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35 Spectacular Vintage Photos of Rego Park from the 1970s

Nestled in the heart of Queens, New York, Rego Park in the 1970s was a vibrant community brimming with life. From its humble beginnings as farmland, the area transformed into a bustling haven for middle-class families seeking a slice of the American dream. Tree-lined streets with rows of charming homes provided a peaceful escape from the city’s hustle and bustle, while still offering easy access to Manhattan’s excitement.

The neighborhood’s name, a blend of “Real Good Construction,” reflected the optimism and ambition of its early developers. Originally envisioned as a haven for middle-class Jewish families, Rego Park quickly became a melting pot of cultures. Italian, Irish, and Greek families joined the community, each contributing to the unique character of the area.

By the 1970s, Rego Park had blossomed into a thriving neighborhood with a strong sense of community.  Families strolled down wide sidewalks, children played in the local parks, and neighbors greeted each other with friendly smiles. The air buzzed with the sounds of life – kids laughing, radios playing, and the occasional ice cream truck jingle.

A Shopper’s Paradise

One of the jewels in Rego Park’s crown was the iconic Alexander’s department store. This sprawling retail giant stood as a testament to the neighborhood’s prosperity. Its vast selection of clothing, furniture, and household goods drew shoppers from all over Queens and beyond. Stepping into Alexander’s was an experience, with its elegant displays and bustling atmosphere. It was a place where families could spend an entire afternoon browsing, trying on clothes, and enjoying a meal at the store’s restaurant.

Beyond Alexander’s, Rego Park offered a diverse range of shopping options. Smaller boutiques lined Queens Boulevard, offering everything from the latest fashions to unique gifts and specialty items. Local butchers, bakeries, and fruit stands ensured residents had access to fresh, high-quality food. The neighborhood’s commercial district provided a convenient and lively hub for residents to fulfill their everyday needs.

Green Spaces and Recreation

Despite its urban setting, Rego Park offered ample opportunities for residents to enjoy the outdoors. Several parks dotted the neighborhood, providing a welcome escape from the concrete jungle.  Juniper Valley Park, with its sprawling green lawns and towering trees, was a popular spot for picnics, frisbee games, and leisurely walks.  Kids could often be found climbing on the playground equipment or playing a game of tag on the open fields.

For those seeking a bit more excitement, Lost Battalion Hall Recreation Center offered a range of activities.  Swimming in the indoor pool, shooting hoops on the basketball court, or joining a fitness class were just a few ways residents stayed active. The center also hosted community events and gatherings, further strengthening the bonds within the neighborhood.

#1 Pedestrians crossing Queens Boulevard in Rego Park during the Blizzard of 1978.

#2 A Mobil Gas Station on Woodhaven Boulevard in Queens’ Rego Park, 1975.

#3 Children gathered around a ‘Good Humor’ ice cream truck on Fitchett Street in Rego Park, Queens, 1976.

#4 Drake movie theater on Woodhaven Boulevard in Queens’ Rego Park, 1975.

#5 Vendors and customers at an outdoor flea market on Woodhaven Boulevard in Rego Park, Queens, 1970s.

#6 A Good Humor ice cream man selling on Fitchett Street in Rego Park, Queens, 1970s.

#7 Snow causes problems for traffic in the Rego Park area of Queens, 1970s.

#8 The Williamsburgh Savings Bank on 63rd Drive in Rego Park, Queens, 1978.

#9 Met Food supermarket on 63rd Drive in Rego Park, Queens, 1979.

#10 Two people going down a slide at the Resurrection Ascension Church carnival in Rego Park, Queens, 1979.

#11 A fire hose sprays water on a row of retail shops that were destroyed by fire on 63rd Drive in the Rego Park neighborhood, Queens, 1970s.

#12 A vendor sitting at her table at an outdoor flea market on Woodhaven Boulevard, in the Rego Park, Queens, 1970s.

#13 Two children at a lemonade stand pouring a drink for a passerby on Fitchett Street in Rego Park, Queens, 1970s.

#14 Children at a lemonade stand on Fitchett Street in Rego Park, Queens, selling two sizes, 1970s.

#15 Vendor tables filled with merchandise at an outdoor flea market on Woodhaven Boulevard in Rego Park, Queens, 1970s.

#16 Vendors sitting at their tables at an outdoor flea market on Woodhaven Boulevard in Rego Park, Queens, 1970s.

#17 A trio of musicians performing at an outdoor flea market on Woodhaven Boulevard in Rego Park, Queens, 1970s.

#18 A child approaching a vendor’s table at an outdoor flea market on Woodhaven Boulevard in Rego Park, Queens, 1970s.

#19 Children playing on Fitchett Street in Rego Park, Queens, 1970s.

#20 Pedestrians in front of the Sunny Fruit & Vegetables market at the intersection of 63rd Drive and Austin Street in Rego Park, Queens, 1978.

#21 A man uses a stick to knock water off the awning of the Natural Identity hair salon on 63rd Drive in Rego Park, Queens, 1978.

#22 The Beverage Discount Center on Woodhaven Boulevard in Rego Park, Queens, 1979.

#23 True Value Hardware Stores and Park Pastry Shop on Woodhaven Boulevard in Rego Park, Queens, 1979.

#24 The Shoe-Town store on 63rd Drive in Rego Park, Queens, 1979.

#25 London Lennie’s restaurant on Woodhaven Boulevard in Rego Park, Queens, 1979.

#26 Nathan’s restaurant at the intersection of Woodhaven Boulevard and 63rd Drive in Rego Park, Queens, 1979.

#27 A small group of people eating food at the Resurrection Ascension Church carnival in Rego Park, Queens, 1979.

#28 Parents watching their children on one of the rides at the Resurrection Ascension Church carnival in Rego Park, Queens, 1979.

#29 Children entering the ‘Sizzler’ ride at the Resurrection Ascension Church carnival in Rego Park, Queens, 1979.

#30 Children exiting the ‘Sizzler’ ride at the Resurrection Ascension Church carnival in Rego Park, Queens, 1979.

#31 A group of people waiting in line at one of the rides at the Resurrection Ascension Church carnival in Rego Park, Queens, 1979.

#32 A group of people gathered in front of one of the game of chance booths at the Resurrection Ascension Church carnival in Rego Park, Queens, 1979.

#33 A young man holding rolled-up posters beside a young woman who holds two stuffed animals at the Resurrection Ascension Church carnival in Rego Park, Queens, 1979.

#34 Parents and children exiting the ‘Sizzler’ ride at the Resurrection Ascension Church carnival in Rego Park, Queens, 1979.

#35 Menagerie II Restaurant on Woodhaven Boulevard in Rego Park, Queens, 1979.

Menagerie Ii Restaurant On Woodhaven Boulevard In Rego Park, Queens, 1979.

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Written by Frederick Victor

I've been a history writer for a while. I love to explore historical sites because they connect us to our past. They make us feel like we are part of something much bigger.

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