Transcript Document
Astoria, Queens
1914-2014
By: Adriana Kelly and Sahan Ratnayake
Location & History
Queens, New York
Bordered by East River, Long Island City, Sunnyside,
and Woodside
Orignally known as Hallett’s Cove after William Hallett
Renamed to Astoria after Jacob Astor, one of the first
multi millionaires in New York.
Incorporated into Long Island City in 1870
Demographic Breakdown
Demographics
In Astoria’s early history, settlers were Dutch and German.
Later came Irish in late 1800s to early 1900s.
They were of lower class
Post World War II saw a large influx of Italians and Jews.
1960s saw the immigration of Greeks
Neighborhoods populations are made of Dominicans, Indians,
Ecuadorians, Koreans, Chinese, Filipino, Romanian
The low education levels in the area are representative of the
income in the area, which is mainly from small businesses
Economy
1800 Astoria was composed of farmland
Incorporated into LIC in 1870, then later incorporated
into New York City in 1898
Astoria became more industrial in later years
1899 Queens had 400 factories, producing $35 million in
goods, compared to 1914 Queens, which had over 1,000
factories, making $225 in products.
One such company was American Ever Ready,
manufacturing batteries, lamps, flashlights
Economy in 1914
The New York State Barge Canal was being completed
Queens Chamber of Commerce had the BCTC build terminals
in many locations in Queens, including Halletts Cove.
Increased profit lead to construction of better apartments
with increased amenities
Hot water, lights, refrigerators
Prices varied from $15 for 3 rooms to $25 for 5 rooms.
Homes were located at Steinway and Washington Avenues.
New York Barge Canal
Present Economy
Asotria’s unused industrial sites are being revived and
its waterfront is being redeveloped
This will bring in more housing units, supermarkets, retail
stores, restaurants, and schools
Astoria has hundreds of small businesses, employing
an average of four people
Queen’s main employment establishments are
construction, retail trade, healthcare services, and food
services
Economy of Queens
Queens Economy
Transportation
New York Connecting Railroad
The Hell Gate Bridge - Crosses between Astoria and
Wards Island, Manhattan
Triborough Bridge – Connects Manhattan, Queens, and
Bronx via Randalls and Wards Islands
E, M, R, N, Q, F trains
Marine Air Terminal at LaGuardia Airport – used for
shuttle service between New York and Boston
Ninety-Second Street Ferry
Queensboro Bridge
Astoria Line street car : 1910-1939
Transportation
Transportation
Corruption in Queens
The years leading up to 1914 were wrought with
corruption
Scandals followed three of Queen’s Borough
Presidents
These scandals involved attempts to defraud the
municipal government
Members of the Democratic Party
Joseph Bermel, Lawrence Gresser, Maurice E.
Connolly
Joseph Bermel
Borough President of Queens
1906 – 1908
Served as Commissioner of Public Works
Involved in Kissena Park Scandal
Fled to Europe, ultimately dying in Carlsbad,
Czechoslovakia in 1921
Lawrence Gresser
Commissioner of Public Works under Joseph Bermel
Elected to Borough President of Queens in 1909
Resigned six months later, based on accusation of
incompetency and the abuse of the office.
Removed from office by N.Y. Governor John Dix in
September 27, 1911.
Succeeded by Maurice E. Connolly
Maurice E. Connolly
Borough President of Queens (1911-1928)
Member of Democratic Party
Resigned in 1928.
Investigated for involvement in a sewer graft scandal.
Found guilty of defrauding municipal government.
Sentenced to one year and $500 fine.
John Purroy Mitchel
95th mayor of New York City (1914 -1917)
Second-youngest mayor in the City.
Member of the Fusion Party
Staunchly Anti-Tammany
As a lawyer, he investigated city incompetence,
inefficiency, and waste.
Introduced widespread reform, especially the Police
Department
Martin H. Glynn
40th Governor of New York ( October 1913 – December
1914)
First Irish American Roman Catholic head of
government.
Member of Democratic Party
Active member in Progressive movement, and Irish
American Affairs
Committed suicide in 1924.
Kaufman Astoria Studios
Located in Astoria, Queens
Part of the Paramount Studios Complex
Built in 1920 by Famous Players-Lasky
During the 1920’s, many short subjects were filmed, most
notable being The Cocoanuts and Animal Crackers
Used by U.S Army Signal Corps in 1942 to make Army
training films
Designated a national historic district in 1978.
Kaufman Astoria Studios
Astoria Park
Located on West Shore of Queens, from South of
Triborough Bridge to north of Hell Gate Bridge
City of New York obtained 56 acres of this land in
October 1913.
At this time, the location was called William J. Gaynor
Park after the mayor
Park was renamed Astoria Park in December 1913.
Park was expanded twice over the years: in 1937, and
later in 1969
Park was renovated in 1980s
St. Demetrious
One of 11 Greek Orthodox churches
Probably one of the largest Orthodox churces outside of
Greece
The Socrates Sculpture Park
Outdoor exhibition space for sculptures.
Located on intersection of Broadway and Vernon
Boulevard