Astoria: A Once and
Future Village
Come to a @janeswalk in #Astoria http://t.co/ksbgNzKzrr
— Astoria Hist Society ( @LIChistory ) April 27, 2015
twitter.com / LIChistory
Since Adrien Block, who 400 years ago rounded the Astoria Peninsula and, after he was the first to spy sunshine dancing on the water dubbed the place “The Bright Passage” (‘Helle Gat’ in Dutch), people have fallen in love with “Old Astoria Village.”
It has a strong sense of the past, where a 17th century farm’s gardens and orchards are outlined by streets older than Wall Street - and roads were first blazed by Native Americans. Here was the Astoria Ferry, Manhattan’s first gateway to Queens, and a place where mansion-lined shores foretold Newport, Rhode Island, a generation later.
It is the largest community in NYC without any protection. Walk through the past with guide Richard Melnick, the leading authority on Old Astoria Village. Now lets change our focus!
The area stands at the cusp of change with a large development project led by the Durst Organization now in the planning stages. Ryan Donaldson, Manager of Heritage & Information Services, for Durst will discuss their history, interest in Queens and the Halletts Point site, and their current development plans.
At the tour’s end, think about what you have seen and share your ideas with each other on how Astoria Village, Old and New, can enhance each other by working together.
www.google.com /maps /search/ janeswalk.org Astoria-once-and-future-village
Walk Stops
1. Astoria Park
We'll meet here on the southwest corner of the park. Indian Village site, Linden Brook.
2. Brenner House
Built in the 1840s, it was dubbed "Rosemont" from its beautiful gardens.
3. Trowbridge House
Merchant William Trowbridge built this home in 1852
4. Craig Bayliss House
Dr Bayliss built this house sometime in the 1840s. Nicknamed "Tara" after its restoration.
5. Chamberlain-Taylor House
Built in the 1840s by an Astoria doctor; a rare brick construction in the community.
6. Robert Blackwell House
When built (1840s) columns were freestanding.
7. St George Church
Second building (1904) parish established in the 1820s.
8. Reformed Church of Astoria
Third building (1888) with second building (1850s) behind as community house. Oldest congregation.
9. Welling Court
Older than Wall Street, some buildings on the western end may date from the 1700s.
10. Hallett Family
First permanent settlement dates from 1652. Local roads conform to farm lanes.
11. Durst Organization
This is the area in the heart of the new planned development. End of Tour
janeswalk.org /united-states /new-york-city-ny/ Astoria-once-and-future-village
Here's the cover of our Walking New York issue! Photo illustration by @jrart. http://t.co/oMLs15UVbr pic.twitter.com/YJDGXhY712
— NYT Magazine (@NYTmag) April 22, 2015
No comments:
Post a Comment