EVENT: Queens Historical Society Spring 2006 Programs
Historic Kingsland Homestead, 143-35 37th Avenue, Flushing, NY 1135,
Open for tours Tuesday, Saturday and Sunday, 2:30 to 4:30 p.m. or by appointment.
Admission: $3 adults, $2 seniors/students. Call (718) 939-0647 ext. 17 www.queenshistoricalsociety.org
May 7
Historic Buildings of Nassau and Suffolk Counties with educator Irma Wesley
Take an “armchair tour” to visit a selection of important houses and churches, most of which, prior to 1898, were in Queens County.
The Onderdonk House in Manhasset, the Garden City Cathedral and St. Paul’s School in Garden City, St. George’s Church in Hempstead,
St. John’s Church in Cold Spring Harbor, The Walt Whitman House in Huntington and Coe Hall at the Planting Fields Estate in Oyster Bay will be discussed.
May 21
The Private Life of a Founding Father: The Landscape and Material Culture of Rufus King’s Jamaica, Queens Estate
1805-1825 with research associate, David J. Gary
The development of Queens in the 20th century has erased most of the borough’s rich farming heritage and destroyed most of the architectural treasures of the 17th, 18th and 19th centuries. Rediscover a part of this past through a discussion of landscape changes, agricultural practices, and household management at the Rufus King Manor in the early 19th century.
Guided Walking Tours
Saturday May 13 2:00-4:00 pm
Flushing Cemetery: History and Horticulture with horticulturalist Thomas Gaines and historian James Driscoll
The history of Flushing Cemetery is very much intertwined with the history of Queens — from the reasons for it’s founding in 1853 to the stories of the notables laid to rest within its grounds. It was planned with the beauty of nature in mind and great care has been taken to maintain its garden-like atmosphere while preserving the many significant horticultural specimens on its grounds. We will explore the history of the cemetery and a selection of the notables, including Jazz Greats buried there. Numerous specimen trees and families associated with the horticultural history of Flushing will be pointed out. Enter at 163-06 46th Avenue at Pigeon Meadow Road. Fee $10 (includes commemorative journal). Heavy rain cancels. Directions only: (718) 359-0100. No registration necessary.
Saturday, May 20 1:00 – 3:30 p.m.
Jamaica’s Suburbs: Jamaica Estates, Holliswood, Hollis with urban geographer, Jack Eichenbaum
As the center of the LIRR’s operations and having good highways to eastern Long Island, Jamaica grew rapidly in the late 19th century. It spawned new communities planned to attract wealthy residents. Jamaica Estates and Holliswood are built on the glacial moraine and have sinuous street patterns while Hollis grew along transportation routes.
Meet at Hillside Ave/Midland Parkway F to 179 St (last stop). Fee $12 (QHS members $10)