Welcome to the Newtown Historical Society
The Newtown Historical Society was founded to educate the public about the history of the villages that comprised Newtown Township in Queens County, NY. Newtown Township stretched from the East River to the Flushing River. Towns covered include: Maspeth, Elmhurst, East Elmhurst, Middle Village, Glendale, Ridgewood, Forest Hills, Rego Park, Woodside, Jackson Heights and Corona.
Highland Park Photo Exhibit
Highland Park straddles the Brooklyn-Queens border between Glendale and Cypress Hills-East New York. It was built from 1901-1905 around the Ridgewood Reservoir which was part of the Brooklyn Waterworks. Historic images of the park collected by Newtown Historical Society are now part of an exhibit entitled Highland Park 1879-1939 on display at Council Member Robert Holden’s office.
Visitors may peruse the exhibit anytime during normal business hours at 58-38 69 Street, 2nd floor, in Maspeth. There is a printed guide available that explains what is featured in each photo.
Visitors may peruse the exhibit anytime during normal business hours at 58-38 69 Street, 2nd floor, in Maspeth. There is a printed guide available that explains what is featured in each photo.
Fundraiser for fallen officer's headstone
In 1929, Albert Bruder of NYPD Motorcycle 2 was killed in the line of duty. He left behind a wife and five children who didn't have enough money to erect a headstone at Mount Olivet Cemetery and his grave remains unmarked. We have obtained permission to place a headstone and have raised enough funds to cover the purchase of a monument and associated cemetery fees.
NHS cosponsors 2024 street co-namings
The following street co-namings were requested by Newtown Historical Society and will take place in 2024:
Patrolman Arthur Kenney, NYPD - Woodhaven, April 6
Captain Paul Schmalzried, FDNY - Astoria, April 9
Patrolman Charles Reynolds, NYPD - Ridgewood, April 13
Stanislaw Kozikowski, Lost Battalion, WWI - Maspeth, April 20
SSA Orville Williams, NYPD - Woodhaven, May 4
P.O. Robert Walsh, NYPD - Maspeth, May 18
Patrolman John Madden, NYPD, - Middle Village, June 1
Lieutenant Henry Schmiemann, NYPD - Middle Village, June 22
P.O. Paul Heidelberger, NYPD - Queens Village, September 22
Patrolman Joseph Norden, NYPD - Ridgewood, September 28
Patrolman Robert Rogerson, NYPD - Ridgewood, October 13
Detective Richard Arundell, NYPD - Rego Park, October 19
Sergeant Thomas O'Grady, NYPD - Woodhaven, October 26
Patrolman Arthur Howarth, NYPD - Maspeth, November 16
Patrolman Joseph Rauchut, NYPD - Maspeth, December 14
To be scheduled:
Patrolman Benjamin Bruno, NYPD - Douglaston
Patrolman Philip Meyer, NYPD - Glendale
Police Officer Anthony Mosomillo, NYPD - Glendale
Please check our Twitter feed for the latest information on the co-namings.
NHS presents history and nature tour of All Faiths Cemetery May 25, 2024
NHS president honored by Lieutenants Benevolent Society
NHS President Christina Wilkinson was honored by the NYPD Lieutenants Benevolent Society for her work honoring fallen NYPD officers with graveside ceremonies and street co-namings since 2020.
On March 20, 2024 a ceremony was held at Villa Barone Manor in the Bronx for the LBA's Leaders of the Finest.
Honorees received these replicas of the Police Memorial Statue.
On March 20, 2024 a ceremony was held at Villa Barone Manor in the Bronx for the LBA's Leaders of the Finest.
Honorees received these replicas of the Police Memorial Statue.
PAST EVENTS
NHS cosponsors street co-naming for Maspeth WWII hero
On Saturday, December 2 at 12 noon we will gather at 69th Lane and 60th Ave in honor of WWII hero Joseph Schmidt, who was a long time DSNY worker in civilian life. Please join us for the street co-naming ceremony as well as refreshments afterward. Co-sponsored by Council Member Robert Holden, Newtown Historical Society, JPCA and Haspel-Staab VFW.
NHS cosponsors three street co-namings this fall
All Faiths Hawk Watch and Bird Walk postponed -
new date is 11/11
new date is 11/11
Ridgewood Reservoir photo exhibit
and Forest Park greenhouse tour
Newtown Historical Society's collection of historic images of the Ridgewood Reservoir is currently housed at Oak Ridge inside Forest Park. We will host an opening reception with light refreshments on Saturday, April 29th at 10am. Park by the golf course or at the main lot by the bandshell. This will be followed by a tour of the Queens Greenhouse.
Korean hero buried in Maspeth returns home
Read the fascinating story of WWI veteran and Korean freedom fighter Carl Whang, born Whang Ki-hwan. This year he was exhumed from his Maspeth grave and returned to his native Korea as a national hero.
FREE Earth Day Bird Walk April 22, 2023
Capt. Thomas Abbey co-naming ceremony September 17
Our annual memorial ceremony this year will take place at St. John Cemetery, followed by a co-naming ceremony at the corner of 82nd Place and 64th Road in Middle Village.
Stockholm Street block party July 30th
Stockholm Street in Ridgewood, where we have our HQ, is having a block party today. Stop by for all the fun events, a free historic postcard from us and to sign up for the Ridgewood Community Garden.
Phil Rizzuto street co-naming June 26th
Come join us in a street co-naming ceremony to name 78th Ave and 64th Street in Liberty Park, Glendale after Yankees legend Phil Rizzuto. We'll have lots of food, fun and nostalgia.
FREE nature and history tour May 21st!
NHS presents the "History of Jazz" Concert
& Brunch at Neir's Tavern
Join us at Neir's Tavern as Carl Bartlett, Jr. Quartet presents the history of jazz in music form. The concert is free but please support Neir's by buying brunch. We guarantee that you will be thrilled with both the music and the food! Reservations strongly suggested.
Donate to Newtown Historical Society while helping the environment
We have been given a great fundraising opportunity that also helps the environment!
For the month of March 2022, each time a $2.50 reusable Community Bag is purchased at the Stop & Shop located at 64-66 Myrtle Ave, Glendale, $1 will be donated to Newtown Historical Society.
Shop away!
For the month of March 2022, each time a $2.50 reusable Community Bag is purchased at the Stop & Shop located at 64-66 Myrtle Ave, Glendale, $1 will be donated to Newtown Historical Society.
Shop away!
Ridgewood Community Garden soon to open!
Ridgewood will soon have a new Community Garden, located at the corner of Willoughby and Onderdonk Avenues, on the property of the Grover Cleveland Athletic Field. NHS has advocated for many years to have this project included in the list of those funded by the Newtown Creek Wastewater Treatment Plant settlement.
Input is being sought from Ridgewood residents. Please fill this survey out if you are interested in learning more about the project or would like to volunteer.
Survey in English
https://forms.gle/wxDuS9YUyf6h94oZ7
Survey in Spanish
https://forms.gle/h3BULS5aAfWi4VVo8
Survey in Polish
https://forms.gle/14pNcNiKLbmUDn1f7
Input is being sought from Ridgewood residents. Please fill this survey out if you are interested in learning more about the project or would like to volunteer.
Survey in English
https://forms.gle/wxDuS9YUyf6h94oZ7
Survey in Spanish
https://forms.gle/h3BULS5aAfWi4VVo8
Survey in Polish
https://forms.gle/14pNcNiKLbmUDn1f7
HOLY COW!
Glendale corner named after New York Yankees legend
On December 16, 2021, the NYC Council passed into law the conaming of 78th Ave and 64th Street in Glendale as Phil "Scooter" Rizzuto Corner based on a request made by our organization to Council Member Robert Holden. Details about unveiling ceremony to come.
Mount Olivet Nature Tour October 9th
Annual Fallen Officers Memorial Saturday, September 18
Sign our petition to honor Phil Rizzuto
We have submitted a request to the NYC Council to co-name the corner of 78th Ave and 64th Street in Glendale after baseball hall of famer Phil Rizzuto, who grew up in the house located at 78-01 64th Street.
We ask that you please sign our petition in support of the designation and pass it on to others.
We ask that you please sign our petition in support of the designation and pass it on to others.
Presenting the Glendale Rewind Slideshow!
NHS presented a slideshow in early April 2021 that is available for viewing at your convenience. "Glendale Rewind" presents the history of the town of Glendale from the early 1920s to the present in a series of photos. Forgotten NY's Kevin Walsh, historian and urban planner Paul Graziano and former Glendale residents Donna and Richie Salmon joined NHS President Christina Wilkinson on the journey through time.
Procession and Memorial Service for fallen NYPD officers
Elmhurst Historic Photo Discussion
Historic Film at historic Neir's Tavern
Free Music & Dance Performance
Free Jazz Concert at historic Neir's Tavern
Historic Marker Dedicated to DeWitt Clinton Home
Installed in Maspeth
(MASPETH, NY; December 22, 2019) The Newtown Historical Society’s 2-year mission to replace a long-lost roadside historic marker that notes the former location of the mansion of Governor DeWitt Clinton, the “Father of the Erie Canal,” was finally accomplished this month. The marker replaces one that was originally installed in the 1930s and is located at the triangular park at the intersection of Maspeth Ave, 56th Terrace and 58th Street.
Governor Clinton (1769-1828) is believed to have planned the Erie Canal at his Maspeth summer home, which he and his wife Maria inherited from his father-in-law, Walter Franklin. The mansion stood very close to Newtown Landing, the historic town dock. The house burned down in 1933 after many years of neglect. Shortly after, an historic marker was placed to note the location of the local landmark by the NYS Department of Education’s State History Office, indicating that it had statewide importance. It is believed that the marker disappeared decades ago when the roads were widened and reconfigured.
“While doing historic research back in 2017, I came across a photo of the old marker that was at the intersection,” said Newtown Historical Society President Christina Wilkinson. “I thought to myself, why couldn’t NHS replace it? There’s a tree-lined plaza at the location now and it would enhance the area while teaching residents about the history of Maspeth.”
State Senator Joseph Addabbo’s office did the research determining that the plaza was owned by the NYC Dept of Transportation. Funding from Council Member Robert Holden covered the cost of the marker. It was purchased from Catskills Castings, which also created the original marker for the State History Office.
Last March, Community Board 2 unanimously voted in favor of supporting the placement of the marker and this past July the NYC Design Commission approved NHS’ application. When Juniper Park Civic Association President Tony Nunziato heard about the project, he arranged for Marco Properties to install the marker, and on December 16th the work was completed. Money collected via a Facebook fundraiser covered the cost of installation.
“Montauk has long been known as ‘The End’ of Long Island,” said Nunziato. “Well, Maspeth is actually ‘The Beginning’ both geographically and historically and this project helps acknowledge that.”
The mansion had a long history that predated Clinton’s time there, including a Revolutionary War connection.
This is the second historic marker that NHS has installed. The first was erected last December at the Ridgewood Reservoir.
Little Free Library installed at Juniper Valley Park
In October, Newtown Historical Society, Juniper Park Civic Association and Nyc Parks & Recreation worked together to install a Little Free Library at Juniper Valley Park at the flagpole near 74th Street and Juniper Blvd South. Based on a request by Matt LeBris and funded by Council Member Robert F. Holden. It was unveiled November 1. All ages book donations welcome. It is fully stocked so come check it out!
Ridgewood Reservoir Tour 8/11
On Sunday, August 11th, Newtown Historical Society will be offering a special nature and history tour of the Ridgewood Reservoir starting at 10am in the main parking lot on Vermont Place at Highland Park. We will view the historic structures in the recently renovated park, observe the natural world and discuss its future.
You can take public transportation to Highland Park. The B13 bus stops along Cypress Hills Street and the Q56 stops along Jamaica Avenue. The Cleveland Street stop on the J train is 3 blocks from the park. Or, you can drive or bike.
This tour will be led by special guest Rob Jett, author of The City Birder.
This tour is 100% FREE and will be a great experience for children and adults alike. For more info or to RSVP, write to [email protected] or call 718-366-3715.
You may wish to bring binoculars and cameras.
You can take public transportation to Highland Park. The B13 bus stops along Cypress Hills Street and the Q56 stops along Jamaica Avenue. The Cleveland Street stop on the J train is 3 blocks from the park. Or, you can drive or bike.
This tour will be led by special guest Rob Jett, author of The City Birder.
This tour is 100% FREE and will be a great experience for children and adults alike. For more info or to RSVP, write to [email protected] or call 718-366-3715.
You may wish to bring binoculars and cameras.
NHS and JPCA team up to install flag collection box at
Maspeth Federal Savings
Local residents now have a convenient place to dispose of their retired American flags. Newtown Historical Society and Juniper Park Civic Association teamed up to acquire and assemble a flag collection box which Maspeth Federal Savings Bank has graciously offered to host at its Main Branch located at 56-18 69th Street.
From L-R: MFS Marketing Supervisor Kristen Sapienza, JPCA President Tony Nunziato, NHS President Christina Wilkinson, MFS Marketing Manager Jill Nicolois
From L-R: MFS Marketing Supervisor Kristen Sapienza, JPCA President Tony Nunziato, NHS President Christina Wilkinson, MFS Marketing Manager Jill Nicolois
All Faiths Cemetery History & Nature Tour 5/11
Tour Forest Park and its historic greenhouse
Our first tour of the year is happening Saturday, April 27, 2019. We will tour the historic sites within Forest Park and then end with a self-guided tour of the Forest Park Greenhouse. This is the ONLY day of the year that the greenhouse will be open to the public. Details below.
Victory! Ridgewood Reservoir is permanently protected!
January 7, 2019
The Ridgewood Reservoir in Highland Park has officially been designated a wetland by the NYS DEC after 11 years of advocacy by a coalition of environmental and historic preservation activists. Here is a link to a copy the official declaration. The order was signed by DEC on October 24, 2018 although the Queens Parks Commissioner was not made aware of it until late December. This is a huge victory for all of us who advocated for protection as well as park goers who enjoy visiting the Reservoir.
There are dozens of individuals and organizations that deserve credit for this, especially Queens Community Board 5, who was on board from the beginning, but for a concise history of who did what and when, please see Page 8 of The Clapper Rail.
Background:
The Bloomberg Administration, under its PlaNYC 2030 initiative wanted to spend $40 million to turn Highland Park into a "destination park" by removing the natural habitats and replacing them with active recreation. An opposition effort was spearheaded in 2007 by birders and artists, mainly from Brooklyn. They grew a coalition that included organizations such as Newtown Historical Society and NYC Park Advocates as well as heavy hitters like NYC Audubon and Riverkeeper. Comptroller William Thompson and Robert F. Kennedy, Jr.'s 2008 NY Times op-ed raised the visibility of the reservoir's predicament citywide. In 2009, certified wetlands delineator Mickey Cohen volunteered to map the wetlands inside the Ridgewood Reservoir basins for the Highland Park-Ridgewood Reservoir Alliance (previously known as the Ridgewood Reservoir Education & Preservation Project) and wrote a detailed report. A review of the activists' 2010 application to the DEC was delayed due to Hurricane Sandy and other environmental issues in the state. DEC later claimed each basin was an individual wetland, each of which were too small to meet the criteria for designation.
A lack of funding caused Parks to abandon their development plan, but they proceeded with phase 1 and 2 of restoration of the paths around the perimeter and between basins 2 and 3. Historic preservation and natural conservation eventually won over, but the DEC had the reservoir classified as a "high-hazard" dam, and the Parks Dept then was put in the position of having to breach the walls of the basins in order to comply with DEC's safety regulations, which would have put the habitats in peril. In 2014, the Parks Dept requested that the DEC reclassify the reservoir as a "low hazard" dam, and in 2017 then-Queens Parks Commissioner Dorothy Lewandowski announced that she completed the application to accomplish that, which eliminated the need to alter the walls of the basins.
In November 2017, Basil Seggos wrote to Assembly Member Cathy Nolan to explain that there was another criteria that could be used to designate the Reservoir as wetlands. The basins' "unusual local importance" made them eligible. A hearing was held and the comment period ended in March of last year. Then, it was just a matter of waiting for final approval.
The Newtown Historical Society is proud to have been a part of this amazing effort. We believe that environmentalism and historic preservation go hand-in-hand. We are still looking forward to seeing the pathway between basins 1 and 2 restored and for the invasive species within the basins to be replaced with native plants, and hope the gatehouse and pumphouse will someday be restored, but now is a time to celebrate achieving a long-sought victory.
Christina Wilkinson
President
Newtown Historical Society
The Ridgewood Reservoir in Highland Park has officially been designated a wetland by the NYS DEC after 11 years of advocacy by a coalition of environmental and historic preservation activists. Here is a link to a copy the official declaration. The order was signed by DEC on October 24, 2018 although the Queens Parks Commissioner was not made aware of it until late December. This is a huge victory for all of us who advocated for protection as well as park goers who enjoy visiting the Reservoir.
There are dozens of individuals and organizations that deserve credit for this, especially Queens Community Board 5, who was on board from the beginning, but for a concise history of who did what and when, please see Page 8 of The Clapper Rail.
Background:
The Bloomberg Administration, under its PlaNYC 2030 initiative wanted to spend $40 million to turn Highland Park into a "destination park" by removing the natural habitats and replacing them with active recreation. An opposition effort was spearheaded in 2007 by birders and artists, mainly from Brooklyn. They grew a coalition that included organizations such as Newtown Historical Society and NYC Park Advocates as well as heavy hitters like NYC Audubon and Riverkeeper. Comptroller William Thompson and Robert F. Kennedy, Jr.'s 2008 NY Times op-ed raised the visibility of the reservoir's predicament citywide. In 2009, certified wetlands delineator Mickey Cohen volunteered to map the wetlands inside the Ridgewood Reservoir basins for the Highland Park-Ridgewood Reservoir Alliance (previously known as the Ridgewood Reservoir Education & Preservation Project) and wrote a detailed report. A review of the activists' 2010 application to the DEC was delayed due to Hurricane Sandy and other environmental issues in the state. DEC later claimed each basin was an individual wetland, each of which were too small to meet the criteria for designation.
A lack of funding caused Parks to abandon their development plan, but they proceeded with phase 1 and 2 of restoration of the paths around the perimeter and between basins 2 and 3. Historic preservation and natural conservation eventually won over, but the DEC had the reservoir classified as a "high-hazard" dam, and the Parks Dept then was put in the position of having to breach the walls of the basins in order to comply with DEC's safety regulations, which would have put the habitats in peril. In 2014, the Parks Dept requested that the DEC reclassify the reservoir as a "low hazard" dam, and in 2017 then-Queens Parks Commissioner Dorothy Lewandowski announced that she completed the application to accomplish that, which eliminated the need to alter the walls of the basins.
In November 2017, Basil Seggos wrote to Assembly Member Cathy Nolan to explain that there was another criteria that could be used to designate the Reservoir as wetlands. The basins' "unusual local importance" made them eligible. A hearing was held and the comment period ended in March of last year. Then, it was just a matter of waiting for final approval.
The Newtown Historical Society is proud to have been a part of this amazing effort. We believe that environmentalism and historic preservation go hand-in-hand. We are still looking forward to seeing the pathway between basins 1 and 2 restored and for the invasive species within the basins to be replaced with native plants, and hope the gatehouse and pumphouse will someday be restored, but now is a time to celebrate achieving a long-sought victory.
Christina Wilkinson
President
Newtown Historical Society
National Register marker now at Ridgewood Reservoir
The National Register marker that was granted to NHS by the William C. Pomeroy Foundation has been installed next to the main steps at the Ridgewood Reservoir. Thank you to NYC Parks for working with us to get this done!
Mount Olivet Cemetery Walking Tour 10/6/2018
Maxine Fisher has arranged a free nature tour of Mount Olivet Cemetery on Saturday, October 6th at 9am. Expert birder Rob Jett will lead the tour. It should be a great day to see all kinds of nature in action from birds to trees to insects. RSVP not required. Meet outside the main cemetery office at 65-40 Grand Avenue.
Rain date: Saturday, October 13th at 9am.
Rain date: Saturday, October 13th at 9am.
Maspeth Walking Tour 9/22/2018
Join NHS' Christina Wilkinson and Kevin Walsh, author of "Forgotten-NY" on a walk through the town of Maspeth, the oldest European settlement on Long Island. Learn about the history of the area from pre-colonial times to the present. Optional group lunch at end of tour not included in cost. Rain date is September 23rd at 10am. $5 on day of tour or pay by credit card in advance on Eventbrite. Please RSVP to [email protected].
Bushwick-Ridgewood border tour 4/29/18
Join Kevin Walsh of Forgotten New York and Mitch Waxman of the Newtown Pentacle as they take us along the border of Brooklyn and Queens through Bushwick and Ridgewood. We'll make stops at English Kills and an historic colonial Dutch home as well as other fun and quirky locations. End with an optional dinner on Myrtle Ave before heading back to the Myrtle-Wyckoff subway station. Tix are only $5, so reserve your space today!
Celebrating the 375th Anniversary of Maspeth's founding
The year 2017 is the 375th Anniversary of the founding of the town by English Puritans under a Dutch patent. We have dedicated a section of our site to Maspeth history in honor of the occasion. Please click on "Maspeth history" on the menu bar to the left. Some articles are taken from other sources, but most are written after extensive research.
Mount Olivet Cemetery Nature & History Tours
May 27 & June 10, 2017
Join naturalist Rob Jett and Christina Wilkinson of the Newtown Historical Society on a walk through Mount Olivet Cemetery. We will observe the natural environment, including birds, butterflies, plants and trees and discuss the history of the cemetery, it's role in the development of Maspeth and visit the graves of noteworthy people who are buried there.
Meet up in front of the cemetery office at 9am. Bring binoculars and wear comfortable shoes. Terrain is hilly.
These events are part of the 375th anniversary celebration of Maspeth and are free.
Meet up in front of the cemetery office at 9am. Bring binoculars and wear comfortable shoes. Terrain is hilly.
These events are part of the 375th anniversary celebration of Maspeth and are free.
Happy Birthday, Maspeth!
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2017 is the 375th Anniversary of the founding of Maspeth by English settlers under a Dutch grant. We will be celebrating this throughout the year with historical displays, ceremonies and community events. The first event takes place Tuesday, March 28th at 11am at Maspeth Federal Savings. There NHS will be presenting historical photos of Maspeth and a copy of the original charter from 1642. There will also be music and a cake! Event is free and open to the public.
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Polish Music Festival on April 9
The Juniper Park Civic Association, Maspeth Federal Savings, Newtown Historical Society and the Knockdown Center are pleased to present a Polish Music Festival on Sunday April 9th. Doors will open at 2pm and the performance starts at 3pm. We will not only be entertained by Polka King Jimmy Sturr, but will also enjoy a performance by the Wianek Polish Folk Dancers from St. Margaret's Church.
This event is free, but we will be offering raffle tickets and a cash bar.
This event is free, but we will be offering raffle tickets and a cash bar.
Middle Village Bicentennial tours
Middle Village turns 200 in 2016 and we will be touring the town! All events are free.
September 25: Middle Village Walking Tour. Meet at the large flagpole in Juniper Valley Park at 12 noon.
October 8: All Faiths Nature and History Tour. Meet at the All Faiths Cemetery Office at 9am. Co-led by Rob Jett, author of the City Birder blog.
November 19: We will tour the Fresh Pond Crematory, built in 1884 starting at 3:30pm. Refreshments will be provided. This event is free. Address: 61-40 Mount Olivet Crescent. Please reserve by calling (718) 366-3715 or writing to [email protected].
More details to come.
September 25: Middle Village Walking Tour. Meet at the large flagpole in Juniper Valley Park at 12 noon.
October 8: All Faiths Nature and History Tour. Meet at the All Faiths Cemetery Office at 9am. Co-led by Rob Jett, author of the City Birder blog.
November 19: We will tour the Fresh Pond Crematory, built in 1884 starting at 3:30pm. Refreshments will be provided. This event is free. Address: 61-40 Mount Olivet Crescent. Please reserve by calling (718) 366-3715 or writing to [email protected].
More details to come.
Restoration of Ridgewood Plateau arches complete!
The Newtown Historical Society and Juniper Civic, with funding provided by Maspeth Federal Savings and O'Neill's restaurant, have completed the restoration of the Ridgewood Plateau arches! You can read more about it here.
NHS funds restoration of Captain Malcolm A. Rafferty monument in LIC
The Newtown Historical Society and NYC Parks Department are proud to announce the restoration of the Captain Malcolm A. Rafferty Monument at the Rafferty Triangle in Long Island City. The collaborative effort has restored the medals that had been removed from the stone in years past.
Captain Malcolm A. Rafferty, of Long Island City, was a decorated hero of the Spanish-American War and specifically, the Battle of San Juan Hill. After the war, he returned to LIC to work for the Barber Asphalt Company. Trouble soon broke out in Trinidad between the asphalt company, a rival company and the Venezuelan government, and Rafferty and a group of LIC men that he had recruited were sent to protect the interests of their employer. He contracted malaria in Trinidad and passed away in 1903. He is interred in Woodlawn Cemetery.
The Rafferty Triangle was dedicated in 1932 at the intersection of 44th Drive and Hunter Street and the monument was dedicated on Memorial Day, 1937. Over the years, the monument became the victim of vandalism, and two bronze Spanish-American War Crosses were removed from its front and back. The Newtown Historical Society funded the purchase of the replacement medals and the Parks Department installed them on the monument on December 5, 2014.
“The Newtown Historical Society is happy to have worked with the NYC Parks Department to restore the Rafferty Monument,” said Christina Wilkinson, President of the Newtown Historical Society. “We are working on identifying other historic restoration projects that we may team up on in the future in other areas of Queens.”
This project is the second restoration effort undertaken by NHS in 2014; the first being the Ridgewood Plateau arches in Maspeth.
Captain Rafferty's service is detailed here. (click to download PDF)
Captain Malcolm A. Rafferty, of Long Island City, was a decorated hero of the Spanish-American War and specifically, the Battle of San Juan Hill. After the war, he returned to LIC to work for the Barber Asphalt Company. Trouble soon broke out in Trinidad between the asphalt company, a rival company and the Venezuelan government, and Rafferty and a group of LIC men that he had recruited were sent to protect the interests of their employer. He contracted malaria in Trinidad and passed away in 1903. He is interred in Woodlawn Cemetery.
The Rafferty Triangle was dedicated in 1932 at the intersection of 44th Drive and Hunter Street and the monument was dedicated on Memorial Day, 1937. Over the years, the monument became the victim of vandalism, and two bronze Spanish-American War Crosses were removed from its front and back. The Newtown Historical Society funded the purchase of the replacement medals and the Parks Department installed them on the monument on December 5, 2014.
“The Newtown Historical Society is happy to have worked with the NYC Parks Department to restore the Rafferty Monument,” said Christina Wilkinson, President of the Newtown Historical Society. “We are working on identifying other historic restoration projects that we may team up on in the future in other areas of Queens.”
This project is the second restoration effort undertaken by NHS in 2014; the first being the Ridgewood Plateau arches in Maspeth.
Captain Rafferty's service is detailed here. (click to download PDF)
Help us fundraise simply by shopping!
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Newtown Historical Society participates in AmazonSmile. Choose us as your favorite charity and a percentage of what you spend will be donated to us.
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Aluminaire House defeated at LPC
The Aluminaire House, a 1930s-era experimental home, was proposed for placement in Sunnyside Gardens. Newtown Historical Society opposed this in a letter to the Landmarks Preservation Commission due to the building being out of context in the surrounding historic district. The proposal was voted down by the board in January 2014.
Save Flushing Meadows-Corona Park
Newtown Historical Society is a member of "Save Flushing Meadows-Corona Park," a coalition of groups opposed to the commercial encroachment of Flushing Meadows-Corona Park. Current plans call for development of a shopping mall within the confines of the park. Learn more by visiting savefmcp.org and watching the video below.
Newtown Historical Society calls on Queens elected officials to fund acquisition of Brinckerhoff Cemetery
NHS President Christina Wilkinson speaks at
Brinckerhoff Cemetery rally 5/6/12.
Brinckerhoff Cemetery rally 5/6/12.
The Newtown Historical Society stands with the Fresh Meadows Homeowners Civic Association and other civic and preservation organizations across the borough in opposition of the proposed de-calendaring of the Brinckerhoff Cemetery by the Landmarks Preservation Commission. The cemetery holds the remains of some of the earliest settlers of Queens and, as an important historical reminder of our borough’s past, has been designated an official NYC landmark. However, designation is not enough to ensure preservation.
Therefore, NHS calls on the elected officials representing the Fresh Meadows area, the Queens Borough President and Queens delegation of the City Council, to allocate funding toward purchase of the property and return ownership to the City. The property cost $100,000 to purchase in 2000, but that opportunity was unfortunately not capitalized upon. Over the course of the following 10 years, no funding was allocated for this purpose, although elected officials went on record during that time to claim that they supported public ownership of the land as a park or historic site.
The property was sold in 2010 for $105,000 – an increase in price of only $5,000 after 10 years. Surely, most - if not all - of this funding can be raised during the City’s upcoming June budget cycle to purchase the property from the current owner and assure that this land is forever saved from the threat of development. The Queens delegation recently allocated a lump sum of $3M toward purchase of a schoolyard in Jackson Heights for part-time use as a park. It is time for Queens’ elected officials to step up to the plate and put their money where their mouths are so we will not need any more hearings or rallies to push for a solution which should have come to pass decades ago.
Brinckerhoff Cemetery was also once known as "Black Stump Cemetery" and is located at 69-65 182nd Street in Fresh Meadows, Queens (not to be confused with the Black Stump Cemetery that became St. Mary's Cemetery).
Therefore, NHS calls on the elected officials representing the Fresh Meadows area, the Queens Borough President and Queens delegation of the City Council, to allocate funding toward purchase of the property and return ownership to the City. The property cost $100,000 to purchase in 2000, but that opportunity was unfortunately not capitalized upon. Over the course of the following 10 years, no funding was allocated for this purpose, although elected officials went on record during that time to claim that they supported public ownership of the land as a park or historic site.
The property was sold in 2010 for $105,000 – an increase in price of only $5,000 after 10 years. Surely, most - if not all - of this funding can be raised during the City’s upcoming June budget cycle to purchase the property from the current owner and assure that this land is forever saved from the threat of development. The Queens delegation recently allocated a lump sum of $3M toward purchase of a schoolyard in Jackson Heights for part-time use as a park. It is time for Queens’ elected officials to step up to the plate and put their money where their mouths are so we will not need any more hearings or rallies to push for a solution which should have come to pass decades ago.
Brinckerhoff Cemetery was also once known as "Black Stump Cemetery" and is located at 69-65 182nd Street in Fresh Meadows, Queens (not to be confused with the Black Stump Cemetery that became St. Mary's Cemetery).