Step back in time with us to the 1910s, and let’s explore the borough of Queens, New York City. Back then, it wasn’t the bustling hub we know today. It was a place where the city met the country, a unique blend of urban development and rural charm.
German, Irish, Italian, and Jewish communities thrived, each adding their own flavor to the borough’s identity. Streets buzzed with different languages, and shops displayed goods from all corners of the world. This diversity was reflected in the local cuisine.
While many areas still held onto their farmland roots, industry was making its mark. Factories sprung up, offering jobs and drawing even more people to the borough. The Steinway & Sons piano factory, a Queens landmark, employed skilled craftsmen who built world-renowned instruments.
Transportation Transformation
Getting around Queens was becoming easier. The Queensboro Bridge, opened in 1909, connected the borough to Manhattan, making commutes faster and opening up new opportunities. Elevated train lines, like the IRT Flushing Line, snaked their way through neighborhoods, further connecting communities and fueling growth.
For leisure, many flocked to the beaches of Rockaway. Families built sandcastles, splashed in the waves, and enjoyed the fresh ocean air. Amusement parks, like Rockaway Playland, offered thrilling rides and games, providing fun for all ages.
Baseball and Beyond
Baseball was a favorite pastime, with local teams drawing passionate crowds. The New York Highlanders, later known as the Yankees, played at Hilltop Park in Washington Heights, just across the Harlem River from Queens. Fans would pour out of the stadium after games, filling the streets with cheers and chatter.
Famous Faces and Places
Queens in the 1910s was home to several notable figures. Mae West, the iconic actress and playwright, spent her childhood in Woodhaven. Fiorello LaGuardia, who would later become a beloved mayor of New York City, practiced law in Queens during this time.
Astoria was known for its large German population and its thriving brewing industry. Flushing, with its diverse community and bustling commercial center, was another popular destination.
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