Astoria, Queens

1914-2014By: Adriana Kelly and Sahan Ratnayake

Location & HistoryQueens, New YorkBordered by East River, Long Island City,

Sunnyside, and WoodsideOrignally known as Hallett’s Cove after William

HallettRenamed 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

Economy1800 Astoria was composed of farmlandIncorporated into LIC in 1870, then later

incorporated into New York City in 1898Astoria 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 1914The 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 EconomyAsotria’s unused industrial sites are being

revived and its waterfront is being redevelopedThis 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

TransportationNew York Connecting RailroadThe Hell Gate Bridge - Crosses between Astoria

and Wards Island, ManhattanTriborough Bridge – Connects Manhattan, Queens,

and Bronx via Randalls and Wards IslandsE, M, R, N, Q, F trainsMarine Air Terminal at LaGuardia Airport – used for

shuttle service between New York and BostonNinety-Second Street FerryQueensboro BridgeAstoria Line street car : 1910-1939

Transportation

Transportation

Corruption in QueensThe years leading up to 1914 were wrought with

corruptionScandals followed three of Queen’s Borough

PresidentsThese scandals involved attempts to defraud the

municipal governmentMembers of the Democratic PartyJoseph Bermel, Lawrence Gresser, Maurice E.

Connolly

Joseph BermelBorough President of Queens1906 – 1908Served as Commissioner of Public WorksInvolved in Kissena Park Scandal Fled to Europe, ultimately dying in Carlsbad,

Czechoslovakia in 1921

Lawrence GresserCommissioner of Public Works under Joseph

BermelElected to Borough President of Queens in 1909Resigned 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. ConnollyBorough President of Queens (1911-1928)Member of Democratic PartyResigned 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 Mitchel95th mayor of New York City (1914 -1917)Second-youngest mayor in the City.Member of the Fusion PartyStaunchly Anti-TammanyAs a lawyer, he investigated city incompetence,

inefficiency, and waste. Introduced widespread reform, especially the

Police Department

Martin H. Glynn40th Governor of New York ( October 1913 –

December 1914)First Irish American Roman Catholic head of

government. Member of Democratic PartyActive member in Progressive movement, and

Irish American AffairsCommitted suicide in 1924.

Kaufman Astoria StudiosLocated in Astoria, QueensPart of the Paramount Studios ComplexBuilt in 1920 by Famous Players-LaskyDuring the 1920’s, many short subjects were filmed, most notable being The Cocoanuts and Animal CrackersUsed by U.S Army Signal Corps in 1942 to make Army training filmsDesignated 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 BridgeCity 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 mayorPark was renamed Astoria Park in December 1913. Park was expanded twice over the years: in 1937,

and later in 1969Park was renovated in 1980s

St. DemetriousOne 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