New Helen Keller Mural Lighting The Way in Forest Hills

By Michael Perlman

The Ascan Avenue LIRR underpass is now a historic passageway, with the “Tribute To Ascan Avenue & Forest Hills Gardens” mural on the east wall, completed in 2017, and the “Helen Keller Forest Hills Tribute” mural, completed on the west wall on June 14. For many local residents and visitors who observed the dedicated and humorous LIRR crew installing the mural within a couple of hours, it was a historic moment. They stood proudly in memory of Keller, an advocate, author, and lecturer who persevered in her mission to remove stigmas associated with sight and hearing disorders despite being blind and deaf.

From 1917 to 1938, Helen Keller resided in a 7-room house, along with her teacher and closest companion “Miracle Worker” Anne Sullivan Macy and her secretary Polly Thomson. Today it is home to The Reform Temple of Forest Hills at 71-11 112th Street. 

Helen Keller, Anne Sullivan Macy, & Polly Thomson's house, 71-11 112th St, Courtesy of Michael Perlman

Helen Keller inside her home, Courtesy of Susanna & Robert Hof

The 48-foot by 4-foot mural on preservation-friendly panels, was designed by Crisp from Australia and Praxis from Columbia, and developed by this columnist. It also became a reality due to the partnership with lead sponsor Council Member Karen Koslowitz, Queens Economic Development Corporation, and The Reform Temple of Forest Hills among local organizations, restaurants, shops, and residents who served as benefactors. 

Helen Keller & dog Sieglinde in bottom row, Anne Sullivan Macy & Polly Thomson in top row, Courtesy of the Hof family

The mural features a hand touching Braille, Helen Keller’s portrait and profile view, her pets, her demolished house, an equal rights voting box, and her feature on a 15-cent stamp with Macy. Her voice comes alive through two of her many quotes, “The only thing worse than being blind is having sight but no vision” and “The millions of blind eyes must be opened.” Her spirit initiates much light through a plaque designed in collaboration with Continental Photo, which features her local to international accomplishments, quotes, signature, and photos. 

 

Muralists Praxis & Crisp painting a Helen Keller mural panel, Photo by Michael Perlman

The mural was painted at The Reform Temple on June 12 and June 13, and the public had the opportunity to have a sneak peek and hear several presentations at two “Helen Keller Comes Home” events. Guest speakers shared valuable insights, discussing her history and the importance of contributing. 

Helen Keller Comes Home guest speaker panel, Day 1, Photo by Michael Perlman

Helen Keller Comes Home Day 1 attendees, Reform Temple of Forest Hills holding Helen Keller plaque & photos, Photo by Alvin Callo

Helen Keller Comes Home, Day 2 panel & guests, Photo by Alvin Callo

Teamwork was essential for every aspect of the project. Transporting the mural panels from the temple to Ascan Avenue nearly did not transpire in time, until Home Depot donated their services. Home Depot Assistant Manager Christina Strongilos said, “A mural commemorating Helen Keller was installed in Forest Hills, thanks to the Glendale Home Depot which came to the rescue when there was no other way to get the mural panels there. A great job to our very own department heads Fredy and Drew who made it happen!” 

Home Depot dept heads Drew & Fredy load Braille mural panel on flatbed, Photo by Michael Perlman

Helen Keller mural fans & benefactors

Reform Temple congregant Barry Joseph co-founded Girl Scout Troop 04281 last February, which consists of fourth and fifth graders who meet at the temple. “This season, they are working on a badge to learn more about their neighborhood and create something to teach others. They came up with the idea of creating Helen Keller playing cards that could be shared with people who came to the mural painting events at the temple. I was really proud of them for doing something to teach others about local history that was also connected to art and human rights.” 

LIRR staff displays Helen Keller mural panels, Photo by Michael Perlman

“Murals are not just artwork, but at their best tell a story,” said congregant Barry Wollner. “The Helen Keller story is worth telling and those who know her story will reflect on her life. Parents and their children will walk by the mural, and it will encourage discussion and result in a visit to the library to learn more about her life.” 

LIRR crew along with Crisp & Michael Perlman

The temple’s Rabbi Mark Kaiserman organizes the annual “Helen Keller Shabbat of Inclusion” featuring a guest speaker facing challenges but permits will power to lead the way. “The mural offers a real artistic and social benefit to Forest Hills, and it is an honor to have Crisp and Praxis’ beautiful art fill our town. Helen Keller was not Jewish, but embodied the blessings and values of our faith and every faith; the idea of overcoming incredible obstacles and working together with the community and living her life to making it a better world. She chose to become an ambassador across the planet, traveling places that many of us would never dream of, to reach out and inspire people.”

Rene David Alkalay, who contributed on behalf of Red Pipe Cafe and Genesis Society, said “I hope we can continue to maintain growth through the arts and find ways to communicate with one another.”

On behalf of benefactor West Side Tennis Club, archivist Bea Hunt explained, “West Side came to Forest Hills in 1913, four years before Helen Keller. She had friends in the neighborhood including the Marsh family who were Club members.” Hunt is determined to further research if Helen Keller ever visited the Club.

James Ng represented benefactor Elmhurst History & Cemeteries Preservation Society and called it an “honor to participate.” “I like to volunteer to make sure our history is preserved, since if you lose it once, it’s lost forever. When I watched the movie ‘Miracle Worker,’ the actress who played her was Patty Duke, who was born in Elmhurst. Also, I worked for a company that sold American Sign Language interpreting services to hospitals, so in a way, Helen Keller provided me with that avenue of work.”

Alexa Arecchi, Chief of Staff for Assemblyman Andrew Hevesi stated, “Helen Keller is truly the embodiment of what you can achieve when you persevere and don’t let people get you down or tell you otherwise. I am sure it would have been easier if she resigned to what many thought would be her fate – life in an asylum, but she knew that she was destined for more. That is a mindset, where we can all take our daily lives to achieve what we want. Hopefully when people pass the mural, they will be inspired and feel the same things.”

On behalf of the Queens EDC, tourism director Rob MacKay explained, “Whenever anyone hears that Helen Keller lived in Forest Hills, it will create pride. Hopefully it will become instagramable, since many people pass by murals and take photos and get the word out for free on the internet.”

Benefactors Rob Hof and his wife Susanna Hof of Terrace Sotheby’s International Realty were in attendance. He shared his family photos featuring Helen Keller. “My mother’s family was geographically proximate to Helen Keller’s house in a home where the John Alden building stands today. My mother and her siblings would walk from PS 3 to home, and would have milk and cookies daily with Helen. My grandparents were also dear friends. They were all members of the First Presbyterian Church of Forest Hills across the street from the Reform Temple. As a young child and into the sixties, my grandmother would read letters from dear Helen to my siblings and I. Many stories always had the characteristics of gentleness, wisdom, and progressive ideas.” Rob’s maternal grandfather was Robert E. Marsh, VP of Cord Meyer Development Company, who helped secure Keller’s house. Rob added, “Helen nicknamed her house ‘castle on the marsh.’” 

Helen Keller, Courtesy of Queens Community Board 6

 “Like Helen Keller, I am deaf-blind,” signed Lesley Silva-Kopec. “Deaf-blindness has a wide spectrum of hearing and vision loss. I have Usher syndrome, which is genetic. My transition from deaf to deaf-blind was difficult. It took many years to embrace myself as a deaf-blind person. When I accepted my deaf-blindness, my burden eventually lifted off my shoulder and I felt free. It doesn’t mean that it’s easy and that people are 100 percent accepting and kind. For the most part people are helpful, but I still get the looks, since I am sighted and I use a white cane. My cane helps me see what I may not see due to the blind spots and the dark areas. I also have two wonderful dogs that help me. My husband is also deaf-blind. We still experience oppression, but have to stay positive and support each other.” She then explained, “What the city lacks is the Support Service Provider (SSP), also known as a sighted guide. I am currently working with the Mayor’s Office for people with disabilities to have SSP, so they can have autonomy life. It serves as an extra pair of eyes, and is helpful for activities that may not be safe for deaf-blind people.”

She continued, “I am so touched that Helen Keller was chosen to be painted on the Ascan Avenue LIRR underpass. It is a place where I walk with my dogs, so it’s going to make my walk extra special. “ 

“I brought my niece today, since she really didn’t know anything about Helen Keller,” said Leslie Brown, Forest Hills Chamber of Commerce President. She explained, “On 72nd between 110th and Queens Boulevard was the Seeing Eye Dog Foundation, where dogs were training. There was a cornerstone that read, ‘The house that love built – Helen Keller.’” Then the house was demolished. “My mother wanted my sister and I to search through the rubble and find the cornerstone.”

Benefactor Helen Day, VP of Richmond Hill Historical Society said, “It is fabulous to bring Helen Keller back to life and create a special remembrance of where she lived for so many years. She was a person on the world stage, and to come from so far away to a great city of the world and become a part of this great community really needs to be remembered.”

Muralists Praxis & Crisp with historian & mural developer Michael Perlman, Photo by Linda Perlman

Helen Keller's quote & signature, Feb 24, 1920

Helen Keller Mural Painting Event on June 12 & June 13 / Mural Installation Day on Ascan Ave, June 14

Helen Keller in 1913, Bain News Service, publisher, Library of Congress 

"Helen Keller Comes Home" - You are invited to the Helen Keller tribute mural painting event at The Reform Temple of Forest Hills at 71-11 112th St, which was the site of her house from 1917 to 1938.

Guests will be escorted in a group, so please arrive on time & specify which date you will attend. RSVP required via messenger or email unlockthevault@hotmail.com

**June 12 at 3 PM 

**June 13 at 11 AM

Event page: www.facebook.com/events/338670066829105

The much-anticipated mural will be painted by international muralists Crisp (Australia) & Praxis (Columbia), & you will have a chance to watch the 48 ft x 4 ft mural being painted on preservation-friendly panels. An informative plaque with Helen Keller's signature & photos will also be unveiled. Historian & mural developer Michael Perlman will be on site.

On June 14 at 9 AM for an approximate 5 hours, the LIRR will install the Helen Keller mural panels on the west wall of the Ascan Avenue underpass. This project is funded by lead sponsor CM Karen Koslowitz & local residents & organizations. This is history-in-the-making!

Helen Keller's life & local to international accomplishments: By Michael Perlman

Helen Keller, Anne Sullivan Macy, & Polly Thomson's House, 93 Seminole Ave later renumbered 71-11 112th St

A most courageous 20th century figure, Helen Keller (1880 – 1968), was an advocate, author, and lecturer. From 1917 to 1938, she resided in a brick-gabled and limestone 7-room house at 93 Seminole Avenue, later renumbered 71-11 112th Street, which she nicknamed “our castle on the marsh.” Today the site is The Reform Temple of Forest Hills, which annually hosts the “Helen Keller Shabbat of Inclusion” featuring a guest speaker, who despite facing a challenge, lives their life to the fullest.

After Keller contracted Scarlet Fever, she became blind and deaf at 19 months. She was examined by Alexander Graham Bell, telephone inventor and pioneer speech teacher for the deaf, who referred her to Perkins School for the Blind. At 7, she met Anne Sullivan Macy (1866 – 1936), who was partially blind. “Miracle Worker” Macy lived with her in Forest Hills, becoming her teacher and closest companion, and she later lived with secretary Polly Thomson (1885 – 1960). She had 8 dogs, mostly Great Danes, including Sieglinde and Hans. Keller and Macy would attend Sunday services at First Presbyterian Church of Forest Hills.

Keller mastered the manual alphabet and learned to read Braille and print block letters. At 9, she began to read lips and communicate. As a graduate of Radcliffe College in 1904 at age 24, she became the first deaf and blind individual to earn a Bachelor of Arts.

In 1913, she began lecturing on behalf of the American Foundation for the Blind, and her objective of removing stigmas associated with sight and hearing disorders took her worldwide. Traditionally, such conditions resulted in placing the blind and deaf in asylums. Braille became the international standard in 1932. She also advocated for labor rights and women’s suffrage. Keller’s published works include “The Story of My Life” (1902), “The World I Live In” (1908), “Out of the Dark” (1913), “Midstream” (1929), and “Helen Keller’s Journal” (1938). She wrote "Into The Light," a popular column for The Daily Star, a Queens newspaper. 

Helen Keller inside her home, Courtesy of Susanna & Robert Hof

On her home’s lawn, she celebrated birthdays by coordinating large parties for the blind, and held fundraising tours to benefit the American Foundation for the Blind. Her home’s guests ranged from journalists to scientists to social workers. 

In 1917, she welcomed members of the Rainbow Division of Camp Mills, which consisted of 1,200 soldiers from 27 states, who came in through Station Square. She explained, “The Star-Spangled Banner was more than 100 years ago dedicated as a symbol of freedom. We have since that time lived for that flag and for freedom, and I am proud to meet you, who are now ready to die, if need be, for it, that there might be equal rights for all men and women alike. That flag stands for a nation that obeys laws that honor women and protects virtue, and may you soldiers teach that lesson, so that it will be observed in every nation.” 

From 1920 to 1924, Keller and Macy partnered for an educational vaudeville act. At the 1925 Lions Club International Convention, Keller stated, “Alone we can do so little, together we can do so much” and challenged Lions to become “knights of the blind in the crusade against darkness.” In 1926, Keller and Macy lectured at the Forest Hills Theatre to over 1,000 guests, to aid in the relief and education of the blind through the American Foundation for the Blind, as part of a national campaign. Edwin Grasse, a blind organist, violinist, and composer accompanied Keller, as organist Samuel Pearce of The Church-in-the-Gardens played.

In 1924, Keller delivered a Thanksgiving address to children of The Church-in-the-Gardens. An excerpt read, “What we think in our hearts, and do, first for the other fellow, and then for ourselves, is the thing that makes us happy, and life worth living. Because people care, the blind receive their sight, and the dumb find their tongue.” She also spoke at The Community House, becoming the first woman to address the Forest Hills Men’s Club in 1928, after being encouraged by its president Homer Croy, a local notable author, screenwriter, and humorist.

In 1931, with her Great Dane by her side, she presented “How Parents Can Help Their Children” at a Public School 3 Mothers Club meeting, and advised parents to encourage their child to discuss their studies, problems, and interests, but not to criticize and pretend an interest, since insincerity will refuse their confidence. Rather, sympathy will gain their confidence.

After the Continental Avenue subway opened in 1936, she wrote with excitement, “Polly and I went to town by the new subway just opened from New York to Forest Hills - that brings me into closer contact with people.” 

Helen Keller's quote & signature, February 24, 1920

Mark Twain called Keller “one of the two most interesting characters of the 19th century” alongside Napoleon. Between 1946 and 1957, she went on tour 7 times and visited 5 continents, totaling over 30 countries. She encountered world figures including John F. Kennedy, Charlie Chaplin, and Grover Cleveland. She worked with seven American presidents and was the recipient of the Presidential Medal of Freedom by President Lyndon B. Johnson in 1964. She was also the recipient of the Lions Humanitarian Award for her lifetime service in 1961, and was elected to the National Women's Hall of Fame at the 1964 - 1965 World's Fair in Flushing Meadows Corona Park.

Keller once said, “The millions of blind eyes must be opened. Society is always creating too much trouble for philanthropy to patch. One must attack social problems at their roots.” Other inspirational words are “The best and most beautiful things in the world cannot be seen or even touched – they must be felt with the heart.” She also stated, "The only thing worse than being blind is having sight but no vision." 

Helen Keller & dog Sieglinde in bottom row, Anne Sullivan Macy & Polly Thomson in top row, Courtesy of the Hof family

Leads: Muralists Crisp & Praxis, Coordinator & Historian Michael Perlman of Rego-Forest Preservation Council, Sponsor Council Member Karen Koslowitz, Queens Economic Development Corporation, Long Island Railroad, Plaque design by Victor Kun & Sofia Monge of Continental Photo

Benefactors: Christopher Dukas, Cinemart Cinemas, Denise De Maria, Edwin & Katherine Wong, Elmhurst History & Cemeteries Preservation Society, Frank & Regina Carroll, Genesis Society, Gloria Piraino & Jim Bennett, Helen & John Day, John Beltzer, Knish Nosh, Oliloli Studio, Portofino Ristorante, Red Pipe Cafe, The Reform Temple of Forest Hills, Roast n Co, Rubi Gaddi Macaulay, Steven G. Schott, Terrace Sotheby’s International Realty; Susanna & Rob Hof, West Side Tennis Club 

~ Created June 2019

Coming Attractions: Helen Keller Mural in Forest Hills

By Michael Perlman

Helen Keller & Anne Sullivan Macy in 1913

One of the most courageous 20th century notables was author, lecturer, and advocate Helen Keller (1880 – 1968), but few people may realize that she once called Forest Hills home and was quite active locally. From 1917 to 1938, she resided in a charming brick-gabled and limestone house at 93 Seminole Avenue, later renumbered 71-11 112th Street.

Helen Keller, Anne Sullivan Macy, & Polly Thomson's Forest Hills house

In May, a mural that will commemorate Helen Keller and her achievements from a local to international perspective will rise on the west wall of the Ascan Avenue underpass of the Long Island Railroad, and will be painted on heavy duty primed panels. It will transform a banal wall into an educational and motivational beacon for community residents and visitors, and especially children. The project is being coordinated by this columnist and will be painted by international muralists Crisp and Praxis, natives of Australia and Columbia, respectively. It is in partnership with the Queens Economic Development Corporation, the Long Island Railroad, and Council Member Karen Koslowitz who secured $6,500 in public funding. Additional contributors included local residents and Portofino Ristorante.

Helen Keller inside her home, Courtesy of Susanna & Robert Hof

“When I was in first grade, I read ‘The Story of My Life’ by Helen Keller, and was fascinated by her spirit,” said contributor Gloria Piraino. “The following year, I saw the excellent film, ‘The Miracle Worker’ in the movies, and I was hooked. The very idea that a dedicated teacher could reach a young student with such difficulties was an inspiration. I became a teacher because of this, and taught for over 25 years. When I found out that Helen Keller lived in Forest Hills, I was so proud to have moved here. A mural commemorating her life will bring her inspirational story to future generations.”

Another contributor, Steve Schott, said “For our Forest Hills history, it’s important to recognize great people in our community, and it’s an honor to recognize Helen Keller.” He continued, “I want to thank the project’s coordinator and the artists for their desire to improve our community, making it better place to live.”

The mural is anticipated to feature Helen Keller's face and her Forest Hills house, a hand feeling Braille, as well as depict voting rights and her passion for animals. Another focal point will be her well-known quote, “The only thing worse than being blind is having sight but no vision.” An additional component will be a plaque, which will summarize her accomplishments and feature her photo and signature, as well as the project’s responsible parties. Collaboratively, the mural and plaque will offer an outdoor museum feel.

The artists presently have two Forest Hills murals; the Ramones/Forest Hills Stadium/Station Square mural at the Continental Avenue LIRR underpass, completed in June 2016, and “A Tribute To Ascan Avenue & The Forest Hills Gardens” featuring Civil War farmer Ascan Backus and Forest Hills Gardens founders, completed in April 2017 on the east wall, under the direction of this columnist. 

Helen Keller, Courtesy of Queens Community Board 6

Keller lived a storied life. After she contracted Scarlet Fever, she became blind and deaf at 19 months. She was examined by Alexander Graham Bell, telephone inventor and pioneer speech teacher for the deaf, who referred her to the Perkins School for the Blind. At 7, she met Anne Sullivan Macy (1866 – 1936), who was partially blind. “Miracle Worker” Macy moved in with Keller in Forest Hills, and became her teacher and closest companion. She also lived with secretary Polly Thomson and 8 dogs, mostly Great Danes.

Keller mastered the manual alphabet and learned to read Braille and print block letters. At age 9, she began to read lips and communicate. As a graduate of Radcliffe College in 1904 at age 24, Keller became the first deaf and blind individual to earn a Bachelor of Arts.

In 1913, she began lecturing on behalf of the American Foundation for the Blind, and her objective of removing stigmas associated with sight and hearing disorders took her worldwide. Traditionally, such conditions resulted in placing the blind and deaf in asylums. She also advocated for labor rights and women’s suffrage. From 1920 to 1924, Keller and Macy partnered for an educational vaudeville act. Keller’s published works include “The Story of My Life” (1902), “The World I Live In” (1908), “Out of the Dark” (1913), and “Helen Keller’s Journal” (1938). 

Helen Keller at her desk

On her home’s lawn, she celebrated birthdays by coordinating large-scale parties for the blind, and held fundraising tours to benefit the American Foundation for the Blind. She welcomed members of the Rainbow Division of the U.S. Army (42nd Infantry) in 1917, and then on the steps in Station Square, she greeted 1,200 soldiers. She stated, “The Star-Spangled Banner was more than 100 years ago dedicated as a symbol of freedom. We have since that time lived for that flag and for freedom, and I am proud to meet you, who are now ready to die, if need be for it, that there might be equal rights for all men and women alike.”

At the 1925 Lions Club International Convention, Keller stated, “Alone we can do so little, together we can do so much” and challenged Lions to become “knights of the blind in the crusade against darkness.”

In March 1926, Keller and Macy visited the Forest Hills Theatre, and lectured to further the mission of the American Foundation for the Blind, as part of a countrywide campaign. The blind organist, violinist, and composer Edwin Grasse accompanied Keller who sang, as organist Samuel Pearce of the Church-in-the-Gardens accompanied him. In October 1931, with one of her Great Danes at her side, she conducted a presentation titled “How Parents Can Help Their Children” at a Mother’s Club meeting at Public School 3.

Keller and Macy attended Sunday services at the First Presbyterian Church of Forest Hills, and also visited The Church-in-the-Gardens, where Keller lectured to the youth. Keller wrote a well-received column, "Into The Light" for the Queens newspaper, The Daily Star.

Keller spoke at The Community House, after being encouraged by her friend Homer Croy, a notable author, screenwriter, and humorist of Forest Hills. Her home was frequented by guests ranging from journalists to scientists to social workers. In 1936, after the Continental Avenue subway opened, her excitement led her to taking the train into Manhattan with secretary Polly Thomson. 

Helen Keller & dog Sieglinde in bottom row, Anne Sullivan Macy & Polly Thomson in top row, Courtesy of the Hof family

Keller has been called by Mark Twain “one of the two most interesting characters of the 19th century” alongside Napoleon. Between 1946 and 1957, she went on tour 7 times and visited 5 continents, totaling over 30 countries. She encountered world figures including John F. Kennedy, Charlie Chaplin, and Grover Cleveland. She worked with seven American presidents and was the recipient of the Presidential Medal of Freedom by President Lyndon B. Johnson in 1964. She was also the recipient of the Lions Humanitarian Award for her lifetime service in 1961, and in 1965, was elected to the National Women's Hall of Fame at the 1964 - 1965 World's Fair in Flushing Meadows Corona Park.

Keller once said, “The millions of blind eyes must be opened. Society is always creating too much trouble for philanthropy to patch. One must attack social problems at their roots.” Other inspirational words are “The best and most beautiful things in the world cannot be seen or even touched – they must be felt with the heart.”

A similar version of this feature was published in the Forest Hills Times: 

www.foresthillstimes.com/view/full_story/27630911/article-Helen-Keller-mural-coming-to-Ascan-Avenue

“Walter Becker Way” Unveiled in Forest Hills

By Michael Perlman

Walter Becker Way unveiled, Photo by Michael Perlman

Walter Becker signed headshot offered at the ceremony, Photo by Annalisa

On October 28th, it was history-in-the-making for a couple hundred Steely Dan fans who attended the “Walter Becker Way” street co-naming ceremony on 72nd Drive at 112th Street. The event was not to be missed, as proven by fans ranging from Forest Hills to Europe. After a series of speeches by host Jim Kerr of the Q104.3 FM Rock & Roll Morning Show, Councilmember Karen Koslowitz who nominated Becker for this honor, and Matt Kerns, Howard Rodman, and Cindy Mizelle who shared personal memories and professional affiliations, the much-awaited street sign was uncovered. Throughout the event, items from Becker’s personal collection were distributed and prioritized for trivia buffs. The event took place outside The Balfour apartment building at 112-20 72nd Drive, which is where Becker was raised. 

"Before," Photo by Michael Perlman

"After," Photo by Michael Perlman

Walter Carl Becker (1950 – 2017) was a guitarist, bassist, and co-songwriter of the jazz-rock band “Steely Dan.” In 1967, he befriended Donald Fagen (born 1948), the band’s lead singer. Their first album “Can’t Buy A Thrill” was released in 1972 under the self-titled “Steely Dan,” and they toured the U.S. and Britain in 1973. “Two Against Nature” won four Grammys in 2001, and Becker and Fagen were inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. Some well-known hits are “Do It Again,” “Rikki Don’t Lose That Number,” and “Deacon Blues.” 

Ronnie Croce with Councilmember Koslowitz, Photo by Michael Perlman

Councilmember Karen Koslowitz referenced her role in “The Ramones Way” street co-naming at Forest Hills High School, as well as local musicians including Burt Bacharach. She said, “You know, Forest Hills is very famous. Today it’s my pleasure to be able to unveil the name of Walter Becker. He lived in The Balfour, so his name will live here forever.” 

Host Jim Kerr of Q104.3 FM, Photo by Michael Perlman

Jim Kerr asked, “What song on Circus Money did Walter sing to a woman who was gone perhaps even on a distance star?” A contestant named Lisa from Bristol guessed “Paging Audrey.” He responded, “What we have for you is the actual chart used by the tracking band when they recorded that song.” Among the other questions was “For many years, Becker used guitars and basses made by his favorite luthier. What was Becker’s favorite make of guitar and bass?” A contestant guessed “Sadowsky.” He continued, “Your prize is a guitar strap used by Walter.” He was given a choice and selected his on-stage strap over the one he used at home. Then he said, “You’re also going to get some very rare guitar picks.” 

Longtime fan Matt Kerns, Photo by Michael Perlman

Guest speaker Matt Kerns, co-creator of a database of Becker’s famous “Hey 19 Raps” said, “When I was first asked if I would speak, my instinct was to say no. It’s hard to say something about someone who so often expressed things better than anyone else.” He continued, “When Walter passed away on September 7th of last year, music magazines rushed on Walter as the silent partner of Steely Dan. The irony would not be lost on Walter. Anyone who knew him to any degree knows that Walter Becker was anything but silent. Walter spoke, and he spoke loudly with a voice unique in popular music”… “He was literate without being pretentious, sophisticated with a splash of sophomoric humor, was jazz and rock, mentor and learner, professor of infectious vibes, and student of rhythm and soul… “Walter inherently knew that if he didn’t try to write songs for everyone, he could write music that reached someone. Often in songs about less than savored characters, Walter managed to find the profound in the profane, all without resorting to troves or clichés. He told tales of the world both dark and real.” 

Howard Rodman, Longtime friend of Walter Becker, Photo by Michael Perlman

Another speaker was Becker’s closest longtime friend, Howard Rodman, who first knew him at age 10. “Like many of the friends and comrades with us, we went to PS 196, whose anthem I can still sing.” “We are left with glorious memories, and we’re left with the music which is indelible; music which was never quite in sync with its time, and because of that we’ll never grow old.” “They sold 40 million records, not by reverse engineering which an audience might like, but by being deeply and obsessively true to themselves. The success of Steely Dan was because and not in spite of the celebration of the marginal.” He later continued, “It took Walter Becker to look out at this suburban landscape of postwar 6-story housing, and recognizing it for what it was. Not a bedroom community, not a bridge or tunnel, or an E train away from Manhattan, but something grand and glorious in and of itself – ‘Forest Hills,’ a place he saw as the capital of the 20th century, and then made it be so.”

Singer Cindy Mizelle, Photo by Michael Perlman

Singer Cindy Mizelle, a guest speaker explained, “Walter is such a champion in my eyes. He always treated me with love and respect, as I did he and his family, and wow, it’s such a great honor to have a street named after him. It’s so cool to take a walk down Walter Becker Way… He took me under his wing and really showed me that I can relax in the person that I am to sing live and egging me along to do more, and invited me on his album, ‘Circus Money.’” 

Guitar tech Orick Salazar, Photo by Michael Perlman

In recent years, Orick Salazar was Becker’s guitar tech. He said, “Walter was more than just a music genius. He was very smart and an amazing human being that helped a lot of people. I am very grateful for his advice.” 

Walter Becker's childhood home at The Balfour, Photo by Michael Perlman

Attendee Ben Larah, a Balfour resident takes pride in being a huge Steely Dan fan since 15. He said, “Their music sounded so different to anything I heard before; an amazing blend of jazz, blues, pop and rock, with a focus on virtuosic musicianship and clever lyrics. Aja is one of my favorite albums of all time. Walter Becker apparently had a lifelong fondness and pride for Forest Hills, so having his old street corner named after him was a fitting honor.” 

London resident Darren Hirst holds a Steely Dan leather jacket, Photo by Michael Perlman

Darren Hirst traveled from London to document the ceremony, and ended up winning a round of trivia, walking away with Becker’s leather jacket. “Walter along with Donald Fagen have a unique view among writers of the period from the 1970s onwards. Their sardonic and skeptical take on modern society coupled with a cool jazz vibe leaves few who can be legitimately compared to their composing and performance skill. I bought their first album in the 1970s, but at that time they had ceased touring. I caught their show when they resumed in the 1990s, and have seen all their tours that have come to Europe and many in the U.S.”

Steely Dan and their music as soloists has been a soundtrack to his life. “I have always found their lyrics intellectually challenging and the musical rhythms and composition so innovative,” he said.

Laura Tommaso made the trek from Italy, and praised it for being a sincere, personalized, and informal ceremony. “Don and Walt are just some of the best music NYC experienced since the birth of rock ‘n’ roll. Steely Dan are part of that tradition that starts with Dion and goes on with Frankie Valli, Joan Baez, Simon & Garfunkel, and Talking Heads; simply the heart and soul of the Big Apple popular music. They brought the passion for jazz, psychedelic music, Bob Dylan, and Ray Charles into a unique music outfit called Steely Dan, and there was nothing like it before or after.” She continued, “What made him memorable was being himself.”

Upon hearing the news of the ceremony, fans began to reminisce and think ahead. Richard Adler of Monroe, NY reminisced, “Walter attended Stuyvesant, but I knew Walter from Halsey. Walter, Randy California, and I had a band called Newport News when we were in high school. Walter was our lead singer and harmonica player, and we mostly played the blues. Randy and I helped Walter learn to play guitar.”

Middle Village resident Ira Nagel said, “At Halsey JHS 157, he was Valedictorian, and we would play music at his grandma’s home across from Yellowstone Park. I remember his horn rim glasses and Squire briefcase. Maybe we can recognize him at Halsey with a plaque, ceremony, and a musical tribute.”

A fan holds up "Can't Buy A Thrill," Photo by Michael Perlman

A similar version of this feature story has been published in Michael Perlman's Forest Hills Times column: www.foresthillstimes.com/view/full_story/27610255/article-Forest-Hills-street-named-for-Steely-Dan-founder 

Response To Electeds' Feasibility Study Request For Iconic Forest Hills Tennis Stadium

Forest Hills: Tennis as Tennis: Forest Hills - Central element of this 1929 aerial photo by Hamilton Maxwell Inc proves just that! The Forest Hills Tennis Stadium was at the ripe age of 6.

 An open letter to our elected officials:

Dear Congressman Weiner, Senator Stavisky, Councilmember Koslowitz, & Assemblymember Hevesi,

    I am writing on behalf of Rego-Forest Preservation Council. We extend a special thank you for composing a joint letter to the Landmarks Preservation Commission on August 12, 2010, requesting a feasibility study. Gratefully, you have responded to the pleas of a vast coalition of local and national landmark individual & organizational supporters, in the face of a historic international icon, the Forest Hills Tennis Stadium, and also expressed the need for the Landmarks Preservation Commission to hear and designate more landmarks in Queens. You acknowledged the sentiments of the greater public, who hopes to see the Forest Hills Tennis Stadium landmarked (by city and state) to commemorate its history and grant funding, and purchased by a more creative and deserving party who would restore and reuse it with everyone in mind, to ultimately boost jobs, business, tourism, and convey pride.

Sept 25, 1937 news photo. Caption: General view of the crowd at the Forest Hills Stadium. As the Sept 23, 2010 voting day at the West Side Tennis Club approaches, imagine the historic Stadium's mixed-use economic potential for the greater public, & reject typical condos for a select group.

From its rendering in the 1922 MIT Technology Review, it was depicted as "America's Tennis Stadium," and was proven to be an influential venue as an architectural first countrywide, and for its firsts in tennis and music history, but seemingly poor marketing decisions by boards of the West Side Tennis Club in recent years let it go astray.

Under Cord Meyer Development's condo-minded proposal on August 10th at a private meeting at the WSTC, a portion of the Forest Hills Tennis Stadium's facade would be retained, but the soul of the iconic Stadium, including the grandstands, interior stone work, and field, would be sucked out for out-of-context condos, more closely resembling a Brutalist Style structure of the Cold War, or "Disney-esque" to phrase it mildly. This could happen if 2/3 of WSTC voting-eligible members approve of a sale to Cord Meyer on September 23rd. In turn, It would usher around 200 residents into the Forest Hills Gardens, and be another case of overdevelopment in Queens. Our schools are already burdened. It is doubtful that a modern design would be approved over the preservation of an iconic site by the Forest Hills Gardens Corporation, in the face of Restrictive Covenants. The Corporation has always prevented demolition of historic sites, and maintained the neighborhood's historic identity and property values, since the Forest Hills Gardens' creation 101 years ago. If not landmarked, its potential loss would designate it the "Pennsylvania Station of Queens." Let's speculate how future generations would look back, if the government and public had a chance to rescue and reuse this noble site for (smaller) tennis matches, (subdued) concerts, weddings, community events, school trips, exhibits, etc, but failed.

Pennsylvania Station in 1910, but demolished in 1963 despite public outcry. It led to the Landmarks Law in 1965, designed to prevent such travesties, and to preserve our landmarks officially such as the Forest Hills Tennis Stadium. Don't let history repeat itself! Photo courtesy of Evening Telegraph blog

Our consensus is that building typical condos of "Anytown USA" and demolishing the majority of an icon in order to settle a debt (according to published reports), would be the most selfish, short-sighted, and unimaginative approach. There are some sites so significant to our community and nation's heritage and backbone, and so few and far between, that any compromise would account for a major loss. One may ask, "Shall we be remembered as defeatists or civic-minded creative visionaries?"

We hope that you will continue to fulfill your role on behalf of the majority of constituents and national supporters, in order to defend one of our nation's greatest "landmarks at heart," and a 21st century family destination of great potential character-wise and economically, if marketed and reused creatively, with the assistance of city and state funding, and fundraising by groups such as ours. Thank you very much!

Sincerely,

- Michael Perlman
Rego-Forest Preservation Council, Chair
regoforestpreservation.blogspot.com
unlockthevault@hotmail.com

For more photos and some rare memorabilia, visit: 
http://www.flickr.com/photos/8095451@N08/sets/72157607136282297/