Behind The Lens with Preservationist & Author Michael Perlman

Michael Perlman is a fifth generation Forest Hills resident and Chair of Rego-Forest Preservation Council, who takes pride in commemorating architectural and cultural history, as well as proposing sites for Individual Landmark and sections for Historic District status to the NYC Landmarks Preservation Commission. He is completing RFE nomination forms for Forest Hills (founded 1906) and Rego Park (1923), where the latter community was selected as a Historic Districts Council “Six To Celebrate” 2020 community in advance of turning 100 in 2023. 

Michael Perlman honored at Local Heroes reception by Queens Community House, Forest Hills Stadium stage, May 2023

Perlman is a Class of 2000 vocal major graduate of LaGuardia HS of Music & Art and the Performing Arts, and achieved a BA in Communications and Writing from Marymount Manhattan College in 2004. 

 

Perlman is the recipient of a 2014 Historic Districts Council Grassroots Preservation Award for NYC, and was appointed Grand Marshal of the 2017 Forest Hills Memorial Day Parade. In May 2023, he received a crystal “Local Champions” trophy by the Queens Community House on the Forest Hills Stadium stage.

 

“Legendary Locals of Forest Hills and Rego Park,” a book by Michael H. Perlman (foreword by Jerry Springer) features local history, landmarks, and the stories of 210+ notables ranging from celebrities to unsung heroes.

Perlman, a Forest Hills Times columnist since 2012, spotlights historic preservation, human interest stories, humanitarian initiatives, and the arts. He is an admin of Facebook groups Rego-Forest Preservation Council and Forest Hills, Rego Park, Kew Gardens – “Our Communities.”

Forest Hills Stadium, Michael Perlman in center with James Dylan Burris, great-great-grandson & Lynne DeWardener-Burris, great-granddaughter of Stadium architect Kenneth Murchison

Perlman is a member of the West Side Tennis Club’s Tennis History & Archives Council. He played a significant role in rescuing the iconic Forest Hills Stadium from demolition after founding a committee and spearheading a PR and preservation campaign, salvaged the Art Deco neon Jay Dee Bakery sign among other features, secured State & National Register of Historic Places status for Rego Park Jewish Center and First Presbyterian Church of Newtown, acquired landmark status for the Ridgewood Theatre, and prevented Cinemart Cinemas from shuttering.

Historic Rego Park Jewish Center, Photo by Michael Perlman

Perlman earned the nickname “Diner Man” as a result of preserving NYC’s Moondance Diner and Cheyenne Diner via transport to WY and AL in 2007 and 2009, respectively. In recent times, he brokered a deal to reopen the T-Bone Diner (1934) as T-Bone Diner & Delicatessen. 

 

Forest Hills Tree Giveaway Event in MacDonald Park, Photo by coordinator Michael Perlman, May 2014

In partnership with New York Restoration Project, Perlman founded the Forest Hills Tree Giveaway event in MacDonald Park. In 2011 to 2015, he recruited local volunteers, and with the help of sponsors, donated 1,225 trees to property owners and board members.

 

In November 2019, Perlman’s architectural photography and restored vintage prints exhibit, “Reflections of Historic Forest Hills” opened at Jade Eatery’s gallery. He decorated various lobbies with his prints. He also formed the Tea Garden Restoration Committee, which seeks to restore what feels like a magical tea garden from 1912. He spearheaded the replication of a detailed 11-foot ring for tea stand through a partnership with Jade Eatery, Flushing Iron Weld, and Noble Signs.

Replicated Ring For Tea stand in front of Tea Garden's ornate gate upon delivery

In 2020, Perlman co-founded the Forest Hills & Rego Park Graffiti Cleanup Initiative, which restores storefronts and street furniture. In 2021, he founded the Forest Hills & Rego Park Historic Plaque Initiative. As of 2023, the Tudor style Sutton Hall and the Mid-Century Modern style Park Briar have “Forest Hills Historic Site” bronze plaques, which he co-designed with Frank DiBella of Academy Engraving. 

 

In partnership with the New York Sign Museum since 2022, Perlman arranged several deals to salvage historic signs in Queens, Manhattan, and Brooklyn.

 

Along the LIRR Ascan Avenue underpass, Perlman developed two murals, “A Tribute To Ascan Avenue & The Forest Hills Gardens” (2017) and the “Helen Keller Forest Hills Tribute” (2019), painted by Crisp and Praxis, with a Helen Keller pictorial plaque in collaboration with Continental Photo. 

 

Forest Hills & Rego Park architectural mural, "Wish You Were Here... Forest Hills & Rego Park Historic Buildings" by Gigi Chen & accompanying sign by Michael Perlman

Since June 2025, The Bagel Spot at 101-01 Queens Boulevard, features his mural project with national artist Gigi Chen, which bears homage to local architectural treasures, where some have been demolished, such as the Trylon Theatre, Tower Diner bank building, Howard Johnson’s, and the Gulf Station building. Forest Hills Stadium is among the represented preserved properties.

 

Last September, Perlman traveled 500 miles to rescue famed muralist Andre Durenceau’s circa 1939 40-foot mural from Hugh Kelly of MA, who first salvaged it in 1974 from Rego Park’s once iconic Howard Johnson’s. Restoring the mural and resurrecting it in Queens is a goal.

One of three sections of the Howard Johnson's mural by André Durenceau, which Michael Perlman rescued last September in its entirety, 1940 photo in Fortune

Another goal is to erect a “Little Free Library” in Federoff Triangle, which will be modeled after a demolished historic building, as well as co-name streets after historic architects and builders.

 

His interests also include singing, dancing, deltiology, photography, botany, public relations, long exploratory walks, and travel. He performed solo shows at Carnegie Hall, NYC clubs, and aboard cruise ships.  

 

It is always timely to fulfill mitzvahs. To volunteer, email Michael Perlman at mperlman@queensledger.com and join www.facebook.com/groups/SaveRegoParkForestHillsQueens 

 

11/15: Triple 300th Anniversary at First Presbyterian Church of Newtown

A special invite from the First Presbyterian Church of Newtown on Queens Blvd & 54th Ave, which will celebrate a triple 300th anniversary on November 15, 2015:

The historical 363-year-old First Presbyterian Church of Newtown, was the only church in Queens west of the Flushing River from 1652 to 1735. It was founded in 1652 by Puritans (like the Pilgrims) who came seeking freedom to practice their religion. This 363-year-old church has been in the same area, now Elmhurst, long before there was even a country called the United States! The church they founded is still going strong. Today, the congregation is a wonderful multicultural, multiracial mix, with members from over 25 countries, working in harmony to serve God and the community.

Sun, Nov. 15 will be a day to give thanks and celebrate the church's 300th anniversary of three commemorative events:

1. In 1715, the original Puritan church (founded 1652) turned officially Presbyterian.

2. In 1715, land was given to the church by member and prominent citizen Jonathan Fish for its first two churches (1715-1774/5 and 1787- 1928), and its cemetery (1822-1959) – across the street from the current location. The original sheepskin 1715 deed will be displayed at this event.

3. In 1715, our oldest, and still existing, book of records was begun. The original will be shown! Done in quill pen, with quite a few ink blotches, it records not only membership, baptisms, marriages, and deaths, but also an earthquake, smallpox wiping out families, yellow fever, slaves becoming members of the church, and how sinning members were disciplined.

In celebration of these events, a memorial stone to Jonathan Fish, an early Newtown settler, will be mounted on the wall in the church entry hall and be unveiled on this day. He came from Massachusetts to the new English settlement that would later be called Newtown (all western Queens then). He died in 1663 after serving as a magistrate for the town for several years. He was the ancestor of many remarkable men, including Hamilton Fish, advisor to President Abraham Lincoln and U.S. Secretary of State under President Ulysses S. Grant, and wealthy railroad owner Stuyvesant Fish (who had the stone made), three New York State congressmen, and is also said to be related to the Bush family, Secretary of State John Kerry, and others.

There will be a display of various documents and historical artifacts, including the following:

1. The original 1715 handwritten deed, written in the reign of King George II (uncle of the infamous George III of Revolutionary War times)

2. Our original 1715 Record book

3. The original small draft of a 1774 resolution by some church members to form a Committee of Correspondence, and support the Continental Congress

4. Photos of some important Fish descendants

5. Photos documenting the moving of the present church on log rollers turned by hand winches from the other side of Queens Boulevard, when the street was widened in 1924 to accommodate subway construction

6. Other photos and documents showing the congregation at worship as the demographics of Queens changed.

Our 10:45 AM worship service will include music and message to celebrate our colonial heritage and 300 years of Presbyterian faith.

All are welcome to attend the events.

List of Events

10:00 AM - 2:00 PM: Historical display in the sanctuary

10:45 AM: Church service in the sanctuary

12:30 PM: Unveiling of Jonathan Fish memorial stone

Refreshments in Fellowship Hall after unveiling

2:00 PM: Historical walking tour of Newtown

Source: www.fpcn.org/news/200-fpcn-celebrates-triple-300th-anniversary-on-sun-nov-15

May 17 & May 18 - National Register of Historic Places Ceremony at First Presbyterian Church of Newtown - One of NYC's Earliest Congregations

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

CONTACT:   Marjorie Melikian, Historian

First Presbyterian Church of Newtown

54-05 Seabury Street,  Elmhurst, NY 11373

(718-897-5668 or 646-338-4772;  or email  mmelikian@aol.com.

Or call Interim Pastor Louis Knowles Wed.- Friday  917-745-7888

 

Elmhurst’s First Presbyterian Church of Newtown (founded 1652) to take part in State-Wide Open House & Celebrate Its Listing on the National Register of Historic Places

Saturday May 17 & Sunday May 18, 2014 

 The 362 year old church, now in its fifth building (1895), and one of the NYC’s oldest congregations, will Participate in New York Landmarks Conservancy’s Sacred Sites Program's two day Open HouseWeekend. There will be talks on history & architecture, walking tours, and an unveiling of a National Register of Historic Places plaque. (Building listed Sept. 2013) . 

Founded 1652 in a wilderness that is now Elmhurst, Queens, its pastor and 54 others bought all western Queens from the Native Americans. NY State Archives has a recording of that sale. Although the Elmhurst area has had had 4 different names, it was known as Newtown for most of its history. It has been under 3 governments- Dutch, British & American. Under the British the church suffered for issues of Religious Freedom, with the British Governor driving out our pastor & replacing him with one of his own religion. He arrested visiting Presbyterian pastors. It has suffered for Political Freedom as well, with members working for the cause of Revolution- in what was a Tory town. When the British occupied Newtown for most of the war, they desecrated & tore down the Presbyterian Church of Newtown, after using it first as a prison. Today the church is a multicultural one, reflecting the diversity of Queens. 

The church’s current bell is from 1787, made just after the Revolution and placed in a new 1791 church. That building survived until 1928. The present gothic style Sanctuary was built in 1895, a gift of one man, and features stained glass by Benjamin Sellers & William Ashley, both Tiffany artisans brought from England. They worked 10 years for Tiffany. Furniture is original. The exterior is made of NJ rough brownstone, in 2 colors & has a slate tile roof. It’s huge steeple was lost in1924 when the entire building had to be moved for the widening of Queens Blvd. Before modern methods, the bldg. was raised by pegs onto greased logs. Turned by hand winches it took a year to move. Be sure to see the photos.

The 1894 rotting Gothic wooden doors were beautifully restored in 2013, partly through a Sacred Sites grant. The church is also a Presbyterian National Historical Site. The National Register of Historic Places listing will be celebrated Sunday, May 18 at 12:30 pm with an unveiling of the plaque. All are welcome to join the celebration!!

 

SCHEDULE of EVENTS FOR SATURDAY, MAY 17

OPEN HOUSE:    10:00 am – 4:00 pm. DISPLAY ongoing

Talks on history & architecture 10:30 & 2:30, followed by tour                                   

SCHEDULE OF EVENTS FOR SUNDAY, MAY 18

CHURCH SERVICE Sunday 10:45 am to noon

****NATIONAL REGISTER PLAQUE UNVEILING  Sunday at 12:30 pm

OPEN HOUSE immediately following until 3:30 pm

Talk on history & architecture approx. 1:30

ONGOING DISPLAY OF HISTORICAL PHOTOS & DOCUMENTS

  First Presbyterian Church of Newtown

  Corner of Queens Blvd. & 54^th Avenue 

        (Mailing address: 54-05 Seabury Street)

  Elmhurst, Queens NY 11373

R or M subway to Grand Ave/Newtown, SE exit.  Or Q 58,59,60 bus to Grand Avenue, Elmhurst

Concert Fundraiser Starring Harmonica Virtuoso Jiayi He - Help Restore The First Presbyterian Church of Newtown

You are cordially invited to a unique concert starring notable harmonica virtuoso Jiayi He. 

 When? Sunday, May 4 at 1:30 PM 

Where? At the historic First Presbyterian Church of Newtown, south side of Queens Blvd and 54th Ave.

The concert is also a fundraiser that will address a much-needed restoration of the church, which was recently designated State & National Register of Historic Places status. The public will pay a $10 admission fee.

Fundraiser contributions can also be mailed to:

First Presbyterian Church of Newtown, 
54-05 Seabury Street 
Elmhurst, NY 11373

An early 20th century photo, Courtesy of the First Presbyterian Church of Newtown

 The church was founded in 1652, and the present Gothic sanctuary was built in 1895, and features distinctive attributes such as stained glass by Tiffany artists and a 1788 bell. In the 1920s, the church was transported to accommodate the widening of Queens Blvd. A diverse history which ties into Queens' Colonial past is as follows: http://www.fpcn.org/history

Historic & recent church photos, Courtesy of Michael Perlman, Rego-Forest Preservation Council: http://bit.ly/1dVPoWA

About the concert - "Harmonica Music from Classical to Modern"

“Jiayi He plays one harmonica for many pieces & many harmonicas just for one piece!” Jiayi He has won prestigious awards in America, Europe, and the Far East. Performing concerts around the world, he plays an extensive range of harmonicas, which includes Chromatic, Diatonic, Tremolo, Bass, Wheel, multiple harmonicas... as well as the largest harmonica and the smallest harmonica in the world. He will also play "Sheng," which is a forefather of the harmonica and the earliest Chinese reed instrument with blow and draw playing. It was invented nearly 3,000 years ago. The harmonica was invented in Germany in 1821.

Jiayi He will perform with a Woodwinds Quintet and a Harmonica mixed with Flute, Oboe, Clarinet, Horn and Bassoon, among a new and unique combination of music. Jiayi He's daughter, Jenny He, will accompany her father on the piano.

The concert will world premiere "Cantabile for Solo Harmonica and Woodwind Quintet" by renowned composer Michael Isaacson. It is a new work special written for Jiayi He.

The concert program will include: Blue Danube Waltz, Skaters Waltz, Turkish March, Flight of the Bumblebee, Little Swan Dance, music by Gershwin, Blues... and Wind Quintet Selections from Cosi Fan Tutte by W. A. Mozart.

BIOS

Harmonica: Jiayi He
Flute: Abbe Krieger
Oboe: Suzette Jacobs
Clarinet: Aaron Abramovitz
Horn: David Moldenhauer
Bassoon: Kukiko Otani
Piano: Jenny He

Jiayi He is a world-class harmonica virtuoso. He won silver medals at the World Harmonica Championships in Germany in 1989, in Japan in 1995, and the bronze medal at the International Competition in the U.S. in 1991. He taught master classes and judged competitions in Taiwan, Malaysia, Hong Kong, Hangzhou and Singapore. He has soloed with the China National Symphony Orchestra, China National Ballet Symphony Orchestra, Nassau Symphony Pops, Isle of Wight Symphony Orchestra, California Pops Orchestra, Northern Dutchess Symphony Orchestra, Orchestra Society of Philadelphia, Carson City Symphony, Calcutta Chamber Orchestra and numerous others. Mel Bay Publications, Inc published his book Recital Pieces for Chromatic Harmonica. Jiayi regularly performs in recitals throughout Europe and Asia. He has appeared on ABC, NBC, News 12 Long Island, Queens Public Television, Sino Television, and recorded for movies and CDs. He has performed at the General Assembly Hall of United Nations and at a pre-game show at Shea Stadium for the New York Mets. New York City Mayor Bloomberg attended his seminar, and learned how to play harmonica at Harmonica Mass Appeal MMNY in 2012. Jiayi also performed at International Peace Day in China 2012. He has received award the honorary title of "Messenger of Peace" by Friends of the U.N. and the Organizing committee. Jiayi is a faculty member at the Turtle Bay Music School in New York City.

PentaWinds was founded on the principle of five breaths or energies working together in the form of a quintet. Dedicated to serving audiences of all ages and backgrounds, Penta plays traditional quintet repertoire and is devoted to exploring new musical media with the awareness of the effortlessness of breath. To that end, PentaWinds has recently embarked on an operatic/musical journey that will include an adaptation of Cosi Fan Tutte and the world premiere of Musical Soup. Comprised of esteemed musicians flutist Abbe Krieger, oboist Suzette Jacobs, clarinetist Aaron Abramovitz, hornist David Moldenhauer and bassoonist Kukiko Otani, recent engagements have included the Roerich Museum, the New York City Bar Association, the Art on the Corner series, and the Mahwah Public Library.

Jenny He began her studies in music and piano at the age of four. She has performed in various venues including TV shows at News 12 Long Island TV and Queens Public Television. She performed at Lincoln Center and Carnegie Hall, as well as in many other live concerts. Jenny is also a mechanical engineer working at a consulting firm in NYC.

For questions, please contact Michael Perlman, Chairman of the Rego-Forest Preservation Council at unlockthevault@hotmail.com

 Preserve this icon & enjoy a quality concert!
 

Classical Concert To Benefit Historic First Presbyterian Church of Newtown's Restoration

You are invited to a unique musical event, which will also contribute to a "high note" in historic preservation. On Sunday, January 19 at 1:30 PM, award-winning harpist Tomina Parvanova will be performing Classical works at the historic First Presbyterian Church of Newtown in Elmhurst. 

For a $10 admission, the proceeds will benefit the restoration of this historic church, which was recently designated State& National Register of Historic Places status.

The church was founded in 1652, and the present Gothic sanctuary was built in 1895, and features stained glass by Tiffany artists. ALL are welcome!

The church is located on Queens Blvd & 54th Ave in Elmhurst, Queens. The R & M trains (east end) stop in front, and the Q58, Q59, & Q60 buses are within a block.

About the First Presbyterian Church of Newtown: http://www.fpcn.org/history

Historic & recent photos: http://bit.ly/1dVPoWA

About Tomina Parvanova: http://www.tominaparvanova.com/#!biography/c1enr

Please consider attending this great musical and restoration event, and circulate this blog posting.

Photos courtesy of Chairman Michael Perlman of the Rego-Forest Preservation Council

Restoring Civic Virtue

Michael Perlman's feature story in the Queens Ledger/Forest Hills Times on March 1, 2012. Please share & consider commenting on the Queens Ledger website: 



http://queensledger.com/view/full_story/17821254/article-Restoring-Civic-Virtue

Civic Virtue, west of Queens Borough Hall at Queens Blvd & Union Turnpike

Civic Virtue at its original home of City Hall Park, NYC circa 1930

Art is open to interpretation, and an artist's vision is bound for misinterpretation.

It a shame how the true meaning of Civic Virtue – the statue that stands near Borough Hall - is frequently misinterpreted and devalued in political discourse.

At a February 2011 press conference, ex-Congressman Anthony Weiner proclaimed this work of public art “sexist.” He called for a public work to be privatized and removed, posted it for sale on Craigslist, and explained that if it cannot be removed, it needs to be concealed with a tarp. Since then, an influx of art defenders and preservationists have emerged.

Situated on the boundary of Forest Hills and Kew Gardens on Queens Boulevard, Civic Virtue has been keeping an eye on passersby since 1941. The classically designed 22-foot, stone-and-marble sculpture has a commanding presence in a serene setting amidst urbanization.

Civic Virtue was designed in 1920 by renowned sculptor Frederick William MacMonnies, and sculpted by the Piccirilli Brothers. Frederick MacMonnies was the last major American Beaux Art sculptor, and was the first American to win a Gold Medal at the Paris Salon.

He also designed other famous works across America and Europe, including Nathan Hale in City Hall Park, Truth and Beauty outside the 42nd Street Library, and three statuary groupings on the Soldiers and Sailors Arch in Grand Army Plaza.

Civic Virtue depicts a muscular nude Hercules with a sword in his right hand behind his neck, and stands over (but not on top of) two mermaid-like sirens depicting vice and corruption.

Controversy ensued since Civic Virtue’s origins. In 1922, Civic Virtue watched park-goers and elected officials as it stood centrally in Manhattan’s City Hall Park. Shortly after, because some people felt it disrespected women, it earned the nicknames “Tough Guy” and “Fat Boy.”

In January 1941, Robert Moses announced a contract of $21,720 for the statue's transport, and on May 29, 1941, the 24-ton statue was placed in a wooden container, meticulously packed with sand and attached to a 35-ton crane. At 2 mph, it made its cross-town parade on a 16-wheeled haulage truck with stout timbers to Kew Gardens in a four-hour commute. 

On May 31, 1941, Mayor Fiorello LaGuardia, who famously hated the fountain because its naked backside could be viewed from his office, said “Oh, it’s gone at last. Now I won’t have to look at that virtuous back anymore.” Alongside Queens Borough Hall, Civic Virtue would once again be in a landscaped setting, but not “turn its back” on government.

 

   On October 7, 1941, City Council President Newbold Morris presented Civic Virtue to Borough President George Harvey, who advocated for its rescue. He said, “For 12 years, Queens has really had civic virtue, but has never been able to prove it. We can, now!” There were 50 invited guests including Adolph Weimann and A.F. Brinkerhoff of the National Sculptors Society, as well as 200 onlookers who cheered.

Civic Virtue has not been maintained for decades; with an inoperable fountain, a weathered sculpture, and cracked steps. On September 7, 2011, as chairman of Rego-Forest Preservation Council, I nominated Civic Virtue for the State & National Register of Historic Places, so the statue can be commemorated and eligible for funding incentives, to help restore this public masterpiece.

On December 13, 2011, it was determined “National Register-Eligible” by Specialist Daniel McEneny of the New York State Historic Preservation Office. The next step is for the city to endorse the eligibility statement.
 
On February 6, 2012, Queens BP Helen Marshall held a budget hearing at Queens Borough Hall. Architect Glenn Urbanas of Richmond Hill, testified at the hearing. He suggested “a modest sum which might be as little as $25,000 - $30,000 to be allocated in next year’s budget, so Request For Proposals can be prepared for accredited stone conservators, who can provide a detailed scope of work including estimates of materials, labor, and procedures for a phased project of cleaning, conservation, and restoration.” Marshall said she found it very disturbing that the statue degrades women. After Urbanas’ presentation, he explained its allegorical nature. “Marshall seemed to have softened her resistance towards conserving the sculpture,” said Urbanas.
 
Mary Ann Carey, district manager of Community Board 9, also testified, and since then, Marshall has expressed interest in meeting with the board. “We have a work of art that’s crumbling and corroding due to pigeon droppings and the elements,” Carey said. “If it was in Italy, Civic Virtue would be a revered statue. We want it cleaned and conserved.”

On February 7, 2012, NYC Parks Department Commissioner Adrian Benepe explained “We have expressed our support to improve and restore the Civic Virtue statue. We suggest working with potential donors to find the funding for any necessary restoration to this monument.”

We must not let our cornerstones fall by the wayside by abandoning them for decades. Preserving existing infrastructure should be addressed before new development.

We should embrace and cultivate our art and architecture, which establishes who we are as a community and nation, and inspires more creative works in contrast to some modern lackluster developments. Restoration will also promote walking tours and tourism, since Queens is often underrepresented.

Let’s incorporate public art and preservation into our school curriculum, and take inspiration from historic sites. Considering the extent of politicians ousted from public office in recent years, New York City needs more civic virtue, not less.