Los Angeles and Boston. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b>For a sneak peek of David Chatowsky’s “The 6 Koi” paintings, visit: </b><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/8095451@N08/albums/72157710893585847?fbclid=IwAR27s6up34xWnyXX2hZOAxl-lN0dXd3iU7KlOND0cJXP4r1Gh3yUQiMvrfU">https://www.flickr.com/photos/8095451@N08/albums/72157710893585847</a>
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<b>Event page:</b></div>
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<a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/3100073963399601/">https://www.facebook.com/events/3100073963399601/</a></div>
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<br />Rego-Foresterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05398510218292813862noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7449761564484963359.post-31670133566255394222019-09-18T15:27:00.000-04:002019-09-18T15:27:11.146-04:00“Ian Anderson Presents: Jethro Tull 50th Anniversary Tour” at Forest Hills StadiumBy Michael Perlman<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiikg7UdSq7qUwIB1PE1qeN-f1cc6AVN7CST65C3sC6ozb4kW8KXqTQ9oLsuAV9XxDzAv4uzWPxfZWtnYHcEFOvNMfA7FfEWZqYFNr4F_0hlkVXdFI17NxF0TOanpuX6fAioMl_uaQtqMdb/s1600/Jethro+Tull%252C+Photo+by+Michael+Perlman.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1136" data-original-width="1600" height="283" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiikg7UdSq7qUwIB1PE1qeN-f1cc6AVN7CST65C3sC6ozb4kW8KXqTQ9oLsuAV9XxDzAv4uzWPxfZWtnYHcEFOvNMfA7FfEWZqYFNr4F_0hlkVXdFI17NxF0TOanpuX6fAioMl_uaQtqMdb/s400/Jethro+Tull%252C+Photo+by+Michael+Perlman.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: #274e13;">Jethro Tull takes the Forest Hills Stadium stage, Photo by Michael Perlman</span></b></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Forest Hills was on the map for the Jethro Tull tour, where the largely filled stadium was the quintessential venue for a 50th anniversary concert on the mild late summer’s night of September 14. Ian Anderson, who was born in 1947 in Fife, Scotland, is the sole original member of the British rock band “Jethro Tull,” as well as the lead vocalist and a flautist, credited for introducing the flute to rock music. Additionally, he is a multi-instrumentalist, who can also be found playing the guitar, harmonica, bass, and keyboard. </span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAfvcwylB4AXpQ4smxclCFWqp-ijNFeKoRU6-R1oCSP6Fox38YoK0cTrhhjY8WtuZ-zMpEYw8GqPCoeYpt2KchyGHNEWlC_U2RfZTjXl_dYt2-QFxznihSCnMmn8hZb0FHaeJmOCmRHgd3/s1600/Ian+Anderson%2527s+flute+%2526+signature+one-leg+stance%252C+Photo+by+Michael+Perlman.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1216" data-original-width="1600" height="303" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAfvcwylB4AXpQ4smxclCFWqp-ijNFeKoRU6-R1oCSP6Fox38YoK0cTrhhjY8WtuZ-zMpEYw8GqPCoeYpt2KchyGHNEWlC_U2RfZTjXl_dYt2-QFxznihSCnMmn8hZb0FHaeJmOCmRHgd3/s400/Ian+Anderson%2527s+flute+%2526+signature+one-leg+stance%252C+Photo+by+Michael+Perlman.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: #274e13;">Ian Anderson's flute & signature one-leg stance, Photo by Michael Perlman</span></b></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">The band debuted at the famed Marquee Club in London, and their success continued with 30 albums that sold over 60 million copies. In 50 years, Jethro Tull performed in 40 countries, performing over 3,000 concerts. Today, Anderson lives on a farm in England, site of his rehearsal and recording studio. </span><div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8e_k6rZrxbA-A-mgbqz0QFnXkwPpDn9AGeJFyiIKD-moHj9XIv_-Xp2a4NjuNXCIBi_s8Gy6-rcOFB7tNG-Azeh3RhqixmCVZVau4vcTd6atiXlOshPSfoK3IjunMjjyNzU7Psj5_VeeK/s1600/Ian+Anderson+plays+flute+in+front+of+his+cultural+background+video+monitor%252C+Photo+by+Michael+Perlman.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1116" data-original-width="1600" height="278" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8e_k6rZrxbA-A-mgbqz0QFnXkwPpDn9AGeJFyiIKD-moHj9XIv_-Xp2a4NjuNXCIBi_s8Gy6-rcOFB7tNG-Azeh3RhqixmCVZVau4vcTd6atiXlOshPSfoK3IjunMjjyNzU7Psj5_VeeK/s400/Ian+Anderson+plays+flute+in+front+of+his+cultural+background+video+monitor%252C+Photo+by+Michael+Perlman.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: #274e13;">Ian Anderson plays flute in front of his cultural background video monitor, Photo by Michael Perlman</span></b></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Anderson’s quality lyrics engaged the audience and his showmanship were distinguished by his eloquence and witty nature. The stage became his dance studio, where he freely moves, and his signature single-legged flute stance was evident from early in his career. Two sets consisted of 18 numbers including “Dharma for One,” “Thick as a Brick,” “A New Day Yesterday,” “Warm Sporran,” and some of the most famous, “Aqualung” and “Locomotive Breath.” Traditional and cultural themes were apparent such as in “Bourée in E minor,” a flute-based spin on Bach’s classical piece, “Pastime with Good Company,” a King Henry VIII cover, as well as in “Heavy Horses” which mourns the loss of labor for England’s horses by favored machinery. <br /><br /> Anderson narrated select numbers. Before performing “Warm Sporran,” which has only been played publicly in the last few weeks, he said, “This is a piece that has sentimental value during the years that I spent in agriculture in the highlands of Scotland back in the 80s and 90s. I can often be found back then wandering through the glorious glens of the mountainsides, along the steep river banks, wearing nothing but a warm sporran.” <br /><br /> “This is the oldest theme of all,” Anderson said before performing “Pastime With Good Company.” “It wasn’t written by me, since I was still in short trousers back then in the 16th century when it was recorded as King Henry VIII’s madrigal in merry old England.” </span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNorH8YyD90OKjjZu3SE7xZ-jUBdMdk16zMyL60v9JY8ZNPX3ml0Mak5pfuoMxg_j33Tk_457m4o0ZwtZ1ReHSbUND9k3lZrreCJsV9qK5307rIm073mak5UstxLWS5Xx9_btIi-8ZHuIF/s1600/Jethro+Tull%252C++Photo+by+Michael+Perlman.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNorH8YyD90OKjjZu3SE7xZ-jUBdMdk16zMyL60v9JY8ZNPX3ml0Mak5pfuoMxg_j33Tk_457m4o0ZwtZ1ReHSbUND9k3lZrreCJsV9qK5307rIm073mak5UstxLWS5Xx9_btIi-8ZHuIF/s400/Jethro+Tull%252C++Photo+by+Michael+Perlman.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: #274e13;">Jethro Tull, Photo by Michael Perlman</span></b></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Fans ranged from diehards to first-timers. Eric Schreiber has been tuning in to Jethro Tull since the 1970s. He observed how over 50 years, the band journeyed through folk, progressive, and hard rock phases. He said, “Their trademark sound, which distinguishes Ian Anderson from other frontmen, is his prominent featuring of the flute. For a lead singer to alternate vocals with playing a wind instrument with his level of mastery is impressive. With some bands, the lead guitarist creates the band’s signature sound, but with Jethro Tull, it’s definitely Anderson’s flute and vocals.” He continued, “It was interesting how he chronicled the evolution of the band over the years with all of its members. His current band does a fine job of supporting him and did the music justice.” His favorite numbers were “A New Day Yesterday,” “My God,” “Aqualung,” and “Locomotive Breath,” and in response to the latter, he said, “It was kind of cool that you could see the LIRR from the stadium as that song was playing.” </span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYu07MtKSrUJq7NMUCIII3nT8KDXZ0O1GtViozuViJebh4PJqdXh3ERi4ai6x2U1NLdrCu_UCDw740gPM1Iipkd6Vr-qubpQkNAdFIm-oU1fQjhaUbjQNfr_79bjLMiKz3Ug9Pab8qwx4H/s1600/Jethro+Tull+%2526+Thick+As+A+Brick+video+monitor%252C+Photo+by+Michael+Perlman.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="941" data-original-width="1600" height="235" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYu07MtKSrUJq7NMUCIII3nT8KDXZ0O1GtViozuViJebh4PJqdXh3ERi4ai6x2U1NLdrCu_UCDw740gPM1Iipkd6Vr-qubpQkNAdFIm-oU1fQjhaUbjQNfr_79bjLMiKz3Ug9Pab8qwx4H/s400/Jethro+Tull+%2526+Thick+As+A+Brick+video+monitor%252C+Photo+by+Michael+Perlman.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: #274e13;">Jethro Tull with one of many outstanding backdrops, Photo by Michael Perlman</span></b></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">“When Ian came on stage, the sun was setting, it became dark just like in the theatre, and when he started performing, it was magical,” said Linda Glaser. “When I think of Jethro Tull, I think of Ian playing the flute with his toes touching his opposite knee. It was like time hasn’t moved since the 70s.” As for the band’s rapport with the audience, she said, “It was something I have never seen! Every song had a backup story, and past musicians were presented on video to narrate the songs.” She also fell in love with the venue’s ambiance. “The people we met in our row felt like long-lost friends,” she said. </span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjh0GOy2Bp5T1Q-KbIGVKUt5GNiXJhgOq4vEzOnyU-IhMnji5c0Laq3KsCeFZMFLYxkcl22LE86U52C5RjWjtyDCSUe-IiM9lyVYh8BC4s4BL215dmqNG3xFNJLVsFzYv3qox01xiS3Qj-0/s1600/Ian+Anderson+belting+a+note%252C+Photo+by+Michael+Perlman.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1073" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjh0GOy2Bp5T1Q-KbIGVKUt5GNiXJhgOq4vEzOnyU-IhMnji5c0Laq3KsCeFZMFLYxkcl22LE86U52C5RjWjtyDCSUe-IiM9lyVYh8BC4s4BL215dmqNG3xFNJLVsFzYv3qox01xiS3Qj-0/s400/Ian+Anderson+belting+a+note%252C+Photo+by+Michael+Perlman.jpg" width="267" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: #274e13;">Ian Anderson belting a note, Photo by Michael Perlman</span></b></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Peter Arato considered the high points the instrumentals, such as in “Bourée.” Additionally, he admired how Anderson entertained the crowd with retrospective stories of each tune between songs. He said, “An elaborate backdrop alternated between historic footage of Tull, a psychedelic light show, tributes by other musicians to the band’s 50th anniversary, and folks doing duets with Ian Anderson. The visuals really added to the experience.” His evening was also boosted by the stadium’s character. “There is probably no better or more intimate venue to see an outdoor show than Forest Hills Stadium, with a sense of history from the basic structure to the portraits of legends, both athletic and musical.” </span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzJAlt65Zwb8W6hl8t07KTTNAN4bHoIcxO2VmXwGUv_Ve_K0pjaOLy-eRppi6hH0HYuxdqnzGmCI0-9LRFLneMU3mb1xhbjpG_xhtsO9AghVC7pH-DZhLIIu4Z0EuQNBH5cU4kcw63WCqZ/s1600/Longtime+fan+Steven+Rosen+sports+his+Jethro+Tull+t-shirt.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzJAlt65Zwb8W6hl8t07KTTNAN4bHoIcxO2VmXwGUv_Ve_K0pjaOLy-eRppi6hH0HYuxdqnzGmCI0-9LRFLneMU3mb1xhbjpG_xhtsO9AghVC7pH-DZhLIIu4Z0EuQNBH5cU4kcw63WCqZ/s400/Longtime+fan+Steven+Rosen+sports+his+Jethro+Tull+t-shirt.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: #274e13;">Longtime fan Steven Rosen sports his Jethro Tull t-shirt</span></b></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">“My memories came flooding back reliving my journey with them over 50 years,” said Steven Rosen, who found enjoyment in what he considers lesser known numbers, “Heavy Horses” and “Farm by the Freeway,” in addition to top hits “Aqualong” and “Locomotive Breath.” He praised Anderson’s rapport and professionalism. “Ian referred to seeing old friends again, which was nice to hear, and also let the applause die down before continuing the concert, which most bands in a hurry to finish do not.” </span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhYAXks1IFfYh_RdFDjKEeEYq1HNrxFKj9rBNGvzfA5uijt8Qu5cjtB3BUK3VoEGnm_NxU-yIqDx2FLMubijf1bsud8uNo3EbusUwb3MRPVLNxCvRVg8nZr5y1cW3NcCYReSXo8D7sH0Lq/s1600/Ian+Anderson+%2526+his+band+take+a+bow%252C+Photo+by+Michael+Perlman.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1234" data-original-width="1600" height="307" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhYAXks1IFfYh_RdFDjKEeEYq1HNrxFKj9rBNGvzfA5uijt8Qu5cjtB3BUK3VoEGnm_NxU-yIqDx2FLMubijf1bsud8uNo3EbusUwb3MRPVLNxCvRVg8nZr5y1cW3NcCYReSXo8D7sH0Lq/s400/Ian+Anderson+%2526+his+band+take+a+bow%252C+Photo+by+Michael+Perlman.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b style="color: #274e13;">Ian Anderson & his band take a bow, Photo by Michael Perlman</b></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">For Jane Firkser-Brody, it was a nostalgic night, which was reminiscent of the 1970 Jethro Tull concert at the Fillmore East. “Bourée” was her personal favorite, which largely made the crowd interact. She said, “I absolutely love the sound of a flute, and Ian Anderson plays as good as ever. Even though he is the only original member, his band sounds as if they have been playing together for years. Jethro Tull is made up of excellent musicians!” </span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJwoEJ67RjT7nWrCMc58vjR6bjkwPuXvisgWTZrMV_t4qf-Sds1BjwC_EC6t8M06KN9J8AF9EpMrEP-0gN0pG2iVYu6Vx1fiMtF8UwrRhJL46KhsHoFY6ZJHbWuU6SYMtHxRjKeDyAmQZK/s1600/A+portion+of+Kevin+Wadalavage%2527s+Jethro+Tull+ticket+stub+collection.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJwoEJ67RjT7nWrCMc58vjR6bjkwPuXvisgWTZrMV_t4qf-Sds1BjwC_EC6t8M06KN9J8AF9EpMrEP-0gN0pG2iVYu6Vx1fiMtF8UwrRhJL46KhsHoFY6ZJHbWuU6SYMtHxRjKeDyAmQZK/s400/A+portion+of+Kevin+Wadalavage%2527s+Jethro+Tull+ticket+stub+collection.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: #274e13;">A portion of Kevin Wadalavage's Jethro Tull ticket stub collection</span></b></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">It was Kevin Wadalavage’s 14th Jethro Tull engagement, and he proudly retained his ticket stubs since 1972 at Madison Square Garden. He explained, “The musicians of early Tull, some of which were featured on the screen in the show, including Barriemore Barlow, Jeffrey Hammond, and Clive Bunker, were amazingly entertaining and skilled, and I would invite anyone to watch some of their early concert footage.” He continued, “Ian makes all the classic moves he has made for decades, and that is all we visually focus on with the band while they dutifully execute the notes.” He reminisced, “I first came to Forest Hills Stadium to see The Who in 1971, and having always lived in Queens, it has been a real treat to see the Stadium come back to life. I can see world-class talent and still be home in ten minutes.”</span></div>
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A similar version appears in Michael Perlman's Forest Hills Times column: </div>
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<a href="http://foresthillstimes.com/view/full_story/27666401/article-Jethro-Tull-50th-Anniversary-Tour-comes-to-Forest-Hills">http://foresthillstimes.com/view/full_story/27666401/article-Jethro-Tull-50th-Anniversary-Tour-comes-to-Forest-Hills</a></div>
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Rego-Foresterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05398510218292813862noreply@blogger.com0