Astoria, Queens

1914-2014By: Adriana Kelly and Sahan Ratnayake

Location & HistoryQueens, 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

Economy1800 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 years1899 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 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 QueensThe 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 BermelBorough 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 GresserCommissioner 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. ConnollyBorough 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 Mitchel95th 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. Glynn40th 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 StudiosLocated 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 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